Let Your Vision Guide Your Heart 

Your partner is meant to help you fulfill your vision. 

Don’t be involved in a “visionless partnership” because you don’t have all the time in the world. Even if you don’t have a “concrete plan”, have something to work with. And let it guide you to the right person to help solidify and realize it.

The dimension of your Life Vision is should be your guide to your choice of Life Partner. Don’t let your heart guide your vision because your heart is easily influenced by temporary emotions, the drive for instant gratification and the constantly revolving life circumstances. But rather, discover your true and authentic vision from the Guide given by your Guidance. 

When you get the vision, develop a plan for its actualization, preserve it and let it guide your heart and ultimately your life partner. In doing so, you will be able to maximize the little time you’ve been given, fulfill the vision you must have discovered & appreciate the Giver

by Mr Chrislove™

What time is it? MARRIAGE TIME

DISCLAIMER: Be informed that this article is specifically talking from my understanding of the Biblical perspective on marriage and so may not reflect the popular or political view on this salient and sensitive topic. However, if you are humble enough to read on and look at the writer’s vantage point, you will learn valuable lessons that will shape your thoughts and ideas on social interactions relating to this topic.

What is MARRIAGE?                                                                                                                              Marriage is the coming together of a purpose-driven, matured man and woman for the purpose of companionship and fulfilment of the defined purpose.

God looking at the loneliness of Adam in the Garden of Eden with the enormous work he had, decided to find him a wife (companion, helper)

KEY THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT GOD’S VIEW OF MARRIAGE

  1. Marriage is for matured men and women. God did not give Eve to Adam the day He created Adam, meaning that MARRIAGE is NOT for Boys and Girls (the focus here is not age but rather maturity. You can be a 40-year-old boy or girl).
  2. God did not find Eve for Adam until Adam had something doing, a career and defined purpose in life. Meaning that Marriage is NOT for Purposeless Men (people without a clearly defined future ambition).
  3. Marriage is between a man and a woman. God did not create another man as a wife for Adam, He created Eve (woman). Also, God created Eve for Adam because “the man named all the birds and all the animals; but not one of them was a suitable companion to help him” (Genesis 2v20GNT). This means that marriage is not between humans and animals. It is, therefore, ungodly for a man to marry another man or animal.
  4. Marriage is for a man who is ALONE. God did not create Eve for Adam just because Adam had matured and had a defined purpose in life. He gave Adam Eve because Adam was “alone”. He has to be able to make independent decisions and take responsibilities for his actions. This is why the Bible says “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh“- Genesis 2v24KJV. Therefore, a man who is attached to his mother’s apron strings is definitely not ready marriage. It should be clearly stated that being attached to mother’s apron strings is not the same thing as seeking parental approval for marriage. Parental approval and blessings are very important in marriage and should not be neglected in order to have a blissful marriage.
  5. Marriage is symbolic. The marriage between a man and a woman is a symbolic representation of the union between Jesus Christ (Bridegroom) and His Church (Body of Believers, the Bride). This is one of the reasons why you should not be unequally yoked as a believer with an unbeliever (2 Corinthians 6v14) because the roles and responsibilities of both the man and woman are specified in the Bible.
  6. "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is head of the wife, just as Christ is the head of the church, His body, of which He is the Savior. 24Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her 26to sanctify her, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, 27and to present her to Himself as a glorious church, without stain or wrinkle or any such blemish, but holy and blameless. 28In the same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29Indeed, no one ever hated his own body, but he nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church. 30For we are members of His body. "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.”b 32 This mystery is profound, but I am speaking about Christ and the church. 33 Nevertheless, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband - Ephesians 5v23-33(Berean Study Bible).

To the ladies/sisters: a man who does not understand the love of Jesus Christ to the Church will not be able to love, nourish and cherish you as expected of him. (more…)

by Mr Chrislove™

LIFE AS A COMMUNITY LEADER

The past seven days have definitely been the busiest and most diverse days of my life. Yet they were very fulfilling because of the same things that made it busy. I both really enjoyed myself, had some great fellowship and learnt a lot of life-changing and insightful lessons. So for this write-up, I will be showing some of the places I went to, activities involved and lessons I learnt both in words and pictures. By the way, at least 90% of these pictures and “personal” information featured are only available here! Each lesson is unique. Stay tuned!

Saturday, 25th March 2017 – St John’s College Class of 2016/2017 Grad Dinner on Lombard Avenue, Winnipeg. for those of you who don’t know what SJC is. SJC is one of the founding colleges of the University of Manitoba along with St Boniface College and Manitoba College. SJC is founded on Anglican Tradition, and is older than Canada (you can read more here http://www.umanitoba.ca/colleges/st_johns/anglican/ ). SJC is a community of compassionate, unfeignedly loving and supportive people. They celebrate every significant achievement by every member of the College. I remember when I and few others received the University of Manitoba, Emerging Leaders Award 2015, SJC organised a Dinner to celebrate with us. They also offer thousands of dollars every year to students in scholarships, bursaries, grants and awards, to help students offset some of their financial burdens and focus on their Academics and Community involvements.

IMG_20170325_195326
The Main Meal
IMG_20170325_211642(1)
The Grad Class of 2016/2017 with Dr Trott
IMG_20170325_211642
The Grad Class of 2016/2017 with Dr Trott
IMG_20170325_212250
Table 1
IMG_20170325_213353
ChrisloveCGO & Stuard Maddocks
IMG_20170325_215035
ChrisloveCGO & Mrs. Jill Stafford
IMG_20170326_022451_657
The Gift

Lesson: To attract people of excellent minds and encourage openness, you have to learn to love, value and appreciate everybody in your life.

Sunday, 26th March 2017 – RCCG, More Than Conqueror Parish Sunday Service

My local Church for over 4years now.

Lessons: Make THANKSGIVING your lifestyle. Before you ask God anything, give thanks, when asking, give thanks, after asking, give thanks. God is the Giver of all good things in life.

IMG_20170326_173903_259-COLLAGEIMG_20170326_174436_451IMG-20170326-WA0003

Tuesday, 28th March 2017 – RCCG Int’l Christian Centre Canaanland – Prayers

Lessons: Prayer is a necessary tool in ensuring a flowing relationship with Jesus Christ.

Wednesday, 29th March 2017 – DeeperLife Campus Fellowship (University of Manitoba)

Lessons: Traditions can hinder the manifestation of God’s love, power and glory.

Thursday, 30th March 2017 – Immanuel Fellowship Young Adults’ Bible Studies

Lessons:

 

by Mr Chrislove™

7 WAYS TO HAVE A FLOWING RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD

 1. THROUGH THE WORD (HOLY BIBLE)

The Word of God(Holy Bible) is the Humanity’s Ultimate Constitution as it gives you God’s Blueprint or policy guidelines on how to start, build and maintain a sustainably flowing relationship between man & God (vertical relationship), and man & his fellow man (horizontal relationship). The Bible is not just for Christians.

The Bible is also a User’s Manual as it shows you the purpose for which the Manufacturer/Creator of man has designed man for, gives a full description of man including both the physical characteristics and intellectual, spiritual, emotional and supernatural abilities (Genesis 1:26-28). Gives guidelines on how man can utilize these inherent abilities and characteristics towards the realization of the purpose. And also, like every user manual, it tells you how to destroy the purpose for which humans were created.

Therefore, in order to have a flowing relationship/Fellowship with God, you need to study the Bible diligently and practice what you study.

2. THROUGH PRAYERS, PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING

Prayer is a medium of communication between humans and God. Communication is key to building a closer and bonding interpersonal relationship between lovers. The more you interact with God through prayers, the more He will reveal Himself to you and the better your relationship with God. This one of the reasons why Apostle Paul admonished us to PRAY WITHOUT CEASING (1 Thessalonians 5v17).

Also, taking time to thank and appreciate your partner/lover also sweetens the relationship.

3. THROUGH FELLOWSHIPPING WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT (SINGING & SPEAKING IN TONGUES)

Speaking and singing in tongue is speaking the language of the Spirit and therefore, communicating and fellowshipping directly with the Holy Spirit who is our Paraclete, Comforter and Revealer of all secrets. The more you fellowship with the Holy Spirit, the more He purifies you, reveal hidden secrets to and draws you closer to your purpose. No wonder Apostle Paul who wrote most of the New Testament books through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, rejoiced that he spoke in tongues than any other person because anyone speaking in tongues communicate directly with God, speaking mysteries (1 Corinthians 14:2,18).

4. THROUGH FELLOWSHIP WITH OTHER BELIEVERS (IRON SHARPENS IRON)

Jesus said that wherever two or more people are gathered in His name, HE is present in their mist(Matthew 18:20).

Also, the Bible says as “Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend [to show rage or worthy purpose](Proverbs 27:17 AMPC). So when believers meet: we learn, share our joys and challenges with, and encourage one another to keep pressing on and doing the Will of God. Therefore, fellowshipping with other believers is one sure way of having an enduring relationship with God.

5. THROUGH PRACTICING GOD’S PRESENCE

We should be conscious of the fact that God is present in everywhere we find ourselves. He’s El-Roi (the God that Sees – Genesis 16:13). Therefore, acknowledging the Omnipresence of God helped the Psalmist to praise and appreciate God, and ultimately foster a closer relationship with God. (Psalm 139:7-23)

6. THROUGH THE PRACTICE OF AGAPE

Agape (God’s Love) is the sole reason behind the redemption of mankind. Agape is a sacrificial love. It means “I SACRIFICE MY BEST JUST FOR YOU” and this is what Jesus said about the Agape of God “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16NKJV16NKJV).

According to Apostle Paul (1 Corinthians 13), the practice of the Agape (GOD KIND OF LOVE) begins from the inside. It begins with the motives and reasons behind your words, walks & works. It has to be rooted and grounded in Christ Jesus. That’s why Paul says it is possible for someone to give his/her life as a burnt offering or sacrifice for others and yet profits nothing (v3) because his/her act is not rooted in Agape.

When you walk in love, you’re telling people that you are a legitimate Ambassador for Christ to because Jesus Christ is God’s LOVE SACRIFICE and “God is love” (1 John 4v8). Therefore, walking in love is a sure way of building and maintaining a flowing relationship with God.

7. THROUGH SPONSORING/PURSUING THE AGENDA THAT JESUS CHRIST DIED FOR [RECONCILING THE SOULS OF MEN WITH GOD]

Witnessing the saving Grace and Love of God through Jesus Christ to people and ultimately soul winning (reconciling humanity with God) is the most important thing to heaven because that is the single purpose for the manifestation of the Agape of God – Jesus came, suffered, bled, died and resurrected just for the purpose of reconciliation. This why the writer of Proverbs 11 says

The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, And HE WHO WINS SOULS IS WISE “(Proverbs 11:30 NKJV). Wisdom, which is a gift from God is bestowed on soul winners.

Also, Jesus emphasising the importance of soul-winning in the Parable of the Lost Sheep concluded that “I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.” (Luke 15:7 NKJV). Study the description of heaven in the Revelation of John, and then visualize the awesomeness it is for you to be causing celebration in Heaven.

In conclusion, to have a flowing relationship with God, you need to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ by acknowledging that you are a sinner, confessing your sins and accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and personal Savior. Then begin to follow the above ways and your life will be filled with testimonies. It is my relationship with God that made Him reveal these secrets to me this morning (April 1st, 2017) and asked me to share with you all. I am looking forward to hearing from you!

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR TAKING OUT TIME TO READ.
PLEASE SHARE TO ENCOURAGE SOMEONE AND DONT FORGET TO WRITE YOUR COMMENTS BELOW!
TILL NEXT NOTE: JESUS BLESS!
CHRISTIAN G. OKWUDIWA
#ChrisloveCGO #JesusIsLord
Lets chat on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram: @ChrisloveCGO

by Mr Chrislove™

WHAT IS THE ORIGINAL PURPOSE OF MUSIC?

So I published this note on my Facebook page ( Facebook.com/ChrisloveCGO ) on May 24th, 2016, which comes before I created this website. But this topic is far more relevant now than ever before. This is why I am sharing it here so you all understand my viewpoint and share your views too.
Music is a very powerful tool to reach out to the world. The devil himself was a gifted musician before pride made him fall. He was created with the necessary musical instruments, which means that he doesn’t have to learn it: in-built (Ezekiel 28:13). So he knows and understands the power of music. That’s why he has infiltrated the music industry with people, lyrics, and beats that glorify and are glorifying him.
Music is a language that transcends languages, a culture that transcends cultures and a unique tool with inter-generational impact.
It can be used to revolutionize people’s thoughts, beliefs, perspectives, and actions. Music can be used as a tool to tell personal stories, experiences or convey messages. Music never dies. It remains even after the musician is dead and far gone. That is why as Christians, we cannot afford to leave the music industry to the people of the world. We have to go into music, make great songs of inspiration, hope, faith, and return the gift of music to the originally intended purpose (to glorify God).
I will advise that Christians be involved in all genres of music in order to make the full impact. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with Christians doing Hip-hop, R&B, Reggae, Spoken words, contemporary songs, etc. The issue is with the PURPOSE, the MESSAGE, and the GLORY. You need to ask yourself why I’m I doing this? What do I want people to learn from it? And who will this piece glorify?
These are some of the guidelines for our works, our services and our ministries as Christians (1 Corinthians 4:5). The goal is to encourage, inspire and strengthen the brethren in our journey towards the final destination (heaven), to praise God for His faithfulness, and to minister the saving grace and power of Jesus Christ to the lost souls. This means that ultimately, the glory belongs to Jesus Christ. The songs – lyrics and melodies should be written, composed and sung in ways and manners that glorify God.
The essence of music becomes defeated whenever it is targeted at glorifying anyone or thing other than the Almighty God.
It also implies that the targeted audience for a particular song or genre of music will vary depending on the purpose and message the song is conveying. That is, there are songs written and composed by Christians that are meant for the Church (body of believers) – in which case I would refer to as WORSHIP/PRAISE SONGS. Praise/Worship because the people already know and are familiar (usually in love) with Who you’re talking about (God). In this case, everyone has a background knowledge of what you’re singing and are able to flow freely.
There are also songs that are written and composed by Christians but are meant to be used to minister to unbelievers – these are MISSIONARY SONGS. These are a little different from the Worship/Praise Songs because you’re introducing something (Someone – Jesus Christ) new to the audience. One of the most effective ways of doing this kind of songs is sharing your testimonies or experiences (of how He helped or is helping you) in language that is easily understandable to the targeted audience (1 Corinthians 9:20-22 – “And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews;… I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some“). You need to be very sensitive and careful so that you don’t end up being influenced in your attempt to “speak their language”. Do not compromise or lower the standard of excellence and godliness in the process.
A Church that restricts its members from going into say, Hip-hop music, will be very ineffective in reaching out to this generation. And will most likely breed a congregation of hypocrites – who will listen to “their kind of song” in the church but listen to different songs when outside the church. Creating “church playlist” and “non-church playlist”. This double-standard-life causes more harm and ultimately slows down the work of God. The more diverse and engaging we are in our writings and music, the wider our ability to purposefully reach out to this generation.
In conclusion, Christians should write songs that edify people and ultimately glorify God irrespective of the genre or categorization.

 

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR TAKING OUT TIME TO READ.
PLEASE SHARE TO ENCOURAGE SOMEONE AND DONT FORGET TO WRITE YOUR COMMENTS BELOW!
TILL NEXT NOTE: JESUS BLESS!
CHRISTIAN G. OKWUDIWA
#ChrisloveCGO #JesusIsLord
Lets chat on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram: @ChrisloveCGO

by Mr Chrislove™