Two Hearts and a Queen

Justin and Amber have been good friends. Justin is not in a relationship at the moment but Amber has always been in a relationship with Peter and they were engaged about a year ago.

On Justin's part, he just wants the best for Amber because she's like a sister to him and he believes Peter is suitable for her although Amber and Peter have been friends before he – Justin, became close to Amber.

On Amber’s part, she also wants the best for Justin because he’s like a brother to her and she had even advised him about the ladies in his office that were his choices in times past. She gave him tips on knowing what a woman really wants and how to be more expressive as a friend to the ladies he wanted to have a relationship with.

Amber confided in Justin sometime ago that Peter isn't really her kind of guy and in fact she had told him on one occasion that they should part ways for a while. Justin encouraged her to work it out with him by letting her know that every man has potential. Justin said this sincerely thinking that perhaps it was just one of those turbulent times in their relationship. There is hardly anytime Justin doesn't ask after Peter when he gets to talk to Amber.

The other day, while Amber was with Peter, they called Justin just to thank him for being there for her because she had told Peter about all the times that he went out of his way to help her when she called for it. Peter lives in another city and this call was made when Amber went over to that city for a function being an itinerant consultant herself. Justin believed they were making plans for marriage already.

Recently, the thought of Amber wouldn't leave Justin. He had a feeling something was wrong. It was then that Justin noticed Amber was a little too quiet and reserved for comfort especially because she’s a vibrant and bubbly personality. So, in his usual friendly gesture to his pals, Justin asked Amber what the matter was. After a while she reluctantly told him she had broken up with Peter. This came as a rude shock to Justin and he tried to get answers from her but she seemed to be going through the motions and was unwilling to be too vocal about it.

You see, just last year, Justin had such an experience with a lady and his hurt drove him to struggle with praying, relating with people and to an extent, performing up to par at work. Now, he’s seeing his dear friend going through the same circle and he doesn’t know what to do about it.

Now, this would have been easier if Justin didn’t love Amber that much. She epitomizes everything he wants in a woman and in fact, in one of their BBM chats, Amber made fun of him saying “I can see that you love chubby and fair ladies...” given his choice of women in the past. They laughed this away but if only she had looked in the mirror that moment, she would have seen that she had unconsciously become his yardstick for women.

Justin had been searching for "the one” for quite some time and here’s his dear friend, Amber like the proverbial man in the pool of his own blood who was helped by the Samaritan. Justin is caught between decisions; he could be the Priest who passed by the other side or the Levite, who came and looked but also passed by the other side. However, Justin wants to be the Good Samaritan, not riding on a donkey but on a horse, not wearing a robe but clad in faded armour. His armour isn’t shining because he’s had his metal tested and his muscles trained.

His heart is racing. He doesn’t want to lose Amber and also doesn’t want to seem like an opportunist. He respects Peter and wouldn’t want to be the “frenemy” Peter never knew. He’s trying to motivate Amber to get back on track with Peter but perhaps she's determined to walk away from the dried brook. He feels guilty that he wants to have her so early after a breakup that he sincerely thought was going to end up in marriage. He wants to know what caused the breakup just to see if he’s qualified to be Amber’s “ideal man” whilst thinking to himself "will I also end up like Peter?" He nurses fears of being misunderstood by Amber if he makes his move on her now seeing that she may still nurse feelings for Peter although all he wants to do is take her to the clinic on his horse. Unlike the Good Samaritan however, he doesn’t plan to leave her there. He wants to hang around and be the first face she sees when she wakes up from this emotional queasiness. He wants to be the doctor at the clinic and the owner of the clinic which by the way, has no other patients because it isn’t a hospital but his home...

Now, if you’ve read this long, thank you so much but please I need one more favour; what would you want to say to Amber? Would it be the same thing you would tell her if you were in her shoes? Same goes for Justin? What would you say to him? Would it be different if you were in his shoes? Now, there’s also Peter. What would be your words to him? These people might just learn from your advice. Thanks for making them genuine and realistic.

Over to you...They’re listening.

-'Bayor

22.02.2013

Overturn | February 2013

February 2013

The Sun is ALWAYS shining!

If it's dark, the Earth just needs to turn!

"I will overturn, overturn, overturn, it: and it shall be no more, until he come whose right it is; and I will give it him." – Ezekiel. 21:27

As surely as the Night gives way for the Day, 

May all things TURN in your favour this month to ensure that you are Satisfied EARLY.

February has fewer days than the rest of the months; 

May your expectations this month manifest faster than you expect.

THIS is 2013 and "It's Morning; Ekaaro o!"

-'Bayor

Psalm 2013:1-12

To the Chief Musician. On a three-valved horn. A Psalm of Bayor.

1. May the LORD thy God bless thee and thy seeds.

2. They shall smite all thine enemies at the gate (plus those hiding in thine habitation).

3. Their names shall be great and although as their parents thou art great, very great, thine greatness will be a fraction of theirs in their generation causing men to call thee an exalted parent of nations.

4. All that thine heart desireth to see them be, do and have (not have, do and be), the LORD thy God will cause thine steps to be ordered into the right places, meeting the right people and executing the right plans for its actualization.

5. Thine head and that of thine spouse shall be lifted amongst thine equals in your time and the times to come.

6. Favor shall be the hallmark of thine times.

7. Thou art blessed and highly favored.

8. Mine heart rejoiceth at the knowledge of thee and the great things yet to come thine way.

9. I beseech thee to not let the book of the law depart from thine handheld devices, laptops and plasma tvs so that thou mayest continually lay the path for thine seeds and generations yet unborn.

10. Stay blessed thou highly favored vessel of the Maker of Heaven and Earth.

11. The Lord smiles on thee and a mind blowing testimony awaiteth thee on the other side of every act of obedience.

12. Thine experience shall be one of such that shall cause NATIONS to fear the LORD thy GOD whose you are and whom you serve.

-'Bayor

15.01.13

Your Excellency | Word and Worship Leaders

I have a measure of respect for presidents and kings who can cause men to rise to their feet in applause by the mere sound of their voice.

However, there are some people who by virtue of The Sound behind their voice; get even presidents and kings on their knees in worship of The King of kings.

They are called Worship Leaders or better still, 'Presence Bringers'...

To every True Leader in Worship or Word reading this missive;

Thank you for being a channel and a voice to this generation.

May the oil on your life ceaselessly flow.

May nations answer when you call for one.

May your supplies arrive before the need presses in.

May the Voice behind your voice and behind you be constantly audible and ALWAYS louder than the voices from the crowd and the noise of popular demand.

May that Voice which spoke the world as we know it into existence, accompany your every word to see that none of them falls to the ground.

Like a mirror, may people have to adjust to the right and proper way of living as they bounce their standards for life off the radiance of your pristine personality.

May the 'question-mark-issues' in your life that make people ask 'why?' concerning you, become exclamation marks that'll make people say 'this is God at work in your life!'

May the voices from lips that have the ears of kings and the attention of presidents, mention your name for good in the corridors of power.

May you indeed Finish Strong as one who wasn't merely singing or speaking about Him but rather as one who did so from an abundance of intimate and personal knowledge of Him.

May Heaven's applause of your welcome Home be much more than the sure celebration you'll get when you're full of years and your job's done on this side of eternity.

Thanks for being you Dear Minstrel.

I celeb-rate you; I rate you a celebrity. 

May you NEVER lose relevance. 

May you know HONOUR and FAVOUR from GOD that NO MAN can take credit for.

God bless you...and that's an understatement.

'Bayor

03.03.13 | 10.01.2013 | 03.01.17

On Board Flight FT2013

Dear Papa,

Even the ears of a deaf man under the sound of your voice during the Cross-Over Service would have popped open because simply put, that was HEAVY!

A plane can't travel faster than the pilot and even those in first class still sit behind the pilot...

As the Captain On Board Flight FT2013;

May your life EFFORTLESSLY be at the forefront of the breakthroughs in The Refuge of House On The Rock this year to the intent of being an infallible proof of the Fast Track Mandate.

May the Clarity of the Voice from Heaven's Control Tower to your heart this year be interminable as you receive orders to steer this plane in the direction of Heaven's Agenda.

May the Wisdom to give Divine Instruction which prevents destruction, rest on you as you marshal out directives to the "Cabin Crew" of Pastors, Ministers, Deacons, HOD's et al.

Dear Mama,

The passengers have no business knowing the discussions that go on between a Pilot and the Co-Pilot and in times of turbulence or situations needing a critical second opinion, the composure and counsel of the Co-Pilot matters...

  

As the Co-Pilot On Board Flight FT2013;

May the needed grace for words that are like apples of gold in settings of silver, rest on you profusely.

May the ability to hear not just the words but also the gestures of Captain PGH rest on you graciously.

You both see where we are going before we get there and you understand what those gadgets say although it makes no meaning to some of us...

May the grace to communicate the next step clearly to all on board, rest upon you lavishly.

Some of us fall asleep and even watch movies during the flight but you have no luxury of sort.

May the reward of diligence and dedication to duty, be CLEARLY seen in your lives by the time the flight is about land.

As a privileged passenger On Board Flight FT2013;

Permit me to say it's an honour to be on board a flight steered by competent hands.

Awaiting instructions aye!

-‘Bayor

 02.01.2013

An Open letter to Mrs. Bayor Martins | 2013 Epistle

My Treasure,

It’s obvious I’m missing you deeply and can’t wait for us to see. How was your visit to the Fatogun’s? I hear Opeoluwa is now almost your height and Taade’s twins are also enjoying the holidays. Good to know dearie. Did Connie and GoodHeart get to visit Disneyland with their cousins the second time yet? If not, no worries. We’ll go together when I arrive. I’m sure Connie wants daddy around this time also. By the way, I’ve shifted my arrival forward. I’m not sure I can wait that long before seeing you and our children. I am really enjoying my time in His presence and in fact, this missive is to share with you some of the things I’m hearing the Spirit say about this wonderful year 2013. Honey, I can’t really quantify my joy and delight on receiving the various things He had to say about 2013. This God eh? Anyway, make I attempt to gist you small.

You remember how all through last year, He kept saying it was “Glory Dawn”? well, I started asking toward the end of 2012 what He had in mind for this year and one of the things I heard in my spirit was “the Sun changes everything”. I kept wondering what this meant until I understood that the dawn may be confused for sunrise until the leading edge of the sun itself appears above the horizon. This was when it suddenly occurred to me that the twelve months of 2012 were more or less like twelve minutes of twilight between the Glory Dawn of 2012 and the Morning Glory of 2013. O babes, I just dey happy as that Word come. He didn’t stop there o, he revealed several other things that lead to the January “text of the month” that I sent to my friends; The Great Ones. You remember the text read: “Changes of Teenage years are hard to hide. As we move from Glory DAWN to MORNING GLORY, May the next 7 SEASONS of change announce U! 2013: It’s MORNING! Ekaaro o” abi? Now let me try to highlight some of the things that lead to that text.  

Changes of Teenage years are hard to hide: Teenagers are bound to undergo not just physical but emotional changes. Thank God for the foundation we’ve given Connie and Goodheart so I’m confident they won’t follow the band wagon of teens that feel they know it all or can dress like crazy with trousers going down and skirts going up. Now, for this year, I believe we need to step up our walk of obedience and humility because I discovered that according to the Law of First Mention, the number 13 first appeared in Genesis 14:4: “Twelve years they served Chedorlaomer, and in the thirteenth year they rebelled” and I also found out that to write thirteen in Hebrew, they wrote two Hebrew letters: yod-gimel. And these letters signify the hand (outworking) of pride. Little wonder there’s this element of pride and “I know it all” that’s characteristic of teenagers who are those from ages 13 through 19. Speaking of which, that’s the reason for the line “May the next 7 SEASONS of change announce U” in that text. It’s seven years from 2013 to 2019, and should Jesus tarry, it’ll be years of abundance and of glorious and EVIDENT change in our lives and most especially in our nation – Nigeria. (He even reminded me about the message uncle FD preached during KMN years ago when he spoke about Nigeria being the most desirable nation to live in years from now. Similarly, while we were in Kenya, Daddy G.O. also said that very soon, when presenting the Green Passport at the airport, they won’t ask you to step aside because they want to search you again but because they want you to pray for them).

Furthermore, you obviously know more than I do that the changes of the teen years, especially in the female gender, draws attention to them (no wonder some of them play hard to get and overdo it till they are hard to find. Lol!). So, this informs me that the year is replete with favour and open doors.

Before I forget, abeg remind me to always end every monthly text this year with “2013: Ekaaro o!” or “2013: It’s Morning” because that’s the running theme more or less. I believe it is so because of the other phrases of that text which are “MORNING GLORY” and “It’s MORNING!”. Let me try and explain these also.

MORNING GLORY:  The sun has its glory (1^st Cor. 15:41). This is linked to the first thing He said about the sun that I stated earlier (i.e. the Sun changes everything). Two scriptures; Psalm 30:5b and Mal. 4:2, help to further clarify this. You know Psalm 30:5b says “weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning” right? Now, that implies that the sun can be a metaphor for joy. So, Shouts of Joy won’t cease from our lips this year. Also, Mal. 4:2 reads “But to you who fear My name the Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in His wings; and you shall go out and grow fat like stall-fed calves.” That reaffirms the Covenant of Health to us as a family dearie. When I come, we’ll study these things in detail but let me quickly highlight some other things I saw under this point.

Growth: The Sun facilitates growth in living things. The changes in a teen surely depicts growth and as the second passage states “...you shall go out and grow fat...”, in this year, I see God not just calling us to a deeper walk and intimacy of fellowship with the Holy Spirit, but also to an increase in capacity for the things he wants to do through, to, for, by and with us. There’s no growth if the bones remain young so we have to work on our spiritual structure. Studying the Word and Prayers must go to the next level. I thank God for your amazing depth in these areas but there’s more my sweets, much more awaiting us. It’s a year of instructions and divine directives. Dearie, no dulling o. In fact, speaking of dull, another thing the sun connotes is Light which in this context would mean Revelation. You know, revelation runs circles around resolutions because revelation comes with an understanding of the purpose for the instruction. I’m saying this based on the scripture; Psalm 119:130.

Now, I also found another thing interesting baby girl; it’s the same sun that is much needed in the cold regions on earth for warmth that could literally be a torment in other parts of the earth (in fact I no understand Abuja weather these days o! Like say na rain during Easter wan fall ne or na dry season? Hia! ). Thus, the sun is many things to many places. This also informs me about the year 2013: it will be quick judgement on the wicked and vindication for the righteous.

You know say our gist nor dey gree finish na so we go dey talk more when we see but make I just quickly mention wetin I understand by “It’s MORNING”.

Several things happen (or should happen) in the morning. First of all, people wake up! This speaks of coming back to reality. Getting into the place of doing something about the dreams you’ve been having. (abeg, remind me to play you the demo of the single I’m planning to (and surely must) record with Gospel this quarter for radio play. You go like am!) It’s a time to live consciously. Baby girl, time no dey o! When we enter 2013 sef? Three weeks don waka fa! Tor!

Now, another thing that happens in the morning is that ideally, people should have their breakfast and go to work. Breakfast, they say, is the most important meal of the day and this buttresses the need for study and prayers alluded to earlier. "Give us our daily bread" as you know isn't a prayer merely for the physical seeing that He's the bread of life. In that same Mal. 4:2, we see “and you shall go out and grow fat like stall-fed calves.” Like PGH so adroitly put it, this is a year to work hand in hand with God because  manna won't fall anymore. We must now put seed in the ground and water it. God’s always going to give the increase. We need to get out of our comfort zones and live to do more for the kingdom. Similarly, while at work, it’s good to do first things first. We can’t have Fast Track if we’re on the wrong track. Prioritizing and time management is key. At the office, although some colleagues can be a distraction yet we still need others to achieve more. And like PGH has been reiterating, this year, we should place a premium on networks, alliances, allegiances and relationships. Let me stop here for now.

Darling, I’m sincerely trusting God for a now word for every monthly text from February onwards fa! I want to write more and send more this year but only as led because like during Christmas last year, I felt that when everyone is saying something, no one is being truly heard. Se I told you about the anonymous payments into the account because of those texts ba? In fact, among several other comments, I also got a call from a great man in Kaduna telling me not to stop sending these messages because they are making such impact that I may have no idea about. Whenever I feel like quitting, I remember that somebody out there may just need a word from God and I am ever so humbled that He’ll choose to use this gift and my music to reach out to people. I believe God indeed heard the simple prayer I prayed in 2001(or is it 2003?) when I needed a phone and told God to give me one so I can send text messages. Well, it's all good.

Before I "drop my golden pen" (why you dey laugh na?), Honey pie, thank you for being there for me always. If I attempt to articulate all that you have been and still are to me in these many years (which feels like two weeks by the way) of our being married, I might end up writing a book dearie. Thank you for being my friend for life. Thank you for being such a wonderfully-made companion and close confidant. Thanks for being such a great mother; How you manage being more or less a sylph after the children beats me. I know the healthy diet and exercise play a part but I think your walk with Him adds that extra touch that makes you so pristine. It's easier to remain fit with a weight under 60kg by just being with you. Little wonder I always look forward to our weekly date night. I’m sure Constance Martins is telling everyone in heaven about you. Thanks for dressing like a real woman on her way forward to Heaven and not backwards to Eden. Thank you for being my support because every head needs the neck. Thank you for being my glory like Paul stated in 1^st Cor. 11:7. Thank you for such a deep seated passion and love for the kingdom. Thank you for releasing me occasionally to seek His face. Thank you for being such a "Proverbs 31" woman. If, as they say, men don't know how to say "I love you", it may just be because not all men know you. Another reason I'm excited about the future is because you are in it. If I had my way, I would write it on my blog and all available social media to all that care to know that I am the most favored man alive and the reason is not far fetched: I married you!

I love you honey. More gist when we see jare.

xoxo

 - 'Bayor 

2013: It's Morning!

The changes that occur during the teenage years of an individual are easily noticed. As we move from Glory DAWN 2 MORNING GLORY, may the next 7 SEASONS of change (the teenage years of 13 to 19 are seven in number) announce you!

2013: It’s MORNING! Ekaaro o!

Mary’s Little Lamb | The Lion King

As a Child He came, a Lamb born in a manger,

Coming to His own, yet was treated like a stranger.

He grew in wisdom and stature, in favor with God and man,

He was in a perfect disguise; God as Son of Man.

His passion was for sinners, to redeem all from the curse.

The ‘saints’ called Him a blasphemer and nailed Him to the cross.

They hung Him high, spread him wide, a crown of thorns He wore.

The Father had to turn His face because man’s sin He bore.

The pain was great because they hadn’t separated before,

The sky went black, then an earthquake, the temple’s veil also tore.

Being dead, He was buried and it seemed like a tragic end of His story.

But three days later, mankind witnessed the greatest event of history.

He was risen, death’s sting failed and the grave lost its victory.

A few were there to see the Son of God ascend into His glory.

While they watched Him ascend, two men in white suddenly appeared,

“This same Jesus who has been taken from you into heaven...” They said,

“...will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven”.

His coming this time won’t be as silent as it was back then,

A trumpet blast will be the final call to rapture all His own.

Those that claim to know Him but don’t, He’ll surely disown.

He came as a Child; like a Lamb born in the manger,

But He’s returning as a Son; like a Lion roaring in anger.

The time is near, obviously, the last days are indeed here.

Look around you, it’s evident in the news that we hear.

Dear reader, I believe the message is clearly understood,

The Son of God became the Son of Man so sons of men could become Sons of God

He came as a Child; a Lamb not seeking the Saints but going for sinners,

He's coming as the Son; a Lion not seeking sinners but going with the Saints.

-'Bayor 

24.12.2012

TAKE OVER | GAME OVER

Debby (Bukola aka Precious1), my younger sister became a mother on Sat. 8th Dec to a handsome dude and we were still celebrating the breakthrough over delayed childbearing (more than a decade) in the lives of the women of the Martins family when the news came that Princess (Funmi), my immediate elder sister also became a mother to a fine gentleman in the early hours of Sun. 9th Dec 2012...(Most folks didn't even know she was pregnant...true to her name; Elizabeth)

Two boys - Valiant Men - delivered naturally in 2 of the 31 days in this miracle-filled "Double-Portion" December 2012.

The most interesting part is that God only starts what He has finished because He's the Alpha and Omega/Author and Finisher so the seeming delay in childbirth or marriage in the Martins family is a thing of the past.

We thank God because we are now more than sure that my chubby twin sister; Juliet Ade-Martins-Micheal Fanwo, is a Mother of Twins and we bless God also for one of the strongest African Women of Virtue & Faith I know, Martina Aderonke-Martins-Tunji Fatogun (Fruitful Vine), another Mother of Twins.

We thank God for those that prayed sincerely...God Bless You!

We thank God for those that prayed not so sincerely...God Bless You!

We thank God for those that spoke in care and true sincerity...God Bless You - you were sent to us after being on your knees before God!

We thank God for those that made snide remarks about the God we serve and the validity of His Call on the life of Daddy T. Ade Martins...God Bless You - you sent us to our knees before God!

To the eyes reading this message...

May God indeed do for you, what ONLY GOD can do BEFORE Jan 1, 2013!

May God's Christmas and New Year gift to you shock and make the world FEAR the GOD You serve!

May God do a Miracle for you that you'll not know HOW to Say "Thank You" to him again after saying it a million times over!

When God steps in, He doesn't take sides, He takes over and when He takes over, game over!

-'Bayor

To PGH with Love

Dear Papa,

Every new day, as announced by the never waning sun, I see myself thanking God for special people like you in my life that make remembering the days gone by worthwhile.

Your leadership, consummate in skill, has made it easier for me to approach life from a whole new perspective, allowing me to look into the horizon with the priceless feeling of knowing am a son.

Pictures of pleasant moments, like a continuously flowing stream of deja vu experiences, refresh my mind as they remind me of moments in time that you’ve literally held my hand in yours via counsel and instruction. These saw me moving from who I was to who I am and becoming.

When I saw myself as a kid, you called me a king. The child in me instantly became a champion when you showed up on the scene. Now, I see a tree in full bloom when I look in the mirror as against the twig I knew all too well.

Permit me to say, with all sense of appreciation and deep seated gratitude, these common words to an uncommon father…

“Thank you"

Love you loads! 

I celebrate you Pastor GoodHeart O. C. Ekwueme

-'Bayor