On the 29th of November 2016. I Kikelomo Olajumoke Akinola was called to the Nigerian Bar. The journey was quite thrilling yet long and challenging . Challenging because law generally is another level of studying but because half way through the journey precisely the year before I began pursuing my law degree I was diagnosed with TMJ Syndrome.(I never publicly talked about it but I got the certainty that it was time to) It is a syndrome that affects the jaw and restricts opening of the mouth. In my case yawning, talking ,chewing any solid food(included chips and bread sometimes) and the most painful singing(if you know me you know I sing most of the time) was restricted .I had constant pain and tenderness on the affected area. I only spoke when it was absolutely necessary to due to the pain. I battled with constant headaches when I studied or had to turn in assignments. I could feel depression so close as my mind drifted sometimes to the fact that I was the type to pray over a cold and get instant healing, pray over malaria and be healed yet I had to wait this time which was new to me however my God was my rock throughout .His grace was sufficient for everyday even on the days when it got so cold and the pain got worse .He strengthened me through his word to keep pressing on. He reminded me how he was with me and would never ever leave me nor forsake me. He reminded me that there was no one who ever trusted him and was put to shame. I knew deep down in my spirit that I could not be overcome by it because my King had overcome the world for me. I remember one morning when I got the understanding to trust his word just as much as I trusted those pain killers (prescribed) I had to pop for the pain. I was reminded that his word is medicine and health to my bones so I decided to daily speak his word over my health and over my life and I can't even begin to explain the overwhelming strength and confidence I began to have .I decided to join the band I had always wanted to join. I was certain his word was working in me in spite of the occasional pain. I chose not to get any special treatment for my exams nor let my life be determined by it.
Today I can say with tears in my eyes and a heart full of thanksgiving that my God showed himself strong on my behalf. I Kikelomo Olajumoke Akinola was called to the Nigerian Bar
I am free from constant headaches , I can eat whatever I want (I missed popcorn so much ) ,I can yawn , talk as much as I want and Sing as long and as loud as I can . I just want to encourage someone out there faced with obstacles on the path to attaining your dreams not to give in. Hold on tight to Jesus . He is your cornerstone your wall won't crumble, He is your anchor your dreams will not sink .They can come against you but they will fall for your sake. He who watches over you does not sleep nor slumber, he who watches over you has overcome the world ,has overcome the enemy and all his devices and has lifted you high above it. Keep your head up. Never ever give up.Stay strong .Jehovah will see you through.
Sitting here waiting to board the plane for home. I cannot
help but tell of how faithful my God has been. Prior to graduation season,
there were so many needs that arose that it could have been overwhelming but as they arose I continued to focus on him and he met them all and exceeded my expectations.. From booking train and plane tickets to making hotel reservations, to figuring out tourist attractions and factoring in particular places everyone wanted to see ,it was definitely one interesting journey. Gradually my family members arrived .I mean I expected some of them to show up but I was definitely overwhelmed with so much joy when I found out just how many of them were coming.I'm telling you when he chooses to honour himself in your life even when you do not deserve it, he will. Gush! He is crazy faithful. I thought to share some of the photos with you all hope you enjoy it I
remembered that I serve the God in whom a cattle on a thousand hills is his.
We were in London for a few days and then we caught the train to Dundee.
London King Cross station
God knows I had taken that trip from London Kings cross to
Dundee a couple of times but family just
brought a whole different twist to it .We shared jokes, created new memories ,
slept ,walked from cabin to cabin (upon grandmas advice not sit on the same
spot for too long) here are a couple of photos from the train ride .
Arriving Dundee
It was quite late and chilly when we arrived Dundee. We had
a late dinner and headed to bed. However, the next day was sunny and gorgeous
so we opted to explore the law hill, broughty ferry and over gate. We were so
favoured to have gotten a taxi driver who took us to these locations without
really asking for much money. I was so glad my mum and grandma got to
experience it too. They were a little tired when we arrived the castle and decided to remain in the taxi. Thankfully, the sweet taxi driver took them on a
ride along the beach which they thoroughly enjoyed. It was a fun day overall.
However we had to call it a night early as we had to prepare for the D day .
The Morning Of /Graduation day
The Day was here. After weeks of planning, trying to
get extra tickets for the ceremony, booking train and plane tickets to making hotel reservations, It was all leading up to this day and it was finally here. I had chosen not to
lodge with my family in their suite the previous night thus I slept in my
hostel one last time as a Current Student of University of Dundee. As I woke up
that morning .It dawned on me .It was finally here. My heart was filled with so
much gratitude and I found myself playing and singing "champion" by Tye Tribett as I got ready
for the ceremony. It captured every single bit of my emotions at the time. And as the tears of joy rolled down my cheeks my heart was so full with thanks .My God had shown himself strong on my behalf not because I deserved it nor
because I am the smartest but because of his mercy and unfailing love. He was
my anchor that held so strong throughout my time in Dundee. He was always and
continues to always be there for me .Uh! What a beautiful time of worship it
was. I quickly got ready met up with my family at the location. Took
a couple of pictures prior to the ceremony and then I finally took
my sit a couple of minutes before ten. It was a beautiful ceremony concise yet
impactful.
The ceremony ended at 11; 50 we took some more photos before
we finallygot some lunch and returned
to the hotel but the day was far from over yet .My aunts had a train to catch to meet up with the flight for graduation number 2 in Ukraine the next day so off to
the train station we went.
~
After the hussle and buzzle of trying to make it to the train station, The rest of us had lunch and we took some photos close to one of my favourite spots in Dundee I loved sitting there after church service to have my one on one time right after church or just go them sometime during the week. I’m going to miss it so much. The days progressed and gradually everyone went back to their various locations.
My mum and brother stayed behind to help in packing my stuff . The time came to get all my stuff together so we could leave. It was so
difficult packing all my books and stuff but no one likes to leave their
comfort zone. It was time to move on to the next phase and we successfully
packed all my stuff .So now I am sitting in the airport not quite certain about
what exactly the future holds but it is ok. I have Jesus in my boat. He
commands my Destiny.
With that said, here are some more photos from our family trip to
Scotland for the graduation
Thank you for reading
I had to share this with you all so you know what I had been
up to in June.
Ever come across the scripture" forgive that you might be forgiven ". If you have something against your brother and you are bringing an offering go back to make amends with your brother before you bring that offering. It may be quite easy to apply in some circumstances and so you adhere to it but what happens when the weight of the offence in your opinion is unforgivable.
You feel like you have a right to be angry and apologized to but what if the apology never comes . Do you still harbor all the animosity within you? I mean it is your heart that skips a bit when the person walks into a room, when you hear the persons name or any reference at all is made to the person. The person may not necessarily deserve your forgiveness but you will need to forgive for you regardless. Unforgivness only allow bitterness and anger in and clogs up your relationship with God. While most times the other person goes on with life like nothing happens.
Forgive For You
Thus you need to forgive for you.The type of sin should not be a factor as you cannot afford to give someone the power over your happiness and joy. Yes, you have been hurt and although you are not really to trust anyone, you trusted a person or persons.You expected more simply because you will do the same .However as one of my mentors says "you cannot be pitiful and powerful at the same time". You have to choose one. Self pity will only keep you from progressing and it keeps you bitter . The bible says that Christ came that we may have life and have it to the the full till it over flows. A life with bitterness, rage and anger surely cannot be the life God predestined for us . You decide if you want to live the abundant life or not by your decision to either let go or be held bound.
Most importantly you need to forgive that you might be forgiven.Most times you know what God expects of you and what you should do but you just want to have some form of justice for you.
Matthew 18:23-35 Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. And when he had begun to settle accounts, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. But as he was not able to pay, his master commanded that he be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and that payment be made. The servant therefore fell down before him, saying, 'Master, have patience with me, and I will pay you all.' Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt. But that servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and he laid hands on him and took him by the throat, saying, 'Pay me what you owe!' So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, 'Have patience with me, and I will pay you all.' And he would not, but went and threw him into prison till he should pay the debt. So when his fellow servants saw what had been done, they were very grieved, and came and told their master all that had been done. Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, 'You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. 'Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?' And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him. So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses. (NKJV)
Thus It is not sufficient to verbally say that you have forgiven the person or persons when you know in your heart that you clearly have not.You need to forgive from your heart totally like you were forgiven because unforgiveness will not just break you it also hinders your relationship with God. I found that it is a disguised tool used by the enemy to keep us bitter and angry and to impede our relationship with God.It may seem difficult but I strongly believe that if God tells us to do something (forgive) .He says it to us because we can through him. The bible says as he was so are we in the world if he could forgive peter his beloved disciple that betrayed him we can also forgive what seems like the unforgivable ..How can I do that you may ask ?
Forgive For Jesus
Focus on Jesus .If you remember that Jesus died to save the whole world which includes that individual or group of individuals, it makes it easier. Let God's love engraved deep in your heart compel you to forgive. They may not deserve it but we did not deserve it too when Jesus gave it all up for us by dying on the cross. Selective application on Gods word on forgiveness will not work. There are no clauses .He simply said Forgive.We are his disciples .We cannot doubt that we have the ability to forgive because in him sister, we can do all things . I Know it hurts but you can forgive , you can let go if you would only let God help you.
Prayer
Father you know the depths of my heart . You fashioned me, you see me and if there is anyone that knows how to heal my heart . It is you my creator, my father and friend.Father because of your love for me I am certain that you have more for me .For you promised that you who sent your son will now freely give us all things if we ask. Lord I ask that you heal my heart and grant me your peace that surpasses all understanding .Help me forgive like you will forgive and love like you will love.Today I declare that I am free from the bondage of hurt and pain.
Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart, saying there was in a certain city a judge who did not fear God nor regard man. Now there was a widow in that city; and she came to him, saying, Get justice for me from my adversary and He would not for a while; but afterward he said within himself , Though I do not fear God nor regard man, yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. then the Lord said , " Hear what the unjust judge said . And Shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to him, though he bares long with them? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily .
Just Amazing! the very fact that Jesus said in the first line that men always ought to pray and not faint means to me that he knew that we can get tired sometimes especially when we have been praying for something for a long time; but we need to be like the widow in the above scripture she did not relent until she got justice. Waiting is never the easiest thing and it may seem impossible sometimes but Jesus promises us in the next verses that even if it may take a while God will surely avenge His own. I want to encourage us today that no matter what it is . It cannotbe greater than our God if He promised He will surely come through. Do not loose hope. Continue to fill your heart with faith by listening to God's word, reading His word and listening to gospel music. Let the voice of God be louder in you . God is still God. God is still faithful. Hold On!
Have an amazing week
With lots and lots of love
Kike Akinola
If you fancy some inspirationla music You can find click here to http://thefvfactor.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/music%20and%20me listen to our playlist thus far.
The song of the week is by planet shakers . I am so in love with this song. It blessed me so so much and I just want to encourage anyone who is going through anything to turn your eyes on Jesus .Do not Give up. See Jesus just see Jesus. He has won it all for you and me. You cannot be defeated ! In all things we are more than conquerors through him who loves us. hope you love it
With lots and lots of love
Kike Akinola for Thefvfactor
Song Title -The Anthem LYRICS
"The Anthem"
By his stripes we are healed By his nail pierced hands we’re free By his blood, we’re washed clean Now we have the victory.
The power of sin is broken, Jesus overcame it all, He has won our freedom, Jesus has won it all, You have won the victory.
Hallelujah! You have won it all for me.
Death could not hold you down You are the risen king Seated in Majesty You are the risen king
Our god is risen,he is alive He won the victory, he reigns on high
Am I righteous because I go to church every Sunday? try to do right all the time?sing in the choir? head the Ushering department? or because I invite people to church? I mean who is really righteous?
Many times the answer to these questions would be yes because we have this idea that we are righteous because of what we do. I never really asked myself what it really meant to be righteous. I came to the understanding that Jesus had saved me and His sacrifice took my sins away forever. Therefore when I am born again I am a new creature even though I fall sometimes,I repent. It is all part of the sanctification process. My mind is just being renewed daily and I become more and more like Him as I draw near to Him. However, being the righteousness of God was something I never really considered even though It was one of those quotes from the scriptures I heard people say and probably echoed along with the crowd,I never really understood it. I was reading my devotional the other day and I was led to read Romans 5 and then I came across this amazing sermon on being the righteousness of God and I was so thankful because God addressed these deep rooted questions. It's been so amazing for me. My hope is that it encourages you today too and that after today you will receive that certainty of who you are and never doubt it again.
What is Righteousness?
Righteousness Is A Free Gift
Righteousness is described as a free gift. Although many of us consider righteousness as something we earn by merit. Romans 5:15-17
" But the free gift is not like the offense. For if by one man's offense many died, much more the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one man Jesus Christ abounded to many".
For if by one man's offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the one, Jesus Christ.
In this chapter the offense referred to here is the disobedience of Adam which resulted in the reign of sin on the earth and the gift referred to is the gift of righteousness which Jesus offers to us.
Even though some of us reading this have accepted Jesus we still consider that we have to work for righteousness. It is described as a free gift. Which means we do not work for it and it is not given upon merit. It is available to us because of what Jesus did. It may still be hard to grasp but consider this, we are fine with accepting that when a man comes into the world he comes as a sinner automatically due to Adam's offense (Rom 5:16-17) . Even though the only thing he had to do to receive that title was to be born.
I heard a preacher give this example he said when we come into the world we are automatically sinners irrespective of the how good or charitable we are,we will still have that title and we would not be considered as righteous. The question then is how do we receive this righteousness or how can we be made righteous?
Believe That Jesus Makes Us Righteous And Receive
The bible in Rom 5:19 says "For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners and by ones man act the many will be made righteous.... Using the example above you might do right, feed the poor, live a honest life, do all that is considered to be right in the society yet you are still a sinner because you were born into sin. There was nothing you did to merit this and the truth is no matter your good deeds you would still not be considered as the righteousness of God because of what Adam had done that "made all "sinners . Thus it is only when we receive Jesus in our hearts by believing that He died for you and I (the act)and gave us the free gift of righteousness, will we be righteous.
" For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one man's obedience many will be made righteous" -Rom 5:19.The same way we did nothing to be sinners is the same way there is nothing we do or we could ever do to receive his righteousness but believe. Therefore When you are born again you have a new title a new identity and it is in Jesus .
Just like Paul You have been crucified with Christ yet it is not you who lives but you live in the flesh by faith in the son of God, who loved you and gave himself up for you.-Gal 2;20
Therefore you are righteous because you believe that he has given you new life .The title that comes with that new life or being born again is being the righteousness of God not because of what you do or did but because of all He did. You are as a baby newly born in Christ and the title you bear now is the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus
.
You might still look at yourself and say I am far from being righteous but I want to encourage us today that Jesus was never searching for perfect people all he wants is a heart that accepts his love. I am still not perfect yet he is working his will through me to share his message. Come to him, rest in the potter's hands and let him mold the clay into what he has called us to be. Stop focusing on you focus on him. You are righteous because he made you Righteous.
Thus let us serve in God's house because we love God. Do it not because you are trying to prove a point to any man(and whatever you do,do it heartily, as to the lord and not to men -col 3:23 ) let your focus be on loving your God who showers you with His unconditional love everyday and has given you a title that you might not deserve but you have anyway because you believe and you receive his amazing love in the person of Jesus.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT WE KNOW
We will be ill equipped for the battle If we do not know.In the book of Ephesians the bible talks about all the instruments we need to withstand the fiery darts of the enemy. Righteousness is listed as one of the instruments.
Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.- Eph 6: 14-16 The breastplate protects the frontal part of our body and this part includes our heart and the enemy knows that if our heart condemns us we will not have peace with God . Our faith which is the shield before the breastplate will be impaired for we will not be acting in faith when we believe in our own righteousness instead of his.Our boldness will be weakened we will not be able to come into his presence boldly or ask him for anything.Our breastplate of righteousness would also be affected because of our unbelief in Jesus our righteousness that speaks for us. Beloved ,if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God. And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight. This is his Commandment that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment - 1 John 3:21 -23
Thus we leave ourselves open to the fiery darts of the enemy when we doubt Christ's righteousness given to us. I want you to know today that We Have Been Bought With The Price. He Gave Us His Righteousness the moment we accepted him into our hearts . YOU DO NOT NEED TO CRINGE ANYMORE BECAUSE YOU THINK YOU JUST CANNOT BE RIGHTEOUS. YOU ARE RIGHTEOUS BECAUSE OF WHAT JESUS DID AND NO DEVIL, NO ACCUSATION, NO MAN CAN DISPUTE THAT.
Focus On Jesus. The more you focus on him the more you become more and more like him - 2cor 3:18
Declaration
I am justified because he has justified me. I am the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus and I am loved by God.
Is This Then A License To Sin?
I am of the opinion that there is no way you encounter Jesus, his love and you would remain the same. I love to share one of my favorite stories in the bible about Zaccheus the tax collector who had done so much wrong. Yet Jesus stopped in the midst of the crowd to give his attention to this sinner and he(Jesus) publicly declared that he would fellowship with him in his house. Zaccheus was so overwhelmed that without Jesus telling him to change his ways, he personally said " Look lord , I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore four fold". luke 19:1-10
I believe that when you encounter His love your heart responds in love to want to please Him and the great thing is that His spirit in us will teach us both to will and do of His good pleasure. I am not saying you wouldn't make mistakes sometimes. My point is once you encounter Jesus and you continually grow in His ways His love would compel you to desire to do good. The amazing thing is that even when you blatantly ignore Him sometimes(not worth it) and learn the hard way (realize there is no you without him)it is His love that always pulls you back in.
The second point is that God cannot be mocked He relates to us based on our hearts. He knows us and he can never be fooled. I think sometimes we try to do God's work for him. I really do not think it is worth our time bothering about others' righteousness or holiness. I remember going to church on a Sunday morning some years ago and as I gazed on the road I saw a night worker(thinking of it now maybe she was not) coming out of a hotel. I felt good with myself for a second because I was spending my Sunday morning going to church and well she was not. There and then I got reminded of the warning Jesus gave to his disciples "To remove the log in their own eyes before they remove the speck in another's eyes" and also judge not that you might not be judged. I remembered that I had been saved by grace and all that I am is by His grace. I should rather focus on me and live the judging to the ultimate judge God. Therefore focus on you and your relationship with God and pray for others because Jesus died for us all.
Hi everyone.
I hope your week has been good so far. This week I want to share with you these amazing songs I recently came across. The songs really capture the perspective of taking the focus away from you and totally focusing on God(Theme in April).I heard the First Song on my favorite radio station and I totally love it. The second one was played in church on Sunday and it is definitely one of the best songs I have heard this year. The songs reminds me so so much of Romans 8 :1
"There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh , but according to the spirit Of God." .
Romans 8:33 "Who shall Bring a charge against God's elect ?It is God who justifies" .
I just want to encourage you today that no matter the accusations that come against you remember that you have been bought with the greatest price ever given for man the "blood of Jesus" and no one or thing can ever dispute that. Jesus said " It is finished " you are justified. All of your sins have been taken away and all your sins are covered by His grace.
I hope you enjoy it too.
Song Title; Greater by Mercy Me.
Lyrics
Bring your tired Bring your shame Bring your guilt Bring your pain Don't you know that's not your name You will always be much more to me
Everyday I wrestle with the voices That keep telling me I'm not right But that's alright
Cause I hear a voice and he calls me redeemed When others say I'll never be enough And greater is the One living inside of me Than he who is living in the world In the world In the world And greater is the One living inside of me Than he who is living in the world
Bring your doubts Bring your fears Bring your hurt Bring your tears There'll be no condemnation here You are holy, righteous and redeemed
Every time I fall There'll be those who will call me A mistake Well that's ok
Cause I hear a voice and he calls me redeemed When others say I'll never be enough And greater is the One living inside of me Than he who is living in the world In the world In the world And greater is the One living inside of me Than he who is living in the world
There'll be days I lose the battle Grace says that it doesn't matter Cause the cross already won the war He's Greater He's Greater
I am learning to run freely Understanding just how he sees me And it makes me love him more and more He's Greater He's Greater
There'll be days I lose the battle Grace says that it doesn't matter Cause the cross already won the war He's Greater He's Greater
I am learning to run freely Understanding just how he sees me And it makes me love him more and more He's Greater He's Greater
Cause I hear a voice and he calls me redeemed When others say I'll never be enough And greater is the One living inside of me Than he who is living in the world In the world In the world And greater is the One living inside of me Than he who is living in the world
There'll be days I lose the battle Grace says that it doesn't matter Cause the cross already won the war He's Greater He's Greater
I am learning to run freely Understanding just how he sees me And it makes me love him more and more He's Greater He's Greater He who is living the world
Song Title ;Covered by Planet Shakers
Lyrics
Grace, glorious grace, grace, glorious grace
At the cross You called it finished
Grace, wonderful grace, grace, wonderful grace
At the cross all of my sin is
Covered, covered, covered by Your grace, oh
Covered, covered, covered by Your grace
Grace, beautiful grace, grace, beautiful grace
At the cross, love everlasting
Grace, powerful grace, grace, powerful grace
At the cross all of my past is
No matter what I’ve done, no matter where I’ve been
No matter how I fall, You pick me up again
You have removed my shame, You take as I am
You call me justified, now I am covered by Your grace
With lots and lots of love
Kike Akinola for FV
Lyrics by - A-z lyrics.com
Video Credit -YouTube
P.s Please check out the post on "Who is Really Righteous " and Kindly share .
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