Wednesday, 17 July 2013

THE PERFECTION OF BEAUTY

Rev. Richie,

@ Household of David Online Church.

Preachin’…

THE PERFECTION OF BEAUTY.

Glory!

Praying in the Spirit a couple of days ago… an idea dropped into my heart as I asked myself, “could the (organism known in biology as) Amoeba have changed itself from its shapeless mass and assume a more symmetric or definite shape (like the Paramecium) if it had wanted?” To which I answered in the affirmative. YES! It could have, if it had desired such a change in form or image (or likeness) or better still if it had been aware of the existence of such a likeness and even more if the change is possible or attainable!

2 Corinthians 3:18 reads;

But we all, with an open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed (transformed) into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the spirit of the Lord. (Emphasis mine).

I have had occasions to describe people as pretty, beautiful, handsome or, just fine or ugly in the past years but have rediscovered the hidden truth expressed in the words “beauty is in the eyes of the beholder” because our perception of reality sometimes? If not all of the time, depends on what we place value on… our value system. Better expressed as “your outlook depends on what you are looking out from”. See Proverbs 23:7a;

For as he thinketh in his heart so he is: in other words as he thinks in his heart so he speaks. Compare Matthew 12:34 and Luke 6:45.

Watch your thoughts, so goes the saying, they become your actions. Hallaluyah!

YOUR IMAGE CAST.

When you cast a glance at yourself in the mirror; can you describe what you see? D’you fall in love with your reflection or resentment wells up in you? How d’you describe what you see… as beautiful or ugly or midway in-between? ... lol!

The point is, the more at home you feel with your image cast, the more of a positive self image you have of yourself. Quote me!

The moment you begin to perceive yourself as beautiful as a woman or handsome as a guy, your self confidence, poise and all other things about you begin to assume a more assertive dimension… hey … one of the best ways to get you out of an inferiority rut is to conceive in your mind a positive image of yourself. This in turn affects such other areas of your life as value orientation, attitude, emotions and even your relationship with other humans. I’ve come to discover that those who look down on you may be doing so out of their own negative self image and emotional insecurity. In fact, they may be scared of you in their minds!

I grew up an emotionally insecure child, (because as I later understood, dad was going through the challenges of a mid life crises that are causing the whole pack a hell of an emotional dilemma… then). I was so shy I couldn’t even stand up for myself among my mates - y’know what that means? Bullies beat me up and deprive me the use of my things… lol. See, ‘twas a bad day for me the day I was beaten up by a primary three boy, even though I was in five… the most senior class in my school then!, being the first set. I couldn’t even muster up enough courage to speak up for myself. But that was how I started out in life!

My confidence base was totally eroded the day playmates told me my head looks “small”… lol… and then, another said I had “thin” limbs- “the lege-lege kinda thing”… I went to my mum for revalidation as a kid then but the little courage it gave evaporated the next morning! I was having my bath with my two other male siblings ( I was the first male in a family of five and the second child) when I discovered my guys had bigger reproductive organs than I do… lol. I thought I wasn’t normal as every other person looks stronger, brighter and better endowed! I felt so small in my own eyes… literally.

LOOK INTO… (BEHOLD) THE PERFECT LAW OF LIBERTY.

These thoughts continued to torment me for so many years until that fateful day when I stopped to take a look at myself in the mirror… quite incidentally though, and I saw one of the most beautiful boys my age then! …So this is me!

I invited a guy over to my place some few months ago, and positioning himself in front of my full length mirror exclaimed, “ase bi mo se ri ree!” (in Yoruba language), meaning “so this is what I look like!”. He had been going about all these years probably never having seen a reflection of himself! I noticed he’s been acting more confident lately… lol.

Many years of interaction with my mirror has transformed me in “the same image from glory to glory” HALLALUYAH! into the virile, handsome man I am today even as by the spirit of the Lord!

PRAISE GOD!

FASHION TIPS FOR MY HOMIES ON THE LORD’S SIDE.

1. You need not need to wear what’s “en’ vogue” or the latest trends. Put on what’s decent, fits and accentuate your beauty.

2. Develop a good sense of combining matching colors when it comes to clothings, jewelleries and make-ups. Use colors that match or blend with the color of your skin. You may need to consult with a professional.

3. Wisdom is getting a few chosen colors each of clothes of different styles, makes and materials and being creative with how you combine these colors to wear. It saves you money and rids your wardrobe of needless fabrics.

4. After dressing up and all made up for that event… (such as going to a friend’s place or the churchplace to make an appearance for Bible study or a prayer meeting), stand In front of your mirror and ask yourself this simple question, “would Jesus be pleased to be my chaperon seeing me dressed this way?”

Compare Matthew 28:19-20… Go ye therefore… and lo "I am with you" always, even unto the end of the world. AMEN. (Paraphrased)…if you can answer in the affirmative… please be my girl!… lolz.

The same with the word. Studying (and doing) the word transforms us from a shapeless, spineless Amoeba into the structure God had always wanted us to be… the image of Papa God. In other words, regular study of the word (with the word as the mould) transforms us into God’s image as cast in the mould by the word! Amen.

REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE.

James 1:23-25 says:

For if any man be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:

For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way and straightaway forgetteth what manner of man he was.

But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he not being a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

1Peter 2:9

But you (you and me- the Ecclesia) are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye (we) should shew (show) forth the praises of him who hath called you (us) out of darkness into his marvelous light.

Psalms 50:2

Out of Zion (the Church- the Ecclesia- you and me), the perfection of beauty, God hath shined.

And the people of God say, Amen. SHALOM. God’s Peace!

Prophecy:

Thus saith the Lord; we are in the sixth manifest of the endtime church and the season of the voice of the seventh angel. AMEN.

The sixth manifestation of the endtime church.

Read Rev. 3:6-13.

Each of the seven churches of Asia spoken of in the Book of Revelation represents epochs in the life and times of the present day church ecclesia on earth. SELAH!

The season of the voice of the seventh angel.

Rev. 10:7.

But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished as he hath declared to his servants the prophets.

Compare John 19:30, Luke23:44-47, Mark 15: 37-39 & Matthew 27:50-51…

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the church (es). AMEN. Rev. 3:13

@household of david online church@facebook.com/olu-davies bidemi.

Tuesday, 16 July 2013

THE CHRISTIAN RESOLVE

Rev. Richie,

@ Household of David Online Church.

Preachin’…

THE CHRISTIAN RESOLVE. 1Peter4:12-19.

...And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. Acts 11:26.

The Lord Christ was tortured and murdered after the most gruesome and cruelest manner of executions ever conceived in the history of man (next perhaps is the guillotine?).

On the cross, the subject’s hands and feet are pierced through with nails and nailed to a plus (+) shaped construction of wood. The body fluids- blood and the lymph- slowly drains out of the victims’ body until he dies of shock under the most excruciating of pains coupled with dehydration and exhaustion. It’s under these circumstances that the Lord died! Even his heart was ruptured! See the Gospel according to Saint John 19:34.

This form of sentence is passed on the vilest form of criminals in the then Roman Empire… and his offence?

He was accused of treason; “he called himself the king of the Jews” thereby a challenge to Caesar’s authority.

And he was executed with “highwaymen”- armed robbers of his days, one each on his sides… even though he knew no sin. What a contradiction for the Sinless one!

The shame is better imagined! Thinking along these lines, it hurts my imagination to see the Lord murdered naked! HE’S GOT NO CLOTHES ON! See Luke 23:34… and they parted his raiment and cast lots.

In this state of shame and helplessness, the rulers mocked him, “he saved others, let him save himself, if he be Christ the chosen of God”. And the soldiers too, offering him vinegar (a very bitter liquid), “if thou be the “king of the Jews”, save thyself! Even one of the malefactors “railed” on him!

The anguish of heart is greater than the pains on his hands and feet! And his head! – On which a crown of thorns was rammed into!

After all the celebration of the miracles that has lasted three and a half years, the glorious triumphal entry into Jerusalem, the soberness of the blessed Holy Communion and… the next day! … The cross! It hurts my fragile imagination! How can a man of such glory of celebrations- a celebrity- end in such ignominy? Lord have mercy. Amen.

The same multitude that followed him all around on his trips round Palestine- the ever present multitude! - shouting Hosanna! In celebration of his entry into Jerusalem were still on hand to shout crucify him! The next day! What an irony?!

… And they were called Christians…

Being called a “Christian” as the disciples were called in Antioch, is not to be associated with anything glorious; but the shame of the execution on the cross: it was meant to cause them shame and hurt and to do them spite… just like reminding them (or us?) of the fact that our Lord died a common criminal. It would interest you to know that the Lord’s rising from the dead on the third day, is not a widely acknowledged fact among Jews unto this present day! Read Matthew 27:62-66 and 28:11-15.

No wonder Paul exclaimed, “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ!”… Romans 1:16

If we would be true disciples and be true to our convictions in our generation, we must not be ashamed of the gospel we bear; even though we are labeled criminals, cultists, impostors, when family and friends forsake or when we are labelled insane. Read Acts 26:24-25.

1Peter 4:16, 19

Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.

Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing as unto a faithful creator.

2Timothy 1:8

Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me (Paul) his prisoner; but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God.

2Corinthians 4:17-18

For our light affliction which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory:

While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

POINTS TO NOTE FOR ACTION.

1. Take a public stand for The Word of God at all times. (Depending on the peculiarities of your country, this is relatively easy in my country Nigeria, though you may not have to preach in places and buses marked “NO PREACHING”). Wisdom is profitable to direct. AMEN.

2. Identify with people who share your Christian beliefs and beliefs about the teachings of the Bible (and I dare say, stay away from people who do not!)

3. Make a conscious effort to share your beliefs with friends, acquaintances wherever opportunity avails you.

And the peace that passes all understanding guide your heart and mind through Christ Jesus. I LOVE YOU…

Shalom! God’s Peace!

@household of david online church@facebook.com/olu-davies bidemi.

GOD WHO TOUCHEST EARTH WITH BEAUTY

Rev. Richie,

@ Household of David Online Church.

SHARING…

MARY S. EDGAR, 1889- GENEVA. 8.5.8.5 C. HAROLD LOWDEN, 1883

GOD WHO TOUCHEST EARTH WITH BEAUTY.

1 1.

God, who touchest earth beauty,
Make me lovely too;
With Thy Spirit recreate me,
Make my heart anew.
2.

Like Thy springs and running waters,
Make me crystal pure;
Like Thy rocks of towering grandeur,
Make me strong and sure.
3.

Like Thy shining waves in sunlight,
Make me glad and free;
Like the straightness of the pine trees,
Let me upright be.
4.

Like the arching of the heavens,
Lift my thoughts above;
Turn my dreams to noble action,
Ministries of love.
5.

God who touchest earth with beauty,
Make me lovely too;
Keep me ever by Thy Spirit,
Pure and strong and true. Amen.

Stumbled on these lyrics of this Hymn a couple of days ago en’ felt like sharing them with you.

James 5:13

Is any among you afflicted? Let him pray. Is any merry? Let him sing (Psalms).

I pray the Lord fill your heart with the joy of praise as you sing the lyrics of this Hymn to Him in prayer. Amen.

Catch ya next time.

@household of david online church@facebook.com/olu-davies bidemi.

THE RACE

Rev. Richie,

@ Household of David Online Church.

SHARING…

THE RACE… by D.H Groberg

‘Quit! Give up! You’re beaten!’

They shout at me and plead.

‘There’s just too much against you now.

This time you can’t succeed!’

And as I start to hang my head

In front of failure’s face,

My downward fall is broken by

The memory of a race.

And hope refills my weakened will

As I recall that scene;

For just the thought of that short race

Rejuvenates my being.

A children’s race – young boys, young men

How I remember well.

Excitement, sure! But also fear;

It wasn’t hard to tell.

They all lined up so full of hope;

Each thought to win that race.

Or tie for first, or if not that,

At least takes second place.

And fathers watched from off the side,

Each cheering for his son.

And each boy hoped to show his dad

That he would be the one.

The whistle blew and off they went!

Young hearts and hopes afire.

To win and be the hero there

Was each young boy’s desire.

And one boy in particular

Whose dad was in the crowd,

Was running near the lead and thought,

‘My dad will be so proud!’

But as they speeded down the field

Across a shallow dip,

The little boy who thought to win

Lost his step and slipped.

Trying hard to catch himself

His hands flew out to brace,

And mid the laughter of the crowd

He fell flat in his face.

So down he fell and with him hope

He couldn’t win it now-

Embarrassed, sad, he only wished

To disappear somehow.

But as he fell his dad stood up

And showed his anxious face

Which to the boy so clearly said:

‘Get up and win the race.’

He quickly rose, no damage done.

Behind a bit, that’s all –

And ran with all his mind and might

To make up for his fall.

So anxious to restore himself

To catch up and to win –

His mind went faster than his legs;

He slipped and fell again!

He wished then he had quit before

With only one disgrace.

‘I’m hopeless as a runner now;

I shouldn’t try to race.’

But in the laughing crowd he searched

And found his father’s face.

That steady look which said again:

‘Get up and win the race!’

So up he jumped to try again

Ten yards behind the last –

‘If I’m to gain those yards,’ he thought,

‘I’ve got to move real fast.’

Exerting everything he had

He gained eight or ten

But trying so hard to catch the lead

He slipped and fell again!

Defeat! He lay there silently

A tear dropped from his eye –

‘There’s no sense running anymore;

Three strikes: I’m out! Why try?’

The will to rise had disappeared

All hope had fled away;

So far behind, so error prone;

A loser all the way.

‘I’ve lost so what’s the use, ‘he thought.

‘I’ll live with my disgrace.’

But then he thought about his dad

Who soon he’d have to face.

‘Get up,’ an echo sounded low.

‘Get up and take your place;

You were not meant for failure here.

Get up and win the race.’

‘With borrowed will, get up,’ it said,

‘You haven’t lost at all,

For winning is no more than this:

To rise each time you fall.’

So up he rose to run once more,

And with a new commit

He resolved that win or lose

At least he wouldn’t quit.

So far behind the others now,

The most he’d ever been –

Still he gave it all he had

And ran as though to win.

Three times he’d fallen, stumbling;

Three times he rose again;

Too far behind to hope to win

He still ran to the end.

They cheered the winning runner

As he crossed the line first place,

Head high, and proud, and happy;

No falling, no disgrace.

But when the fallen youngster

Crossed the line last place,

The crowd gave him the greater cheer

For finishing the race.

And even though he came in last

With head bowed low, unproud,

You would have thought he’d won the

Race to listen to the crowd.

And to his dad he sadly said,

‘I didn’t do so well.’

‘To me, you won,’ his father said.

‘You rose each time you fell.’

And now when things seem dark and hard

And difficult to face,

The memory of that little boy

Helps me in my own race.

For all of life is like that race,

With ups and downs and all.

And all you have to do to win,

Is rise each time you fall.

‘Quit! Give up! You’re beaten!’

They still shout in my face.

But another voice within me says:

‘Get up and win the race!’

A songwriter once sang,” for a saint is just a sinner who fell down… and got up!”, I sincerely hope this poem would help encourage you in your walk with God… “For winning is not more than this: rising each time you fall.”

HAPPY SAINT VALENTINE’S DAY!

@household of david online church@facebook.com/olu-davies bidemi.

THE CHRISTIAN RESOLVE (2)

REV. Richie, ‘bidemi OLU-DAVIES.

Household of David online Church@facebook.com/bidemi olu-davies.

Sharing …

THE CHRISTIAN RESOLVE (2)

DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY OF FRONTLINE FEMALE RAPPER’s BROTHER, (TRINA); WHO was SHOT IN MIAMI A COUPLE OF HOURS AGO … R.I.P

Praise God! …

I’ve decided to put words on ink this day- 24^th of April, 2013 after these few weeks of hallowed silence … that seem like ages … it’s about 8:05AM as at “press” (Lol!) time!

I’ve been through the usual, the unusual and midway in between and even worse these past few weeks … betrayals, threats to my life, active ill-will, disrespect, privations en’ all; but I’m out stronger at the broken places. I’ve learnt to cope … creatively at that too! I only channeled my aggression into my private business venture … giving out business proposals to banks and a few other corporate outfits on IT-services and Advert consultancy. No results yet but I’ve learnt one or two of the ethical tricks of my profession.

Be that as it may; the point here is – when facing problems or going through go-throughs in life … channel the negative emotions or energy elicited into something positive and productive - - - sports, business, some singing and dancing or any other thing you might have a flair for – and discover more about yourself … for life is all about exploring the Self and discovering the Self.

THE FEAR OF DEATH …?

Many, I mean not a few; have been cut off from a glorious destiny because of - The fear of death!

Brethren, we have the hope of a better resurrection! Oh! Death, where is thy sting? LolJ

I’ve never been scared of losing my life under whatever circumstances ever since - as long as I can remember - so long as I won’t lose my Soul.

If I’m held at gun-pointJ, I’m ever hopeful something like “a bolt from the blues” can happen; en’ may be the 8^th wonder of the world! … LolJ.

Note, I and the children the Lord has graciously given me are for signs and wonders on earth! Something is a wonder, when not a repeat of an occurrence, but of one that’s never even been dreamt of! Yeah!

Hebrews 2:14-15 says;

Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also took part of the same; that through death He might destroy him that had the power of death, that is the devil;

And deliver those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

See what 1Peter 3:13 says;

And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? … STOPP!

Who?! - I double dare anyONE! … We have overcome the spirit of death. AMEN!

Till I come your way again, Be good! … Be blessed! … And BE! … En’ your protection is sure … I guarantee you! The Lord Is … Our Shepherd …

CHEERS …

HOUSEHOLD OF DAVID ONLINE CHURCH.

@Rev. Richie ’Bidemi Olu-Davies. Nigeria.

Thursday, 25 April 2013

MY THOUGHTS ON TERRORISM

MY THOUGHTS ON “TERRORISM”.

The Cambridge Advanced Learner’s dictionary defines terrorism as: “(threats of) violent action for political purposes”. This being as it may; I define terrorism as acts that create terror (extreme fear) in the minds of the citizenry making them to succumb to the demands of usurpers of any kind of privileged leadership with the intent of holding the souls of men captive in a form of quasi-psychological slavery.

The potency of terrorism as a means to privileged leadership; lies in its ability to coerce a race, nation or people into mental slavery through the use of or the threat of violence creating the feeling of helplessness in the minds of the so oppressed.

Terrorism creates a certain feeling of insecurity and a foreboding of impending catastrophe in the psyche of the young, old and the aged.

… Another war on my mind … man engaging man in a contest for supremacy!

I live in a neighbourhood where co-occupants are unfriendly and gang-up against me, where “friends” exploit me, where I sincerely feel I cannot bring my woman into for fear of any mishap; where I’d have to shield my woman from “friends” and “family” – clearly spelling out the words loud in the sky for all to see: the terrorist that has so much scared you and me is that neighbour that friend, that family member, that house-mate with whom we’d once shared our food, faith and future aspirations. They live with and among us; we share the same bin, the same compound, the same street, same amenities, the same cabs and the weapon of our common protection which they turn against us.

We've been partakers of the same cup and they've lifted their heels against us! … not because we've gone wrong or because of our ineptitude but because of their greed, malice, envy and crave for power – the desire to dominate and hold the ace that controls all of mankind … whatever that is … The average terrorist is a megalomaniac of the most psychopathic order defying the restraint of our most sophisticated rehabs … misguided souls …

Our love for them constrains us … but it is high-time we take the bull by the horns and say NO! Enough of this carnage!

Until we come to a point where we’re ready to break free of our mental shackles and be ready to hand over - a brother, a sister, an uncle, a mum, an aunt, that spouse, a dad, a nephew, that neighbour that family, that boss, that Pastor, that Imam; to the authorities on account of terrorism, we might have to grapple with the menace for over a much more longer time to come. If you will not, you may end up being the next victim … who knows? ‘Cos it is the peace of this global family that’s going to count; and is all that matters after all.

PEACE UPON EARTH AND GOODWILL UNTO ALL MEN!

CIAO!

Written, 24^th of April. 2013.

Monday, 11 June 2012

CATALYSING THE CHANGE YOU DESIRE

The world seems to be changing so fast nowadays you couldn’t stay wrong all the time even if you tried.

-Speaker’s quote book.

To change and to improve are two different things.

–German proverb.

CHANGE

I feel with a deep sense of urgency, there’s change in the air. It’s time for change! In world politics, the business arena- small businesses to multinationals. Things were not what they used to be and we can’t afford to run the new systems with the age-old methods.

The business and political systems are ever evolving, advancements in science and technology, information technology; the changes in the economy of the nations- notably the global economic meltdown, the Arab uprising and all, points to the fact that there needs to be a paradigm shift in the way we do things this side of eternity. In essence, improved methods or approaches to problem solving and productive strategic thinking must be brought to bear in the management of the world’s politicoeconomic and socioscientific systems.

The envisaged change is not limited to these systems alone- judging by meteorological indices, man is finding it increasingly difficult to manage his immediate environment with dire consequences.

We all have a role to play in the evolving new world and I’d suggest you be the change you desire in your immediate environment. I foresee a rising generation of technocrats and visionaries from all walks of life that would be catalysts of this revolution.

THE CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

I’d present these view of mine from the reference point of experiences gathered through the years as an IT consultant, LifeCoach, student and from years of interactions with opinion leaders and colleaguers.

Every organization consists of systems and humans that function within these systems. You exert an influence on the system which in turn exerts a reciprocal influence on you in a way which maybe you’ve not thought about until this moment. I dare say, not every change is improvement and not all improvement is change but the bottom-line is to maintain an upward stride in whatever system you find yourself. If you can’t add positively to the system, please don’t constitute a clog in the wheel. I’d love to see in the nearest future change agents who would have the courage to stand up for the right they believe in at all places and in the society, not only in Africa but all over the world.

I embrace every change I perceive is going to bring about an improvement and a progress notwithstanding my insecurities, egocentricities (or eccentricities?) and all the likes; and I believe that’s the way to live. The human race is an evolving one (don’t doubt it, we’re still evolving!) and evolution is both change and improvement- in structure, adaptability and genetic vigour… and human systems… the world system is an ever dynamic one that can only be sustained through and by constant change. A refusal to change is an acceptance of mediocrity.

CHANGE AGENTS NEEDED TO BIRTH A NEW WORLD

You may not have to be a leader but everyone is a leader of some sorts; so you’ve got no excuse , all that’s needful is a firm resolve to allow the wind of positive change blowing all over a safe passage.

The following suggestions might come in handy

1. Sensitize your peers about the change you would like to see around you: you can organize fora for the ventilation of your ideas and seek information about the latest changes, innovations around you and how it would best develop your society.

2. Be a plus and not a minus in any system you find yourself: a speaker once said, ”if you get somewhere and meet a standard, raise it a little bit more”.

3. Always “be ready to walk on water” for a change: discard your feelings of insecurity; most of those things we’ve always felt might “happen” never do.

4. See every positive change around you as an opportunity to do something new; who knows, it might unleash a latent potential; something you’re cut out for – for self discovery is an ever ongoing evolutionary process.

5. Learn to handle criticism and hostility. You don’t have to be scared… be firm and courageous; what if it turns out right afterall?

6. Develop a world view of the change you desire.

7. Stress brings out the strength in you. When facing challenges, try playing around the problem creatively; think out of the box; challenge the status quo; fashion out new ways of solving the life’s puzzles that comes your way daily.

See you when you get there! You’d sure do!