GOD-MOMENTS IN THE MIDST OF CHAOS

 

You crown the year with a bountiful harvest;
    even the hard pathways overflow with abundance (Psalm 65:11, NLT)

Image Credit: https://subsplash.com/downtownvineyard/media/ms/+mwxcbq8

With just about one month to the end of the year 2020, I bet no one really envisaged that by now, countries of the world would still be under lockdowns ranging from complete to partial lockdowns as they battle with a second or third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Life as we used to know it has been rudely disrupted and for many, it has been nothing short of chaos.

As we go through this unprecedented time in history, I am reminded of the passion of Christ and especially the events that occurred during his crucifixion. It was nothing short of chaotic for the disciples and all other followers of Jesus, but also for those who asked for Jesus to be crucified. How do I know? The gospels account that at midday when it is normally bright with the sun at its peak, darkness came over the earth lasting three hours. The veil in the Holy of Holies was split into two from top to bottom, a rock splitting, earth-shaking earthquake occurred, the graves opened with many dead saints (people who lived and died expecting the Messiah) coming back to life and out of their graves to be plainly seen after Jesus’ resurrection by many people walking in the streets of Jerusalem (Matthew 27:50-54, Mark 15: 37-39). Now, if all that was not chaotic, you tell me what is.

However, something jumped out at me as I studied this passage with my The Bible Story (TBS) class during the lockdown. It was the acknowledgement of Jesus as the Son of God by the Roman military officer who was stationed by the cross: ‘When the Roman military officer who was standing right in front of Jesus saw how he died, he said, “There is no doubt this man was the Son of God!’ Mark 15: 39, TPT). Hey! The non-Jewish officer saw, realized, acknowledged beyond the shadow of a doubt, right there in the midst of the chaos, the divinity and divine status of Christ- not just the humanity of Christ, because the inscription bearing the charge against Jesus for which he was crucified read “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews”. In the midst of the chaos, when it seemed like all hope was lost and the heavens had caved in on the disciples, and the other inhabitants of the land could not make sense of the events happening in quick succession from an eclipse of the sun to open graves, there was this low ranking Roman officer, we would never hear nor read about him again in scripture, who experienced a God-moment. One thing we know backed by scriptures is that no man who ever acknowledges Jesus as the Son of God ever remains the same again.

May I challenge you today to stop and reflect on the events of the year 2020, especially since the pandemic struck to identify those God-moments in your life and acknowledge them. Those moments will reinforce your faith and put steel to your conviction going forward, that even when it does not seem like it and we do not see it, God is working and causing everything to work out for our good- that divine provision… that healing… the preservation and protection, that unexplainable peace... “But Silas, I prayed and asked for this but that happened” Well, for all I know it could have been worse…but for God.

As we begin to draw the curtains on the year 2020, I encourage you to hold on to Psalm 65:11 quoted above. Make it your confession and trust God to crown the year with a bountiful harvest. Trust Him that those hard pathways you trod in 2020 won’t be in vain but that they will overflow with abundance.

I call you BLESSED!

We always love to read from you! Do share with us in the comment section one or some of the God-moments you have had since the pandemic began. Remember, your testimony will be an inspiration for others.

Memoir of My Father: Above All (Father’s Day Special)

The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is from the earth belongs to the earth and speaks as one from the earth. The one who comes from heaven is above all (John 3:31)

Naturally, writing about my mother comes easy. In fact, many have wondered how many mother’s days we celebrate in a year, and that I have done justice to in this post.  In my opinion, even if we had a hundred days in the year dedicated to mothers, it would still fall shy because mothers are simply great. But there is a need to balance things and celebrate men the world over who have stayed by the women, the fathers who didn’t choose the easy way out, the ones who chose to stay regardless. In the light of recent happenings, from lockdowns to anti-racism protests, police brutality, etc. I have reflected on growing up with my dad and it dawned on me how much I love but how little I tell him so. I felt compelled to share an experience I had with my dad while I was a kid- about 5 years of age- this is one way of letting him know I love him so much! It is an experience which has stuck with me ever since, and one which God has used to speak to me and remind me of my identity and position in Him- that I am above all.

As a child, I did not have football classes that my dad came to watch. Of course, we had inter-house sports competitions in school, but I can’t recollect my dad attending (mum did on some occasions). However, I do remember him patting me on the back after successful outings where I represented the church or my school at different competitions and for my academic performances.

The memorable experience with my dad happened on a fateful weekday as he prepared me for the school that morning. Usually, my mum would bathe me and help me get dressed up for school, but this particular morning, for some reasons I can’t remember, she was not home and daddy had to take over. After bathing and cleaning me up, he tied the towel firmly around my little waist the exact same way he tied his. I was thrilled! I admired my dad’s adeptness at wrapping the towel that it left much to be desired whenever mum did it.

Next, dad led me into the room gripping my hands firmly, and instead of applying the body lotion as he towered over me, he did something that would impact my life forever. Dad lifted me up and placed me on the big reading table in the room I shared with my brothers. Wow! For a 5-year-old whom mum never did that for, it was exhilarating. Fast forward to now, I know why he put me on the table, it was easier for him to apply the lotion and get me dressed without having to bend or lean over many times, thereby protecting his back from hurting. But for me, it was a golden moment, as I towered above everything in the room, my dad inclusive.

“Daddy” I called out, “I am taller than you.” I recall vividly the look on his face as he responded, beaming with his signature smile “yes, you are above everything here.” Oh, what response! Oh, what joy filled my soul! My father placed me above everything and went on to reaffirm with a smile and his words, my new position. He was down there to catch me in his strong and loving arms in case I decided to jump down, but thought of jumping off didn’t cross my mind. I was up and above all, not afraid of towering high above all and remaining there because my father approved of me being there. The truth is, he put me up there. His reaffirming smile and words of affirmation dispelled the fear of heights. More so, my father wasn’t threatened that I towered high above him. He knew that if I am up there, then he is up there too simply because I am a reflection of him.

On that table, that fateful morning, I was dressed up and prepared not just for school, but for life. I am sure that day was one of my best days in school and one of the many childhood memories I cherish of my father. As I grow older and have to face the vicissitudes of life, I am reminded of my identity and position that I am above only because I come from above and my father’s radiant face and reassuring words help me stay above against all odds.

Today, what scary situation stares you in the face? What heights are you afraid of maintaining and what positions are you unsure of occupying? If your Father put you up there, what virus or what amount of discrimination can bring you down? Remember that “God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus” (Eph.2:6) “because as he is, so are we in this world” (1 Jn.4:17b).

To my dad, the real men out there standing by their women, present in their children’s lives, all the men, single or married, standing against injustice, doing right because it’s the right thing to do, I wish you all a HAPPY FATHERS DAY!!!

As a way of celebrating all great fathers, kindly click on ICA’s “The Epic Father” for a complete guide on how to remain or become an Epic Father in these precarious times.

Reflection

How does this truth about the position and identity your heavenly Father has bestowed upon you affect your outlook about life? Feel free to share with us in the comment section.

For All That Her Hands Have Done (Mother’s Day Special)

Honour her for all that her hands have done,
    and let her works bring her praise at the city gate. Proverbs 31:31(NIV)

It was November of the year 2015, I had just completed my mandatory post-degree national youth service in the ancient city of Ibadan, Oyo State, southwest Nigeria. This yearlong youth service helped me reconnect with my maternal family as I lived with my cousin, so I had to go to Ogbomoso, also in Oyo state, where my mum hails from, for the burial ceremony of this my cousin’s mother-in-law, who also hails from the same city as my maternal family. While delivering the sermon during the funeral service, the Baptist minister noted that “motherhood is not merely having children. If it was so, then all women who have children would have understood and embraced motherhood.” Those words from the Reverend Gentleman have since stuck with me and as I come across different women from diverse backgrounds, nationalities and races, it is not difficult to note those who embody motherhood.

Reiterating the words of the Baptist minister, Oprah Winfrey said: “Biology is the least of what makes someone a mother.” Robert A. Heinlein further affirms this, stating that “Being a mother is an attitude, not a biological relation.” This puts to rest the notion that you have to be married and/or have biological children to experience the joys of motherhood.  As the world celebrates mothers on this special day, albeit in the face of a raging pandemic, the lockdown as a result of COVID-19 has allowed me to take a cursory look at the various women who have played and continue to play important life-shaping roles in my life and the lives of many others. And it dawned on me that the right response to these mothers is what Proverbs 31:31 quoted above prescribes: honour her.

Honour as a verb means to regard with great respect. Why are we to honour her? For all that her hands have done (see Pro. 31:10-31 for a list of all her hands have done). Mothers, whether biological, spiritual, mentors, guardians, teachers or in whatever form they come, should be honoured and praised for the good works their hands have done and keep doing. The Message Bible puts it this way “Give her everything she deserves! Festoon her life with praises!” Festoon means to adorn (a place) with ribbons, garlands, or other decorations. So, adorn mothers with praise! This means we acknowledge women who have played and are still playing important roles in diverse capacities be it as a stay at home mom, executives or managers in the corporate world, leaders in the church, in politics, business, etc. as we continue to work towards a safer world for women and girls, ensuring they have access to education, work opportunities with commensurate pay, better opportunities to participate in governance and democratic processes among others.

In conclusion, “let her works bring her praise...”  The prayers and time invested in spiritually grooming kids in the free children’s Bible Club in my neighbourhood since 2014 till date by my numero uno wonder woman- my mum- is one I am sure God is pleased with. The simplicity and practicality with which my Sunday School Teachers (Mrs. Eluyera and Mrs Omisakin) taught me have helped me and others who’ve gone through them remain on track. One of the works of my Indonesian mum is what I call ‘Ani’s kitchen’, my favourite- her banana bread with walnuts - literally is a taste of heaven while on earth. Mama Sara Ardo, my branch pastor's wife, will just sit and listen to you, whatever it is, encourage you, and cap it with prayers, all the while handling two kids! KC Laksmono is another woman who I believe “prayed me” into the Social Ministry of ICA. The children Social Ministry cater to are the works God is doing through her and the many others God has surrounded her hubby with.  My dear friend- Oluwasikemi- amid the hustle and bustle of Lagos, long work hours and a difficult past, is a mother, letting go of her past and allowing God use her in spite of and because of her past, to teach and mentor teenage girls especially on the subject of sexual abuse. Her work- 21 dates with Abba Father- bring her praise- and can be downloaded free at https://theoldteenager.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/21-dates-with-abba-father-2.pdf.

Time and space would fail me to mention every "mother" out there who has done valiantly, but I believe you know yourselves. So, in celebrating mothers this season, I challenge you to get creative during this lockdown in honouring mothers in your life. One of the ways to do so is to share “her works” deserving of “praise” with us and others in the comment section below.

Happy Mother’s Day!

THE CRUX OF OUR FAITH (EASTER MUSING)

He's alive again,

Stone's been rolled away.

He's alive again.

He's no longer where He lay.
He's alive again.

I can hear the angels say

Let all the world rejoice, He's alive!

I grew up singing the popular chorus above from Phil Driscoll’s - He's Alive Again track, from the Power of Praise album in my local Foursquare Gospel Church back in Nigeria, and during the Easter celebration, this and many other songs like “Alive, alive, my Saviour is alive”, and “all the way to Calvary, He went for me” struck differently. There was something about these songs- they conveyed the gospel in its entirety i.e. Jesus’ sufferings, crucifixion, death and resurrection. These songs didn’t just stop there, they went on to reveal my identity as a new creation and what I stand to gain- Life Eternal!
As we bask in the euphoria of this season, albeit in a lacklustre manner, owing to the COVID-19 pandemic which is drastically changing every aspect of life from what we used to know it to be and forcing change on us, such as social distancing - some have argued it is physical and not social distancing, as we need to be closer socially this season for mental wellness- as the new normal, it is pertinent to remind ourselves what the crux of the Christian faith is.
 

What distinguishes the Christian faith? The cross and the empty tomb.

The Cross signifies the altar upon which Jesus, the Lamb of God, was sacrificed for the sin of the world. 1 Peter 2:24 (AMP) reveals that “He personally carried our sins in His body on the ^[a]cross [willingly offering Himself on it, as on an altar of sacrifice], so that we might die to sin [becoming immune from the penalty and power of sin] and live for righteousness; for by His wounds you [who believe] have been ^[b]healed.” The Son of Man had to be lifted up on the cross to satisfy the claims of justice on behalf of sinners who believe in Him, by looking up to the cross, thereby gaining life eternal!

The empty tomb assures us of a brand new life and an ever-living hope in this world and the one to come. Because Jesus has risen, the tomb is empty! 1 Peter 1: 3-5 (MSG) states “…Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we’ve been given a brand-new life and have everything to live for, including a future in heaven—and the future starts now! God is keeping careful watch over us and the future...” Friends, even amid this global pandemic, in the words of my pastor, John Taylor, in his Easter message “Jesus (empty tomb) offers Christians confident assurance in uncertain times” (emphasis added). Christians are simply people who believe in Jesus’ sufferings, death, resurrection and his coming again. We believe by looking up to the cross.  

I conclude this musing on Easter with Ravi Zacharias’ thoughts on Easter “We often hear the phrase, "the crux of the matter" or "the crux of a situation." The word "crux" comes from Medieval Latin, and simply means cross. Why has the word "crux" come to be associated with a critical juncture or point in time? Because the Cross of Christ is truly the crux of history. Without the Cross, history itself cannot be defined or corrected.

There is another word we often hear when we are in the throes of indescribable pain, the word, "excruciating." That, too, derives from the Latin and means "out of the cross." Across time and human experience, the historical event of the Cross intersects time and space and speaks to the deepest hurts of the human heart... The Cross stands as the defining counter-perspective to everything this world has to offer...” As we observe one of the most memorable Easters in history, may we never lose our wonder of the crux of our faith- the cross and the empty tomb. Happy Easter!

Reflection 

What is one lesson you have learnt this Easter season, especially amidst the global COVID-19 pandemic? Do share with us in the comment section.

Three Symptoms of a Lack of 20/20 Vision (20/20 Vision for 2020 #2)

Trust and obey, for there's no other way
to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey- John H. Sammis (1887)

“So, how do I know I am not engaging a 20/20 vision?” this question stems from where we left off in the last post. Below are three symptoms indicative of a lack of 20/20 vision:

·         Over-indulgence in things such as food, sex, a habit or just about anything. As simple and harmless as it may seem, we will stuff ourselves with cookies, pies, cakes…, indulge in solo travels/retreats, trips to massage parlours, change (sexual) partners, do whatever, as long as we don’t trust Jesus as the bread of life who satisfies our deepest yearnings. Paul in 1 Cor.6: 12-13 (MSG) sums it perfectly: “Just because something is technically legal doesn’t mean that it’s spiritually appropriate. If I went around doing whatever I thought I could get by with, I’d be a slave to my whims…Well, it may be true that the body is only a temporary thing, but that’s no excuse for stuffing your body with food, or indulging it with sex. Since the Master honors you with a body, honor him with your body!”

·         Worry/Anxiety: everything will get at you when your vision isn’t 20/20- from the government’s (unstable) policies, to “trade-wars” between nations, rumours of a “third world war”, to your lecturer’s/superior’s mood swings, down to the opinion of the man on the street about you! Worry leads to a miserable life because we refuse to trust Jesus as our Good Shepherd. Last I checked, the shepherd chooses the sheep to tend and assumes full responsibility for same, not the other way round.

·         Feeling lonely and forgotten: this feeling is as a result of believing the lies of the devil thereby leading to depression, frustration and mental illnesses which has become rampant. We don’t operate a 20/20 vision when we don’t trust Jesus to be Emmanuel, the God who dwells in us even when alone, the One who never leaves nor forsakes us.

I heard you- “how do I engage and sharpen my 20/20 vision in 2020? How do I ensure that I keep trusting and obeying?”

May I suggest that we commence each day with the simple practice of resting, instead of just diving headlong into our busy schedules.

Resting in the finished works of Christ by calling to remembrance His goodness, faithfulness and unfailing love. Resting, by stilling our busy and worried hearts in His presence by expressing how desperately we need Him.

Resting, by coming boldly to the throne of His grace to obtain mercy for our messes and failings, and take hold of grace to help us as we declare our confidence in His trustworthiness.

This, my dear, is the way, to engage 20/20 vision for 2020 and be happy in Jesus- trust and obey.

Reflection

·         Are there other symptoms indicative of a lack of 20/20 vision asides those above? Let us learn from them, do share with us in the comment section.

Trust and Obey (20/20 Vision for 2020 #1)

Trust and obey, for there's no other way
to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey- John H. Sammis (1887)

Happy new year! Welcome to the beginning of not just another year, but a decade. I am excited about the year; I hope you are too because there’s so much more God has in store for you.

As we proceed, permit me to ask: do you have a 20/20 vision for 2020 and beyond? The term 20/20 vision refers to normal visual acuity i.e. the clarity or sharpness of vision measured at a distance of 20 feet. If you have 20/20 vision, you can see clearly at 20 feet what should normally be seen at that distance. So, for people who cannot see clearly at that distance, they need some help. So it is with us in our faith walk, our vision must be clear and sharp, and the way to go about this is by simply trusting and obeying.

“Why can’t you trust me?” Jesus asked his disciples after calming the storm. Every day, we are confronted with this same question from the moment we wake up till we go to bed at night. This is because to trust means to rest, and to rest means to trust. Most of our activities and relationships are based on trust- you trust that if you put in the requisite hours, energy or commitment, as a student you’d graduate with good grades and in time, as a worker, your employer will reward you or the system will favour you. Truth is, you cannot obey someone you do not trust.

Ananias in Acts 9 is a case in point. When God sent him to go pray for Saul, the dreaded guy who treated God’s people terribly, he was hesitant. But God was simply asking Ananias “do you trust Me?” In what Shannon Ethridge refers to as taking a lion’s share of courage to obey, ‘Ananias obedience in going over to Straight Street and witnessing to Saul was no small act. How did he get so brave hearted? He knew God personally and intimately. He trusted God completely. He feared disobeying his Lord more than he feared what Saul might do to him.”

Ananias knew God personally, so he could trust Him. Because he trusted, he could obey. You cannot trust whom you do not know, and you cannot obey whom you do not trust. Hence, it suffices to say that every act of defiance stems from a lack of trust in a person, an authority or system.  

Reflection

·      Have you had an experience of trusting that required a lion’s share of courage like Ananias, to obey? Please go ahead and share with us in the comment section.

Note: In the next post, I will share three symptoms indicative of a lack of 20/20 vision. Do be on the lookout for that next week.