I was just watching (half-watching really) a show called "God or The Girl," a reality show about young Christian men debating joining the priesthood or not. One of the young men, age 21, decided he was going to go to seminary and continue working for God. I just loved that phrase "Working for God." I've always wanted to run my own company or at least be a free agent, but now I really enjoy working for God. I find that there is more fulfillment in that.
Now God’s company has a position for everyone hired. Imaging going to an interview where you’re hired just for being you and agreeing the Boss has a son and agreeing that He’s who He says He is?
Think about it. Everyone knows your Boss, and his authority is questioned only by the foolish (in my experience). He's really forgiving (i.e. it takes a lot for you to get fired, because if God fires you, you're screwed).
It also simplifies my life. I just ask myself, is what I'm doing what my boss (God) hired me to do (purpose)? If not, I drop it and refocus. It takes discipline though.
The pay is also pretty good. You pretty much get what you ask for, if the Boss approves it. And He encourages those who work for Him to ask. The benefits are great too, including retirement in eternity.
Monday, April 24, 2006
Monday, April 17, 2006
The Third Day
Yesterday, I celebrated Easter in a manner which I have not in a very long time. I spent Easter at my sisters’ church for the first time since Easter 1994 when I decided to no longer attend church because I felt the message was more about the Law than being released from the cursed of it.
I felt a bit like the prodigal son returning to a congregation of which many of the members I knew, but with a sense of the sweetness that is sung of in Amazing Grace. I was closer to the Lord than I had ever been, and my belief was greater than it had ever been.
Back in 1994 I knew the Lord, but I was not Born Again. I had experienced some of His awesome power but I was still searching for a truth that cannot be found (at least for me) in any church building.
In 2003, while living in South Florida, I returned physically, emotionally, and spiritually to Church, and in 2004 I was baptized (immersion) in front of my sister, nieces, and the congregation. Although, I had been christened in Nigerian at the age of 9, I was really riding on my parents’ belief and not my own.
That truth is that you can not be Born Again until you die to your past, and are resurrected beyond what you once were. No one can drag you to that. You must be called, and the calling must so compel you that you seek it out with a passion unparallel in any other area of your life.
When that happens, no one who knows you will have to ask you if you are saved, and how you know you are saved.
I felt a bit like the prodigal son returning to a congregation of which many of the members I knew, but with a sense of the sweetness that is sung of in Amazing Grace. I was closer to the Lord than I had ever been, and my belief was greater than it had ever been.
Back in 1994 I knew the Lord, but I was not Born Again. I had experienced some of His awesome power but I was still searching for a truth that cannot be found (at least for me) in any church building.
In 2003, while living in South Florida, I returned physically, emotionally, and spiritually to Church, and in 2004 I was baptized (immersion) in front of my sister, nieces, and the congregation. Although, I had been christened in Nigerian at the age of 9, I was really riding on my parents’ belief and not my own.
That truth is that you can not be Born Again until you die to your past, and are resurrected beyond what you once were. No one can drag you to that. You must be called, and the calling must so compel you that you seek it out with a passion unparallel in any other area of your life.
When that happens, no one who knows you will have to ask you if you are saved, and how you know you are saved.
Monday, April 10, 2006
Talking With God At 4:00 a.m.
Everyonce in a while, I'm so rested (NOT), I find myself wide awake at 3-something in the morning unable to go back to sleep. This morning was one of those mornings. Part of the problem for me is a combination of being a light sleeper and being excited about all the wonderful things God is doing in my life right now.
My mind was occupied with how well my collaboration with some old grade school and high school friends had gone during our work on our 48-Hour Film Festival submission, this past weekend. After going on in my mind about the things we could have done better, I decided to thank God for what had gone not only right, but well.
Next, I thanked God for all the creative gifts he has given me. Also, I thanked God for all His provision, including my wife, our child on the way, our home, and daily bread.
Then I thanked God for giving me everything I ever asked for and which He provided in one way or another. I have gotten houses, cars, jobs, money, healings, and relationships beyond my expectations. God's approval rating with me is extremely high.
I spoke to God some more and told Him that since he's given me everything I've asked for in this life, I really wanted to continue to re-focus on asking for things for the benefit of others. I acknowledged that while there are some material and things that I would still like for myself and my family, those things were really just gravy compared to the steak I want for those in need. Those who I could serve with my talents. Situations in the world that required prayer. I asked Him to use me for those things.
Now, I don't mind so much being up and having my stomach growl. I'm spending my time thanking God, because I hunger for Him. Thank you Lord.
My mind was occupied with how well my collaboration with some old grade school and high school friends had gone during our work on our 48-Hour Film Festival submission, this past weekend. After going on in my mind about the things we could have done better, I decided to thank God for what had gone not only right, but well.
Next, I thanked God for all the creative gifts he has given me. Also, I thanked God for all His provision, including my wife, our child on the way, our home, and daily bread.
Then I thanked God for giving me everything I ever asked for and which He provided in one way or another. I have gotten houses, cars, jobs, money, healings, and relationships beyond my expectations. God's approval rating with me is extremely high.
I spoke to God some more and told Him that since he's given me everything I've asked for in this life, I really wanted to continue to re-focus on asking for things for the benefit of others. I acknowledged that while there are some material and things that I would still like for myself and my family, those things were really just gravy compared to the steak I want for those in need. Those who I could serve with my talents. Situations in the world that required prayer. I asked Him to use me for those things.
Now, I don't mind so much being up and having my stomach growl. I'm spending my time thanking God, because I hunger for Him. Thank you Lord.
Sunday, April 02, 2006
Praying for Little Things
I am always amazed about the power of prayer despite the number of my prayers that have been answered. What amazes me even more are the prayers for the little things that I've needed.
For example, last Friday I opted to join my colleagues for an improptu meeting and miss my usual commuter train. Before leaving for the meeting, I promised my wife I would be on the next train because I would only be at the meeting briefly.
Well, I ended up staying ten minutes longer than I should have. I ran furiously to the subway in hopes of making the right subway train to my commuter train station. I had to let two trains by, until my train came by.
From my estimation, I would just miss my train. I feverishly checked my wireless phone clock with each intermediate stop. Finally, with two stops to go until mine, it didn't look good.
I decided to pray. I really didn't want to disappoint my wife, especially since I would already be late home even if I CAUGHT this train. After the brief prayer, I let go, and let God.
When I got to my stop I ran out, glanced at the station clock as I whizzed by. It turns out my clock was four minutes fast. I made my train with minutes to spare.
For example, last Friday I opted to join my colleagues for an improptu meeting and miss my usual commuter train. Before leaving for the meeting, I promised my wife I would be on the next train because I would only be at the meeting briefly.
Well, I ended up staying ten minutes longer than I should have. I ran furiously to the subway in hopes of making the right subway train to my commuter train station. I had to let two trains by, until my train came by.
From my estimation, I would just miss my train. I feverishly checked my wireless phone clock with each intermediate stop. Finally, with two stops to go until mine, it didn't look good.
I decided to pray. I really didn't want to disappoint my wife, especially since I would already be late home even if I CAUGHT this train. After the brief prayer, I let go, and let God.
When I got to my stop I ran out, glanced at the station clock as I whizzed by. It turns out my clock was four minutes fast. I made my train with minutes to spare.
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