SAY WHAT?

Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit – you choose.
Prov.18:22

An experiment was said to have been carried out in the western world to find out the power of words. The research involved a class of young students, divided into two groups and sent into two different rooms. They were to speak over boiled rice which had been kept in these rooms. In one room, they were to say curse words which included “ugly” and in the other they were to say good words which included “beautiful”. The outcome after a number of days was that the rice over which good words were consistently spoken turned out golden yellow in color while that over which curse words were spoken turned dark brown in color. Both portions of rice came from the same source and were supposed to be decaying. The story may either be concocted or real but the truth behind it is in no way demeaned.

In Mark 11:12 – 14, we see the account of Jesus speaking in response to the fig tree which means the fig tree spoke initially by the way it appeared. When Jesus spoke to it, according to Matthew’s account, the tree withered immediately. (Matt. 21:19)

We have the authority to talk back at the things in our lives that are not going the way we want them to. When a work of our hand is not going the way we envisage, it is making a statement directly opposite to what is written in Psalm 1:3b. Every aspect of our lives answer to what we are saying and some of those things are not words but actions and reactions. The way we dress for example is a statement to the world of the worth we place on ourselves. Dress the way you want to be addressed even if you can’t disclose your address yet. Dress for where you are going and how you want to feel not where you are or how you feel. God called us as His children to be thermostats and not thermometers in our surrounding. We call the shots.

This country, Nigeria, is answering to what we the citizens are calling it. Unfortunately, it is sometimes the echo of what foreigners, who do not know Nigeria like we do, are calling it. We are royalty and we ought to be mindful of the things we say because kings don’t make passing remarks, they decree and the subjects enforce it. We have been given the gift of a mouth that cannot be contradicted (Luke 21:15). So, do take care to watch your words because they form your world. We don't just speak when we utter words, we are creating.

Perhaps one of the things that set David apart as a man after God’s heart was that he was wise enough to have prayed to God to set a guard over his lips. (Ps. 141:3). We might want to take a cue from him.

-'Bayor

PERSPECTIVES

…male and female, He created them.

Gen. 1:27

Adam says: I want my woman to be quiet, well mannered and not be someone given to nagging. I desire honesty and transparency in her. She should be a good cook, clean and well organized in the kitchen. The fear of God is another virtue I would want. She should be enlightened and not clumsy or portray a lack of people skills especially when she has to welcome guests into our home. She should be teachable and humble, neat and tidy, know how to dress like a sane person – stemming from a true knowledge of what she’s worth; (if she shows all her features to everyone, then what is left for me to see?). She should be down to earth; her ideas of life should not come from a magazine or novel. She should know what she wants, praise me for who I am, give me my space sometimes and tell me what’s on her mind always (am not a psychic). I desire her to be deep, intellectually compatible, and full of virtue and understanding. She should be supportive as the help meet. Simplicity of dressing and makeup is fine by me. She should respect herself, be consistent, not over-demanding, independent financially and able to take initiative. I need her to be there for my children, friendly (even if more wealthy), a good communicator and a hardworking personality. She should brandish an inner beauty of character with a ravishing outward beauty. She should give me the benefit of the doubt and should be one that has past the process of still trying to figure out exactly who she is. She should be given to worship and be fun to be with. She should be cheerful and smart with a priority on being in shape especially after giving birth...

Eve says: He must be a true worshipper of God and a Christian who has a proper reference of love. He should place emphasis on very good personal hygiene – no wet armpits, mouth odors, stinking socks, rumpled clothes and so on. He should be courteous once in a while (what does it take to say “thank you” or “please”?), he should be responsible for his actions (“am sorry” should not be rare in his vocabulary). He should pay his bills and be honest with his income. He should also be smart and humorous, willing to improve himself and acquire more knowledge. I would appreciate him being a good listener, confident and respectable. I can’t follow a parked car – he should be focused and know where he’s going without any confusion about it. He should carry me along and also be teachable; he should not be insecure and unwilling to follow my suggestions because we were both given the mandate to rule and dominate (…God blessed them …Gen. 1:27-28). He should be my friend and shoulder to cry on. He should be intelligent and a good cook…at least to an extent...

God says: Stop impersonating, you’re a god! Be yourself. Be like me and you won’t have any problem. I want better for you than you want for yourself. Rise above stereotypes.

What do YOU say?

 - 'Bayor

DREAM ON

Then he dreamed still another dream and told it to his brothers, and said, “look, I have dreamed another dream. And this time, the sun, the moon, and the eleven stars bowed down to me.”
Genesis 37:9

When it comes to life and purpose, God shows you the big picture, hands you the paintbrush and colors on palette. He then motions with His hand and says “Paint!”
Attaining success isn’t somewhat as difficult as it is to maintain it. The stories abound of quite a number of celebrities and other public figures who have come into limelight for a while and then like a puff of smoke, they dissolve into obscurity whilst the hype of their once budding notoriety becomes history. The bane of most of such celebrities has always been the lack of drive to build on the success attained thus far and seeing it as a stepping stone and not a resting point. It is said that money doesn’t make a man but rather reveals who he is. We don’t attain only to what we want sometimes but also to who we are. We can’t become more than we see ourselves becoming. The enemy of better is not bad but good and the enemy of the best is better. Whatever we have achieved or success we have attained, there is still room for more. Failure is never ending and success is never final. Apostle Paul, in exhorting the Philippians, made them understand the need to keep pressing toward the mark. (Phil.3:14).

The first time Joseph dreamt, his brothers hated him the more. Their initial hatred came as a result of the favor he received from their father. The second time he dreamt however, they envied him. This was an indication that they now believed the dream because as was the case later when Pharaoh dreamt, a second time was a confirmation of the first one he had received and an affirmation that God would surely do it.

Joseph went on to be sold into slavery on account of his dreams yet he never allowed the dream to wane. Temporary setbacks are just that – temporary. It’s risky to make permanent solutions to temporary situations. If he had given up on his dream while in Potiphar’s house, he would have concurred to the advances of his master’s wife. His chaste showed that he knew deep within him that where he was didn’t look like where he was going. Not even the promise of material wealth or benefits could match with the exceeding glory ahead. The popular song “Shout to the Lord” has a line that we need to hang our hopes on such that when we are faced with difficulties, we can affirm to the Lord that “nothing compares to the promise I have in you”.

It’s not over until you win. Keep on living, keep on winning, and keep on dreaming. The sky isn’t the limit, it’s a starting point.

BY THE RULES

Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.
1st Cor. 9:24

While in secondary school, we generally looked forward to the inter-house sports competitions. It was always an avenue for thrill and excitement. We anticipated what house would take home the trophy and gave our all in preparation and training to be the best.
In my house, there was a particular guy who was somewhat inept academically but adept on the field. His height was an advantage to his being in the junior class and his competing on that level was akin to a sure win. However, in one of the preliminary races for the big event, we lost the race because he dropped the baton during the relay exchange. The rules didn’t care if he was the best guy or not. All teams had the level ground of the guiding regulations to operate from.

An athlete who refuses to play by the rules will never get anywhere (2nd Tim. 2:5b - MSG).

Maintain your lane:
When the athletes run in a 100M dash, they are required to do so within the confines of the lanes designated for them. Likewise, we are called to different aspects of ministry in the body of Christ. We are soldiers called to march in our own column; vessels made to function in our assignment. (Joel 2:8, 1st Cor. 12:11).

Maintain Unity:
If an athlete jumps the gun, the race has to be restarted. The place of unity in the Body of Christ cannot be overemphasized. Everything follows an order. We must be sure we are called to do what we are doing and not merely moving at the dictates we made for ourselves. God is a respecter of no man and He is still in the business of changing vessels that prove unstable and out of order. At the end of the event, the athletes are to show the spirit of sportsmanship and rejoice with one another regardless of tribe, race or nationality. (Psalm 133:1, 1st Cor. 14:40)

Maintain your Sanctity:
Some time ago, the gold medal was retrieved from a world record holder because she confessed of using steroids. You cannot use the wisdom of the world and expect kingdom results. Whatever God cannot give you, you honestly don’t need it. God will not give you an assignment that would make you independent of him.

Maintain your Identity:
All athletes know they are the embodiment of the country they represent. When performing, the rest of the country watching from home expects them to return with the trophy. If successful, the president of the country welcomes them in grand style. As ambassadors of God’s kingdom here on the earth, the cloud of witnesses are cheering us on to victory. “Welcome, good and faithful servant” will be the words from our Lord at the end of life’s race to those who win. (Hebrews 12:1-2, Matt. 25:21, 1st Cor. 4:2)

BELIEVING IS SEEING

But command Joshua, and encourage him and strengthen him; for he shall go over before this people, and he shall cause them to inherit the land which you will see.
Deut. 3:28

The feats of man can be quite enthralling. Take the Olympics for example, where people of different nations of the world come together to compete. Quite a number of the events are enlightening but one in particular which I think is very significant and indeed similar to our lives as believers, is the 400M race in the track and field category of events. It’s unlike the 100M dash which requires much grit and forte from start to finish. The 400M race requires endurance and consistency from the athletes. Not many who start quickly and strongly finish that way. It is a true depiction of Solomon’s words that the race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong (Eccl. 9:11). So also in the Christian race, we require endurance in the race as we press toward the mark. In the 400M race, the runners finish at the premise of their starting point. When they are running on the track, they already have a picture in their mind of how the finish line looks like. They can see the end from the beginning; they know their destination before they depart.
“I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out – plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. (Jer. 29:11 MSG)”
God is committed to bringing our expectation to fulfillment but we must prospect and expect it. A pregnant woman is called an expectant mother because she is carrying life on the inside of her. Before the child is born, she makes preparations based on the child she’s expecting. She purchases clothes and all else not because she has seen the baby physically but because the baby is already born in her mind. Her believe in the baby’s soon coming existence makes the baby’s presence so real, it’s tangible to her.
What you believe is what you see and what you see is what you get. If you can think it, you can touch it. What you can think about and thank about, you can bring about. What God says about us in the word are not mere promises, they are prophecies. They are not things He plans on doing sometime in the future but things He has done before time that we will see in its time (Eccl. 3:11). When life doesn’t seem to go the way you plan, fast forward to the moment in time when you already have the things you desire. Visionaries live in the future while in the present.
We are called believers; it’s time we began to live up to our names.

THE SHEPHERD’S SHEEP

The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want,
He grants me rest from my weary pant.
In quietness, He brings me salvation,
His Word gives me insight via meditation.
With His mighty hands, He leads me along,
In every wave and storm, I have a song;
Singing it boldly that I have a God,
Who has great respect for His Word.
He is the covenant keeping Father,
I love Him dearly and seek no other.
Before the world began, He appointed me,
He had declared that His prophet, I’ll be.
Thus, though I walk through the valley of death’s shadow,
The brow of His guidance for me will never furrow.
Should I falter like the wave of the sea,
His rod and staff then comforts me.
Chastising me back to His will,
Knowing Him as God by being still.
Afterwards, if I go hungry,
He sets me a table before the enemy.
His poured holy oil flows from my head,
Making me the enemy’s dread.
Looking behind me, I see grace and mercy,
Following me patiently, never in a hurry.
I therefore give myself to God my father,
Dwelling in His presence as a son forever.

‘Bayor Martins © October 2002

D & G | Dressed For The Occasion

Due to the nature of my job, I prefer clothes that give me freedom to move around easily and quickly. I am a caretaker of sort and I love being able to be there for my dad’s clients as soon as the need arises. Now, if you work with the sort of clients I do, you’ll understand why I choose a slightly fitted garment to move around in.

Before I got this job, my boss had learnt from my resume that amongst other qualifications, I was a music producer and especially good with strings. My dad in his generous nature sent me for the interview with food items to give to my boss who was in a crisis situation. I did the interview-cum-auditioning and got the job in no time. Perhaps the dual forces of my natural endowment and the accompanying gift from my dad made the process fast (after all, the gift of a man creates a domain for him to reign as a king in). An e-mail was then sent to my dad that I had got the job. 

For the few weeks that followed, I had to shuttle between my dad’s office and my boss’ because I still had to attend to my dad’s clients whilst serving with my boss as his personal assistant. My brothers, all three of them, were already working with my boss at the office on site. (For the record, my boss isn’t my uncle and the job isn’t our family business!) 

On a day like others, I came to the site with a message from my dad to my brothers and their head of department. I got there and saw all the members of staff looking worried as though they were just given sack letters. I inquired and found out they had a major project that hadn’t been executed for over a month. On assessing it, I felt the project was too embarrassing for both the reputation of the company and the country. I was also surprised that this project was left to linger this long so I inquired about the benefits that executing this project would bring. My eldest brother overheard me making this inquiry and was irate. I figured that his anger at my effrontery was to a large extent borne out of frustration that none of them had the boldness to take on the project. I didn’t have the requisite qualification for the job as far as field experience goes but I knew I had a history of successfully executed projects. According to company policy, such a daunting task would require someone with a University Degree and all I had was HND from Kaduna Polytechnic. 

When my inquiry got to my boss’ attention, he summoned me to his office and interrogated me. I then told him about the two projects that posed a threat to the territorial integrity of my dad’s clients. These projects, though life threatening, were executed using the same strategies I intended to use in executing this project. He suggested I wear the company apparel to the site but I chose to use mine (the slightly fitted garment I spoke about earlier) because I could hardly budge in that of the company. I walked out of his office and headed to the site. I passed by the Oasis Resource Centre to pick up 5 books. These were to serve as reference materials for the execution of the project. 

I got to the site and the project’s massiveness made me look like an ant before a grasshopper. I summoned the courage to delve into the task without looking back, calling to mind my past successes of less crucial magnitude. The preface of the project got me angry and I had to rewrite it because it seemed to label my boss, my colleagues and myself wrongly. I rewrote this preface and with a reference from the first of the books I picked earlier, I brought down all the standing facts the project had against our company. Little did I know that in doing this, I was not just executing the project, I was conquering the company behind it. I delved into further research and saw an attachment to the documents on this project that contained strong points of which one of them was very instrumental to the final execution of the project. 

When I was through with the final stages, I presented the finished document to my boss and he was quite elated and asked me who my dad was. This came as a surprise to me seeing that he had sent an email to him earlier requesting permission for me to stay on the job in the first place. 

By the way, my name is David and in case you are wondering what this story is all about, kindly read the original version in 1st Samuel 16:14-23; 17:1-58; chapters in the bestselling Book, the Bible which I have a hunch you most likely already have. In it, you can read other stories about my life. In case you don’t have one, you can definitely find one in your city, town, state or country. If for any reason you still don’t find one, please permit me to ask you – what planet are you on anyway? 

Cast of characters: 

Me – David 

My Dad - Jesse 

My Brothers – Eliab, Abinadab and Shammah. 

 My Boss – King Saul 

Members of Staff – Soldiers (armies of Israel) 

Index of terms 

D&G – David and Goliath 

Caretaker – Shepherd 

Clients – My Father’s Sheep 

Resume – a servant’s testimony to Saul about Me (family heritage, musical skill, valiant man, fighting, eloquence, debonair and His presence) 

Music Producer/ Strings – Harp Player 

Crisis situation – distressing spirit from God came troubling Saul 

E-mail to My Dad – word sent to Jesse 

 Personal Assistant – Armor Bearer 

University Degree – Army Weapons and Battle Experience 

HND from Kaduna Polytechnic – Sling 

Company Apparel - Saul's Armor 

Oasis Resource Centre – the Brook 

5 Books/Reference materials – 5 Smooth Stones 

Past successes of less crucial magnitude – killing of the lion and bear 

Project Executed – Goliath 

Company behind project – Philistia 

Document on project/Strong points – Sword (What it takes to kill the giant is in the giant) 

Finished document – Goliath’s head 

Appendix | Nuggets from the battle field. 

You are “Nigeria” as much as David was “Israel” and Goliath was “Philistia”. When people see you, they see your company, your culture, your God etc. When you win, your country (and all you stand for) wins. 

When you don’t insist on the kind of life you want to have, you by default go the way of your ancestry. 

May God do something through you that will make people who know your father already ask again in amazement, “who is your father”. 

It’s not the situations that come our way but how we choose to react to it that determines the ending of the story. The difference between two soldiers is not their uniforms but the way they handle a threat from the enemy. 

Can your dressing in anyway assist you on the battle field of morals and first impressions? 

Would your belief in chastity, moral rectitude and integrity be well voiced if you didn’t have to use words but had to rely solely on the way you appeared? 

Dear Sister, there are clothes of your size. Why would you wear something that would make people wonder how you got in? I think your clothes should tell people you are wearing it and not that it’s wearing you. When men “knock” with their eyes, your clothes shouldn’t seem to invite them to “come in”. 

People can only describe you. They shouldn’t define you. Goliath called the army “servants of Saul”, David called them “armies of Israel” 1 Sam. 17:8, 45. 

If you are not saying anything, you are not creating anything. David created surprise (amongst other emotions like fear perhaps) with his words to Goliath. – 1 Sam. 17:45 

Rehearse past victories (Rev. 12:11) in the face of oppositions. If the Unchanging One (Heb. 13:8.) did it then, He can do more now. 

Ps: 

If the above story passes as a passage from a version of scripture, what version would you suggest it be called? Just for the fun of it. 

Thanks for reading this version of the story of Goliath and the real giant aka David. 

Cheers! 

- ‘Bayor

MY PASTOR MY FRIEND (2)

I’ve had memorable days in all of my years,
Some filled with laughter, some filled with tears.
Some of them I remember, others I wish to forget,
Seeing that instead of joy, these ones brought regret.
But there is a day which stands out from the rest,
This was the day I came to know one of God’s best.
I remember that day as though it didn’t end,
It was the day I met my pastor, the day I met my friend.

When I walked in that day through the doors of the church,
I seemed to have entered his heart, as I left the porch.
Somehow though, he didn’t need to walk into mine,
It just felt like he has always been there from time.
I had walked in as a reject and a nobody,
Wanting to see how I will blend in with everybody.
He taught me that I’m not just anybody,
He made me see that in God, I am indeed somebody.

He believed in my dreams before I knew I had any.
He’s more than Joseph, his interpretations bring liberty.
Much more than a baker, he’s skillful in making bread,
Not the one you’ll take with tea; this kind gets your spirit fed.
Much more than a butler, he’s there to serve you wine,
Not like those from breweries; this one comes fresh from the vine.

What can I say about his spirit of excellence?
How can I describe his wealth of competence?
He’s got character, courage, commitment, compassion,
He’s a great leader in words backed by action.
In diction and elocution, he’s just so winsome;
In looks and complexion, good Lord, he’s so handsome!

Sometimes I inevitably get on his nerves,
Times I feared I’ll get the punishment I deserve.
But in these situations he maintains a calm reserve,
The friendship we share, he would rather preserve.
With gentle words and the maturity he shows,
He gives the rebuke so the child in me grows.

It might be easy to build structures and companies,
But only the truly sent can build lives and destinies.
They make you do much more than what you intend,
They are a few, like the one I call my friend.
So who is this my friend, you might say,
The one I’m speaking about this Lord ’s Day.
More than an acquaintance, he’s such a sweetheart,
He’s my pastor, my friend, his name is GoodHeart

MY PASTOR MY FRIEND (1)

My pastor is a man I see in different lights.
He’s blessed by God with deep insight.
When I’m like a starved sheep in dire need,
God’s Word from him is like succulent feed.
When I feel my search for nurture is complete,
He shows me there’s much more beneath my feet.
He prefers that I don’t run with the herd,
At such times in my life, he is my shepherd.

In seasons of life when like a defeated athlete,
I lay on the floor, intending to quit.
At his counsel I’m strengthened to take it on the chin,
He helps me to remember it’s not over until I win.
With his drills and exercises, mental and spiritual,
I build muscles of endurance and resilience to every trial.
He’s more than a cheerleader in his approach,
He’s my trainer, yes, he’s really my coach.

When in life’s school, it’s like a tough semester,
With so much expected, like one in her third trimester,
He moves me gradually from problem to solution,
Initial stumbling blocks become stepping stones.
Line upon line and precept upon precept,
His instructions make me so much more adept.
These are the times that he’s more than a lecturer,
He brings me to school and he is my teacher.

In happy times of increase and blessing,
I see he’s not intimidated by my lifting.
Though he’s glad that I’m now experiencing comfort,
He’s not hypocritical to be quiet when I fall short.
To those places that I need to go that he’s been,
He shows me an easier path than it was for him.
These are the times that he’s more than a motivator,
Without a doubt, he is my mentor.

Whenever I visit the House of Bread,
I’m always nourished, always well fed.
That’s because whether or not he’s around,
He ensures there’s enough bread to go round.
Like a butler he sees to drinks being on each table,
The wine of the Spirit he pours for all to drink as able.
These are the times that he’s more than a baker,
More than a brother, he is my father

There’s more to him than the eyes can see,
So many things that he’s been to me.
But one thing he’s really been, that’s hard to comprehend,
Is how sincerely he’s always been my friend.
Only a friend would be all the above to me,
Yet relate with me with such great humility.
Handsomely crafted like a great work of art,
He’s a sweetheart, a brave heart, his name is GoodHeart.

Meet my Shepherd, meet my Coach,
Meet God’s servant without reproach
Meet my Teacher, Mentor and Father,
Meet God’s gift to the church like none other.
Meet my Pastor, meet my Friend,
Meet Revd. GoodHeart O. C. Ekwueme.

Dear Mr. Finisher

Thank You for the privilege to see yet another year end. Indeed, You only start what You’ve finished.
I remember those times at the beginning of the year when, being full of hope and aspirations, I wanted to take on all the good looking opportunities that came my way. Thank You for instructing me at those instances that not all that glitters is gold and not all gold glitters. This made me see the blessings of shut doors and open windows. I’m grateful Sir.
I also remember sometime in the middle of the year when I faced some tests I couldn’t comprehend. Those times when it looked like You went quiet on me because all my prayers seemed to “go into voicemail”. I’m glad You later helped me to understand that The Good Examiner doesn’t talk to His candidate during the exam. Not because He hates him but because He’s confident in both the things He’s taught him and the student’s ability to remember them.
When the end of the year drew near and I didn’t know what to make of the things I wanted that hadn’t come, thank You for reminding me that not every thing that is delayed depreciates in value. Sometimes, we don’t value time enough until we have to wait for it. A minute may seem small until it stands between us and a miracle. A time frame is more valuable with expectation at the end of it. Like vintage wine, passage of time causes growth of not just price but value. Thus, even if some of the items on my list are still not ticked, I’m grateful that You have ticked out all the items on Yours because You know the plans You have for me. Surely, I’ll tick out all items on mine before the year ends.
I would also like to thank You for reminding me that a prophecy isn’t what I’ll see when You do a thing but what You’ve done that I’ll see in time. You went on to say that a wait can become wasted at the last minute because, like someone meeting another person for the first time in a crowded place, everybody seems to be that person. So, I’ll wait until what’s mine arrives.
Looking back, I see that I’m not where I used to be and all worry about the rest of the journey fades away when I remember You are the one leading me. I’m effusively thankful that not only is this year ending well, this decade is ending even better. I could go on and on but please note that the brevity of my words in no way measure up to the intensity of my gratitude. Thanks so much.

Yours in writ,
‘Bayor
12/12/2010

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