Bible Study Focus: Galatians 3

Hello People,

How has the week been?

I am so glad it's Thursday cos we are only one day away from the weekend. Thank you Jesus. This week so far has been busy. At work it's been manic and there was a time I was about to lose it; scratch that I lost it (in a dignified way though lol). Nothing major just that I spoke out. Anyway I have asked God to forgive me and give me peace and thanks to my wonderful support system (My sisters and my darling AOD) I am much better and back on track.

To the reason why we are here (insert what's app grin): as part of my new vision for this blog I will be sharing some of my bible study moment's with you guys cause I love you all so much and don't want you to miss anything I get while studying the word. I wanted to title it 'Bible Study Thursdays' but I have this feeling I won't be committed to dropping a post every Thursday so I'll just leave it as it is: Bible Study Focus

So welcome to the first of such posts (In my news reporter voice)

This July I went for a singles seminar. I usually don't go for such as to me it looked 'desperate' but now my views have changed. TOTALLY!!!!

Pastor Chris Ojigbani of Covenant Singles and Married Ministries is a minister who teaches mainly on the area of marriage. However on the first day of the seminar although the sermon was titled 'The Ultimate Marriage'it was not based on the marriage between a man and a woman but the relationship we ought to have with Christ once we become Christians.The sermon explained how so many things we go through in this life are as a result of being separated from our partner who is Christ. Once we are one with Christ by virtue of the ultimate marriage which is accepting Christ as Lord and Saviour we ought to enjoy the fullness of living a life of freedom as one who is set free is free indeed. It was a wonderful message I tell you (You can hit me up for the notes if you are interested). One of the passages he asked us to read after the sermon was Galatians 3 and I am glad that I obeyed and read this as it has totally opened my eyes and expanded my knowledge on the topic of FAITH.

Here are 10 things I picked up from Galatians 3:

1: v3 We obtain our goals not by human effort but by the spirit.

2: v6 We receive the spirit of God and the working of miracles because of our beliefs.

3: v6 Abraham believed God and it was credited to his righteousness. Therefore our belief is added unto our righteousness.

4: v9 By virtue of the faith exhibited by Abraham we are partakers of that faith and the blessings attached to it.

5: v10 A curse is placed on those who rely on the law as if the law is not observed the curse kicks in. However before God no one is justified by the law because as believers we live not by the law but by faith.

6: v.13 We have been redeemed from the curse of the law as Christ was hung on a tree for our redemption and took our curse upon Himself as it had been written 'cursed is a man who is hung on a tree'. Therefore we are no longer under the law but have been redeemed.

7: v.14 The reason for our redemption: The blessing given to Abraham will be passed not only to the jews but also to the gentiles by the blood of Jesus Christ so that our faith may be activated and we would receive the promise of the Holy Spirit. It is Faith that activates our ability to receive the Holy Spirit because how do you accept the Spirit is present if you don't believe?(belief=faith)

8: v.16 The promise given to Abraham was given to his seed also. The covenant between God and Abraham: no one can set aside or add to a human covenant that is fully established yet alone one established with God. Therefore the inheritance (blessings) that was promised to Abraham and his seed (us)is not as a result of the Law but by reason of the promise between God and Abraham (v.18). Abraham received the promise not by Law but by Faith.

9: v.19 The reason for the law: it was added because of transgressions (sin) until such a time when the seed to whom the promise referred to had come. The law being put into effect through angels by a mediator; (a mediator represents both parties but God is ONE)

10: v.23 Before faith came we were held as prisoners by the law. The law is what led us to Christ so that our faith may be justified. As we live by faith we are no longer subject to the law. Therefore we are not bound by worldly outcomes or things that affect others in the world but we are bound by faith: believing that we are attaining our rightful places even though we may not yet see the evidence of such. We are living above the law!!!!

We are all children of God by faith in Christ as through baptism we are clothed with Christ. So as I belong to Christ I am a seed of Abraham and a partaker to the promise of blessings which are activated by Faith.

So these are the 10 things I learnt from Galatians Chapter 3. Please read it also and let me know what you learnt.


VirtuousKelly
xxx

Album Review: CeCe Winans Throne Room

Hello People,

How did your weekend go? Mine was full of cooking and wedding planning: Not for me but for my friend True Glam. Don't worry when it's my turn y'all would know(*big grin*)

As part of my new agenda for this blog I would be letting you all in on albums that have blessed me. From the oldies to the newbies (to tell you the truth I know more oldies than newbies. It's like I'm still stuck in the early 90's and the beginning of the new Millenium)

Today's post will be the first of such posts and our Album for today is CeCe Winans Throne Room

I first listened to this album in 2004/2005 although the album was released in September 2003. Prior to this I had listened to the Winans family since I was a kid. I also loved to listen to her and her brother BeBe. However there was something about this particular album that changed my attitude to worship.

Taken from her original biography this is what CeCe had to say:

'Worship is probably my favorite kind of music. For some time, I’ve really felt like God was telling me to record a very special project that would encourage people to worship. As I was completing the new record deal with Epic, I told them, ‘I’ve got to do this worship album before I can do anything else.’ It may make no natural sense to do this record right now in my career, but for the past two years I have had confirmation after confirmation that this is absolutely the right time. I know it’s all in God’s timing, and it’s what He wants me to do right now. If you are a worshipper this project will take you there, and if you’re not it will certainly give you peace.'

I can not begin to tell you how true her words are with regards to encouraging others to worship because this album totally changed my outlook to worship. I have a new found respect/awe for moments whereby I just put the CD in my player or listen to it on my phone anywhere either at home or on the bus or on the train. Wherever I am it feels like I am translated into a purified atmosphere and I am blocked out of the whole drama of life. Trust me I am not exaggerating you need to try it.

For a long time I only had this album on my iPhone but recently I went on a hunt for the CD on Amazon and got it for a good price.

Songs on the album include:

Hallelujah To The King (Intro),Jesus, You're Beautiful(One of my favourites),Throne Room,How Great Thou Art(I heart this hymn),You're So Holy(First few times I heard this track I always used to tear up as in God is truly Holy),Oh Thou Most High (One of the hymns I love. CeCe should be my best friend),By Thy Blood (Worthy is the Lamb),Hallelujah to the King,Thirst For You,Come Fill My Heart (I love this song. It reminds me that I am nothing without God and with Him dwelling on the inside of me I can do anything and be everything He wants me to be),Mercy Said No (Dedicated to Ronald Winans),All In Your Name,No One Else,Hallelujah Praise,Just Like You Jesus and
A Heart Like Yours

16 tracks make up this wonderful album and I am so sure it will bless you. If you are looking to update your gospel collection and you don't have this yet please make this your next purchase. I am sure it will bless you too.

P.S. Don't forget to drop your comments on your experience here.

Enjoy
VirtuousKelly

References:

CeCe Winans official Biography

Feature Post (Tyger of Tygernity)

Hello lovely people of Blogsville

I hope the middle of the week has met you well, hail and hearty...

In this new era (Yes this blog is in a new era) I have decided to feature blog posts of friends who have inspired me.

The first of a few will be from my very own Tyger

People may not understand the relationship I have with her. She inspires me in so many ways, she's been more than a friend and has become a sister to me. I can speak to her about anything and she shares my views on most if not all things and is the most enterprising young lady I know. She is also my personal stylist and can be yours too. You can visit her style blog here and her everyday blog here

Now here's one of her recent posts that truly hit me and got me thinking on friendship. Enjoy!!!!

VirtuousKelly
xxx


A harsh truth I have been forced to learn in the short time I have been on this earth is that my friends are few... very few and it will do me good to remember.

A preacher once said at a program - go through life making as many friends as possible and as few enemies as possible.

Unfortunately I disagree with this preacher who is simply saying go through life as a people pleaser. To do this, you will pick every phone call, say yes to every favour, listen to every whine and rant, run yourself ragged to please people to make friends... you might have 1000 facebook friends, and 2000 twitter followers; but it doesn’t mean you have 3000 friends or even 1000 friends; your friends are few whether you know it or not.

If you think you have very few enemies, you are either far away from success or very deluded... infact you are merely deluded, because even if you are far away from success, you might not have a lot of enemies but your friends are still few... very few, simply because you are not successful. What do you have to offer in your lack of success? You are a potential burden, you are likely to ask for help... a lot.... and for these reasons, your friends will be few.

So you are someone who never says no to people, you are here to help! What are friends for? Yes, you will have a lot of "seeming" friends who in truth are using you, you have been marked as the “go-to” guy, the friend who will always say yes... no they are not your friends, they are your handlers and you are the mark; you will loan out or give away money, clothes, your car, your home, your CV, your time, any and everything...and they know this.

Perhaps you are someone who goes through life eyes wide open, who refuses to be used and is focused, with a plan and a destination, people will hate you for the simple fact that you are practical and true to who you are, for refusing to be used, for knowing what you want and remaining focused... refusing to be derailed. It means you will say no to those who want to come and live in your house for 6 months with their 3 children, you will say no to people who want to use your credit card for their business; it means you will say no to that huge loan that will obviously not be repaid... and for this you will be well disliked and your friends will be few.

If you are successful or on a clear path to success in some form or the other, your friends will be few and your enemies many; your so-called friends will quietly dislike you for trying to be successful or being successful. Don’t worry they will still be the first to click “like” on all your facebook pictures and to say “you look fantastic” on that picture where you have spinach between your teeth... but they will hate your guts and root for you to fall down on your face – in their heads they are saying “arrogant idiot! Is he (she) the only one? let him (her) even fall down on his (her) face, so he (she) can know what it feels like” – like you have never fallen down before... but they have forgotten... what is key now is that you are successful and or happy and that is not okay so your friends are few... very few.

This post of mine might sound brutal and cynical... even a little paranoid but in my opinion it is a truth I have been forced to learn and your nice comments and friendly follows don’t fool me.

You can choose to go through life pleasing the world, granting favours that will break your back, cost you your job or your home or your marriage or your peace of mind – it is your choice.

But keep in mind that it doesn’t matter how nice you are or how fantastic you are, your real friends will always be few and it will do you good to remember it.
If you don’t succeed - your friends will be few because you are not a success. If you do succeed - your friends will be few because you are so successful, either way - your friends will be few - even the great Julius Caesar had a Brutus close by.

Life: A Learning Process

(Thinking to myself: this post title is a bit too deep hia!!!)

Hello people!!!!

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. Mine was fine. The highlight was that my ibeji(twin)Dami had her wedding introduction on Sunday and although I was a bit late for the mains, I was glad I was part of the beginning of my darling's new life.

Anyway back to why we are here:

Of late I have been going through a phase of learning experiences (my twitter people have become tired of me I'm sure)

I am learning and gaining insight on so many issues in this life that I have decided to share. It may be new to some while it may just be a reminder to others. So here it goes;

1: I am learning to allow people be irritating/upset/annoying when they want to be.
(Yes I know this may be awkward but its true. You can't control another's moods so when they start just give them space)

2: I am learning to look and observe. I CAN NOT advice the world.

3: I am learning to take time out to be totally calm and quiet. One's spirit needs serenity regularly (Philippians 4:7 And the peace that transcends all understanding will guard your HEARTS and MINDS in Christ Jesus)

4: I am learning to be prudent. Being Prudent is the way forward

5: I am learning not to get upset over little things. Don't sweat the small stuff

6: I'm learning not to take up more than I can handle so as not to disappoint.
(This one is for me)

7: I am learning to accept that all fingers not being equal represents difference and uniqueness. I am me for a reason.

8: I'm learning to pick out and know my true friends. I need a good support system not a draining system.

9: I am learning to accept that I am not as tough as others or soft as some. I am who I am.

10: I am learning to say a little pray frequently. Piling up and spilling out does not give me room to hear from God.

11: I am learning that support does not come by words alone but also by action (I know someone who is smiling while reading this)

12: I am learning that in my relationship it's not about me or about my partner but about God. (Deep stuff oh. Single ladies visit Purposefully Single and sign up for the devotional and daily prayer plan. It'll be worth your while.)

13: I'm learning that to pass the test one has to go through a learning session no matter how hard it may seem.

14: I'm learning how to have a listening ear. Listen when spoken to not speaking over.

15: I'm learning that consistency in doing good always has a reward. Though it tarries it will surely come

16: I am learning how to manage certain situations without blowing my top off.
(I say to myself: Kelly remember #iAmPatienceVirtue#

17: I'm learning that certain things can't be forced. If there is nothing to say don't speak. If there is peace don't look for tension.

18: I'm learning that people have moods. It's not every time they want to play or are chirpy: allow them to be.

19: I'm learning not to assume too quickly. Assumptions are not always right.

20: I'm learning not to get upset when I don't have my way and take it that there's always a next time.


Yes people these are some of the things I've learnt and I'm still learning. Please share things you have learnt as well.

Enjoy you week people


VirtuousKelly
xxx

Covers

Hello People!!!

Hope you all had a fabulous weekend?

Mine was good. Went for a wedding (ooh I love weddings) with Tyger and we had a whole lot of fun especially when the live band started playing.

Anyway...Prior to that on Friday I was having a really bad day. I mean the kind of day when your body just doesn't want to do anything, you want to lie in and watch all your favourite tv series (i'm not lazy oh I just like to lie in sometimes *insert what's app not interested smiley*)

Ok back to the gist

Anyway at work I was draggy and all and by the middle of the day I was having a bad headache and was running a temperature and feeling feverish. Before I go further let me let you in on what I do currently and where I work.

Ok I am the personal assistant to a medical Director who runs his own practice on Harley Street. It's a good job but I am believing God for a better job within the legal field. The building where I work in has different consultants in it with their admin staff which includes practice managers,secretaries and PA's. I happen to work in all three capacities (yes I am a very valuable member of this organisation :-)]

Ok back to the story (I digress a lot o). On Friday I just did not feel right. Like I was coming down with something. Lo and behold one of the female Consultant's saw me and said she wanted to see me in her office. I mean Consultant O(this is what I shall call her) took me into a consulting room took my temperature did a check and all and asked me questions and diagnosed some tablets for me. I'm sure you are wondering what the big deal is ba? Let me tell you.

Consultant O is always being talked about as the stiff one. She's not helpful, shes all about the money bla bla and unfortunately I had built this heard persona about her and never really given her a chance to prove otherwise. But her action of friday and the way she was concerned about my well being was very shocking to me and I was disappointed in myself for judging her based on other's opinion without finding out myself. God forgive me.

A lot of us are like me. We see certain people and create covers (I have noticed people don't like to use the word JUDGING. I have chosen to fine tune it so y'all who fall into the category but choose not to accept it will still be caught under this). We hear certain things about people swallow them up and automatically create a cover for the person being labelled. Most times (I admit not all the time) these covers are false.

When the Jews were expecting the Messiah they didn't expect him to come from Nazareth: Oh no Nazareth of all places...imagine hia tufiakwa (Ok kelly remember suppress the drama queen syndrome)

Lo and behold because of His place of birth and the fact that they were expecting more they created a cover for him and chose not to believe he was(and is) the son of God.

After Friday I am learning not to create a cover for anyone. Even if I am told the person is a fraudster or killer I'll try (yes try) not to create a cover for them. Do you know how many relationships or business partnerships or friendships that would have been positive to or beneficial to a lot of us if given a chance? But these opportunities may have been lost due to creating covers. So sad.

Prayer:
'Lord please help me not to create a cover for anyone. Help me to have an open mind that accepts everyone for who they are. If I per chance feel attitudes or characteristics are not pleasing or palatable to me Lord help me not to cast stones but act in a manner that lovingly reflects who you are in me. Amen'


xxx
VirtuousKelly

A quick one

Don't worry

I am not over excited at re-running the blog that I am putting two posts up in a day
(Yes I know that's what you were thinking :-)]

Anyway I never knew that running something as simple as a blog (in my own opinion) could be so difficult. I mean before going through the different designs and templates and background options, I was looking prim and proper. You should see me now: my formerly packed hair is down, my head is aching, I have this I am confused and tired look on...well you get the point. The annoying part is I could have made my life easier by picking up the phone and calling my sister to tell me what to do.

This reminds me of how we are stuck in different life situations and we feel we can figure it all out by ourselves. We go around in circles, stress ourselves and eventually breakdown (If we get to that point).

Sometimes I wonder when I'm going round in circles if God is looking at me and shaking his head going: 'Why is this girl stressing herself' (yes I have those kind of thoughts too)..

We (me included) need to learn how not to use God as a last resort. After going through the thorny rose bush coming out with bruises and panting for air (ok Kelly thats enough) we then go 'Ah God Dey' and then run to God.

May God forgive me(you said it too right?).

May I always remember that God is my ONLY answer.

AOD (This person will be discussed on another day) sent me a text the other day as a reminder and since then I constantly tell myself the same thing everyday:

Jeremiah 33:3- Call to Me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know.

Well I guess a lot of us have to do a lot of calling eh? Whatever it is never put Him as a last resort

Selah
VirtuousKelly

Hello: I am back!!!!!

Ok

I am really sorry

One just gets carried away sometimes....

But now I am back and I promise that I will try my best to post regularly.

My New Agenda:

Shorter posts but much more inspiring

I am going to go a bit personal now i.e. Different happenings in my life will be featured in posts

More discussions on different topics that crop up...

Having fun while blogging

So there it is guys. I promise to do my best to put a post up every week.

I sincerely hope you are blessed and ministered to through what my mind carries.

I remain yours
Patience Virtue