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We haven't had a Worship and Me feature in a while, so even though today is not Wednesday, permit me to share this gem I discovered, which has blessed me immensely.
It's not really a song, it's a worship night hosted by William McDowell.
By the way, the man William McDowell was with us in Lagos a few days back, at the RCCG JoshuaVille (aka JVille)'s annual Night of Worship and I honestly do not have words enough to express how awesome the night was!
One thing I love about McDowell is how so into his worship he gets when he begins. You can see and almost feel a man who is sold out to God. I like the simplicity yet depth of his worship and I love the fact that he speaks the word as he worships.
In this particular video, he shares his unique salvation experience and his passion for this generation to know, love and worship God... Talk about having a wonderful passion!
I have many William McDowell favourites; 'I give myself away', 'Holding Nothing Back', 'You are God Alone', 'Witholding Nothing', 'Never Going Back', 'Standing' {Oh how I loveee this song - "We're gonna see what we're praying forr!!"). One that I truly love is 'I Belong to You'..
See excerpts of the song:
I've been captured by a love I can't explain
Now you have me, and I'm forever changed
I've abandoned everything I've ever known
I surrender, my life is not my own..
I belong to you
I belong to you
This song talks about absolute surrender to God. For me, it tells a little of the love story between God and me - God's inexplicable and indescribable love has captured my heart. I am enamoured and won over by His deep deep love for me.
The best I can offer in return is me.. All of me! This is not easy at all but it is such a small gift in view of God's unconditional love for us all.
In this worship video, McDowell also talks about what it means to 'belong to God'.. Your life is no longer yours. It's no longer about what feels good to YOU, or what YOU think or want to do, it becomes all about what HE wants you to do, how HE wants you to react, the places HE approves of you to be.. It's a total and complete sacrifice....
When I heard this, it made me think like "wow.. this one is a tough call..", but it is possible by God's grace and the rewards and joy innumerable.. Like McDowell says in his song 'Never Going Back' -
I've been changed, healed, freed, delivered! And I possibly can't go back to the way it used to be. I lovee this CHANGED me :-)
Thank God for His everlasting love..
Here you go - Night of Worship with William McDowell, hope it blesses you as much as it has me xxxx
I Belong To You
PS What's your favourite William McDowell song? xx
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I am excited whenever I have the opportunity to watch, hear or read about God's Awesomeness!
Everyday, we get the opportunity to have a glimpse of just how GREAT God is - From the break of dawn, to the rising of the sun, to the clouds that fill up with rain that drops on the ground to produce a bountiful harvest and nurture life.
From the details of creation - the unique lines imprinted on the palms of every human being, to the beautiful crinkle that forms when you smile. From the numerous strands of hair on our head that differs in texture, strength, length and colour to the next person just as our DNA, as intricate, complex and detailed as it is, differs from the next.
God is great and there is NOTHING He cannot do.
Emma and Obi Anyadike
If you followed the Waiting and Loving It series, you would remember Emma and Obi who were one of the first couples we featured. You can read their story HERE.. What they might not have touched on at the time was the miracle of conception and birth of their first and only son at the time Noah.
Emma and Obi are now blessed with 2 very handsome sons and Emma recently shared her story of faith, belief (and moments of unbelief), hope and miracle of God's faithfulness. Please watch the video below, you would certainly be blessed:
Also, very recently, Emma and Obi dedicated their second son Zac at their church, the City Temple (Elim) in Swansea and they made this beautiful video to celebrate. It's a bit of a 'Music and Me' as well, as I would encourage you to please pay attention to the background song (words on screen). It's also one of Emma's favourite songs..
How beautiful indeed. I had tears in my eyes as I watched. May God continue to bless and keep Emma, Obi and their gorgeous boys in Jesus name.
My prayer for you is that if there is anything at all you are trusting and holding on to God for, He would do it for you. No matter what the facts and proof are pointing to. No matter what the doctors have said, no matter what society has said, no matter what precedent has been or history has proven, may God answer your prayers and grant you the desires of your heart as you trust in Him in Jesus name.
"For with God, nothing shall be impossible" - Luke 1:37
Lots of love xxxx
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Do you have a story you'd like to share as well? Please do not hesitate to send us an email oneplustheone@gmail.com
Remember that 1 + The One is very social :-) Please connect with us on:
I am a hopeless forever romantic... I have said it time and time again here on 1 + The One that I Love Love :-)
Love excites me, love makes me happy (like seriously happy, lol), I am fascinated by love and falling in love.. You can ask my family and friends, I can hear a love story over a 100 times and never get tired (Tobi, Aunty Uzo :-). I can watch the same beautiful romance movie and watch it the twentieth time and it would be as if I never watched it before. (Love and Basketball, Not Easily Broken)
I could read a great romance fiction 50 times and still save the book so that I could read it at another 'suitable time' (Redeeming Love, Night Whispers, Voice in the Wind).
I enjoy reading books and listening to experiences of what it means to make love work. I am sure some of you may be able to identify with what I am saying (while others can feel free to roll their eyes, lol).
As you can imagine, I used to dream in 100 shades of how I would eventually meet my beloved.. I couldn't wait, it excited me! It was no surprise that most of it was based on the fictional tales I had read when I was younger and as I grew older, my imaginations matured and reality set in, to be hopefully more... realistic.
I can't quite remember the first time I heard this beautiful song 'God Bless the Broken Road' by Rascal Flatts.. I LOVED the words. I loved it because it seemed like it was written with me in mind. You see, I started off thinking I would find love very early and be happily married soon after. I never considered heartbreaks, disappointments, broken promises, waitingggggggggggggg (can I write more 'g's?) . But heartbreaks? (check!) Disappointments? (check!), broken promises? (checkkk!), Waitinggggggggggggggggggg? (double check!).. I had my fair share of them.
However, while I have not liked all the negative experiences, I have come to grudgingly appreciate them as part of the journey. I have learnt and grown immensely. My trust in God has been developed beautifully and I am truly grateful for the things He has taught me in this process. I know and believe that by God's grace, I am a better woman today than I was years ago (Thank God!).. I am still learning, still a work in progress but I look back and I can thank God for how far He has brought me.
Now, the song is almost like a climax of this journey.. I sing it with a lot of faith and hope, imagining me looking at him and singing with a smile on my face that "Every long lost dream, led me to where you are. Others who broke my heart, they were like Northern stars, pointing me on my way, into your loving arms. This much I know is true.. That God BLESS the broken road that led me straight to you..."
The road might seem broken, tedious, frustrating, annoying, exasperating and you might just want to give up, but may I encourage you (as I encourage myself) that it would be worth it in Jesus name. God is the One who makes ALL things work together for your good (Rom 8:28). The wait might seem long right now, you might just have suffered another disappointment, you might just be tempted to just give in because it doesn't look like it's going to happen but let me encourage you with the words of this beautiful song - It will ALL be worth it in the end.
The road may be broken, the journey might have been very long and bumpy BUT when you get to your God-ordained destination, you would thank God for the road, the bumps, and see how God had been working it out for you.
Don't stop believing, don't stop trusting Him to give you the very best.. He alone is able to make it all worth it :-)
Sing along with me... Ev-e-ry long lost dream, led me to where you are.... " :-)
It feels great to resume the weekly Music and Me posts! If this is your first time, you can read an introduction to the series HERE.
Would you like to share yours too? It could be a song that struck something in you when you listened to it, it could be a song or worship that you used during a down-time in your life and it made a huge difference, it could be a song that takes you into the 'God-zoneee', it could be a song that helps you express what mere words cannot quite convey, it could be a song that brings a zest and zing to your heart and steps whenever it comes up!
Each song will be accompanied by a story, introduction or reason why it is the choice of the week..
Since we started the series, I don't think I have published a personal one, yet when we started off, I was ready to introduce all my favourite worship songs and tell you the story(ies) behind them lol.. Alas, God had a greater and far better plan! Because, just before I put fingers to typewriter or start choosing a song in my heart, someone sends an email with their entry for the week!
It is always a pleasure to read the AMAZING testimonies of different people (many of whom I am yet to meet), when they send their stories. A number of them have moved me to tears, not because its sad, far from it - more because I stand amazed at how awesome, amazing and oh so faithful our God is!!
I have mentioned previously that I believe that there is immense power in music.. Particular spirit-filled music - it can bring hope, it can inspire joy, it can light up a dire situation, it can bring healing, it can usher in the presence of God, it can be used as an expression of worship and it can bring comfort and strength...
... And that's what today's Music and Me post is about. I don't think I will forget this particular email in a hurry as I admire the strength and grace of this lovely lady, Adenike who shares her expression of worship with us today.... Be blessed xxxx
I am HAPPILY married with a child. However, early 2014, we lost what would have been our second child to stillbirth at 20 weeks. I was distraught to say the least. Up until that time, my life had been a roller coaster of one testimony after another, I only just need to desire it and I would have it. I cannot put into words how lost I felt at the time and I won't even try because words will do no justice.
Fast forward to some months after that loss when I discovered I was pregnant with twins! It was a pleasant shock, as neither myself nor my husband had a history of twin gestation in our families. This was God compensating us and restoring all we had lost as He promised. Family members could not hide their joy and we all held our breath in expectation. I suffered hyperemesis gravidarum, but it was for a cause, so I bore it all.
Sadly, in the 23rd week of the pregnancy, I went into premature labour and all medical efforts to stop the labour proved abortive, prayers were said in every corner, I prayed to God and prayed some more until I became so weak. My heartbeat was practically jumping, my sisters were so scared at how they could see it.
Eventually, I had to be wheeled to the delivery room and as I laid on that couch, in distress, in terrible labour pain to deliver children whose lungs I knew were not developed enough to sustain life outside the womb, in a dire situation further compounded by the medical facility inadequacy of the country (although this particular hospital is the best I've seen here), two songs came to mind and I screamed them out. God knows I did, and the Gynaecologist looked at me in unbelief.
First one was 'Jesus in times of despair' (albeit I sang it in Yoruba) and the second one was 'Abide with me, fast falls the eventide'. They are both hymns (which I LOVE!) and I had loved the second one for a while prior to this period and you would always hear me singing it, but at that time, much more than any other time in my life, I needed God! I was afraid that the losses would affect my faith and take me away from God and whilst other things around me were falling, I still wanted that one sure foundation to remain, so I sang and cried and sang.
God abode, through all my useless utterances, through the hurt and the pain, He was there. I didn't always see Him and I wasn't always looking for me, but He was there, He gave me words of comfort, He surrounded me with people that felt the pain of the loss as much as I did, if possible. I am not totally free of the pain now, but it doesn't consume me anymore. I am standing! I am living! I am hopeful and waiting for a better tomorrow because He abode with me in my darkest hour and He will abide with me in the joyful days ahead as He has promised.
Listen to the song and find God in any situation you might be in........in 'cloud and sunshine'.
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Wow... I don't know what to say, but I can read Adenike's story many times over and it would still 'speak' to me deeply and in diverse ways.
Her testimony is quite different from the usual, yet very powerful. We have shared on the blog in the past about praising God when all is well, and when all is not quite well. We have discussed the sacrifice of praise - Praising God from a very difficult praise, yet praising anyway because He says we should and He is very deserving.
Adenike's testimony is a great example of a sacrifice of praise - when you face a huge loss and yet still desperately hold on to God. To be honest, it is easier to walk away, to call it a day, to abandon your faith because you feel so let down, so badly disappointed.
This might just be someone reading this right now.. However, like Job and like Adenike, may we encourage you to trust God, to hold on to Him even more tightly than ever before? We might not understand the reason why some things happen, but we must trust implicitly in the faithfulness and goodness of God. Even as I write, I can imagine how difficult it must be, so I don't say it lightly at all... But, God is the only sure foundation we can rest on, in and out of season.
You might have said words fuelled by anger and disappointment, or perhaps have strayed far, far away, it's never too late to come back home. God loves you sooo much and He never left you for a second. Indeed, His promise to you and I is that He would never leave nor forsake us.
For anyone whose faith is being tested or shaken, I pray that God will meet you at the point of your needs. May He show Himself faithful in your life and restore fully to you every loss. May He strengthen you and give you the grace to hold on through the storm and stand firm on His word. After all, may you come out very victorious in Jesus name.
Would you like to share yours too? Remember it could be a song that struck something in you when you listened to it, it could be a song or worship that you used during a down-time in your life and it made a huge difference, it could be a song that takes you into the 'God-zoneee', it could be a song that helps you express what mere words cannot quite convey, it could be a song that brings a zest and zing to your heart and steps whenever it comes up!
Each song will be accompanied by a story, introduction or reason why it is the choice of the week..
Honestly, 1 + The One is not just a music blog :-) We definitely love music but we also discuss relationships, love and more loveee lol. I'm sorry I haven't posted a Waiting and Loving IT or Married and Loving IT feature in a while... We will be back with those series by God's grace!
Alrighty, how was your week? What did you get up to? Well for me, God did so many things for me and my family that I can't help but screammmmmmmmmmmmmm out in praise to His holy and wonderful name! Indeed, let me just say this, no matter how long you have trusted and waited, keep holding on (this might sound cliche), but I tell you, God is very faithful to His word and when He does bring answers to your prayers, it would be perfect - perfect answer, perfect timing, perfect joy!
Alright, on to today's Music and Me feature! Now, this was sent in by a very dear blogger-friend with many names :-) Tommie Arike Akibo of www.arikearts.com. She's a woman who clearly demonstrates her love for God and relationship with Him through her blog and it is refreshing to read her posts!
I was in the shower as my early morning routine is to think through things and sing while I am in there. I am going through a phase right now where I have so many life changing decisions to make and on this fateful day, different thoughts of 'What if' just bombarded my mind and I started panicking.
'What if it doesn't work out'
'What if you're making a mistake'
'What if you end up really broke'
'What if....'
And just right there out of nowhere came the song:
''I know who goes before me I know who stands behind The God of angel armies Is always by my side¨
I meaan. This was clearly the Holy Spirit reminding me to calm my nerves. I didn't even have the song on my phone or remembered who sang it. I had to just remember that line to type in Google to find out more about the song and listened to it all through the day.
I am reminded that God is ever faithful. A couple of days before then I had been praying with Psalm 27 and when I was reading through again, verse 1 says exactly what this song also say.
''Whom shall I fear?''
This restored the confidence I had in God, I was looking waaay too long at the circumstance and forgot that I had someone before me and behind me. Truth is, as long as we are in his will, nothing formed against us shall stand. No circumstance can over-power us, God is our light and salvation, He is the stronghold of our lives.
Do you know how much I love Psalm 27? No, You don't lol.. It is a very beautiful Psalm indeed, and would certainly boost your confidence in the God that we serve! It's a very healthy boast in the Lord and in His power to protect, provide and perform!
I also share another love with Arike, which is my one-man choir and 'church service' + meditation in the shower! I'm sure a number of you can identify with that! I am immensely productive while I'm there, infact I dare say that many great ideas have sprung from my 'time of fellowship' in the shower (haha). Honestly, there's something beautiful about lifting up your voice (like you just don't curr!), singing at the top of your voice (or croaking along), in adoration of the King of Kings.. It's such a beautiful thing that the presence of God is not restricted, you can fellowship with Him wherever and whatever time of the day!
So don't hold back, go ahead and scream his praises in the bathroom, on the toilet seat, in your car, during a walk, while you grocery-shop, while someone is keeping you waiting, while on the bank queue... ANYWHERE! :-D
Would you like to share yours too? Remember it could be a song that struck something in you when you listened to it, it could be a song or worship that you used during a down-time in your life and it made a huge difference, it could be a song that takes you into the 'God-zoneee', it could be a song that helps you express what mere words cannot quite convey, it could be a song that brings a zest and zing to your heart and steps whenever it comes up!
Each song will be accompanied by a story, introduction or reason why it is the choice of the week..
How has your week been so far? Mine has been busy busy busy and I need a holiday!! Any takers?
Anyways, today is not about holiday destinations, it's a Wednesday! Wednesdays are Music and Me days here on the blog and it gets me excited every single time. I am immensely blessed reading the different individual testimonies/stories behind a particular song.
Today is no different as we feature a multi-talented artist - spoken word, poetry, prose, blogger and so much more! He blogs at www.saintrhymes.blogspot.com and is a good friend and huge supporter of 1 + The One, his comments are definitely worth reading.
Well, without further ado, let me step aside to allow the lyricist take the stage, doing what he does best..
Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you Solomon Adesanya aka St Rhymes as he tells us his own story behind this beautiful song by Don Moen simply titled, Be Still.
How I wish there was a device that could remind me of these words, 'Be Still' from Don Moen's song, every minute.
There have been moments in my life, when I thought life was over, the worst was bound to happen. Moments I cried till my tear tank was empty, moments when sleep divorced my tired body 'cos of a worried mind.
During one of those moments, on a Sunday morning, I was in church and our Choir leader did a Special number "Be still". Mehn I thought he was talking to me, that song stayed glued to my mind like an adhesive. I was having trouble at my office (a finance house) then in 2008. I had collected a cheque from a client who was paying the company for a loan he took. When it was time to remit the cheques for the day, this particular cheque was missing!
Days passed and our Accountant began to query me. Now it is the weekend, I must provide the cheque or a cash equivalent on Monday, and my MD is now aware! I tried not to worry but I couldn't sleep any longer!!!
So after the song rendition on Sunday, lines from the song continued to roll up in my heart. Up on till Monday as I prepared to go work, I kept humming
"When the oceans rise and thunders roar I will soar with you above the storm Father you are King over the floods I will be still and know you're God"
I got to my office and went to a colleague's table to check an envelope that got my attention. Lo, the missing envelope was resting there!
I couldn't shout, I just kept singing...that evening I bought a worship collection CD, with that song (Be still by Don Moen) on it.
Now I know that worry doesn't bring any change, not even 1kobo. Whenever issues like this arise, I remember this experience and practice Phil 4:6-7 "..Be anxious for nothing".
When we stop worrying, God starts working. My peeps, like Don Moen I say "Be still!"
The first time I heard this song was during service in church as well like StRhymes and just like him. the words of that song was felt deeeeep.. It is such a reassuring song! I went on to look for it and the version I am familiar with is that of Hillsong! Oh how I love the song!
Indeed, worrying does not solve problems, however laying them at the feet of Jesus does.
You know, last night in church, I was reminded of what it means to put my trust in God. One of the contributions that touched me the most was when someone said that an evidence or demonstration of absolute trust is when you have no 'Plan B'.. That means, I have such belief in your ability to deliver that I don't need to have a back-up plan.
Indeed, the wonderful thing about our Awesome God is that He is more than trust-worthy. He has proven His faithfulness to His children time and time again.
Are you facing a seemingly impossible situation? Or a problem that seems to be way beyond you like St Rhymes was? Here is a gentle reminder that there is absolutely nothing too difficult for God to do! Mark 10:27 says that it may be impossible for man but with God NOTHING, absolutely nothing is impossible.
With that assurance, you are encouraged to be still and know that He is God.
PS You can also follow StRhymes on Twitter @strhymes for his very inspirational series and tweets on all-round development.
Would you like to share yours too? Remember it could be a song that struck something in you when you listened to it, it could be a song or worship that you used during a down-time in your life and it made a huge difference, it could be a song that takes you into the 'God-zoneee', it could be a song that helps you express what mere words cannot quite convey, it could be a song that brings a zest and zing to your heart and steps whenever it comes up!
Each song will be accompanied by a story, introduction or reason why it is the choice of the week..
Wednesday is becoming one of my favourite days on the blog, Yeahhhh!!!!!
It is always with delight that I receive entries for Music and Me Wednesdays! I love reading people's testimonies and expressions of love and gratitude to God through the medium of music.
It's amazing how a seemingly simple song could provide comfort and deep relief at very difficult times, or even healing for the sick. Music can be a balm to hurting hearts and a mood lifter when one is down. Also, music is a great way to express worship to God... (Have I told you how much I loveeeeeeeeeeeee music??! lol).
Alrighty, this post is by a lovely young lady who blogs at omobolaji.com - A new blog treasure I have discovered.. You should visit also!
Well, even though from her name, Mobolaji is a Yoruba name, her song choice is from a different culture. - See... Music knows no cultural barriers (You could listen to a deep song in a foreign language and it would have the power to reduce you to tears!).. I remember the first time I heard the song 'Mma Mma' by Frank Edwards, even though I didn't understand most of what was being said, I fell in love with it before I asked for it to be translated.. But I digress..
Ladies and gentlemen, with utmost pleasure, I present to you Mobolaji who takes us on her journey of 'Music and Me'.. Enjoy and of course, be blessed! :-) xxxx
As I write this, “Ebezina” is playing in the background and a classmate says “Bolaji is in the spirit” because I lifted my hands.
I remember the very first time I heard this song. It was after a vigil and I had decided to spend the night with my friends instead of sleeping in church because my place was far. The person who played it from the back of the church bus played it once; just once, but I already knew I had to get the song. The beginning resonated with me through the night. “He’s the same God, who was there for you in the midnight hour. He’s the same God who is able to wipe your tears away…”
When I asked for the song before leaving, someone said “Ahn ahn, that old song! I’m tired of it sef.” As I listened to it after I got home, I wondered how someone could call a spirit-filled song old! The song basically was on repeat from then on.
I did not understand the part of the song that was inIgbo(Nigerian language), but what I can say is that my spirit understood it. The song came to me at a time when I basically did not always know where the next money for school or church transport was going to come from. Someway, somehow I would get just about what I needed on the exact day that what I had was going to finish. It brought to life that saying that when you come to a point where it’s only God you have, then do you really know that He’s enough!
Every time I listen to this song, it encourages me to remember all the times that God has come through for me. And I tell you, remembering things that seemed overwhelming that God has brought me out of always stirs my faith to keep on keeping on.
I remember just before my current semester in school, how the dollar rate shot up and we basically had a family meeting on what we were going to do about my schooling in Ghana. The devil tried to tell me I was not going to be able to finish schooling here but will have to go to another university - The third time! I replied that I was not going to shed a tear about his lies.
‘Ebezina’ and of course the word came in very handy. I thank God I didn't waste my time crying about it because within 5 days, my school fee was complete with a little extra. After that did I let the tears come without holding back. However, now it wasn't from fear or sadness, but from Joy and Gratitude that God came through just as He always had and always will!
I have so much to share about this one song, but then this post might become too long. If you haven’t heard it already, please download it and let the words resonate in your spirit if you’re in one waiting period or the other. The video is also really awesome! I end with the words of this song ‘Ebezina'
Ebezina, (... Don't you cry)
Chukwunonso (God is so close)
Ọgịnị bụ nsogbu gị? (What is your problem?)
I mana ọdịghị adịgide (Don't you know that God doesn't TAKE LONG)
Awww, what a beautiful testimony of God's faithfulness! I don't even know where to start from in terms of talking about the GREAT faithfulness of God. He is able to come through again and again in a very timely manner for us.
Can I be real? Not all days are rosy or happy or hopeful or particularly laughter-filled. Sometimes, all the doubts, fears and anxiety come rushing in and I feel down and out.
Like Mobolaji encourages us in her post, don't waste your tears in self-pity (You can go ahead and cry to God, because He, more than anyone knows how you feel!), but spend your time encouraging yourself, immersed in God's word (like David did in 1Samuel 30:6), knowing that the God you serve is faithful.
The time may seem long but by His grace, when the promise does come (because it will!), the period you waited will be as nothing. He will fully wipe your tears and give you dancing instead.
Borrowing some lines from the chorus of Preye's song, I say - God is so close, Hold Him TIGHT, God never lies, It's going to be ALRIGHT (Really, it will)... :-)
Would you like to share yours too? Remember it could be a song that struck something in you when you listened to it, it could be a song or worship that you used during a down-time in your life and it made a huge difference, it could be a song that takes you into the 'God-zoneee', it could be a song that helps you express what mere words cannot quite convey, it could be a song that brings a zest and zing to your heart and steps whenever it comes up!
Each song will be accompanied by a story, introduction or reason why it is the choice of the week..
It's the week after Valentine's Day and the first post post-Valentine (get it?) on 1 + The One!!
How was Valentine's Day for you? Any stories? Any updates? What happened? Oh, I had a blog post all set in my head and I was looking forward to giving you the gist of what happened over the weekend!! Alas, work took the better of my time and I just couldn't do it..
Well, summary of it was that the highlight of the weekend for me was church on Sunday!! (figures right?? :-).. On Valentine's Day itself, I was waiting on all the 'mystery' secret Valentines of mine to come out and declare... Alas, they were too shy.. that's my story and I'm sticking widdit!
Anyway, I had a wonderful time at my cousin's birthday party and I got the opportunity to spend some beautiful time with some of my darling family members + food was involved.. So, One = a happy girl..<3 p="">
Then on Sundayyyy!!! Woohoo! I had been feverishly looking forward to it ever since it was announced in church that that was how we would be spending Sunday after Valentine's Day!! (Have I told you recently how much I love my church?? :-D).. The theme was 'A Love Affair' and oh la la... A Loveee Affair it was!! *smoking*!! Hehehe.. Seeing as this is NOT a Valentine's weekend post, I shall stop here.. If you want to know warrapens, come to RCCG City of David in Oniru Lagos on Sunday to get the 411! :-)
Now, after that very lonnggg digression, we nicely 'enter' in to today's beautiful Music and Me post hosted this week by a lady that I really admire and respect, a fellow blogger who blogs brilliantly at www.imperfectlyperfectlives.com and someone that I randomly run into on the streets (or halls) of Lagos! Ladies and Gentlemen, Frances Okoro does the honours today and before she proceeds, I must say that I LOVE this song and I LOVE Matt Redman!!!!
I remember the first time I heard Matt Redman's 10,000 reasons.
I was in my final year in the University and I had just been told that I didn't get to the 2:1 mark.
I had been praying for it for a long time and I sincerely thought that that semester would be when God would give it to me.
If not then, then when?
I had just one semester to go and everyone knows that you can't get a 2:1 anymore if you don't get it before the last semester... right?
It was like "get the 2:1 in 500L first semester or never"
So I cried.
I cried so hard and so long after I saw my results that day.
Final year students were the only ones in school so I locked my door and drowned myself in self pity.
Angry with God for my faith that had gone 'un-noticed'.
I can't remember how I got to play Matt Redman's 10,000 reasons, but I remember that I was playing "Casting Crowns - Praise You in the Storm" and somehow stumbled on "Bless the Lord oh my Soul".
My bruised faith was like "Bless God for what?"
I couldn't open my mouth to sing shi shi.
It was bad, really bad.
Every time I heard Matt Redman say "I worship your holy name", I cried.
10,000 reasons to worship God? When He didn't give me my 2:1? No, I wasn't that strong.
But it didn't take me long to realize that there were indeed 10,000 reasons to praise God.
In fact, there were a million and one reasons to praise God and the lack of a 2:1 in my life didn't deflect from that.
So I made a decision to sing along with Matt Redman and mean it from my heart.
I sang:
"Bless the Lord Oh my soul, Oh my soul... Worship His holy name. Sing like never before, oh my soul. I worship your holy name"
I sang and I cried.
I sang and I cried.
I sang with the pain in my heart and still, I knew that God is worthy to be praised.
2:1 or not.
Tears or no tears.
Laughter or no laughter.
God is worthy to be praised.
That was the start of real worship to God for me.
God sifted and filtered my faith then and He is still doing that with me.
He taught me what real faith and true praise is.
I realized that I couldn't just praise God when all was well, I will praise Him when all goes "seemingly" awry.
Even in those tear filled moments, God is still God and worthy to be praised.
So bless the Lord oh my soul!
Bless the Lord oh my soul!
Sing like never before oh my soul!
There are 1million and more reasons to worship and praise His holy name!
P.S - I did graduate with my 2:1 from the University.
God suspended every of man's thoughts and mind sets and gave me my 2:1 in my last semester in the University - the semester where everyone said that it's impossible to move higher on the ladder of G.P :-)
Oh, I smiled when I read Frances' post, particular the end... Wow! What a Mighty Good God!
I can imagine that a lot of us have been through that situation or indeed are in that place where praise seems to be the very LAST thing on our minds. When the strength to sing a line of praise seems like a herculean task or even unworthy at that time because we felt, or feel let down, disappointed or had our hopes dashed.. Particularly when we seemed to have prayed and prayed and prayed, yet the outcome still remained unfavourable!
Like Frances said, it may be tough, but if we did a sincere soul search, we would discover that despite ALL, there are still over 10,000 (and even a million) reasons to bless the Lord and worship His holy name! <<< That right there, is the sacrifice of praise.. Praising through ALL circumstances.
The beautiful thing about praise like Frances testifies and demonstrates is that when you praise God, it does not matter how impossible the situation may seem, God is able enough (more than able!) to turn it around in your favour... No matter how dire it looks, praise God... He is worthy of every praise, and of course, He alone has the key to open ALL doors and answer ALL prayers too!
As you praise Him through ALL circumstances, may He turn what seems impossible to a mighty testimony in Jesus name. More than that, may we all understand the true essence of praise and worship - not just in the good times, but at all times!
Bless the Lord oh my soul, and ALL that is within me, bless His holy name!
Would you like to share yours too? Remember it could be a song that struck something in you when you listened to it, it could be a song or worship that you used during a down-time in your life and it made a huge difference, it could be a song that takes you into the 'God-zoneee', it could be a song that helps you express what mere words cannot quite convey, it could be a song that brings a zest and zing to your heart and steps whenever it comes up!
Each song will be accompanied by a story, introduction or reason why it is the choice of the week..
Apologies for not posting last week's Music and Me.. Hope you loved and were blessed by the first 2 Music and Me posts? I was! If you didn't have the opportunity to read it, you can read HERE.
Music and Me is a music story book on the blog! We believe in the power of songs of praise and worship and more than that, in the act of worship itself. You can read a fuller introduction HERE.
Today's feature is given by one of my favourite guest writers on 1 + The One. Most of you know him by now so he needs no introduction.. You guessed right, it's the one and only Sebastian Luling aka Sebastian aka Chronicles of Sebastian, aka Sabba Sabba aka Sebs :-D
To be fair, as popular as Seb's song choice is, I had never actually listened to it.
It is wonderful properly listening to the wonderful words of this amazing and very talented Musician, Producer and song-writer - Cobhams Asuquo as I write today's post :-)
I would leave Sebs to do justice to this beautiful song and tell us how it touches and inspires him! Music and Me people, let's go!
My music library is quite a mixture of various songs: Michael W Smith’s “Awesome God” is followed by “Aye” (Davido), “Emmanuel” (Hillsong) comes straight after “Eminado”. Out of all these American, Nigerian and German songs I don’t have a “one and only favorite” song, but several ones that are dear to me. One of them is “Ordinary People” by Cobhams Asuquo - a Nigerian Christian song which is yet universal in nature. Let me give you two reasons why I love this song:
1.) The man behind the song: The first time I heard about Cobhams Asuquo was when I stumbled upon a strange Youtube video titled “The Gift of Blindness” . I was like “Please, how can blindness be a gift?”. However, four minutes into his speech, I was mesmerised by the authentic, powerful and deep words of a man who had to overcome so much in life and who seemed to be genuinely happy, witty, resourceful, and who was living his life to the fullest - despite his lack of sight!! He talked about how blindness helped him to not excuse himself, to trust people (no matter what), to focus on the important; all of it struck a nerve with me. Even though he never mentioned God in his speech (it was a secular conference), I could tell that this man was somehow connected to a deeper source driving him. A few months later I found out I was proven right, as I listened to his song “Ordinary People”, which I liked immediately…
2.) The message of the song: As I stated HERE, many of us desire to be famous and somehow special. Sometimes I am carried away by thoughts like “Oh, how awesome would it be to speak to such crowds”, “Oh wouldn't it be amazing to publish a book ”, and I imagine myself as someone 'expanding the kingdom'. All these ideas are quite common in a world where we celebrate the extraordinary, the super-pastors, the world changers. While a few might be privileged to do just that, most of us still have to live quite ordinary lives: we have to write exams, go to work, get along with mothers-in-law hehe, and make ends meet. That’s why I love this song so much! Asuquo sings about ordinary people - a child playing in the rain, a construction worker coming home from work, two parents going to church - all of these can make an impact just by living life the way God wants them to, as the chorus suggests:
Let us have a world of ordinary people
Living life the way God wants us to
If we have a world of ordinary people
Extraordinary things would happen to me and you
The stories he tells in his song, the biblical examples he gives and the pictures he uses in his (incredible!) music video inspire me to be faithful each day, instead of just daydreaming about stardom. "Life will be much better“ if we paid attention to these small ordinary things and live out our day-to-day ordinary life with the passion, faith, love and hope God gives us. So if you have 5 minutes and some Megabytes to spare, have a look at his video and convince yourself:
The powerful combination of an inspiring song sung by an equally inspiring man makes this “ordinary song” quite “extraordinary” for me. :-)
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While preparing this post, I had the song on repeat and as I read Sebastian's post, I couldn't but be gingered. Such a powerful song - letting us understand that each and everyone of us have the capacity to achieve extra-ordinary things and lives by living and doing 'ordinary' things, but in a way ordained by God.
You might feel like you're not that much because you're not on a big platform or with a wide audience. Perhaps it may be that you view yourself in comparison to others and you come lacking because you're not doing the 'BIG' things they seem to be doing. Well, thank God you are sooo wrong! God has invested greatness in every single human being and it is important and so wonderful to know that being where God wants you to be and doing what He wants you to do (no matter how insignificant it may seem) makes you do extraordinary things!
You being YOU is a blessing to many people. Somebody needs you to be YOU to be blessed. Never ever despise small beginnings, you never know just how extraordinary it is.
So, if you need a dose of encouragement to 'ginger' your spirit that indeed you are capable of extraordinary things, then please turn this song on and play it on maximum volume, until it sinks right in "Extraordinary things will happen to me and you" :-)
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Would you like to share yours too? Remember it could be a song that struck something in you when you listened to it, it could be a song or worship that you used during a down-time in your life and it made a huge difference, it could be a song that takes you into the 'God-zoneee', it could be a song that helps you express what mere words cannot quite convey, it could be a song that brings a zest and zing to your heart and steps whenever it comes up!
Each song will be accompanied by a story, introduction or reason why it is the choice of the week..
Hope you loved and were blessed by the very first Music and Me post? I was! If you didn't have the opportunity to read it, you can read HERE.
Music and Me is a music story book on the blog! We believe in the power of songs of praise and worship and more than that, in the act of worship itself. You can read a fuller introduction HERE.
Now on to today's feature...
It was really wonderful reading this submission by a dear Blog-friend and a lady who I think just by looking at her, and the feel/tone of the posts on her blog www.graciemama.com, does her name justice.. Today, the lovely Grace Efezokhe aka Graciemama shares an amazing testimony of how this song by Don Moen played a significant role in her life through her brother's story..
When I finished reading, I couldn't but marvel at the awesomeness and wondrous power and love of our GREAT GOD who never sleeps nor slumbers..
The right Gospel song can soothe your soul no matter your mood. It calms you down and just assures you that everything will be alright. It ushers you into the Presence of God. The power of a Spirit filled song can never be overestimated in our lives.
I will never forget how challenging the years 2011 through to 2013 was for me and my family. My younger brother was diagnosed with acute renal failure just as he was about to enter into the university. His only surviving kidney had packed up as he the other one was removed at birth due to a health issue. He was placed on dialysis twice a week which later increased to thrice a week and on other days of the week, he had to be at either the urologist or one other specialists’ visits.
I can’t count the number of times I saw my mum cry for her son. Was it the sleepless nights my parents had or the times I broke down at work at the car park and in the restroom. We prayed and fasted, yet, it was as if everything was just getting worse by the day. Along the line, his dialysis was increased from twice to thrice a week, his body had started swelling and left to anyone who saw him at that time, he was like a walking corpse. The plenteous drugs prescribed to him could even make him start a pharmacy. Then came the bombshell, he had to go through a kidney transplant if he was going to survive. Ah! I lost so much weight during this period. But one good thing about having God on your side is that the Holy Spirit is always there to comfort you on every side. I never for once had a long face. Even later on, when I told colleagues at work about the testimony, they were surprised that they couldn’t have imagined I was going through stuffs. God turned all our secret tears to open testimonies.
Having my brother to undergo a kidney transplant was like a death sentence for me. I increased my prayers and fasting. I made strange vows to God and sacrificial offerings. Still, all the negative medical reports from the doctors were not even palatable at all as they became worse by the day. In January 2013, he became so ill that we thought he was going to die. He was placed on ICU and had a temporary loss of memory. My faith was so weak that it got to a stage where I couldn’t pray again. Those times when I decided to pray, I ended up having crying sessions.
And then, my elder brother told me to listen to Don Moen’s song “He Never Sleeps”. I just can’t explain the soothing effect this song had on me. It was like God’s way of assuring me that all was going to be well. The part of the song that says: “Do you feel that the Lord has forgotten our need? Just remember that God is always working in ways you cannot see. Our GOD IS ABLE, He is mighty. He is faithful” touched me the most.
I played this song countless times that in fact at a point, it was always playing in my subconscious. This song energized my faith in ways I couldn’t have imagined. God bless Don Moen for letting God use him to sing that song. I can’t even believe I’m shedding tears as I type.
He had to leave for India in February 2013 accompanied by my elder brother and then God took control. The kidney transplant was a big success that the doctors said my brother’s case was a miracle. My brother lost so many school years to his illness right from when he was born. One beautiful thing about God that He will always restore what we have lost. He is living a beautiful life in good health that makes him wonder to the doctors till date. He is currently in Amsterdam for his undergraduate.
God is just too faithful. Never give up on God for anything in the world. As for those who say there is no God, I pray that you will experience the awesomeness of having a personal relationship with him. Indeed God never sleeps nor slumbers. PRAISE YE THE LORD
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There's really nothing to add... I am very proud of this GREAT God, of our GREAT God. The One who wipes our tears away, the One who turns our mourning into dancing again, the One who is ever-mindful of us, the One who took the stripes on our behalf that we may be made whole, the One who knows and understands every single pain we feel and who desires to soothe them and take them away.. Our Balm in Gilead.
In everything we go through in life, we must never ever forget that our God never sleeps and He never slumbers. He is always in control, always in charge!
Would you like to share yours too? Remember it could be a song that struck something in you when you listened to it, it could be a song or worship that you used during a down-time in your life and it made a huge difference, it could be a song that takes you into the 'God-zoneee', it could be a song that helps you express what mere words cannot quite convey, it could be a song that brings a zest and zing to your heart and steps whenever it comes up!
Each song will be accompanied by a story, introduction or reason why it is the choice of the week..
Last week we introduced this new series HERE and I was giddy with excitement (still am), about it! I thought I would be writing the first post today and I was excitedly trying to think of the song that would kinda officially kick off the series.. Well I didn't have to think too much as I received a very wonderful email on Saturday morning with the first contribution to the series from a reader!
Reading her email made my Saturday morning and set me off for the day with praise in my heart to our Awesome God! It touched and blessed me so much and I pray that it does more for you.
Our first post ladies and gentlemen is from a beautiful reader who would prefer to remain anonymous but whose story would make you join her in acknowledging our great God for who He is - Dansaki re Baba!
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Hi Ayo,
So I am submitting my entry for Music and Me. It's DANSAKI by Lara George.
I first heard this song in the Labour ward after I gave birth to my daughter. You see, I never had serious contractions throughout the 9months of carrying her! There I was, lying on the bed, induced and still felt no pain. I was actually sleeping from it and when the doctors came in, they were shocked! The hot water drip I was receiving was supposed to make the labour faster and the contractions too, hence their surprise. The doctors increased the hot water to the highest, telling me the pain would be extremely unbearable but that it was better cause they wanted me to have a normal delivery.
Well, I still felt nothing! I remember how a nurse came to me and held my hands and prayed with me. She told me to pray prophetically..... after the prayers, I began feeling some contractions but my cervix was not opening... Before I knew it, I was shaking uncontrollably. the short of it, I had a CS and my daughter and I are both safe.
A friend who was in the same ward as myself came to me months later when we bumped into each other and said she heard all the doctor's conversation outside my ward and she forgot her labour and wanted to come to me to encourage me, it was that serious.
I heard the song after I held my little girl in my hands and I couldn't but praise God. This is the same little me who walked through the tunnel most of my life without even knowing what awaited me at the end of that tunnel. The same me who many had written off as one who could never really amount to anything in life and just like that, God changed my story! He made all things work for my good. It was like waving a wand. I remember how people would come to me and ask what was different about me after I had encountered God's grace and love. People who knew me still reference the sudden turnaround in the events of my life and this song reduces me to tears in total acknowledgement and reverence!
I remember how my husband and I held our daughter, after we received an amazing news we had been praying for and how we danced to this song in our living room. We were so lost in the song that my husband began prophesying!. I can't but acknowledge Him and those who know me so well know I always say this; I have nothing else but Jesus and guess what, things people seek with money which I would never have qualified for, the Lord miraculously provide and people are left wondering how I got lucky.
Sorry it is long, I just wanted people to have a feel, lol.
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Not long at all.. :-)
Dansaki is one of the songs that I fell in love with first time I listened to it! I am an ardent Lara George fan and I believe her songs are so powerfully rich! There's a way they move me in worship, so much so that I usually hasten to buy any new CDs of hers :-)
Our God is indeed AWESOME! He is the King who can turn around situations in the twinkling of an eye and sometimes just like we reserve a pet name for a beloved spouse, child or friend, there are some expressions of love through music that we have for God particularly when we want to demonstrate deep gratitude and praise to Him...
Would you like to share yours too? Remember it could be a song that struck something in you when you listened to it, it could be a song or worship that you used during a down-time in your life and it made a huge difference, it could be a song that takes you into the 'God-zoneee', it could be a song that helps you express what mere words cannot quite convey, it could be a song that brings a zest and zing to your heart and steps whenever it comes up! Each song will be accompanied by a story, introduction or reason why it is the choice of the week..
As it was introduced on Monday here, the theme for 1 + The One this year is 'Grow in God, Grow in Love; Be the Best'.. We mentioned that in addition to regular series on the blog, we will be having new ones added - Yayyyyy! Lol
We love new things don't we? Let me digress a little - so, anytime I get given a new item (particular clothing), I am one of those people who have to use them 'sharp sharp' ... If there's nowhere to wear them to, I look for a place lol.. Also, I like wearing things first to church - See', my Daddy comes first always :-) In my mind, that's me paying 'firstfruit' or 'tithe' on it lol.. However, sometimes, when I can't wait till Sunday, my body does not rest until it is used! So tell me, how many people are with me on this? *Big grin*..
*Ok, digression over!*
Yes, today we start a new series that is very close to my heart called M&M which stands for Music & Me.. Just like many people I know, I loveee music and in particular, I love worship and praise! I delight in discovering new worship songs! There's just something so powerful and awesome about spirit-filled music.. When people say, "It's just a song, nothing more", I mentally shake my head like no way! It's not just music, it's a powerful tool that can be (and has been) used to do so many things -
The right music can inspire, it can encourage, it can lift up your spirit in the twinkling of an eye (you know what I mean right?), it can get you into a place of intimacy with God! The bible says "enter into His gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise" (Psalm 100:4a) - thanksgiving and praise is often expressed through the medium of songs and singing. Now, this means that you and I can be transported, or can gain access to the inner sanctuary of God through music, God-ly music!
If in doubt, please try going a week surrounding yourself with nothing but unadulterated soul-lifting worship and praise songs.. You will definitely see a marked difference!
Back to the new series, every Wednesday by God's grace, we will be discussing and introducing Christian music that speaks to our souls - It could be a song that struck something in you when you listened to it, it could be a song or worship that you used during a down-time in your life and it made a huge difference, it could be a song that takes you into the 'God-zoneee', it could be a song that helps you express what mere words cannot quite convey, it could be a song that brings a zest and zing to your heart and steps whenever it comes up!
Each song will be accompanied by a story, introduction or reason why it is the choice of the week.. I hope that we will be introduced to new worship songs throughout this year to help us grow in God, grow in love and be the best!
I won't be the only one doing this, I welcome entries from YOU! Please send in yours and I will be more than glad to feature it by God's grace..
The first full post will be published next week by God's grace (we could have 1,2,3 or more posts each Wednesday depending on entries!)... so ladies and gentlemen, let's do this! We are starting a worship revolution in Jesus name - Whoop WHoop!!!! :-D :-)
