When asked what he was going to do differently in the New Year, Kyle didn’t miss a beat and excitedly answered, ‘This year, I am going to be a better friend than I have been in the past’.
‘Is that all?’ Dave asked, quite amazed at the simplicity of his younger brother’s new year’s resolution.
‘Well yes,’ Kyle chimed, ‘you see, in the past, I had a long list of resolutions. I had so many things I wanted to get done. I found it hard to achieve them and as the days turned into weeks and the weeks into months, I found that I had gradually lost sight of my initial plan. I lost steam. You get my drift?’
‘I see’ Dave was slowly losing interest in the conversation.
‘So what I’ve decided this year is to keep it simple.’
‘And by becoming a better friend, you hope to achieve what exactly?’ asked Dave cynically
‘Well, you see, I’ve been trying to stop eating chocolates for the past two years. You know Phil from the tennis club?’
‘Yes,’
‘He managed to stop eating chocolates last year, so I figured if we stay as good friends, he’ll help me and show me how he did it’
‘Interesting!’
‘That’s not all,’ Kyle continued excitedly, ‘well, you know how I’ve always wanted to learn how to play the piano but never got really far?’
‘Yes,’
‘Harry, my friend from school has a great music tutor who teaches him to play many instruments including the piano. I figured if we stay good friends, I could get his music tutor to teach me too.’
‘Wonderful!’ Dave was starting to enjoy listening to his baby brother.
‘Oh, oh and there’s more!’ Kyle sensed his older brother’s interest in his speech and was going to juice it. It wasn’t often that Dave was interested in anything Kyle said (or did as a matter of fact). ‘Last year, I wanted to have a surprise party for mom and dad, but couldn’t. My friend Sandy’s mom is a party planner, so…’
Dave cut in ‘you figured if you stay friends with Sandy, her mom will help plan the party?’
‘Yes,’ Kyle paused ‘and of course I will also be able to invite her to the party. You get my drift?’ Kyle winked at his older brother who was now smiling.
‘So what’s your new year’s resolution?’ he asked Dave
‘Oh just to keep you out of trouble and to throw you a party when you turn thirteen!’
‘Hahaha!’ Kyle was pleased to hear that
It is interesting how we usually have long ‘to-do’ lists called New Year’s resolutions at the start of the year. Whether we follow these through or not is really up to us.
It is also up to the company we keep. I’ve found that sometimes, we go all out to achieve all these goals on our own. By going solo, we lose steam quickly and are back where we started.
I wrote the story above as I was thinking of a simple way to convey the importance of networking and the value of friendships as we go into 2011. Yes, we may have big dreams and big ambitions, but without people – the right people-, we may never be able to achieve them.
The bible says in II Corinth 15 v 13 ‘Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners’. This also suggests that good communications or associations enhance good manners.
So whether you want to start exercising thrice a week, or you want to give up chocolate, or you want to study the Word more, whatever it is you aspire for in 2011, ensure that you have the right people around you who can help you achieve them.
Make friends (and sustain friendships) with people who have the potential to help you. For example if you want to start exercising, make friends with someone who probably goes to the gym often, and you could start going together. Likewise, if you want to study the Word more, but have been finding it a challenge, maybe you need a Bible Study Buddy, someone with whom you can read and discuss the Word on a regular basis.
It is also key that we don’t just look for people who can help us achieve our goals, but that we also look to help others. As we forge friendships and build relationships in 2011 (and indeed in life), let us look to give as much value into them as we get out of them
I pray 2011 will be a fulfilling year for us all
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
SHALOM!
Sarah Teibo is an author and public speaker. Her recent book 'Sex Interrupted' is Biblical, Compelling and Relevant. It has been referred to as the Alpha Course on Sex.
Monday, 3 January 2011
Thursday, 2 December 2010
A book that goes for the kill.
It's not very often that I get reviews like the one you are about to read.
Yeah, it's great when media, mentors and great men & women of God pat us on the back and say great things about what we're doing, but I think what's also great is when the people we're trying to reach out to, come back to us and say 'yes, your message really reached out to me and touched me and I hope every one in the world hears it'.
That is what I'm about to share with you today.
'This book "Sex Interrupted", is an extremely vital instrument for single Christians of this day and age Worldwide. I wish to see a single's seminar or meeting where the content of this book could be conveyed across a christian audience, with no middle grounds. As a member of Glory house, this is the first book "in house", that goes for the kill if I may use the word. In other words goes to the base of this topic most single christians crave and works it's way upwards without compromise in a biblical content and context.
This book has "integrity" with consistent attitude that points to one of the purest forms of worship - Holiness. The contents are very readable with clarity, well processed and produced. I enjoyed the poetics of the grammar. Whilst no one book written by anyone is a master of any subject, this book does a have a very strong niche but went very quickly as I started to enjoy it.
I hope this book is available across the globe for all to read.' - Huthman,
Media Team, Glory House, London.
Thanks Huthman, for your feedback, I guess it's time I started looking into having global seminars around the book and its message. There is nothing impossible to she that believes!
Now, I guess, is probably the best time for you (if you haven't already done), to get a copy for yourself or for a single or young person you know. It could be your best Christmas gift yet! To order, please go to www.sarahteibo.co.uk. It is also available in Nigeria and Ghana; see website for details.
If you'd also like to share your thoughts and reviews of 'Sex Interrupted', please send them to sarah@sarahteibo.co.uk.
Bye for now, Feliz Navidad!
Yeah, it's great when media, mentors and great men & women of God pat us on the back and say great things about what we're doing, but I think what's also great is when the people we're trying to reach out to, come back to us and say 'yes, your message really reached out to me and touched me and I hope every one in the world hears it'.
That is what I'm about to share with you today.
'This book "Sex Interrupted", is an extremely vital instrument for single Christians of this day and age Worldwide. I wish to see a single's seminar or meeting where the content of this book could be conveyed across a christian audience, with no middle grounds. As a member of Glory house, this is the first book "in house", that goes for the kill if I may use the word. In other words goes to the base of this topic most single christians crave and works it's way upwards without compromise in a biblical content and context.
This book has "integrity" with consistent attitude that points to one of the purest forms of worship - Holiness. The contents are very readable with clarity, well processed and produced. I enjoyed the poetics of the grammar. Whilst no one book written by anyone is a master of any subject, this book does a have a very strong niche but went very quickly as I started to enjoy it.
I hope this book is available across the globe for all to read.' - Huthman,
Media Team, Glory House, London.
Thanks Huthman, for your feedback, I guess it's time I started looking into having global seminars around the book and its message. There is nothing impossible to she that believes!
Now, I guess, is probably the best time for you (if you haven't already done), to get a copy for yourself or for a single or young person you know. It could be your best Christmas gift yet! To order, please go to www.sarahteibo.co.uk. It is also available in Nigeria and Ghana; see website for details.
If you'd also like to share your thoughts and reviews of 'Sex Interrupted', please send them to sarah@sarahteibo.co.uk.
Bye for now, Feliz Navidad!
Sunday, 14 November 2010
X Factor Judges
Yeah, I can hear you asking 'what is Sarah going on about this time?' It's just something I was musing about recently and thought to share with you.
I've been an avid fan of the musical talent show 'The X Factor' until recently when I lost interest in certain aspects of the show. One main feature of the show is that there are three or four judges; each judge mentoring a group of contestants, whom they groom, train and encourage to win. After each week's performance, each contestant is critiqued by all the judges. One thing I noticed in the years I've watched the show is that some contestants never sing in tune, on key, to time or in sync with the theme of the week. When the performance of such artists is being analysed by the other judges, they do not mince words and sometimes dish out such biting criticism that even the audience at home cringe.
However, when it is the turn of their mentor to comment, no matter how obviously disastrous the performance was, they would have something good to say about it. The mentor may then later, behind the scenes, challenge their mentee and work with them to improve on their areas of weakness and to deliver a better performance next time. But as far as condemning them in public goes, they won't go harsh on them.
When I consider all this, it reminds me of how God is both our judge as well as our mentor. The devil also tries to judge us, after all, he is called 'the accuser of the brethren', or in today's English, 'the one who never has anything good to say about Christians, but is quick to point the condemning finger at them and tell them they are wrong at every given opportunity'.
But God is a fair judge and because we are now in Christ Jesus, he won't condemn us.
'THEREFORE, [there is] now no condemnation (no adjudging guilty of wrong) for those who are in Christ Jesus, who live [and] walk not after the dictates of the flesh, but after the dictates of the Spirit' Romans 8:1 AMP
So, when sometimes our Christianity seems out of tune, off key, out of time and out of sync with the theme of our salvation (which by the way is to love God and to love our neighbours), He calls us aside in love, unlike the devil who publicly tries to put us down.
With his Holy Spirit, he convicts us of sin, telling us where we've gone wrong and how we can get back on track. Constantly reminding us that his love and mercy are never ending.
Through his word, he encourages us, with such promises as 'If you serve me, I'll bless your food and drink and see to it that you don't fall ill' Exodus 23:25 (paraphrased) and 'Everything you'll ever need, I am more than able to make available to you' Philippians 4:19 (paraphrased) and 'The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure' 1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT
Through other believers, he strengths us, as he makes them share with us their testimonies of victory, healing and deliverance.
He helps us by his Holy Spirit to work on our next 'performance' (as Shakespeare said, 'all the world's a stage'), so that when we are done, the accuser will have nothing to say against us and we will come out victorious and more than conquerors!
God is a fair Judge and an excellent Mentor who wants to make us the best we can ever be.
Shalom
I've been an avid fan of the musical talent show 'The X Factor' until recently when I lost interest in certain aspects of the show. One main feature of the show is that there are three or four judges; each judge mentoring a group of contestants, whom they groom, train and encourage to win. After each week's performance, each contestant is critiqued by all the judges. One thing I noticed in the years I've watched the show is that some contestants never sing in tune, on key, to time or in sync with the theme of the week. When the performance of such artists is being analysed by the other judges, they do not mince words and sometimes dish out such biting criticism that even the audience at home cringe.
However, when it is the turn of their mentor to comment, no matter how obviously disastrous the performance was, they would have something good to say about it. The mentor may then later, behind the scenes, challenge their mentee and work with them to improve on their areas of weakness and to deliver a better performance next time. But as far as condemning them in public goes, they won't go harsh on them.
When I consider all this, it reminds me of how God is both our judge as well as our mentor. The devil also tries to judge us, after all, he is called 'the accuser of the brethren', or in today's English, 'the one who never has anything good to say about Christians, but is quick to point the condemning finger at them and tell them they are wrong at every given opportunity'.
But God is a fair judge and because we are now in Christ Jesus, he won't condemn us.
'THEREFORE, [there is] now no condemnation (no adjudging guilty of wrong) for those who are in Christ Jesus, who live [and] walk not after the dictates of the flesh, but after the dictates of the Spirit' Romans 8:1 AMP
So, when sometimes our Christianity seems out of tune, off key, out of time and out of sync with the theme of our salvation (which by the way is to love God and to love our neighbours), He calls us aside in love, unlike the devil who publicly tries to put us down.
With his Holy Spirit, he convicts us of sin, telling us where we've gone wrong and how we can get back on track. Constantly reminding us that his love and mercy are never ending.
Through his word, he encourages us, with such promises as 'If you serve me, I'll bless your food and drink and see to it that you don't fall ill' Exodus 23:25 (paraphrased) and 'Everything you'll ever need, I am more than able to make available to you' Philippians 4:19 (paraphrased) and 'The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure' 1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT
Through other believers, he strengths us, as he makes them share with us their testimonies of victory, healing and deliverance.
He helps us by his Holy Spirit to work on our next 'performance' (as Shakespeare said, 'all the world's a stage'), so that when we are done, the accuser will have nothing to say against us and we will come out victorious and more than conquerors!
God is a fair Judge and an excellent Mentor who wants to make us the best we can ever be.
Shalom
Monday, 8 November 2010
Amazing Grace
One of my favourite words in the world is Grace!
This is the undeserved favour of God. It is a free gift from God, for which we gave (and can give) nothing in exchange. The great thing about gifts is that sometimes, we get gifts for people because we feel they deserve them. So, effectively, even though they are not paying for the gift, they are getting something nice in return for something nice they've done for us. God's gift however, is totally FREE and not because we've been nice or deserving.
We are saved when we accept this free gift of grace, as the Amplified Bible so aptly puts it 'For it is by free grace (God's unmerited favor) that you are saved (delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ's salvation) through [your] faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [of your own doing, it came not through your own striving], but it is the gift of God; Not because of works [not the fulfillment of the Law's demands], lest any man should boast. [It is not the result of what anyone can possibly do, so no one can pride himself in it or take glory to himself.].' Ephesians 2 verses 8 to 9.
When I think abut this, it means, simply put, I don't deserve to be saved, delivered, healed or preserved...but I am. Wow! It's simply amazing to think that God has a store house filled with the gift of salvation and He gives it out freely to all, even though not all will accept it. All we have to give back to God, is our acceptance of His gift. This sounds somewhat paradoxical but it is the truth.
Why is it then, that I sometimes find myself wanting to work for this grace or to somehow pay God back for it? Sometimes, it feels like I have to do something to make God feel His favour has been given to someone who deserves it (me) and not the drug addict on the street, the serial killer in the news, the religious fanatics terrorising nations. Sometimes, I need to remind myself that I once was in the same place as these people - unrepentant and undeserving of grace. I have now been moved to a new place - repentant, saved and still undeserving of grace.
It seems innate in the human nature to want to give something in return or exchange for something we have received. As Christians, we need to constantly remind ourselves that we are who, where and what we are, only by the grace of God. Our prayer, Bible reading and other spiritual exercises do not save us or make us more deserving of God's grace, they help strengthen our relationship with God and build or faith in God.
He has saved us (from sin and its consequences) and continues to keep us, by His favour, mercy and grace which is undeserved and can never be repaid.
May we continue to bask in His amazing grace.
This is the undeserved favour of God. It is a free gift from God, for which we gave (and can give) nothing in exchange. The great thing about gifts is that sometimes, we get gifts for people because we feel they deserve them. So, effectively, even though they are not paying for the gift, they are getting something nice in return for something nice they've done for us. God's gift however, is totally FREE and not because we've been nice or deserving.
We are saved when we accept this free gift of grace, as the Amplified Bible so aptly puts it 'For it is by free grace (God's unmerited favor) that you are saved (delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ's salvation) through [your] faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [of your own doing, it came not through your own striving], but it is the gift of God; Not because of works [not the fulfillment of the Law's demands], lest any man should boast. [It is not the result of what anyone can possibly do, so no one can pride himself in it or take glory to himself.].' Ephesians 2 verses 8 to 9.
When I think abut this, it means, simply put, I don't deserve to be saved, delivered, healed or preserved...but I am. Wow! It's simply amazing to think that God has a store house filled with the gift of salvation and He gives it out freely to all, even though not all will accept it. All we have to give back to God, is our acceptance of His gift. This sounds somewhat paradoxical but it is the truth.
Why is it then, that I sometimes find myself wanting to work for this grace or to somehow pay God back for it? Sometimes, it feels like I have to do something to make God feel His favour has been given to someone who deserves it (me) and not the drug addict on the street, the serial killer in the news, the religious fanatics terrorising nations. Sometimes, I need to remind myself that I once was in the same place as these people - unrepentant and undeserving of grace. I have now been moved to a new place - repentant, saved and still undeserving of grace.
It seems innate in the human nature to want to give something in return or exchange for something we have received. As Christians, we need to constantly remind ourselves that we are who, where and what we are, only by the grace of God. Our prayer, Bible reading and other spiritual exercises do not save us or make us more deserving of God's grace, they help strengthen our relationship with God and build or faith in God.
He has saved us (from sin and its consequences) and continues to keep us, by His favour, mercy and grace which is undeserved and can never be repaid.
May we continue to bask in His amazing grace.
Wednesday, 27 October 2010
A Day in the Life of Jesus
About two thousand years ago one lovely autumn morning, a boy named Jesus rolled out of bed. He stretched out wide and opened his bedroom window. A cool refreshing breeze swept into his room as the sun streamed through and made him squint slightly. It was his thirteenth birthday and his father had promised him the day off work. He was sure his father would find a way of getting him into the workshop at some point. He smiled at the thought.
He thought it would be great to just have a restful morning and then go out with his friends later on in the day. His best pal Mark had promised they would go to the town center and see some sights. He looked forward to that!
Just as he was thinking about what fun things to do for his birthday, he noticed a woman walk past his house. She was walking rather strangely and was bent over. It was obvious that walking was a really difficult task for her as she literally dragged herself along, unable to look up as she walked.
He watched as she made her way slowly along the path in front of his house. He watched as the oncoming pedestrians avoided her, seeing as she could not see them. He watched and he was hurt by the fact that she could not even look up to see the lovely sunrise and appreciate the lovely autumn scenery all around. All she could see was the dust of the ground. All she could feel was the pain in her back as she shuffled along
His heart winced in pain as he reached out to her - only in his mind - he reached out and touched her and she stood up straight - only in his mind. Just now, he could do nothing. He had all the power, all the potential, all the reason to do something to help this woman, but he couldn’t.
He understood that there was such a thing as the right time for his gift and ability to find expression. 'Seventeen more years,' he thought. 'What a long wait!'
I think of this that Jesus would have very likely experienced before he started his ministry and I see a case for delaying gratification. Jesus definitely would not have wanted to heal the woman for his gratification; it would have been for her restoration. But we can learn from Him just how possible it is to delay expressing our abilities and potential until the right time.
I say this in the context of delaying gratification where sex is concerned. It sounds impossible, but it can be done, it's just probably a bit difficult. We are human - Christian or not - and are subject to having emotional feelings and indeed sexual urges. What's more, we are spirits and are able to put these feelings and urges under control; especially with help from God's Holy Spirit.
So when you feel like you just can’t handle the pressure, remind yourself - if Jesus could hold back his potential, gifting and power for thirty years of his life till the right time came for manifestation, then you too can delay your sexual gratification till the right time and the right person - in Marriage
Remember, if God says you can, you can!
Remember, if God says you can, you can!
Shalom
Saturday, 16 October 2010
Newton's Law Of Motion
I remember it like it was just yesterday. There I was, sat in one of my first physics lessons, wondering if I would ever be able to make any sense of the complicated jargon the grumpy old physics teacher was about to blurt out.
'In this lesson and the next few lessons, we shall be studying Newton's laws of motion. We shall be looking at the first law today.' He said in his deep and authoritative voice that made him one of the most dreaded teachers in my secondary school.
"Newton's first law of motion states that 'Every body remains in a state of rest or uniform motion (constant velocity) unless it is acted upon by an external unbalanced force.'" Said the physics teacher.
'Interesting', I thought.
'Everyone, eyes on this piece of chalk. Watch as I illustrate the first law of motion.'
He placed a piece of chalk on the desk in front of him, then did nothing. We all watched for what seemed like an eternity (it was only about ten seconds) after which, he tapped it lightly and it rolled off the desk and onto the floor. We all looked at him quizzically as if to say 'was that supposed to be a magic trick?' Yeah, it's pretty hard to impress teenagers isn't it?
Now as I think back on that lesson, I realise Newton's law of motion does not just apply to objects but also to us humans. A person will carry on doing what they are doing, or carry on doing nothing unless they are influenced by a force.
The interesting thing is God already knew that man would need a push in order to fulfil purpose, hence when he first made man, he gave him a push by saying 'Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.' Genesis 1: 28
Failing that instruction, man would have just sat there wondering 'what do I do now?' God made it quite clear that his intentions for us were that we be productive.
He is so keen on productivity that after Jesus resurrected and before his ascension, he gave his disciples a push. 'And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.' Mark 16:15. Failing this, the disciples could have just sat there saying 'what next?'
God's expectation of us is that we be multipliers. He does not expect us to be inert as a piece of chalk on a desk. So, to help us have a constant push and a driving force, (seeing as we will sometimes get tired), he has given us his Spirit. 'But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth' Acts 1:8 NLT
Isn't it exciting to know that God has not just given us a push by telling us what to do, but he's also given us his Spirit to help us do it? Halleluyah!
My prayer for this generation is that God will help us understand that his expectation of us is productivity, that we will realise that the Holy Spirit is always there to help and that we will go out there and tell someone about the love of Jesus.
May God's force be with you.
'In this lesson and the next few lessons, we shall be studying Newton's laws of motion. We shall be looking at the first law today.' He said in his deep and authoritative voice that made him one of the most dreaded teachers in my secondary school.
"Newton's first law of motion states that 'Every body remains in a state of rest or uniform motion (constant velocity) unless it is acted upon by an external unbalanced force.'" Said the physics teacher.
'Interesting', I thought.
'Everyone, eyes on this piece of chalk. Watch as I illustrate the first law of motion.'
He placed a piece of chalk on the desk in front of him, then did nothing. We all watched for what seemed like an eternity (it was only about ten seconds) after which, he tapped it lightly and it rolled off the desk and onto the floor. We all looked at him quizzically as if to say 'was that supposed to be a magic trick?' Yeah, it's pretty hard to impress teenagers isn't it?
Now as I think back on that lesson, I realise Newton's law of motion does not just apply to objects but also to us humans. A person will carry on doing what they are doing, or carry on doing nothing unless they are influenced by a force.
The interesting thing is God already knew that man would need a push in order to fulfil purpose, hence when he first made man, he gave him a push by saying 'Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.' Genesis 1: 28
Failing that instruction, man would have just sat there wondering 'what do I do now?' God made it quite clear that his intentions for us were that we be productive.
He is so keen on productivity that after Jesus resurrected and before his ascension, he gave his disciples a push. 'And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.' Mark 16:15. Failing this, the disciples could have just sat there saying 'what next?'
God's expectation of us is that we be multipliers. He does not expect us to be inert as a piece of chalk on a desk. So, to help us have a constant push and a driving force, (seeing as we will sometimes get tired), he has given us his Spirit. 'But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth' Acts 1:8 NLT
Isn't it exciting to know that God has not just given us a push by telling us what to do, but he's also given us his Spirit to help us do it? Halleluyah!
My prayer for this generation is that God will help us understand that his expectation of us is productivity, that we will realise that the Holy Spirit is always there to help and that we will go out there and tell someone about the love of Jesus.
May God's force be with you.
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