My Thoughts

Over the pass few days I've heard and read numerous comments on the Supreme Court's ruling on same sex marriage. Intially I was stunned and unsettled but now I am rejoicing. As I spent some time thinking about the potential consequences of this ruling, a number of scriptures kept coming to my mind. The Holy Spirit began to speak to my heart. 

For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. (Isaiah 60:2 KJV)

There is no denying that this are times of gross darkness, with the likes of ISIS, Police brutality, Religious/Racial-hate crimes, etc. As that scripture came to my heart, I remembered the words of my husband a few weeks ago as he taught on it. He said that "In the times of darkness, light shines the brightest". Those words echo through my being and I was encouraged, I was reminded that I am the light of the world (Matthew 5:14). Therefore in these times, I will not loose hope, I will not be discouraged, I will not comprise, instead I will position myself to shine!

I heard people make statements such as, "This is the beginning of America's downfall", "When God is done with America, Soddom and Gomorrah will be nothing", etc. I laugh to myself, because I know that America is preserved because we the righteous are here. I will not be moved because God's mercy will prevail over judgement as we believers arise and begin to intercede for our rulers and nation (1Timothy 2:1-4). We serve a God who knows the end from the beginning, this is not news to him. It reminds me of the portion of scripture that says the lamb of God was slain before the foundation of the world. God provided a solution to the sin problem ages ago, it still applies. The enemy thinks that he has won, but it is being turned for good. 

It is a critical time for America, a time of revival. Don't get it twisted, the Lord is always in control. 

All this energy issues from Christ: God raised him from death and set him on a throne in deep heaven, in charge of running the universe, everything from galaxies to governments, no name and no power exempt from his rule. And not just for the time being, but forever. He is in charge of it all, has the final word on everything. At the center of all this, Christ rules the church. The church, you see, is not peripheral to the world; the world is peripheral to the church. The church is Christ’s body, in which he speaks and acts, by which he fills everything with his presence. (Ephesians 1:20-23 MSG)

Indeed the church is not peripheral to the world, it's the other way around! I refuse to allow the enemy to use this ruling to turn us against each other. This is not a homosexual vs. church issue. I am not mad at what lifestyle you choose. I will not look down on you or condemn you, a sin is sin; whether it's lying, stealing, being angry, being fearful, murder, etc. The truth is I was once in your shoes I just chose a different set of sins, as a matter of we (believers) all were. If we were never sinners, we wouldn't have needed to be saved. Sin is not just an act, it's a nature. You can't expect a person to behave contrary to their nature, it's all they know.

I'll love you, I'll pray for you and I'll love you and pray for you and love you and pray for you....I won't give up because love is patient, I won't be mean because love is kind, I will be gentle with you because love doesn't force itself on others, I will not have an holy-than-thou attitude because love is not puffed up, I will never looked down on you because love always believes the best. I will love you! I will pray that you will discover what true freedom, like I did. I will pray that the scales will fall off of your eyes so that you can see the light and be enlightened.

So fellow believers, this is the time that the world has been waiting for. It is the time of manifestation for  us (the sons of God). It's time to love others absolutely regardless of their sexual orientation, color of their skin, their occupation, etc. it's our time to arise and shine as the light of the world. We are the salt of this nation, it will be preserved because of us. 

"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under GOD, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

The foundation of America is built on God, I prophesy that America will not fall, instead America will stand. America will be restored and receive mercy, this nation will return to God. The glory of the Lord is upon America. It's a new dawn for us.

God BLESS America!

And God bless you also!

- Bunmi


Wait before you go:


1. If you have not received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, life won't make any sense, it will be cold and empty. You deserve more! Take a few minutes and click on the 'Come to Jesus' tab at the top of the page and be saved!


2. Please leave a comment below, I'd love to hear from you!


3. You can subscribe to this blog and receive email updates once a new post is published by entering your email address in the 'Follow by email' section located on the right of this post.

4. You can share this post or previous posts by clicking on the respective social media icon on the right.

5. Follow me on twitter @BunmiAdebiyi_


6. Like my page on facebook: Bunmi Adebiyi

Going in Circles

My desire for a relationship lingered. Various suitors came around but none of them measured up to the "man of my dreams". I didn't want to settle, after all I've been through I wanted to be in a loving and fulfilling relationship. I still thought about Daniel often, in the back of my mind he was my husband and he'd wake up one morning and realized that he made a huge mistake and come crawling back. Well that never happened.

I was shocked when I discovered that he had been in a number of relationships after the breakup,  some of them with people that I knew. I tried to move on but I was stuck, I thought it was love but it was an obsession, I had settled. I believed that he was God's best for me. 

Imagine my shock and excitement when he sent me a text message saying "I miss you" about two years after the breakup. I had to reread the message a few times to make sure that I was not dreaming. His number was no longer saved on my phone but I knew it by heart. I delayed replying his text for time so that I didn't appear "easy" or "unbusy". I'm not sure of how I responded now but that text message led to a series of conversations. These conversations eventually led to us hanging out. 

The first time he invited me over to his house, I drove about an hour and half to get there without thinking twice. He initially suggested 'breakfast in bed' but he'd soon discover that the weak-timid-easy Bunmi no longer existed. So I declined, he then said that he'd cook breakfast for me. I was excited because when we were together he did not know how to cook to save his life. When I arrived at his house, I was surprised that he actually made a delicious meal. He treated me like a queen, he served me, etc. We enjoyed each other's company, he seemed to have change or maybe it was a figment of my imagination. After a few hours, we said our goodbyes and exchanged a big hug. That hug lived on in my memory and gave me some hope.

Shortly after I discovered that he was actually in a relationship, I was heartbroken. But he kept contacting me and inviting to spend time with him. I asked him about the state of his relationship one day and he instantly got defensive, stating that he loved his girlfriend and all was well with his relationship. Yet when he was lonely or bored, he'd call me. And of course being unwise I'll go running to him, secretly hoping that he'd drop his girlfriend and choose me. The picture of us living happily ever after kept me going. Even though I saw things about him that concerned me, I was willing to deal with it. 

Our so-called relationship continued for a few months, there were no titles or strings attached. I'm not sure why I continually subjected myself to the torture but he led me on. One day we got into an argument while I was visiting him, I don't remember the details but I stormed out. During that visit he also tried to kiss me, but I was not having it. I wasn't going to fall, I've come to far. 

I went home that evening feeling annoyed and foolish. We stopped communicating for some time. However, we both went to Nigeria for Christmas a few months later and somehow got in touch. We agreed to meet at the mall, it was very brief and uneventful. We agreed to meet another time at a restaurant, I came with a few friends and he did the same. We chilled, talked, had drinks, and went our separate ways. 

I saw him a few days later at a wedding, to my astonishment he was with his girlfriend. I could not believe that he came to Nigeria with his girlfriend yet he was still contacting me. I was devastated through out the entire event, I couldn't enjoy myself. I felt like disappearing into thin air.

The next time we spoke I told him that he had to choose, I refused to be on 'side chick' status. It turned into a big argument, we went back and forth for hours. At one point I found myself practically begging him to choose me. I explained to him why I was the best option, etc. I told him that I was the one that could help him become a better man and fulfill his purpose. His response shocked me, he told me that he wanted me to prove that I was the better option. I asked him how and he indirectly told me that I had to have sex with him.

At that point, I lost it and told him that I didn't want to have anything to do with him any longer. I had prayed and made up my mind that I was not going to go into a new year with this confusion. I had finally let go, I didn't want anything to do with him anymore. I was done! He had me fooled once, he succeeded to fool me twice, I wasn't going to continue in this shameful mess, I deserved much better. As I said goodbye to that year and welcomed the new year, there was a glimpse of hope for me. A day before I left Nigeria I met someone new, he seemed perfect. He was tall, handsome, a Christian, and had a good job. I was ready for a change, I was ready for something new. 

You're blessed!


- Bunmi


Wait before you go:


1. If you have not received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, life won't make any sense, it will be cold and empty. You deserve more! Take a few minutes and click on the 'Come to Jesus' tab at the top of the page and be saved!


2. Please leave a comment below, I'd love to hear from you!


3. You can subscribe to this blog and receive email updates once a new post is published by entering your email address in the 'Follow by email' section located on the right of this post.

4. You can share this post or previous posts by clicking on the respective social media icon on the right.

5. Follow me on twitter @BunmiAdebiyi_


6. Like my page on facebook: Bunmi Adebiyi

You're Gifted

Each one, as a good manager of God's different gifts, must use for the good of others the special gift he has received from God. (1 Peter 4:10 GNT)

God has created us all with something special to impact our world with. We were all created different to make a difference. There's something deep within you longing to find an expression. It's crying out "Set me free!" Someone is waiting for you to step out your comfort zone, they're waiting for you to arise and shine (Isaiah 60:1).

"There are people that are tied to your destiny, we've been saved, healed, delivered, and blessed to be a blessing. If you fail to arise, those people that are tied to you can't take their place in destiny."

A couple of years ago, someone told me something similar to the above statement. I was stunned and became speechless. "Who me?" I thought to myself. Deep down within, I knew that her words were not ordinary but prophetic. Those words became my driving force; my new mission became to live to serve others. I could not sit back and watch other people live a sub-standard life because I was too scared to take the spotlight. I made up my mind to no longer live "behind the scenes". I am created for glory and honor so I had to step out and begin to shine. 

We all have unique gifts, God gave them to us. These gifts were given free so that we can give them out freely. Don't ever for one second believe the lie of the devil that says that there's nothing special about you. The opening scripture tells us to use our gifts for the good of others, not to compete against or envy one another but for good. Ever since I was a little girl, I've always desired to be a singer but I could never hit the right note. I'd pray to God to touch my voice and envision myself on stages ministering to thousands. Then I woke up one morning and smelled the coffee, I accepted that singing wasn't my gift. Instead I appreciate and celebrate those who have that gift, and by the grace of God I will even sponsor people with this gift.

While Jesus was on earth, the bible says he went about doing good (Acts 10:38). He didn't go around bullying people while flexing his powers. He didn't go around saying "Hey! Look what I can do" and rubbing it in people's faces that he was the son of God. Instead he used his gift of salvation to save people from their diseases, false doctrine, the power of the enemy, death, and lack. He went around meeting needs with his gift. He humbled himself, came down to the Earth that he created to save those that he created. Yet he remained silent as he was led to the cross by those that he came to save, they taunted him and called him names but he didn't budge (Isaiah53:7). Oh how I love Jesus! His love for us is amazing! 

As believers we are one body with Jesus as our head (1 Corinthians 12:12). We should be encouraging and celebrating each other. When one part of the body shines, we all do (1 Corinthians 12:26). We are a team with a joint mission to showcase God's glory. Enough is enough the world is waiting for us to take our place (Romans 8:19).

Discover your purpose and walk in it! Yes I know you have bills to pay, God his also aware of this fact. He's given us the secret, make God's kingdom (doing his Will) your priority and ALL of the things you need will be given to you (Matthew 6:33). He's the greatest employer; he'll never withhold your wages. You'll reap what you've sown. Your destiny is great, it's in the pursuit and actualization of it that'll you'll attain greatest. Your gift makes room for you (Proverbs 18:16). It brings you to a place of prominence, a place of influence, a place of multiple impacts, and a place of honor. By manifesting that gift, man will celebrate you. This is how you'll leave behind a legacy and an inheritance that generations to come will thank God for (Proverbs 13:22).

What's your gift? If you've discovered it go ahead and take a leap of faith. I promise you won't fall, you may stumble a few times by God is right there catching you in his arms. Pray for direction and clarity; be open to what the Lord is saying. Don't be afraid, if you do God's Will his way and in his timing, it is impossible for you to fail.

If you haven't discovered your gift, no worries. Go back to the master of creation. Your maker is the only that can reveal what he created you for. Go before him in prayer and he'll show you. Trust me, it'll be a beauty to behold. It may stun you a bit but don't be alarmed, your path in life is supposed to be bright (Proverbs 4:18). You may not be able to see the entire picture at first glance, but keep looking and walking toward it, it'll become clearer.

Confession: In the name of Jesus, I declare that the grace (gift of God) finds expression through me. I prosper in the Will of God for my life. Amen.

Prayer starter: Heavenly Father, I thank you for the gifts that you've deposited within me. I pray for clarity and wisdom to fulfill your purpose for my existence in Jesus' name. Amen.

You're blessed!

- Bunmi

Wait before you go:

1. If you have not received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, life won't make any sense, it will be cold and empty. You deserve more! Take a few minutes and click on the 'Come to Jesus' tab at the top of the page and be saved!

2. Please leave a comment below, I'd love to hear from you!

3. You can subscribe to this blog and receive email updates once a new post is published by entering your email address in the 'Follow by email' section located on the right of this post.

4. You can share this post or previous posts by clicking on the respective social media icon on the right.

5. Follow me on twitter @BunmiAdebiyi_

6. Like my page on facebook: Bunmi Adebiyi  

                    

The Word Works Wonders

Hello folks,

Thank you so much for reading this blog.

At times I get discouraged or overwhelmed with all that's going on around that I feel like quitting. 

However when someone sends me an email or a message on one of my social media platforms and tells me that they've been blessed by my blog, I'm encouraged.

To all my consistent and inconsistent readers, I want to say THANK YOU! To my new readers, YOU ARE WELCOME! 

                                                      I LOVE YOU ALL!!!

As you read the blog please feel free to leave a comment at the end of each post, that would be more encouraging 😉.

Now unto today's post.

I've shared in previous posts my struggles with: low self esteem, a poor body image, premarital sex, pornography, and masturbation.

The Lord laid it on my heart to share practical steps on how I overcame it all.

I want to start off by saying that the devil is a terrible liar. He wants you to believe that you're the only one going through these things or that it is okay to go through it. He will feed with the "Everyone's doing it" lie at a drop of a dime.

I believed both lies at different points, which led to me not being able to seek help. I suffered in silence for many years. I knew that what I was doing was wrong but I couldn't stop.

No matter how much I fasted, prayed and vowed to never do it again; I always found myself back to square one.

So what happened this time around? What did I do differently?

After the breakup, one of my mentors suggested that I go on Joyce Meyer's website to read different articles that would serve as a source of encouragement. I'm glad that I took her advice because I was tremendously blessed by Joyce Meyer's ministry. It gave me hope that better days were yet to come and that I would be healed.

Around that time I also stumbled upon a sermon on YouTube titled "No more sheets" by Juanita Bynum, it brought me to tears. Finally, someone understood me!

I began to spend a significant amount of time praying, studying the Word, and exercising. I had made up my mind that it was time for change and that I was going to come out of this's trial stronger, wiser, and better.

My major issue was low self esteem. It affected every aspect of my life, so I decided to tackle that first. I searched through the bible and found scriptures that told me who I was in Christ.

Such as:

I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. (Psalms 139:14 KJV)

Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. (Jeremiah 1:5 KJV)

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: (1 Peter 2:9 KJV)

I studied these scriptures and similar ones daily until I believed it. I would literally look into the mirror and repeat them to myself out loud. In a matter of weeks, I was a new person. The Word works! It's the only thing that has the power to change people (Hebrews 4:12).

Now don't misquote my previous statement, prayer and fasting works. But faith is the key to victory (1 John 5:4). You see, I never believed that I was beautiful, or smart enough, I never saw myself as unique or gifted. In my eyes, I was a "plain Jane" and I sentenced myself to an uneventful life, I settled. 

However, deep down within me I knew that I could be better and didn't have to daydream my way through life, but I didn't know how until the Word of God became apart of me. It became my awareness, it became my reality.

I started feeling so much better about myself, I saw myself in a new light, I saw myself in God's eyes. The weight lost and compliments from left, right, and center were also a plus. 

I thought that I was working on my self esteem alone but little did I know that God was perfecting everything that concerned me. I suddenly found myself so lost in God and his work that I no longer had a desire for pornography. Every time the thought of it came to my mind, I'd remind myself of who I was...a royal priesthood. I'd think to myself "kings don't do that". And then I'd focus on other things.

I also had to cut off certain friends that encouraged my bad habits, one in particular was extremely difficult. We were very close, we spoke almost everyday. But the Lord instructed me to cut her off for some time. It made sense, I couldn't change completely if my friend would call me and discuss her sexual escapades.

My choice of friends from that time onward was extremely selective. I chose friends that would build me up and encourage me in the way of the Lord. Thank God for friends!

When it came to the opposite sex, I was very careful with who I allowed to get close. If anyone showed interest, I'd pray about him. If God said "no", I wouldn't waste my time by giving him the time of day. In some instances it was easy, I wouldn't have to pray because it was already a NO when I saw him from a distance....lol...just joking 😀. But I always let them down easily, there's no need to be rude or mean 😊.

With the male friends that I did have, I always tried to keep a healthy distance. With extended times of fellowship comes intimacy. I learned that the hard way with one of my male friends during this time period. We got too close for comfort and one thing almost led to another on a few occasions. But thank God that we didn't go there. 

Slowly but surely I became more assertive, friendly, and outspoken. It was like a rebirth. I fell in love with myself. I remember that people that knew me prior would ask what happened, the would say that the old me was very awkward. 

Simply put....

It's the grace of God. The Word of God works, put it in your mouth and keep it in your heart. It will change you from the inside out within a matter of time. Keep at it, don't get discouraged even if it doesn't seem like it is working. The Word always works! Faith always works!

You're blessed!


- Bunmi


Wait before you go:


1. If you have not received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, life won't make any sense, it will be cold and empty. You deserve more! Take a few minutes and click on the 'Come to Jesus' tab at the top of the page and be saved!


2. Please leave a comment below, I'd love to hear from you!


3. You can subscribe to this blog and receive email updates once a new post is published by entering your email address in the 'Follow by email' section located on the right of this post.

4. You can share this post or previous posts by clicking on the respective social media icon on the right.

5. Follow me on twitter @BunmiAdebiyi_


6. Like my page on facebook: Bunmi Adebiyi

Block That Thought!

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (Philippians 4:8 KJV)

When you truly believe in something, it'll be obvious by your actions and the words that you speak. If you want to know the contents of a person's heart and know what they stand for, just spend a few minutes conversing with them and it will be evident(Matthew 12:34).

Our beliefs are formed by what we allow into our hearts; this is the center of our being, it's the control center of our lives. You are what you think (Proverbs 23:7). This is why the bible tells us to guard our hearts above all (Proverbs 4:23).

I used to be very emotional, sensitive and analytical. I rationalized everything and created scenarios in my mind that weren't necessarily true. Someone would tell me one thing and I would dwell on it for days, beating myself up and feeling terrible. When in reality the person probably didn't mean any harm. 

My heart was filled with anger, pain, shame, disappointment, lack of confidence and hurt. These feelings spilled over into my attitude and actions, I was extremely moody. As I began my walk with God he taught me how to change my thought pattern. 

I learned that I could control my thoughts. Someone may be thinking, "But at times, random thoughts just pop into my head." Well, I have good news for you today, there's a trick that works all the time. If you keep at it, you'll gain control over your thoughts. It's quite simple, every time a negative thought comes, speak! Once you speak, your mind will automatically refocus to what you said. Why don't you try it right now? Come say something and see what happens!

For example, these thoughts come to your mind "I am so broke right now, I have no money in my account, no one to help me out, I have tons of bills to pay, am I ever going to be financially stable?". Replaying those thoughts continually will only lead to sadness and discouragement. Instead, when such a thought comes, block it by boldly declaring "I AM BLESSED!", "The Lord supplies all my needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus!", "The Lord has given me all things richly to enjoy!"

You don't have to see it to believe it, in the kingdom of God "Believing is seeing". We don't rely on our five physical senses or try to be "realistic". Our reality is that God is our father and he loves us with an everlasting love. Our reality is that our father is willing and more than able to do exceeding, abundantly, and above what we can ask or think (Ephesians 3:20). We speak his Word to silence the enemy. His Word is true, it will always prevail.

Don't allow the voice of the devil or negative emotions to cloud your thoughts, they're all lies. The aim of those thoughts is to try to distract you and influence your belief system. Don't accept those thoughts, block them!

Keep your thoughts in check!

The Thought Checklist:

1. Is it true? (Can you find evidence in the Word of God to back it up? do you have proof?)

2. Is it honest? (Is it a rumor? Are you 'keeping it real'? Don't lie to yourself!)

3. Is it just? (Is it fair? Do you know all sides to the story? Can you come to a reputable conclusion?)

4. Is it pure? (Who or what does this thought glorify? God or the devil?)

5. Is it lovely? (Does this thought fill your heart with love?)

6. Is it of good report? (Are you focusing on the 'bad' and missing out on the good?)

7. Is it virtuous? (Is it honorable or morally good?)

8. Is it praise worthy? (Does it fill your heart with gratitude and your lips with praise?)

Confession: In the name of Jesus, I declare that my mind is blessed. Therefore my thoughts are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous and praise worthy. I control my thoughts with my words, I speak the Word of God. Amen 

Prayer starter: Heavenly Father, I thank you for giving me the power to control my thoughts. I receive revelation of your Word and grace to speak it at all times and silence ever contrary thought. In Jesus' name, Amen. 

You're blessed!


- Bunmi


Wait before you go:


1. If you have not received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, life won't make any sense, it will be cold and empty. You deserve more! Take a few minutes and click on the 'Come to Jesus' tab at the top of the page and be saved!


2. Please leave a comment below, I'd love to hear from you!


3. You can subscribe to this blog and receive email updates once a new post is published by entering your email address in the 'Follow by email' section located on the right of this post.

4. You can share this post or previous posts by clicking on the respective social media icon on the right.

5. Follow me on twitter @BunmiAdebiyi_


6. Like my page on facebook: Bunmi Adebiyi

Faith vs. Fear

For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. (1 John 5:4 KJV)

The Word of God tells us that we are more than conquerors through Christ (Romans 8:37). The GNT translation says we have complete victory through Christ that loves us. Without Christ we are failures, in him we are champions. You may be thinking "Well I don't feel or look like a champion" or a particular area of your life may be taunting you and calling you a looser. Trust me, I know the feeling!

Our opening scripture tells us that faith is what gives us the victory that overcomes. Yup it's that simple: FAITH.

This five letter wrong is often misunderstood. 


What Faith is NOT:

Faith is not a product of one's imagination.

It is not baseless hope or wishful thinking.

Faith is not pledging with God and being at his mercy

It is not trail and error

Faith is not based on people, places, or things

What Faith IS:

Faith is real (Hebrews 11:1)

Faith is a force

Faith is a weapon (Ephesians 6:16)

Faith always works

Faith is towards God (Hebrews 6:1)

Jesus is the initiator and perfecter of faith (Hebrews 12:2), he came to earth to show us how it all works.

What is Fear?

Numerous times in the bible we see the words "fear not"

This is because fear is a neutralizing force

It is the total opposite of Faith 

Some people define fear as "false evidence appearing real"

Fear is the father of doubt, indecisiveness, and worry

Fear is the devil's number one tool

The bible says fear has torment (1 John 4:18)

Fear cripples

Fear deceives 

Fear destroys

Why Faith?

Faith is fundamental

Faith is birth out of love

Where there is love, fear can not coexist

Faith is not far fetched, it is in you

We've been given the measure of Faith (Romans 12:3)

Faith as God has it, the exact same quality

God created us with the innate ability to believe 

To believe what eyes have not seen or what ears have not heard (1 Corinthians 6:9)

To believe in the impossible (Mark 9:23)

Don't ever for one second believe that you can't have faith
Don't let the devil rob you of what belongs to you 
Don't let fear seep in
Trust God, Faith always win!