A DIFFERENT KIND OF FAST

Fasting season is around the corner and many will join the fray. Great as it is and definitely a spiritual exercise we all should engage in (I certainly will join), am just thinking,

How about us all fasting for 7days/14days/21days/40days/90days from

-Speaking guile against another human

-Being a religious Pharisee or Sadducee

-Gossiping about anyone in particular

-Criticizing things we don't understand

-Tearing down other people because we don't agree with their point of view

-Posting anything on social media that has the potential to hurt someone else

-Selfishness of any sort and seek to do good to those who don't deserve it. 

-Cheating, Pretences and all forms of hypocrisy and so much more.

How about putting on our true garment of RIGHTEOUSNESS, PEACE & JOY in the Holy Ghost? How about loving our neighbors and those who despitefully use us? How about deliberately and intentionally deciding to do good to someone who'd never   pay back! Hmmmm! How about that kind of fast in addition to the regular one we do all the time?

How about showing a little more kindness in our world in everyway we can? That kind of fast would be something, don't you think?

READ Is58

#justthinking

#musingsofapilgrim

#kingdomthoughts

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BLESSED BE GOD by Chinelo Dillimono DROPS TODAY

One of Nigeria’s Worship Leaders and Anointed Woman of God Pastor Chinelo Dillimono releases a New Single Titled BLESSED BE GOD from her upcoming album EXALTING JESUS! This delectable Port Harcourt based Psalmist and Songwriter with an unquestionably strong Soprano voice known for her worship ministry which spans almost 3 decades and whose heart and vision is to see Jesus glorified in ALL things releases this soul uplifting, worship stirring song that will rouse  your heart to worship and lift your hands to the one  who is God Alone!  Let the worship begin and let the Church say BLESSED BE GOD!!

DOWNLOAD THE SONG HERE


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The Master's Worship (Part 4)

Worship and love are interwoven. Worship can only be pronounced on the outside when it is deepened on the inside. Worship is an attitude; therefore the sacrifices are no longer dire. Are you a worshipper of God yourself as a worship leader?   Is worship leading a ministry for you or is it a self-motivated task?

The Tent of Meeting in the Old Covenant signified the place of the presence of God. It was the place of communing with God.  Moses and Aaron were unable to be a blessing to the people of Israel ordinarily but we see here that after they went in they came out full of God’s spirit and presence and were able to bless the people.  The scripture did not end there.  It says “and the glory of the LORD appeared to all the people”.

To lead in worship is to take God’s people to a place where they will experience the glory of God and be filled with His awesome presence.  However, just like Moses and Aaron there is an entering in that the Leader must do.  Oftentimes, it is assumed that to lead worship, one learns as many songs as possible, understands the technique of putting songs together and puts on some superficial boldness that is far from being dependent on the spirit of God but rather rests completely in the flesh.  Far more than that, leading in worship is a spiritual duty that can only be effective if dependent on God’s spirit to guide as we lead His people to worship Him.  We must recognize that worship is a journey.  There is a destination.  Otherwise we would end up being an actual representation of a ‘noisy gong and clanging cymbal’. We would go through the motions and yet have no reckoning with heaven neither would there be an impact on the lives of the people. 

As seen in the scripture in Leviticus, Moses and Aaron went into the tent of meeting to commune with God.  The very first step in preparing to lead worship is to commune with the Lord, seek His face through His Word and His Spirit to know His mind.  Our God is a God of the now and always has a word, a direction and an instruction for every moment and hour.  When we seek His face, He directs our spirits to His intention and desire for that moment.  Let’s take for instance, in the last service probably you began the worship session with a particular song, the fact that the congregation was greatly moved as you raised the song does not mean that for the next service, the same song would be sung.  Probably God’s idea for the next service would be that the people should start by lifting up holy hands and blessing His name in the spirit.  Our past experience is not a yardstick for the present.  God, His Word and His Spirit are the yardstick for our every experience with Him. 

When there is an entering into God’s presence and a sincere seeking that we might do His will and fulfill His purpose, it is inevitable that God Himself would meet us, for every one that asks receives, everyone that seeks finds and everyone that knocks receives an open door. (Matt 7:7).  We like Moses and Aaron would come out and become a blessing to God’s people.  It is a common adage that ‘You cannot give what you do not have’.

God’s Vessel Of Honour

“In a large house there are articles

not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay;

some are for noble purposes and some for ignoble. 

If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument

 for noble purposes, made  holy, useful to the Master

 and prepared to do any good work. 

Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness,  faith, love and peace along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”

2Tim 2:20-22

One of the missing ingredients though not non-existent in the Church today, are true vessels of honor.  There are so many in the ministry of the LORD yet how many are truly honorable vessels in the hands of the Master?  From scripture, we understand that God reaches men through men.  We are His ambassadors created unto good works that he had prepared in advance for us to do.  We are His and created for His pleasure.  Although each one of us is a vessel not all vessels are accorded the same honor.  There are vessels of gold, silver, wood and clay as seen in the scripture.  We discover that there are two basic types of vessels – Vessels for Noble purposes and Vessels for Ignoble purposes.  There are vessels that bring joy to the Master and vessels that dishonor Him.  However, it is the believer that determines what kind of vessel he is.  It is the responsibility of the believer to present himself unto God as a vessel of gold, silver, wood or clay.  Whatever he presents, that is what he would be regarded as.

Glory be to God for further on in that scripture, the Bible says that “If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master…”.  As leaders of worship, we must cleanse ourselves of everything that would make us vessels for ignoble purposes. One of the greatest dynamics of leading in worship is availing and presenting ourselves as vessels of honor unto the LORD. ...to be continued

Many Blessings!!

(c) Chinelo Dillimono 2016

Follow on Twitter: @chinelodilimono

The Master's Worship (Part 1)

God is a God of purpose. He never does anything without an original intent.  God created worship to achieve something, to promote and enhance change. Its sole purpose is to give Him pleasure. Have you wondered what God’s pleasure is?

He is God of all and above all and desires reverence and adoration to be given solely to Him by His creatures. Nevertheless, what is worship? Why do we worship? How do we worship? Why do we go through weeks and weeks of gathering together to worship God? Does worship have any lasting effect or impact on the worshiper?  Is worship about us or about Him? What was God’s original intention for creating worship? It must have been of great importance to Him to have created a being – Lucifer, solely for giving Him worship. God selected a whole tribe, the tribe of Levi for the assignment of creating worship in the Temple and attending to the vessels and place of worship.

Why does God demand sole worship?

“I am the LORD your God,…You shall have no other gods before me…You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God,…

Ex 20:2-5

God is one. He is Sovereign and has sovereign rulership and authority over all creation. All things were made for His pleasure.

 “Thou art worthy O Lord to receive glory, honor and power,

for thou hast created all thingsand for thy pleasure they are and were created

Rev 4:11 [KJV]

 From the Old to the New Testaments, it is obvious that God’s desire from the foundation of the world and His original intention for the creation of man is that man should give Him pleasure; spirit, soul and body.

God created man so that man could know Him and love Him. Worship flows from a love relationship with God. It’s all about loving God. All relationships are based on trust. In worship you step out and trust what God has said about Himself and His ways.

Imagine a man taking a walk into a supermarket to buy a piece of antique just to give him pleasure. He might as well have purchased something else but rather having the power of choice, chooses a particular piece for his pleasure.  In like manner, God says in Gen 1:26 “Let us make man in our image and in our likeness…”  God made a divine choice to create man. Gen 2:7.  In other words, man is God’s instrument to whom He gave the power of choice.  God created man to give Him worship. Worship thrills God. It has great significance with God.

From the beginning of time, worship has been paramount in the heart of God. Little wonder King Solomon in his entire quest, as seen in the Book of Ecclesiastes, discovered that the whole duty of man, in all his earthly endeavors, is to fear God and worship Him. ...to be continued

Shalom!!

(c) Chinelo Dillimono
Follow on Twitter: @chinelodilimono

Encouragement Series

BE ENCOURAGED Series
(Flip Side)
Sometimes the reason you have 'bumps' with others as you travel life's journey is that unknown to you, YOUR insecurities may also be playing out. Try doing a self check but be patient with you too. We all change with time!

MOTHERS OF GRACE

Motherhood is a privilege and a great opportunity to make your own contribution in this life. Motherhood is not a position but a function. Not everyone who bears a child is a Mother. Motherhood is an office occupied by one who deliberately takes on the responsibilities and functions with the prerequisite anointing. There is an anointing to be a MOM!

Every generation is a reflection of the kinds of mothers in that generation. 

Prov 1:8, 6:20-23
Mothers are TEACHERS, NURTURERS and INFLUENCERS!
-Herodias Mk6:21-24
- Rebecca Gen27:3-13
- King Lemuel's Mother Prov31:1

Teachers are instructors, explainers, encouragers, trainers, coaches
Nurturers are gardeners, groomers, tenderers
Influences are mentors, coaches, examples and inspirations

As a mother catch God's vision for your children and train them in line with what God showed you. Remember Rebecca (Gen25), Mary ( Lk1) and Samson's mother (Judges13). 

SPIRITUALLY
Teach your children 
- to love God, fear God and serve God
- to pray and read scriptures
- Tell them about eternal destinies (Heaven and Hell)
- Preach the Gospel to them
- to honour God's people and servants

PHYSICALLY
Teach them 
- to respect people, things and boundaries
- to keep their hands to themselves
- to be generous 
- about balance in life
- to make right choices
- to be honest and sincere no matter what
- to fear none but God
- to say NO when necessary
- to be contented and NEVER you cater to their covetousness

EMOTIONALLY
- Give them enough love and hugs so they are secure
- Apologise when you offend them
- Be their friend yet be their coach. Let them know you are in charge
- teach them to love their siblings and kill every jot of sibling rivalry with prayer and use every available arsenal
- teach boys NEVER to beat girls and teach girls to have tongues of grace

NATIONALLY
Teach them
- to love their country and be proud of their nation
- your language which is your national identity
- to respect national laws and obey them
- your culture

Dr Phil McGraw says
"The most important things you should feel compelled to give your children are protection, preparation for the world and love. Everything else is a luxury. "


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THE GIFT OF FRIENDS

I was going through the Book of Job and certain thoughts began to parade my mind about friendships and what a gift it could be especially when the right principles are applied. Every single one of us needs true friends. People we can rely on and who in turn can rely on us. Nevertheless I have discovered that there are various levels of friendships. There are those who know that at anytime 'T' they can rely on us. We are their friends but they are not ours in the same way and vice versa. That is to say that certain people could be a shoulder we rely on but they do not find us their place of succour in their time of need. They have others they run to when they are in dire need of a good friend. It doesn't mean we are not their friends but we may not be a friend to them in that light or to that extent. They mean no harm and they are still and always a friend for us. For instance as a Pastor and a Pastor's wife, often times my life seems to really be like that of a fish in a fishbowl. I am available as a friend, mother, confidant, acquaintance, counsellor, etc. giving a listening ear to many and truly do not mind it at all. Most times am a shoulder for many to cry on but it can be quite an uphill task locating within the myriads of people a true friend who can be there for me especially when I need a friend to rely on. You can't share everything with everyone can you?

 In other words, you can be friend to someone in their time of need and they are not necessarily a friend for your time of need and vice versa.  It doesn't mean you are not friends but its friendship at varied levels.  The third level of friendship I find is that there are those who are not only friends to you but you are friends to. That kind of symbiotic friendship can be deeper and really mutual.  I like how the children of these days put it BBF (Best Friends Forever)

That said, let's go back to Job. Here's a man in the midst of a trying moment in his life. In the depth of despair! Quite confused about his situation because he had applied all the principles in the book so he shouldn't, I mean by normal human calculations find himself in such a tight corner. Yet here he was!  Been there done that! I dare say that many in life try to give an explanation to many things that happen in their lives. I used to live on that highway! I thought I could explain everything. Of course there should be a logical explanation for everything shouldn't there? Sorry! I equally had to learn that there are things in life that cant be explained. So here's my thought on this when it comes to friendship. I needn't be the friend who always wants to explain the whys about your life's journey because sometimes they are absolutely unexplainable! He knows the way you take and He knows the path set before you. You sure can guess already that I don't need that kind of friend either.

Job had a crop of friends who couldn't care less but to be theologically right! They 'needed' to prove to him that they had an understanding of God and His laws (they sure were far from the truth)! He had friends who wouldn't be like Jesus who would rather go against the 'Far-to-sees' (Pharisees) and 'Sad-to-sees' (Sadducees) to reach out to the woman who had been bent over for 18years. He had friends who judged him in their hearts though they sat in 'mourning' with him! No wonder at the end of the story, the Mighty one who sees in secret, and before whom nothing is hidden tells those friends to go to Job for prayers! Hmmm! Our prayer today, I think should be Lord make me a 'Friendship Gift' to someone who needs me. Not to judge nor try to explain their situation but to just be there!

I hope this makes sense.  See you next time!

(c) Chinelo Dillimono 2015

DIVINE INSURANCE POLICY

Being a Christian doesn't make us spooky nor prophets of doom. Christ came to liberate us from fear and all its appendages. Unfortunately, many seem to be looking out for the spooky and that confirms the words of St Paul to his son Timothy that in the last days many will gather teachers to tell them what they 'want' to hear! People are 'prophelying' in the Name of the LORD and getting God's people bound in fear. Fear has torment and produces irrational actions. Many of God's people rather than walk in true faith today are living in perpetual fear from which Christ came to ransom us all. The truth is that any vision, prophecy etc that builds fear in you, annoys you rather than cause you to love Christ more is just manipulation of the mind and taking advantage of your ignorance. Visions, prophecies and insights are to tell us God's mind concerning us and its always to draw us to repent in such a loving way or his judgement over evil in our life or around us. Its never to announce the devil's activities. When did the LORD become Satan's broadcaster. Jesus said to Peter 'The devil sought to sift you like wheat but I have prayed for you'. Jesus is a solution giver not and announcer of evil plots, ploys and activities! How great is our God! That is why its important to hide yourself in the Name of Jesus. In the spiritual realm there are myriads of activities against you but when you are hidden in Christ they will plot, plan and forge but it can't harm you. Do you know how many wars are currently over your life or the ones past that God has delivered you from? Do you know how many times Satan has sought to kill you? Do you know how many people who hate you without cause or have cursed you when you didn't know and God averted it? ‎​We don't know these things so the only assurance we have that no matter the evil that comes known or unknown, is to have your life hid in Christ and daily ask Him to order your steps. With that you can stay calm and declare 'evn though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death (knowingly or unknowingly) I will FEAR NO EVIL'. Why? Because the LORD IS with me. That's a higher life than getting info about some coven activities. Satan, his people and his activities are not bigger than our God! God is not an irresponsible Father that until you go into days of Fasting and vigorous gyration before he hears your prayer! Come on! Before we even get to call, He promises to answer! He promised to watch over his own DAY and NIGHT! He even watches over the wicked and tries to woo them to repent! Beloved, we are in what Jesus told us is the last days where by our traditions we make God's word ineffective. Because we are Africans and have a penchant for spiritual things we have married the two-the gospel and our traditional religion. It takes true students of the Bible to tell the difference They look alike because the Bible makes many spiritual issues clear but they are different ‎​God is a RESPONSIBLE Father. ‎​He takes care of His own and especially those who come to Him like kids and hide under His shadow! Love you my dear friend. Kick the devil in the butt, give him a bloody nose in the Name of Jesus Christ then lift up your hands and give your God some good praise. Your only guarantee is to accept the Lordship of Christ, love God deeply, fear Him ALONE and do good to ALL men when it is in your power to do it. Not goodness to win their favor but as a human who knows your every action is seen will be judged by God. That way you have a divine life insurance policy. SELAH! See you next time

I CAN'T PROMISE TO BE PERFECT

I'll be totally straight with you . . . I don't like it when someone tells me that I'm making a mistake or that am wrong. Call it foolish pride I suppose. Can you relate with that too? After all, no one's perfect and I know I make mistakes. There are things I have done that only God knows and I sure thank Him for His mercies that endure forever! I have found myself in places and positions I never in my wildest dreams would have contemplated. There are also things I have failed to do and many times I wonder if I will ever have another opportunity to make amends. Anyways, truth be told no one's perfect living here. This goes for many of us Christians who want to see life through perfect spectacles! Amazing teaching from the Master himself that there are two different kinds of houses-the one built on sand and the one built on the rock. When the rains, winds, waves and storms (4 different categories of trials and temptations) come, only those founded on the Rock will stand. Brings me to a simple conclusion. I can't determine what nor when the storms will come. Its not in my power to decide when a trial or a temptation comes. They may come at weak moments and I find myself making some gross mistakes. So I can't promise to be perfect but you know what? I sure can promise to love Him with a perfect heart. I can promise to run to Him even after the mistakes I make. His love and mercies (notice its in plural) endures (is longlasting) forever! O la la! That's a spot for a Faith Shout!!! No wonder our Blessed Savior when asked what the greatest commandment is; without equivocation said, its two of a kind- Love the LORD thy God with ALL thy heart... and Love thy neighbour as thyself. I can promise to do that!!!!! SELAH!! See you next time. (c) 2011 Chinelo Dillimono

I CAN BEGIN AGAIN

Life is truly amazing. My recent mantra has been "I can begin again with the passion of a child!" and I truly believe it. God always gives us new opportunities to start again. The Prophet Isaiah spoke about God doing a new thing. Jesus through John the Revelator says "Behold I make ALL things new". I can give a Faith Shout for that! Failure, it is said, is never final. The battle is not over until you win. Most often it seems we are at the end of the road and we tend to put a closure on it but its usually a bend. The end of one road is the beginning of a new one! If there happens to be a mountain on my way, then I bore a hole through it. I won't give up now because its not working. I won't throw in the towel because I made a mistake; or putting it succintly, I sinned. I will not let the enemy have a field day because I have messed up my last opportunity. I won't stop dreaming because I have hit the big 4 and looks like I'm stepping into the evening of life! I won't give up on friendships because one went sour! I won't stop being a blessing because someone didn't appreciate my last sacrifice. I can't stop loving because I have been hurt by someone who probably didn't deserve my love (I wonder if there's really anyone undeserving of love). That I failed at something doesn't mean I can't win at something else. Truth is; I CAN BEGIN AGAIN! I can be renewed and ready for a fresh start. Yes I can! I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me. I can begin with a new passion and make a success of whatever I have set my heart to. So what do I do then? I will wake up from my slumber; look myself in the mirror and tell myself one more time: I CAN BEGIN AGAIN! SELAH! See you next time!

ONE DAY AT A TIME!!

I used to be a non-conforming idealist who saw life through what I believed was Ideal! I mean if something is black why say its got a shade of grey or worse still try to convince me that it is actually white, being reflected as black or something as crazy as that? I saw life as one straight road and of course with my scientific mind I believed that, as is seen in all mathematical equations, 1 + 1 should invariably be 2! No matter the proposed hypothesis tomorrow if there ever should be, at least to the best of my knowledge, I don't think another theory would be proposed tomorrow that 1 + 1 is now 8 or something as preposterous as that! I couldn't see why certain people fall for certain things! Now in hindsight I wonder what shade of spectacles I really wore! Anyways, I think many live in that ideal world where for example Jack meets Jill, they fall in love and they live happily ever after or brother X marries sister Y and never have marital storms that threaten the foundation of their marital experience or one gets born-again and after their salvation experience, never fall into temptation because its all a smooth ride or probably never have some habits or stuff to deal with! In this 'Ideal World', nothing SHOULD go wrong for crying out loud! I mean once you get saved everything should be alright, right? WRONG!!! The 'younger' I get the more I see the truth about this life and walking with the LORD. When we read the words of the Psalmist, he says '...even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death...".. Hmm! So there are moments when the one whom the LORD shepherds actually could walk through such a valley? Don't we all wish it doesn't have to be so? However in the real world where I now belong, it is a daily walk! It is a daily cry 'Precious LORD take my hand and lead me on". When am up on the mountain or down in the valley of life I must always remember, He loves me with a love that will never let me go. I should never judge another through the spectacles for my vision as He knows the way we all take and sometimes He may take Daniel through the lion's den in order to show the kings of the earth in our lives that He is the King of kings! He may take a young innocent Joseph through various stages only to to have him end up in a dungeon, in order to show the world that He can take a man from the dunghills and place him to sit with kings and princes! He may choose to elect a Solomon, born out of a relationship whose genesis is adulterous and tainted with murder of the 1st degree (my judgement) yet place him on the throne of Israel and give him rest on every side! No wonder Paul daring or should I say with a slip of his pen began to say that now we have come to know God, corrected himself and stated that God has come to know us because we really do not know Him. He is a mystery that is only unfolded in our daily walk with His Spirit. So what is the conclusion of this matter? Simply, ONE DAY AT A TIME! Putting my hands in His hands and trusting Him to lead me all the way. Never pretending or should I say presupposing I have all the answers to all the stuff that's going on in my life. Never thinking that I understand all mysteries about Him and know the way my life should take because in the words of Oswald Chambers (My Utmost for His Highest), He sometimes may pass me through uncertain waters which have nothing to do with me but the lives that He wants to send my way. SELAH! See you next time!!!

WHEN ALL IS SAID AND DONE

There is such a craze to have, to be and to show! Many struggle to be like or to be more than! Others strive to have as much as or if possible have more than other! There is such a blind competition that is tearing God's people apart rather than unify as the Spirit of Christ desires. For instance every Saturday there is a wedding and many seek to 'out-dress' the others if possible be the silent star of the day or probably the one to make the fashion statement of that day. Many-a-singer (that's my department), wants to 'out-sing' the others who went upstage so they get the loudest applause and the list goes on and on. Paul speaking to the Corinthian church taught us all a blessed way to live where each one simply lives to their optimum comparing themselves with whom they see themselves to be through the eyes of the scriptures and with no other mortal. When we compare ourselves with ourselves, we are not wise he says! You cannot be running a race and looking backwards for who is closest to you, catching up with you or even about to outrun you! That will certainly slow you down! He gives the best prescription to the Hebrews when He says to each one of us, 'Looking unto Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith'! Each one of us needs to keep our eyes on the mark for the prize of our HIGHCALLING in Christ Jesus! I feel like shouting a big HALLELUYAH!! When I cease from comparing myself with anyone, then I begin to see the uniqueness and beauty in others and strive to encourage them to be their best. I will see that I do not have everything but a portion of the divine nature that needs absolute expression on earth and everyone created by God has a unique portion of the Divine that needs full manifestation and interestingly we are all interlinked and cannot get to the apex of our purpose without others. So, when all is said an done, truly LIFE IS A STAGE and each has a part to play, when your part is done, you leave the stage for someone else to play their part. In His eyes though, even when you are not one the centre stage but either are waiting to play your part, have played your part or are right now on the centre stage, each one is a STAR in His eyes if we walk with Him and do His will!! Hmm! Here's a thought. How would it be when each STAR learns to celebrate every other STAR? When you are offstage you stand in high applause for the one onstage and celebrate the courage of the ones who are now offstage. Hmm! I really wonder!! SELAH!! See you next time!! (c) 2011 Chinelo Dillimono

ELEMENTS OF A BLISSFUL CHRISTIAN MARRIAGE

There is a difference between a Christian marriage and a marriage between two professing Christians. It is possible to be two church attending Christians yet have a completely unchristian home or should I say marriage. It is truly unfortunate what is seen in homes today and sadly enough many unmarried folks are crazy about running into marriage. It is glaring and a known fact that too many are preparing for the wedding but very few are truly preparing for the marriage which is a totally different kettle of fish!

In today's world you have even in Christian homes abusive, disrespectful partners who have no qualms with treating their spouses in an unchristian manner. Words spoken to their spouses are almost like what Paul said that these things should not once be mentioned among you. Yet they are found in the homes and marriages of many Christians. Their light seems to shine only in Church and before the brethren but are completely unconcerned that our Christian testimony actually begins from the house. I have come to the conclusion that if my spouse cannot affirm and attest to my Christian conduct and character then I have got some homework to do.

A Christian marriage is one being built by two Christians submitted to the Word of God and the workings of the Holy Spirit. A marriage is not built in a day but rather is a process of together laying aside certain elements, attributes, attitudes and character traits that negate God's word and picking up that which makes for the honor of the name of Christ you bear and the marriage you are building. Your wedding is the door into marriage. Marriage is a journey that only ends in death and not divorce!

Prov 24:3 says by WISDOM a house/home/marriage is built and 1Cor1:30 says Christ is our WISDOM. Therefore it means 'By Christ a marriage is built'! Christ in us is the wisdom we need to build our homes. it's unfortunate when we see some Christian try to build their marriages on certain demeaning traditions that have no bearing in Christ! Christ is our TRADITION!

Here are some Christ-like Elements for a Blissful Christian Marriage

a. The Love of God (Agape-unconditional) The Bible enjoins us to Follow the WAY of love, 1Cor16:14 - Do EVERYTHING in love, 1Pet1:22 - Love DEEPLY from the heart, Eph4:16 - BUILDING (Edifying) in love. Love your spouse unconditionally is no different from the demands of loving the brotherhood unconditionally. The true proof of our love life is when we can love the person we live with and wake up every morning with, unconditionally. Most often in marriages we tend to rely on the love ‘feeling’ and it is fickle. It changes depending on the circumstances we find ourselves in at various seasons in our lives. Rather we need to depend on the love commitment which transcends feeling and becomes our decision, choice and determination, to love our partners inspite of them, what they do or don’t do but because we have made a commitment to love and besides in accordance with our Christian responsibility, we should love them.\

b. Mutual Respect (Respect is EARNED not forced). In many cases it is believed that it is the woman's obligation to respect her husband and indeed we see it spelt out clearly in Eph5:33 - Wives RESPECT your husband (For his God-given position)but the scriptures also instructs the man to respect his wife as seen in 1Pet3:7 - Husbands RESPECT your wife (For her person)

c. Justice & Fairness (Godly consideration i.e. what is RIGHT and FAIR) God seeks justice and fairness in the marriage garden that he planted. He seeks just laws that don't oppress or deprive or rob God-given rights as a human being. Jesus says do unto others as you would have them do unto you - THE GOLDEN RULE!

d. Forgiveness - As Christ forgives us unconditionally. Prov12:16 says that love OVERLOOKS an insult, 1Cor13:5 - Love keeps NO RECORD of wrongs, Col3:13 - Forgive GRIEVANCES as Christ forgives you (How does God forgive us?) Mic7:19 - He HURLS/CASTS them to the depths of the sea and Jer31:34-He FORGETS them

e. Righteous communication (Words are SEEDS)It is imperative that our speech in marriage is handled carefully. One careless word uttered could send a signal into the veins of the marriage that will affect the home almost for life. It's amazing how many in their marriages have called their spouses 'Satan'. Hmm! Did you marry satan? The scriptures enjoin us in 2Cor6:7 - TRUTHFUL speech, Tit2:8 - SOUND speech, 1Pet3:10 - Refrain from DECEITFUL speech and Col4:6 - SEASONED/EDIFYING speech

In conclusion, we must understand that marriage is a MINISTRY not an end. God requires faithfulness to that which He has committed to your care. Faithfulness is simply means adherence to promises and observance of duty! It means true to the facts, standards or original. Marriage ends here so be faithful to building it and may the name of the LORD be honored in all our homes.

(c) Chinelo Ifeoma Dillimono 2011

Get more details from my book ADAM & EVE - The Power of the Homefront

MY LIFE MY WORSHIP

Every Christian in every sense of the word is a worshipper or should I say should be a worshipper. More often than not especially on Sunday mornings Christians around the world use this phrase "I'm off to church to worship"! Now also in church when we sing those slow songs, goose-bumpy ballads with the keyboards and synthesizers set to some awesome sound we call it worship. In themselves that's really not bad but true worship is the lifting up of the heart. It is the lifting up to the full view of God everything that we are. It is laying bare sincerely before Him who we are in appreciation for who He is to us and who He has made us to be in Him. In the words of A.W. Tozer 'Worship is to feel in the heart'.

In other words worship is really not an act but a sacrifice of our lives on the altar of love to Him. Worship is more than a song. It is who we are. Our lives, our waking, our sleeping, our secrets, our open lives, our speech, thoughts, heart attitudes, everything that makes us who we are. In simple terms MY LIFE, LIVING & LIFESTYLE IS MY WORSHIP!!