Manna for the Soul

It’s so easy to praise God when we experience blessings, whatever forms they may take. The challenge for most Christians, however, is maintaining this attitude when the storms come. Storms of life, often unexpected, are realities faced by everyone, believers in Christ, and non-believers alike. Some storms of life may last only over a short period of time while others may prolong over one's lifetime. Despite the availability of several books claiming to have the blueprint for dealing with life's storms, the sad reality is that there is no easy way out of life's storms. You may be wondering, what are life's storms anyway? In Mark 4:35-38, we read:   Mark 4:35-41 KJV  And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side.  (36)  And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships.  (37)  And there arose a great storm of wind, and t...

" Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus ." (Philippians 3:13-14 KJV) I believe this scripture succinctly captures how I am entering 2019! If you are like me, you may have mixed feelings about how 2018 ends because some things must have gone well and others not as expected. But no matter how 2018 went for you, let's be reminded of Paul's words in the above scripture as we prepare to enter 2019. As is customary for me and my family, I always see the need to be at Church every Sunday, and more so on the last Sunday of the year. But on Sunday, December 30, 2018, there were at least three reasons why I felt the need to skip Church. First, and probably the most logical reason, I had a mysterious swollen right hallux (that is the big toe) and for which reason,...

“I am broken and helpless, and want to give up on life.” If this is you then I want you to know this: I hear you and I get it. I’ve been there and I’ve been close to doubting the very purpose of my life. If you are alive right now then hear me out, God never fails, so I want you to keep hope alive and wait for Him. Before I begin, let's read the scripture from Lamentations 3. Lam 3:18-26 KJV And I said, My strength and my hope is perished from the LORD:  (19)  Remembering mine affliction and my misery, the wormwood and the gall.  (20)  My soul hath them still in remembrance, and is humbled in me.  (21)  This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope.  (22)  It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.  (23)  They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.  (24)  The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.  (25)  The LORD is ...

How do you feel when you are acquainted with a person of influence and power? Your answer will probably be similar to many others who believe, it makes them feel "important". But what if I told you that the level of importance one feels by knowing a person of influence and power cannot be compared to that of knowing the Lord Jesus Christ. Let's read what the Apostle Paul says on this: "7  But whatever former things were gains to me [as I thought then], these things [once regarded as advancements in merit] I have come to consider as loss [absolutely worthless] for the sake of Christ [and the purpose which He has given my life]. 8  But more than that, I count everything as loss compared to the priceless privilege and supreme advantage of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord [and of growing more deeply and thoroughly acquainted with Him—a joy unequaled]. For His sake I have lost everything, and I consider it all garbage, so that I may gain Christ," Philippi...

Are you tired and weary? I hear God saying "lean on me". God wants you to bring all the hurts, pains, tears, burdens, worries, difficulties, and the cross you are bearing, and cast it all on Him. Jesus said he carried all these to the cross upon which he was crucified and so there is no reason whatsoever for you to continue bearing them. In Matthew 11:28-30 we read: "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  (29)  Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.  (30)  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30 KJV Whether you are a believer in Christ or not, you are not exempt from life struggles. Often times, in the midst of life difficulties we groan wishing those moments quickly pass by. For the believer, we have hope. As we read above, our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ says, " come unto me, ....and I will give you rest ". He d...

What do you consider to be your role as a Christian spouse, parent, sister/brother, child, etc. in the lives of your loved ones? If you are parent, I believe your response would be that your first responsibility is providing for the physical and/or emotional needs of your child. As much as you are busy caring for your child’s physical needs, remember there are also spiritual needs which are beyond your physical control, and that would require that you also stand in the gap for your child through prayers.  I want you to imagine for a second what it would look like if you fail to provide a roof over your family. Your family is likely going to be at the mercy of unexpected weather conditions and thugs, etc. Without shelter, the lives of your family members are definitely at high risk regardless of the time of the day. Even when we have shelter, we often have to deal with dangerous situations that threaten our lives and properties, so how much more when we are without s...

The last few weeks of 2017 has been rough for my family, both at the physical and spiritual levels. In a bid to unravel the root cause of one of the many issues I was dealing with, which seemed like a repetitive cycle, I prayed and asked God to reveal why I was facing this particular issue again. God seemed silent, and so I wondered if it was due to something I had done wrong. A scripture came to mind after spending time in prayer. But I couldn't recall where in the Bible to locate this scripture. What I remember was, " this affliction shall not resurrect a second tim e." Typically, I would google a phrase from what I recall to see if I could locate it. However, in this instance, I didn't think much about it. After worrying about the situation and about God's silence for a while, I decided to commit to fasting and prayer. During the wait on God, the scripture came once again, but this time, through a sermon. The sermon was one preached by the late Archbishop Bens...

Our inability to acknowledge His power and authority over mankind does not diminish His Sovereignty! He came to seek us out without us asking Him to do so. It is a choice we make whether to accept Him or not. But note, whether you believe it or not, ultimately, the choice we make regarding Him will end us in one of two places in eternity; either in the perfect paradise called heaven or in the terrible torments of hell. This Christmas season, I encourage you to allow Him to be born in your heart. It’s the best gift I can wish for you because I love you very much!!! He’s never failed me ever since I made the choice to accept Him. I introduce to you, the Savior of the world, the Messiah, the Son of God, the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ!!! O Lord, let your kingdom come!