''For the first time I prayed out loud'' My God & I with Wale

FH: Tell us about you.

I'm a vibrant, energetic and young boy called Wale. A graduate of Crawford University, lover of Christ because I believe there is no-one like HIM.

FH: When did you give your life to Christ?

That was 2011, at a revival service in my school.

FH: What were the events that led up to making the decision?

Somethings just happen and you don't have explanation for them. Like the word said in Galatians 1:15 - called me by his grace. That was the time I had to surrender all to Him, commit my life to Him fully. The minister was preaching and it felt like it was for me, for the first time I PRAYED OUT LOUD.

FH:  What challenges have you experienced in your walk with God?

A lot, like backsliding, wanting to do those old habits. I use to go out drinking alcohol with my friends before salvation, afterwards, you look weird to them like 'is this guy alright'.

FH: What practical steps did you take to deal with them? 

I was weak then, I lacked orientation let me say; I had no mentor - I felt it was just about living a good life, having good habit basically it was like rule of morality for me. So, it wasn't helping but I had an encounter with a friend who understands walking with God. Now, I deal with them by reading the word, meditating on it. David said my heart is fixed and I'll sing praises to God. I had to be in love with God to be able to fight it. - walking in love.

FH: There are times in our walk where we don't exactly feel top notch, what keeps you going in those times? 

I'm a lover of music, well, have learnt a lot in my walk with God, most especially when you meet people of like mind. The scripture says 'so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend' (Proverbs 27:7) also in Hebrews 3:13, it says 'but exhort one another daily.' I have just gospel music in my archive and not just anyhow gospel music like the owambe type, I listen to those anointed ones that will keep me going like Nathaniel Bassey, Frank Edward, Wale Adenuga, Jesus Culture, Darlene etc
I also listen to messages on the go like Hagin, Kenyon, Adeboye etc, they just get me going.


FH: Alot of Christians out there have the major challenge of dealing with Sin, whats your take on this? and how do you think we can overcome sin?

One of my fav quote in the bible is Romans 12:1-2 "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." As well as Matthew 5:48 "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect"

These quotes serve has my guide in not to sin, also Jesus said "if you love ME then keep my commandments." We claim to love HIM then we should hate sin.

FH: Can you share the most remarkable time/season in your walk with God?

It's this year, I'm enjoying it so much due to the fact that I'm understanding my walk now.

FH: What is your relationship with God like today?

I can't describe it, it's awesome I'll say, I won't want to trade it for anything. I love HIM!

FH: Words of encouragement that you have for people in whatever phase they are in right now? 

Just think of HIS goodness over your life. God said is our shield and great exceeding reward (Gen 15:1)
Lay it at His feet any burden that you may have, just cast all to HIM and relax. Bro Hagin said 'every God's blessings comes with a condition' and that is we must obey HIM!

Wale is a lover of Christ and a thinker. He blogs at 

www.dieulavie.blogspot.com

Do check him out!

God bless you.

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9 Months later and she walks without support!!!!!!

Hi Everyone,

Remember when I asked to help say Thank you to my parents? I do appreciate that and I won't forget all the kind words. Welllllll 

It was because of my sister's accident at the time and today after visiting the hospital the doctor collected the stick!!! 

She went from crutches to walking stick in the process of the 9 months healing. I AM SO EXCITED!!! 

Now, no more special treatment!! :p :p 

Grateful to God for perfecting her healing. It's been one exciting journey and I especially LOVED her attitude during this period, all being positive through it. 

God bless you Toyo!!
Thank you Lord!!!

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''Was very doubtful I was going to get admitted into school'' My God & I with Temilade

FH: Tell us about you.

My name is Temilade Adefioye, most people call me Temi or Temmy. I'm currently doing my Masters program, I love to read, write, cycle and swim. Most people say I'm a very lovely person and I agree with that 

FH: When did you give your life to Christ?

I gave my life to Christ on September 11, 2000 (not 2011 of the 9/11 saga) 

FH: What were the events that led up to making the decision?

I was a normal teenager in search of a life of love and comfort but at the same time very inquisitive about religion and God. I was attending a church that preached so much about pleasing God and going to heaven. The preaching about the rapture and the second coming scared me a lot and I didn't want to be left behind, the only way out was to give my life to Christ, so I did. 

After then, I just continued living life normally without seeking a deeper relationship with God until I got to a point where I wasn't sure if I was truly born-again. I was attending church services with one of my family friends and on our way to church one day, I told her I wasn't sure if I was born-again, she asked me some basic questions, my answers convinced me that I was and so I sought to have a deeper relationship with God (I wanted to be like Aimee Semple McPherson ) .

FH: What challenges have you experienced in your walk with God?

I have experienced so many challenges in my walk with God. I have experienced situations such as the death of a cousin who I looked up to which made me question the existence of God. I've had to deal with joblessness, frustration and an accident with left me with some scars which made me question the love of God in my life, I have also had to deal with doubts and fears especially with my finance, career, marriage and future.

FH: What practical steps did you take to deal with them? 

With each situation I face, God surrounds me with very good friends, not just good people, but good Christians friends who provide me with support such as prayers and words of comfort. God uses them so many times to direct me to Bible passages and similar situations in their lives they have experienced and came out strong. In addition to my friends, I make it a point of duty to read Christian and inspirational books and listen to gospel music.

So the steps I take in summary-Reading the Bible, surrounding myself with positive people, reading Christian books, listening to gospel music. 

FH: There are times in our walk where we don't exactly feel top notch, what keeps you going in those times? 

I find that most times when I'm really down and absolutely clueless even about what Bible verse to read and which friend to talk to, a song I have listened to in the past begins to play in my head. I think this is the Holy Spirit's way of comforting me. If there are no songs in my head, then what comes to mind could be Bible passages, portions in a book I have read or parts of a conversation I had with someone in the past. 

FH: Alot of Christians out there have the major challenge of dealing with Sin, whats your take on this? and how do you think we can overcome sin?

I think if you don't have a sin, temptation or something negative to deal with, then maybe you have ignored God so much that you don't have that Spirit check any more. Sometimes, it may not be sin you have to deal with, it could be anxiety or doubt. At every point, there is always something to deal with. It may not be very easy, but the only way we can overcome sin is by asking for the help of God promptly. There are times when I've been tempted to do things my way and it has never resulted in any good, but that doesn't mean I will not do it next time, it just means I'm human and I really need the help of God. 

FH: Can you share the most remarkable time/season in your walk with God?

The most remarkable time in my walk with God was when I got admission into the university for my undergraduate course. It was at a time when it was very difficult to get admission into the university in Nigeria, when it was a matter of who you knew. It became particularly difficult for me when I began to learn that most of my mates from secondary school were in their third year in the university and my younger sister was also about finishing secondary school. I could not imagine why I couldn't get into the university because I came out with very good grades in my Secondary certificate examinations. 

It affected me so much that I always got into trouble at home because myself-esteem was going down the hill. I was having a conversation with one of my family friends and she told me about her school, I applied but was very doubtful I was going to get admitted because there was age limit on admission. I was really shocked to find out that as young as I was, I was becoming too old to get into a private school. I prayed about it and God's specific words to me were 'I will restore the years that the locust and the canker worms have eaten' (Joel 2:25-27). At first, I was very doubtful but I got the admission and each step of the way throughout the course, God was with me, for every tough time I faced, there was a word just there to guide and comfort me. At the end of my undergraduate degree, the only thing I could say was that 'He did repay me back!'

FH: What is your relationship with God like today?

My relationship with God today is very wonderful. Though there are times when I still have my lows feel I'm loosing it. With each passing day however, His mercies are renewed to me

FH: Words of encouragement that you have for people in whatever phase they are in right now? 

A number of Bible verses really keep me going these days, I like to link them with each other because I feel they touch every aspect of my life.

When I'm in trouble - Your troubles will go away like water beneath a bridge, and your darkest night will be brighter than noon. You will rest safe and secure, filled with hope and emptied of worry. You will sleep without fear and be greatly respected (Job 11:16-19-Contemporary English Version)

When I'm in doubt - Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away- Mark 13:31 

When my doubt is getting out of hand - O Lord, you are true to your promises and your words a like silver, purified seven times in a furnace of clay (Psalm12:6-I can't remember the Bible version)

When I doubt God's existence - The fool in his heart says 'There is no God' (Psalm 14:1a-NIV)

I think those are the things that bother me most, when I'm faced with troubles, I remember the first passage and then when I doubt the first passage, I remember the second, when I doubt the second, I remember the third, I get to the peak of my doubt when I doubt God's existence, then I remember the fourth and my strength is renewed.

Temilade is a simple, fun loving, not perfect in any way person. she loves to gist, loves her friends, loves her family, currently loving swimming, but most importantly, she loves God and loves Him more each day. She is not a random person found just about everywhere; she is unique, special and apt for God's purpose. As each day unfolds, God helps her discover who she is in Him as she evolves into who He wants her to be in Him. She knows why she is here on earth-she was created for God's glory, so all the glory returns to God, thank you for making her who she is!

She blogs at: http://temiladeadefioye.blogspot.com/


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Dear 18-year-old-me

Hey Girl,

I see you just turned 18 and I know you are uber-excited. Mummy Bankole will call you today and tell you these words ''You're 18 now, you've become responsible'' and she means it but something she missed out is  responsibility is not imputed to you because of your age, you have to learn to be it. Don't brush it off, own it and learn to be responsible.

Look at you all innocent, Its cute and all but I need you to quit being innocent this has gotten you in trouble and from the look of things will get you into more trouble. I'm not trying to be hard on you, let me explain what I mean. I know you are intelligent, but I need you to be sharp and stop being oblivious and really take responsibilty for your life. Not everyone has your best intentions at heart. Stop assuming everyone does.

In the same light(but may sound contradictory) do not lose your trust in people, balance is key. Balance it out. Wisdom is profitable to direct.
I know right now you are battling with low self esteem because nobody exactly believes in you but let me tell you one thing you are smart and in about a year from now you will have every reason to doubt what you've believed about yourself for most of your teenage years. Its not going to be an easy phase for you but you need to start believing in yourself for yourself. Get ready.

I know you hold alot of resentment against your parents right now for not believing in you, for sending you to that school without their proper research about it and the other little things that lead you here but I promise it will get better, you will get better. Forgive. Really Forgive, because you are just hurting yourself by holding that much toxic stuff inside and its beginning to make you bitter. Let it go because when you finally do some years from now, you will wonder why you didn't earlier.

Do.not.date.boys. DONT! and shun those ones that don't even what to define what they want from you, really. This piece of advice is not for now, keep it in your left palm you will need it in a few years. Trust me.

I know you go to church on Sunday and you believe in Jesus but I need you to stop being lukwarm about it, its more that what mummy says or what you should do to not go to hell, God wants a relationship with you. God shouldn't be a part of your life, your life should be centred around him and your life will be better for it, contrary to what you think right now the 'SU' is not an extreme, its the life. little hint, You will live like one soon! oh yes, without earring and trousers.

I see you forbidding it. Lol. best believe girl!

Finally, I love you very much. These are some of the things I wish you knew about in this phase of your life but I am grateful. Grateful for you, grateful to you for who I am now. Thank you for being too innocent to a fault, Thank you for all your flaws, thank you for the ignorant mistakes you made and thank you for being focused and firm with your dreams.

Every step, every misstep, every decision you made and the ones you didn't make led me here. Exactly where God has me today. Thank you.

Thank God.
Cheers to the future!

24!

Ever think of writing a letter to your old self? What advice will you give your younger self?
***

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¨Its spiritual doesn’t make it less painful'' Introducing: My God & I

Hello people,

I have been working with African Naturalistas for a while and running an Interview column called mane matters and i've watched how its been helpful and encouraging other people on their natural hair journey. I then decided to replicate it here for our walk with God after all that's what's most important. I have a couple of responses already that I will post over the next weeks and hopefully you are encouraged to share yours.

Here is my story; 

I was born into a Christian home and for as long as I remember I have always gone to church. Children’s church, teenagers then adult church… gone through all the Sunday school classes till I became a member of the church and that was it. I remember thinking to myself ¨So, What next?¨

Routines.

Instructions.

you-must-do-this-rules.

I mean, I didn’t want to go to hell. It’s a horrible place to go to. God, religion and Sunday was a part of my life, nothing more. I didn’t even understand it and looking backI wonder how/why alot of things flew over my head.

Reading the Bible? Struggle.

It was boring and I always fell asleep or just forgot.

Praying? Great chore. Morning devotion was enough.

Then 2012 happened.

I must say this, there is a God-sized hole in every heart whether we fail to admit or not. Its there.

I was in Niger state, lonely, depressed (I wrote somethings on here at the time) and after having suicidal thoughts I knew that was the height.

I started reading the book purpose driven life and followed it for the 40days which propelled me into Gods waiting arms

He had been waiting for me.

I also bought a Bible and my journey started. It was a real radical change, I knew I was broken and only God could fix/heal me with all my sins, my bad attitude, emotional baggage, unforgiveness etc. I took major steps with the help of the holy spirit and walked through those times.

I cried.

I cried alot.

I cried so much.

He specialises in unearthing the deep ugliness inside of you not to show you how ugly you are but to let you see how much beauty HE can bring out of that ugliness.

And boy! The Lord did unearth. I don’t know how long you've been reading my blog but I’m sure you will notice through every hard lesson the Lord has passed me through.

Change? Growth? Painful. Just because its spiritual doesn’t make it less painful.

Who says walking with the Lord is easy? But it is worth it. 

Its been over 2 years since I accepted Christ life and started to find my foot in HIS by following in the steps he left behind.

Do I still fall asleep when I read the Bible? Sometimes

Do I still struggle with prayer? Yes

Do I get shy when I want to share my faith with someone?  Yes

But just like a child learning to walk, every time I fall (short) HE is there to support me and help me up.

¨Remain in Me, and I in you. Just as a branch is unable to produce fruit by itself unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in Me¨ John 15:5

 I am not perfect but abiding in Christ, I am walking to perfection. I understand that living the life of Christ in this world that is anti-Christ is not going to be easy but as long as I abide in him, I will be fine. Always.

Are you willing to share about your walk with the Lord? Shoot me an email tomi.akibo@gmail.com

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Dead men walking

Hello Everyone,

How is your weekend going? :) 

One thing i'm beginning to notice is the Irony that exists in following Jesus. 

I've been attending membership class for my not-so-new-church for the last 3 weeks and we treated salvation in one of the classes and it was a major paradigm shift for me. 

We keep saying ¨I gave my life to Christ¨ so much that it doesn't hold water anymore, but that isn't even what I'm dwelling on right now, but the fact that logically, spiritually, scientifically, materially, financially and every -ally. It is not possible. 

Why? 

We are dead! ¨But God did say, 'You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die¨ Genesis 3:3 

And God meant it. 

That day Adam died. and upon arrival on the earth, We die too. 

Death, it was in the Genes. 

but then.... *Ghen ghen* 

Isaiah 53 New International Version (NIV)

53 Who has believed our message
    and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?
2 He grew up before him like a tender shoot,
    and like a root out of dry ground.
He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him,
    nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.
3 He was despised and rejected by mankind,
    a man of suffering, and familiar with pain.
Like one from whom people hide their faces
    he was despised, and we held him in low esteem.

4 Surely he took up our pain
    and bore our suffering,
yet we considered him punished by God,
    stricken by him, and afflicted.
5 But he was pierced for our transgressions,
    he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was on him,
    and by his wounds we are healed.
6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray,
    each of us has turned to our own way;
and the Lord has laid on him
    the iniquity of us all.

7 He was oppressed and afflicted,
    yet he did not open his mouth;
he was led like a lamb to the slaughter,
    and as a sheep before its shearers is silent,
    so he did not open his mouth.
8 By oppression[a] and judgment he was taken away.
    Yet who of his generation protested?
For he was cut off from the land of the living;
    for the transgression of my people he was punished.[b]
9 He was assigned a grave with the wicked,
    and with the rich in his death,
though he had done no violence,
    nor was any deceit in his mouth.

10 Yet it was the Lord’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer,
    and though the Lord makes[c] his life an offering for sin,
he will see his offspring and prolong his days,
    and the will of the Lord will prosper in his hand.
11 After he has suffered,
    he will see the light of life[d] and be satisfied[e];
by his knowledge[f] my righteous servant will justify many,
    and he will bear their iniquities.
12 Therefore I will give him a portion among the great,[g]
    and he will divide the spoils with the strong,[h]
because he poured out his life unto death,
    and was numbered with the transgressors.
For he bore the sin of many,
    and made intercession for the transgressors.

JESUS!! 

He gave his life for us. We don't give our life to him, technically, we had none. 

We accept HIS. 

Its the acceptance of salvation. 

We then go ahead and live our lives for HIM, the one who gave himself for us. 

Here is a poem I loved and is line with this by Preston and Jackie Hill Perry of P4cm ¨The Fall'' 

Enjoy! 

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