I Just Got Robbed

Hey guys. It's the end of December and the end of the year 2015. For many the year might have been good, for some great! But however, if you feel this year has not been memorable, for one reason or the other, always remember that there are seasons when our faith and resolve is tested, our roots deepened and lessons taught us. Maybe 2015 was our year of strengthening. May 2016 be your year of flourishing.


I did promise you a feature post before the end of December, and I'm not about to dissapoint. Nelson Adewale Tokosi is our feature blogger for December, with the titled piece,"I just got robbed". 
Whenever you think that you have made some silly mistakes for which you deserve punishment and you suffer loss as a result of your own foolishness, always remember that God's grace rewrites history and covers your errors so much that the ripple effect of your actions turn out good.

God's grace covers our flaws, giving us an image of perfection. Rest in His mind-boggling love for you, take off the guilt and watch God turn your errors into successes. Watch God cheat the laws of nature on your behalf. I hope you enjoy this. I know I did.



"I just got robbed", by Nelson Tokosi

Hey! I just got robbed
But I shouldn't be announcing you see
I let the locks up 
And hung out the keys

Revel in my loss and sow in despair

This is what I get, it makes logical sense
I ran this ship, I'm bound to wreck

The Devil is a bandit
But God is a better thief
Cos what I deserve
He expertly steals

Not once, not twice even when precautions I take 
When I lock the door, He ubiquitously stays
Hacking my treasury, stealing my inferiority
I've been robbed, let me hurt
But no, He must rob me too
Apparently the hurt we carry holds some value

Hey! I just got robbed 
And I gave the assist
But though the Law is a bandit
His grace is a better thief.

"Prodigal"


Hey guys. Thanks for the positive reviews from last week. I am really glad you enjoyed yourself. Today though, the GI Playlist is taking center stage. Its time to go grab those headphones again!

The track introduced here is titled "Prodigal" based on the popular parable of the prodigal son. "Prodigal" is a lovely track for those times when we stray away from the Father's path prepared for us, as we go running off in the wind. Of course, we never know the implications of our decisions when our curiosity leads us deeper into sin as we are only little children full of confidence in our ignorance. Silly us.

However, as always, if we come back home to the Father, no matter how dirty and bloodstained our hands and bodies have been, He's always waiting for us even in our most desperate state. That's the confidence of every Christian, knowing that the Father's love is available in our struggle for perfection, anytime we realize our wrongdoing.

So there you have it. This song has a beautiful soft rock feel to it as well as beautiful composed lyrics. But, I'll leave you to be the judge of that.

Were you expecting a longer post? Noooo, I'm done typing. Its time for the music. 

Enjoy "Prodigal", by Casting Crowns. Click HERE to download.

And please!!! Drop a comment about the song when you're done listening. Blogging is worthless without your perspective. Thanks.

The GI Playlist



Hello to everyone reading this right now. The Godly Intellectual community is everyday growing and its good to know that fellow lovers of the art are out there.

Our "Feature Month" is coming up soon where the lovely readership get to bless us with their lovely talents, and I definitely am looking forward to it. GI will be touring the web for awesome, superb works of artists spread around to ensure a beautiful experience throughout December. So, do you have blog posts, art works, photography, poetry and music to showcase on the Godly Intellectual page? Please, please and please-did I say please? Yes please. Help us out by showing us the stuff you're made of. Request a slot by sending a message to www.facebook.com/godlyintellectual. Looking forward to viewing your genius.

Now we unveil the GI Playlist

There exists a small but teeming clique of musicians that have combined modern day genres of rock, rap, pop and country music poetic nature every musician must possess. Add in a teaspoonful of divine inspiration and you get mind blowing, crazily-awesome, Grammy-bagging, Billboard-topping hits that have broken the barriers as to what the definition of good, quality music is.

Well, our playlist captures the deep yearning for music, swimming in our hearts. GI plans on proving to you that your choice of music can go up a notch; to prove to you that music shouldn't only be for the sake of singing but can also make you a better you.

Alongside our feature posts, we would be dropping some really awesome music videos or lyric videos for your listening pleasure from the GI personal playlist. The faith this blog has is that our readers have the same taste and this would just be another addition of entertainment and art for the Godly Intellectual Community to feast on. It's music, lyrics and sounds from here on in. Prepare thy ears.

So guys, keep an open mind. Stay calm through the lyrical journey. Plus, feel free to make your feelings and feedback known. If the songs and artists I will be introducing make your ears hurt or sing you to sleep, either way let us know. The basis of blogging has always been the conversation. At least, that's why I do it. Let's share the beauty that is life. If not, then why do we exist?

Grab your headphones people! Its gonna be a lovely ride.

To the Unknown Girl

I miss you
Or at least the idea of you
I miss the fan that strikes my embers
The girl that calls me to be greater
Chest pumped high, spirit burning
Masterpiece carved out, making you the chisel.

I miss that girl that calls me up on my future
Who waits in the secret place and converses with our common Saviour
Who fits my idea of a virtuous woman
With sprinkles of sarcasm and dry humor on her creamy being.

Our spirits intertwined, out heartbeats correlating
She finishes my sentences and we laugh over jokes unspoken
I ask God for a befitting friend and also for a wife
Two for the price of one is what you get from Christ

I sweat hard, get up seven times
Sleeplessness is justified only by her eyes,
Yearning for the day I approach her Dad and day,
"Sir, this girl would make my future seem like a day
And my eternity like a glance passing away
She is my life, she is a god personified
She is the metal to my structure
She is on earth for me.
Let her marry me"

I see you in every girl
Fragments however don't make a whole, it hurts.
So I stay in pain and miss you all over again
I feel we have met and I strain
To look; yet it is never plain.
Where are you?
I miss you girl. I horribly miss you
Or at least, the idea of you.

Help! I killed the wrong guy.




I hold the gun, my hands shaking as I contemplate my actions. I know that if I pull the trigger, there would be no going back.

"Shoot him! Shoot him, you idiot!!!", my friends scream as I battle for clear reason. I look at the poor guy, a wretched, beat down carbon-copy of me. He seems pale, dejected, the scratches and blisters on his arms showing years of endless neglect. Is it possible that he actually stole from me? My friends claim so and even my family seem convinced that this childhood pal was more cunning and dangerous than I thought. Still, I couldn't help but ponder..."What if they're wrong?"

He looks at me through the yellowed sleep-deprived eyes within their sockets. I can see emotion in his eyes but not for fear of death but for something else, a more selfless cause. I couldn't understand it, in that split second but now that I look back, I know it was pity. He pitied me, for he knew what my decision would cost me; he has seen this play so many times before, so many of his family gunned down by each one in my community, now being his big day. He seemed sure I was making a big mistake, but of course would I listen?

I shake off my doubts as I steady my hand and draw back the hammer. He now knows I'm serious and frantically points to the clean cut gentleman standing beside me. "He's the one! He's the one...its him!! I take a look at the direction he's pointing and I see another look alike, dressed in a charming dapper suit resting on a posh Ferrari. I laugh. It can't be him. He's too awesome to rob me. "He's living my dream life with everything I want...everything you tried to take from me! End the lies. Say your last prayers. Its time to die".



Blood splatters over my sky blue shirt as I end his life. As I see him drop I look at his accusers who were all too happy to see him die. I look at their lives and I'm shocked at what I see. The smiles have suddenly faded away and I see trapped people- zombies in comparison to the screen saver of awesomeness I thought I saw. Now, I look at my Ferrari-owning friend and I see him holding my missing object- my fulfillment, my happiness- the one thing, I just killed a man for.

He gets into his car and zooms off. I'm left in pain as I let out a yelp, tears streaming down my face as I struggle to revive the corpse I just turned. I just killed my dreams, I killed my purpose in life for the thrill of "the beautiful life". And now, I feel empty, lost, dead. How do I retrace my steps? How can I give me life again?

I struggle and stagger away from my mistake to where a small crowd has gathered with shouts that are all too familiar. Once again, another unsuspecting fellow wields the gun. Another set of talents and God-given dreams are about to go down to the grave.

I must stop them. This time I'll save someone. I'll save a soul.

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

I pray the Lord gives us the grace to follow only His plan for our lives till the end, in Jesus name. Amen.

Veiled

And what if they know?
For they see a man
Standing tall, conquering cities
What if they know?
That deep down, with every victory came a thirst for the sweet waters of retreat
That he finds himself plagued by the demands of his foot soldiers

And what if they know?
That the charming gentleman with the stunning smile and the dapper suit
Calmly wishes to hide away from plain view
For he took a look at his contact list and found out
That though he had many friends, he couldn't trust any with his struggle
A future partner never seemed likely when in his weakest moments, the damsels run.
And he is left distressed?

And what if they know?
That though he would never take his life,
The thoughts have flashed through his mind for a jiffy,
But his strong Christianity takes over,
And he justifies it with some corny Jim Reeves,
"Heaven is my home", he says,
But deep down he knows that life is tiring.
And heaven is the only bliss left worth inspiring
Oh yeah, that's it.
He won't take his life, 'cause that would take away heaven.
Pity.

And what if they know?
That his philanthropy is but a cover for loneliness
That all he sees are people needing saving and not the shoulders he is left craving?
He doesn't trust anyone with his life, even his mother who handed it to him,
Her tears dry his,
Or at least  till he is out of plain view
Even the time and schedules don't give him a chance.
Cranial veins rage in silence.
His heart yearns for company. Friends. Bonds.
Nonsense.

And what if they know?
That he is bitter, untrusting, partly unloving
That he is scared that the revelation of his hurting would haunt all who dare claim to know him.
How he laughs off every glimpse of weakness that he let's out.
Because the world needs a saviour
No one wants a broken egg shell
Yolk and white spilled on the tarmac
They want a champion!
One ready to fight off the decay of the world.
So he spends his time, strength, energy.
Then, he is left empty.

And what if they know?
You see, that's his greatest fear.
That if they know, they'll run.
And it would make no difference.
'Cause he would  still be alone.
Until he can't stand the hypocrisy any longer.
Then they'll know.
Hopefully, there'll still be time to salvage him.
Hopefully, someone would care more than less.
Hopefully.

Diary of a 21st Century Samaritan

I had a crazy day. You wouldn't believe what I went through today.

I got queried at work. My boss was really mad, seeing me waltz into work at midday, five hours late. The look on his face would haunt me for a long time. He sat, waiting at my desk for good three hours, waiting for me to join the meeting with the business partners from the UK. I guess he would eventually be relieved I didn't show up, with the way I was looking. My dear dairy, imagine how embarrassed he would have felt when his Head of Design showed up with a blood stained shirt. I would surely have been fired. Good Lord!

Dave was highly amused with the whole thing. He never really liked me. They always call me the Boss's favorite and though they laugh over it, I know they're partly jealous. Dave in particular had a field day watching me get scolded. All he needed was a box of popcorn and 3D glasses. He didn't even bother asking me what happened. Nobody asked why I came late, for the first time in three hundred and eighty seven days (yes, I counted). He just laughed, laughed and laughed. Well, I guess I got enemies. I'm kinda used to it now *sigh*.

Well Rita was concerned. Come on, you remember her; Rita the secretary. She's always liked me. I guess it started that day I took her out for lunch to celebrate her birthday. She never saw it coming. I liked...no loved the smile on her face. The feeling of being appreciated and celebrated I guess. She was so happy. Since then, she greets me with that same ear to ear, beaming smile on her face every morning. I guess when I was absent at 7:00 a.m., she knew something was up. I didn't bother explaining to her why I was stained with blood. I don't want her too concerned. You know ladies. Confide in them and they may end up falling in love with you.*wink*I'm kidding. Calm down.

Well, I did go home early for once today. I guess that's a plus, even though I now know how a car seat soaked with congealed blood smells. Not good, diary. Not good. Argh, imagine the anger I felt when I settled into my sofa, turned on my TV only to see Pastor Joe preaching. Pastor Joe, the Spiritual Fire Ministries guy. He was there you know. When I saw the man, lying in the corner, barely holding on for dear life. Pastor Joe was there, standing, looking. He and his entourage of hefty bodyguards left the man there. As if that was not enough, he ordered them to move him out of the way. Of course, he wouldn't want his cleanly polished shoe to be blood stained. His anointing is too strong for him to help. And now he is preaching about giving. Giving what??? To who??? God? The man couldn't even help the poor guy. SMH, diary. S M H!

My dear Kim wasn't too happy about the whole deal. I promised my fiancee a big fat teddy and I didn't get it today. You know diary, it isn't too romantic walking up to your future wife and telling her,"Hey babe, I didn't get your present because I saw a dying man on the street. Yes and he is our enemy". Who says that to their dream girl? Picking a Jew- a complete stranger-over the one you love. She called it pure stupidity, but I know I did the right thing. She'll come around. I guess I need to do a little feet-kissing to win her back.

And what about momma? She's really looking forward to a big wedding, the one that would be the talk of the whole town. We're talking flashing lights, a big traditional wedding where everyone's invited-big, small, tall, short, fat, slim; even Marcus the glutton. Oh sorry, Marcus my cousin. She has promised him a table to himself.

How do I explain that I no longer have money for a big wedding? I told the hospital I'll pay for everything needed to treat the dying guy. Imagine how explaining that will go. Imagine the look on her face, turning from sheer ecstasy when I mention the wedding, to confusion and then to disgust. All for a Jew. Last week, a band of irate Jews stoned my cousin and that left him in the hospital for two weeks. And now, I trade our posh wedding for a Jew! This must be foolishness. I remember the last time I did something similar. "You're not Jesus!"."Stop trying to save the world!", she shouted. "Apply wisdom. Be wise. Don't throw away your life. Consider your family. Consider your future. Be wise!!!" I can imagine how it'll all unfold. #fingerscrossed.

Like I said, this has to be foolishness, so God, please save me from it. If I am being punished for a wrong I did long ago, forgive me. Grant me the wisdom to stop helping people in need. Help me walk past when I see a dying man next time. After all, there are other people in this life. Let them help. The worst part is, I'm not even that spiritual. I'm not a prayer warrior or an anointed prophet. I'm just a regular guy, searching for the way forward. So, why do I need to stress myself? Why?

Now that the sweet feeling of helping is over, its time to face reality. I did the right thing, because my soul is giddy on the inside, my heart is at rest and I can almost feel heaven smiling down on me. I did the right thing, but will they see it that way?

So, that's how my day went. When all's said and done though, I somehow know that God is happy with me. I feel at peace and I know my conscience wouldn't have let me go. I did the right thing, and all I have to show for it is a little faith that God liked it. I guess that would have to do.

Guess what dairy? I'll do it all over again.

"I just want to get home"



So, there's a riot going on. It's a rally and a lot of fighting is going on. The people are protesting against their government and the president is not happy. He orders the police out to quell the riot. Trust the police. They have their riot sheilds out. Fully kitted up, with the helmets and bulletproof vests to show they mean business. And the people are not happy.

CNN arrives the scene. There's a lot of anger. The people came prepared too. Its not the first riot they've been in. There are sticks and stones, and though they don't break bones, they crack helmets. The police aren't having a field day. Oh, its so on. The camera man just got hit. Is that a flare? Wow, that guy's just got burnt. Whoa. Now they're setting cars on fire. Great.

I just want to get home.


Now the tapes are out. Little thin red and white tapes across the street. Great. That's the only route I ply to get home. My car is useless now. Thank the good Lord there's a safe spot behind this shop. At least, I'll pick it up tomorrow. Now the police have a formation out. Nobody is passing this tonight. The rioters are retreating now. They're getting closer to me. People are getting arrested. What is wrong with these people? Don't they have families? Are they crazy? See who's talking. I'm here talking to myself. I guess I'm the crazy one.

Why is this officer looking at me like that? No sir. I'm not a rioter. No! Please don't arrest me. But, I didn't do anything na. Oh God. Today is Julie's birthday. My little girl is one. And I'll miss her birthday. Wait a minute! I remember this guy. Ah, yes. Now I'm in hot lava. He pulled out a parking ticket for me. I sped off. I resisted arrest. Now, karma's back to haunt me. Oh Lord. Please let this guy not remember me. I move to cover my face. Too late. He smiles cunningly as he reminds me of my wrongdoings. I guess I'm sleeping in jail tonight.

I just want to get home.


He throws me so harshly on the ground without an ounce of compassion. Come on, man! I'm a human being for crying out loud. Numbered with the rest of the rioters now all cuffed up awaiting the police van. I spot the commander coming towards us. Barrel-chested mean looking 6 footer, he walks up to us. It seems he noticed me being arrested. Heck, I think it was pretty obvious I didn't come to riot, with my three piece suit. Mr Grand Commander sternly looks at me and asks, "Why are you here?" I explain my predicament to him. I was only driving home, met a riot, some few seconds later, I'm cuffed up. I have a daughter at home, I don't support violence. I explain to him that I'm not a rioter.

I can see pity in his eyes. It seems he understands. "So, how would you get past these rioters and all my men, if I let you go?",he asks. Wow. I never really thought of that. My initial plan was to...no. I actually had no plan. He smiles again and whistles to the officer that arrested me. "Get me Charis!", he barks at him. Reluctantly, my thorn-in-uniform complies and before long he reemerges out of the barricade of officers, holding a bold white police horse by the bridle. The commander handed me Chairs. "Take her. Go home to your family. Your daughter is waiting", he bids me farewell.Phew.

I just want to get home.


Charis is strong. She could run over 50 rioters with just one gallop. The rioters are back now. Where on earth did they get tear gas from? Its confrontational now as the rioters clash with the police shields. Barely hanging on to Charis, I gasp as she bolts towards the fracas, rounding a rioter before gallantly leaping over the entire crowd, getting me over the muddled up scene. I continue my journey freely, as the road ahead of the police tape is free from traffic. The sun is just setting and the mix of blue, pink and orange in the skies makes a beautiful horizon. I mutter a prayer of thanks to God for bailing me out.

I hug my wife at the door and hold Julie in my arms, plant in a wet kiss on her forehead. She looks bewildered,"Who is that?", she sarcastically asks,pointing to the horse tied to my fence. "Oh, her?", I play along. "You wouldn't believe what happened to me today"." You wouldn't believe how I made it here".

I just wanted to get home. Grace got me home.

Charis. Grace.




Persecution or Jealousy?


Yes. Its a beautiful day. Yes it is. See, that's faith. Your day might be going terribly or not too nice, but just say to yourself, "Its a beautiful day". Then and only then would you see the light at the end  within the tunnel, because its been there all along.

So,let's get to today's discussion.  So many people surrender to Jesus but do not fan the flames. Its like getting ready for the journey, getting into the car, starting the car then not moving an inch. Why? Persecution.

We are all afraid of what our friends will say. Especially if you're just out of your teens or in your late teens, social acceptance is pretty important. So being a radical, all-about-Jesus, "Say No to Sin" person can be pretty difficult. And for a day old Christian, confessing his faith to his friends is almost impossible.

Its understandable you know. These are the guys/gals you've been rolling with all this while. You guys have had fun times, great memories and a whole host of awesome moments. Then you heard Jesus call your name. The message felt good. You were convicted. You realised that serious Christianity was the way forward. The problem now is how to blend your new found faith with your friends.

Friends. Let's analyze that word. You see, friends should care about you. Friends should want what's best for you. If your friends see you getting better, they should be happy for you. Friends shouldnt hate on your decisions unless they have negative consequences. Basically friends should be happy you got born-again.

So, if you gotta group of friends that are hating on you for becoming a Christian, they were never really your friends anyway. If they laugh at you ,mock you, say you wouldn't last long, tempt you to fall back, they never really cared about you. And if they are hating on you for your now guided decisions, newsflash: THEY'RE JEALOUS.

It takes boldness to follow Jesus. It takes a lot of guts to choose to follow the Saviour. Very few people have such guts. You are one of them. If you got guts, the rest will hate on you. The bunch of liverless folks would do everything to break you. Because they want what you have. They want it so bad. They don't have the guts to get it. So they keep hating.

You gotta keep a safe distance from the haters. You gotta surround yourself with people who actually want to see you grow. You got to get new friends who are guided in the same direction you are. If not, you'll sink back down into the pit you just crawled out from. Your friends are jealous of you. They wanna see you fall. Don't give them the treat.

Truth be told, that may be one of the reasons why you got saved. To be the light that guides them towards heaven. One day, hopefully soon, they'll see you, get inspired, and climb out too. Keep moving. Fear not. Jesus is carrying you on his shoulders.

STONES

Good day people! If you have been having a great day, I'm so happy for you. If your day has been not-so-good, I have faith that things are going on a change before the day is over. Believe with me. Anyway...

I remember a story in the Bible ( as I always do) that has been playing in my mind for a while now. Jesus was riding on a donkey into Jerusalem and of course, the people were praising God. The people were praising God, or rather the work of God in Jesus' life.

Go figure. God was being praised. Haters were hating. The church leaders at that time were quieting the people. They looked at Jesus, looking suave on a donkey and asked him, "Bros, tell these people to calm down. Wetin be their own sef?" (WLT; Warri Living Translation)

Jesus replied; and this was a famous quote."If these people do not praise me, I will raise up STONES to praise me". Basically, Jesus is saying,"If men choose to hold back praise from me, no problem. I'll raise up praise from weird places". That scares me. Let me explain.

We are meant to live a life of praise to the Most High. I'm talking in all ramifications. Our lives are meant to be symbols of the glorious work of God in and around every aspect of our lives. God wants to shine His glory through us. He wants His blessings in our lives to be so evident that men would give him glory. Basically, God wan use you shine!

But guess what? People refuse to be spoilt by the Most High. We refuse to be made mega fufilled, or mega healthy or mega mega (lol) by the Lord. For one reason or the other, we choose the basic life daily without once asking,"Lord, how can I praise you today? What do you want me for in life? Why was I created? What is my mission on earth?"

The beauty of stones is that they have no self will. They have no mind of their own. Stones are very easy for God to work on. So, stop living your life for your self, for your glory or well  being. That has already been covered by God. Its time to let go of the little things in life and tell God,"I don't care what the world is after. My life is yours. Use it as you please". You know what God does to stones. He raises them up.

God is looking for stones ready to live a life of total praise to Him. You are going to be the one that God uses to confuse the whole world. While the world refuses to please God, you gonna get the blessings in excess.God is searching for stones. Are you willing?

Where the stones at?!


Who is a star?

Good day to my lovely readership. I wish to know you personally so don't ever fail to holla when you get the chance. I strongly believe I am conversing with awesome, successful people so, knowing you will only be a plus to my life. Now to the business of the day.

Stars. Superstars. Movie stars. Athletes are stars too. Then you have music stars. Stars are everywhere. Stars are in every field, all around us. Stars are popular. Stars rule the world. Stars shine brighter. Stars have more followers on social media than anyone else . Some singers are more popular and carry more influence than some presidents. Stars rule the world.

Everyone wants to be a star. Look up at the skies and you'll see that the stars shine brightest and stand out. Even the brightest object in the solar system is a star. The sky is just a background while the stars are at the forefront. The stars in the sky motivate us to be great. They motivate us to stand out. And most importantly , they push us further; they push us to "greatness".

That last part. They push us further. That's not so much of a good thing as it seems. See, the sky is big. Really really wide. Imagine if every object in the sky was a star. Imagine if the skies were populated with bright shining objects. Everywhere you turn, you see shine, glitter and blinding energy. The stars won't be too great to look at.

The sky is a background. The stars are a light. God created the sky to be the background and the stars to shine. Without the sky, the stars will be lost. Without the technical crew, the singers would be lost. Without the training staff, athletes would be lost. So when you critically look at it, the sky is a star. The coaches are stars. The technical crew members are stars. Every little person hidden in the shadows doing an awesome hidden job is a star. Because without them, all the glitter would be lost.

So to answer my question, the topic of this post. A star is anyone that fulfills purpose. God created you with some special gifts that no one else has. You need to use them. Not everyone was made to be at the forefront. That doesn't make them any less special. So rule your world. Own your God-given gift and use it for his glory. At the end of the day, the sky doesnt want to be a star. The sky just wants to please God. A star is anyone who wants to please God .

Be a star. Please God. Its all that matters.

AUTHOR'S NOTE:
You could be called to be the guy/girl at the forefront. However, don't make it a priority. Don't make it a dream to be rich and famous. If God wants you to be that FOR HIS GLORY, fine. If not, fine. Its all for His glory. Take care.

Examples Before Correction



Good day guys. As usual, it is important to remember the quality of the life you have and know the greatness in you. Every man, woman and child needs to know that though the present may seem scattered, if you look firmly at the promises of God about your future and welcome these promises in faith, your abilities become limitless. Anyway, we'll discuss that another day.

Today's discussion is about something else. I remember when I was in Primary School , we were always given math exercises. For some reason, we had to have maths everyday. It was a daily routine. Math, Science, Social Studies, some Religious Study among others. The timetable was laid out and we-mindlessly- went on with it week after week. After all, we were only children. Did we have a choice ?

However, the math exercises really struck me. Our teacher would introduce a new topic,give a little explanation and then try out some examples. After solving them, she would then give room for questions. When she was satisfied that we had understood or becomes too tired to carry on, then comes the dreaded "CLASSWORK". Every one proceeds to collectively solve the questions, even though it was supposed to be a personal test. Cunning little brats we were.

After she had marked our submitted answers, we get our notebooks back and flip through the pages to see what we got wrong. To correct the mistakes we made, our teacher would then explain the solution to each question . This part of the day started with a big underlined CORRECTION being written on the board. Good times.

Now back to the point of all this storytelling. People complain that there is so much that is wrong with our society today. I don't have to start repeating their fears to you. You can fill in the black spaces. "They" say that there is so much wrong with this young generation and we are living in the last days. Lack of respect for authority, rebellion in many forms and so many other vices. No arguements.

So, what shall we do about it? I say we solve our problems the math way. Rather than spend your time complaining about all the wrong things people are doing why don't you be the one person that does a different thing? Why not become special? Why not make a difference in your life? Why don't you be an example?

See, the reason the world is crazy today is because of the lack of a better alternative. So let's choose to be that alternative. Let's be different. Let's shine God's love so bright that people would turn to face us. Let's be the first set of examples that people can learn from. Because, without the examples, there would be no understanding that a better life exists. No one would know of a better way. So let's show the way. Let's stand out with the boldness of the Holy Spirit so when the test comes, people would pass the next time. The correction in our society would only come when we become examples. Let's be examples.

God is looking for people who are ready to be examples. Dont be left out. I choose to be an example in my community. Make a choice today. 
Examples before correction.

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

This is not an "I'm-better-than-you" post. To be an example, all that is needed is to get God inside of you. So if you want to become an example or to go through correction, you go to God. That simple. God is just a click away. Click here.

The Church Walk of Shame

Hello once again. By now I hope you have been enjoying yourself on the GI page. I am humbled at the chance to talk to you once again. Always remember the God that created you made you one of a kind. You are special. Never forget that.

The church walk of shame. I need to explain that. Have you ever been in one of those services where the sermon is about sin, moral decay and the need for righteousness? Most of those sermons have a way they go. The consciences of the congregation are deeply pricked and all the wrongs you "committed" in the past days start playing like a tape in your head. You then begin to slowly realize that you need help as you are struggling with one, two or many sins.

Next, the preacher does an altar call for all those Christians who want to be free from besetting sin. A team of pastors would most likely be close to the pulpit waiting to pray for you. And as you come out, boldly to accept your dirtiness, one of the pastors breaks out to meet you-just as the rest do-asks you what your addicton is , and proceeds to pray for you. And you pray and pray and pray until you feel God has forgiven you.

Going back to your seat is what I call the church walk of shame. As you slowly walk back down the church aisle, the freedom you felt while praying become slowly overweighed by the faces of people that remained on their seats. Now your imagination starts to run wild as you see everyone looking at you with judging eyes. You begin to hear whispers in your mind. "Why did he come out?" "But, he's a leader in church" "He came out when the pastor mentioned fornication!" Needless to say, my imagination is very strong.

The last time I attended one of such services, as I looked back at the faces of the people left in their seats I asked myself some questions. "Were they more holy than me?" "Did they lack the boldness to accept their shortcomings?" "Why did I come out and they stayed?" "What was different?" "Why?" I pondered over these questions over the course of the next day.

At the end of the day, after studying and meditating I realized (or rather got the revelation) that a man comes out during such calls for two reasons. Firstly, there is a particular addiction he is struggling with. There is a certain bad habit he's trying to beat and he has been beaten down too many times, hence he feels helpless. Secondly, he feels he is too dirty to be called a Christian. He feels that he needs to publicly declare his weakness to be free of the guilt.

So let's solve these two constraints. For the first one; you don't need to struggle with your addiction. Jesus said clearly without mincing words,"If your left hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you". Meaning, if it's stress that causes you to get angry and shout at people, reduce your workload. If it's your 10.1 inch tabletthat allows you access to pornography, leave it far away from you. Whatever it is you need to do to break free from temptation, do!!!

For the guilt issue you need to understand Romans 8:1. "There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, who walk according to the Spirit and not according to the flesh". This means that if you are willing to try again, and you are looking forward to not sinning again (ie walking according to the Spirit) you are not condemned. God does not see you as a sinner but as his righteous child. Because righteousness is of the heart (see previous post). So you can boldy state and shout it out,"I AM NOT A SINNER!!!"

So there it is. Enough of going out for multiple altar calls. Enough of asking for prayers. The battle to be won is in your hands and in your heart. Enough of church walks of shame. You can be sure I have walked my last. Next time, I'll be worshipping my God in the comfort of my pew. See you there!

AUTHOR'S NOTE:
This post is for Christians struggling in the battle against sin. At least it is for those who feel they are losing. If you are not yet a Christian click here. Its a beautiful life believe me.

I leave my readers with a quote from a Tenth Avenue North song: "The Struggle". "We are free to struggle but we are not struggling to be free". You are free already. So remain free.

The Church is for Hypocrites

Good day guys! Its a lovely Saturday night here at the time of this post. The rains are over, and boy; were they heavy! Anyway, I would like to know how the weather is where you are so please, let me know. Its cold in Benin City, Nigeria. 

Yes, I know the title is weird. Church folk are supposed to be holy, "righteous" and different; set apart from the world. Why on earth would this half-insane author think otherwise? (okay, I just mocked myself on your behalf; you're welcome) 

Sure, you have some great Christian friends. There are those who care deeply for your well being, have a strong sense of right and wrong and are really awesomely passionate about their faith. These ones should definitely be in church, probably the front row. 

Then there are the "others",the hypocrites as they say. I'm talking about all those who are Christians because they aren't Muslim or atheist. I'm talking about those folks who break every commandment/good deed in the Bible and still dance it out in church like there's no tomorrow. I'm talking about those guys with double standards and two faced lives. Yes, the hypocrites. 

 Truth is, the church should be filled with more of the latter. Think about it. If I care enough about Jesus to want to dress up every Sunday, where else should I be? Where else should I go? A viewing center? The cinemas? If I believe I should be a better Christian, then I should be in the place where there are "better Christians". 

If you have not understood my point by now, I'm going to be real plain. God doesn't want perfect people. Come to think of it, who is perfect? The pastor, choir master or the usher? Each of them has a weakness that holds them once in a while. Even the great Apostle Paul had sin issues. So heck, if you feel you're better than the next guy, you need to do some self reappraisal. 

God loves us. Me. He wants me to break free from my shortcomings. And yes, I really really wanna break free too. So, here's the deal. As long as I wholeheartedly choose to want to change, while the process of change is going on, God sees the willing heart. God wants the willing heart. And guess what, God justifies the willing heart. 

So keep being willing. When sin knocks and you open, drive it out again and start over. God doesn't want perfect. He only wants willing. So please, remain willing. The church is for hypocrites. I definitely am one. 

See you in church, fellow hypocrites. God loves us that way. 

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Please comment below. I kinda love two way conversations. I would love to read your opinions. That is after all the point of posting this.

Two sides of a broken coin

A big "heyyyyyyyyyyyyyy" to my lovely readership. I would like to know how your day is going so please let me know by commenting below. Like I said, I am a sucker for meeting new people or getting to know old friends better, so do not deprive me of meeting an awesome person by exiting without commenting.

Long story short, I did a piece with a lady I admire deeply (in actual fact, she's freaking incredible. Plus the idea was hers) Please with an enormous mental ovation, welcome Nida Ede Eghafona to the godlyintellectual page.

I hope you enjoy this. You'd better. Once again, your comments are most dear to me 😀

"TWO SIDES OF A BROKEN COIN",by Nida Eghafona and Ochuko Ikogho.

Nida says: 

My eyes fell out of its sockets, tears flooded my soul, my heart melted as it slowly decimated with struggling flames of despair, of hurt , of pain. Pain so strong that the thought was strong enough to melt one into ashes. I had loved every inch of  David, every notable little inch, his pluses were as much mine as his flaws, his losses more for me than his gains, he gained me, he had me, he owned me and now, he's broken my heart.

Ochuko writes:

Breakups? Na. I dont have those anymore. Well, now that I think of it, I kind of know why. No lady measures up anymore, you know? No lady deserves my trust any more. While I was still young and exploring, with no thought towards any thing emotionally related, she comes waltzing into my life. No forewarning, no alarms no notifications. She just warmed her pretty self into my perfectly working, fairly mediocre life. Sure, I felt special. It was nice to get formally "noticed" again. But the pain afterwards...the pain now? Did any of the midnight calls and social media love leave any mark but regret? I ponder till date.

Nida says:

He held me spell bound, every waking moment graced my mind with thoughts of him. Every breaking dawn cast his shadows on the wall of my heart. He was mine and I was his or so I thought... I had never really known what love felt like till he came crawling slowly into my plain life, igniting fires, fanning embers, rising flames. He set me totally and completely ablaze! David led me, he showed me what it was like to thirst, to yearn, to need in such a way that it inflicted a sweet pain, and the euphoria that came with the pain from needing him was indescribable  almost in a masochistic kind of way. I found the love that broke boundaries, the Grecian kind of love. I found something so strong, that the likelihood of its ephemerality never ran through my innocent mind. I basked in those fickle moments, feeling invincible, strong and alive.

Ochuko writes:

Now I complain. Its easy for me to. When I find myself kneeling- threading the shredded portions of my now torn heart together- she's the bad one. Now I lay, ever wondering if the elusive healing of a heartbreak would ever grace me. In these times, its easy to blame her. But heck, it takes two to tango they say. It takes a heart breakee to make a heart breaker. I -unwittingly I might add- let her in. I let her thrive in the knowledge of owning me. I let her stay afloat on the boat of my love, while I rowed painstakingly towards a future I painted in the horizon for us. I built skyscrapers on quicksand. I let puppy brained emotions rule me. Sure, it was always so sweet to dream of a deeper connection with Lauren. And oh, how tall those dreams were. The taller they are, the harder they fall. Guess I proved that true. Pathetic me. Pathetic.

Nida says:

The cold breeze waves over my skin, washing it lightly, as sharp tongues of pain resurfaced, the monsters in my head all bursting out. I glanced at my books, words seem to fly endlessly across the paper, the ink blotched in my eyes and the letter filled pages turned blurred, turned blood.... My heartthrob left me with nothing but my flesh clinging frighteningly to my fragile bones and broken spirit. Love slowly eluded me, stoning my once glassy heart. Hate welled up in my heart with the feeling of bitter bile on my tongue and acid rushing through my veins. She lost! She lost, I was gone.

Ochuko writes:

They say if you're gonna have fun, have it when you're  young. If you're gonna try new things, try them now. Heck, this was supposed to be fun. It was. But could I have known that the pain could far surpass any gleeful memory? And talk about bad timing! I have 12 courses to write in three weeks. 3 weeks! I mean, how do I focus? How do I read?! And to think I tutored her! Now she's calmly revising. And see me, scholar! Struggling to remember those pages I skimmed through while being distracted by her soft fair skin brushing me. God! I need to recover. I should have listened. This was pure stupidity! Foolishness, Lord! 
Focus boy. Focus. You got a paper to write tomorrow. *exhales*

Nida says:

Beside Taiwo Hall, in the cold poorly illuminated  wayside. I  sat loosely on a cracked raised pedestrian walk, irked by the sound of my beating heart. I mouthed seemingly empty words for a familiar unfamiliar tune and then  looked up at the pregnant sky, heavily laden with clouds, itching to water the earth. I felt like these clouds. Heavy! 
And then I let it out, tear after tear accustoming the escaping drops of rain. I heaved oh! I heaved. The healing came slowly,creeping in filling the voids, the emptiness, the vacuity. And those pieces of me in a jigsaw carefully fell into place, fusing and healing. In this sordid moment, I closed my eyes and whispered to Him who first loved me. Jesus said his love was renewing, refreshing like the fresh morning dew. I tried to speak to him, no words came forth, just more and more tears rolling down my cheeks burning my eyes in wicked descent. So I cried to him for those were the only words that I knew how to speak and for him, that suffice. He eased the pain slowly from me, taking up the burden that my back once bore...and though my built up sky scrappers had come crashing down, I laid a new foundation. This time a solid one. That good warmth tardily returned as the pain had begun to fade and then I found that it this moment did he calm the torrent waves that my heart forged, did my Saviour wipe my tear laden eyes. In that moment  did I find a calming healing feeling; did I find peace.=) 

Ochuko writes:

Hey God. I heard you care. I read that you heal. I know you can somehow bring me freedom. I think I love her and I wanted to see this through. But look where that's left me-pained and broken. But I guess you understand. I know you hold my heart. 
This hurt, hurts. It hurts bad. I have to see her in class. How can I let her go? There must be a girl of my dreams, I know. There must be an Eve for every Adam I think. But how can I let another girl in? Who would fill the void? Who would be worth the wait? When do I get to meet her? Where would I run into her?
This would take a while. I know I will carry this around for long. But if you promise me to always be there, to hear my dumb rants and solemn cries when memory chooses to troll, then I'll leave this for you. You are after all my Father. This makes me your Prodigal Son. I guess I'm home again.

Welcome to Different



Hey guys! If you're reading this, I'll like to congratulate you for being part of a dream come true. I consider myself the laziest being on the planet when it comes to multi tasking so it is a great feat to finally own a blog.

Firstly, I'll let you know what this blog is not.

This is not a diary. It's not a cliche day-in-the-life rambling page where I crave your readership to rant about my days. I will not be telling you who annoyed me or the girl on my mind. This blog is purely for everything except my life.

This blog is not an evangelistic blog. In as much as I do wanna let you know the joy that Jesus brings, this is not a shove-it-down-your-throat message publication. I would rather you love my blog so much that you ask me the source of my inspiration. If I can't convince you of the awesomeness of being Christian, why bother trying???

Lastly, this blog is not a session for narcissism. "Intellectuals" consider themselves superior to others. I laugh at their narrow mindedness. I want everybody to read my blog. I don't care who you are, what you do, what you believe in or don't believe in. If you are gracious enough to discuss your opinion with me, you are my target audience.

And with that I close the curtains on my first post. After defining what this blog is not, I'll let you experience what it is and what it will be. Blogging is hard work. Five minutes of typing and I already have writers' block.😀

P. S. You need to comment. I started this to make new friends. If you read this and lazily-or worse still brazenly- surf away back to your daily routine, I'll trace you down and make you're sorry you ever set eyes on my piece. And no. I'm not kidding.😈
😇

This is gonna be fun! Yeah. Real fun.

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