Places, People and Purpose, 3 of God's "Pees"

I remember hearing this statement from one of my Professors, Dr. Robert Tuttle few years ago, "Because human being has lousy memory, God keep telling us, ‘Remember’". He tells us the things to remember and the things to forget. That means there are certain things we need to keep for permanency in our ‘hard drive’ while some files must be deleted to create space. It’s funny that many of us still keep the information that supposed to only last a week in our minds for months and we keep deleting the ones that we supposed to preserve. Going through my archives today, I found this awesome picture and Oh what a joy that fills my soul. God has a way of putting us in PLACES, connecting us to PEOPLE that will help us fulfill His PURPOSE for a PARTICULAR season.

The PLACE was The Christian Union Fellowship in Ibadan Poly (Nigeria); Many PEOPLE that I cannot mention for space, but in that picture was Evangelist Richard Usenu, one of the finest preachers of righteousness that blessed our lives on campus. As a young Christian, I was the Organizing Secretary of the Fellowship (PARTICULAR season) and one of my assignments (PURPOSE) was to give the information register to guest ministers after their ministrations. I will forever be grateful to God for such foundation of holiness, purity and pure love from ‘brethren’. Friends, never underestimate the place you find yourself right now (either willfully or forcefully) because the STEPS and the STOPS of a righteous man are ORDERED by the Lord! Please, don’t despise the PEOPLE around you or in your life at this season because there’s a PURPOSE in the mind of your Creator for allowing them in your life at this MATERIAL time! God Bless.

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“…I’M NOT EVEN SUPPOSED TO BE HERE...” – Lebron James

“…I’M NOT EVEN SUPPOSED TO BE HERE...” – Lebron James (See video on http://youtu.be/SyeE5OOrCXQ)

That statement made by the greatest basketball player on earth, Lebron James has stayed with me since he uttered those words few years ago, “I’m not even supposed to be here”. Until July 10, 1994, life was great but not meaningful to me because I had not fully surrendered my heart to the Author of Life. Therefore my appreciation and gratitude today goes to: 

1. GOD, who closed the doors to other colleges and universities when I was dying to go there but opened THE DOOR of admission to The Polytechnic Ibadan, Nigeria (1994). In spite of my funny lifestyle up till that moment, MERCY located me and I gave my heart to Jesus.“I am not even supposed to be here”. I’m eternally grateful to everyone that crossed my path throughout my four years in The Polytechnic Ibadan (Space will not be enough if I mention names). That single decision is the reason why I’m still here. You see,

20 years after with Pastor OJ in Nigeria

2. HELPERS OF DESTINY, Many of my friends who knew me before I went to SPCC on July 10, 1994 were quick to testify that something HAPPENED to Sam that day. I’m eternally grateful to Pastor Olubi Johnson for his message on ‘Spiritual Time Management’ that day. Even though I could not understand most of the things he was saying, the only thing I heard was, “The Spirit and the Bride is calling, would you come?” It was an invitation to the palace of the King and I’m glad I honored it. It will be surprising to know that I did not set out on that day to attend Pastor Olubi’s church but going for a different program with a friend.

With Omo Alagbe in '96

We already walked pass Pastor Olubi’s church when I had a problem with my shoe and I decided I was going back to campus, because one of the major “missions” we were going to accomplish at this other place will be messed up without a good shoe. The moment we were about to pass the exit to SPCC, my friend (helper of destiny) persuaded me that we should go to this nearby church. Even though he was much as far away from God as I was at that time, he persuaded me! No matter how powerful the message that Pastor Olubi prepared that day, if “Omo Alagbe”, the Best Man at my wedding, Fisayo Alagbe did not yield himself to be used by God that moment, may be you will not be able to read my testimony today. Guess what, one of the people that made fun of me in college most for given my heart to Jesus was “Omo Alagbe” but today he is a firebrand for the Lord. You will forever be my brother buddy! You see, without you and Pastor Olubi, “I am not even supposed to be here.”

3. AND MANY OTHERS: Few people among many contributed to the foundation laying of the Christian life I’m enjoying today. Our foundation not only determines our strength in life but also predicts how far we can go. How best can I show appreciation to one of the finest saints of God, Bro. Sola Akinsola (Orisun Hall Pastor) who single-handedly picked me up like a baby and not just taught me Christianity101 but lived it before me. Many times after fellowship is over at NLT North Campus, one of the few names that we hear people (mostly sisters) calling for one discussion or another is “Bro. Sola”. Among many things, he taught me how to love people and really care. I can never forget Bro. Sola’s "FellowSist” meetings.

Even though for some strange reasons, I do not have a single picture of you and I have desperately looked for you over the years without any luck, wherever you are on this side of eternity, know that your impact still speaks and I’m eternally grateful.

Time will fail me to talk about Pastor A. T. Raymond (The Glorious Church), Pastor Moses Olaniyi (The Impossicant Pastor), Bro. Sam Omowaye, Evangelist Morgan Olukayode Emmanuel, Evangelist Akinfenwa, Pastor Abraham (Pastor AB), Reverend Bolaji AdeIsrael, my fiery Pastor Pertru Onyedikachi, Pastor Bunmi A. Paul, Rev. Gbeminiyi Eboda, Bro. Biodun Ologunebi, Engr. Wale Alao, all the Executive Members of Christian Union Poly Ibadan (94/95set) etc. Thanks you all for giving to the Lord and I’m eternally grateful. You see without those people, “I’m not even supposed to be here”.

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THANK GOD FOR SHUT DOORS!

I started my gratitude challenge few days ago and it’s seems my own one day is like a thousand year. Anyway, I need to complete my second day now. On this Day 2, I want to appreciate God for SHUT DOORS! I know it’s natural to give God thanks when doors are opened to us but over the years I have come to realize that had God not shut some doors – of opportunities, relationships, traveling etc., I would have self-destruct. Many of us have been to many “houses” (of drugs, alcoholism, immorality, crack etc.) and we wanted to remain there but God shut the door and led us into the “HOUSE on the ROCK”. I want to specifically appreciate God for SHUTTING DOORS in two major areas among many years ago: 

DOOR OF TRAVELING OVERSEAS SHUT: The time people wanted me to travel abroad, God shut the door and ensured that every promise from families and relations met with huge disappointments. I later realized that sometimes when men disappoints you, it’s because God has another appointment for you. Time will fail me to narrate the drama that led to my relocation to the United States but it was indeed an act of God’s faithfulness. I want to appreciate my dear “Mummy”- Mrs. Tinuade Olla and her family for allowing God to use them as our main ‘entry point’ to our second earthly home country. “Mummy and Daddy Jersey", your love is always appreciated. Guess what, the people that promised to help you and failed to make it good at any point, don’t hate on them or wish them any evil, believe that their help is meant for someone else. Life goes on. 

DOOR OF MARITAL RELATIONSHIP SHUT: One of the major decisions that everyone who has not been given the gift of celibacy will make in life is the choice of who to marry. I still remember vividly that one of the major prayers my “lady friends” (in Poly Ibadan, NCCF Bayelsa, IVCUPGF etc.) always pray is, “Brother Sam, may God give you your wife”. Even though I made several attempts to enter into some door of relationships permanently, one way or the other, God shut those doors. I can’t imagine a better woman in my life than my wife of more than 130 months. Guess what, it gladdens my heart to see today that some “doors” that were closed to me in those days were opened to some other great men in the lives of those ladies (now women today). Again, don’t be mad about a “shut door”, it’s because the door is meant for someone else. Therefore I celebrate every lady/sister (now woman) that “life” brought into my life at one point or another in those years. You are part of my story that has become HIS-Story. Once again, Daddy God, I thank You for shut doors! 

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Who Can Fathom the Depth of His Love?

During our family devotion this morning, my daughter read a prayer from the devotional that says, “I prophesy to you that God will give you that ‘mouth-opening miracle’ you have been expecting this month”. I asked them if they understand the prayer. They both said in unison, YES! Okay tell me how you understand it I said. These are their responses:

“It means when you open your mouth miracles will happen” – Faith

The other girl does not want me mentioning her name on social media so I will not but this is her response, 

“When people talk they are able to do miracles”

As funny as these responses could sound to us, I realized that God communicates sometimes with us based on our level of comprehension at every stage of our lives. Awesome God!

My Recent Trip to Nigeria: Visiting My "Roots" - Pt. 1

University of Ibadan, IVCUPGF, December 8, 2014 

Ibadan Varsity Christian Union (Postgraduate Fellowship, Nigeria) meant so much to me because it is one my “roots” when I think of spiritual formation. It was in that fellowship that I met some of the best lovers of God. It was while there that my relationship with my fiancee (now my wife of almost 12 years) was further nurtured. It was while I was part of that fellowship that my relocation to the States (my new home) was birthed. It was in that fellowship that the practicality of Mark 11:23-24 was entrenched on my heart. Can I tell you more? 

I saw the life transforming power of the Holy Spirit displayed firsthand in the life of a young aspiring lawyer (now certified, happily married with children) while I was in that fellowship. I received (possibly) my first gift for preaching the message of hope to fellow students (a Five-Alive Drink) while in that fellowship. There is something about your “root”. 

It was such a great privilege and honor to minister to saints at that same fellowship during my recent brief visit to Nigeria. I will eternally be grateful to God for allowing me pass through the University of Ibadan. And big thanks to my amiable friend (then General Secretary and now a Doctor of Mathematics in U.I), Dr. Praise Adeyemo for making it possible, my 2gether4ever couple, Pastor and Mrs. Oyebola and Pastor Bunmi A. Paul for their presence. And of course, I’m grateful to the current executives of IVCUPG fellowship for the privilege to be a blessing.

FotoSpeak 

During my Recent Visit.

With the 2gether4ever Couple, Pastor and Mrs. Oyebola

With Dr. Praise and IVCUPGF president

With some of the members

Some faces while we were there more than a decade ago

The Executives of the fellowship then (2001/2002)

(From L-R, Tope, Sam, Nkiru, Praise and Kecy)

To God be all the glory for great things He has done and He is doing and will yet do. Watch out for my next post on the continuation of the narrative of my recent visit to my "Roots"

The Right Posture by J. Ellsworth Kalas

On a February day in 1996 I treated some black ice without due respect and broke the ball in my right hip. An excellent orthopedic surgeon treated me very well indeed. I walk, though not as fast as I used to. I can‘t play tennis but I couldn’t before the surgery, either, so that was no loss. The major change came in my prayer life. For many years I had celebrated my morning devotional time either on my knees or sitting on the floor. With the new hip I discovered that if I knelt it had better be at a place where I could brace my body to rise again. Not many chairs served that purpose, so I began sitting in a chair for my time of prayer, reading, and listening. Now there’s nothing wrong about sitting down to pray. Praying can be authentic whether one is sitting, kneeling, standing, bowing, or prostrate on the floor. They’re all scriptural, I’ve tried them all, and I’m convinced that God doesn’t judge our prayers on the basis of our posture. 

But a few years ago I concluded that my posture might make a difference to me, even if not to God. I had two new chairs in my home study, gifts from the seminary’s trustees in appreciation of my work in an administrative position for the seminary. One was a desk chair, where I spend a good deal of time. The other was a lovely guest and reading chair. I discovered that if I knelt at it, it would support me as I rose to my feet. Since then I’ve begun my morning time with God each day kneeling at this chair. I repeat, I don’t think the posture matters to God, but it matters to me. I need, at the beginning of each day, to get on my knees, put my face in my hands or on the seat of the chair, and remind myself that God is God, and I am not. Kneeling at this chair, I get myself off my hands. Being rid of myself is a great way to start the day. The apostle said that we should “lay aside every weight” in order to run God’s race, and the key weight, of course, is self. Obviously, one act in the morning doesn’t guarantee the day, but it’s the right way to begin. 

Posture is important in life. It’s better if possible to walk erectly than with rounded shoulders, and better to sit up in a chair than to slouch. And for me, the posture with which I start the day sets the course for the day. So I consider it a primary achievement when I kneel at that chair for a few moments before moving to another chair to read and listen. Primary, because it is my first position of the new day, and primary because it is prime, most important. If I do this rightly, the day is off to a right start. Not just a good start, but a right one. I’ve done obeisance to my King, and I’m ready now by His grace to serve Him another day. I have established my posture for the day, and it makes a difference.

Isaiah 60 - paraphrased

“Get out of bed, Sam! Wake up. Put your face in the sunlight. GOD’s bright glory has risen for you. The whole earth is wrapped in darkness, all people sunk in deep darkness, But GOD rises on you-Sam, His sunrise glory breaks over you-Sam. Nations will come to my (Sam) light, kings to my sunburst brightness.

Hey Sam! Look up! Look around! Watch as they gather, watch as they approach you: Your sons coming from great distances, your daughters carried by their nannies. When you see them coming you’ll smile—big smiles! Your heart will swell and, yes, burst! All those people returning by sea for the reunion, a rich harvest of exiles gathered in from the nations! And then streams of great convoys as far as the eye can see, Pouring in from all nations (Africa, Europe, Asia. America etc.) Loaded with gold and frankincense, preaching the praises of GOD…

Sam’s “Jerusalem gates” will always be open —OPEN HOUSE DAY AND NIGHT!— Receiving deliveries of wealth from all nations, and their kings, the delivery boys... The rich woods of Lebanon will be delivered —all that cypress and oak and pine— To give a splendid elegance to God’s Sanctuary, as He make His footstool glorious.

The descendants of my (Sam) oppressor will come bowing and scraping to me. All who looked down at me in contempt will lick my boots. They’ll confer a title on me: City of GOD, Zion of The Holy of Israel. Not long ago I was despised refuse— out-of-the-way, unvisited, ignored. But NOW God has put me on my feet, TOWERING and GRAND FOREVER, a joy to look at! When I SUCK THE MILK OF NATIONS and the BREASTS OF ROYALTY, I will know that GOD, He is my Savior, my Redeemer, Champion of Jacob.

He will give me ONLY THE BEST—no more hand-me-downs! Gold instead of bronze, silver instead of iron, bronze instead of wood, iron instead of stones. He will install Peace to run my country, make Righteousness my boss. There’ll be no more stories of crime in my land, no more robberies, no more vandalism. I will name my main street Salvation Way, and install Praise Park at the center of my town. I will have no more need of the sun by day nor the brightness of the moon at night. GOD will be my eternal light, my God will BATHE ME IN SPLENDOR.

My sun will NEVER go down, my moon will NEVER fade. God will be my eternal light. My days of grieving are over. All Sam’s people will live RIGHT AND WELL, in PERMANENT possession of the land. They are the green shoot that God planted, planted with His own hands to display His glory. The feeblest will become a great tribe, the weakling become a strong nation. He is GOD. AT THE RIGHT TIME HE WILL MAKE IT HAPPEN.” (Isaiah 60:1-22-MSG)

Someone said, “but that passage of Scripture was written for someone else”, you are right and I also thought the same way. But time will fail me to tell you that the Internet was initially designed for a specific group of people but now everyone can use it. Hear what Jesus said one time to His disciples while walking the streets of Galilee, “What I say TO YOU I say TO ALL, 'Be on the alert!'” (Mark 13:37). So there are some things that can apply to all. Those promises can be yours if you desire them.

Don’t forget, no matter what you are going through, YOU ARE EXPECTED TO WIN.

On behalf of my Essence of Joy – Oludolapo, my graceful kids – Blessing, Faith and Isaac, I am saying you are blessed and highly graced. Love you.

In His ever increasing love,

Sam Kuye

MAKE ME A SOLUTION TO THE PREVAILING PROBLEMS IN MY GENERATION!

God is a God of generations and cultures and in every generation, His faithfulness has never failed. I woke me up early this morning and I sense in my heart that God is giving me a prayer point that I feel like sharing with you. Every generation is unique by the reason of the prevailing circumstances, challenges, problems and social issues of the time. For instance, from the time that humanity was placed on earth, people have been walking on their feet (possibly one of the available forms of transportation aside from riding donkeys) to go from one place to the other. Many years later, there were some inventions like chariots from Ancient Egypt and life was cool. Not being able to drive a car, ride a bike or fly in the air was not an issue.

When Jesus walked the earth, he never prayed once for a car, an ipad, or an aircraft because according to the timing of the Master Designer, those are not prevailing necessities in that generation. But Jesus needed strength to be able to walk around, so He prayed for strength. He saw hunger and He prayed to be able to feed the hungry. He saw injustice in the legal system of His time (as narrated in the case of the woman caught in the act of adultery and was to be stoned but the man involved was exonerated), and He prayed for wisdom to handle the situation. He saw sickness (blindness, impotency, leprosy etc) and He prayed for the power to heal them. Slavery has always been around but it was not a major or prevailing problem in those generations, racism was there but it was not a prevailing issue of the time. The prevailing issues in every generation have always been taken care of by the Master Designer.

Why am I saying all these? God is looking for people that will ask Him to reveal the solutions to the PREVAILING PROBLEMS in their generation. Even though walking on feet was not an issue for thousands of years, when it became a problem that men could not travel long distance or fly in the air, the knowledge to make engines and aircrafts were made available by the Master Designer. Even though slavery has been around for ages, when it became a prevailing problem, people like William Wilberforce, Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King etc were instrumental to providing solution to that problem. Many in the field of medicine, science, religion etc all over the world were limited in their efforts to make life better because of the meager resources or access to relevant information. Few years ago, boom! The computer and Internet were made available by the Master Designer.

Now during the time of Jesus, cancer was not an issue, AIDS was not an issue, terrorism was not an issue, gun control was not an issue, redefinition of marriage was not an issue (you can add to that list). All these issues have always been around in one form or another but they were not PREVAILING ISSUES like in our generation. Guess what, the Master Designer has never failed any generation but the question is, “Would you join me in asking Him to make us SOLUTIONS to the PREVAILING ISSUES” in our generation? Instead of believing God for miracle to heal few cancer patients, the perpetual solution can be made available to us and just like you don’t need to pray for you to be able to fly from your room to work daily, cancer can be handled like we handle fever and cold.

You and I are majorly responsible for our generation not the generation of our founding fathers or the generation that Jesus lived in. Internet, Ipad, mobile phone, printing machine, aircraft, electricity, prosthetics, cars, epidural etc have always been in existence in the mind of the Master Designer but were not needed in Jesus’, Moses and all other great people that lived thousands of years back. As you live your life daily, please don’t just think about how to solve the problems in your little family but make it a desire in your heart to be used as part of solution to the problem of humanity, because the Master Designer will never be caught unfaithful to any generation. The wisdom to stop cancer, to govern our home and society effectively, to minimize divorce rates in the world, to subdue terrorism and to make the world a better place in our generation is available.

I read a statement early this morning that says, “We take hold of the grace that changes us”. The grace of God changes us and changes situations. Will you say that to yourself? “I take hold of the grace that changes situations!”

Don’t forget, no matter what you are going through, YOU ARE EXPECTED TO WIN.

On behalf of my Essence of Joy – Oludolapo, my graceful kids – Blessing, Faith and Isaac, I am saying you are blessed and highly graced. Love you.

In His ever increasing love,

Sam Kuye

Keep Trusting

As we prepare to enter into this new month of August, I feel if I will not act selfishly, I must share this short message that one of my seminary professors posted on our web page recently. It will INDEED bless you because it blessed my heart. I was with him few days ago and I know that message was from his heart not his head. Be blessed as you read it:

Dear friends,
I don't know about you but sometimes I fight some real battles. Sometimes I look at the road in front of me and think, "I just can't do this." It's in those moments I hear the One who called me say, "Yes, you can. I'm here. Because I am here, you can." To those who have never met that One, this conversation seems twisted at best. Yet, in those words we can find solace. Can you imagine the conversations Abram had with God. In my brain, it might have gone something like this:

God: "Leave Ur and go where I tell you."
Abram: “Where?”
God : “That doesn’t matter, just go.”
Abram : “Okay.”
God : “Next, Go south.”
Abram : “Hmmm, okay. Then, what.”
God : “Don’t worry about it, just go.”
Abram : “Okay, but I don’t understand.”
God : “That’s okay, just go.”

After some time of this kind of leadership, God promises Abram not only the land but a whole nation proceeding from him. I think I would laugh, too.

“Are you kidding? I’m old. Sarah is old. I’m not even sure I want a child now. I certainly couldn’t keep up with him. We’re going to be parents? We have one foot in the grave and the other on a banana peel.”
“Trust me.”
Genesis 15:6 says, "Abram believed the Lord and He credited it to him for righteousness."

Pleasing our Lord is important. We please Him when we trust Him. He has called you to further education. Why? I can't answer for you except that God has called and you have responded. You might feel like "going back to Ur." Don't. Just keep pressing forward. Your own past with Him has proven Him true to His word. He will make sure you make it. Trust Him. "Faithful is he who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass." (1Th 5:24) (Message by Dr. Robert Hale, ATS).

Well, I don’t know the specificity of the area or situation that you feel like asking God, “Hmmm, okay. Then, what” as Abram did, but I want to assure you that TRUSTING His judgment no matter what, guarantees peace and lasting joy. I love what Dr. Rich Nathan, pastor of Vineyard Columbus said recently, “My confidence is not so much in my ability to follow God but in His ability to LEAD”. Let’s be sincere with ourselves, sometimes I don’t feel like following where I think He’s leading.

Like my pastor usually say, “2 + 2 is not always equal to 4” when it comes to dealing with God. That’s interesting. I don’t know about you, but I have quit bragging about my ABILITY to follow Him but now relish on His ABILITY to LEAD me. It’s my prayer that beginning from this month of August, whatever situation is making you doubt His ability to bring His promises to pass in your life will effortlessly TURN around in the precious name of Jesus.

Hear me! It's not over with you! It's not over with your career! It's not over with your marriage! You will still carry your own baby like Sarah carried Isaac no matter the medical, physiological or whatever report! Your desired spouse will be connected to you miraculously very soon! That wayward child is coming back! Your ministry or church is not going down! That sickness in your body will not take you out! YOU ARE NOT GOING DOWN!

Don’t forget, no matter what you are going through, YOU ARE EXPECTED TO WIN.

On behalf of my Lump of Delight – Oludolapo, my beautiful angels – Faith and Blessing and the conqueror – Isaac, I am saying welcome to the beginning of a new season in your life, family, career and ministry. Remember to leave your comment below on this page. Love you.

In His ever increasing love,

Sam Kuye

He Knows The Best For You

The month of June is the 6th month in the year 2010. If you think your God has not been faithful, you will need to take some time out and visit places like the mortuary, cemetery,psychiatric house,hospitals and jail houses. I strongly believe at the end of your visits, you will have a re-think! No matter the situation around you, the faithfulness of God is still evident in your life in the fact that you are alive to read this message. This new month, I feel like saying to you that God knows the best things that belong to you and He is ready to bring it to you if only you will trust Him enough. 

I once read a story and it goes like this: One day a man planted a tree and asked God for rain to help it grow. And God sent rain. Next, he prayed for sunshine to help it bloom. And God sent sunshine. Finally, he prayed for frost to strengthen its branches. And God sent that too. But the tree died!

Greatly upset the man decided to consult a master-gardener. “I ordered all the right things to make it grow. What went wrong?” he asked. The gardener took him aside and showed him his own garden, filled with healthy plants and trees. “When I plant a garden,” he said, “I ask God to send whatever he feels it needs; I figure He knows best!”

My friend, stop trying to control what’s not yours to control. Stop fretting over circumstances you can’t change – and even if you could, you’d probably mess them up! The all-wise Daddy God asked me to tell you, “BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD” (Psa. 46:10). How can I be still when things aren’t moving fast enough in my life as I desire? How can I be still after going through all the tests with no trace of any issue against my childbearing and yet no child? How won’t I fret when all things seem to be falling apart in my marriage? How can I…? Why should I…? You may ask. 

Honestly, I may not know but you know what, HE KNOWS! He’s up to something right now in your life and that’s the reason He’s saying to you, “My son (daughter), Be still right now. I never promised to set the events of your life by your own wrist watch but Mine!” If you will indeed be still and relax, you will see the glory of the Lord very shortly.
It's my prayer that you will enjoy His inexplicable peace beginning from this month to the end of the year in the precious name of Jesus.

No matter what you are going through, never forget, YOU ARE EXPECTED TO WIN.

On behalf of my Lump of Delight – Oludolapo, my two angels – Blessing and Faith and the new conqueror, my son Isaac, I am wishing you a tremendous new month.

In His Ever-increasing Love,

Pastor Sam Kuye

I will restore Morris Chapman

What was lost in battle
What was taken unlawful
Where the enemy has planted his seed
And where health is ailin’
Where strength is failin’
I will restore to you all of this and more
I will restore to you all of this and more
I will restore, I will restore
I will restore to you all of this and more
I will restore, I will restore
I will restore to you all of this and more
I will restore to you all of this and more

Where your heart is breaking
And where dreams are forsaken
When it seems what was promised will not be given to you
And where peace is confusion
And reality an illusion
I will restore to you all of this and more
I will restore to you all of this and more
I will restore, I will restore
I will restore to you all of this and more
I will restore, I will restore
I will restore to you all of this and more
I will restore to you all of this and more
I will restore, I will restore
I will restore to you all of this and more
I will restore, I will restore
I will restore to you all of this and more
I will restore to you all of this and more
I will restore to you all of this and more

TAKE HEED TO YOURSELF

Enjoy the lyrics of this video song by Casting Crowns:Just click on the link, "TAKE HEED TO YOURSELF"

Be careful little eyes what you see

It's the second glance that ties your hands as darkness pulls the strings

Be careful little feet where you go

For it's the little feet behind you that are sure to follow

It's a slow fade when you give yourself away

It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray

Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid

When you give yourself away

People never crumble in a day

It's a slow fade, it's a slow fade

Be careful little ears what you hear

When flattery leads to compromise, the end is always near

Be careful little lips what you say

For empty words and promises lead broken hearts astray

It's a slow fade when you give yourself away

It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray

Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid

When you give yourself away

People never crumble in a day

The journey from your mind to your hands

Is shorter than you're thinking

Be careful if you think you stand

You just might be sinking

It's a slow fade when you give yourself away

It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray

Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid

When you give yourself away

People never crumble in a day

Daddies never crumble in a day

Families never crumble in a day

Oh be careful little eyes what see

Oh be careful little eyes what you see

For the Father up above is looking down in love

Oh be careful little eyes what you see

ARE YOU BLACK OR DARK?

A good friend of mine just had an experience and here was his comment, "Am mad as hell! I just got pulled over in my own neighborhood. My crime: am a black man driving an Escalade in a nice neighborhood!"

When I heard that, some thoughts came to my mind and I feel like sharing them with you. Read and enjoy it…

Black and lack are not synonymous! Being black does not mean you are dark. To be dark is to be ignorant, and it has nothing to do with the color of your skin but has everything to do with the state of your MIND. If you carry a first class MIND, nothing can resist your shining. And your shining is a function of the intensity of your LIGHT.

Light signifies success, advancement, progress etc. I have met a lot of people who are not BLACK but very DARK. When you are DARK, you are gullible and can be deceived or deceive yourself easily…the king of deception is the man the holy writ called, the PRINCE OF DARKNESS. The word prince means FIRST. That means the number one person to possess a DARK mind is that great enemy, and every other DARK person you see around is just being deceived into working with THE prince of DARKNESS.

My advice: The only solution to darkness is LIGHT. If you are black and you focus on increasing the INTENSITY of the LIGHT in your greatest asset – MIND. You will not only live in a nice neighborhood, ride escalade, fly a jet but also become an instrument that dislodges DARKNESS wherever you go. No matter the color of your skin – white, black, yellow or whatever, darkness has no regard for you. Only “LIGHT-minded” people will be able to ride on their high places in this world. Either in my village, United States, Canada, Europe, Iraq, China, Haiti or anywhere, LIGHT has the same EFFECT. Shine!!!

September 2009

Beloved, as I woke up this morning appreciating God in my heart for the great and mighty things He's done in my life and family just this year, I feel like challenging your heart with this question:


Many at times when we are faced with a challenge (which a lot of people calls problem), the usual thing is to go around telling people how big that problem is and throwing a pity party. Few of us who remember to turn to God (instead of turning to people) in such situations often bombard His hearing with our view of the problem – it’s size, bigness and frustrating look, whereas God expect us not just to be telling people or Him about the magnitude of the problem, but rather turn to the situation and tell it HOW BIG OUR GOD IS!

No wonder Jesus said, “If you shall say unto the mountain…” (Mark 11:23). In other word, tell that mountain or situation the bigness of your God! I don’t care how big that project or dream in your heart is, if it’s a vision from Him and the ultimate purpose is to bless humanity and glorify God, then go ahead and start! May I ask you, what is that challenge you are faced with now? Is it barrenness? God is bigger than it! Is your marriage going through the toughest financial tension? God is tougher that the toughest financial crisis! Is yours a health issue? His name is Jehovah Rapha – the Lord that heals!

Let me share a testimony with you, few years ago my wife went for a medical check up and the doctor discovered a health concern which according to them was a serious issue. Not only that, the implications medically speaking is serious! But hear me; I know my God is bigger than the biggest negative discovery of the smartest doctor in this world! We prayed over it once and that was it! The next time she went for the check up, the problem that supposed to gulp thousands of dollars had disappeared! God is great!

Beloved, time will fail me to tell you more stories, but my challenge to you is, How Big Is your God? Is He still big enough to open the Red Sea? Is He still big enough to rain down manna from heaven? May I ask you, Is God still big enough to bring water out of the rock in the wilderness of your life? Is your God still big enough to terminate joblessness, incurable disease and financial struggles? Is your God still big enough to raise your dead visions, dreams and career back to life? Hear me! If He carried the weight of the world upon His shoulders; He’s BIG ENOUGH to carry your relationship, marriage, project, ministry, educational pursuit and you. See what He promised in Isaiah 46: 3-4, “Listen to me, descendants of Jacob, all you who remain in Israel. I have cared for you since you were born. Yes, I carried you before you were born. I will be your God throughout your lifetime— until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you.”

I don’t know about you, but I have made my choice to always look at any challenge in the face and say to it, “MY GOD IS BIGGER THAN YOU!” and He has never failed to prove Himself. The truth is, You are bigger and stronger than the strongest challenge if God is your strength. This new month of September 2006, I see God demonstrating His BIGNESS in your life in the precious name of Jesus.

On behalf of my sumptuous Gift – Oludolapo Precious and my angels – Blessing and Faith, I am saying we love you with the love of Christ and we shall forget to forget you.

The Law of Empowerment by Maxwell

Friends, I read the article below and it blessed my life. I want you to enjoy it as well. Have a great month. On behalf of my Jewel of Inestimable Price - Oludolapo and my angels - Blessing and Faith, I am saying no matter what you are going through, YOU ARE EXPECTED TO WIN!

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The Law of Empowerment
By Dr. John C. Maxwell

Biographers universally agree that personal insecurity factored heavily in the downfall of former American President Richard Nixon. Rather than empowering others, President Nixon clutched at power so tightly that he lost all sense of morality and ethics. Obsessively fearing his critics, Nixon authorized a domestic espionage group to spy on his political opponents. When members of the group were caught burglarizing the Watergate Hotel, Nixon tried unsuccessfully to cover up the incident. Eventually he resigned in shame, having left a dubious legacy of scandal. Nixon's behavior in office violated the Law of Empowerment: Only Secure Leaders Give Power to Others.

Today, at a time when managers must do more with less - less people, less budget, less margin for error - leaders have no choice but to empower followers to share the load. Insecurity simply isn't compatible with survival. Even so, human nature resists empowerment. Let's look at three common tendencies that make empowerment a tricky task.

Three Obstacles to Empowerment
1) Desire for Job Security
The number one enemy of empowerment is the desire for job security. Weak leaders worry that they will become expendable if they train up talented subordinates. As a result, they retain a monopoly on select knowledge in the hopes of positioning themselves as irreplaceable. Some misguided leaders even go as far as undercutting those they perceive as potential rivals. Not wanting to be surpassed, they intentionally make others look bad from time to time. Insecure leaders who prize job security are fiercely territorial. They stake out their turf and refuse to delegate. They want to be the go-to-guys so badly that they may senselessly refuse to train and empower others who could offer them assistance.
The truth is that the only way to make yourself indispensable is to make yourself dispensable. In other words, if you are continually able to empower others and develop them so that they become capable of taking over your job, then you will become so valuable to the organization that you become indispensable.

2) Resistance to Change
Nobel Prize-winning author John Steinbeck asserted, "It is the nature of man as he grows older to protect against change, particularly change for the better." By its very nature, empowerment brings constant change in that it encourages people to grow and innovate. Change is the price of progress. Insecure leaders view change as a threat rather than an opportunity. They fear change rather than inviting it. As a consequence, insecure leaders have been known to act coldly toward newcomers. They cling to the established order and generally resent anyone who may disrupt it. Instead of empowering incoming personnel, they avoid working with them.

3) Lack of Self-Worth
Many people derive personal value and esteem from their title or position. When either is threatened, they feel as if their self-worth is under assault. Accordingly, they will firmly resist anyone or anything that could reduce their status. On the other hand, author Buck Rogers says, "To those who have confidence in themselves, change is a stimulus because they believe one person can make a difference and influence what goes on around them. These people are the doers and the motivators." They are also the empowerers.

Summary
Enlarging others makes you larger. The purpose of power is to be distributed, not hoarded, but only secure leaders are able to give their power away. Recognize and resist the natural inclinations to keep a tight grip on power. In the long run, you'll be rewarded for letting go. I'll close with a quotation on empowerment from decorated war hero and former vice presidential candidate, James B. Stockdale:
"Leadership must be based on goodwill... It means obvious and wholehearted commitment to helping followers... What we need for leaders are men of heart who are so helpful that they, in effect, do away with the need of their jobs. But leaders like that are never out of a job, never out of followers. Strange as it sounds, great leaders gain authority by giving it away."

Use Heaven's Binoculars

Expect an unstoppable season of good news from places you least expected beginning from this month and right into the New Year. 2008 is another leap year coming, I see you constantly leap for joy by the reason of the GOOD NEWS that will be coming to you in the precious name of Jesus.

My wife and I are doing pretty well, basking in His overflowing love every day. Even though where we are now is a total far cry from where He promised to take us to, but thanks to Him because we are not where we used to be. He is busy preparing us for the future He has prepared for us! I believe that is true in your life too. No matter what you are going through right now, if you will use the “binocular of heaven” to see, you will discover that God is working behind the scene in your life. Once in a while, we all encounter circumstances that seem overwhelming. Sometimes, we are tempted to just give up and walk away defeated. This could be in the case of a struggling or failed marriage, parenting, business, career or even ministry.

Be resolute in your heart never to allow the enemy make you give in or give up or throw in the towel, then you will live to testify to the goodness of God in this generation and you will not have to preach a message buy your very life will become a message to your world.

Just to let you know that you are always in our mind, and we expect you to overcome all obstacles on your way to fulfilling destiny. We love you pretty good and have a “GOOD NEWS-FILLED” month in Jesus’ name. 

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Give God Thanks!

How time flies. We are in September already. We made it through the first and second quarter of 2007, and now in the last month in the third quarter. Hasn't God been faithful? Does He not deserve all our appreciation for the gift of life?

Somebody may say, "What has God done?" "My expectation list for 2007, a lot of the bullets still remain unchecked and you are telling me God is faithful", "May be not to me!" "By now, I thought I would have received my miracle child! By now, at least I should have been connected to my spouse, even if not married yet. "Why on earth is my situation still the same even though I have been consistent in my service to God? Why? Why? Why?

The truth of the matter is everybody has one reason or the other in their lives to ask the question, why? But you must realize that if God is your Father, to a large extent He takes responsibility for your life and welfare. His word says, "I know the plans I think towards you, plans of welfare and not of calamity, to give you a future and a hope" (Jer. 29:11). Psalm 84:11 also says, "...No good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly".

These are two of my anchor scriptures in life. If I don't have that thing now, possibly it's not good for me for now and my Father got my back! So, what should be my attitude? Give Him thanks for the gift of life. Praise Him for sound mind. Appreciate Him for the air I breathe, the strength in my body, shelter over my head, clothes over my body and the gift of acceptance in the beloved and the hope of a glorious future. You see the enemy wants you to keep focusing on your needs so that you walk about with "Needy" sticker on your face. But if you will just shift your focus away from your needs and ponder more on His faithfulness to the people in the past generations and His precious promises in that Manual (The Bible), you will discover that His joy will constantly flood your heart and the things you thought will never come will come to your hand in due time.

I might not know the gravity of the challenge you are facing right now or you are about to face, but I’m pretty sure you are EXPECTED TO WIN! You are built to outlast every storm! 

On behalf of the only woman that causes a “righteous distraction” in my life all the time and my angels – Blessing and Faith, I’m saying I love you pretty good.
Sam Kuye

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