Month: August 2020

“But anyone who examines this evidence will come to stake his life on this: that God himself is the truth.” John‬ ‭3:33‬ ‭

Hello, glad to come your way again. Today, we want to focus on the Bible’s integrity. The quote referring to this evidence has to do with Jesus’ testimony about who He is. That is the central theme and focus of the Bible.

Let us now look at the word integrity. It basically means wholeness. On a personal note, it means your thoughts, words, actions and deeds of your life are integrated or in alignment. When we talk about the integrity of the Bible, we are talking about the wholeness of it and its inerrancy- free from error.

As you examine the Bible, there is both external and internal evidence which conclusively verdicts the Bible as true. I will focus on these two factors.

External evidence- the Bible has been subjected to archaeological, historical and scientific evidence to verify its authenticity. For example, when it comes to archeological facts, we can talk about the discovery of the Ebla tablets in 1970s in Northern Syria. Documents written on clay tablets from around 2300 B.C. demonstrate that personal and place names in the Patriarchal accounts are genuine. “Canaan” was a name used in the Ebla which before was a subject of contention among critics dismissing it as mere legend. The tablets also refer to all “five cities of the plain” mentioned in Genesis 14 as true. History has proven the Bible to be accurate by the artifacts gathered in the British Museum in London, like the existence of Sodom and Gomorrah. Time and space won’t allow me to talk about Hugo Winckler who discovered the Hittite capital which was given prominent mention in the Old Testament of the Bible. Science caught up with the Bible on issues such as the earth being spherical. Isaiah in the Bible quoted, “It is He who sits above the circle of the earth…” between 740 B.C. and possibly 686 B.C. Now it wasn’t until the 3rd century that Hellenistic astronomy established the spherical shape of the earth and calculated the earth’s circumference. Prior to that, it was believed the earth was flat. Job, the oldest book in the Bible, written around 7th and 4th centuries BCE quoted, “…He hangs the earth on nothing.” Later, in the 16th century in 1543, Nicolaus Copernicus discovered that the earth is suspended in space. There is no book that has been subjected to scrutiny under the court of public opinion than the Bible. So John was indeed right when he concluded that, the evidence of the Bible will cause you to stake your life on it exclaiming, God himself is the truth… Indeed!

Internal evidence– it has more to do with eyewitness accounts. Information that is second or third hand is not trustworthy at times and a reliable source for that matter. So for example, when it comes to some instances and events in the Bible, it was recorded by people who were present and not told a story. Like, the Red Sea parting into two was witnessed by Moses. It was a real life account and not a story. The Jericho Wall falling down was witnessed by Joshua and accurately documented which has proven to be verified information. Most importantly, some of the disciples wrote about Jesus who is not a myth. An instance is this testimony from John, a disciple of Jesus and one of the early apostles of the Christian church.

“From the very first day, we were there, taking it all in—we heard it with our own ears, saw it with our own eyes, verified it with our own hands. The Word of Life appeared right before our eyes; we saw it happen! And now we’re telling you in most sober prose that what we witnessed was, incredibly, this: The infinite Life of God himself took shape before us.” 1 John‬ ‭1:1-2‬ ‭

I want to conclude on this note that the Bible is infallible. Is it any wonder it is the best selling book of all time? Something to think about here.

Let me know what you think of today’s post. I am eager to read your comments and feedback as always.

Please like, share and subscribe to this blog if you haven’t’.

I wish all my readers an upcoming happy new month.

Till, I come your way again…

Peace & Love.

“Above all, you must realize that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophet’s own understanding, or from human initiative. No, those prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from God.” 2 Peter‬ ‭1:20-21‬ ‭

Hello, honored to come your way again. I trust your weekend was restful? Today, I want us to focus on a book which has been the best selling book of all time with an estimated 5 billion copies sold and distributed as of 1995, according to Guinness World Records.

Yes, I am talking about the Bible. I used this scripture passage above to let us know the origins of the Bible. From my experience of reading and studying the Bible for more than thirty years on almost a daily basis, I can confidently say, the Bible is more than an informative book. It also transforms lives by shaping our thoughts. Fact is, I am also an avid reader of books, so I have a basis for comparing the Bible to any other book for that matter.

Today, I just want us to focus on some truthful facts.

1. Who wrote it?– a book is as credible as its author. To read a book, it is worth examining the author. The author is God. You might be saying, “what?!! God?!!” Yes, it was God who spoke through different authors who were called prophets. They didn’t speak from human understanding or initiative, but were inspired by God. So, you will see books of the Bible written by Moses, King David, Apostle Paul and the like. But the credit goes to God.

2. When was it written?– it was written over a 1500 year time span on three continents and by 40 authors- people from every walk of life like kings, shepherds, fishermen and tax collectors etc. The amazing thing is, most of the authors never knew themselves or were in different eras, but there is a strand of consistency and they sing the same chorus. The Bible has been proven to be accurate. Next week, we will deal more on that when we look at the integrity of the scriptures.

3. What is the theme of the book?– any book which makes for a good read has a central theme and the focal point of the story. Only one story from the beginning to the end: God’s love and salvation for man and how he came into this world through Jesus Christ, who is the focal point.

May I recommend the Bible (either hardware or software) to you if you have not read it before. It comprises of 66 books. Someone will ask, “where do I start?”. Good question! I will say, start from the book of John which has 21 chapters. From there, it will be easier to guide you on what to read next.

I believe when we have experienced something positive or life changing, we have no hesitation in sharing and recommending it to our friends. That is how I am feeling this morning.

Thank you for making time to read my blog and constantly supporting me. Really do appreciate it a lot.

I look forward to reading your comments as always.

Please like, share and subscribe to this blog if you haven’t.

Till, I come your way again…

Peace & Love

“Whatever you do, do well. For when you go to the grave, there will be no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom.” Ecclesiastes‬ ‭9:10‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Hello, I hope you had a great weekend? Lately, there has been a surge in unemployment rate. Economies of many nations are shrinking which has made it unbearable on its citizens. Major retailers and small businesses all seem to be closing down or downsizing. This calls for alarm and many people who are unfortunately victims are crying out aloud, “I don’t like my current situation!”

As a result, most people are in between jobs. There is a dilemma here: most will have to settle for a less paying job, others feel like “a square peg in a round hole” situation- they are not liking their current situation as in regards to the new job they are doing.

I have done jobs I didn’t like. What motivated me was the above quote from King Solomon. I have made it my matter to do what I do well irrespective of what kind of job it is or the pay packet involved. I must admit, it is refreshing having that kind of outlook. Just want to share some truths as we all go through this difficult journey together.

1. Your job doesn’t define you– mostly, men gain their significance from what they do which is tied to how much they earn. So most struggle during a transition phase. Your significance is derived from who you are- your identity. You may have worked at a high end job like, say, Wall Street in New York. The fact that you may lose your job because of the economy and do something less glamorous shouldn’t define you. You are not the position of your current job or past job for that matter. YOU ARE YOU.

2. Your skills are still relevant– there are currently professionals who have degrees, yet misplaced. Skills don’t make you unsettled, no matter the new work environment or experience you find yourself in. Degrees and qualifications can only work within a certain context, skills however have a universal reach. During this pandemic, don’t focus so much on your academic certificates. I am certainly not downplaying them, it should be celebrated. But to make yourself hirable, focus on the skills you have acquired from your previous work experience(s) like problem solving, being a team player, coachable, leadership skills, emotional intelligence etc.

3. You might not get a job like your previous one– brace yourself for this uncomfortable truth. It could be many factors, for instance, this pandemic will certainly make some jobs obsolete. In addition to that, you might be overqualified, or the particular industry you are searching into might be choked. With these realities, what are you going to do? It is not the end of the world certainly, and your job doesn’t define you. Sometimes losing a job (especially our preferred ones) can help us go on the road of self discovery. During this time, ask yourself these three words, “who am I?”

4. You might need to upgrade your skills– it might be time to pick up a course, learn new skills during this time to augment everything you have acquired during your working years.

It is my prayer you will be encouraged especially if you are between jobs. My heart goes out to you. I thought of you, that is why I wrote today’s post.

Till I come your way again…

Peace & Love

Hello, glad to come your way again and trust you had a good weekend? During this COVID-19 season, it is said that many people, particularly the young adults between the ages of 18 and 24 years old have been searching for and asking questions on meaning. In the past five months, I have had some conversations mainly on this topic.

With this in mind, I want to talk on meaning today which has to do with living your life’s purpose. What I know is from a combination of reading, good counsel and mentoring. Out of these, permit me to give a few pointers.

1. Live beyond yourself– there is nothing as gratifying than to stop living for yourself and think of others in the big picture. Living beyond yourself means serving one another. During this time, relationships are not only essential, but a lifeline. It starts with a smile, or a simple “hello”. Think of what you can offer today to make one’s life better. If this becomes our mindset, we will live a rich life. I am not necessarily talking about money and stuff, but rich in influence. I once heard an unconventional definition of a millionaire- one who has affected a million lives. Too many people have been cocooned in self and all they think of is “me, myself and I”. People who live like that always feel hollow. I issue a challenge to us all, that may we be the reason for someone’s joy, happiness and uplifting this month.

2. Passion– let me look at the other side of passion which is not excitement or energy. Mother Teresa is a perfect example of this. She had passion, but hers was seen as she fed the hungry, aided the distressed and cared for the poor. She did not do it with hands raised up, but with hands outstretched to feed the poor and embrace the little children. She did not shout out “Hallelujah!”, but had a quiet laughter that showed us her love for Jesus Christ. That is passion. I am talking about the quiet burden in your heart that keeps you going. Anybody that can keep on ticking is passionate. It isn’t always expressive in emotions or exuberance.

3. Your natural gifts and talents- What are you naturally inclined to do without too much effort? What brings you joy? What can you do for free without worrying about renumeration? What is your hobby? It is said, we should be careful with what we call “our hobbies”. It is also said that most hobbies are what we are naturally gifted at. Some of these questions can serve as clues. Believe it or not, everyone on this earth has a talent, and if there has ever been a time to showcase your talent. Now is the time. Why wait?

I trust you have been inspired by today’s post. Please, I will like to read your comments. Subscribe to this blog if you haven’t. I will also appreciate your likes and shares on today’s post.

God bless and till I come your way again…

Peace & Love

“But Naomi said, “Turn back, my daughters; why will you go with me? Are there still sons in my womb, that they may be your husbands?… Then they lifted up their voices and wept again; and Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Ruth clung to her.

“But she said to them, “Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me.” Ruth‬ ‭1:11, 14, 20‬ ‭

I am glad to come your way again after a month’s hiatus. We have already stepped into the second month of the second half of the year, and all too soon, we will be wishing each other season’s greetings.

Today’s blog post will be centered around the response of three women who found themselves in adverse circumstances. It is a story I think we can all relate to presently.

For you to understand the whole story, you will have to read the entire chapter 1 of Ruth in the Bible. The book of Ruth also contains 4 chapters, and when read, you will appreciate the wisdom from this book.

The story starts off with three women who were all married. Naomi was the mother in law to Ruth and Orpah. Naomi and her husband, Elimelech were migrants from Bethlehem, Judah to the country of Moab, because of famine. They settled with their two sons, Mahlon and Chilion, and their sons married.

Naomi was already a widow before her two sons married. Within a matter of time, all three women became widows. What a terrible tragedy of a story. Life’s puzzles can be too overwhelming for the human mind. Why should all three be widows? I don’t understand, neither do I have answers. In the past four and half months, the globe is searching for answers after the ravaging effects of the coronavirus pandemic: untold hardships, bills, deaths, sicknesses, depressions, job losses, economies shrinking etc

I realize the responses of these women to their tough and unpleasant moments mirrors us in this same predicament.

1. Naomi’s response– she was bitter. She even changed her name from Naomi which means “my delight” to Mara which means “bitterness” due to calamities. Can you blame her? Certainly not, losing your husband and two sons is more than a handful. People have become bitter in this season. She became bitter and blamed God for her predicament. She didn’t even want company from her daughters in law. During this time, people are snappy, short tempered and moody. Many are a shell of themselves now; most people who were friendly are now withdrawn and aloof. Let us learn to bear with them, pray for them and show them love.

2. Orpah‘s response– she went back (perhaps to her father’s house). That posture was hopelessness. I am sure she had an expectation of a long and happy marriage, but here are her dreams dashed- her husband is dead. The theme of this season is, “life is unfair”. I see the faces of hopelessness everywhere. I don’t know of you. It is understandable. Listening to the news report at this time can make you throw your hands in despair. Too much sadness; people don’t even know what to expect again. Business owners feel hopeless because they have had to close down the business and also file for bankruptcy in addition.

3. Ruth’s response– she clung unto Naomi. I call it the posture of perseverance. If you take time to read the book, Ruth followed her mother in law to Bethlehem, where she worked hard, met her future husband in Boaz, got married and gave birth to Obed, the grandfather of the mighty King David of Israel. From this lineage came Jesus Christ. There are few Ruths. Honestly, it is not easy at this time to be upbeat about life and have a positive attitude. I don’t know how Ruth developed such inner fortitude, but what I can learn from this story is she chose to be persistent.

During this difficult season, we have a choice to be bitter, hopeless or persistent. One of the factors to fortitude is prayer. Commit to prayer and ask God for strength to soldier on.

I pray you will get some sort of inspiration and encouragement out of this post today.

Till I come your way again…

Peace & Love