We Are God's

God is the creator and owner of our lives. He has the world in His hands. Everything and everyone is in His full control. He has power over them all. He owns us and wants it to remain that way. But sin separated us from Him. He desired that Adam and Eve would remain in the garden of Eden so that He could continually have a sweet fellowship with them but that couldn't go on forever. God still seeks working relationships with His children. And He never has a problem. We are always the weak links.

Who are those that are His?
They that have clean hands. Those who do not soil their hands with sin and corruption. They that do not touch any unclean thing. They have been washed in the Blood of the Lamb. Their hands do not take what is not theirs. Their hands take no bribe. Their hands do not falsify documents. Their hands do not write fake reports or write wrong judgements. Their hands do not manipulate measures they use to sell to their customers. Their hands do not fight. Their hands do not make inappropriate gesticulations. Their hands are raised in adoration of The Most High God because they are clean; holy indeed. They are the ones that are qualified to sing, "So we lift up holy hands in one accord. . ."

The legitimate children of God have pure hearts. Their hearts are ciircumcized. They have received the heart of flesh in place of a heart of stone. Their hearts hold no grudges. Their hearts wish no one evil. Their hearts are not rotten. No corrupt thoughts are found in them. Their hearts do not plot revenge. Their hearts do not desire another person's spouse. They know that God cannot behold iniquity and they avoid it like a plague.

No form of falsehood is found in them. They follow the path of truth at all times. They don't lie, they say it as it is. They are not deceptive. When they say something is red, it is red and not pink. They are not manipulative.


They are the ones who can go up the mountain of the Lord. They are the ones that God listens to and speaks to. They are connected to God. These are true children of the Most High.

Who shall go up into the mountain of the Lord? Or who shall stand in His Holy Place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who has not lifted himself up to falsehood or to what is false, nor sworn deceitfully (Psalm 24:3-4).

May God help us to be qualified to stand in His Holy Place in Jesus' name!

~OMOSEBI Mary Omolola

Remember That You Are Man!

As my heart clicked on the scripture for meditation this morning, I was excited. I quickly told myself, "Great. I know that scripture so well." But then I heard it being told me, "I'm not talking about what you are thinking."

I have severally picked verse 7 of Job chapter 14 to encourage myself and others. I have used it as a prayer focus severally too. However, my attention was drawn to something totally different today.

Here's what the Bible says:

“Even a tree has more hope!
If it is cut down, it will sprout again and grow new branches. Though its roots have grown old in the earth
and its stump decays, at the scent of water it will bud and sprout again like a new seedling. “But when people die, their strength is gone.
They breathe their last, and then where are they? As water evaporates from a lake
and a river disappears in drought, people are laid to rest and do not rise again.
Until the heavens are no more, they will not wake up nor be roused from their sleep (Job 14:7-12).

I have seen many trees sprout again after being cut down. But man, when he dies, is gone forever from this side of eternity. There is no debate about that. We are dust, to dust we shall return. When it is time for a man to die, no matter the amount of resuscitation skills put into reviving him, he won't come back to life. Once the Examiner, Our God says, "Time up", there is no two-ways about it. It's practically over. One thing of note is that we are handed different examination questions and automatically, each one of us has a unique duration for the examination called "Life".


Here is the point exactly: Live every second of your life with this fact in view. Always remember that your time could be up at any moment. Once the giver of life takes it away, it's gone. As much as we pray to live long, we must also always remember that God has the final say. In what condition will the 'call to eternity' meet you?" Eternity is what it is- eternity. And that is why this issue of putting eternity in view always is very critical. I have seen old and young people die. It is really not about how long, but how well. Your life does not belong to you. Neither does tomorrow. Therefore, you cannot live just the way you like. You should live your life according to the dictates of God.

Our placement in eternity is determined by what happens here on this side of the divide. The decisions you make right here and now will determine where and how we end up. What preparations are you making for eternity? Make up your mind for Jesus today! He is the Way! He is the Truth! He is the Light! He is Life!

We must work towards living a full life in God. Work towards fulfilling purpose. Time waits for no one. What are you doing with your time? Are you redeeming time? Or are you wasting time? Are you still procrastinating putting action into your potentials? Are you adding 'work' to your 'faith'? Or are you still waiting for perfect conditions?

How are you living your life?
Remember that you are man and not a tree!

~OMOSEBI Mary Omolola
2015

Thy Rod And Thy Staff. . .

God is a God of balance. He is always there to comfort and guide us. He is always there to discipline us. He holds the staff of direction and the rod of correction and protection. He protects us from the predators. He fights our battles for us. Just like a shepherd does with his sheep, God does with us.

With His staff, He clears the way for us. With His staff He comforts us. With His staff He directs us to the right path. He keeps us from the ditches and dangerous forests. He speaks to us. He tells us where to go, where the way is. His Word stands as the guide for us.

The Word of God is a two-edged sword. Just like the word is available for instruction, it is also available for correction. Because God loves us He disciplines us.

Man must expect both sides of the divide from God, as the need arises. You cannot pick the staff and leave the rod behind. The two are important for our ultimate survival. He knows just what we need per time. The Word 'beats' us back into His will. The Word 'smacks' us so that we can retrace our steps to Him.

Yes, though I walk through the [deep, sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I will fear or dread no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort me (Psalm 23:4 AMP).

We must allow Him do with us as He desires. We must yield to correction and walk in the way He leads us through. Only then are we safe. Only then do we have no cause to fear or be agitated. When we know He is with us, and we allow Him take charge of our lives, there will be no cause for alarm. We are rest assured that He will take care of us.

May His rod and staff comfort us as we journey through life in Jesus' name. . .

~Omosebi, Mary Omolola
2015

Ask, Seek And Knock

If I say, "Matthew 7:7", I am sure many people will say what is written in that verse in split seconds. It is a 'common' scriptural verse to many. I simply love the way The Amplified version puts it:
"Keep on asking and it will be given you; keep on seeking and you will find; keep on knocking [reverently] and [the door] will be opened to you."

Keep asking. Ask until your joy is full. Wait for an answer. You know, if you go visit someone very important, someone who is to do you good, if you ring the bell and there's no answer, you stay there. Probably ring the bell again. And then wait for an answer. It's possible that your host is in the bath. Do you then expect him to jump out to open the door for you? I really don't think so. If you leave hurriedly, you might miss your appointment. Most times, I wonder when some people hoot the horn of their cars impatiently when they arrive at their homes especially those who don't have people who man the gate. Hello? Have some patience. It's the same thing when it comes to us asking God for blessings. When we knock, we must wait for Him to answer.

The idea of this verse I believe is persistence. Ask and allow the door be opened. Don't be a joker by pressing the doorbell and speeding off like an unserious person. Allow your case get attended to. Many things in life actually points to this lesson that God wants us to learn as His children. You sow, you must wait to reap. You get pregnant, there must be a gestation period.

Keep seeking the face of the Lord. He says we should seek Him while we can find Him. Seek His kingdom first and all other things will be added unto you. Seek God. Not ephemeral things. Focus your gaze. I have sought something that I didn't remember where I placed it before. I searched and searched and then suddenly, I see it lying in a conspicuous place, a place I had supposedly checked before. If I refused to go back to that spot that 'I had checked before', I simply won't have found what I was looking for. Seek until you find. It's a waiting game- Just like the saying "Quitters never win; winners never quit". Many people hate to wait, but you must wait if you will receive what you seek.

And the knocking part? I'm so loving this version. The verse says we must knock REVERENTLY. O yes, knock while you honour the one you are knocking on His door. I don't know about you, but it could be annoying when someone comes to your house and starts banging the gate/door as if he/she will bring it down. It's like the person is saying, "it's my right to get in there, open up". We must remember that we receive what we receive only by the mercies of God. We don't come to God with our shoulders high, commanding Him to attend to us. We must ask Him while in awe of Him. Knowing that He is the Almighty. We must respect God. Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise. And the common factor? Keep knocking. Don't stop.

Ask, Seek, Knock. . . Wait for a Response.

Shalom!

~OMOSEBI Mary Omolola

The Lord Is My Shepherd. . .

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. . . Because I am the sheep of His pasture I will lack no good thing. Because I do not stray out of the flock I will stand strong. Because I allow God direct my path, I will not lack direction; and I will not fall into ditches. Because The Lord holds me by the hand, I am led to flourishing places. I will not labour in vain. . . All because The Lord is my shepherd.

The Good Shepherd knows where the watered pasture is. He leads me there. He feeds my spirit, soul and body with fresh food always. Favour is at work in me. I don't have to labour. I plant and I reap because The Shepherd of my soul leads me to fertile ground. I am fruitful because He has the wheel of my life in His hands. The All-knowing God is my guide.

I live in His peace. The Prince of peace is my Shepherd. He directs me to peaceful places and situations. Because He abides with me, nothing is missing; nothing is broken. He makes me experience peace in a turmoil-filled world. When others are saying, "there is a casting down", I can only testify that "There is a lifting up". I'm not moved by what they say. My anchor holds and grips the solid rock. I have no need to fear.

The Lord gives me rest. Jehoshaphat enjoyed calm in his realm because He allowed God to be his Shepherd. He allowed God lead him through unconventional path. He went to battle with musical instruments. He totally trusted God with his life and His nation. He was a man of faith who reaped the dividend of allowing God be one's shepherd. He gives his beloved sleep. Situations and circumstances around me do not control me. My sleep is not snatched away by worries. I know my Shepherd- my Lord is in control of everything. He has promised never to leave me or forsake me. I believe it. . . That settles it!

Amen!

~OMOSEBI, Mary Omolola

Great God

As I pondered on what Word God was sending today, I was reminded of this scripture:

For thus says the Lord: You shall not see wind or rain, yet that ravine shall be filled with water, so you, your cattle, and your beasts [of burden] may drink. This is but a light thing in the sight of the Lord (2 Kings 3:17-18a).

My heart basically leapt for joy at the sighting of this scripture. I am reminded of how great our God is. I then also remembered a picture I saw sometimes ago with the inscription: "God fetches water with a basket to disgrace the bucket" (or something like that). O yes!

God specializes in doing the impossible.

 Seriously, there is nothing too hard for God to do. You don't need to see the signs of breakthrough says The Lord. Simply expect the breakthrough. Expect your blessings. Expect your healing. Expect that thing you have waited for all this while.

God chooses to break human protocols to show forth His glory. For the foolishness of God is greater than the wisdom of men. His ways we cannot fathom. We cannot search out His ways. And that is why He is called Jehovah!

What He says He will do, He will surely do it. It is true that you cannot see any cloud, but there shall be showers of blessings- and it shall be an abundant shower.

Verse 18a made me think more at the awesomeness of this God. . . It is a light thing.

 I serve a living God! There is nothing too hard for God, power belongs to Him.

I don't know what issues you have been dealing with. I don't know how much weight you are carrying.

One thing I know for sure though is that God is much bigger than all the problems. He is actually bigger than everything. Shift your eyes from that problem to the mightiness of God.

Verily verily I say unto you, there shall be a manifestation of His promises in your life. Faithful is our God!

OMOSEBI, Mary Omolola
©2015

Give Yourself And Us A Break

I continually hear people talk on and on about how the challenges they are facing are the most difficult. Some claim that no one has been through what they are going through and that's why they cannot understand. They make it look like no one else could have survived if they had to go through what they are going through.

Nothing is new. The other day, I received a call from someone who told me that the concerns of another person whom had requested her prayer request to be put up in a post, was exactly the same as hers. She told me how it strengthened her resolve to hold on to God to help her through her challenges.

Listen to the Scriptures:

That which has been is what will be, That which is done is what will be done, And there is nothing new under the sun. Is there anything of which it may be said, “See, this is new”? It has already been in ancient times before us (Ecclestiastes 1:9-10)

You are not alone. Be encouraged by the fact that some people have gone ahead of us. These are cloud of witnesses, cheering us on. They have successfully overcome the exact same challenges that you are passing through now. I guess that some must have given up too. Whatever you are going through is for a purpose. God allows certain things to befall us to either test how much we have grown in faith or to strengthen our faith in Him.

Whatever the case, instead of ranting and complaining, rely on God to see you through. Stop focusing on the intensity of the pain you are going through. Instead, focus on God who is able to bring you safely to the other side of this river. Don't allow yourself to be manipulated into thinking that God does not love you by allowing you go through the greatest troubles ever. God does love you. The Scriptures makes us realize that God will not allow temptations greater than our capabilities to come our way. Just like God gives gifts and talents according to our abilities, he allows difficulties to come our way as much as we can handle. Therefore, if you are going through a hard time, know that it's because God knows you CAN handle it. And the probability is either that you will successfully go through the situation or that you will collapse under the weight of the trial. The choice is yours.

Don't you give up! Choose to be a success story. God's grace is sufficient. Plunge into the pool of His grace today.

Shalom!

~OMOSEBI Mary Omolola
2015

The Implication Of Marriage

Marrying A Man is Surrendering To His Authority

As a single lady, this is one thing that I learnt and held onto tightly. Watch who you get married to. There is more to accepting a man's proposal for marriage than attraction.

Can you submit to that man's authority?
Is he equipped to cultivate your life?
Is he able to help you have a stronger walk with God after marriage?
What is his relationship with God like?
These are some questions you need to ask before you agree to marry a man.

Things normally run from the head unto the body. For instance, anointing runs from the altar to the pews. It is what the ministers are made up of that will flow to the members. And that is why people are encouraged not to allow just any minister lay hands on them in the name of prayers and impactation. So it is in marriage. The quality of the head determines the performance of the body. The head influences the body. The head is set in place once you are joined in marriage. Psalm 13:2 pictures this concept perfectly. Goodness of badness comes from the head to the body and not the other way round. The man transmits the either blessings or poison to the wife and then to the children. It's a continuous orderly process.

If the man you are getting married to is "not alright" (spiritually, behaviourally, psychologically, . . .), your marriage will most likely not be alright. If he does not reverence God nor respect elders/other human beings, you are definitely on your own. No respect for you be that. If he is a frivolous spender, that man will most likely drive the finances of your home down the valley. You are his helper not the director. You will have to submit to his authority as the Scripture instructs us to as wives.

Like it or not, the man is the head and nothing can change that. So, before you go and submit yourself to someone, be sure that that head is a good head.

~OMOSEBI Mary Omolola
2015

Repent and Be Converted

This scripture was laid on my heart:
Joel 2:12-13» Therefore also now, says the Lord, turn and keep on coming to Me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning [until every hindrance is removed and the broken fellowship is restored]. Rend your hearts and not your garments and return to the Lord, your God, for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in loving-kindness; and He revokes His sentence of evil [when His conditions are met].

Many people are observing series of fasting this period. However, I want to remind you that it's not about going without food alone but what you do alongside the 'no food' action. Why are you fasting? Just as a tradition? Or because your heart longs to be closer to God?

This is a great opportunity to mend the broken fences of our relationships with God. It is time to decide to abstain from sin henceforth and to ask for grace to stay pure. It is time for true revival. A time of restoration. A time to return to God, broken and ready to allow Him touch us with His love. This is the time to be grateful to God for the salvation of our souls. It is time to re-dedicate our lives to Him. To surrender all to Him. To decide to serve Him alone. It's time to forsake all our evil ways and not return to them.

Fasting without prayers is hunger-strike. Couple your fast with prayers- lots of prayers. Meditate on God's Words. Carry out some evaluation on your life. Repent of your ungodly ways. Return to God. Receive strength for your spirit.

May God hear your prayers as you wait on Him this season in Jesus' name.

~OMOSEBI Mary Omolola
2015

Samuel Survived, You Can Too!

Over the number of times I have heard people pick examples of people in the Bible who stood out amidst the corruption of their time, I have rarely seen Samuel being used as a case study. My attention was drawn to Samuel today.

As a little boy, Samuel lived with Prophet Eli. Do you remember that Eli's sons were the definition of corruption. They defiled The Temple, defiled themselves and others. They forced people who came to offer sacrifices to God to give them the choicest parts of the sacrifice. They were dictators. They disobeyed God. They didn't follow the rules and regulations that was binding priests at that time. They went their own way. They did whatever they liked. They were uncontrollable. Do you also remember that their father-Eli, was condemned on account of his sons' unruly behaviour?

But Samuel. . .

He lived in that soiled environment and came out unsoiled. He did not join them. Like the world would say, "If you can't beat them, join them". Samuel did not join them. Hophni and Phinehas did not see Samuel's life as an example to follow because they were deep in sin. They dwelt in sin. They enjoyed rolling in sin. Samuel however did not decamp to the sinners' party.

Many people's excuse for entering into sin these days is "pressure". We hide under the disguise of a perversed environment to engage in unholy/immoral acts. You hear people say, "It's not easy to stay pure. Besides, we are human beings."

But all we need for life and godliness has been handed over to us. The ball is now in our court. We get to choose whether to stand firm in faith or to cross carpet to the world.

Friendship with the world in enmity to God. There is no "midpoint" when it comes to choosing who we will serve/honour/follow. It's either God or the devil. Light and darkness cannot mix. You can't eat your cake and have it. Choose this day whom you will serve. Choose life that you may live. Jesus is that life.

The children in my church sang "This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine. . ." on Sunday and it just flashed back into my mind now. In your dark little corner, let your little light shine. In your darkness ridden office; in your dark country; in that dark school hostel; in that dark business area; . . .

Let your light so shine before men that they may see your moral excellence and your praiseworthy, noble, and good deeds and recognize and honor and praise and glorify your Father Who is in heaven (Matthew 5:16).

It is possible to abstain from sin. It is possible to walk with God in a dark generation like ours. Samuel survived, he came out undefiled. Daniel survived, he came out unharmed. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego survived, they came out of the fiery furnace unscathed. Noah survived, he was saved from destruction.

We shall survive by God's grace. He will lead us to safety. May we not fail Him in Jesus' name.

~OMOSEBI Mary Omolola
2015