July was awesome!
Relaxing, exciting and also enlightening. Most importantly, it was inspirational. I learned a lot, and I can definitely say I am extra motivated to push towards my many goals. Going home (Cameroon) always does this to me right? :)
Thank You Jesus.
Of all that happened this month (all of which You already know of course) I'll like to share the most poignant. I pondered extensively on life's greatest uncertainty; Death
The victims of the Abuja bombings begun their day like it was any other. Those that perished on flight MH17 obviously thought it was just another plane ride. The Israel-Hamas casualties sure did not see it coming. Death has this way of sneaking up on us. Of course, there are those who are graced with the opportunity to prepare (those with terminal diseases for example), but one cannot count on that...death never gives one the pleasure of knowing how it will come. Still, You know what the scariest truth is? The fact that no matter how advanced our world gets in terms of technology and knowledge, DEATH is the one thing man will never be able to control.
There is only one response when we come face to face with this truth, and that is making life after death our top most priority. Most of us are so engrossed with a world that is passing away (living and breathing social media), so distracted with pleasing a body that will one day rot in the earth, while neglecting the only thing that truly matters. The only thing that will matter in the end. Oh God I do not ever want to play with my salvation. When the temptations come may I always remember what I am living for, Who I am in You and where I am going. This is the real struggle! But sadly a lot of us are living like blind people...blinded by trivialities. Papa please help us.
When you live a life ready for death, you never fear death.
Regarding living a life of continuous readiness, two things I found myself contemplating in more depth are: Peace and Vanity. Our inability to live in peace with EVERYBODY holds us back from so much, and more often than not, we are unaware of this. Whereas the New Testament is full of scripture that warns us concerning this matter. One of my favourites is Hebrews 12:14 "Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see God." Just thinking about the scripture on gift offerings and making peace (Matthew 5:23&24) sheds more light on the gravity of the matter. Here it was not even about those we hold something against, it was "your brother that has something against you."
Every time I hear the word "vanity" I think of the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes. I need to read it again. If we are honest with ourselves we will realize that we spend too much time and energy trying to impress others. It is not uncommon to have our decisions and choices influenced by our desire to impress people. Especially in our close knit "everybody in your business" African communities. There is no denying the fact that this is vain. Oh how I pray Paul's words in Galatians 1:10 will inspire us to draw strength from You and refuse to compromise Your standards in exchange for man's approval/admiration. In summary, situations involving peace (lack of it) and vanity are easily ignored even in the church. This is very dangerous, given that they have the potential to cost us our salvation in case death comes knocking unexpectedly.
This month I was blessed by Mali Music's new album; "Mali Is...". I thought I should share a little snippet...
So what am I thankful for this month? Life, health, journey mercies and yes...an answered prayer! It was not a very good month for one of my closest friends, but we're still thankful and believing that what was lost, You shall replenish grandly in due time. The verse below resonated in my spirit throughout the month. Yea, it was not easy to maintain my joy, pray even more and be thankful no matter what...but what is impossible with man is possible with You (Matthew 19:26) Thank You Holy Spirit.
VERSE of the Month: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
QUOTE of the Month: "So much I don't have answers for, that's what makes me trust You more" Mali Music - I believe
It is definitely going to be a work charged month. Hello August.
Relaxing, exciting and also enlightening. Most importantly, it was inspirational. I learned a lot, and I can definitely say I am extra motivated to push towards my many goals. Going home (Cameroon) always does this to me right? :)
Thank You Jesus.
Of all that happened this month (all of which You already know of course) I'll like to share the most poignant. I pondered extensively on life's greatest uncertainty; Death
The victims of the Abuja bombings begun their day like it was any other. Those that perished on flight MH17 obviously thought it was just another plane ride. The Israel-Hamas casualties sure did not see it coming. Death has this way of sneaking up on us. Of course, there are those who are graced with the opportunity to prepare (those with terminal diseases for example), but one cannot count on that...death never gives one the pleasure of knowing how it will come. Still, You know what the scariest truth is? The fact that no matter how advanced our world gets in terms of technology and knowledge, DEATH is the one thing man will never be able to control.
There is only one response when we come face to face with this truth, and that is making life after death our top most priority. Most of us are so engrossed with a world that is passing away (living and breathing social media), so distracted with pleasing a body that will one day rot in the earth, while neglecting the only thing that truly matters. The only thing that will matter in the end. Oh God I do not ever want to play with my salvation. When the temptations come may I always remember what I am living for, Who I am in You and where I am going. This is the real struggle! But sadly a lot of us are living like blind people...blinded by trivialities. Papa please help us.
When you live a life ready for death, you never fear death.
Regarding living a life of continuous readiness, two things I found myself contemplating in more depth are: Peace and Vanity. Our inability to live in peace with EVERYBODY holds us back from so much, and more often than not, we are unaware of this. Whereas the New Testament is full of scripture that warns us concerning this matter. One of my favourites is Hebrews 12:14 "Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see God." Just thinking about the scripture on gift offerings and making peace (Matthew 5:23&24) sheds more light on the gravity of the matter. Here it was not even about those we hold something against, it was "your brother that has something against you."
Every time I hear the word "vanity" I think of the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes. I need to read it again. If we are honest with ourselves we will realize that we spend too much time and energy trying to impress others. It is not uncommon to have our decisions and choices influenced by our desire to impress people. Especially in our close knit "everybody in your business" African communities. There is no denying the fact that this is vain. Oh how I pray Paul's words in Galatians 1:10 will inspire us to draw strength from You and refuse to compromise Your standards in exchange for man's approval/admiration. In summary, situations involving peace (lack of it) and vanity are easily ignored even in the church. This is very dangerous, given that they have the potential to cost us our salvation in case death comes knocking unexpectedly.
This month I was blessed by Mali Music's new album; "Mali Is...". I thought I should share a little snippet...
So what am I thankful for this month? Life, health, journey mercies and yes...an answered prayer! It was not a very good month for one of my closest friends, but we're still thankful and believing that what was lost, You shall replenish grandly in due time. The verse below resonated in my spirit throughout the month. Yea, it was not easy to maintain my joy, pray even more and be thankful no matter what...but what is impossible with man is possible with You (Matthew 19:26) Thank You Holy Spirit.
VERSE of the Month: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
QUOTE of the Month: "So much I don't have answers for, that's what makes me trust You more" Mali Music - I believe
It is definitely going to be a work charged month. Hello August.