Imagine coming into a restaurant to eat and you are given a stale food and you happen to be a good cook who can discern fresh from frozen food. Some don’t so we are going to look from the angle of a person who is a good cook. Yuck! This was what happened to one of Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares USA (Mangia Mangia Series 7 episode 4). The kitchen was a mess despite the fact that the front looks good and clean: the four microwave, the walk-in freezer is filled with rotten crumbs of food and the organization was absolute chaos! Ramsay did his ritual food tasting and found out how bad the food tastes. He even asked one of the waiters to taste the food and see how cold it was and how bad it was cooked. He went to the kitchen to see how it was being run and saw that 95% of their food was frozen and microwaved. The cook knows nothing about cooking and the boss was always cursing out and this gave room for her workers to disrespect her. You can say, oh that’s restaurants for you! But have you ever considered this restaurant as your family or your local church or even as your workplace, when things are not going the way you believe it should be.

Mangia means eat. Bear in mind everyone loves fresh food, fresh fruits, smelling fresh before going to bed (if time and fatigue can afford you that), etc. As the head in your home when last did you tell your wife you love her. How lovely she looks and go an extra mile by picking her up from work, and from there taking her out to dinner or sightseeing. As a wife when last did you surprise your husband by coming home early just to welcome him home, escort him to the bathroom and stand by the door to discuss the day’s event, then serve him a different meal from the usual, and finally giving him the room service……lol. This may not be an everyday affair but at least two or three times in a month – this keeps the marriage light aglow. Most times we give an excuse instead of setting the pace first. Beloved to avoid the above story I narrated of which happens a lot in our homes today because of the pressure from our workplace, school work, demand from our children and other social activities, we tend to lose it by forgetting our most important priority – our spouse! Let me use this analysis to get across my message:

Ramsay – The Saviour (Jesus); The Boss – Husband; The Cook – Wife; The Waiters/kitchen assistants – Children; The Clients – The demands both school and office work, etc.

When we neglect the most important thing we need to do, every other thing begins to suffer no matter how well we feel we are doing or others think we are doing. This is why so many families are suffering. When the husband refuses to key into what Jesus is saying by the reason of His word and tries to give excuses and pushes the blame to the needs of the wife, children or outside demands (pressure). His family (restaurant) is bound to fail. What makes a family beautiful inside-out is the consistency of the respect between father and mother and their relationship with God of which rubs off on the children by the reason of them seeing their parents trust God in times of trouble and lack, and as they face the demands of the outside world.

There are many people who live their lives in a desperate search for human approval and applause. They discern their dignity and worth, not from God, (who is in effect a stranger to them), but from what other human beings think of them. This was how I lived before I surrendered my life to Jesus. It is so bad to know that some of us who tried to get approval from our so-called friends and relations end torturing ourselves in one way or the other by allowing them to bully us, take decisions for us and most times killing the gifts and talents in some of us. I can say for sure that the end of a hypocrite ends in shame, thank God I was saved. Well, I pray if you are one better think twice and make a U-turn before it’s too late. Do you notice the way Jesus describes the heart of hypocrisy: Jesus said to his disciples: “Take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them…” (Matthew 6:1). The Lord goes on to say that they blow a trumpet so that others will see them giving alms, they pray ostentatiously so that others may see they are praying, and they alter their appearance so that others may see they are fasting. Spiritual hypocrisy is a dangerous and deadly sin. The hypocrisy of professing Christians has served as an excuse for the people of the world to say, “The church is full of hypocrites.” It is so sad that even the hypocrisy of Christian leaders has caused many believers to stumble. The truth must be told. Remember how Jesus condemned the religious leaders during His time on earth because of their hypocrisy.

Are all Christians hypocrites? Not at all! In fact, the history of the Christian church is filled with examples of selflessness, courage, moral action and reform and many other positive influences on the world. These are not the acts of hypocrites, but of sincere believers transformed by the resurrected Christ and moved by the Holy Spirit to “do to others what you would have them do to you” (Matthew 7:12; Luke 6:31). Yes, I know what you are about to say next…..what then is happening today? My simple answer is Bible prophecy is fulfilling just as written in Book of 2 Timothy 3.

I am a work in progress and bear in mind that the church (members) is a work in progress. Like a cathedral that may take decades or centuries to complete, the process is long and arduous, but someday it will be complete and stand as a beautiful testimony to the power of Christ to transform lives for the better. Remember, too, that only some professing Christians act hypocritically. What about all those who do not? What about all those who consistently live out the love of Christ in the world? Is it that the world is blind toward these ones that live out Christ love and are always quick to see fault in the lives of Christian babes and judge them? Well, until the church and all followers of Christ are glorified, there will, unfortunately, be hypocrites in the church. We must also remember that biblically speaking, “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:23-24). In other words, no one is perfect and all are dependent on Christ for redemption, salvation, and growth in spiritual maturity. On the one hand, Christians should not act hypocritically, lest we provide critics with a flimsy reason to reject the gospel message. On the other hand, critics should know better than to attempt to throw out Christianity and all of Christ’s claims on the basis of the hypocrisy objection.

Having made known to us His will according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself (Ephesians 1:9 NKJV). The will of God is no other than God Himself; it is essential to Him; it is His nature and essence. God did not leave us without the knowledge of His will. This is why the Bible is made accessible both to the rich and poor, the young and the old. We have no excuse to fail in life and not to fulfill our God-given purpose. God promises to reveal to us His will if we genuinely want to know. The Lord’s plan leads to welfare – happiness, well-being, and success; not calamity – trouble, affliction, and ruin. Understanding this principle is essential to discovering the Lord’s plan and purpose for us which will save us from financial, mental, physical, emotional and spiritual stress.

We are in the seventh month of the year, many have set new goals and new plans for themselves at the beginning of the year. How many of us set those goals based on God’s leading? The tragedy of life lies in having no goals to reach and having goals without God in view of the goals. I must confess that this year is still young to reset your goals by aligning it to God’s will be it your marriage, spiritual life, finances, ministry, your career, and in the area of your investment, etc. God does not want us to be doing trial and error in life. This is why He made available His word to us so that we can know His will for us in life even as we make our plans and set goals. In order for you and I to follow God’s plan for our lives, we must know what He has called us to do. This will definitely pave way to being successful in life (This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Joshua 1:8). It would be out of character for God to hide His will and then expects us to walk in it. The Bible also promises His guidance, all we need to do is ask Him. Proverbs 3: 5 – 6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Apostle Paul indicated that it was possible to know the Father’s will and thereby be fruitful (Colossians 1: 9 & 10). The Lord is faithful to reveal “the path of life” to those who seek Him (Psalm 16:11). If you are serious about following God’s will, you have to recognize that it is not about getting what you want, but doing what God asks. You must trust that He is faithful and good and that His will is what is best for you.

How can you discover God’s plan for your Life?

The Bible: The Word of God is the number one primary way to know God’s will for your life (2 Timothy 3: 16 – 17) “so as not to” be doing trial and error in business, making costly mistakes, endangering your health, having marital break-up in relationships, choosing the wrong job, etc. The only way we can be sure to stay true and in tune with God’s Word is by studying it day and night so we can be sure to obey everything written in it. As we do so we can then be sure to prosper and have “good success” (Joshua 1: 8). We sometimes neglect or forget to consider the scriptural truth of what God is saying to us about our situation when we feel overwhelmed there by drifting away from God’s will. Our Father in heaven desires to see us succeed in life, have the best of life and enjoy life in full all to His glory. God’s terms are faith and obedience. Faith is like electricity you don’t have to analyze or understand it to enjoy its benefits. If I may ask you, what has God told you to do? Obey Him and stop wavering between different opinions, stop procrastinating, stop complaining, stop arguing with Him and do what He tells you. Leave the consequences for Him because He knows how to deal with every situation no matter how complicated it looks  –  He can!   

PRAYER:  Philippians 4:6 says, “Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. Prayer is a two-way communication between God and man. It is the place where our pride is abandoned, hope is lifted, and supplication is made. Prayer is the place of admitting our need, adopting humility, and claiming dependence upon God. Prayer is the exercise of faith and hope. Prayer is the privilege of touching the heart of the Father through the Son of God, Jesus our Lord. Prayer is also a way of life for any child of God. As you study God’s Word and spend time in prayer, your relationship with God grows and you begin to understand God’s viewpoint (1 John 5: 14 – 15). You will then be in the right place to hear God’s instruction for other areas of your life.

I experienced a major turning point in my own prayer life when I learned simply to keep quiet after praying to hear what God has to say and to ask questions on every area of my life. That may sound odd to you, and it seemed odd to me at first why I should tell God everything including sex but as time goes on I became aware that God is not embarrassed at all with any topic of discussion I bring to Him. He gives me advice, directions and tells me the consequences of half obedience. John 10:27 says, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” Though at first, it was very hard because I thought it was about me until I come to realize it’s all about Jesus. I take time to listen to what God has to say to me, and I ask questions when I don’t understand clearly. I also pen down on a book what He wants me to do. This has helped me a lot. Through experiences like this, God has shown me many times with great clarity what His will is for my life. They are truly life-changing.

GODLY COUNSEL: In addition to Bible study and prayer, be willing to seek godly counsel from a mentor, pastor, or godly parent. Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counselors, there is safety (Proverbs 11:14). Life can present us with challenges and decisions that are not easy to make on our own.  We may pray about the situation and read God’s Word for guidance, and still be confused and uncertain about the direction we should take because of emotional distress. Some years back I felt I knew it all because I hear God speak to me. But as I grow I see the need and I sought the counsel of godly brothers and sisters. Beloved, I tell you it takes a lot of humility to seek counsel from other beloved brothers or pastors just because you feel you know everything. Two things the Bible makes very clear are the benefit of godly counsel and the detriment of ungodly counsel.  “The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceitful.”

Therefore it is imperative when seeking counsel that we examine the character and values of the person(s) from whom we receive advice. The person’s character and values are of utmost importance. We must also factor the person’s motives when evaluating the merit of their advice. Receiving advice from a person who has an interest or gains from the decision we make can lead us astray. We must be careful that people who care about us, they may give advice based on their own fears, insecurities or expectations.

CIRCUMSTANCES: There is no such thing as coincidence in this life. When you go through the Book of Esther from chapter 1 to the last chapter. None of the events happened by chance. How can you explain receiving an encouraging text from a friend who never knew what you were passing through? A beloved sister told me how she wanted to board a bus from Port Harcourt to Calabar (one sate to another in Nigeria), and on that fateful day, she was convinced by a man to travel by another bus rather than the usual bus she travels with. On her way to Calabar fifteen minutes later, lo and behold she saw that same bus she would have entered on the road-side, it had a fatal accident, and some people died on the spot. That was when she knew that God arranged that man to be there to save her life.

The events that God allows— the family we were born into, the town in which we live, meeting a future mate, getting fired from a job, getting rebuked by a pastor or Christian leader, the skills, talents, and gifts we possess—are all part of God’s divine will for our success. Remember this for we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

A family member faces a deadly disease. Your neighbour desperately needs Jesus but turns away every time you try to share Christ. A nation begins to crumble because its people follow their own evil ways. But what can you do? Often, the problems we face seem too big for us. No matter how much we try, we cannot solve them on our own. It’s times like these when we need to turn to the Lord in intercessory prayer.

Intercession is a prayer that pleads with God for one’s personal needs and the needs of others. But it is also much more than that. Intercession involves taking hold of God’s will and refusing to let go until His will comes to pass.

Intercession is warfare — the key to God’s battle plan for our lives. But the battleground is not in this physical world (earth). It takes place in the spiritual world where the battles for our own lives, our families, our friends and our nation are won or lost. The Bible says, “We are not fighting against humans. We are fighting against forces and authorities and against rulers of darkness and spiritual powers in the heavens above” (Eph. 6:12).

If you are born again, you are God’s son or daughter (John 1:12). As His child, you have a direct “hotline” to God. At any time, you can boldly come into His presence (Heb. 4:16). This incredible access to God is the basis for intercession. Once you are in God’s presence, you can now discover “His battle plan” for the situation you are facing. Because prayer alone is not enough — you need a target for your prayers (2 Samuel 5: 22 – 25)! To discover God’s plan, all you have to do is ask. How many times have you prayed by asking God questions and waited for Him to answer you? Many of us are too busy with activities (church and social life) that we find it difficult to wait on our knees for five or more minutes to hear from God after prayers. This reminded me years ago when I was eager to know what God wants me to do, and even when I ask Him I find it difficult to wait to hear Him (when I knew less). Beloved, we must be patient in the place of prayer and have a listening ear to what the Spirit is saying.

Another thing is our mindset. Romans 12:2 says, “Let God change the way you think. Then you will know how to do everything that is good and pleasing to Him.” We sometimes believe that God should answer us in a certain manner or way (by the way our needs are met) if not the way our mind is telling us, we leave it and then continue praying (Acts 12: 12 – 17). You should start seeing things from God’s own point of view even as your spirit is in tune with God’s Spirit if not you will labour more and get few results. This is the part where many Christians miss it. Sometimes the Spirit of God may tell you to just worship Him only, instead we try to impress the crowd or those who are with us to show them that we can pray (this is flesh manifesting now).

A plan for battle is for us not to pray aimlessly, pray selfishly, waste time, energy, and resources. It is also for us to know when to retreat back and seek for God’s plan (specific directions) on what to do next. If you refuse to fall in line and be led by God then be sure that you and those praying will struggle in place of prayer or may become casualties in the place of warfare. Prayer of intercession is a serious matter. And just like soldiers who are preparing for battle, who take instructions from their superiors, we cannot take on the enemy if we don’t pray strategically and be led by the Holy Ghost. We should not use spirituality and cover our laziness, lateness, and failures in life for God will not support this. This is why we must go into battle armed and prepared for spiritual conflict (see 2 Cor. 10: 3 & 4). You must recognize that Jesus is in control of the situation no matter how bad it may look. Jesus “rules over forces, authorities, powers, and rulers … over all beings in this world and will rule in the future world as well” (Eph. 1:21). He is King of kings and Lord of lords. If God shows you the identity of specific spiritual strongholds that are at work, take authority over these strongholds in the name of Jesus. And always remember that “God’s Spirit is in you and is more powerful than the one that is in the world” (1 John 4:4). Next, bind the work of Satan, knowing that Jesus has given you the authority to defeat the power of your enemy (Luke 10:19).

Excerpts from http://www1.cbn.com/questions/what-is-intercessory-prayer

At the beginning of each New Year, experts give their predictions about the economy, politics, weather, and a host of other topics. Will there be war or peace? Poverty or prosperity? Progress or stagnation? Only one Person is completely reliable, and He had strong words for some so-called experts. The religious leaders of Jesus’s day claimed to have the truth. These scholars and theologians thought they knew what the promised Messiah would be like when He arrived. Jesus cautioned them, “You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life.” Then He pointed out how they were missing the heart of the matter. “These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life” (John 5:39–40). People everywhere are hoping that this year will be better than last, but no one knows what will happen. Don’t be alarmed. Our confidence remains in the One at the very heart of the Scriptures – Jesus! He has a firm grip on us and on our future, and there is a better way to start off a new year, a new month and a new day – which is to concentrate on conveying gratitude to our Lord rather than focusing your attention on the negative based on what the media will say. That’s why we should make time for God and rest in His love—the love that made you and me. It is the reason for our existence and the means by which we will make the most of our lives. Even though we are in this world, we operate using the principles of God. When you count your blessings of last year and see how far God has brought you even when it seems challenges would overwhelm you but God saw you through in all (2 Samuel 21: 15 – 17).

Start your year with thanks to the Lord, and a timeout with God (retreat), presenting your goals, ask Him for ideas, and plans for that year to see if it fits in the plan of God for your life (that’s the big picture we all need to be looking at). He will give the blueprint for the year and directions to follow. This has been my yearly practice and you can be sure to face the world and what it throws at you. I must confess that in the past I have not faithfully followed His directions the way I should because I have allowed distractions and procrastination hinder me. I have learned my lessons in a hard way and would not like to see others make this grave mistakes. Bear in mind that God will not tell you everything that will happen throughout that year but will give you the necessary tools for your move forward in the particular direction He wants you to go. This will surely lead you to success in that area of your vocation. There’s nothing like having to know where you are going and what to do in this present time irrespective of how bad the economy is in the state or country. As a child of God, be sensitive to His direction in that way that leads to success. Know when to stop, move, accelerate more and slow down. It’s like someone driving a car to a particular destination. When you follow the signs you are sure to make it on time and safely. Many believe that as the year has started they need to accomplish all the goals they set for themselves before the year runs out (do or die affair). My dear remember you don’t need to mortgage your life or that of your family even though some do so and regret it later.

Education, wealth, power, marriage, and pleasure are good things, but they’re not the best (please don’t misunderstand me). The best is loving God and taking in His love—bringing Him glory by our walk with Him in that particular calling in our lives, and making Him our friend for life. That leads to the best possible life because it gives us satisfaction and joy after we must have gotten to our goals for the year and many years ahead (John 10:10). I like the way the psalmist put it: “It is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all Your works” (Ps. 73:28). In other words, the good life is drawing close to the One who loves us like no other. The light of Christ shines more brightly through us who know and love Him. Just don’t think of today alone, think gene-rationally and eternally. Jesus is our joy and hope—today, tomorrow, and forever! Knowing the future is uncertain; knowing the One who holds the future is a sure thing.

Prayer: Father, let me know the heart of the matter and may I not get carried away by the situation report of the country as I continue to walk toward my purpose in Jesus name…..Amen!!!

Excerpts from odb.org 01/14; 01/15; 04/18