Surely He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our trangressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all. For when we were yet without strength , in due time Christ died for the ungodly. God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. For He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him. Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. The preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. We preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; But unto them are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God , and the wisdom of God. - Isaiah 53: 4-6; Romans 5:6,8 ; 2Corinthians 5:21 ; 1Peter1:18- 19; 1Corinthians 1:18, 23- 24.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Thursday, June 23, 2011
'Bolanle is Thinking Aloud Again.
In no particular order and or degree of importance ...
1. Please indulge me , I know you (some of you) care, but that you ask me nothing else but marriage and or its plans can really be boring! Please, I am not anti- marriage, but can it be more like you asking me about my health, my job, my walk with God, my finances. Something as little as enquiring about if I have eaten will be really appreciated...! I mean some other life shaping issues that one needs to get right before marriage and well, afterit! Phew!
2. That thing used for the protection of the head when on a bike is called helmet and not element . To think that it is a teacher who doesn't know this. Are we still wondering what it means when it's said that the standard of education has fallen?
Perphaps the dude driving this bike can safely call his own,''element'' lol!
3. Whenever someone tells you the lines,'' I love you more than I do myself'' or lines of the nature, run and don’t stop running till you are in a 'safe' zone! I mean how can anyone have the capability to do that when the only ability is to love others as yourself?! Again, I say, ''RUN''.
Keep running!
4. That the person to be feared is that one who constantly asks at each dose of life's vicissitudes,''why me?'' Pray tell, who he is expecting to be served his trouble?
Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof
Those of u(s) who go to cry with him should berra watch y(our) backs! That he thinks it is actually his call to determine when and how,why and who trouble(s) comes to is suspicious...hmmm. Since when did a mere mortal think it his place to determine? If you don't think this is a slap on God's sovereignty, then think again!
''Niger area''-The trouble started with the name!
5.In Chinua Achebe's The Trouble with Nigeria, he rightly submits '' Nothing in Nigeria's political history captures her problem of national integration more graphically than the chequered fortune of the word tribe in her vocabulary.Tribe has been accepted at one time as a friend, rejected as an enemy at another, and finally smuggled in through the back-door as an accomplice...Prejudice against ''outsiders'' or ''strangers'' is an attitude one finds everywhere. But no modern state can lend its support to such prejudice without undermining its own progress and civilization. America , which we copy when it suits us, should provide an excellent example to us in this connection: that although we may not be able to legislate prejudice and bigotry out of the hearts and minds of individual citizens, the state itself and all its institutions must not practice , endorse or condone such habits...''
I think Plumbline was right the other day when he submitted that,''Unfortunately, Nigeria is not as simple as Yoruba, Hausa and Igbo''. I am not entirely sure what his other sentiments are but it helps drive home the reality! The 'everyday' tribalistic bias really hurts! I mean... Please don’t get me started on this ‘think aloud’. But why this has succeeded in getting a dignified thought from me is because of the hypocrisy we display when foreigners serve us our own medicine! Who exactly are we deceiving? ...
The accuser is at fault, right?
6. That the society indeed dictates the pace most of us run with in this life!
This in itself is sad, but sadder is that it also dictates how we are to express our regrets, show our grievances and lick our sores! They (society) dictate how and how long an estranged lover has to mourn and or heal over the same lover the society probably forced on him, how the one who lost the 'well paying' job he took up to impress them, how she can walk 'comfy' in the high heels that clearly hurts...! Another addition to this dictation, is the patronising way the society addresses a 'marriageable' lady as Mrs. and ask her about her children even when she is CLEARLY single! It is this same society that asks a married woman why she doesn't have children after 5 years of marriage! Candidly, I see the society as a meddlesome nuisance! *Society women/ men, creme de la creme of the society, society wedding, societal values, society churches/ mosques ! * Phew! How I dislike all the 'name tags' by now! I recommend the Aesop's Fables titled, ''The Man, the Boy, and the Donkey'' to those of us who are just too concerned about what others will say!
7. I understand the complexity of the English Language and how it can be challenging at times to convey thoughts.
Signs and notices in a Tokyo Hotel: ''Is forbidden to steal hotel towels please. If you are not a person to do such a thing is please not to read notis.''. Talk about 'Lingua Fracas!' lol
It is no news that we as a people are subtly compelled to use it as a lingua franca. But it becomes really worrisome when a private primary school owner with a population of about 500 pupils, sends in a proposal for partnership with a publishing firm with the subject that read,''we humbled request for donation on prize - given day!'' Am wondering if writing it in the native language of that school proprietor would not have made a world of difference! :-)
8. Ok. At the risk of sounding jealous, I will 'think' this next one yet aloud! May I please ask that all those who have deemed it fit to extend invitations to me to 'church programmes' that have one valentine event or the other at the weekend should please cease from it! The smses are enough and the flyers too, phuless! ''I aint coming!'' I am just wondering when the church will stop struggling with the world in the bid to stay relevant! I think meddling with such ''world affairs'' is frivolous! Valentine isn't anywhere near one of those ceremonies that the church is called to celebrate! See, even the commercialisation of Christmas and Easter hasn't and will never take away the truth of their essence to christianity but valentine?! From whence cometh that?! Well, er... ahem... and the fact that red stuff becomes more expensive during this time!
Even the paper clip - just because it's red!
What is it sef gan?! :-P
9. I agree but sadly announce the alarming increase of 'christian sycophants' in my generation!
See, that we think our pastors are infallible and then take all they say in even when it is clearly contrary to the bible, is indeed heart breaking. If these ''touch nots'' can be secured enough to teach the flock accurately, am sure we will reduce the annoying obsequious manner of we'll! These days, thank goodness for social networks, we can vent to the mockery of ourselves, what our church leaders have erroneously taught us and still think we are on track! Lord have mercy indeed! Please don't get me wrong, I respect church leadership and God clearly put that in place but .. Some one said it may be God's punishment on those of us who will not read our bibles! Having said that, I look forward to when we will be taught more seriously on the intergrity of God's word alongside its being no respecter of persons! *In all of these and more, Maranatha!*
10. Ladies, this thought is for us. I trust we will be guided accordingly:
'' But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. Now as Jannes and Jambres resisted Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, disapproved concerning the faith; but they will progress no further, for their folly will be manifest to all, as theirs also was.'' 2 Timothy 3 : 1-9.
So, when we are tempted and ultimately lured , it is strongly likely because we are haters of the truth! Am sure the person who 'invented' the saying, '' women appreciate being lied to'' isnt wrong afterwards! Hear me closely, ma'ams, ''wisdom calls aloud in the street, she raises her voice in the public squares''... SELAH!
Not all frogs turn to the prince!
...My brothers, take caution too!
11. That the hypocrisy of this present government is pretty unbearable for me. How can anyone convince me that he who said zoning isn't allowed is the same one who came into power through the same means? Who can pacify me and tell that it's not the sheer desire to buy 'cheap' popularity and appeal to the senses of ''non deep thinkers'' that while many killings and maimings of innocent and helpless people in some parts of Nigeria is been given little or no attention , some were evacuated from Egypt! Is it just me that thinks something is amiss? I wonder if the ones back home who have died and are still dying are foreigners!
Jos!
I think that the guy who handles the fellow's FB page does a better job than when we hear the 'real' one speak on TV! That if we then say, speaking aint a thing but doing is the real deal, pray tell, ''what has changed by now?'' How I wish we can think again before we punch the 'like button' on his statuses and make comments that don't tell it as it is! Or, are we paid to...? Hmmm... My apolitical side says to stop here!
12. I have also been thinking how that in my earnest desire and ''near anger'' to see changes in these areas and more, I am quickly guided by the word of God in James 1:20 ,''for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God'' Hence, am humbled and I can only just trust God to fight His battles and my raging thoughts!
Omobolanle.
11022011
1. Please indulge me , I know you (some of you) care, but that you ask me nothing else but marriage and or its plans can really be boring! Please, I am not anti- marriage, but can it be more like you asking me about my health, my job, my walk with God, my finances. Something as little as enquiring about if I have eaten will be really appreciated...! I mean some other life shaping issues that one needs to get right before marriage and well, afterit! Phew!
2. That thing used for the protection of the head when on a bike is called helmet and not element . To think that it is a teacher who doesn't know this. Are we still wondering what it means when it's said that the standard of education has fallen?
Perphaps the dude driving this bike can safely call his own,''element'' lol!
3. Whenever someone tells you the lines,'' I love you more than I do myself'' or lines of the nature, run and don’t stop running till you are in a 'safe' zone! I mean how can anyone have the capability to do that when the only ability is to love others as yourself?! Again, I say, ''RUN''.
Keep running!
4. That the person to be feared is that one who constantly asks at each dose of life's vicissitudes,''why me?'' Pray tell, who he is expecting to be served his trouble?
Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof
Those of u(s) who go to cry with him should berra watch y(our) backs! That he thinks it is actually his call to determine when and how,why and who trouble(s) comes to is suspicious...hmmm. Since when did a mere mortal think it his place to determine? If you don't think this is a slap on God's sovereignty, then think again!
''Niger area''-The trouble started with the name!
5.In Chinua Achebe's The Trouble with Nigeria, he rightly submits '' Nothing in Nigeria's political history captures her problem of national integration more graphically than the chequered fortune of the word tribe in her vocabulary.Tribe has been accepted at one time as a friend, rejected as an enemy at another, and finally smuggled in through the back-door as an accomplice...Prejudice against ''outsiders'' or ''strangers'' is an attitude one finds everywhere. But no modern state can lend its support to such prejudice without undermining its own progress and civilization. America , which we copy when it suits us, should provide an excellent example to us in this connection: that although we may not be able to legislate prejudice and bigotry out of the hearts and minds of individual citizens, the state itself and all its institutions must not practice , endorse or condone such habits...''
I think Plumbline was right the other day when he submitted that,''Unfortunately, Nigeria is not as simple as Yoruba, Hausa and Igbo''. I am not entirely sure what his other sentiments are but it helps drive home the reality! The 'everyday' tribalistic bias really hurts! I mean... Please don’t get me started on this ‘think aloud’. But why this has succeeded in getting a dignified thought from me is because of the hypocrisy we display when foreigners serve us our own medicine! Who exactly are we deceiving? ...
The accuser is at fault, right?
6. That the society indeed dictates the pace most of us run with in this life!
This in itself is sad, but sadder is that it also dictates how we are to express our regrets, show our grievances and lick our sores! They (society) dictate how and how long an estranged lover has to mourn and or heal over the same lover the society probably forced on him, how the one who lost the 'well paying' job he took up to impress them, how she can walk 'comfy' in the high heels that clearly hurts...! Another addition to this dictation, is the patronising way the society addresses a 'marriageable' lady as Mrs. and ask her about her children even when she is CLEARLY single! It is this same society that asks a married woman why she doesn't have children after 5 years of marriage! Candidly, I see the society as a meddlesome nuisance! *Society women/ men, creme de la creme of the society, society wedding, societal values, society churches/ mosques ! * Phew! How I dislike all the 'name tags' by now! I recommend the Aesop's Fables titled, ''The Man, the Boy, and the Donkey'' to those of us who are just too concerned about what others will say!
7. I understand the complexity of the English Language and how it can be challenging at times to convey thoughts.
Signs and notices in a Tokyo Hotel: ''Is forbidden to steal hotel towels please. If you are not a person to do such a thing is please not to read notis.''. Talk about 'Lingua Fracas!' lol
It is no news that we as a people are subtly compelled to use it as a lingua franca. But it becomes really worrisome when a private primary school owner with a population of about 500 pupils, sends in a proposal for partnership with a publishing firm with the subject that read,''we humbled request for donation on prize - given day!'' Am wondering if writing it in the native language of that school proprietor would not have made a world of difference! :-)
8. Ok. At the risk of sounding jealous, I will 'think' this next one yet aloud! May I please ask that all those who have deemed it fit to extend invitations to me to 'church programmes' that have one valentine event or the other at the weekend should please cease from it! The smses are enough and the flyers too, phuless! ''I aint coming!'' I am just wondering when the church will stop struggling with the world in the bid to stay relevant! I think meddling with such ''world affairs'' is frivolous! Valentine isn't anywhere near one of those ceremonies that the church is called to celebrate! See, even the commercialisation of Christmas and Easter hasn't and will never take away the truth of their essence to christianity but valentine?! From whence cometh that?! Well, er... ahem... and the fact that red stuff becomes more expensive during this time!
Even the paper clip - just because it's red!
What is it sef gan?! :-P
9. I agree but sadly announce the alarming increase of 'christian sycophants' in my generation!
See, that we think our pastors are infallible and then take all they say in even when it is clearly contrary to the bible, is indeed heart breaking. If these ''touch nots'' can be secured enough to teach the flock accurately, am sure we will reduce the annoying obsequious manner of we'll! These days, thank goodness for social networks, we can vent to the mockery of ourselves, what our church leaders have erroneously taught us and still think we are on track! Lord have mercy indeed! Please don't get me wrong, I respect church leadership and God clearly put that in place but .. Some one said it may be God's punishment on those of us who will not read our bibles! Having said that, I look forward to when we will be taught more seriously on the intergrity of God's word alongside its being no respecter of persons! *In all of these and more, Maranatha!*
10. Ladies, this thought is for us. I trust we will be guided accordingly:
'' But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. Now as Jannes and Jambres resisted Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, disapproved concerning the faith; but they will progress no further, for their folly will be manifest to all, as theirs also was.'' 2 Timothy 3 : 1-9.
So, when we are tempted and ultimately lured , it is strongly likely because we are haters of the truth! Am sure the person who 'invented' the saying, '' women appreciate being lied to'' isnt wrong afterwards! Hear me closely, ma'ams, ''wisdom calls aloud in the street, she raises her voice in the public squares''... SELAH!
Not all frogs turn to the prince!
...My brothers, take caution too!
11. That the hypocrisy of this present government is pretty unbearable for me. How can anyone convince me that he who said zoning isn't allowed is the same one who came into power through the same means? Who can pacify me and tell that it's not the sheer desire to buy 'cheap' popularity and appeal to the senses of ''non deep thinkers'' that while many killings and maimings of innocent and helpless people in some parts of Nigeria is been given little or no attention , some were evacuated from Egypt! Is it just me that thinks something is amiss? I wonder if the ones back home who have died and are still dying are foreigners!
Jos!
I think that the guy who handles the fellow's FB page does a better job than when we hear the 'real' one speak on TV! That if we then say, speaking aint a thing but doing is the real deal, pray tell, ''what has changed by now?'' How I wish we can think again before we punch the 'like button' on his statuses and make comments that don't tell it as it is! Or, are we paid to...? Hmmm... My apolitical side says to stop here!
12. I have also been thinking how that in my earnest desire and ''near anger'' to see changes in these areas and more, I am quickly guided by the word of God in James 1:20 ,''for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God'' Hence, am humbled and I can only just trust God to fight His battles and my raging thoughts!
Omobolanle.
11022011
Another Learning Year!!
My 28th birthday 'tale'. lol...
This year, I have asked myself honestly, 'why another lease of life?’' Attempting to answer that may be pretending to know it all, so I won’t dwell on it.
Distinguished friends, it's my birthday and I write...This has been another learning year for me: Please permit me to share a few:
* This year, unlike 50 cent who is godfather to a rhinoceros?! Because they were both shot nine times and survived, I, on the other hand, nearly became godmother to a goat because I kept going to a particular trouble zone! But thank goodness, the Good Shepherd got me recruited back into His divine sheepfold! Amen!
Moral: Stay in God and with God! Some of the troubles we face are self inflicted! Selah.
* This year, I learnt that you have got to be careful what you ask God for. Sometimes, it could be your worst nightmare that you are fussing over! And if He isn’t giving you that which you consider ‘good’ for you , it is only because of either two things:
-It isn’t yours and so, you won’t get it!
-God is getting you something better after you have learnt to wait on Him when He’s ready and don't ever think it’s about you and or when you want it!
Moral: God knows and wants the best for you, He is in charge of your life and hence, He won’t play games with it! Trust Him! Selah.
* This year, I learnt over and over again that my experiences no matter how PERSONAL I take them, can not nullify God’s word. In fact, the good experiences tell me of His sovereignty and yeah! The bad ones too! It’s all about Him!
Moral: Your experiences no matter what they are, or whose they are, can never nullify God’s word or who He is! Selah.
* This year, I knew my friends better and got to know the ones who were never one! This has made the job easier...
Moral: Appreciate the friends that will remain! After all, it isn’t about those who came, it is about those who never left your side! And er... do not ever take them for granted, because they have a choice! Selah.
This year, I made newer friends.
Moral: Old friends are diamonds. New ones? The gold is worth digging! Selah!
This year, I humbly acknowledge that it was a miracle still being here. Because, I have been on transit like never before! It is no surprise that my birthday found me yet outside dad’s apartment. Lord, am grateful for all the journeys.
Moral: Am not any better, any (more) righteous than those who lost theirs in transit! After all, two near death experiences tell me it was simply G R A C E! Selah!
This year, I have asked myself honestly, 'why another lease of life?’' Attempting to answer that may be pretending to know it all, so I won’t dwell on it.
Distinguished friends, it's my birthday and I write...This has been another learning year for me: Please permit me to share a few:
* This year, unlike 50 cent who is godfather to a rhinoceros?! Because they were both shot nine times and survived, I, on the other hand, nearly became godmother to a goat because I kept going to a particular trouble zone! But thank goodness, the Good Shepherd got me recruited back into His divine sheepfold! Amen!
Moral: Stay in God and with God! Some of the troubles we face are self inflicted! Selah.
* This year, I learnt that you have got to be careful what you ask God for. Sometimes, it could be your worst nightmare that you are fussing over! And if He isn’t giving you that which you consider ‘good’ for you , it is only because of either two things:
-It isn’t yours and so, you won’t get it!
-God is getting you something better after you have learnt to wait on Him when He’s ready and don't ever think it’s about you and or when you want it!
Moral: God knows and wants the best for you, He is in charge of your life and hence, He won’t play games with it! Trust Him! Selah.
* This year, I learnt over and over again that my experiences no matter how PERSONAL I take them, can not nullify God’s word. In fact, the good experiences tell me of His sovereignty and yeah! The bad ones too! It’s all about Him!
Moral: Your experiences no matter what they are, or whose they are, can never nullify God’s word or who He is! Selah.
* This year, I knew my friends better and got to know the ones who were never one! This has made the job easier...
Moral: Appreciate the friends that will remain! After all, it isn’t about those who came, it is about those who never left your side! And er... do not ever take them for granted, because they have a choice! Selah.
This year, I made newer friends.
Moral: Old friends are diamonds. New ones? The gold is worth digging! Selah!
This year, I humbly acknowledge that it was a miracle still being here. Because, I have been on transit like never before! It is no surprise that my birthday found me yet outside dad’s apartment. Lord, am grateful for all the journeys.
Moral: Am not any better, any (more) righteous than those who lost theirs in transit! After all, two near death experiences tell me it was simply G R A C E! Selah!