Can you recognize love?

A lot of us claim we want love.  Some take the extra step of looking for it while some just sit around waiting for it to come by.  Some don’t care and have made up their minds to settle with ‘just nice’. 

In short, we want love or at least someone we love and would love us back.  But can some of us really recognize love?

Do we know what love is like?

Do we know what it sounds like and looks like despite the fact that we claim we know what it feels like?

If you don’t know what love is...

The first step is to admit that you don’t really know what love is like and to take a step to finding out instead of waiting for what you cannot recognize in the first place. 

Nevertheless, I can tell you this; Love is not just a feeling! Love is more of a verb.  It is active and faithful.  The best qualification for love is its ‘giving’ nature.  ‘Sacrifice is a proof of love’ they say.

Love may not be what you’ve experienced

 Love may not be what you have experienced in the past with men or during your childhood.  Some of us don’t really know what it’s like to be loved because we have never really had someone to genuinely love and care for us.  This is a factor that affects a lady’s judgement and choice of men.  Hence we claim she has a bad taste. Why won’t she have a bad taste if she hasn’t tasted any of the good stuff?

Look back at your past and do a thorough check and correction.

You should be careful of not letting your past experiences affect your recognition system, judgement and acceptance regarding love.

This is so you don’t push love away when it comes your way. You should not use your wrong past experiences to determine what love should be like.  If you don’t know you should seek for answers. 

Stop criticizing love especially when it comes your way. Stop hating on it.  Give love a chance in your life.  Stop being afraid of accepting ‘normal’ and ‘right’. If it’s kind, gentle, understanding...If it cares, protects, and provides; that’s normal and right.  Don’t turn your back on it.  Appreciate and embrace it.  Don’t frustrate it or strangle the life out of it.  Let it live.  Be open to it.  Do not be afraid. Remember life itself is full of risks.  

Be conscious of your actions and reactions. Take mental notes of unfriendly speech, gestures and actions so you can correct them. 

How to love...

It is a conscious effort.  There are many times it’s not as simple as ABC. That is why it should not be based on ‘feelings’ alone.  To love right, you need some true love in you.  If you don’t know how to, you have to learn. Because giving back is essential and it’s kind of difficult to give back what you don’t have.

Give love

Don’t hoard it.  Don’t say ‘it feels dumb’ to love back.  Don’t think you are being stupid when you do love back. Do not hesitate to give back.  Sacrifice and show love.

If you are the type that is used to giving and not getting

You are a human being. You need love to survive well.  Accept Love.  Let someone love you- too. Let him make sacrifices for you.  Stop playing ‘superwoman’.  Accept being pampered. 

Scared of love?

Whether because of fear of the unknown, heartbreak, helplessness, or losing one’s self - there is still no valid reason why you should keep being afraid for so long.  You have to deal with it sooner or later.

In true love, fear should not be found.   How long will you run from what you know you need to survive?   Yes it can seem too good to be true, so test it.  And if it is true, embrace it.

You might be wondering, ‘can it really be for real’?  Do ask questions but don’t ponder for so o o long. Did I mention that e fit waka comot when him don wait tire? 

So stop killing Love

Be true to your heart.  Stop trying to suppress or kill love. Stop the habit now. You deserve to be happy. Cute, understanding, committed, accepting, kind, and ‘i go die there’ ....can happen to you. And when it does, don’t get your ‘this is too good for me’ knife to stab it. Instead think ‘why not?’ and try to enjoy the ride.

Embrace God’s Love

God’s love for us is the most perfect and is a true model for us on how to love.  He’s the one who loved us first and he does not hesitate showing and proving to us how much he does love us. The bible says he is so mindful of us, that the hairs on our heads are numbered.  Jesus is the most precious gift of love from God to us.

God is the author of love-the ultimate lover. A healthy relationship with him will help us and teach us how to love unconditionally. 

When tongues are wagging, there’s so much concern and close relatives want to take you somewhere sacred...

When tongues are wagging

My sister, tongues will definitely wag.

Neighbors, distant family members, and acquaintances will say the expected and unexpected.  They will say things behind and before you. If you give ear and heart to the words of people in this category, you might develop a high blood pressure before you eventually get married. So ignore.  Yes ignore.  Do not give them or their words top priority.  God gave the human the mouth for many things and ‘talking’ is one of them. And people, my sis, will talk. Since their talk does not bring any practical solution-unless someone is trying to hook you up (you know, on a date *winkz*), ignore.

You need to be less concerned about gossips.

When there is so much concern

I like it when someone I respect a lot says ‘it’s nobody’s business prodding someone to get married’.  Whether it’s out of irritation or out of fact, I’m not able to say for now.  But I know I like how he says it. I believe he is right but it is easy for him to say because he is a man but for a woman it is not the same.

People close to you or not will be worried or concerned about your having not been married.  They will keep prodding and asking to find out if there’s someone or if there’s none.  They’ll say you are taking too long to get hooked and they’ll recommend solutions; some bizarre.  They’ll keep doing this until you finally tie the knot or at least when you are with a man. 

You have to handle the situation with wisdom. You can’t afford to show irritation towards people who relate with you concerning this aspect of your life because they are probably truly concerned and want to see you settle down.  You have to relate with them politely.  

Whereas, you shouldn’t allow people do the ‘pity party’ whenever they see you.   You know how they do. They see you and they act like you’ve got a plague (cos you are not married).  They make a sad face, tell you ‘pele’ (sorry) and start saying some’ unfaithfilled’ words of prayer.

Please do not allow it!

You do not have a disease or a problem.  If you allow them do this to you, it will affect your psyche. This might begin to create fear in you and the enemy will begin to use this to attack your mind.

You might be tempted to run away from familiar people when you are about to encounter them.  You need to face this Goliath and deal with it. Do not even avoid friends who are married.  Like I always say, don’t allow a low self esteem to develop in you because of your marital status.  Avoid people who tend to make you feel miserable.  If they can not be avoided, you have to face them and think of what to say.  Do not lie to them, but you need to deal with them with boldness and courage.

Speak right. Speak positive.  Be you.  Be yourself.

As regards your immediate family members, tell them you need their support and prayers and not scrutiny, criticism, fear or worry.

When close relatives want to take you somewhere sacred...

Somewhere sacred could be spiritual. It could be probably to go for solutions in form of special prayers or deliverance, for some extreme solution like head washing, or an outrageous one like engaging in dark spiritual activities.

Please do not complicate matters by going for pillar to pillar all in the name of looking for a ‘husband’.   And I plead that you do not allow just anybody to touch your head talk less wash it. Wash it with what? What’s the power and spirit behind the washing? Your head is not an ordinary part of your body. Your head houses your mind- a spiritual birth place. We need to be careful. If one loses one’s head-one has ‘lost it’. *Not our portion In Jesus Name*

We know that there are some spiritual cases regarding marital delay but one should not be in a hurry to conclude this.  If a lady strongly believe it is, it is better to handle the situation wisely. If the lady would want to visit a place to deal with this issue, probably for special prayers or deliverance, she should go to a bible based church or visit a true minister of God for counseling.

But I’ll proffer the best solution.

Jesus is the solution.

I’m not talking about the Jesus that some fake people just talk about while they exude no authority or power.  I’m talking about Jesus himself, the son of God.  The one who was the ‘word of God sent to us in human form’ to communicate the love of God to us. The word-Jesus-, delivers and heals. He brings victory, hope and peace.

Accepting Jesus into one’s life is deliverance itself.  The bible says:

There is therefore no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. For the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you through Christ Jesus from the power of sin that leads to death Rom8:1-2

...Christ is the mighty power of God and the wonderful wisdom of God 1Cor1:24b

Jesus has been given all the power and authority above ‘every’ by the FATHER.  There is nothing, no one and no force on this earth and beyond that can withhold him. On dying on the cross to conquer the enemy-your enemy- he was raised by the spirit and power of God and ever since he is seated above. And above everything that is not consistent with the power and word of God- in your life.

I pray you will begin to understand the incredible greatness of his power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms. Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else in this world or in the world to come. And God has put all things under the authority of Christ, and he gave him this authority for the benefit of the church *for your benefit* Ephesians1:19-22

Jesus has never failed me. Even at the point of death, he showed up. He didn’t just show up, he showed up big time.  I saw his power at work-Live! My abductors saw his power, live!  Jesus has shown himself strong in my family, times without numbers.  He is my Lord, so there is no other that can ‘lord it over me’.  I am a conqueror in Christ Jesus-always.

My sister, Jesus will not fail you.  The presence of God is the best place to be-anytime.  The ‘word’ is the key to unravel every puzzle in your life. There is no other truth except the word.  That’s the most authentic you’ll get.  Don’t think and say that all the word says is too good to be true. Of course!  It’s the good news and its ‘good’ because our God is a good God.

If you are a Christian, please do not give up. Christ Jesus is the answer, stick with him.  God is a good God.  He delights in your joy, happiness and fulfilment.   You need to continue in a true and spirit filled relationship with him.  He is the almighty.  You can never go wrong with him on your side.  Do not sell your birthright by visiting where you shouldn’t visit all in the name of ‘you are looking for husband’. Remember, God is the source of everything.

If you are not yet a Christian, I implore you to give your life to Christ and begin to enjoy a close relationship with your maker.  You will not regret it.

To give your life to Christ, please say this prayer:

“Dear heavenly Father, I come to you in the name of Jesus. 

Your word says “he that comes to me I will by no chance cast out”.

So I know you won’t cast me out. 

You said in your word that “anyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Acts 2:31).

I ask that you save and deliver me now.

I confess my sins to you right now. 

I accept and confess Christ Jesus as my Lord and Savior. 

Henceforth it is not my life I live anymore but yours-the life of Christ, the God life”.

Amen.

Do join a bible believing church.

 

@estherrocs

THE POWER OF GOD

Who can be compared with the Lord our God, who is enthroned on high?

Far below him are the heavens and the earth.

He stoops to look, and he lifts the poor from the dirt and the needy from the garbage dump.

He sets them among princes, even the princes of his own people!

Psalm 113:5-8

The power of God is Awesome!

It wrought wonders within and without.  It is most fulfilling to witness the power of God and to be a carrier of the power of God.

When you possess the power and especially if you are always conscious that you carry the power, you will manifest.

Now glory be to God! By his mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we could ever dare to ask or hope. Ephesians 3:20

It is this same power within that enables you the carrier, to be able to do the indescribable and unthinkable. Remember:

For with God nothing shall be impossible. Luke 1:37

If you have the Holy Spirit in you, you have power. The bible says, the power of God comes along with the Holy Spirit.

But when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, you will receive power and will tell people about me everywhere... Acts1:8a

And this power is the same one that was with Christ all through his mission to save mankind.  

I live by the power of the living Father who sent me; in the same way, those who partake of me will live because of me. John6:57

The power was with him on the cross. It was with him when he went down to hell to dispossess the devil of the keys of life and death- for our sake.

I am the living one who died. Look, I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and the grave. Revelation 1:18

The power sustained Christ in the place of hell.  

It further took him from down below this place of death and then raised him up to the place of honour and glory at God’s right hand side - A position of victory.

I pray that you will begin to understand the incredible greatness of his power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms. Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else in this world or in the world to come.  Ephesians 1:19-21

When you experience a casting down, do not be afraid. The power of God is more than capable to sustain you in that place of shame or trouble.  You won’t remain beneath, talk less die.  The power of God is more than enough to deliver you and uplift you.

The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as he raised Christ from the dead, he will give life to your mortal body by this same Spirit living with you. Romans8:11

For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to a new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead. Colossians 2: 12

If the power of the all powerful God delivered you from the power of darkness through Christ Jesus and raised you from death to divinity, then it is very capable of vindicating you, uplifting you and honoring you- irrespective of the circumstance.

Do not at one point rely on your strength.  Remember:

...Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.  Zech4:6

Apostle Paul said:

It is not that we think we can do anything of lasting value by ourselves. Our only power and success come from God. 2Corinthians:3:5

We have faithfully preached the truth. God’s power has been working in us...2Corinthians 6:7

I work very hard at this, as I depend on Christ’s mighty power that works within me. Colossians 1:29

Most Importantly;

You can’t experience this power if Jesus is not the Lord of your life. The power and spirit of God is only existent in the lives of those who are joined with Christ.   Are you his personal person? Do you have a relationship with him? If not, and you would love to invite the Lord Jesus into your life.

Please pray this prayer:

“Dear heavenly Father, I come to you in the name of Jesus.

Your word says “he that comes to me I will by no chance cast out”.

So I know you won’t cast me out.

You said in your word that “anyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Acts 2:31).

I ask that you save and deliver me now.

I confess my sins to you right now.

I accept and confess Christ Jesus my Lord and Savior.

Henceforth, it is not my life I live anymore but yours”.

Amen.

Lastly;

Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits at God’s right hand in the place of honor and power. Let heaven fill your thoughts. Do not think only about things down here on earth. For you died when Christ died, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. Colossians 3:1-4

Twitter@estherrocs