UNFAILING LOVE 4

<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK6QQ7CrFGCXSXCtmRQeAUSiUdME9aDktYik4NGF1_ShyphenhyphenUjzkCT_uwIG2idf4Pn6_sfq0dS5ovMft7GQlOG6PgUGloH_TgVcJAgVVlgcPz8Scd7qNv9FMyUhyKl2yJJnOfjEqjk61uldWo/s1600/IMG-20161116-WA0016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK6QQ7CrFGCXSXCtmRQeAUSiUdME9aDktYik4NGF1_ShyphenhyphenUjzkCT_uwIG2idf4Pn6_sfq0dS5ovMft7GQlOG6PgUGloH_TgVcJAgVVlgcPz8Scd7qNv9FMyUhyKl2yJJnOfjEqjk61uldWo/s640/IMG-20161116-WA0016.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> "Marriage should be honoured by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral." Hebrews 13:4<br /> <br /> "I can't keep up with this anymore. No sex, no touches, no kissing, nothing. All you want is that we talk. I am a man, Ire, and I have wants and needs," Paul says, pacing up and down. I am in his house now and when he tried to kiss me and I push him off, he got angry and started pacing.<br /> "I have decided and made a promise to keep myself for my husband and when I finally decide to have sex, it will be when we might have wedded," I say boldly and if you ask me, I do not know where the strength comes from.<br /> <br /> "I am tired of this, Ire. You are talking as if we were not having sex before now. You are pressing my buttons, sister and soon, I will explode. Don't get surprised when I decide not to marry you again," he says without blinking.<br /> <br /> I feel myself close to tears. This is not the Paul I know, not the one I said yes to. The one I gave my all to, yet he has come back to stab me in the back.<br /> "What will people say about us Paul, when they know about what we are doing? Drama Coordinator, you should be ashamed of what you do, the sinful acts you participate in, the lies you make up when you pretend to speak in tongues," I say, fuming. I am already up my feet.<br /> <br /> He slaps me, hard.<br /> <br /> "You think I forgot what you did?  You disgraced me, Ire. You virtually pushed my ego down the drain. And I would not accept you coming into my house and being disrespectful to me. I cannot marry a woman who will disrespect me. But I will marry you cos which man out there will marry you? You're not as holy as you claim to be. You have been defiled", he says, a smirk appearing on his face.<br /> <br /> "I do not need your pity, Paul. In fact, I quit this relationship. If you are insulting me and abusing me now like this, what will happen when we are married?  You may turn me into a punching bag. And judging by the way you had sex with me before marriage, I do not think you will ever be faithful in marriage. Paul, I quit!!" I scream at him before  picking up my bag.<br /> <br /> "Was just waiting for this moment. Now I am really happy" is the last words I hear before banging the door. I walk to my car sobbing. I do not remember the last time I walked out of his house happy. I remember his smiling face and I want to puke. I begin to drive, tears clouding my vision. I have been driving for thirty minutes with tears in my eyes. I am about to turn to my junction when I hear a loud bang. I hit my head on my steering wheel and I hear people shouting. "Is this going to be the end?" I ask myself as I feel warm blood drip down my head before I fall into darkness and complete silence.<br /> .<br /> .<br /> .<br /> .<br /> "Doctor, please do you know when she will wake up?" I hear someone ask.<br /> <br /> Doctor?  Where am I? I ask my self as I try to open my eyes, but I shut it back with a hiss. Is that not Pastor Fola's voice? Why does he sound worried?<br /> <br /> I open my eyes again and I let my eyes adjust to the light. Then someone appears in front of me. "Mum, what are you doing here?" "Aaaaah, Omo mi oooo, O ti ji oooo, Doctor (My child has woken up, Doctor). My mum screams, running out of the room probably to call the doctor. I look to my side and see Pastor Fola smiling, dimples appearing on his cheeks. His dimples are cute though.<br /> <br /> "Pastor, what is happening?" I ask. "Thank God you are awake. Well, someone who happened to be passing when the accident happened found your phone and called me. Guess I was the last person you spoke to"<br /> <br /> "Accident?" I ask myself as I try hard to recollect what happened. It begins to come slowly and when I finally remember everything that happened, i break down and weep. Pastor doesn't ask what happened to me but he calms me down as he speaks in tongues and says different verses from the bible calmly.<br /> <br /> I stop crying after a time and I finally have the strength to speak. "Pastor, I broke up with him," I tell him and he looks at me to continue. "And he sounded happy to know I was breaking up with him." "What exactly happened?" Pastor asks and I explain. When I finish, I am close to tears again.<br /> "Well, let us keep hoping and praying about what will happen but in the main time, keep asking God to reveal what exactly He wants you to do cos it's always His will we should keep up with. Whatever is for you will always be for you, once it's Gods will. And always remember that the plans God has for you are for good and not of evil to give you a bright future and an expected end," he tells me and then he prays for me.<br /> <br /> "How do you know God is speaking and how are you sure He's the one? I ask after he finished praying with me.The doctor has come to check me and my mum is calm now waiting outside for me to finish talking with Pastor Fola.<br /> "Well, you begin to hear God when you have a close relationship with Him. God speaks to us in different ways but we may not know it's God because we do not know His voice yet, cos our relationship with Him is not a close one".<br /> "God desires a very close relationship with you and what you just have to do is to open up your heart to Him. And then when you sense God is speaking to you, through any means, make sure you align it with the Word of God cos God's word remains the same even when heaven and earth pass away. God can speak through circumstances, prayers, Bible and the church and don't say because God spoke to this person this way, that's the same way He must speak to me. He desires a unique relationship with each of us so the way He speaks to each of us may be in diverse forms".<br /> <br /> I nod as I listen what He's saying. "How does God speak to you pastor?"<br /> "Well God speaks to me through His Word and through dreams though when I dream, I pray and ensure it's in line with God's word before I take any action..."<br /> "Thanks Pastor," I say feeling really thankful.<br /> "Always my pleasure...sometimes, all we need is a friend. So, sister F'Ire, would you like to be my friend?" Pastor Fola asks smiling.<br /> <br /> I am shocked. Me? Pastor's friend? "Okay Pastor, I'll love to be your friend," I reply smiling back.<br /> "You can call me Fola, you know?" Pastor says and I laugh.<br /> "I may, when I get used to it. But for now, please let me call you pastor Fola," I say smiling.<br /> "Alright then," he replies before patting my hands and walking out.<br /> <br /> "My daughter, how are you?" My mum asks as she sits on the chair.<br /> "I am fine, ma. Just that I have a terrible headache," I reply.<br /> "Eyah, Omo mi, don't worry it's because of the way your head hit the steering wheel. You will be well soon eh," she says smiling. I smile back at her.<br /> <br /> Pondering on what Pastor Fola said, I decide to seek God fully and ask His will be done in my relationship with Paul but above that, I want to love God with all my heart. I want to hear from God. Yes, I speak in tongues sometimes but, I desire a deeper relationship with God. I want God to be my best friend. The one I can tell anything and everything to. I pray right there in the hospital asking God to reveal Himself to me and make me His best friend cos I want to be His and only His. Paul or no Paul, I decide that I will seek God and love God as He has loved me.<br /> <br /> <br /> To be continued...<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div> <br /></div>

UNFAILING LOVE 4

"Marriage should be honoured by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral....

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ESSENCE OF WAITING

<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimK76IR7nf0HG0Tc3DPc8yzY5ykbfm7vNYBtqqdwomstTPOhteQEe_irHhxo4lYj9wzAXrfuxzzsoejVa8O-O7FfKsBC_iSvkO5F_Y0hmBvWLG-2W0EMJ3KRqL4P3EvEiDgO8eTgomgmpU/s1600/I-CHOOSE-SERIES-IG_wait.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimK76IR7nf0HG0Tc3DPc8yzY5ykbfm7vNYBtqqdwomstTPOhteQEe_irHhxo4lYj9wzAXrfuxzzsoejVa8O-O7FfKsBC_iSvkO5F_Y0hmBvWLG-2W0EMJ3KRqL4P3EvEiDgO8eTgomgmpU/s640/I-CHOOSE-SERIES-IG_wait.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br />  Patience, endurance, long suffering, perseverance are other words synonymous to waiting. The world we live in presently doesn’t encourage such words but instead the culture of instant gratification is patronized. And because of this waiting isn’t one of our best qualities, I have seen Christians who change their names from patience and endurance to blessing and joy, all because it is a bad name that encourages suffering. But if waiting is bad, our Heavenly Father would not have patience as one of the fruits of the spirit, the bible wouldn’t have asked us to add to our faith patience.<br /> <br /> <b>Why do we wait?</b><br /> <b>How do we wait? </b><br /> <b>Who should we wait for?</b> – are questions that would be addressed in this article. These are scriptures that would guide us (you could read at your convenience) to answering these questions; Psalm 37; 52:9; 106:13, Eccl. 3, Isa. 40:31, Eph.3:1.<br /> <br /> As ladies, there are several things we have to wait for, but the most important of them all, even more important than waiting for that life partner (we can’t wait to a help meet, to starting a new family, a new career, and life and so on) is waiting on the lord. The bible encourages us to seek him first and every other thing follows. You do not wait because you want to get a man as the price for being patient. You wait on God because you know you are an instrument, a vessel he is moulding and shaping to fulfil purpose, anyhow he chooses.<br /> <br /> <i>Marriage is not the highest of God’s ministry for a woman. </i>It is good we get married, but we must understand that God will not ask you on the last day to present your marriage certificate; rather <i>you will be accountable on how you lived your life</i>, the lives you impacted with the gospel of Christ.<br /> <br /> Marriage is an institution given by God and for us to master it; we need to learn from the creator. How He intends for it to be run, it is not just about two persons, NOOO!!!! It is far greater than that. The miracle in marriage is God bringing two hearts, souls together by breaking and moulding them till they become one not just in union but fellowship with Him.<br /> <br /> <b><i><u>Why do we wait?  </u></i></b><br /> We wait because it is unwise to send an untrained soldier to a battlefield. He would end up killing himself and causing the death of others. When God was talking to Abraham when he was about to rescue his household, he told him to take with him men trained for battle.<br /> <br /> The period of singleness is not just a time before marriage; no! it is a time to <i><b>train</b></i>, to <b>equip</b> oneself, to <b>pass through</b> the process of time till we are ready. The wedding ceremony does not magically prepare us for marriage, neither does it guarantee a happily ever after, believe me, if it does, there are some world breaking weddings we know about that would have guaranteed a perfect marriage.<br /> <br /> Marriage amplifies who you are, it test your strengths and brings out your weaknesses in ways you cannot imagine. So instead of daydreaming that perfect guy or that perfect wedding or even that perfect marriage, why not put yourself to work. Bring out the <b>best</b> in you, <b>add value</b> to you, unlearn <b>unhealthy habits, </b>make <b>healthy relationships.</b> If you are a guy or if your brother wants to get married and he comes for someone like you, will he marry you as a lady, will you encourage your brother to marry someone like you? <i>The period of waiting is not a prison sentence, neither is it a death sentence, so let’s maximize it.</i><br /> <br /> Secondly, we wait because we are not to live our lives like orphans without a father, we don’t behave like the world by doing trial and error, marriage originated from our father, so we are to teach the word the right way to go about it, can I get a YES? The bible says we have been predestined, before we were formed he knew us and knows our end, so why not wait on him to deliver all things in its time. We sometimes make major decisions concerning our lives and bring it for the Lord to endorse we are like “lord this is my life’s plan, I am going to finish school by 21, marry by 22, by 25 I should have finished giving birth, because you know, I want to maintain my shape, so please, sign here, here and here.” It shouldn’t be so, if the world wants to know the right way to marriage, they should be looking at us, not us going to glen wisdom from them, when the author and finisher lives on.<br /> <br /> Thirdly we are to wait so we can be an inspiration to others, there are so many people who will be blessed by our stories, whose lives would be transformed, encouraged knowing we waited for the right time. Imagine telling your daughters how you are a living testimony on how waiting and trusting on God gave you the best man that exceeds your expectations, imagine telling them, they can wait too, imagine telling her you learnt a lot on how to listen to the Lord’s voice in your single period. There are so many benefits to gain on why we should wait.<br /> <br /> Answering the question on  <b>how should we wait </b>is that, we wait by not wavering on our faith. Pressures will come when you see everyone around you getting married. Your family would contribute to the pressure as well as your “well meaning friend” when they voice out their concern. But know this, you are a work in progress, you serve the author of time, so do not be worried about your biological clock. Do not panic or run ahead of God. Don’t think of helping him fulfil his plans for your life; remember it isn’t about you alone. Your life is bigger than you, cling to Him. Learn to be content with His provision and timing. Fellowship with Him more, meditate on his promises, his words, pray often, reach out to souls, live a life of impact, examine and re-examine your life, your values, priorities, vision and so on. Be single and satisfied until God brings someone you are to compliment. Take the right actions at the right time and remember never be lonely. Loneliness is not the absence of affection but the absence of identity and direction. If you don’t know the reason you are waiting, you might end up missing it, too much is at stake for you to let that happen, too many lives are tied to you, and to your success.<br /> And lastly, imagine if Jacob had not waited for Rachael? Imagine if Joseph had not waited in prison for his appointed time or if our Lord Jesus had heeded to the voice of the devil and expose himself as the son of God before the appointed time? You are not alone, many have waited and many more will wait. There is truly a time for everything, the process may be painful but believe me it is gainful.<br /> <br /> After all these considerations, <b>what shouldn’t we do while waiting?</b> Do not doubt, not for any reason: do not remove your gaze from the Lord; do not start thinking and worrying. Don’t give the devil a chance to sow more seeds in your heart. Do not be envious of people who are getting married, pray for them, if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all. Don’t help God hasten the coming by becoming desperate. Never stay with people who will make you feel less of yourself because you are not married. Never you relent on your service to God. Finally never you compromise your faith for anything. Remember if the Lord has said that settles it and nowhere have I read that those who trust in the Lord and serve Him were put to shame. I pray these words would take a stand, grow and blossom down in our hearts till it’s achieved in Jesus name. AMEN!<br /> <br /> <b>About the writer</b>: Oisaomaye Clementina Omon is an unashamed lover of Jesus, nurse, life coach and writer. She's passionate about seeing folks come to the knowledge of who they are in Christ and living their life for the purpose of bringing glory to God. Connect with her on Facebook: Oisao Clementyne<br /> <br />

ESSENCE OF WAITING

 Patience, endurance, long suffering, perseverance are other words synonymous to waiting. The world we live in presently doesn’t encoura...

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UNFAILING LOVE 3

<blockquote class="tr_bq"> <h3> <br /></h3> </blockquote> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK6QQ7CrFGCXSXCtmRQeAUSiUdME9aDktYik4NGF1_ShyphenhyphenUjzkCT_uwIG2idf4Pn6_sfq0dS5ovMft7GQlOG6PgUGloH_TgVcJAgVVlgcPz8Scd7qNv9FMyUhyKl2yJJnOfjEqjk61uldWo/s1600/IMG-20161116-WA0016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK6QQ7CrFGCXSXCtmRQeAUSiUdME9aDktYik4NGF1_ShyphenhyphenUjzkCT_uwIG2idf4Pn6_sfq0dS5ovMft7GQlOG6PgUGloH_TgVcJAgVVlgcPz8Scd7qNv9FMyUhyKl2yJJnOfjEqjk61uldWo/s640/IMG-20161116-WA0016.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."  (Proverbs 15:1.<br /> <br /> "Paul, I have decided not to do this again," I say, looking at him intently.<br /> <br /> We are sitting together in a restaurant. It's lunch time at my work place and Paul has come to pick me up; as it is our usual practice to go out for lunch every opportunity we get.<br /> <br /> "Do what? Ire, you are confusing me," Paul says confusion written all over his face.<br /> "I have decided to stop this sexual act between us till we marry," I say looking confident.<br /> <br /> Paul bursts out laughing and my confidence begins to slip away. "You don't mean that now, do you?" Paul asks wiping imaginary tears from his face.<br /> <br /> My face burns with anger. How dare he talk to me in this manner? Who does he actually think he is? Is it because I have made a bad mistake that he wants to rub that in my face?" I think as I bite my lips.<br /> <br /> "I believe you have to respect me and my opinions about stuffs," I say letting the anger slip away as I try to take calming breaths.<br /> "You lost your respect when you lost your virginity".<br /> And that does it. What do I do?<br /> <br /> I snap.<br /> <br /> A defeating silence falls on the restaurant as people turn. I look down feeling really ashamed. I did not know when I raised my hands to slap Paul. He looks at me his eyes turning red. I shutter as I manage to take my bag and walk out. I will face the consequences when it's time. I manage to get into my office and settle down on my seat. I begin to weep. Tears of anguish and of shame.<br /> <br /> *******************************************************************************************<br /> <br /> "Good evening, Pastor," I say as I have my seat. Paul's words have not left me; it keeps ringing in my ears. "You lost your respect when you lost your virginity".<br /> "Good evening, sister. How are you today?" Pastor asks, smiling at me. I smile back.<br /> "I am fine, sir. How are you too?" I ask.<br /> "Well, I am good. How was work, and how is Paul?" He asks settling comfortably on the chair.<br /> "Work was fine and Paul is the reason why I am here".<br /> "Spill it," Pastor says and I laugh. He has a way of making someone comfortable.<br /> "I slapped him," I exclaim waiting for his reaction but it never comes. He just looks at me eyes encouraging me to speak up. "He told me I lost my respect when I lost my virginity," I explain and he looks shocked before shaking his head.<br /> <br /> "He shouldn't have said that. But sister, I want you to stand firm and hold unto what you believe in. Even the Bible admonishes us to "present your bodies therefore as a living sacrifice, pleasing and acceptable to God". I don't want you to compromise what you have decided because of mockery or disbelief in your self. I also want you to know that this purity stand can only be done when you allow God to take perfect control of your life".<br /> <br /> I nod as I wipe away stray tears. My pastor is really loaded and I thank God for the grace and anointing in his life and the privilege I have to be under him. "Thank you, Pastor," I say meaning every word.<br /> <br /> "So, how was work today?" He asks, changing the subject easily. "Work was a little bit stressful but I thank God for the grace to settle some minor cases though I have a major case which has to be attended to in court next week," I explain smiling a little. "The grace of God is sufficient for you," My pastor says and I reply "Amen" nodding my head.<br /> <br /> "This is my judgement. I rise! Court!......."<br /> I laugh as I watch my pastor's failed attempt to mimick a lawyer. At the end of the day I leave the office light hearted and happy.<br /> <br /> To be continued.....<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />

UNFAILING LOVE 3

"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."  (Proverbs 15:1. "Paul, I have decided not to d...

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UNFAILING LOVE 2

<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK6QQ7CrFGCXSXCtmRQeAUSiUdME9aDktYik4NGF1_ShyphenhyphenUjzkCT_uwIG2idf4Pn6_sfq0dS5ovMft7GQlOG6PgUGloH_TgVcJAgVVlgcPz8Scd7qNv9FMyUhyKl2yJJnOfjEqjk61uldWo/s1600/IMG-20161116-WA0016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK6QQ7CrFGCXSXCtmRQeAUSiUdME9aDktYik4NGF1_ShyphenhyphenUjzkCT_uwIG2idf4Pn6_sfq0dS5ovMft7GQlOG6PgUGloH_TgVcJAgVVlgcPz8Scd7qNv9FMyUhyKl2yJJnOfjEqjk61uldWo/s640/IMG-20161116-WA0016.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> "If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and I will forgive their sins and will heal their land". (1 Chronicles 7:14)<br /> <br /> <br /> A week later.<br /> <br /> I yawn as my alarm rings, snapping me into consciousness. I quickly do my quiet time before going to freshen up for church. Today is Thanksgiving Sunday and I have the feeling that today's service is going to do me great good and I am expectant. I settle for a white gown with black heels after so much deliberation. I rush to finish and I decide to fast today.<br /> <br /> I leave the house, rushing to the car and zooming off after a short greeting to Sam. We are led into God's presence through songs of praise and worship before Pastor Fola mounts the stage.<br /> <br /> I adjust my position on my chair, head bowed, tears pouring freely, heart opened unto God.<br /> <br /> "God spoke to me now. There is a someone here who is not satisfied with the position she is in. She doesn't like how things are going on in her life. She hates herself for it and heaps all blames on herself. Sister, God is telling you today that if you will just open up to Him, He is ready to forgive you. For He says in His word, ''My grace is sufficient for you for my power is made perfect in weakness''. Why don't you cry out to God, ask Him to have mercy on you and help you? Tell Him how helpless you are to help yourself." My Pastor's voice booms over the microphone.<br /> <br /> Around the church, different people are crying confessing and asking God for His help. I fall on my knees also and cry. I tell God EVERYTHING. I tell Him how I'm consenting to having sex with my fiancé. I ask God to forgive me for everything I have done. For giving myself away cheaply, for not listening to His voice clearly. I tell Him that my spirit is willing but my flesh is weak. When the song, "Lord, I'm coming home" begins to play, I raise my hands up to heaven and ask for the grace. I ask for the grace to say no and stand by it even though it might be tough. Even if it might cost my relationship, I am ready to give my self, my all to Him. I cry so hard and at a point I begin to speak in tongues. As soon as the prayer ends, I feel something calm rush within me. I feel peaceful and I am happy.<br /> <br /> I lead the congregation into a Thanksgiving session and I can feel the presence of God radiate in the building. I am joyous and I am sure I have won the victory. Challenges may come my way but I know that with God, I triumph still.<br /> <br /> "God bless you." I hear my pastor greet a woman kindly touching her baby as she passes. It's a routine every Sunday. My pastor stands in front of the church to greet members as they go out. It gets to my turn and He shakes my hands. "God bless you, Sister Ire." He says and I bend a little, a sign of respect. "Amen, thank you pastor," I reply.<br /> <br /> He releases my hands and I begin to walk away before He calls me back. "Sister Ire, please, could you wait a little bit more, I would like to see you." Pastor says and I nod my head stepping aside carefully.<br /> <br /> "I noticed how you were in the presence of God today," he begins. We are sitting in His office now. I nod in response.<br /> <br /> "It's not like I was intentionally looking at you or anything like that, but then while praying, I just looked in your direction and I noticed you were really lost." I smile as He says this.<br /> "You want to share what's up?"<br /> <br /> I tense as I hear this. The pastor of my church is the last person I want to tell this to. I will need someone to be accountable to and give reports on how well I'm doing on my stand to be sexually pure but not my pastor.<br /> <br /> I do not want to talk but I feel my lips move on its own accord. I find myself explaining everything to the pastor and he sits listening. He frowns a little when I get to the part of Paul threatening to leave me if I don't give Him what he wants. After I finish, pastor gives me tissue to wipe my tears.<br /> <br /> "For how long has this sex issue been going on?" He asks.<br /> "This is the eight month but we have had sex about four times," I explain feeling free like I can tell him anything instead of the normal reserved feeling I have.<br /> <br /> "Sister F'irefunmi, I love the decision you made today to stay sexually pure and I pray that God gives you the grace to stand by your opinion."<br /> "Amen", I say nodding my head.<br /> "Well, now that you have made your decision, you might need someone or some people you give reports to for accountability. Go and pray about it and let's see what happens."<br /> <br /> He asks me about work and other general things before I take my leave.<br /> <br /> <br /> To be continued....<br /> <div> <br /></div>

UNFAILING LOVE 2

"If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I ...

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UNFAILING LOVE 1

<h4> </h4> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRZ32yXT1QJoZbB3J1va1AuV6J32sq7pmLiwXnSJNEq6TlE1bTQXz491B4pPhlHjWPXHusOnTSSA6tmo1tW4qA2hIZxnfixOh_nsl5muyTk_MZwPxhBxY6Add7CIs6HUosEWBOdJA45DCO/s1600/IMG-20161116-WA0016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRZ32yXT1QJoZbB3J1va1AuV6J32sq7pmLiwXnSJNEq6TlE1bTQXz491B4pPhlHjWPXHusOnTSSA6tmo1tW4qA2hIZxnfixOh_nsl5muyTk_MZwPxhBxY6Add7CIs6HUosEWBOdJA45DCO/s640/IMG-20161116-WA0016.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> "For it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’" (1 Peter 1:16)<br /> <br /> "I love you so much." He says kissing my lips then going down to my neck, he nibbles on it. He uses his hands and touches areas I wouldn't like to talk about. I lie there like a log of wood. I detest everything he does and the disgusting sounds he makes when having sex with me. My soul hates sex with passion but my body is a different matter. It reacts in the way it ought to and the hormones God gave me are not helping matters. I scream as He enters inside me.<br /> <br /> "Sister Oluwaf'irefunmi, I enjoyed every moment of this and I wish you a happy Sunday and a blessed week". I sob as I stand up. I eye him before I pack my things and leave his house. It always ends like this - he having his way, me crying all the way home as I remember the broken vows I keep telling God every week. I enter into my car, sobbing for some seconds before driving away.<br /> <br /> What would people say and most especially, my pastor, when they know or hear that the lead soprano vocalist in their church - someone who leads them into Gods presence - is sleeping with her fiancé, the drama coordinator? Some people may not see anything wrong in what we are doing since we are engaged but I see everything wrong in it. I just can’t seem to stop myself and for every time he has entered into me making us one, I have hated myself a little bit more.<br /> <br /> I drive around town aimlessly for four hours before deciding to go home. I honked the horn hoping that the gate man will open it soon. He does and I drive in. "Welcome madam. How was church?" "Thank you Sam. Church was good. Are there any messages for me?" I ask, getting out of the car. "No madam" he replies, bowing his head as a sign of respect. I dismiss him after I had wished him a happy Sunday and a blessed week.<br /> <br /> "God, where have I missed it?" I ask, sobbing into my pillow. There is something that lingers in my mind. I know where exactly I missed it but I don't even know how to retrace my steps. I don't know how to stop what I am doing. I think back to when I first met Paul, my fiancé.<br /> "Hello dear". I hear someone speak and I turn. I followed my friend, IseOluwa** to the clinic and I am not in the mood for any conversations right now cos I am stressed out.<br /> <br /> "Hi", I say looking away from my phone for a moment.<br /> "Waiting to see the doctor?" He asks and I shake my head. Taking a good look at him, I notice he is one of the well-known brothers on campus.<br /> "I followed a friend here, she has to see the doctor.”<br /> "I come to the clinic sometimes to visit and pray for those who are not feeling too well"<br /> I nod as I hear this. So there are some men who still care for others and are zealous for God.<br /> He prays with me for my friend and then goes on to speak with others who are waiting at the reception.<br /> I meet Him again in church where I get to know he’s the president of the highest populated fellowship on campus. We exchange numbers and from the "God bless you greetings" to the "what do you enjoy doing" chats, we became close friends. After school, we are posted to different states. I travel out for my Masters degree program while he stays in the country to do his before getting a job in one of top the accounting firms in the country. I also work in one of the law firms in Lagos.<br /> He proposed on the Valentine's Day in 2014 and I said a big yes because, why not? I prayed about it long before he proposed but I was not patient enough to really hear what God was saying cos I thought "Why would God say no to me marrying this kind of man?" He was a man zealous for God; everything I wanted in my man.<br /> I sigh as I think of the present. We started having sex at the beginning of this year and I was a virgin before I met Him. He told me God would not be angry if we indulge in sex because we were already engaged to be married February 2016.<br /> <br /> I started to miss it when I decided to give my virginity to Him after much pressure. He had first spoke about it when we first got engaged and I had not accepted. He kept pressuring me and later He told me that if I didn't give in, I might lose him. I remember my mum calling me one day.<br /> "Ile Obirin ki pe su ooo, Ire, kin lo n duro de?*** For God’s sake you're 25 years old and a well accomplished lawyer. Your younger sister is getting married next month. Ire, when will you bring your man home?"<br /> I gave in four months later.<br /> I grab my pillow and scream into it. My whole life sucks and I have no idea on what to do. I want to stop this but I don't even know how. I have prayed, asked God to please stop what’s happening but it looks like the more I pray, the more I find myself doing it. I feel ashamed; I cannot carry myself high like I used to. I feel worthless yet, Paul is not seeing anything wrong with everything that’s happening. I carry my bible and read some passages of the scriptures. I hope to sleep soon but that doesn't happen. I keep tossing and turning on the bed.<br />  It takes a very long time to finally fall asleep.<br /> <br /> To be continued…<br /> <br /> Translations:<br /> * Oluwaf'irefunmi - "God has given goodness to me"<br /> ** Ifeoluwa - "The love of God"<br /> *** "Ile Obirin ki pe su ooo, Ire, kin lo n duro de?  -  "A woman doesn't take long to age. What are you waiting for?"<br /> <br /> <br /> <b><u>About the writer</u></b>: OlaKristi Ayo-Obiremi is an accountant-in-training, a writer and an entrepreneur. Her favorite hobbies include drawing, drumming, cooking, writing and reading novels.<br /> She aspires to change the mindset of women and help them understand that they worth more than rubies and can become all that God has created them to be.

UNFAILING LOVE 1

"For it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’" (1 Peter 1:16) "I love you so much." He says kissing my lips t...

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I AM NO LONGER YOUR PUPPY!

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju79WQQZUmAmzxSdIa8DuEAMZdQkygrE4yVbCMMfHPukPhfW7QcMHNAHbcvfTH2RPVYJs8u5018KgAse6cZPNGxIR2ejErkSwmuXigEosVKlaiQhjAPsCCE6-lofGy0MaYU-lQ680_k6jU/s640/IMG-20161110-WA0006.jpg" width="640" /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Tears are strangers to me now.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> I was lost in the maze of sorrow;</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> strangled by the magnitude of pain breaking my heart in twos.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> I was vulnerable;</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> you saw through me,</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> knowing what my weakness was.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Like the snake in Eden,</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> you came subtly and beguiled me.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Oh! How I fell.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> If I had known,</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> I would never have made that step that brought me to you;</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> our paths would never have crossed.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> When you smiled,</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> I should have seen you for the danger you really were.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> My emotions went berserk, begging for the love that never was; </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> for an intimacy you can never give.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Oh! How I lost myself in you; my identity buried in my 'love' for you.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> For a long time,</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> I was a shadow of me;</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> fading gradually</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> while your bestial soul</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> laughed at my expense.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> But don't bother been happy for long,</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> for my beleaguered times are gone.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> I am stronger now.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> I no longer wait for your return;</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> no longer think of what went wrong or</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> how I made things worse.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> My pillows will no longer be full of tears.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> I am done been a resident of weeping villa and never again will I be a citizen of it because of you.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Like a wise sage said, I will never go back  back to eat my vomit. </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> When I think of you now,</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> I have a blurred image of you;</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> you represent an achy itch I had and dealt with.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Forget about it dearie,</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> this lady is no longer your puppy.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> The 'bimbo' you knew is gone</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> and in her place is a priceless jewel who knows her worth.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> I am so busy fulfilling purpose that I am never gonna let you in anymore.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> I still have my weakness,</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> that I know but my weakness is stronger than your strength.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> I will never again fall for someone like you.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> So when you see your friends,</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> tell them "she is above us</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> she is better and she knows her worth."</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <b>About the writer</b>: Oisaomaye Clementina Omon is an unashamed lover of Jesus, nurse, life coach and writer. She's passionate about seeing folks come to the knowledge of who they are in Christ and living their life for the purpose of bringing glory to God. Connect with her on Facebook: Oisao Clementyne</div>

I AM NO LONGER YOUR PUPPY!

Tears are strangers to me now. I was lost in the maze of sorrow; strangled by the magnitude of pain breaking my heart in twos. I wa...

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Love lifted me (3)

<b>LOVE LIFTED ME (3) – The End</b><br> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBIbQpL_dxzUAMNLzebaiCJIfCvLkGX7xhX0v6Gdj17x8ZBH60aNw3-JbWxxV03VnnD1zN_nLeNAXIhTfWE91a3xYjp5XpI4GoQmBObkrp0zgmSrg9SMopT4NuuzGBBgxxFde7CeOs8tzN/s1600/loveliftedme_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="606" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBIbQpL_dxzUAMNLzebaiCJIfCvLkGX7xhX0v6Gdj17x8ZBH60aNw3-JbWxxV03VnnD1zN_nLeNAXIhTfWE91a3xYjp5XpI4GoQmBObkrp0zgmSrg9SMopT4NuuzGBBgxxFde7CeOs8tzN/s640/loveliftedme_1.jpg" width="640"></a></div> <b><span id="goog_812414492"></span><span id="goog_812414493"></span><br></b> <br> When I began intensive prayer and Word, in three months every taste for sexual acts left me. In three months, I was liberated forever from an addiction I had struggled with for years!!<br>

Love lifted me (3)

LOVE LIFTED ME (3) – The End When I began intensive prayer and Word, in three months every taste for sexual acts left me. In three mo...

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