God won't fail you

Saturday October 4th, 2014

What a busy September. Many of us resumed school, or are getting into the swing of fall with work. On my front the Lord has been good in just continuing to grace me in the many roles I play as a sister, student, babysitter/nanny & friend, and give me strength day to Day to live intentionally for Him and not for this world.

Not gratifying our flesh can be so hard, but with Christ, He says learn from Him, take on His yoke for it is light, and makes living in the spirit and not the flesh so easy!(Matthew 11)

So, topic number four the Lord laid on my heart to write on, is how trusting God won't fail you!  For some of you reading this you may be like, "Janet, God's already failed me, nothing's happening like I had planned", for others you are like "Janet yes God is good all the time"...but deep in your heart you don't really trust that statement. Yes, we can't see God physically(although His creations are all around us), and life because it's not perfect definitely has it's ups and downs, but we still MUST believe the scriptures when it says God never changes and because we have read some of the most hard hit humans in the bible, we too can weather the storms of this life!

There are so many areas that when you let Go, and truly believe and trust in the Lord, that He will truly come through. The secret formula, well there really isn't one...its just having faith, and lots of it!

Relationships

Sometimes, I hear other people's love stories and I think to myself, "Wow, I thank God, God brought them together," but then I wonder and think, I don't want my love story to be like that..what took the guy so long to pursue the woman and commit to knowing she was the one, and or why did the woman take such slack from the man!? I would then start thinking of all these semi negative things and wonder will my story be different, will God come through for me in my desire to serve Him, and to have a man of God have such a conviction to intentionally pursue me..

The bible encourages us to think these thoughts in our state of self doubts towards God:

James 1:6

But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

Mark 11:23

For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.

Even without us praying, God knows our desires! We shouldn't doubt that He will help us and that He won't bless us, because He will indeed! The more doubt we have in our hearts the less faith we'll have in believing God is NOT a God that will fail us.

Academics

I was just reading in one of the books my uncle wrote, the success story of his one and only wife, my aunt.  He shared my Aunt, his wife, had come to the United States at 21 and had to start college all over again. Long story short she moved to the U.S. enrolled in a community college, went on to earn a four year degree,  and finally an M.D. and an M.P.H, AND in the midst of it all got married and had their first son. Can you say GOD!!!!! An amazing story of perseverance, determination, faith, and truly pressing into the strength of the Lord in knowing He surly won't fail you. You, the reader may be thinking your academic pursuit is so bleak, because the bible says those that don't work won't eat, but slow and steady wins the race. It's not how you start but its truly how you finish and beloved you will finish your academic path with God on your side in Jesus name! Having faith that this season will be completed will ensure that God won't fail you. 

Family

I was just reflecting on the stories of different families and the old adage "no family is perfect", that all families have some type of imperfection. In listening to one pastor he mentioned the issues he had with his father growing up, and how they were now spilling into his marriage. He stated ,he didn't get alot of affirmation from his father so he would feel less than, around others, even those that would affirm him and assure him he was loved. This is just one of the many types of stories one may hear when it comes to issues within a family, especially a relationship with a father and a daughter. The promise of those who serve the Lord is that these problems within the family, no matter if its physical, mental, or emotional God can give us a way out and miraculously repair what once was broken within a home and fully restore it! What's needed is Faith, no matter the grim outlook or the amount of years, faith is what gives you the end result that God is  not and never will be a failing God!! I have heard and even in my case ,stories of how God has truly blessed families in solving all their issues. The same God that worked for them will work for you!

Hebrews 11:1

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

FAITH:

Forsaking

All;

I

Take

Him

Faith, is what you truly need to have God in your corner and to believe God is ever present to be your Helper. However, to have God as your helper, do you know Jesus at all? Can you call on His name and He'll answer you and say well done? Or do you go to church sometimes, you like what you hear but everything's said and gone as soon as you hit the door? Knowing the Lord, for REAL, ensures us that God is truly interceding on our   behalf, and the option of failing in situations that are in God's will, will NOT be thought of. All you have to do is forsake and repent of the acts that make you feel guilty, dirty, and cause so much pain. That lying, stealing, multiple abortions, oral and vaginal sex pre-marriage, drinking, snorting and smoking drugs, cheating on your spouse, watching that Porn, forsake it all, tell it all to Jesus and let HIM bear your sins, worries and fears of this life. Then accepting Yahwah(Jesus) as your Lord and savior and your past is totally wiped clean, and in following His ways, and believing in your heart Jesus is Christ,you will live a victories life!

2 Corinthians 5:17

 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

WELCOME TO THE KINGDOM! For your destination is now geared towards making heaven! 
Check out this page for next steps: I want to know Jesus

This video also shows a remarkable work of God. Surly repeat and tell yourself God Never fails, GOD Never fails. GOD NEVER FAILS!!!

Together Again-Video(Click to watch)

(At my Governor's Birthday Party)

Lets Connect on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram 

May the Peace and Joy of the Lord dwell in you richly

From your Sister in Christ,

5 Tips to NOT get so consumed with Social Media

One of the battles we face as youth that hinder our spiritual growth is social media. As I grow more in the Lord I am finding social media is in fact one of the strongest distractions our generation faces in growing in the Lord.

 However, if the Lord is leading you, as he leads me to stay as a means to share the gospel, connect with friends and family, and encourage them in the Lord it is still an awesome platform to have! But anything not done in moderation will definitely kill our spiritual life and social media is no different. 

Here are some tips that work for me:

1. Don't download the apps if it's avoidable. I have not had the Facebook app on my phone for over a year now. So when you want to go on it, you go the extra mile and use a browser, enter the URL and go on it,not just because of impulse.

2. Turn off all notifications. For my facebook notifications I get via emails because I don't have the app, I turned it off. If you do have apps, like for IG you need an app to post, turn off notifications on the apps.
 
3. If you ever feel overwhelmed at all, or feel it's eating too much of your time, FAST from it! Don't feel guilty! Deactivate Facebook and mentally ask the Lord to abstain! Tell an accountability partner so they can keep you accountable. 

4. Mute messages on Facebook from people who you feel are messaging you too much, and it's affecting your psyche. Don't be afraid to use the block button.God wants us to forgive, but he wants us to be wise.

5. The internet is your second permanent blueprint. If you don't want something out there do not post it. If you can't defend what you put out  or feel it will cause too much controversy that's not of the Lord, don't post it.

I hope this helps.

If you have any questions,please feel free to contact me. God Bless you!

Lets Connect on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram 

From your Sister in Christ ,

Why Deeper Life?!

Wednesday September 3rd, 2014

Hebrews 10:25

 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another

About three weeks ago God expounded nine topics he wanted me to blog about, to edify, correct, teach, and grow my readers. I have blogged two of the nine topics and this will be the third. 

This blog will explain why after I gave my life to Jesus Christ, I choose to become a member of Deeper Life Bible Church of New Jersey, a branch of Deeper Life Bible Churches under Deeper Christian Life Ministries Ministries. Those who may know me personally and are reading this blog are probably saying, "Janet weren't you always a member? You basically grew up in the church"; this may be true, although in my teenage years I had an option to go to church so I didn't go a majority of the time. One's membership to a church does not ride on those of the parents or because you stumbled upon it one day and wanted to go; Church membership comes only when you are:

       1. Born Again-Given and surrendered your entire life to Jesus                               Christ        

       2. Have Prayed, consulted your father God and are being lead to attend                that church. Prayer is so crucial and I will explain why below.

While it is ok to watch some church events streamed online , God encourages us  to not forsake the assembly of believers. Assembly means a physical contact with one and another. Some Christians I have encountered have told me it's ok to watch church on the computer continuously, stay home, and fellowship by themselves. We should seek to not isolate ourselves. 

 Finding and going to Church permits us to know:

• There are other believers running the Christian race. It should give us comfort and provide us strength

• It helps us not to isolate and keep any problems you may have to yourself. At church the spirit of God may lead someone to come to you, or may lead you to go to a person for prayer and conversation that may be the push you need to remove that mountain

• It helps you showcase and cultivate the fruit of the spirit. How can we grow in patience and love unless we are around others. Your immediate family can only help you grow so much. Your job and school-mates may not exhibit the same grace or correct you as needed to grow more into the ways of the Lord.

• Lastly the church takes you as a family. Not to wish this upon anyone but if you didn't have any family on this earth, the bible tells believers the church is suppose to take all members as members of their own family, calling each other bothers and sisters(Ephesians 2; Galatians 6) 

My church Deeper Life Bible Church was founded alongside members of a bible study being taught by a then member of the Anglican Church of God, William F. Kumuyi. Now known as Pastor Kumuyi, whom gave his life to Christ at the age of 23 on April 5th 1964, started a bible study in his dorm room at the University of Lagos. In short the Bible study started to grow and the members decided they wanted to leave their own churches to establish an actual Church with Pastor Kumuyi as the lead pastor. It was given the name Deeper Life, ordained by God because the revelations being received were deeper than all the denominations they congregated from. 

(Logo)

It’s important to know the church is still a NON-Denominational church, despite what others may say. We are not associated with any denomination, whether Pentecostal or whichever. We follow the Bible as word for word as we can as it is inspire by God himself. There are no denominations in heaven which is the goal of every believer.

2 Timothy 3:16-17

16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

The church now has over 1 million documented members in over 60 countries worldwide; including me, my mother and some of my closest friends. 

According to http://www.foreignpolicy.com/ Deeper Life Bible Church is the largest congregation worldwide with the largest sitting congregation on a Sunday Service at the headquarters church

in Lagos, Nigeria with  approx. 74,000 adults worshiping together and with 40,000 children in children church; not to mention the other members sitting on a Sunday service all over the world.

But honestly although I grew up in the church, I knew my church was big but I didn't know the magnitude. I didn't even know the Lord touched the founder, Pastor Kumuyi to know of the REAL him at the age of 23, two years after I came to know the Lord at 21. I was talking to a Sister in my church and she articulated how many of us felt/and still feel growing up in a church like Deeper Life. She stated growing up she felt boggled down by what we felt were so many rules. The females weren't allowed to wear weave ons, pants because the church believes the word of God says woman are not to wear what pertaineth to men(Deut. 22:5) ; we couldn't get our ears pierced, we couldn't do so many things children of the world could; Same with the boys and dressing to church, as well as not saying or acting certain ways of boys in the World. Stated more in my Lost Virtue Blog, I would wear skirts and no jewelry to church, but outside would completely rebel wear fake hair, pants, and jewelry. I and many of us children, with parents that became Born Again and followed the teachings of deeper life didn't understand spiritual things, nor ever really read the word myself with any understanding or spirit from God. 

But the amazing thing was the second I decided to yield myself to the Lord and choose to follow Him on my own, becoming Born Again, God started to expound some of the same revelation Pastor Kumuyi himself was hearing from God in terms of outward and inward appearance. I have also witnessed this transformation with many children that have surrendered their lives to Christ, who grew up in Deeper Life, or were brought to the church by their parent.

Proverbs 22:6 

6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

It's important to know as believers we don't follow a Pastor, we follow Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith but we do know Pastor's are set apart from God to watch over us and give us instructions. 

Ephesians 4:11

And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

Jeremiah 3:15

And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.

(United States National Convention 2013)

I am convinced that since the founding of this church in 1973 the Lord has used Pastor Kumuyi's to expound on messages that have been consistent, on teachings such as salvation, sanctification, restitution, holiness, following peace with all men, restitution, Holy Ghost Baptism, evangelism, Christian appearance, forgiveness, heaven, the Christian Family, marriage and more.

This shows the true mark of a Man of God, like Paul in the bible.

We are to test every spirit and the messages have not changed in this church. The messages have stayed true to the Word of God no matter the changing of cultures and trends (ie. homosexuality and the role of woman). As the bible worked for the days of Old, the bible WILL work for us living in the 21st Century. God is constant and never changes.

So in looking for a church to go to, I considered famous churches founded by other Nigerian Pastors, and even some church's locally here in New Jersey and in the U.S. via online. But the Lord established me in Deeper Life, and since I have been going I have grown tremendously and others around me have seen the change. I can't give you the amount of testimonies I have received for mere obedience to the Word of God spoken through the vessels in this church.

It's important to note that the Church, and administration you sit under, will be held against you come judgment day. 

Although there are no church's in heaven, whom you decided to follow without taking to the Lord in prayer and reading the word yourself to see if it's true will be counted against you. Not to scare you, but there are many false prophets in our generation, that many are falling victim to.(Matthew 7)

 "Deeper Life Bible Church is not a church of rules, nor a place for certain type of People. It is for sinners, believers, young old, Nigerian, and non Nigerian. It is for ALL. Whether you have certain convictions of outward appearance or not it doesn't matter. God invites all into the church with hopes all whom attend come to truly know him and receive salvation."

It was when I received salvation I was expounded about the many truths of the Word of God, from the church, through the Holy Spirit within me. The spirit of God quickens all believers and I can truly say that was the case for me from teachings I have heard in my New Jersey Church and headquarter Church in Nigeria.

I recommend you read a full list of our doctrinal beliefs here: www.dclmhq.org The church emphasizes that once Born Again, YOU are a child of God that has the Holy Spirit within you, so therefore God has given you the power to pray directly to Him(John 14: 13-14,15:16,16:23-26) not through any source like a man or object, and that the Bible is His words and to know it is to have Life through it!

For my current YOUNGER deeper life members. Don't be deterred by other youths in and out of the church whom say deeper life is this and that. YOU know the truth so follow it. Jesus was persecuted and so will we. Continue to show them about the love of Christ, preach Jesus and God will expound the word of God unto them.

Disclaimer: I cannot say this for all other branches of the church because I don't attend them, but I believe the same God that planted the churches in those location will perfect the work He has started. 

It was important I write this blog to encourage those on the fence of either leaving or joining the Church. Yes there is no church in heaven, but you need to make sure you are under a congregation helping you grow and teaching the truth of the Word. 

Many people have also asked me why I choose to go to this church, despite the misconceptions they have heard or feel.

I need to add this. If there is no true church around you, preaching the truth. It's important you do NOT go. It’s better for you to seek the face of the Lord and pray for direction in what you should do in this time. By God's grace Deeper Life Bible Church as well as other Bible believing churches now have their sermons online to keep you till you can congregate with a congregation. You do not want to be found in a place of error come rapture, and the Word of God tells us rapture can come at any time. 

I pray I was able to encourage you to find a church where you can come to know the Lord and grow in Him.

I also truly bless the Lord for allowing me to write this blog after last night's bible study by our founder himself, Pastor Kumuyi on the warnings of false prophets and a gateway to a spirit-controlled life. Please WATCH:

God Bless you for reading. May the truths found in this Blog be expounded unto you so you can live an exemplary Christian Life with Heaven as your goal. Grace and Peace.

Lets Connect on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram 

Other Sources:

1. http://www.elifeonline.net/elife12-may-june/interview-kumuyi.htm

2. Deeper Life by Allen Issacson

3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deeper_Christian_Life_Ministry

4. The HOLY SPIRIT

From your Sister in Christ,

Failure is temporary

Monday, August 25th 2014

Isaiah 40:28-29

28 Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.

29 He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.

I am sure you have experienced failure. I have. But here is the thing, think of the last time you failed;then think of how you made it through that time; and then come back to the present second in which you are reading this...Aren't you past that previous failure? Aren't you alive right now, even when you thought you could have lost it all?

Failure is temporary. Failure is God's way to help you grow.

I have experienced so much failure even in this Christian walk. It's inevitable. The Lord tells us we will go through test and trials,even in faith. 

I remember a recent conversation I was having with a girlfriend; how.. now that I am in Christ, the same vices I had in the world were still causing me great pain. I felt, when I gave my life to Christ, I could pray and wait in God's timing, follow Him and feel no pain or tribulation from men in their pursuit of me. In the world actually, I was very ok with being by myself in terms of traveling and exploring and men were attracted to my independence.. I did meet many faithful men in the world; but they ultimately weren't leading me to Christ. When I gave my life to Christ I relearned the kind of men I was to allow in my life to marry and raise my children with. Anyway, what a rude awakening it has been with men and my relations in Christ. I have now, experienced failure more than once in this area. I was sharing with my girlfriend why was the Lord choosing this particular, area to hit me so hard. But you see failure was always temporary in those situations, and is temporary now. I had to go through these experiences to gain more wisdom. In getting to know another person, it exposes your own flaws, and so I saw many areas I had to personally grow in, that will prepare me for the man that wants to grow with me despite trials.

In times where we feel most weak, rejected, and a total failure, God comes right in and gives us strength to push us through. It's not a one time ordeal that failure may come, life is a continuous cycle of ups and downs so it's bound to happen again.

But...

A perfect example we can look to in truly defeating and conquering times of failure is our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. He came to live in flesh, to show us how to handle and live with our human emotions. Throughout the bible, from being tempted by the devil in multiple locations, to being persecuted and killed by the Jews, Jesus faced failure and overcame them!!!

So Brother, Sister what about you? Children of God, made in His own image!? What makes you think that mountain of a situation or that intense heartache won't move! It will! It sure will. Pray through the hard times, stay grounded and fixed on our helper Jesus Christ.

If you have yet to come to know Jesus, accept and invite Him in. He is open, willing, warm and wants to comfort you and make you completely whole. Unravel to Him where you've wronged Him, so He can beautifully write your love story in every area of your life as He is doing so in mine.

I love you and I am praying for you <3

Lets Connect on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram 

Where have you experienced failure and risen up again?

From your Sister in Christ ,