Arike

This Phase is over - Bye Blogger!

2015-04-14T16:04:00.001+01:00

Hello Everyone,

How are you doing? It's been a while. This post is not going to be long. I have some news!

My Blog will be 5 in May!!! Whoooop! So, I have been blogging for 5 years... Wow!! It's definitely been an humbling experience, met alot of people, watched my growth etc. I am glad I decided to blog.

To celebrate my 5th year, I have decided to discontinue this blog x_x

Waaaaiiiittttt!!!

Doesn't mean I have stopped blogging or will shut down this one. This one will still be there but it won't be updated and you would be able to just access this via my old blogger address www.tomiakibo.blogspot.com but www.arikearts.com will have all of my content past and present.

Screenshot

Pleaaaseee... Head over and let me know what you think about my new space and also SUBSCRIBE!! x_x Iyam begging ni o.

It's so had to leave this behind, stats and all but I guess starting from ground zero isn't so bad after all.

SO..... Shall we? Follow me on this journey.... www.arikearts.com! See you there!

His Perspective: Why do men cheat?

2015-03-03T20:47:00.000+01:00

Earlier today, having a discussion with a good friend, she asked me: “Jay, why do men cheat?”. Out of the blue like that. Wow. Why indeed? This is the question we all seem to want an answer to, so that maybe, just maybe, we can find a solution and our men can keep their eyes inside, and not look to play outside matches.

I was prepared to answer this question, because earlier this week, I had another conversation with a good friend, (oh well, life’s all about conversations isn’t it?), and in her wisdom she told me: “We are all capable of every kind of thing, every good, every bad, no one is exempt. We are all a broken version of the original, the intent of the heart of man is desperately wicked, who can know it”…Indeed, who can?

And then tonight, I’m trying to study the Word, and I open to Proverbs 27:20, I’ll quote the Amplified version so you get a better idea of where my thoughts are leading: “ Sheol (the place of the dead) and Abaddon (the place of destruction) are never satisfied; SO (THE LUST OF) THE EYES OF MAN IS NEVER SATISFIED.” Ha! Yes you cheating son of a gun, you are likened to the Hell and Death! But hold on, just a minute. We all are. All of us.

Now, that verse seems like I’m absolving all men who cheat and will cheat of their sin, moreover the bible has already said their lust can’t be satisfied, right? Right??! It is a tempting thought trust me, but, well, not quite. You see, as going to hell and being dead (in a spiritual manner) is a form of choice and decision, so is the third party, the lust of the eyes of man, a choice and decision. You choose to lust or allow yourself lust over money, drink and women. You choose to forget that you have a beautiful, God-fearing and inspiring wife at home, and decide deep in your heart to run after “ayonge” that can give you 50 Shades of pleasure, YOU CHOOSE! Starting from your thoughts, you choose to allow them go and wander in dangerous territory, and then the seed is sown…the actions will automatically follow.

Ehen, and before we put all the cheating blame on men, lemmi stop you right there: Women cheat. Full stop. I’m not blaming anyone, but a lust for a fruit outside what God said was okay to eat is what put us in this position in the first place. So ALL of us can cheat, forget the societal stereotype that Men are the greatest cheats.

I have fallen prey to these lusts myself. And at the end of the day, I feel horrible, looking back, it was never a worthy choice. Never. I had something better, so why wasn’t it enough?? Because I choose to have a lust…and like all lusts, it can never be satisfied.

So, man or woman, here are my thoughts:

1. First things first, Biko flee from that lust, because if you don’t, it will NEVER be satisfied.

2. Philippians 4:8, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Think on that beautiful wife, think on the damage it may cause, think about your soul, think, think, think!

As I write to you, I’m thinking of this lovely woman who has caught my heart, who has forgiven me in spite of my mistakes, and I’m praying to God to take away my lust and for it to never resurface, because I want to do right by Him and by her also. I will think of her whenever this temptation wants to arise. Because I CHOOSE to think of her and place her over the lust.

3. Lastly, Romans 12:2 “…but be ye transformed by the renewal of our mind” Renew your mind daily through the Word.

I haven’t had peace all week, but finally my heart knows rest.

Yours,

Mo.

He is a God of process

2015-02-24T12:00:00.000+01:00

Sitting at the extreme right on the first row of the bus, was a lady with 3 kids as the 4th passenger on where was clearly supposed to sit just 3 people. The youngest child started crying as the bus was too hot, the continuous cry filled the almost silent bus.

"Give the baby what she wants or she won't stop crying" a man's voice from the back rang loudly. The mother ignored while trying to pat the baby on the back to shut her up but this baby wasn't having any of that, she cried even louder.

The male voice from behind said the same thing again but this time another woman echoed his thoughts in agreement, The mother then did the needful and the baby of course kept quiet.

As if to rub it in the mother's face "You see, she is now quiet. They don't want to know where you are, what they want is what they want that's how babies are" said the voice from behind

That struck a chord in me.

We are babies when we start this walk with God.
New world...
No knowledge...
Need guidance
Need growth...

In a way babies are 'spoilt' and as they grow parents start instilling the required discipline in them 'Kneel down to greet your elders'
'No! you can't have biscuit at 11:00pm... You shouldn't even be awake at this time c'mon go to bed' and this is just earthly parents out of the Love that they have for them, put their children in check as they grow older.

How much more our heavenly father? When we are babies in Christ and we 'fuss'/'cry' going all give-me-give-me on GOD most of the time we get, but as our understanding grows by beholding him in a mirror we would be expected to start displaying it in our maturity in Christ.

Growth in Christ is a conscious decision that the individual makes, it says as we behold (2 cor 3:18)... It then means it's our responsibility to look in the direction and the comforting part is that no one is expecting us to be 6 months old babies today and 5 years old tomorrow...

Even God acknowledges process... We will be transformed from glory to glory. The question is are we looking in HIS direction?

Through my lens || Love is Impossible

2015-02-22T11:00:00.000+01:00

I am taking my photography alot more seriously this year and I have been going through a 52 weeks challenge (More on this soon) with a group of photographers this has made me just want to take pictures of everything and I am one of those people that cleans her ears every second (if possible) and I got this inspiration from my earbud container (obviously -_-) as it was the season of love, I took to Instagram to share some Lovey-dovey message, If you follow me there you'd have seen this. I must say, I am proud of myself for this idea. I think its rather creative (if I can say so myself)

This is my best shot

It's the season of Love and the world will once again want to shove Its definition of LOVE down our throats... But we are not going to be defined by that anymore.
Away from what the world thinks, I will be sharing about what I have learnt of Love from a Biblical standpoint.

What is Love?
How to Love?
Why to Love?

God's view > World's view. lets dance ;)

There are alot of definitions to the word Love. Today we would explore what Love is from a Biblical Standpoint. Love is not a tingling sensation or whatever it is defined as these days... Love is sacrificial... Love if giving...
Love puts the other before self - Meets needs.
Love does not discriminate...
Love gives ALL...
Love Forgives in advance...
Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have.
Doesn’t have a swelled head,
Doesn’t force itself on others,
Isn’t always “me first,”
Doesn’t fly off the handle,
Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn’t revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.

Long and short, Love is Impossible in our human nature, we have to rely on God. God is Love, his very nature is LOVE and guess what happens when we take on God's nature?
We also flow in Love and express it as our nature... Love then becomes our way of life! [ 1Corinthians 13, John 15:13, John 3:16, 1John3:16, Matt 22:37, John 13:35, Romans 13:10, 1John4:7-10, 19-20]

How and why do we love?

By looking at the way God loves us we are getting a glimpse into how we should love.
God first loved us. We should make the first move, do a good deed to someone, make the call, forgive first whatever it is you're doing do it first.

We didn't deserve the Love given us, in that light we should love before 'they' deserve it. Your loved ones do some annoying things? Love anyways... Love serves, be willing to serve people.
And remember, NOTHING ABSOLUTELY, NOTHING CAN SEPARATE US FROM THAT LOVE.
Why do we Love?
One of the reasons God loves us is because it's HIS nature to express love and HE is glorified in expressing Love.
If we don't have God's nature inside, we can't give what we don't have, we can only express this kind of Love if we have accepted it.

At the end of the day, Its YOU. ME & GOD

What does love mean to you? What difference does it make with the way you relate with people?

I Lost everything

2015-02-17T15:42:00.000+01:00

Really, I just lost everything... I realised that I do not really own anything not even my life. Paul asks "What do you have that you do not receive?" I Cor 4:10
When you think about it critically, logically, physically, spiritually and every -ally you discover the truth in that.

Pause!

Let's think about all you 'have' and count the ones you didn't receive

5
4
3
2
1

*Insert video clip here*

"...I never esperredit but God gave it to me" -____- Even he realised that it was given...

Seriously, did you find anything?

All I am saying is this, we go on and on about ''My car"... "My Job"... "My Family"... "My...My...My..."

¨Except God watches the house he that builds labours in vain''... Psalm 127:1

Sadly, what the my-syndrome does is that it steals our peace of mind, joy and causes us to live a stressful life, knowingly or unknowingly.

Let me give an example, You have a boss, he sends you to a meeting to represent him with his car. On your way to the meeting the car breaks down what do you do? Depending on your relationship with the said boss you can either give him a call inform him and he handles the rest (call the mechanic etc) or you can take the initiative call the mechanic but keep your boss in the know and he refunds you right? right. OR

You own the car, same thing happens but this time no one is refunding you, you are left with the stress of making sure that the mechanic does the work right and you still have to make it in time for your meeting.

What I am saying is Thinking we are 'owners' instead of seeing yourself as a steward is alot more stressful.

¨The earth is the Lords and the fullness thereof..¨ Psalm 24:1

What do we have that has not been given?

Children?
Wisdom?
Salvation?
cars?
Business?
Ideas?

When we look at it all in the light of being stewards we take the burden of the 'care' that comes with it and place it in God's hands - the real owner - Cast your cares upon him for he cares... His yoke is easy and his burden is light...

He worries about the 'how' all we have to do is acknowledge him in ALL our ways and he will direct us, give us instructions to implement. Isn't that less stressful?

Now, this is not a license to be irresponsible because like every steward we would give account of everything that has been put in our care. It's more of a call to consciously remind ourselves that we are care takers and it will help us to be more appreciative of all that has been put in our care and also be careful with the resources given to us.

Grace and Peace to you!

Reality Or Realitrick?

2015-02-10T10:00:00.000+01:00

lights
Camera
*click*
errmm...

Shall we do this right please?

lights
dslr camera
*click*

*Post picture on social media* #IwokeUpLikeThis #OOTD #YouCantsitWithUs #WCWForever abbl

I think you are beginning to get my drift yeah? We would all agree that the world of social media is here to stay and it's use is growing at an alarming rate. Our generation is of the instant gratification and the pseudo-reality called the social network. I am of the opinion that social media is a powerful tool depending on how it is being used, although right now I think its causing more harm than good but I am not here to address that today.

I am going to pick on one that has since been bothering me for a while now and hopefully it is also bothering some other people out there (You know so I won't be alone).

It's the fact that people portray a pseudo-reality that is Instagram perfect, Pinterest worthy, Blogosphere acceptable and no one really cares about Facebook these days -___- As much as I have met really really amazing people online, I have also seen that most of their ~~perfect~~ lives do not even match up to their realities and this is not an exaggeration.

I know people naturally want to put their best foot forward, by doing that we try to come across as living the perfect, happy and all-fulfilling life when in reality perhaps things are not as rosy as they seem. It's rather unfortunate that the 'consumer' is somewhere in his/her real life day dreaming and comparing his/her self till he/she falls into some form of depression thinking he/she is 'missing' out on life

"Why am I not like this girl?''
"Gosh! her life is so perfect"
"She has it all together"
"OMG! Holiday in Dubai, me no holiday *rme*"

I know this is a real problem because I have been a victim and I've had people also testify to this. There is no guarantee that the next person will be real tomorrow or honest about their live but we owe it to ourselves to not let all of that rub off on us.

I know it can be hard but we can also decide to not jump on the band wagon with the world but use social media in the positive light, no one is saying air your dirty linen, but we can encourage, network, build personal and business relationships and still be authentic as against painting a reality that is not, at the end of the day our motives matter alot. I think we should examine our motives before we post that tweet or post that picture or reply that comment to understand why we are doing what we are doing. Someone might say 'It's not that serious' but I know we can all agree that social media is no more child's play as we see people's life being transformed(for better or worse) through this platforms. Why not be part of the ones contributing to the better-community?

And for some of us that are still swayed by the things we see/hear on social media - and this is not just about 'worldly' things - there are plenty so called motivational speakers, e-pastors etc that have principles that are not based on God's word but just look like it is and the Lord has warned us to beware of them and we 'blindly' taking in all forms of doctrines (1John 4:1). I encourage us;

to be rooted and grounded in God's word so we are not easily swayed by anything and everything that we see on social media,
to guard our hearts with all diligence.
to Surround your digital community with people that will build you up and not tear you down (Mentally, Spiritually, physically etc) not just anybody, You don't owe anyone an explanation if all they talk about doesn't suit you.
And if all else fails. log out, and immerse yourself in what will build you up till you learn to be guarded. Trust me, the world will not end and you will be better for it.

I pray the Lord will help us to be positive influences with use of social media and to also be on the positive receiving end.

What are your thoughts on the effects of social media?

God is not on the Hill

2015-01-20T10:50:00.001+01:00

Hello People,

How are you doing? How is 2015 shaping out? I hope very well?

My head is alil here and there this year but I hope to get a balance and get more connected here by the end of the Month. :)

Psalm 121:1 has been my main 'Theme' for a while right after I changed from ''Rebirth of a Dramaqueen¨ well, only the people that have been here for a long while will know that name... Please, old things have passed away :p

I got the name ''Foot of the Hill¨ from reading the Bible, it appealed to me but I didn't quiet find a Bible verse to anchor it to that made sense to what I was trying to portray, then I found ''I will lift up my eyes to the hill...¨ then I had an 'aha' moment at the time thinking, If David is lifiting up his eyes to the Hill then God is in the hill so guess who is at the foot of the hill? Yep, you got that right!! David then by extension now, me! Abi? Makes sense when you explain it like that, only God is NOT on the Hill atleast not in that way.

A friend of mine said to me yesterday ¨When will you get up to the Hill¨ and my response was ¨Hopefully, Never¨ then I paused and remembered what was impressed on my heart about a month ago to go and revise this my ''Foot of the Hill¨ Thing and yes, I pushed back, I didn't want to admit that I was wrong so I brushed it over and in my mind

¨Let me continue using it like that¨
¨It still makes perfect sense na¨
¨What will people think¨
¨Just change it quietly jor, you don't have to explain¨

These and more passed through my mind. So, yesterday I went back to studying it atleast to once again prove to myself that I wasn't wrong *Yimu* It was clear. Let's look at it together shall we?

I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth¨ (NIV)

¨I will lift up my eyes to the hills [around Jerusalem, to sacred Mount Zion and Mount Moriah]—From whence shall my help come?

My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth¨ (AMP)

¨¨I look up to the hills,
but where will my help really come from?
2 My help will come from the Lord,
the Creator of heaven and earth¨ (ERV)

¨I look up to the mountains;
does my strength come from mountains?
No, my strength comes from God,
who made heaven, and earth, and mountains¨. (MSG)

In the AMP version there is a reference to Jer 3:23

¨It was foolish to worship idols on the hills.
All the loud parties on the mountains were wrong.
Surely the salvation of Israel
comes from the Lord our God¨

You now see what I mean? It simply means Shall I depend upon the powers of the earth, upon the strength of the hills, upon princes and great men, who, like hills, fill the earth, and hold up their heads towards heaven? No; in vain is salvation hoped for from hills and mountains. I never expect help to come from them; my confidence is in God only.

But like me, many of us have gotten it right side up. Well, I admit I was wrong and based on this you know I am going to change my blog name bah? Okay! I am very sure now that I will choose something that will be timeless and anchored on God's word!

Have you made any mistake recently that you didn't want to admit? Care to share? Would love to hear from you!

See, you soon.

Will you keep quiet?

2015-01-16T13:48:00.000+01:00

Let us pray for the change we need and also be available for service!!!

She said to me ¨Where are you?¨
I simply replied ¨Hiding¨
Hiding in my ignorance.
This selective ignorance the shields me from her pain
Can you see her pain?
Can you feel the blood as they drip.
1 too many to continue to count.
1 by one she drops... pieces of her essence.
But NO MORE...
NO MORE, I scream.
NO MORE, I Scream..
again I Scream.
It's 2015 and its time for positive change.
It's time for me to wipe her tears, Its time for you to stop the pain.
Its time for us to stop the bloodshed.
Change is me.
Change is you.
Change is up.
Let your voice count!

#PrayForNigeria!!!!!!!!!!

Vlog: Greetings!

2015-01-08T10:22:00.000+01:00

Hello People,

How is the year going? I did a video on the 1st of Jan and magically forgot my memory card at home so I couldn't edit or do anything until yesterday. So, this video is coming abit late but it's better late than never right?

I tried my hands on some editing and I know it will get better with time... Without me talking too much, here is my less than one minute new year video.

Enjoy!

I also tried using my camera this time and although the quality is waaay better on my computer after all the edit this was what I was left with, but its better than my phone. I can totally live with that.

How is 2015 treating you?

I want to be honest about #DailyExhortations

2015-01-01T06:00:00.000+01:00

Hii,

Happy New Year!!

I know this is not exactly the post you would expect on the first day of 2015, but hey! Its critical. I can't exactly remember when I started #DailyExhortations but I am sure that it is over a year ago.

#DailyExhortations is where I send out Bible verse everyday to my contacts (bbm, whatsapp, facebook). Its exciting and I am humbled to do it.

BUT, lately errrmmm... *scratches head* Its been some sort of a chore x_x and I started getting overwhelming and something that used to be born out of a personal time with God and sharing what stood out for me started going out on auto-pilot... hmmm... and it goes back to me and I know that its me that needs working on.

I love love sharing the word and I just didn't like the fact that I was on auto-pilot on most days for the other half of the year and I prayerfully decided to do something about it. Now, this is something I have been wanting to do.

Expanding #DailyExhortations and since I don't like people springing things on me I decided to tell you all that get my messages first.

The idea is to not just send one Bible verse to also send an encouragement, word of prayer, study etc... the verse of the day will allow in addition to the Bible verse of the day. I am doing this by faith because I don't even know if I will be able to keep up but God has promised that he will fill my mouth and take the writing to the next level.

So, who is with me?

;)
And if you want to get my BCs you can add me on 797EC18A

What more can I say?

2014-12-31T19:33:00.002+01:00

I still don't know how to put together my thoughts. Something is happening inside me and I can't explain it (In a good way, I guess) but then.

2014 had toooo manyyy things going on. I am not one of the school of thought that believes that everything will change because the date is changing, however I believe in a God that is not bound by time or doesn't work according to the dictates of my calendar and in him I trust.

I have been 'detached' from my blog alot this year and frankly I do not have any explanation and really, only God can turn things around and I trust him to do so.

In the light of the end of the year. I am very grateful for this year, God really did above all i expected and didn't expect.

Thank you for coming over here when you have the chance and I don't take it for granted at all. For this reason I knell before the father from whom every family in heaven and on the earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his spirit in your inner being. So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith and I pray that you being rooted and established in love mayh ave power together with the Lords holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the Love of Christ and to know this love that surpasses knowledge that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to the power that is at work within us. to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever! Amen.

Have a spendid 2015!!

#KidneyTrustFund Your 1000 can save a life

2014-12-26T10:00:00.000+01:00

OJB Jezreel was once diagnosed of a kidney failure; a health condition that 1 in every 7 Nigerians is a victim of. Almost every one has a family member or friend or knows someone who is suffering from kidney disease. Using social media, Nigerians rose to the occasion via donations and he was given a second chance at life.

As a way of giving back to society, The OJB foundation is working in collaboration with The Bow Tie Club has launched The Kidney Trust Fund with support from FCMB Plc, Paga, AIICO insurance, Fotolight house, CSL trustees and Vikram Hospital, India to help more Nigerians in the same condition he once was get a second chance at life.

All you have to do is
1. Share this message
2. Follow The Kidney Trust Fund on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
3. Visit www.kidneytrustfund.org and make a donation of N1000.

Donations can be made via the website, paga or direct payments to
CSL TRUSTEES LIMITED/ OJB Foundation
0678691109
FCMB

Your N1000 could save a life!

Why is it hard to follow Jesus - @josepheparker

2014-12-22T10:00:00.000+01:00

What does it really mean to follow Jesus?

I ask this question to myself almost every time I tend to either find my spirituality in or out of sync with Him. When I’m dancing in tune with the music I sense heaven is playing, there is always a sense of wonder: How do I sustain this? How do I make this last forever? The music almost always stops when I’m suspended in mid-air trying to perform a new “spiritual dance trick.” In my weak state, in my disappointment in the inability to preserve these halo-moments, I stand next to the holiness of God in light of the Scriptures and I break down, literally; weeping on the floor, crying “More!”

At the other end of the spectrum, I find myself doing more of the things I would rather not do; the partaking of my sinful desires and the grand scheme of covering it all up in one giant magical swoosh. These cravings inevitably give me a chance to pause and ponder: Why am I doing this? Why am I enjoying this? I claim to be a Christian. I shout “Lord, Lord!” but I do not do what He says (Luke 6:46.) Sin exposes my true desires and wants and cravings.

Sin is selfish.
It is a “me-first” mentality.
I am in a one-sided relationship with Jesus.
I do what I want, when I want it, and how I want it. Yet, I claim to follow Jesus. But is this what it really means to follow Jesus?

I did not set out to write this post series (in fact, as I write these very words, I doubt if this “book” will ever see the light of the day), but as I wake up every morning, there is a tug within that I can never seem to ignore. Maybe I am scared that I would reveal too much of my sins to the world and I want to do everything in my power to hide them for this is one thing I seem to be good at: hiding my sins. But like cancer, it spreads and immobilises me. Something happened to me when I met Jesus. An inexplicable love had scarred and smeared my heart with a sizzling hot fiery dagger and it has never really remained the same with me. Yet, I still go back to the very things Jesus came to conquer once and for all for me, and for you dear reader.

No matter where you are in your life,
whether you know Jesus or not,
whether you are religious or irreligious,
whether you believe or not,
there is an open door hinged at the end of a very dark room that seems to say, “Come.”

We agree that the church ought to be the followers of Jesus, but that doesn’t mean that we are all in agreement with that. There is so much disagreement in the church today about what it really means to be a follower of Jesus. And it is a really simple concept. Jesus says,“Follow me.”That’s the first thing He says to His disciples: “Follow me and I will make you fishers of men” (Matt. 4:19). And that’s also the last thing he implies to them: “Go and make disciples of all nations…” (Matt. 28:19). He was telling them to go out and make these other followers of Him and “baptise them and teach them to obey everything I have commanded you.”

Now why doesn’t this command work in every area of our lives?

Imagine if you told your son:

“Go clean your room.”

And then a few moments later he comes to you and says,

“Hey dad, I can memorise what you had commanded me. You said ‘Go clean your room.’”

Or he says something along this line,

“Hey dad, I can say ‘Go clean your room in Greek. Listen…’”

Or he tells you how he would gather his friends every week and they were going to do a study on what it would look like if he actually cleaned his room. Now, as a parent, you know that none of those scenarios are going to fly with you. The boy should know better, right? He should buckle up and go clean his room.

Jesus was as black and white as He could get when He gave us the commands of “Follow me” and “Go and make disciples.” He would look at people and say “Why do you call me Lord, when you don’t do what I say?”(Luke 4:46). Why would you call someone your Master and not listen to Him? And He says in Matt. 7:21, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that does the will of my father who is in heaven.”

In John chapter 6, Jesus said some really difficult words, and this was in front of thousands of people, and when He’s done teaching, everyone leaves except for twelve men. Everyone leaves going, “Arggh, this is some hard teaching, I cannot take that message, I cannot stomach that.” And Jesus looks at the twelve who were left and He asks them a very simple question, “You guys want to leave also?” And then Peter’s reply was very profound and yet simple: “Where are we going to go? You have the keys to eternal life. I know your message is hard, but where are we going to go?”

You think you’re out for this life that is so difficult, then you realise that there is blessing and you have more peace in taking this hard road than going with this wide road that everyone else is going on. And Jesus is at this door, and He says,

“Just take this. Follow me.”

And then you learn that all of the things He is telling you to let go of and walk away from are the things that were going to destroy you anyway.

Joseph blogs here

More truths about Tithe @kennykore

2014-12-19T10:00:00.000+01:00

Start here to get some perspective

The Bible asks us to rightly divide the word of truth, and take care so that we aren't tossed by every wind of doctrine.

It asks us to prove all truths

Search/Test all spirits

And warned us of false prophets, and ANOTHER GOSPEL.

How do you guide your heart if you don't search the scriptures like the Bereans who challenged even Paul in his teachings and went to search for themselves if what he taught was True or false, for which Paul gave them his approval.

Why does feathers quickly get ruffled this days?
Why are we so impatient with anything that isn't consistent with our theology, and studying to show ourselves approved is tantamount to opening cans of worms?
Is it that we've become infallible? If Peter could make a mistake, If Paul could make a mistake, can't we too?
Aren't we after all men of like passions with weaknesses and faults?
Didn't scripture say we should earnestly contend for the faith that was entrusted to us?

Where do we get the idea that a minister is only answerable to GOD, hence his word is final?

Does anyone have copyright on the truth?
Didn't the scripture say we know in part and understand in part, and to wait for a future day when perfection would swallow up imperfection?
So why the offence, and the high handedness amongst us?

SHOULDN'T WE ENCOURAGE THAT OUR BELIEVES BE CHALLENGED IF INDEED WE TRUST IT'S INFALLIBLITY?

Why do people act like they're already made perfect in knowledge and understanding?
Why do most elders act like they have already attained, and there is no more pressing on to higher calling to be done?
How come the Elders despise the truth because it's on the lips of youth?
Didn't the bible say," in the mouth of babe's and infants HE has perfected HIS praise?
What is the biblical precedence for the self righteouso and self aggrandisement at the highest echelon of our brethrenhood?

Should we love 'unity' more than we love Jesus?
Should we in a cult like way protect a pseudo peace of a rebellious generation more than we preserve the truth that has been entrusted to us?

It breaks my heart how people rush to defend their ideas about issues like Tithe (considering it a sensitive issue),

But the same people would find humour in a comedian degrading the Precious Name of Jesus, or ridiculing the Word of GOD, right in the venue we call store house/the house of GOD (possibly considering that an issue grace covers).

It is dubious how grace covers almost all other sins (falling short), except the 'sin' of none tithing.

Only GOD indeed can be GOD.

In the final analysis; I BELIEVE THAT WE ARE NOT FREE FROM GIVING, WE ARE FREE IN GIVING.

WE ARE COMPELLED BY LOVE, & FAITH WITHOUT WHICH NO TITHE CAN PLEASE GOD.

‪‎The‬ seal of the Christian soldier
READ YOUR BIBLE, MEDITATE, PRAY, AND OBEY GOD...Kuorire

More truth about tithe @kennykore

2014-12-18T15:45:00.000+01:00

Start here for some perspective...

Do you know that Abraham did not tithe his own riches?
He tithed 10% out of the spoils of war to Melchizedek.

Do you know that Abraham returned 90% of this spoils of war to the king of Sodom, after tithing 10% to Melchizedek the king of Salem?

Do you also know that Abraham didn't think those spoils of war belonged to him?
Because he told the king of Sodom, "... I will accept NOTHING BELONGING TO YOU, not even a thread or the strap of a sandal, so that you will never be able to say, 'I made Abram rich.'

Abraham thought those spoils belonged to the king of Sodom.

Do you know that Abraham was never commanded by GOD to give to the king of Salem, Melchizedek? (It was by choice).

Do you know that Abraham did not become rich after tithing to Melchizedek?
He was already a wealthy man, with slaves etc

Do you know that Abraham didn't tithe to Melchizedek again after that one and only time?

Do you know that if Christians today are tithing according to Abraham, they wouldn't tithe only 10%, they would tithe 100%?

Do you know the Apostles never taught tithe; they taught GIVING willingly or cheerfully.

Giving out of a response to NEED.

Giving out of love?

Giving out of faith?

Do you know that the ways the Apostles raised money in the pioneering church was well documented in the book of Acts... ?
And it wasn't tithe.

Do you know that the Apostles never payed tithe and never collected tithes ?
To pay tithe would mean a return to the Law; to receive tithe would mean you're a Levite?

Do you know the Bible doesn't support the modern believe that it's not our business what our 'MOG's' do?

"Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.-Matt. 7:15.

Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, BUT TEST THE SPIRITS to see whether they are from GOD, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

Do you know that Paul called out erring brethren by name, publicly?

Do you know that according to 1 Peter 2:9 WE ARE ALL PRIESTS?

"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of HIM who called you out of darkness into HIS wonderful light.

Do you know that the churches priesthood is not in the order of Levi?

WE ARE NOT SPIRITUAL LEVITES

Jesus our High Priest is the Lion of the tribe of Judah, we are all priest according to His order.

Do we take GOD seriously when HE (GOD) said HE no longer dwells in Temples made with bricks and stones, that HE dwells in our human bodies?

Is our body the Temple of the Living GOD, or was Paul joking when he said GOD now lives inside of us?

So if the store house is the Temple of GOD, could the store house be human bodies, since that's where GOD dwells now, if GOD is to be taken seriously that is?

Jesus in Matt.25:40 "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine (Temples of GOD), you did for Me.'

Jesus replied, “believe Me, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. 22 You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. 23 Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the FATHER in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the FATHER seeks. 24 GOD is SPIRIT, and HIS worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”

Are those cathedrals, event halls, hotel venues etc bricks and stones Spirit and truth?

No, True worshippers worship (anywhere. Matt.18:20). The key thing is HOW, (in Spirit and Truth).

The venue of church is you.

AND WE ARE NOT FREE FROM GIVING, WE ARE FREE IN GIVING.

‪#‎what‬ you should know
READ YOUR BIBLE, MEDITATE, PRAY, AND OBEY GOD...Kuorire

Truth about Tithe @kennykore

2014-12-16T10:00:00.000+01:00

Continued from the last post (Please read for better perspective)

‪JEWS‬ DO NOT TITHE TODAY.

They maintain that only Levites have the right to receive tithe of the people.

1.Since their Temple was destroyed by the Romans.

2. No ordained Temple Levite or Priest.

The major factor in fulfilling the laws of tithing does not exist.

*So Jews today have synagogues, and a rabbinic order.

*Many of today's Jewish rabbis are not Levites.

*They use other methods to secure adequate funds with which to operate their religious organizations.

While many Christian ministers today teach that Christians may be in danger of missing salvation itself if they do not pay tithe to the church, Jewish rabbis know that it is biblically improper (actually, it is a blatant disobedience to the laws of the Bible) for anyone to pay or to receive the biblical tithe today. And any minister or ecclesiastical leader who uses the biblical tithe (or any one who pays to a minister the biblical tithe) is a sinner in the eyes of GOD.

Almost all denominations of Christianity have taken portions of the Mosaic Covenant,"Christened them," and added them to the New Covenant. Without being aware of it, this has made most Christians guilty of the whole Mosaic Law, which says TO OFFEND IN ONE IS TO OFFEND IN ALL.-James 2:10.

Mark 2:21-22;“No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment. Otherwise, the new piece will pull away from the old, making the tear worse.
And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the wineskins will be ruined.
No, they pour new wine into new wineskins.”

‪Wrong‬‎ belief is unbelief

READ YOUR BIBLE, MEDITATE, PRAY, AND OBEY GOD...Kuorire

Are you robbing God? or Yourself?

2014-12-15T14:42:00.000+01:00

Hello People,

I have followed Kenny kore on facebook for a good part of this year and listened to him a couple of times as well, he posts short messages almost everyday and I regularly share them but this time I kinda want it to have more reach because of this particular message. Its just amazing because its in-line with what I have been learning in Church over the last week. I have broken down the messages into 4 parts which will run over this week.

Open your heart to learn and study the Word. God bless you!!

*******************************************************************************

I was not even a teenager when I heard a testimony about how a brother got a miracle gift of a tear rubber car because of his faithfulness to GOD.

I promised myself, and GOD that I would do the same thing, for the same result.

After several years of making that commitment, I still haven't gotten a car I didn't pay for, rather GOD had me give out my first, hard earned, second hand car.

‪How‬ did I get from serving GOD because I wanted a car, to the point where I served GOD by giving a car?

Romans 5:5,"And hope maketh not ashamed; because the LOVE OF GOD IS SHED ABROAD IN OUR HEARTS by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us."

I didn't give out my car out of abundance of money or because I had several cars;

I didn't give the car because I was pestered, cajoled, manipulated, or bullied to;

I gave the car because I felt compelled by the Holy Spirit to.

It was tough to obey, but I did, and I know that even the ability to obey is a gift from GOD, so I have nothing to boast of.

That car was my 'widows mite'.

Luke 21:1-4,"And He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury, and He saw also a certain poor widow putting in two mites.
So He said, “Truly I say to you THAT THIS POOR WIDOW HAS PUT IN MORE THAN ALL; for all these out of their abundance have put in offerings for GOD, but she out of her poverty PUT IN ALL THE LIVELIHOOD THAT SHE HAD.”

‪So‬ somebody asked me if I pay tithe; my 10%.
I answer now by saying NO, I REFUSE TO GIVE GOD 10%, WHEN GOD GAVE ME HIS 100%.

I have given my life to Christ, and that includes my money. ALL OF IT!!!

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of GOD, not by works, so that no one can boast.-Ephesians 2:8-9.

IF WE ARE SAVED BY PAYING TITHES, I CAN ASSURE YOU THAT YOU'LL NEED MORE THAN 10%.

IF PAYING 10% OF OUR INCOME COULD GET US INTO A SAVING COVENANT WITH GOD, JESUS WOULD NOT HAVE TO SHED A DROP OF BLOOD FOR HUMANITY.

A more penetrating study of the Old Testament laws would reveal that NO CHURCH TODAY IS REALLY TITHING in the stoic sense of the word.

The book of Malachai was originally written to Jews and Levites who practiced three (3) types of tithing.

Hence when GOD said in Malachai 3:8,"Will a mere mortal rob GOD? Yet you rob me. "But you ask, 'How are we robbing YOU?' "In TITHES AND OFFERINGS.

Please note the PLURALITY of those words; Tithes and offerings.

The 3 types of tithes:
1. The tithe for the Levites.-Num. 18: 21, 24.

2. The tithe for the feasts/festival.-Deut.14:22-27.

3. The tithe for the poor.-Deut. 14:28, 29.

‪If‬ we practice one out of three tithes, have we stopped robbing GOD??? (sela).

‪‎Why‬ is the tithe for the Levites a MUST and the tithe for the poor is no longer MANDATORY in the same order???

*Proverbs 19:17," If you help the poor, you are lending to the LORD--and HE will repay you!

*Matthew 25:40," "The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for Me.'

The danger of playing 'selective' with the Laws of GOD couldn't be stated clearer than in James 2:10;

" FOR WHOEVER KEEPS THE WHOLE LAW AND YET STUMBLES AT JUST ONE POINT IS GUILTY OF BREAKING ALL OF IT."

‪Wrong‬ belief is unbelief
READ YOUR BIBLE, MEDITATE, PRAY, AND OBEY GOD...Kuorire

#Photography: Model Alert

2014-12-14T10:00:00.000+01:00

Hello people,

In 2015, I would be taking alot more pictures... Yes!! Amen!!! I am practicing now, as usual my model Toyo, she is trying to put together a portfolio to move this her new modelling line forward. I am helping - Although she practically bugs the heck out of me to get it done. *phew*

Here are the Images we got recently,

We are looking for modelling gig oh! Hook us up if you know anyone ;)

God bless you!

I found a secret that saves

2014-12-13T12:27:00.001+01:00

I saw the book in a corner as I was set to leave home after a long wedding weekend. It wasn't the green cover or petit-ness of the book that made me pick up or the fact that it was the same Author that wrote 'Prayer of Jabez' another book that rocked my world... I don't believe in coindicences and it is obvious that God did want me to read it at this particular point in time.

And I am sooooo grateful for that.

I started the book immediately in the car on my way back to my base and Initially I was just facinated at the retell of

John 15 when Jesus was talking about the vine and us as the branches. Oh! the name of the book is 'Secrets of the vine' by Bruce Wilkinson its the second part to 'Prayer of Jabez'

It's a book I recommend for anyone and it basically has every season of your christian walk. Everyone wondering why? Everyone in a dark place, you'd definitely find yourself in one of the categories of branches that was mentioned.

The one that mostly stood out for me was 'Abiding' the state of Abiding in God. The frustration of having a stale walk with God and the dissatisfaction that also comes with it. The writer had a similar experience and the truth dawned on him

''God didn't want me to do more for him. He wanted me to be more with him"

and this was my defining moment, we do so much for God that we forget to be more with him. I am forgetting to be more with him and this was a great reminder to turn things around and not lose sight of what is important.

In that moment, there was hope and I know that this is the way out of this rut, going back to being with him as against running around for him.

I also encourage you to look through and if you're going through something similar just remember that God loves you and more than ever HE wants to fellowship with you. He is bidding you 'come'

Abide in Jesus...

If you find the book, please do get it or just look for it!!! It's worth every bit of it.

Abide in Jesus...

John 15 1-5 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes[a] so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing

#ThankfulThursday: Wedding Bells

2014-12-11T10:00:00.000+01:00

Hello people,

It's another ThankfulThursday :) Whoop!!!

It's been an amazing week and getting some time off work to just chill and catch up on my non-official back-log without any pressure was amazing!!

Today, I am Thankful for my Sister... She got Married!! and honestly it still feels unbelievable... The wedding was amazing and I had fun, felt sooo good seeing alot of family and all.

Here are some of the pictures;

She was a Natural hair bride.

Hair by Onaturals

Pictures was taken by our 'friends' at Fotolighthouse :p

coming up is lessons wedding preparation has taught me! *phew*

I walked the dog this morning and learnt a lesson

2014-12-08T19:54:00.002+01:00

Hello people,

How have you been? Remember chi-chi? chi-chi is 'our' dog and I took her for a walk this morning. I regularly don't do this but I am around and my younger sister started complaining when she started barking in the morning as an indication for us to take her out.

I walked her round our close and when we got back, some chickens had invaded her 'space' and she almost ran out of my hands to defend her 'territory' to chase the chickens away from her food and water and a light bulb came on in my head.

Do you defend your territory like this?

The Bible clearly says in Proverbs 4:23 Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life.

I know right now that I don't.
I also love the analogy I heard recently, about having a field and how weed doesn't struggle to grow but it takes extra planning and effort to grow a seed deliberately. You want to plant maize, you have to plan, water it etc. to make sure it grows, but for the weed? You don't have to 'do' anything.

God has given us this life - HIS life - we are stewards and we have the responsibility to 'defend' and God has equipped us, given us authority, given us dominion and he will ask us what we did with our life.

I have been giving this serious thought since morning - when I wasn't sleeping - and I want to ask you what I also ask myself and hoping I understand and get better at.

Is my life - and the lives connected to mine - precious enough to me to want to defend it like how God expects?

Have a great week!!! :)

HAPPY NEW MONTH!!!!!!!!!!!!

2014-12-01T14:12:00.001+01:00

HAPPY NEW MONTH FROM ALL OF US AT THE FOOT OF THE HILL!!! I pray you have an amazing end of the year!!!

*kisses*

Are you Paradoxical?

2014-11-24T16:36:00.001+01:00

Hello Everyone,

Thank you ALL for the words of encouragement in my last post I really do appreciate it. Now unto the marra of the day.

[Source]

I am not one to speak plenty grammar. I like to keep things simple and straight to the point anything to avoid complexity. I understand abit of grammar not the obahiagbon kind, but you get my drift. I have a walking encyclopaedia (As I like to call her) as a sister and any time I encounter any big words or I need a correct spelling, I consult her. But she wasn't around the day I heard this big grammar.

One of the ladies during our Immerse white glam get-together mentioned ¨Paradoxical¨ as she was trying to describe herself and as I was still trying to process what that word meant another lady asked ¨Please what does it mean?¨ and she went ahead to say the meaning as being ¨Contradictory¨ Over the next weeks I pondered more on the word which was now etched in my sub-conscious.

What exactly does the word mean?

paradoxical

ˌparəˈdɒksɪk(ə)l/

adjective

seemingly absurd or self-contradictory.

Then I wondered some more how I have been paradoxical in my life, believing one thing and not necessarily acting it out. Like I am a follower of Jesus and I do believe in him and all that he says but when I look in my life and try to see what I live out when the chips are down theeen there is a huge question mark.

Its easy to be 'good' on sunday, but what are you doing on Monday?

I also looked around me and see other people like me in the ''Christian¨ Category that do somethings then I begin to question 'Is she really a Christian?' but as much as I point the accusing/judgemental finger, I have 3 pointing back at me.

I ask myself, does my actions or inaction as the case my be reflect the Jesus I follow? Can people that interact with me during the week vouch for me as much as my Sunday peeps can? or even more than? Can I say 'follow me as I follow Christ and people will gladly oblige?' In all honesty, I have pulled down a post -Which I might put up later - because If I answered sincerely I knew my answer on somethings was 'No'

I have been looking and thinking of what and what to help me in this and during Thursday sermon in church which was talking about the truth about grace, I got my answer although its a popular verse it came to me in a different light.

¨I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.¨ Gal 5:16

Which screams to me that all I have to do is walk in the spirit and all the fleshy lust will not be fulfilled even with simple things as getting/staying angry, getting jealous, speaking against someone, treating people right, having compassion etc.

My question to you is this: Are your beliefs in Christ reflecting in the way you live or are you paradoxical?

#ThankfulThursday: Unhappy

2014-11-20T11:44:00.002+01:00

Hallo People,

I am torn between being totally honest or following the aww-so-my-life-is-happy-on-the-internet trend. But I have been giving the impression on here lately that nothing is going great with me, but then I don't want to join the band wagon of masking the truth. As much as I am not great great right now, I am not depressed in anyway or sad. Still, I choose vulnerable, I choose to be truthfully about where I am at the moment.

So, In that light.....

I cried last night.

Well, more like sobbed. I can be a cry baby sometimes.

But, I just feel like the universe needs to give me a break. All I see are fingers pointing at me and like everyone is just waiting for me to make a mistake to pounce on me. At work (Most especially -___-). At home. Little things. ... And I am there like....

Can I get a break please???

This morning, I came out saw my neighbour and another man engrossed in their talk.. I mumbled my ¨Good Morning¨ and went about my business, only for him to just immediately jump at me

¨Aunty, e ti le ki wa¨ (Aunty, you cant greet us) *Insert a long sigh here*

This is someone that I would greet on most mornings and he won't answer me oh, but I still greet the next day. All I wanted to scream was ¨LEAVE ME ALONE¨

Last night, I just laid there in the dark and sobbed and talked to God. He won't let me stay there for too long. I wanted some sort of comfort. I NEEDED some.

There are many things I am not very happy about at this time but I was reminded that through it ALL, He is always there.

I am Thankful today for Solace in God. A place where I can just be, no accusations, not talk-down, no talk-at, No reminder, Nothing. Just a loving arm I can rest and be lovingly corrected for my mistakes.

Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death?

And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[b] neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. 39 No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:35,38-39 NLT

This is Me today!

I am Thankful today for GOD'S LOVE!!!!!!!!!

Ready to be vulnerable with me? What are you Thankful for through it ALL?

Photography: My Jos Trip

2014-11-14T12:00:00.000+01:00

Hiii,

I was in Jos sometime last year from work and I've this in my draft since then. I think its just about time I shared the images from that trip.

Now, I think I know why I didn't post them because they were not complete. I will upload this later. Oh.. The chickens? We visited a poultry. Don't ask -___-

Hope you enjoyed the images?