CHRISTMAS: THE ESSENCE

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INTRODUCTION

Christmas is a period in the year set aside for the celebration of God’s act of love towards mankind and the remembrance of His work on the Cross of Calvary as well as the visitation of the poor, needy, and less privilege amongst us (charity). The period is the personification of CHRIST’s love (JOHN 3:16-17) for human race. Is a period to reassess our love for Christ and our neighbor.

Suffice to say that, life only has meaning due to what Christ Jesus did on the cross for the human race. Hence, Christmas is not a cultural rite neither an activity of a particular region, rather, the acknowledgement of the love He lavished on everyone. Let us consider how others view Christmas.

OTHER VIEWS ABOUT CHRISTMAS

Love came down at Christmas;
Love all lovely, love divine;
Love was born at Christmas,
Stars and angels gave the sign.
—Christina Georgina Rossetti (1830–1894)

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Christmas is a time to renew bonds of love. It's a wonderful time when loved ones can show appreciation for each other. It's also a great time to use that love to build bridges of understanding, acceptance, and forgiveness. —Shelley Landon

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I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come round, as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable time; the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow pas-sengers to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys. —Charles Dickens (1812–1870)

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Christmas is best enjoyed when it isn't centered on decorations, gifts, or festivities, but when love is at its core. Love is the essence of Christmas. Christmas should mean taking quality time with your family and friends. It's about cherishing and celebrating the love you share. —Jesus

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O little Babe of Bethlehem, though You lie so still, You awaken in us the joy, love, and peace that You wish to spread throughout the world. —Author unknown

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Christmas is a time to see the world through the eyes of love. It's a time to remember that the world is made up of people like us and to see them for who they are inside. All have problems like we do, no matter who they are or where they come from. —Maria Fontaine

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Every day is like Christmas for us because Jesus is so good to us every day, but this time is extra special because He pours out His love in extra measure. We feel His love from loved ones, acquaintances, and even strangers. There's just something about Jesus' birthday that turns those saved people’s hearts and minds to peace and love and goodwill. It brings out the best in everyone because it brings Jesus out, and He's the best!—David Brandt Berg (1919–1994)

Source: http://www.thefamilyinternational.org/....(Love, the Essence of Christmas).

THE ESSENCE OF CHRISTMAS

v Christmas is not to be considered one of the religious duties of a given people (particularly, Christians). No, but look very closely to what the scripture stated at COLOSSIAN 1VERSE15-20; 2VERSE 9. For this the essence of this season. Amen!

v Christmas season is not an avenue to drink to stupor and/or eat like a glutton (no disrespect), rather a time to rededicate and dedicate the whole of oneself to the Creator of everything ROMANS 1&2; 10VERSE9-10.

v Christmas is not a time to indulge in carnality rather, a point to assess your standing in Christ. For Saul in 1SAMUEL 15VERSE20&23 was rejected because of sparing some objects for sacrifice (festivities). And carrying out partial obedience instead of full obedience to the Lord.

v It is a time to give back to Christ all of you. Empathizing with Him all the way. Dying for you, leaving His throne for you to be saved, proclaiming the massage of salvation; opening to your reach, for you to grasp same for free.

v Seeing others as fellow members of God’s creation. And not fellow passengers of the grave. See everyone as deserving to live, be love and be saved.

v The essence of Christmas is not a terminal affair rather an all year affair and life-long process. The love of Christ has to be shared first in our heart, extending same to everyone.

CONCLUSION

Christ loved us and keep loving us. In other words, His love is not a onetime affair. And so, as we celebrate Him for His heroic achievements (PHILIPPIANS 2 VERSE 1-12).  We ought to love Him too and love all His Creation. Love is the reason for the season of Christmas. Hence, its essence. And so, love God and people all the way.

ACTION POINT (CONTINUES)

Keep saying this: LORD help me to love You and people always. Supply to me the grace to love You all my life. Amen!

© Please share this till everyone on the earth sees, hears, and does this – Shalom!

THERE IS NO MIDDLE WAY

                                                                                 

INTRODUCTION

On the Earth there are basically two entities that are interested in the soul of all men. And these are God and Satan. Which is why, there are individuals who belong to God as Believers’ and those who claim there are Satanists’. In the spirit realm, there are only two sides - God-side and Satan-side. And the individuals in these sides represent well, the side they are in – ‘no playing the fool’

Man on the other hand, is not allowed to choose not to be in any one side at any given time (that is, he must either belong to one; God or Satan, 2 Timothy 2:19). Here, no one is allowed to be of dual membership or be at the middle. In fact, there can never be ‘Middle Way’ is either you are for Christ or Satan. Do read on please!

HOW IT WORKS

In the beginning, God created man with a soul and will (CHOICE) – the capability to choose who to serve Genesis 2:16, Zachariah 12:1. And the first point for use of this will-power was when God brought to Adam all animals for him to name them Genesis 2:30. If Adam at that point chooses not to name them, he would have been responsible for his choice. This is so because; the choice of man is independent of him.

At this point, Adam and the wife were open to the First entity (God) who happens to be their Creator and Maker. In Genesis 3:1, the second entity (Satan) came into the scene (in his own accord, using the snake that the scripture said was the craftiest). Then again, opportunity presented itself for man to declare his allegiance to either of these entities.

Today, men are presented basically with these two offers – Jesus the Christ and Satan the Lucifer; whether directly or indirectly, subtly or unnoticed. The will-power is man’s tool of choice. Both God and Satan respect this capability of man. Hence, this is how it works. For man has to choose where to belong, so as to be responsible for it at the end. For after death that capability to choose will be removed. This is because; man is no longer seen as man but spirit.

WAY FORWARD

The notion that men should keep to the Middle Path/Way (as taught in Buddhism and others) is a teaching of doom. This is so due to the fact that, no individual stands at the middle at any given time (to them, the middle point is considered the perfect point of life, yet the perfect is not in the man to determine, but in his Maker). The middle does not accommodate anyone, is either you chose the right or the wrong. In fact, not choosing does not guarantee one’s exemption from anticipated consequence. Therefore, you must choose right. The Middle Path/Way principle is the product of the attitude of some men of our time. In Isaiah 30:8-11, looking at verse 10 and 11 closely. Men will say to seer (those God sent) “stop seeing Visions” to the prophets “give us no more Visions of what is right, tell us pleasant things and prophecy illusions” they will give patterns for how the prophets should operate that sooths them. Again, they will declare; “stop confronting us with the Holy One of Israel (Jesus Christ)” may God not allow you to give in to the massage of the Middle Way – not going to the extreme, whether to the right or left.

CONCLUSION

Friends, it is good for us to use our God-given will-power to choose Him (God) that made us and not him (Satan) that only came to steal, kill and to destroy. May the Compassion of God locate us and bring us back ultimately to Him. Amen!

PRAYER FOCUS

Dear Lord, may I not fall to the deception of false teachers’ of this end-time. Zachariah 12:1, Matthew 7:14, Romans 9:11-16.

HOMOSEXUALITY: PAIN OR GAIN

INTRODUCTION

I was in a meeting where we were seriously analyzing what makes people become homosexuals. By inspiration, one of us averred that, though by mere reasoning, no justification can be given by any one, indulged in such unnatural act. It was further made known to us by this same authority that, there is a being (Demon) that grows fat upon peoples’ engagement in homosexuality.

In another effort, a survey was carried out to establish the rate of those molested or found engaging in wrong sexual habits. Result revealed, youths are the most vulnerable class. It was agreed that, massive awareness be carried out to salvage the youths of our country. Hence, this write up is one of the efforts towards creating awareness – so keep reading and invite others to do so. Also, follow by email to always be updated.

WHAT IS IT?

Homosexuality is described as a persistent and predominant sexual attraction to person of one’s own gender – men being attracted to men and likewise women (exodusgloballalliance.org) Wikipedia renders thus: homosexuality is a coinage of both Greek and Latin words; όµόṠ (homos), meaning same and sexus, meaning sex.  Is romantic/sexual attraction or behavior between members of the same sex or gender (en.wikipedia.org).

The above definitions point to us what this act entails. Let me quickly add, that it is an instinctive sexual behavior toward individual of the same sex, purpose of which is to satisfy self. Though, not everyone may agree to this. Yet, in the mouth of two or three witnesses the truth is confirmed.

WHAT IS THE PAIN?

Although homosexuality is no less a crime as murder, cheating, lying and so on. Yet, there are both physical/emotional pains attached or experienced by those engaged in it. I noticed a man (with due apologies) whose anus was battered by his fellow men, why? Because, he was, according to reports; a man-harlot. Certainly there are other similar cases that are without the coverage of this writing. However, there are mild to severe injuries obtained by those engaging in this act (kindly visit http://www.carm.org/statistics-hiv-aids-health  for more of these pains or injuries.

IS THERE ANY GAIN?

Like appetite homosexuality may be sustained by certain factors such as; pornography, visiting of gay clubs, moving or making friends with gay men and lesbian women, being instigated by sex spirit entities and a lot of other factors. As it was defined above, the main aim of this action is to satisfy self – sensual momentary pleasure; for the giver and some sense of worth for the taker and some material substances. For instance the man in the above battering case was a man of luxury. Living a flamboyant lifestyle and all he needs was at his beck and call. So there is gain of some sort. Not all may be like this fellow. After all he has his own challenges.

AND NOW WHAT NEXT?

The scripture (BIBLE) was always quick to tell us that homosexuality is SIN and if we accept the BIBLE to true (of which it is) then any individual(s) engaged in this act are committing crime. First, disobeying God and secondly, harming their fellow men. The BIBLE in LEVITICUS 18:22 states that: you (whether gay, lesbian or transgender person) shall not lie with a male as with a woman, it is an ABOMINATION. If you do this you are to be stoned to death. LEVITICUS 20:13 and COLOSSIAN 6:9-11 made it clear that everyone engaged in such act is not a candidate of God’s promise of HEAVEN which is very real (this is not bigotry).

So dear friends, you need to come out of this act that is subtly destroying innocent lives. Jesus Christ (God who manifested in the flesh PROVERBS 8:24&31), loves you and desires all to submit that soul He gives to all of us, To Him peacefully and in sincerity.

CONCLUSION

Decide to do away with this kind of lifestyle and accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and ask Him to forgive all your sin in sincerity and in faith. He will hear and do just that (ROMANS 10:9-10).

God bless you always as you continue in him. Amen!

WHY THE STRUGGLE?

                               HOW MUCH DO YOU ABOUT CHRISTMAS:

                                                                  

INTRODUCTION

The world today is turned in to a market place where people struggle to get freedom from emotional trauma, financial hardship, heart break from broken relationship, poverty, bureaucratic complexities unemployment, traffic huddles, rural-urban drift and so on. The question is, why these sort of struggles?

Peoples’ attitude is

been configured to thinking that if It’s not the hard way then is not the way, if it’s not done in a struggled pattern then it’s not good enough. This writer was in a location where we were asked to queue to get our names registered for some form of documentation. People decided to struggle as if there is no tomorrow. And that led to some being wounded and stressed. Yet they enjoyed it; because they did the documentation at the end of the day- what a mentality. The same is witnessed in the processes of election, where individuals struggle to gain offices. And you know what? After the exhaustive work, there will be no energy to think properly, no money to fund worthwhile projects, heavy debts to pay and other critical challenges - what a misgiving.

COME OUT OF UNNECESSARY STRUGGLING

Friend, you need to know this; that your sustenance is from above. All you’re doing is complementary to what has been done already for you. Yes; how? Matthew 6:33 made it clear that, “we have to seek first the kingdom of heaven and its righteousness, then all other things shall be added to us” including what you want. That may sound cheap, but why not give it a trial in sincerity. And it is also written in Psalms 23:1-6, the Lord is one who is shepherding me I lack nothing. Look very well at verse six. Truly, goodness and gracious love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will remain in the Lord’s Temple forever (ISV). Make time for to seek God and his kingdom so as to be in a working relationship with Him always. This is the sure way to come out of these worldly struggles that ends nowhere.

ACCESS TO FREEDOM

Freedom according to MS Encarta (2008), is defined as the “ability to act freely: a state in which somebody is able to act and live as he or she chooses, without being subject to any undue restraints or restrictions”. Or influence from environmental, economic, social and religious constraints other than the unavoidable. One access to a struggle free life is to have divine encounter with Christ Jesus. Jacob in the Scripture was one who struggled so well until he met with God. Jabez was also a tensed struggler until he met with God. We are today so given to struggling so much so that, it has become part of us as a lifestyle. Jesus is saying I am the way the truth and the life (JOHN 14:6). Come unto me all you who are labored (or struggled) and I will give you rest MATTHEW 11:28; said Christ Jesus. Therefore, Jesus is the access any one has to freedom, take a bold step today to fine and locate HIM for he is close to all. CONCLUSION Let me quickly point out that, in Christ they is also difficult times when a man is working with Christ. Yet it is far best than struggling in the world without hope of eternity in Jesus. Jesus is the route to accessing freedom in the real sense of the word. Make Him your all for a struggle free life on the earth and here after ROMANS 10:9-10 (ISV).

MARRIAGE: WHAT TO ASK?

                                                                
Marriage is the oldest institution man has ever engaged in throughout his existence and meaningful activities on the earth. For Nicole Kidder, a Wedding Traditions Expert;”marriage is a lifelong relationship between one man and one woman (AND NOT BETWEEN ONE MAN AND ONE MAN OR AS IT RELATES TO WOMEN IN THE CASE OF GAYISM), that has been preordained by God” God creates male and female together as pointed out in (Ephesians 5:31); man and woman leave their respective families and get united as one.
 

Now Let Us Consider How Other Religions Define Marriage:

JUDAISM: the Jewish faith views marriage as a sacred contractual bong between a man, woman and God. The Talmud is a book that holds the principles that governs the performance of marriage. Also, halakha (Jewish Law), and Torah provide instructions for marriage.
 BUDDHISM: This religion sees and considered marriage as a social obligation, NOT a religious duty.  That is, matrimony is not considered a sacrament within the faith. This is why Monks according to Kidder, are forbidden from attending marriage function.
 

HINDUISM: Marriage (Vivaah) is an obligatory duty, rather than a spiritual sacrament within the faith. Here, marriage is solely a coming together of couples purpose of which is to fulfill destiny.
Islam: In Islam, marriage (Nikah) is a religious and social obligation. It is both a solemn covenant (Mithaq), and a legal contract. Sharia Law and the Quran permit a Muslim man to have up to four legal wives whom he must treat equally. However, a betrothed woman can require monogamy in the relationship through the marriage contract.
 

AFRICAN TRADITIONAL RELIGION: In the case of Igwa people of Bassa Local Government Council, of Central Nigeria. Marriage (Hauri) is seen as a colorful uniting of female and man together to fulfill both bodily and social duties. When a man has identified her potential wife the family of the woman throws in their full weight for the success of the marriage.
What all these religions are saying concerning marriage is that; marriage is considered, as a coming together of a man and a woman of a marriageable age in a relationship with a common motive to promote a common goal.

WHAT TO ASK
It may not be out of place, if individuals who would anticipate marriage and those who are in the business of marriage already, to ask and answer the following questions sincerely: 

• HAVE I LEARNED ENOUGH FROM THE AUTHOR AND ORIGINATOR OF MARRIAGE?  Marriage is a lifelong business that requires sufficient knowledge from the founder of same. MATTHEW 11:29. Taking Christ’s yoke upon you and learning of him is the only platform for obtaining sufficient knowledge to function in the capacity of a married individual.

• CAN I TAKE CARE OF MY WIFE’S SEX NEED? No matter how strait (mismatch in sex desires) one is, it is expected for him to satisfy the wife’s sex need in a just manner. PROVERBS 5:19 say: As a loving deer and a graceful deo. Let her breasts satisfy you at all times; and always be enraptured with her love. A man’s satisfaction is to be controlled and taken only within the confines of his wife’s satisfaction provision. It is when a man values and develops kin interest in her wife that is when he can offer something meaningful.

• AM I FINANCIALLY CAPABLE TO HANDLE MY POTENTIAL FAMILY NEEDS? A man must be financially stable and buoyant to handle his family need. Age is not the sole yardstick for going into marriage. 1 THIMOTHY 5:8; made it clear, that a man must provide for his own, and his household especially; otherwise, he is to be considered as one who has left the faith and worst than an infidel.  This must be a thing that must be avoided in marriage relationship.

• HOW DO I HANDLE EXTERNAL INFLUENCE? As a man, it is expected for you to ask yourself how do I handle external influence in the home front. If you are the type that places your mother or father unscreened advice (am not saying to get advice from people is wrong, know the source of the advice before using it), above God in your marriage; then you are heading towards a rock in that relationship. If the people you get advice from don’t reason the right way; their response to challenges in the home front would be different. MATTHEW 12:50; consider those who think and do like you do (in the faith). And learn how they were able to overcome in patience rather than sourcing for cheap solutions.

CONCLUSION
No matter how the various religions see marriage, God remains the originator and facilitator of marriage (MARK 10:6). And he said; but from the beginning of the creation God made then them male and female. And so, he knows all that patterns to marriage. Seek all you need from Him. CONSIDERATION
To enjoy any marriage assistance from God, you must be on His camp; a registered member of His Academy. By surrendering your life and all to Him as your Lord and Savior genuinely ROMANS 10:9-10.

VOTE OF THANKS TO ALL

Unfailing gratitude and praise goes to God our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, for the Love and Mercy He's been showing to all of us. May Him alone be exalted above every one known and unknown - Amen!

I warmly extend my unreserved gratitude to all the Viewers of this blog for their consistent viewing. Also, not left out are those who comment and ask me to do more by way of encouragement. I appreciate those who seem to criticize me in one way or the other constructively.

This is one year since I started blogging this way. And my source of energy is from God, and you all. The encouragement has been so consistent. Thank you all and lets keep empowering and encouraging ourselves while we pursue peace with all men.

If you think what is done here is worth-the-while or it has benefited you in any aspect; do good to share with  us your experiences on the comment box below or send in your email (ofemclark@gmail.com)