Saturday, March 1, 2025
COMMUNION CONFESSION FOR HEALING, HEALTH AND VITALITY | MARTINA ADERONKE FATOGUN
Friday, February 14, 2025
The Buxom Tale | A Cautionary Valentine Story (Revised)
It was a few minutes to 6 PM, February 13th, 2009. I was completely drained—mentally and physically—and starving too. No surprise there: I’d spent nearly five hours perched on a makeshift wooden scaffold about 14 feet high (roughly three times my height), running trunk lines across the concrete ceiling of the BATV (Bauchi State Television) studio. That had been my life for the past week, and the workload was gradually sucking the strength out of me.
When I finally got back to my hotel, I grabbed my room key and headed straight up. My only plan was to crash early and recharge for the next day—another round of what felt like professional punishment. I was already fantasizing about a warm shower, picturing those gentle droplets hitting my skin and washing away the fatigue. My pace quickened with the thought.
Just as I got to my door, I noticed someone standing outside the room next to mine—a young lady casually dressed and scrolling through her phone. I assumed she either stayed in that room or was visiting someone who did. Out of courtesy, I greeted her. She responded with a voice so smooth and sweet it could've been recorded in B minor. Definitely a soprano.
I got into my room, ready to switch off from the day, but that random thought started knocking: "What if she’s... a working girl?" I shook it off—Nah, she looked too classy for that. Still, the thought lingered, and I found myself mentally rehearsing how to politely say "no" just in case. You know, the cool kind of “thanks but no thanks,” like the classic Kaduna bus bumper sticker: “Sorry baby, no time for love.”
I laughed at myself, took my shower, and chilled for a bit. Then I figured I’d hit a cybercafé to catch up on some emails and news while giving the hotel staff time to spray my room (those mosquitoes had been waging war on me the night before).
Before heading out, I picked up my trumpet. Oh yeah, I play. Didn’t have my Silent Brass mute with me, so I kept it low-key to avoid disturbing the neighbors. I value my solitude, so I was being careful not to be “that guy.”
Then came the knock.
It was the first knock I’d heard all week. I paused. Maybe it’s the staff coming to fumigate the room. Or worse—Maybe someone’s complaining about my horn practice? I quickly hid it out of sight and waited for a second knock. Nothing.
Curious, I opened the door.
No one.
Weird. I shook my head and turned to go back in.
Then I heard it: “Wait!”—a voice I instantly recognized. It was her. The soprano.
And there she was. Standing right in front of my door, blocking the hallway with her... presence. Her blouse couldn’t quite hide the lingerie underneath, and the sheer scarf on her head seemed more like a formality than functional. Her skin glowed, even without the sun, and her smile? Let's just say if it could be converted into electricity, Nigeria would never experience a blackout again.
Then she spoke: “Good evening.” And just like that, she stepped forward, like we were long-lost friends.
My brain kicked into hyperdrive. In a split second, I processed every Sunday school lesson, every sermon, every motivational quote, and every moral compass I’d ever known. I had a clear decision to make.
The little devil on one shoulder
whispered: “Relax, she just wants to talk. What harm could come from that?”
The angel on the other shoulder said: “Bro, think! There’s only one way in and one way out. She steps in, and that’s it—you’re cornered.”
So, with all the calm I could muster, and a voice a few octaves lower than usual (probably from nervous tension), I said, “Sorry, I can’t let you in unless I know what you want to talk about.”
She gave me a look—a mix of rage and disappointment—and simply said, “Okay,” before walking away.
At that moment, I knew I’d passed a serious test. I wasn’t about to be a Samson to this… let’s say, modern-day Delilah.
Later, I started second-guessing myself—Maybe I was too harsh? Maybe I should’ve been more polite? But that doubt evaporated days later when the hotel porter casually confirmed she was exactly what I’d suspected. Apparently, she’d been stationed there for the Valentine’s season—looking for “clients.” My room started getting knocks from strange men, mistaking it for her “office.”
That verse in Proverbs 6:26? Yeah, it made total sense now. “For by means of a harlot, a man is reduced to a crust of bread…” Spot on. I wasn’t about to be somebody’s dinner roll.
Anyway, I’m sure that won’t be the
last time I face a situation like that. But to anyone or anything like that in
the future, my answer is simple: “Odeeshi!”
No chance. Not now. Not ever. There’s too much at stake. The vision is too clear, the future too valuable, and the God I serve too worthy.
Sometimes, the biggest victories are the ones no one else sees—the quiet moments when you choose purpose over pleasure and conviction over convenience.
If this gave you a smile or sparked something in you, feel free to share. Someone out there might need this reminder.
Cheers,
– Bayor Emmanuel Martins
Initial post: The Buxom Tale - Power of thoughts
Saturday, February 1, 2025
50 DAY CHALLENGE | PART 1 | FEB. 01 - MAR. 22, 2025
Beloved,
For the next 50 days, commit to doing these 5 things before 5:00pm. Duration is roughly 50 minutes.
1. PRAYERS:
Pray at a stretch in tongues for at least 25 mins. Go for an hour whenever able. This excludes other prayers you plan to/already pray.
Matthew 26:40-41 NIV, Jude 1:20-21 AMP
2. READING:
READ the Bible ALOUD for at least 5 mins. See suggested Bible Reading Plans here. Please ensure you are hearing YOURSELF read the Word (even if it’s just a chapter). If you use an audio Bible, read a portion along and out loud.
2nd Tim 2:15 KJV, Psalm 119:11, 130 KJV, 1 TIM. 4:13 NIV
3. AFFIRMATION:
Speak over your 2025 Goals/Vision Board for 5mins. Remember to decree it like it has happened. (“I am” "I do" “I have”...not “I will”)
Job 22:28 NKJV, Habakkuk 2:2-3 NJKV, Romans 4:17 NKJV
4. EXERCISE:
Exercise for at least 5 mins. See suggested exercise video here or something simple you can commit to.
1st Tim. 4:8 NKJV, 3 John 1:2 NKJV
5. LISTEN:
Listen to something inspiring for at least 5-10mins. Could be a chapter from Proverbs using an audio Bible. If possible, avoid social media until this is done. Remember, our ears, eyes and mouth are gates. Censor what enters your heart in the guise of ENTERtainment.
Proverbs 4:20-27 NLT, Romans 10:17 NKJV, Psalm 141:3 NKJV
Thank you.
Bayor | linktr.ee/Bayor
Wednesday, January 8, 2025
A Turn Around | Repost
I had messed up—badly too—
Did things I swore I’d never do.
I left behind what once was mine,
Chased empty dreams, ignored the signs.
I wasted time, I lost my place,
And shame became my daily face.
But one day, truth began to speak—
It broke my pride, made me feel weak.
I knew I had to make things right,
Though all ahead was fear and night.
With trembling steps and heavy heart,
I turned around, a brand new start.
I didn’t think I’d be received,
For all the hurt, the lies believed.
But as I neared my broken past,
Grace met me at the gate—so fast!
No harsh rebuke, no angry word,
Just arms wide open—peace occurred.
I asked to serve, to just belong,
But love had planned a welcome song.
A robe, a feast, a joyful sound—
Redemption’s love had wrapped me round.
Though I had wandered far and wide,
He’d walked with me the whole long ride.
Initial Post: A Turn Around | Copyright © 2005 'Bayor Martins
Wednesday, January 1, 2025
TIME | A Rhymed Reflection | Repost
I strolled into a clock shop's space,
Where ticking hands set quite the pace.
Each clock displayed a different time,
Their chimes and ticks a varied rhyme.
One proclaimed, "It's nearly eight!"
Another said, "You're running late!"
A third chimed in, "It's ten o'clock,
Why are folks still in their socks?"
"Midnight now," a fourth one said,
"Yet no one stirs, all still in bed."
Confused, I watched their hands debate,
Each confident, none seemed to wait.
Amidst the noise, a silent face,
An old clock stood with humble grace.
Dust-covered, aged, and set apart,
Yet something stirred within my heart.
It whispered, "I am Truth, the Way,
Consistent through both night and day.
These others tick with fleeting might,
But I remain, the constant light.
They claim to know, yet miss the mark,
Their hands just spinning in the dark.
Twice a day, they might be true,
But I am steadfast, through and through.
My time is near, the end is nigh,
When truth will shine, and falsehoods die.
For those who walk the path I tread,
Eternal light lies just ahead."
Awakened from this vivid dream,
I pondered what these visions mean.
A call to share, to spread the word,
To live the truths that I had heard.
A chosen soul, a voice to raise,
To guide the lost through life's maze.
From shadows into radiant light,
To stand for truth, to do what's right.
So if you hear this humble rhyme,
Reflect upon the sands of time.
Embrace the path, let go of strife,
And find in Him eternal life.
Initial Post: Time | © 12th February 2001 by 'Bayor Martins
BIBLE READING 2025
Welcome to a Grace-filled 2025!
Please join a vibrant community of believers as we read through the Old and New Testament simultaneously. We will be honored to have you join!
Please click here for the BibleProject | Old Testament In One Year Reading Plan
Please click here for the BibleProject | New Testament In One Year Reading Plan
Thank you and do enjoy a Grace-filled 2025!
Ps.
Please feel free to share this with family and friends.
Wednesday, December 25, 2024
JINGLING BELLS | REPOST
The bells are ringing, the sound is tingling,
Through ancient times, the hope was mingling.
A tale began—so bold, so bright—
Of a baby born one holy night.
Not in gold or royal flair,
But in a manger, cold and bare.
A virgin bore, yet none could see,
The weight of heaven’s mystery.
He came so meek, He came so small,
Yet destined to redeem us all.
To those with hearts prepared and wide,
He stepped in low—but changed the tide.
He feeds His flock with strength divine,
By God’s own name, His power shines.
The bells are ringing—do you hear?
The angels sang, the sky drew near.
Out in the fields, shepherds stayed,
Watching flocks through night’s parade.
Then light exploded, truth unfurled:
The Savior King had hit the world.
Not new, but true—this child, this Son,
Born to rule, the Holy One.
The government upon His frame,
He crushed the dark, exposed its shame.
But oh, the serpent schemed and struck,
Thought he'd win with cross and muck.
He cheered as blood ran down the tree,
Blind to heaven’s strategy.
At Calv’ry's hill, he called it done,
But God had planned a greater run.
Death got quiet, hell grew still,
When Jesus rose—it broke their will.
Back in the days of priest and veil,
The High Priest entered, frail and pale.
If bells still rang, the man yet breathed,
But if they stopped—he was beneath.
Our High Priest walked into that place,
And hell looked up—beheld His face.
And still the bells—they rang, they rang,
As heaven’s host in triumph sang.
Now hear it loud, the sound is clear,
He's coming soon—His time is near.
Creation groans, the earth stands by,
To see the King return on high.
Let those who’re holy, holy be,
Let righteous walk in purity.
For He brings reward in hand,
And judges works in every land.
So now, my friend, where do you stand?
To the right—or left-hand band?
The final bell is yet to toll,
The trumpet blast will shake your soul.
Now is the time to make things right.
The day is bright—but comes the night.
The bells are ringing… ringing… RINGING—
While heaven waits, and saints keep singing.
Initial Post: Jingle Bells © 23rd December 2001 by 'Bayor Martins
Monday, December 23, 2024
Bible Project | One Story That Leads To Jesus | Day 358 | The Revelation | Revelation 21-22, Psalm 48
Bible Project | One Story That Leads To Jesus
Suggested Video
Day 358 | The Revelation
Revelation 21-22, Psalm 48
Article
The New Heaven and New Earth as Depicted in Revelation 21-22
Resources
Bible Project Videos | YouTube Playlist
Sunday, December 22, 2024
Bible Project | One Story That Leads To Jesus | Day 357 | The Revelation | Revelation 19-20, Psalm 47
Bible Project | One Story That Leads To Jesus
Suggested Video
Day 357 | The Revelation
Revelation 19-20, Psalm 47
Resources
Bible Project Videos | YouTube Playlist
Saturday, December 21, 2024
Bible Project | One Story That Leads To Jesus | Day 356 | The Revelation | Revelation 17-18, Psalm 46
Bible Project | One Story That Leads To Jesus
Day 356 | The Revelation
Revelation 17-18, Psalm 46
Resources
Bible Project Videos | YouTube Playlist