Walk With Me #Deararn.

Abram knew what it meant to wait. He was promised a child at 75. The child did not happen until 25 years later. In the process, Abram became old, made mistakes and just as he resigned himself, God made an appearance. Unbelievable! Laughable, yes, Sarah laughed. The long silence, broken, Abram became Abraham and Isaac came into the picture. Note the sequence, first a change of name/nature, then the promise personified.

When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him and said, “I am God Almighty; walk before me faithfully and be blameless. Then I will make my covenant between me and you and will greatly increase your numbers.” Abram fell facedown, and God said to him, “As for me, this is my covenant with you: You will be the father of many nations. No longer will you be called Abram; your name will be Abraham, for I have made you a father of many nations. I will make you very fruitful; I will make nations of you, and kings will come from you. I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you for the generations to come, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you. The whole land of Canaan, where you now reside as a foreigner, I will give as an everlasting possession to you and your descendants after you; and I will be their God.” Then God said to Abraham, “As for you, you must keep my covenant, you and your descendants after you for the generations to come. This is my covenant with you and your descendants after you, the covenant you are to keep: Every male among you shall be circumcised. (Genesis 17:1-10)

Elizabeth and Zacharias were old. They were both God’s people, from priests’ lineage and were Godly. They were faithful and childless. Days ran into weeks, weeks into months and months into years. They resigned themselves so much so that when the angel showed up Zacharias, the priest could not believe (Luke 1:5-25).

Can you relate? Have you had to wait for anything? Does it feel like heaven is silent? Are you feeling like God is ignoring you? Do you know the frustration of running against the clock? Do you feel like your faith is being overstretched? How hard was it to wait? What do you do when you have done all you know to do?

Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends! (Philippians 4:1)

SERVICE, THE WAY UP FOR THE CHRISTIAN

Then the mother of James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Jesus with her sons. She knelt respectfully to ask a favor. “What is your request?” he asked.

She replied, “In your Kingdom, please let my two sons sit in places of honor next to you, one on your right and the other on your left.”

But Jesus answered by saying to them, “You don’t know what you are asking! Are you able to drink from the bitter cup of suffering I am about to drink?”

“Oh yes,” they replied, “we are able!”

Jesus told them, “You will indeed drink from my bitter cup. But I have no right to say who will sit on my right or my left. My Father has prepared those places for the ones he has chosen.”

When the ten other disciples heard what James and John had asked, they were indignant. But Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mathew 20:2-28

Life teaches us that the words a person speaks in their last days are to be taken seriously.

Jesus was already making his way to the reason He came to earth. To die on the cross of Calvary. He has been hinting to the disciples about his impending suffering and, ultimately, death. They would not hear of it. I mean, they had been with him for over three years and had been the wonder gang; to be told all that was about to end was not a welcome idea at all.

It is no wonder then that James and John decided to employ their mother to secure their spots in the kingdom that Jesus was king of.

After all, their reasoning was smart; they left their all, their family business to follow him; the least they could get out of their sacrifice was positions in the kingdom.

Jesus had to redirect their focus. The kingdom of God is not about positions. Not about acquisitions. It is about service, sacrifice. Laying down our lives so that others can live through us.

Besides, it is God, the father’s jurisdiction, to allot positions.

My dear friend, do you find yourself jostling for positions in your office, family or church?

Are you looking for power in high places? Know this; what you seek is found in the place of service. And whilst you are it, know that you will dring some sorrowful cups along your journey.

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YOU WILL MARRY WELL

GODS LADY IN WAITING

WALK WITH ME IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF JESUS

STRENGTH FOR THE JOURNEY

HEART MATTERS, LIFE MATTERS

Angels Come To Town

In Genesis 18, Abraham received some visitors. He decided to entertain them and found out they were angels. In Judges 13, an Angel visited a man and his wife. The Angels did not come empty, they left a blessing for the woman of the home.

Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?

(Hebrews 1:14)

At what point does the scale tilt in man's favour? What makes heaven respond to man's need? What makes an angelic visit a necessity? How do you qualify for a kiss from heaven? What do you do when an angel is your visitor? I dare say that we cannot presume to know in exact terms what makes for a heavenly despatch. We can only study the events that brought about an angelic visit to the people who have had such. Where else to go but the book of books?

Let us consider two scenarios.

We meet Abram in Genesis 12. He had to get out of his country. 'Follow the directions,' God had said, I will show you where I will give you as an inheritance. Let's pause a while and think about it. You hear a strange voice giving you instructions that don't make sense and don't tell in exact terms where you are heading. Just follow. It will take guts to do that. Take one: Abram had guts.

By the time we get to Genesis 15, the opening thoughts to Abram were for him not to fear. He was encouraged not to give in and reassured the promise was still in place. Can we then safely say, he had cause to doubt and fear, but he chose to keep going? Take two: Abraham voiced his concerns and received encouragement to continue the journey.

He gave in to pressure in Genesis 16, telling us the journey was by no means easy. Take three: heroes also know the path of failure. By Genesis 17, he needed another pep talk. Consider that in all these, years were rolling by and hearts are full of wonder. Fine, he got reassured but really what made him agree that the whole deal was worth the try? Take four: Abraham had faith! Genesis 18, heaven decided to step into time. The promise got a set time. Who did the calculation?

All we know about Samson's parents is his father's name and their clan. We also learn that they understood spiritual matters. They knew to pray when they needed clarification, and God answered (God does not answer sinners). They knew to worship, and they understood the angel's instructions. I believe they were a covenant family, and they understood the terms. When their son asked to marry someone they disapproved, they raised their objections. Is that what qualified them? We do not know, but we can assume. Should we even be talking about qualification, should we not just stay with God knows?

For now, think about this, does your life need a visitor from heaven? Will an angelic visit sort it out for you? God sends them to you daily. Pay attention, and you will see them.

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Betrayal

How do you deal with betrayal? What do you do when your support system pulls the rug under your feet?

Jesus knew His disciples will buckle at the earliest sign of trouble. Yet He prayed for Peter, encouraged the other disciples, fed Judas, urged Judas on knowing he was about to sell him out. He knew Judas was a thief yet Jesus put him in charge of the treasury.

What to do, love the one who betrayed you, pray for them go above and beyond to do them good, look out for them, you may be the only expression of the Jesus they will ever see.

But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. Mathew 5:44

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YOU WILL MARRY WELL

GODS LADY IN WAITING

WALK WITH ME IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF JESUS

STRENGTH FOR THE JOURNEY

HEART MATTERS, LIFE MATTERS

THE SEED MUST DIE

Jesus was aware of His time. He knew the agenda, and though the path was hard and full of sorrow, He stuck to the plan. Do you have an idea of the reason for your being? What scene are you playing in the script? Jesus knew He would have to die so that man could live; what do you have to die to so life can come? Jesus knew that for a bountiful harvest to come, the lone seed must be planted. To live a full life, you must be willing to lose it; your care must be for things of eternal value. For your life to make real meaning, follow Jesus. He has been where you are trying to go. Let Him lead you.

Jesus replied, “Now the time has come for the Son of Man to enter into his glory. I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels—a plentiful harvest of new lives. Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity. Anyone who wants to serve me must follow me, because my servants must be where I am. And the Father will honor anyone who serves me.

“Now my soul is deeply troubled. Should I pray, ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But this is the very reason I came! Father, bring glory to your name.”

Then a voice spoke from heaven, saying, “I have already brought glory to my name, and I will do so again.” When the crowd heard the voice, some thought it was thunder, while others declared an angel had spoken to him.

Then Jesus told them, “The voice was for your benefit, not mine. The time for judging this world has come, when Satan, the ruler of this world, will be cast out. And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself.” He said this to indicate how he was going to die. John 13:23-33

.

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YOU WILL MARRY WELL

GODS LADY IN WAITING

WALK WITH ME IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF JESUS

STRENGTH FOR THE JOURNEY

HEART MATTERS, LIFE MATTERS

Once Upon An Easter

I have lived many Easter seasons. My early years in the choir and lay readers society, and my adult years as an intercessor and counsellor.

The years as a member of the choir and lay readers were all about singing Easter songs and reading about the passion of Christ.

Wait! As I write this, the word passion jumps at me. The thought of someone feeling so passionately about me to lay down his life so I could live, brings a lot of emotions back.

I specifically remember the song the Old Rugged Cross. The image the song paints keeps me sober. I love the lyrics, and I remember one of my mentors always rendering the same on Good Fridays.

The season of lent culminates on Easter Sunday or better still resurrection Sunday. But before we get that far, the Holy Week.

Holy Week celebrations for me began on Thursday when we had the last supper.

The story; Jesus sent some disciples ahead to prepare a place for him to have the last supper before his death.

Back up a bit, earlier, he sent them to the city to get a colt for him to ride.

The colt was tied, never been ridden, specially prepared for what nobody was privy to.

The instructions were, “go untie the colt, you would be questioned, and your answer should be, the Lord is in need, and the colt is on duty.”

Go with me in your mind, please. Imagine the colt was a human being. He had a sense of purpose, and every time he quizzed the master, he would be told wait.

After years of feeling ready, he resigned to being tied to one spot. His heart was right, but a bit confused.

His masters knew he was a good servant and were reserving him for the big mission, themselves unaware of when the big show would be.

The disciples whose duty was to untie the man/colt for his time of glory. What went on in their minds?

What were they conversing about on their way to the colt?

The owners of the colt: the parents, the pastors, the boss’s et al, what would their preoccupation be?

I mean they had always known that this was a special person and that he was a man on a mission just hadn't found the right assignment yet.

The rubber met the road; disciples untied the colt, Jesus rode the colt into Jerusalem, gave him value and, having fulfilled his mission, let him go.

The procession was well attended. The draperies were royal. The songs were for the king.

Finally, the colt/man found his mission, and Jesus found his vessel. Perfect joining, glorious outing. To what end? Ride majestically into town and then be dragged through the streets semi-naked and bloodied. I ask again, what can be worth such sacrifice? Tis your sin and mine. Just know this; if you are that colt, your time is coming. The master always finds use for prepared vessels.

As for you and me, the whole journey was for us. Jesus came, willingly submitted himself so we can be free.

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STRENGTH FOR THE JOURNEY

HEART MATTERS, LIFE MATTERS

The Servant Lord.

Dinner was set, and all made ready, time to eat, and the master requested a towel a washbasin. Naturally, hearts were curious. What again, they must have wondered. Their master's leadership; the style, characterised by twists and turns, surprises, and awe-inspiring moves. They became much better persons just hanging around him. Their ignorant life made full of clout and wisdom and power. They were boys to the henchman. How cool was that?

That day though, the water basin and towel move was a wonder. As the disciple sat down to watch, they saw him go on one knee. The master was bowing, for what and to whom?

Jesus stopped at the first disciple and demanded his dirty feet. "Stretch out your feet" was the order. Bewildered, he did as commanded. There was silence in the room. The eyes and body did the talking. What was he up to? What was he trying to say?

The Master grabbed the feet, dipped in the basin, and started to wash. The disciple, though bewildered, could not ask questions but had inner turmoil.

One after the other, feet were stretched for the master to clean.

Jesus got to Peter, and the disciple refused. The others may do not know what is right, nor the person of Jesus. He had earlier made it known that Jesus was Christ the anointed one. had they forgotten He came from heaven and was not their mate?

It was a privilege to be called to be His disciple. After all, a lot of fishers did not make it to their company.

He insisted he could not have his master serve him in such a derogatory way.

Jesus' response threw another spanner in the works. "If I do not clean your feet, you will not have your place in me."

Peter, the smart guy, went, "don't just clean my feet, wash the whole of my body, and let me have all of you."

Let us pause there a bit.

Jesus was trying to teach how to be a master. If you are so-called, you are to come down to the level of the people. To touch anyone's life, you have to reach their heart. You have to show you are humble enough to go the whole ten yards with them. You have to be willing to take the crap.

Peter wanted it all. He was that passionate, but Jesus replied, it was enough to have the token.

The message is clear enough without us going into religion.

Shall we take the second part of the service?

The table was set, and the master, ready to unlock the next mystery.

So he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”

Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.”

“No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.”

Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.”

“Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!” (John 13:4-9)

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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

The Colour Trouble…Seeing through Mary’s Eyes

MARY AND THE JOURNEY TO THE CROSS

Mary, young, impressionable with a promising future

An angelic visit, encounter changed the story, an announcement of favour and selection for once in a lifetime assignment of bringing forth the savior of the world.

Frightened but willing. She faces ridicule and shame and loneliness and heartache, controversy all attended her journey.

The messiah is dedicated and the prophecy is further pain. When does it end? At the cross? No, with you and I, heirs of salvation, harvest of Christ’s pain and Mary’s sorrow.

My dear friend, what special duty are you required to carry out? Do you find like Mary that you have to tread in untested waters? Are the promises of God showing up like trouble in their manifestation? Take heart beloved, Mary's assignment benefited mankind. Yours has in it the potential to do the same.

Jesus’ parents were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, the baby’s mother, “This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, and many others to rise. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him. As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul.”

Luke 2:33-35

Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home. John 19:25-27

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YOU WILL MARRY WELL

GODS LADY IN WAITING

WALK WITH ME IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF JESUS

STRENGTH FOR THE JOURNEY

HEART MATTERS, LIFE MATTERS

MOTHERS AND THE CROSS—Leave Her alone

Six days before the Passover celebration began, Jesus arrived in Bethany, the home of Lazarus—the man he had raised from the dead. A dinner was prepared in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, and Lazarus was among those who ate with him. Then Mary took a twelve-ounce jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard, and she anointed Jesus’ feet with it, wiping his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance.

But Judas Iscariot, the disciple who would soon betray him, said, “That perfume was worth a year’s wages. It should have been sold and the money given to the poor.” Not that he cared for the poor—he was a thief, and since he was in charge of the disciples’ money, he often stole some for himself.

Jesus replied, “Leave her alone. She did this in preparation for my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.” John 12: 1-7

Her story was that of one much forgiven, a grateful heart now determined to devote the rest of her days to the service of the master.

He brought her in when no one will regard her, so it was nothing for her to show her gratitude by anointing his feet with her treasure.

Have you ever found yourself being the butt of the criticism of those whose job it is to lead you in the path of recovery? Ever felt the indignation of folks who think your service is overboard?

My dear sister, I urge you to own your path; your story is leading somewhere great. Mary did not ask to be included in the Hall of Fame; she served her Master, the only one who saw through her pain and accepted her as she was.

Folks may misunderstand your actions or inactions as you go along your life journey. Stay focused, my dear friend. Your endorsement is from Him alone.

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God would have you know that your fast must be more than you currently make of it. Seek GOD with all your heart, no pretences. Clean up your spiritual and physical appearance. I do not care for facades and please don’t throw up your good deeds like they are some trump card.

Fasting is not your license to continue in your ways. Don’t exploit your workers, do right by others, loose the yokes of the oppressed, provide shelter for the homeless, lessen your neighbours load,. Bear his burdens and see God’s light brighten your path, see purpose make its way to you

Find guidance easy and find restoration and true wealth and real health. Find unending prosperity.

Make God your delight and find great honour.

Then will it be said that you have truly fasted.

Study Isaiah 58:1-14

“Shout with the voice of a trumpet blast.

Shout aloud! Don’t be timid.

Tell my people Israel of their sins!

Yet they act so pious!

They come to the Temple every day

and seem delighted to learn all about me.

They act like a righteous nation

that would never abandon the laws of its God.

They ask me to take action on their behalf,

pretending they want to be near me.

‘We have fasted before you!’ they say.

‘Why aren’t yo

u impressed?

We have been very hard on ourselves,

and you don’t even notice it!’

“I will tell you why!” I respond.

“It’s because you are fasting to please yourselves.

Even while you fast,

you keep oppressing your workers.

What good is fasting

when you keep on fighting and quarreling?

This kind of fasting

will never get you anywhere with me.

You humble yourselves

by going through the motions of penance,

bowing your heads

like reeds bending in the wind.

You dress in burlap

and cover yourselves with ashes.

Is this what you call fasting?

Do you really think this will please the LORD?

“No, this is the kind of fasting I want:

Free those who are wrongly imprisoned;

lighten the burden of those who work for you.

Let the oppressed go free,

and remove the chains that bind people.

Share your food with the hungry,

and give shelter to the homeless.

Give clothes to those who need them,

and do not hide from relatives who need your help.

“Then your salvation will come like the dawn,

and your wounds will quickly heal.

Your godliness will lead you forward,

and the glory of the LORD will protect you from behind.

Then when you call, the LORD will answer.

‘Yes, I am here,’ he will quickly reply.

“Remove the heavy yoke of oppression.

Stop pointing your finger and spreading vicious rumors!

Feed the hungry,

and help those in trouble.

Then your light will shine out from the darkness,

and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon.

The LORD will guide you continually,

giving you water when you are dry

and restoring your strength.

You will be like a well-watered garden,

like an ever-flowing spring.

Some of you will rebuild the deserted ruins of your cities.

Then you will be known as a rebuilder of walls

and a restorer of homes.

“Keep the Sabbath day holy.

Don’t pursue your own interests on that day,

but enjoy the Sabbath

and speak of it with delight as the LORD’s holy day.

Honor the Sabbath in everything you do on that day,

and don’t follow your own desires or talk idly.

Then the LORD will be your delight.

I will give you great honor

and satisfy you with the inheritance I promised to your ancestor Jacob.

I, the LORD, have spoken!”

Warnings against Sin

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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