Monday 25 January 2016

Freedom Series: The Red Pill or the Blue Pill

I want to start by painting a picture. At the dawn of a new millennium, a movie titled "The Matrix" was released. In this movie, the main character called Neo was presented with a choice. A red pill, in a red capsule, that would wake him up from his dreams to the reality of what the matrix really was or a blue pill, in a blue capsule, that would put him back to sleep and would cause him to forget all he had been told and put him back to sleep in the matrix. Imagine you were Neo and you were faced with a choice: the red pill or the blue pill. What would you choose? Before you answer, let me break down these pills for you. 


Chemistry tells us that pills are made up of certain chemicals that are mixed together in order to achieve a certain outcome, mostly curing a disease and these pills can be in the form of capsules or tablets. The chemicals in the red capsule would give you freedom from the matrix; freedom to determine your own destiny, freedom not to be controlled by others, in this case the matrix. The chemicals in the blue capsule would give you a life of oppression, to be controlled by others, unable to determine your own destiny (in this case the matrix). Which pill would you choose? As strange as it may sound, some would choose the blue pill (someone in the movie did) but I would definitely go with the red pill just like Neo did. To know what became of him, watch the Matrix series. Now that I think of it, the whole essence of the Matrix was a fight for freedom; freedom from the matrix and the machines that controlled the matrix.

Life is all about choices. Even when it seems like we have no choice, we still have a choice. In our daily lives, we make decisions that determine if we want to be free or if we want to be oppressed. The lure of freedom is the illusion of action without consequences; a life free of responsibility. A life in which we can decide what we want to wear or eat, a life in which drinking alcohol or smoking cigarettes come with no repercussions. Alas dear friends, time will prove this illusion to be naught but ash.

So what is freedom? Freedom according to Myles Munroe is an attitude. It is not guaranteed, it must be earned. Responsibility is the pre-requisite for freedom. Strange? Well let’s walk down memory lane to my days of studying International Relations. As human beings, we have certain inalienable rights but your rights are limited to your sphere of influence. As my lecturer said, your right to swing your fists is limited by its proximity to my chin. Meaning you’re free to swing your fists but you’re also responsible in ensuring that they don’t hit me.

Let’s take a deeper look into freedom. The whole essence of Christianity is to set us free. Jesus came to set us free from oppression. In essence, He came to give us the red pill. Gal. 5:1 (NIV) says: It is for freedom that Christ sets us free. History is littered with stories of people's thirst for freedom (a King once took 300 men against an entire army for freedom’s sake). Yes it is that much of a big deal! 
God's desire for us His children to live a life of freedom. A life free from oppressions and slavery. One story that reflects God's desire for us to be free is that of the Israelites and their exodus from Egypt. When God heard the pains His children were going through, it caused Him to remember His covenant (Ex. 6:5, NIV) and as a result of that, He sent them Moses. God has no desire to see us in bondage and in the New Testament, he sent another deliverer in His son Christ Jesus to free us from the oppression of the devil.

Does freedom come with responsibilities? Yes it does. When Christ came down to set us free, He also gave us responsibilities. Luke 9:62 (NIV) says: Jesus replied, “… fit for service in the kingdom of God.” This tells us that as we get the gift of freedom, we need to be ready to serve God. 

Does that sound like responsibilities yet? Let’s look at the world. One thing I like about the Americans is that they know their rights and no one can deny them those rights. That is one country that has gone to war to protect its rights and freedom. Despite this, they expect their citizens to be upright and responsible; meaning you’re free to drive but you’re not free to hit another person’s car. You’re free to own a gun but you’re not free to shoot people except in certain defined circumstances laid down in the American Constitution. How much then the body of Christ? Let us look at the ministry of Jesus to get an answer. After Jesus had selected His 12 disciples and freed them from their chains, He didn’t say to them: okay now you’re free go and sleep for the rest of your life or now you’re free, do as you please. No! Instead He gave them work to do in Matt. 10:5-8 (NIV):
5. These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. 6. Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. 7. As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ 8. Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons……..
Yup! That sounds like a lot of work. As a disciple under Jesus, let us list out their responsibilities:

  • Go to the lost sheep- evangelism
  • Proclaim this message- preach
  • Heal the sick
  • Raise the dead
  • Cleanse those with leprosy
  • Drive out demons

These are definitely not easy tasks to do but still, He gave it to them. One man that fully understood the amount of responsibility that comes with freedom was Paul. Paul was a Roman citizen so he had a lot of freedom but he never lost sight of his responsibilities. Paul in 1Cor.8:9-13 said:
9. Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak. 10. For if someone with a weak conscience sees you, with all your knowledge, eating in an idol’s temple, won’t that person be emboldened to eat what is sacrificed to idols? 11. So this weak brother or sister, for whom Christ died, is destroyed by your knowledge. 12. When you sin against them in this way and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. 13. Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother or sister to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause them to fall.
Paul in Rom. 14:13, 15-18 & 21 (NIV) (I would advise you to read the entire Rom. 14) said:
13………Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister. 15. If your brother or sister is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy someone for whom Christ died. 16. Therefore do not let what you know is good be spoken of as evil. 17. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, 18. because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval… 21. It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall.
Some might say that it is extreme. He went as far as saying that he would deny himself meat just to make sure his brother does not sin. In modern times, we can look at the British royal family. Despite their wealth, they try to be exemplary in their lifestyle as a result of the awareness of their duty to the people of Great Britain. As children of God, we are no longer living for ourselves but for God (Rom. 14:7) and if we are living for God, we have to live a life that does not deny another person the opportunity to live for God. When you follow this school of thought, you will realize that freedom from the chains of the devil comes with the responsibility of ensuring others are freed from their oppression. When you begin to think of this, you will realize the number of things you’ll have to deny: alcohol; secular music; certain types of clothes; movies ... the list is endless really and it goes as far as denying meat which is sweet to eat. What are you willing to deny yourself for the sake of a brother or sister?

I end Part 1 with this pearl of wisdom from an uncle to a superhero: with great power comes great responsibility. When we receive the right to be called children of God, we also receive the power that comes with that name and when we receive the power that comes with that name, we get responsibilities. 

- Sage
Sage is a graduate of human resource management and a 24/7 salesman. A clay in the hands of the Potter, he is on a journey to knowing God and becoming the man God has called him to be. He has a passion for football and society at large. In his quest for knowledge, he has recently restarted his passion for reading books. He lives in Lagos, Nigeria.

Monday 18 January 2016

Dealing with Emotional Trauma as Christians

"God heals the broken-hearted..." (Psalm 147:3). 

Have you ever had a traumatic experience? An experience where you struggled with your emotions? Such experiences include:
  1. An experience that has led you to become aloof in your demeanour
  2. An experience that has led to anxiety, panic attacks, suicidal thoughts, withdrawal from others, making further wrong decisions
  3. A bad experience you're not letting go of
  4. A feeling of disconnection from the outside world
  5. Having nightmares, agitation, frightened to go out
  6. Being startled easily
  7. Having flashbacks, avoiding the things that remind you of the trauma, dependence on alcohol, unable to trust others, etc.
Emotional trauma is the result of extraordinarily stressful events that lead people to become vulnerable. Some of the stressful events usually lead to emotional trauma when they occur unexpectedly, when we are unprepared for it, when we felt powerless and when it happened repeatedly.

Should Emotional Trauma be unheard of among Christians? 
Jesus encouraged his children not to fear, He said he has given us the spirit of love, power and sound mind. Is it then abnormal when Christians go through emotional trauma? No, it's not unusual when Christians experience emotional trauma, however, it is how the emotional trauma is dealt with that is pertinent. 

No matter the kind of trauma we suffer or how it affects us, there's ALWAYS hope and a solution in Christ Jesus.

  A few ways to deal with emotional trauma as a Christian;
  • Confront your fears with the Word of God. An antidote to trauma is reading the life-transforming Word of God. It has the power to change lives
  • Ask God for help
  • Admit your feelings to someone trustworthy, an empathetic and loving person that can help you (Talking therapy). A Christian Counsellor who is very informed. You may seek help from your doctor if need be.
  • Consciously reject negative thoughts by confessing the Word of God
  • Write out and meditate on relevant scriptures
  • Write down your feelings
  • Listen to inspiring music
  • Do not be in denial of your feelings
  • Do not see yourself alone. The Holy Spirit is with you and He will see you through.
  • Remember that every trial brings a better character. Every experience is to transform you to someone better. The bible says our tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint (Romans 5:3-5).
  • The trial is most likely to come with pain but it will build you up. If you feel overwhelmed managing your emotions, as previously mentioned, seek help from a trustworthy Christian counsellor.

How do you support a fellow Christian that has experienced or going through emotional trauma? 

It can actually be difficult to know how to support someone to deal with emotional trauma as it means taking our time to understand from their perspective. As a Christian,
  • Pray for them. Consciously take out time to pray for them
  • Be patient with the person's pace of recovery. Don't judge your loved one's reaction against how you would react to a traumatic experience. Be patient with them should they isolate themselves from you
  • Offer practical support, ask if they are okay to be visited, ask if they need any help. Someone that is going through a traumatic experience is unlikely to ask for practical support until you initiate it
  • Do not immediately put blame on your loved ones. Be empathetic and sensitive
  • Support your loved ones to socialise, visit them, engage in activities that your loved ones will enjoy
  • Don't be offended by their reactions. Your loved one may become angry, emotionally distant and withdrawn, do not take it personally, learn to be patient with them and be persistent and never give up on them
  • Shower them with your love and time. Be available for them and continuously offer your listening ears. Do not let your loved ones feel alone
  • Send your loved ones encouraging bible scriptures 
  • If the emotional trauma becomes severe, advice your loved ones to seek professional support if possible.

I pray the Lord will heal every broken-hearted. He has said that you should cast ALL your worries upon Him for He cares for you (1Pet 5:7). May God also place His love in your heart to support those that are going through emotional trauma. I leave you with this bible scripture:

Do not be afraid—I am with you! I am your God—let nothing terrify you! I will make you strong and help you; I will protect you and save you.” (Isaiah 41:10 GNT) 

- Myss Lafunky

Photocredit: http://www.recoverycapitalconference.org/

Monday 11 January 2016

Discover Sage's World | Greater Is Coming

Happy New Year guys. I’m sure we are all delighted to have made it into a New Year, I know I am. Now is the time to make the resolutions and plans on how to achieve them. I have just one this year, don’t expect me to share it before bad belle people will use eye to scatter it.

As I launch into this article, I need to first ask God for forgiveness. I have really delayed sharing the story of my deliverance and restoration. Have you ever found yourself in the midst of a rock and a hard place? I definitely have. One thing I'm thankful for is that instead of my heart getting hardened, I found God and since then I started my journey with Him. 


I actually gave my life to God sometime in 1997 or so but I never took my Christian life seriously. Why? I had my own plans. What was that plan? To enjoy life to the fullest and when I got older or when I was settled with a wife and children I would then begin to take my Christianity seriously. Little did I know that God had His own plans and as a result of His sovereignty, His plans always come to pass. The Amplified Version of Pr. 19:21 says:



               “Many plans are in a man’s mind but it is the Lord’s purpose for him that will stand.”        

            
Little did I know that Baba God was just chilling for me in 2013 to bring His purpose to pass and when the appointed time arrives, there is nothing you can do to stop it. You don’t believe me? Go and ask Pharaoh that was forming baddest guy and refused to allow the Israelites to leave. If that example is too old for you, enter the New Testament and ask Saul. By the time God arrested him, he changed his name to Paul. Don’t worry I didn't have to change my name.
This story is inspired by the song ‘Greater is Coming’ by Jekalyn Carr. You need to listen to the song. Tune of life.



Just like an olive, for its oil to run, I had to go through three stages: the shaking; the beating; and the pressing. These stages prepare you for greater things and Joseph is an example of someone that went through these phases. Currently, by God’s grace, I believe I am in the pressing stage.


The Shaking
At this point, let me just say that I pray you never have to go through the shaking. It’s not an easy place to be in but if you do go through this phase, please accept it gracefully. Jonah and Job went through the shaking; Job’s case was extreme; he lost it all. If it was me that had been on a boat and suddenly a storm came and they threw me overboard … as per Warri boy, I for swim comot. That was done to Jonah, then God sent a fish to swallow him in order to give him time to think about his life. As I was saying, the shaking is a point when suddenly everything in your life begins to turn upside down because God is preparing you for the making. How did mine happen?

Let’s start with 2011...
I started my application for a UK student visa and as a Nigerian, you know that such applications come with a lot of nervousness. Before I applied for this, I got a job with a top bank but I turned it down because I wanted to go for a Masters Degree. As I’m writing this, I’m thinking to myself: "na who send Uche?" I forgot that I prayed to God that if I got the job it meant I wasn't to go that year. When excitement and stubbornness are combined, it is a very dangerous something. Needless to say, I didn’t get that visa. Imagine my disappointment and sadness. 

Roll in 2012, I started the process again. This period felt like a déjà vu. I got into the final stage of an interview with another top bank but was rejected because of one funny reason that had to do with my certificate. No be me send WAEC to fill in wrong information oh! (We’re plenty in this boat ba?) I also prayed the same prayer which was if I didn’t get the job, it meant this was the year. True true I got the visa and so I went to the UK. 
The initial three months was great, life was good, Tesco was delivering my groceries, shelled out money for the iPhone 5 (on a contract of course), then to round it up, I went to Yankee for Christmas. Sage was live in Yankee. Of course in the midst of all this, I forgot the "skabashing" (prayers) I did to get my visa. Little did I know God’s plan had ripened and it was time to bear fruit. As we say: "jungle don mature!"

Oh boy! 2013 shook me. Suddenly, to pay rent became gbese. For my non-Nigerian people gbese means problem/trouble. To eat was another matter entirely. Suddenly guy man that was shopping online and doing home delivery had to be counting pennies and going to a cheaper store to buy groceries. Any week I spent more than £10 meant I was trying to spoil myself. Times got tough. My shaking had started. God started making me into what He wanted me to be. I had to find my way back to God just like Jonah did while chilling in the belly of the fish. 

How did I find my way back to Him? 
By running back to Him, crying out to Him in my period of distress. One thing I must add is this, when you’re going through the shaking, accept it with grace and in faith that one day "E go better." Joseph is one person that went through the shaking with such humility. I’m always blown away whenever I read about Joseph. Take some time out to study the story of Joseph. From Daddy’s boy to slave to prisoner and then Pharaoh’s second-in-command.

The Beating
This stage comes in order to show you the anointing you have as a child of God. To get here, you must let God shake you very well in order to make you. Remember that we are the clay and He is the potter (Is. 64:8). After much shaking, I got into the beating phase. In this phase I started to learn how to go on my knees, how to pray to God. As a child of God, do you know that the earth is yours to dominate? Here I was, created to dominate the earth but struggling to pay rent and eat good food. As a result of the shaking, what did Jonah do? Jonah prayed to God. 

As a result of my shaking, what did I do? I prayed to God. Is that odd? Well to some people it is. Let’s take Pharaoh as a good example; he got his shaking but instead he hardened his heart. I know some people would argue that God was the one that hardened his heart. I would say he had a choice to submit to God’s sovereignty. That’s exactly what Jonah did in Jonah 2:1-9. He started his prayer by admitting that in his period of shaking, he cried out to God and ended his prayer by admitting that salvation comes from God. 
Bros had been shaken properly. So as a result of my shaking, I started drawing closer to God and guess what? He extended His loving arms to me. I began to learn how anointed I could be.

One particular miracle that happened to me was in mid-2013. Broke as can be. Food? Gone. Phone bill? Not far away. House rent? Not far away. What did I do? You would think that with all the shaking, I would know to pray. Nah, I wasn’t as smart as Jonah, I first relied on the arms of man and as the bible warns us, they are bound to fail. Jer. 17:5-6 tells us that trusting in man is the same as been under a curse. Imagine that! v6 describes it very well, check it out. So I reached out to my cousin to borrow me some cash, of course she fell my hand. It was then that my brain clicked and I went on my knees and prayed. God is indeed our great provider (Jehovah Jireh). 

In the midst of that prayer, the same cousin called back and informed me that she had sent me £200. Imagine my joy. That was way more than I had asked her to borrow me. Sometimes, I think that the problem with mankind is that we can be stubborn. You would think that with all my experience in the shaking phase I would have learnt my lesson. Nah bruv, I didn’t learn it one bit. I've been cracking my brain on how I can include ‘innit’ in this my gist to prove I actually went to the UK. 

Stroll in 2014, I attended the assessment centre of a top company in Nigeria. I later went to visit a big man who promised to call one or two people to know how it went. Trust Baba God, it didn’t take long to get an email informing me of their regrets. Omo forget it, Warri no dey carry last. This time around I was sharper. When I got home, I went straight to the floor and started praying, calling out to my Father in the midst of my distress. In hindsight, I’m glad it happened because through that experience I also learnt the value of first fruits (Pr. 3:9). 

Whenever you’re going through a shaking during the pressing stage, there is something God needs you to learn. By 2014, I was aware of the anointing we have as children of God. What is required is for us to activate that anointing in our day to day lives and in times of trials and tribulations. When Joseph was going through the beating, he accepted it with grace and refused to let anything come in the way of that. Never let anything get in the way of your beating process.

The Pressing
When Joseph went through the pressing stage, it was preparing him to walk into his destiny. What a destiny he had. Imagine if he had fallen by the way side during the pressing, he would have never walked into his destiny. When you’re being pressed, that is when your oil begins to flow. That is when you begin to walk in your anointing, that is when you begin to be the person God intended for you to become. You become an anointing to others. You become a blessing to others. In this stage, when you’re faced with afflictions, you will know how to handle it. 

How do you know you have entered your pressing stage? 
You no longer rely on the arm of man. You commit all you do to the hands of God just like Joseph did in Gen. 41:16. By the time you enter this stage, you are prepared for the promotion that is around the corner. You understand the value of tithing, first fruits and giving to God. When Joseph was summoned, he prepared himself because he knew he was never going back. I am still experiencing the pressing stage and by God’s grace when I walk into my destiny, I will be able to write more about this stage. For now, I will keep preparing for that time in Jesus' name.
In order to convince God that you are ready to enter your destiny, you need to successfully go through this stage.

When going through these stages, from time to time you will experience all or some of these stages at once. Accept it with humility, give glory to God and commit your ways to Him. Ps. 34:19 says that “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.” Sounds familiar? That was how Jonah ended his prayer and God sent him on his way to his destiny. That was how Joseph responded to Pharaoh and God revealed the meaning of the dream to Joseph. They did this in recognition of God’s sovereignty and dominion over all things. When you respond like this, you’re letting him know that you’re aware He is preparing you for greater.

- Sage
Sage is a graduate of human resource management and a 24/7 salesman. A clay in the hands of the Potter, he is on a journey to knowing God and becoming the man God has called him to be. He has a passion for football and society at large. In his quest for knowledge, he has recently restarted his passion for reading books. He lives in Lagos, Nigeria.

Sunday 3 January 2016

Would you Wait on the Lord?


Meet Anne . . .

Anne started her Year 2015 by asking God to direct how she should live her life. Thereafter, Anne embarked on a time of fasting and prayer for 40 days. In this period, she prayed to God on a daily basis. During the course of her fasting and prayer, she had asked God to reveal His plans for her life. This experience was new to Anne because in previous years, she would have written specific plans and goals for her life. However, in year 2015, Anne felt a nudge in her spirit to allow God to direct her and to make God's purpose her purpose. 
It is usually said that the more we seek to make God's purpose our purpose, the more we will be led to give way to His working and His strength and the more will God be glorified.

During her 40 days of fasting and prayer, Anne struggled as there were several opportunities that nearly led her to give up but she persisted and continued through and she was strengthened as the scriptures had said in Isa 40:31 and Ps 27:14.

On the 38th day of her fasting, God spoke to Anne through a vision, God told her the following: 
  • I would like you to be praying for your work colleagues every day, pray for their salvation.
  • I would like you to be visiting your local youth community centre by volunteering once a week.
  • I would like you to give half of your income to the local widows charity for the next 12 months.
  • I would like you to speak less this year and also, do not share this vision with others apart from your husband.
Anne became anxious when God revealed His plans for her life for the year, she felt she would not be able to achieve the tasks, nevertheless, she was confident that she heard from God, so, she prayed to God for help and guidance. 


On the 30th December 2015, Anne reflected on how her year had been, she discovered that she had achieved the tasks that God instructed her to do. She also noticed that her wish to lose weight was fulfilled, perhaps this was due to the fasting :). Something amazing also occurred, on the 31st December 2015, Anne received a cheque from an organisation that realised that they had owed her a large sum of money. Anne also noticed that her son's speech, which was delayed and which she had numerously prayed about, had immensely improved. 

Some of the lessons that Anne learned in Year 2015: 
  • God miraculously favoured me and my family while I undertook the tasks that He gave me.
  • Seek God because of your love for Him.
  • Commit your day, your life, and your year to God.
  • Communicate with God on a daily basis. 
  • There are several distractions in the world, albeit among some Christians, particularly those that you place highly, remember to stick to what God has told you.
  • God can use you as well, are you ready to be used by Him?
  • It sometimes takes stepping out of your comfort zone to serve God acceptably.
Were you able to learn anything from Anne's experience?

- Myss Lafunky

Photo Credit: http://www.lovethispic.com/

Saturday 2 January 2016

What's Myss Lafunky's Blog About?

For the benefit of those that are new to Myss Lafunky's blog, here is a mini introduction about the blog.

Myss Lafunky is an arm of Truly Making A Difference Ministries, founded in 2012 by the leading of the Holy Spirit. The blog focuses on Christian living, building a closer relationship with God and educating people about sexual purity. The blog also undertakes the role of an agony aunt by offering biblical advice to questions asked. In addition, the blog features stories sent in by the readers and the Myss Lafunky's blog team.

Articles are published on the blog on a weekly basis, mainly every Monday morning. The readers of the blog can share their thoughts on the weekly posts through the comment section of the blog or via the email address (trulymakingadifference@gmail.com).

I hope you will be a reader of the blog in this New Year. I also look forward to reading your insightful comments and I welcome your stories.

If you need to contact Myss Lafunky's blog, please send an email to trulymakingadifference@gmail.com.

Share the blog with your friends, groups, fellowship, and church members. The blog's address is www.mysslafunky.com

Happy New Year!

- Myss Lafunky