Iron Gate and The Wooden Door-Peter’s Gate And Rhoda’s Door

The title of a sermon I heard preached by a reverend gentleman over thirty years ago. The message touched the core of my being then and has kept finding its way to the fore time and time again in my life. Have you ever seen yourself in situations where God had moved and those who should know would not budge or they out rightly disapprove? What would you do when the jail gates swing open of their own accord yet a mere door would not? Imagine an all-night prayer meeting dedicated to an issue and when the answer arrived, and people who were supposed to be in faith were disbelieving. Dare we confront the faithlessness in church and risk being labelled? Listen to the words of some of our prayers and in them, discover why they never got answered. They were riddled with fear and unbelief!

(Acts 12:1-18)

The times for the believers were perilous. Too many bad news, they had already lost some of their members to unjust death. Now, Peter was being held in prison. They did what most church folk would do, called an all-night prayer meeting and cried unto God for some intervention. What they were in need of, only God could do, the times were bad and the nights were long. There was fear everywhere, how else would we explain their locking themselves in? The church was being vexed and that, in no small measure. They did not stand a chance and so they resorted to prayer. What were they saying, who were they saying it to? The events that followed would supply answers to our quest. Notice, the leaders were engrossed in the prayers. They let a little girl man door.

Go in your mind to the prison, Herod had four quaternions keep Peter in. Tell me which of the two camps meant business? I know you would argue that the church did not need strength to carry out its assignment but I would answer and ask you, did they know that? Did their actions portray faith or fear? The records showed that Peter got a miracle; we can assume that it was because they were praying but were they paying attention or watching at all.

There was drama in Peter’s release; the mission had to be carried out by an angel. I believe this showed how important the mission was. The guy was dazed but pleasantly so; he rushed to meet his brethren. Now let’s pause to consider this – this was a guy that chains and storks had fallen off of him, been led by an angel through jail cells, surely the rest of the world was ready for the taking. He got to the door and there was a small girl, not even a boy! Remember this guy had been walking with an angel earlier. Sound familiar? I thought so!

The girl out of excitement ran back inside without opening the door. I am sure there were times you knew you had hit a gusher only to find a cap at the well. She announced her find and guess what, the elders considered her mad? Pray, should elders not be discerning? Having prayed all night, should the spirit not be so thick someone would pick the good news even before Peter showed up? Miss “little girl”, my advice to you is this: never lose your vision even if every other person does not see. What you have seen, you truly have seen. You should not have to give it up because old sages do not believe you.

Selah!

amazon.com/anneajadi

anneajadinspirations.com

Instagram/arnajadi

Twitter/arnajadi

Facebook/anneajadi

Youtube/anneajadi

BOOKS BY Anne Ajadi:

YOU WILL MARRY WELL

GODS LADY IN WAITING

WALK WITH ME IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF JESUS

STRENGTH FOR THE JOURNEY

HEART MATTERS, LIFE MATTERS

Iron Gate and The Wooden Door-Peter’s Gate And Rhoda’s Door

The title of a sermon I heard preached by a reverend gentleman over thirty years ago. The message touched the core of my being then and has kept finding its way to the fore time and time again in my life. Have you ever seen yourself in situations where God had moved and those who should know would not budge or they out rightly disapprove? What would you do when the jail gates swing open of their own accord yet a mere door would not? Imagine an all-night prayer meeting dedicated to an issue and when the answer arrived, and people who were supposed to be in faith were disbelieving. Dare we confront the faithlessness in church and risk being labelled? Listen to the words of some of our prayers and in them, discover why they never got answered. They were riddled with fear and unbelief!

(Acts 12:1-18)

The times for the believers were perilous. Too many bad news, they had already lost some of their members to unjust death. Now, Peter was being held in prison. They did what most church folk would do, called an all-night prayer meeting and cried unto God for some intervention. What they were in need of, only God could do, the times were bad and the nights were long. There was fear everywhere, how else would we explain their locking themselves in? The church was being vexed and that, in no small measure. They did not stand a chance and so they resorted to prayer. What were they saying, who were they saying it to? The events that followed would supply answers to our quest. Notice, the leaders were engrossed in the prayers. They let a little girl man door.

Go in your mind to the prison, Herod had four quaternions keep Peter in. Tell me which of the two camps meant business? I know you would argue that the church did not need strength to carry out its assignment but I would answer and ask you, did they know that? Did their actions portray faith or fear? The records showed that Peter got a miracle; we can assume that it was because they were praying but were they paying attention or watching at all.

There was drama in Peter’s release; the mission had to be carried out by an angel. I believe this showed how important the mission was. The guy was dazed but pleasantly so; he rushed to meet his brethren. Now let’s pause to consider this – this was a guy that chains and storks had fallen off of him, been led by an angel through jail cells, surely the rest of the world was ready for the taking. He got to the door and there was a small girl, not even a boy! Remember this guy had been walking with an angel earlier. Sound familiar? I thought so!

The girl out of excitement ran back inside without opening the door. I am sure there were times you knew you had hit a gusher only to find a cap at the well. She announced her find and guess what, the elders considered her mad? Pray, should elders not be discerning? Having prayed all night, should the spirit not be so thick someone would pick the good news even before Peter showed up? Miss “little girl”, my advice to you is this: never lose your vision even if every other person does not see. What you have seen, you truly have seen. You should not have to give it up because old sages do not believe you.

Selah!

amazon.com/anneajadi

anneajadinspirations.com

Instagram/arnajadi

Twitter/arnajadi

Facebook/anneajadi

Youtube/anneajadi

BOOKS BY Anne Ajadi:

YOU WILL MARRY WELL

GODS LADY IN WAITING

WALK WITH ME IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF JESUS

STRENGTH FOR THE JOURNEY

HEART MATTERS, LIFE MATTERS

Be strong:" Two words we will hear at some point in our sojourn in life. Words that in themselves embody communication that goes beyond the surface. It does not matter what situation of life placed a demand on the strength stored within. When there is a pull for strength, it is most likely life presenting us with opportunities to stretch and unleash new levels of growth and development.

The process may present itself as challenges, trials, tribulations or pain; the purpose is always to bring us out into the newness of life. We get re-introduced to ourselves as most times we are unaware of the depths of our being and what heights the human being is capable of attaining.

The events that lead to the need for strength may manifest as long nights and many questions. There may be feelings of aloneness and overwhelming neediness.

If you falter in a time of trouble, how small is your strength! (Proverbs 24:10)

The call for attention at such times is usually an indication that we need to reach into the depths of our being to pull out some strength and release what is planted within us.

An analogy that brings this home is that of a baby about to be born. There is a lot of agitation in the mothers' womb that manifests as loads of pain and discomfort.

The womb, at that point, is host to turbulence that makes the child restless and need to move out of the cubicle that had been a place of refuge and comfort for several months. The haven would then become a place to escape from. The mother and baby would be uncomfortable; the midwives would be at attention; everyone anticipating what was about to be revealed.

This process, for the baby and the mother, is intense and sometimes may feel like the very throes of death.

The rumblings result in the baby's expulsion from the place that had been a comfortable home for the past nine months. Suddenly, what used to be all dark gives way to all light. A new world greets the baby who was once alone or at most with a few others in the watery abyss. Now it is welcome into a world full of people, wonders and new horizons. The wonders of transformation!

The mother also is ushered into a realm of new experiences, a new life wholly packaged with unique credentials.

Nobody in the process remains the same. The purpose is to increase, multiply, become new and better.

amazon.com/anneajadi

anneajadinspirations.com

Instagram/arnajadi

Twitter/arnajadi

Facebook/anneajadi

Youtube/anneajadi

BOOKS BY Anne Ajadi:

YOU WILL MARRY WELL

GODS LADY IN WAITING

WALK WITH ME IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF JESUS

STRENGTH FOR THE JOURNEY

HEART MATTERS, LIFE MATTERS

Ancient Words.....Michael W. Smith. Take words with you and return to the Lord. Say to him: “Forgive 
all our sins and receive us graciously, that we may offer 
the fruit of our lips (Hosea 14:2)

Dave: Good morning Baba, I am here again and this time I have a lot to say. You know it is the beginning of another year, I have written my goals and I know you will grant them.

BABA: I thought you learnt your lesson?

Dave: What lesson was I supposed to have learnt, Baba? There were many knocks last year so I don't know which lesson you mean.

BABA: I move by my word not yours. The word that carries life is mine. For you to produce, you must take my words and speak them. Your goals must come from Me.

Dave: The Bible is full of your promises; they were spoken to men of old. How do I know which one I can use?

BABA: You have My Spirit; I quicken your heart remember?

Dave: I know, but many times I am confused. Take for instance, we go to church and the pastor pronounces all these wonderful blessings. I claim all of them only to find that only a paltry few come my way. You know this can be frustrating. In fact it made me think that some of the promises are meant for a few.

BABA: Your issue is you do not know how to appropriate My word.

Dave: What do you mean by that?

BABA: Look at it this way: there are lots of goods in the market but it is the one you buy that goes home with you. Look at the word like that. I have so many precious promises for you; I am Almighty, I love you and want you to have everything you need but you must take or receive them before they can be yours.

Dave: I do not understand. If you are Almighty, can't you just give them to me?

BABA: I already did. If you have money in the bank and you are hungry, what should you do?

Dave: Go get money from the bank to buy my food.

BABA: Good! Here, you have all you need but faith is the currency and your faith is expressed in words. Your words will trigger action.

Dave: So how do I make sure I do not short-change myself this year?

BABA: Simple, come to me with my word. Your senior brother Jesus never did anything without consulting me. His words were echoes of mine. He heard me, He saw me act and He did as I desired. You should do the same. Take the word I have quickened to your heart and bring it back to me, that is your weapon of exchange.

Dave: You lost me there.

Baba: I will give you an example. David my servant loved me so much and he thought where I lived was not befitting so he decided to build me a house. I saw his heart and sent him a prophet with my word. He was grateful and he came back to me with the words I had promised him.

When you do that, you seal the deal; you ensure it comes to pass. You prove that you understand the dynamics and you show that you are ready for the life.

(2 Samuel 7:2-29)

Beloved, which word of God, are you anchoring your faith this year? What has God spoken to your heart? , take those words back to God in prayer. Remember, He said we could come and reason with Him. He said we could command Him concerning His work. The word of God that came to you at specific times in your life is not accidental. It came for a purpose; if you missed it before, you ought to make sure you do not miss it this year.

As for me, I read the words aloud when I can; I read the same portion of scriptures from different versions of the Bible. My discovery, the word of God is alive and always has something new to reveal every time I engage therein. Sometimes, I record the scriptures in my voice, and I play it back when it is not convenient to read. I even deployed the ‘Talking Tom’ to help me with some of the words, to add spice to the whole experience. All of this effort is to make sure I do not miss out on God’s plan for me.

I know we are just starting; my strategy is to take it a day at a time. I advise you to pace yourself and let the word of God assume the life it should in your life and situation

One Thing Is Needful: The Power 
Of Focusing On The Major Deal

Ever found yourself swarmed by activities that centre on Jesus but have your inner self feeling disconnected? Have you ever felt the helplessness of knowing something ought to be done, and you do not have a grip on that one thing?

Jesus was the subject of the gathering. He was the major deal; many people were there and that for various reasons. He was visiting his friends, and even they had different ways of making Him feel welcome. Martha thought the thing to do was keep the house and fix the meals. After all, Jesus was a very important personality. To accomplish her goal, she would need a lot of help; even Jesus should appreciate that!

Mary was content to hear his heart; for him to visit, there must be life’s gems to be garnered. She chose to sit with him and just listen. In doing that, she incurred the wrath of her very busy sister. I am sure we can all relate. Why would her choice bother anybody else, did Martha not choose too?

As you prepare to face life’s activities today, what would it be for you? – the Martha ministry or the Mary mission? Remember, Jesus said we only need one thing, and that requires that we make a choice. I know for some of us, it makes us feel useful when everyone needs our help or input, but we must remember that if we keep giving without refuelling, we will run dry. If we let activity define our importance, we are out of order.

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:38-42)

Notice from this account that Martha was upset with Jesus for not instructing Mary to join her in her activity. How many of us are annoyed that some folk are not encumbered like us?

Give the many things a break; focus on the ONE THING.

One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple. (Psalms 27:4)

Be like David: behold the beauty of God today; enquire in His temple. There are eternal issues to be sought and Kingdom secrets to be discovered. Please do the right thing ... Go for God! Today let your heart be for God, nothing more nothing less!

Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:13-14)

Like Paul, make Christ’s high calling the goal.

amazon.com/anneajadi

anneajadinspirations.com

Instagram/arnajadi

Twitter/arnajadi

Facebook/anneajadi

Youtube/anneajadi

BOOKS BY Anne Ajadi:

YOU WILL MARRY WELL

GODS LADY IN WAITING

WALK WITH ME IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF JESUS

STRENGTH FOR THE JOURNEY

HEART MATTERS, LIFE MATTERS

Provoked To Destiny

Our culture only considered you fruitful or worthy of any honour when you have children. I didn't have any, even though I had been married for several years; long enough for my husband’s younger wife to have sons and daughters. I shall not tell you exactly how many years that was, just know they are many.

I am sure you already figured out how many years I must have been barren? In the process, my mate became an adversary. She decided to taunt and provoke me to the point of soreness.

Wait! Let me start right. I was married off to my husband when I barely knew who I was. I had no identity, and I desperately needed one. Check out my husband’s pedigree:

There once was a man who lived in Ramathaim. He was descended from the old Zuph family in the Ephraim hills. His name was Elkanah. (He was connected with the Zuphs from Ephraim through his father Jeroham, his grandfather Elihu, and his great-grandfather Tohu.)

(1 Samuel 1:1, The Message)

It was a joy to be yoked with him; soon, we would have a houseful of babies. My wish! One month became a year; then years and the wait became endless. He was a good man, I was sure he loved me, but he needed more than I had to offer at the time. Remember, culture measured you by sons and daughters.

One day, my darling waltzes in with a belle in hand. “She is here to stay,” I was informed. I could not blame him; I had seen him mope at the ceiling several nights. I knew it would be a matter of time before something gave. I just hoped my babies would show up before then.

Her name: Peninnah, she was beautiful and very saucy. I mean, I knew I was barren, but I was still the first wife, and I had rights. She did not care; after all; she was popping out babies like a chicken was laying eggs. She added arrogance to saucy; I became her object of ridicule. I could not do anything right, I was the old hag, and you guessed right, it is hard to be pretty when you have an ugly situation.

I was losing my charm; I so needed to be validated. Elkanah tried his best to remain fair. But pitched against Peninnah and her children, my case was lost.

Because the Lord had closed Hannah’s womb, her rival kept provoking her in order to irritate her.

(1 Samuel 1:6)

I was frustrated because every time I went to God, He told me He had me covered; His exact words were "DO NOT FRET." Please tell me how you will not fret when every day someone is there to throw your fruitlessness in your face. Then I came to the point where I realised it was not the devil that was my problem. God was up to something, and He would not let me know what:

Because the Lord had closed Hannah’s womb... (1 Samuel 1:6a)

Another Shiloh, and for the umpteenth time, I was attending in my barren state. I just knew that that year, I would hold on to the horns of the altar until something gave. Peninnah was still on duty, harassing and taunting me, even on Shiloh grounds! My soul was vexed.

The third day of Shiloh, I decided, there was no way I would go home like I had done several years back. This just had to be the year something would shift. Everyone was partying, but I chose to pray. I went into the temple and just poured out my soul. I cried until there were no more tears. I prayed until there were no more words. I could only groan.

The deep voice of the Man Of God startled me. He wondered why I brought my drunkenness inside the temple. (Can you blame him, every other person was partying and eating and drinking, it’s not out of place for a few folks to be drunk). I let him know I was far from drunk, just sore with sorrow. He pronounced the word, and my heart connected. This was a different Shiloh. I just had to believe it.

(1 Samuel 1:9-17, The Message)

The word became flesh, and I became a mother. Next Shiloh, I could not go, as I needed to wean my son before I took him back to God. The Lord filled my mouth with songs of rejoicing, and during my years of waiting, I learnt a whole lot about God. He could be trusted.

O Jacob, how can you say the LORD does not see your troubles?

O Israel, how can you say God ignores your rights?

Have you never heard?

Have you never understood?

The LORD is the everlasting God,

the Creator of all the earth.

He never grows weak or weary.

No one can measure the depths of his understanding.

He gives power to the weak

and strength to the powerless.

Even youths will become weak and tired,

and young men will fall in exhaustion.

But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength.

They will soar high on wings like eagles.

They will run and not grow weary.

They will walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:27-31

Joseph, his fathers' favourite son, Jacob, showed it by making him a coat of many colours to the envy of the other children. Can anyone blame? Him, he was a child of love. The son Rachael, his beloved, bore him after years of waiting. He had a God-given gift. Joseph could dream. The pictures of the future were bright and revealed that he would someday be great and all around him would have to bow. His brothers and father did not find his dreams funny, so rather than receive guidance, Joseph got reprimanded. He was sure there was something wrong, so he dreamt some more. This time, his dream landed him in trouble. The plot was simple, get rid of him, no, kill him, and then, there would be no chance of his dream assuming life. God was in the mix; the brothers did not come to a consensus, ended up selling him off as a slave and lying to their father that he had been killed.

What now, from prince to slave just because of a dream? From our vantage position, we see that Joseph's dream was God's idea, but the time was not yet, so a period of waiting was necessary. His grandfather had been told his offsprings would be slaves for four hundred years in the land of Egypt, and then they would. Be brought back to their land. God had a plan, and the man thought he had an idea. The merchants sold. Israel off to Potiphar, who had a loose wife who only saw Joseph as an object of her lust. He lands in prison for refusing madam—some more wait time. God is still working out His purposes. Josephs story continues, but I know you get the drift.

Like Joseph, you had a dream, a vision, a prophecy, and you were over the moon. The future was glorious, but the present is bleak. I mean, there is a gulf between you and the promised land, and it is turning out to be so dark you need divine assistance.

What do you do when you have reached the end of yourself?

Isaiah 50:10

Who among you fears the LORD

and obeys his servant?

If you are walking in darkness,

without a ray of light,

trust in the LORD

and rely on your God.

What should be your reaction when your best seems not good enough? Stand!

Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Ephesians 6:13

Waiting is not for the faint hearted. Waiting is for the brave, the strong and the trusted. Wait my dear friend, your God is cooking something delish and it has your name written all over it.

Shalom!

amazon.com/anneajadi

anneajadinspirations.com

Instagram/arnajadi

Twitter/arnajadi

Facebook/anneajadi

Youtube/anneajadi

BOOKS BY Anne Ajadi:

YOU WILL MARRY WELL

GODS LADY IN WAITING

WALK WITH ME IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF JESUS

STRENGTH FOR THE JOURNEY

HEART MATTERS, LIFE MATTERS

WHEN GREATNESS MEETS PREPARATION

The patriarch needed to ensure his boys were all right on the battlefield. He had some nudging that he did not quite understand how to interpret them. He knew God was about to do something that involved his household. He could not quite place it, so he decided to ask after his boys. That was the least he could do under the circumstances. He sent another boy, the youngest and the shepherd to take some food to his older brothers and ask after their welfare. The nation was at war, and his sons were warriors on duty. At least from the report, he would know what was going on.

The Israeli army gathered every morning, in the valley of Elah. The Philistines had been a huge problem, and they had no clue how they were going to get out of the dilemma in which they found themselves. Every time the Philistines came close, the Israelites retreated in fear and dread of the enemy. Oh, that God would send salvation they prayed! Many hearts were faint. The King was proffering no solution, and the enemy was not relenting.

Dave was on a mission to take bread to his big brothers and inquire after their welfare, was his only brief. He had a sense of destiny and felt an inner nudge that this was a life-changing trip. It was such a simple errand, yet he felt the pull of destiny. Remember the prophet had visited a while ago pronouncing him God’s chosen. What was the essence of the oil if there was no throne? It was all a puzzle, but he still had an errand to run.

Big brothers, men of war, trained for battle but not battle-ready! What is the purpose of the stature if all it would do was impress? No sense of destiny! They were small boys in big boy bodies. All there was to dream about was to be in the army of Israel. The king had all the sophistication and the armoury, but his heart was feeble. How do you fight and win when you already lost within?

The Philistines, Israel's sworn enemy, needed to show again that they were more powerful; their primary weapon – intimidation! Their point’s man was a giant well-trained soldier, fully equipped and ready to take the spoil. Unknown to him, though, God had ordained the day as a day of whooping for the enemy.

God, the master strategist, able soldier, Captain of the host had his plan: 'humiliate the enemy.' Dave showed up behind the battle lines, heard the pronouncement by the infidels. Felt the fear and dread in his people and the revolt in his being. Did his people not know who they were? Were they not in tune with who was in charge? Why fear who was obvious mincemeat?

You wonder how he knew! Nobody defied God Almighty and went scot-free. They usually left with a whopping and that one would be the latest. Why were his people so blind? Did they not understand that they were covenant people?

He asked a few questions and purpose took the front stage. He offered to go forward, and big brother challenged him. His reply sounded to me, something like this; Are you so blind you cannot see this is God’s opportunity to prove Himself? Do you think this is about you? This fight is truly about who is Lord. And God must be put back on the throne of the people’s heart and as the nation’s God. There is a purpose; people open your eyes!

The King got intimated that a young lad boy was asking deep questions. He invited him, and you guessed right – he was willing to let the small boy confront what the old battle trained men could not. What was he thinking? Could it be that he thought nothing of Dave's life or he was too beaten down to care? Long story short, the giant was brought low; a whole nation was whooped. The covenant was reinforced, God’s people were free, but they still thought it was about persons. The women sang their song and gave trophies to men; the whole nation was still not getting it!

amazon.com/anneajadi

anneajadinspirations.com

Instagram/arnajadi

Twitter/arnajadi

Facebook/anneajadi

Youtube/anneajadi

BOOKS BY Anne Ajadi:

YOU WILL MARRY WELL

GODS LADY IN WAITING

WALK WITH ME

Mother love

I came out dirty

You drew me bosom close

Smothered with warmth

Kisses and songs

I came out crying

With your joy

Sorrow doors slammed shut

Gentle words, earths welcome

Your eyes my first,

Your hands, my blanket

your voice my rhythm

your care my comfort

Indescribable love

with you, my beauty defined

you believed, no wrong in me

with your push, the world mine is

Always beside me

No complaint, ever

your words. Life filled

I was the best, mother love

I grew, confident and sure

Gently leading never judging

Loving freely, ever willing

Destiny shaping, God pointing

My angel, my first love

My cheerleader my cupbearer

My friend, my nurture

Blessed, measureless

Salute, a million salutes

Mother mine you deserving

World’s greatest you have to be

Strength undefinable yours is.

Mother, you are the very best.

Today again, I praise your courage

Every day my Mother’s Day.

Mother, mom, mama, momma, Maami.

My Mother

It was a Friday, I was driving back home from my mission field, and I felt a very heavy foreboding. I knew something was happening around me just could not put my finger on it.

I tried to sing songs of worship (what I do when I am clueless or in a fix) all that came were funeral songs.

I got home, and another strange thing happened. A bat was in my room. The whole house had nets all around, and so we could not fathom how the bat found its way inside the house. We trapped and got rid of it. I was still perplexed when around 8 pm, I felt as though something left me. Something or someone close to me was making their exit. It was a bizarre, eerie feeling. My mind was still troubled. It was the Easter season. I resorted to meditating on why Jesus came to make the huge sacrifice.

On Sunday afternoon, the president of the fellowship I attended came to visit. He chatted about nothing in particular. I sensed he was aiming at something, mainly because he was asking a lot of questions about my mother. My answers must have made him believe I had an idea she was gone because he took his talk further by singing and in the song he twisted some of the words to ask, "how do you mourn?" I replied; “I mourn in the spirit,” and then I caught myself and asked, what had happened to my mother. He answered and said she had gone to be with The Lord.

I was numb for several days. You see, my last conversation with my mama was her telling me she felt it was time for her to relax and enjoy the fruit of her labour, but she feared her blood pressure issues had other plans.

I rebuked her and even quoted Isaiah saying, ‘you will not plant and another harvest’ (my paraphrase). She did not reply me.

My point, twenty-six years ago, on the 22nd of April 1994, Maami, Josephine Omenogor Ndego left us to join the triumphant saints.

I miss her, remember every day. I sign her name daily before I can access my files. It's my way of keeping her in front of me.

I remember her drive, her ruggedness, her faith and above all, her love.

As I write this, I am very emotional. My mother was an incredible woman. With very little, she produced a lot.

She had tremendous insight and saw through people very easily. She was strong and tender at the same time. Her faith in God was total and daring.

Maami, I salute you. You are a rare mother, indeed.

Thank you for your sacrifice, and thank you for teaching me to hold my head up high no matter what.

amazon.com/anneajadi

anneajadinspirations.com

Instagram/arnajadi

Twitter/arnajadi

Facebook/anneajadi

Youtube/anneajadi

BOOKS BY Anne Ajadi:

YOU WILL MARRY WELL

GODS LADY IN WAITING

WALK WITH ME IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF JESUS

STRENGTH FOR THE JOURNEY

HEART MATTERS, LIFE MATTERS

Light, Light And More Light!!!

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. God called the light “day,” and the darkness he called “night.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day. And God said, “Let there be a vault between the waters to separate water from water.” So God made the vault and separated the water under the vault from the water above it. And it was so. God called the vault “sky.”… And God said, “Let there be lights in the vault of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark sacred times, and days and years, and let them be lights in the vault of the sky to give light on the earth.” And it was so. God made two great lights—the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night. He also made the stars. God set them in the vault of the sky to give light on the earth, to govern the day and the night, and to separate light from darkness. And God saw that it was good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the fourth day. (Genesis 1:1-19)

The sun has one kind of splendour, the moon another and the stars another; and star differs from star in splendour. (1 Corinthians 15:41)

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)

It was a Friday night, and I had a vigil to attend, and I was to bring the word at the meeting. As I drove up to the premises, my phone rang, and it was my friend calling from North America. There was no way of imagining the light Samuda sparked inside me that night. I decided to sit in the car to talk to her since it was a long-distance call, and I did not want to be distracted. It was 1.00 am my time and 7.00 pm at her end. I asked God to give me a word as I did not want to be without His counsel. Samuda and I talked for over an hour and just when I was about to end the conversation, she said: “You know, I have wanted to share this with you”. The alarm in my spirit went off!

She took me to the Book of Genesis, and we looked through the story of Creation; the chronicling of the events that began the earth and how they concerned us. After the quick study and it all came together for me.

Below are my gleanings:

* • The story of Creation began with God as the Creator. Conversely, whatever I am trying to create, I must put God first.

* • God saw through the formlessness, the darkness and the void; I must see through whatever looks like that in my own life.

* • The first thing God created was light. Creation must begin with a vision and then be followed with a mission.

The fact that God created light before any other thing intrigued me in no small measure. My question was: what did the light look like? How do you divide light?

By the time we got to the fourth day of Creation, there were two great lights. My interest in them was that they were given rule – one over the day and the other over the night.

Here's the nugget, if it is night-time, I cannot ask the sun to rule and vice versa for daylight. There is a light for each season and time.

This thought was further amplified by the glories of the different lights as recounted in 1 Corinthians 15:41.

The sun has one kind of splendour, the moon another and the stars another; and star differs from star in splendour.

I gleaned that all the elements mentioned were sources of light. And they differed from one another in glory. For me to live a fulfilling life, I must deploy my specific light source.

We did have a fantastic time in God’s presence that night. It was a word we all needed, me Samuda and the brethren at the vigil.

Finally, Jesus advised, “… let your light so shine…” (Mathew 5:16a) ...