My people and Common Sense

I’m African and I lived the first part of my life in Africa and last 25 years in the UK. My quest has been to find out why my people are so far behind. I was able to  pin point the problems to their strange interpretation of religion and pervasive poverty. Religion took hold of their minds and poverty has left many desperate. So the vicious cycle continues.

I have spent the last 20 years being very active in the Christian circles and have preached the gospel with fervour in many countries of the world. Recently,  I became desponted and had to look closely to a system I had been a part of for so long. I was not happy with my findings.

My recent gripe is with the apparent lack of common sense in many things we do in Africa and the role of religion in it.

Many of my people are poor and yet many of the sermons coming from the pulpit is about giving. Many services are held which normally end up in the people giving. So many of these religious organisations became very rich and the people are not looking too good.

Many of my people are unemployed and yet many of the messages coming from the pulpit is about coming for prayers and countless night vigils.

It’s like my people are spellbound while they are being fleeced. A pathetic picture.

Many if my people believe that someone is after them as they keep running from imaginary enemies instead of being taught to fight if the battle is real.

Many of the young people are unmarried and many of these organisations are advising them to only marry into their churches only.

Religion is telling my people to prepare for Heaven and yet the only person they are helping on earth is their man of God.

I love God with all of my heart and Jesus is the king of my life but for First time, I’m angry at organised religion in Africa. It has done them more harm than good. Many if what we spend time praying for can be solved by common sense; Vote in sensible government, boot out irresponsible government, take over power when needed, train to be employed in the 21st century, dey all you can to kee from being hungry, come together to leverage strengths. Common Sense is needed in Africa. Common sense will save Africa from the sick grips of religion.  God is good but many of these so called servants , I’m not so sure.

#matthewakinjidedaniel

What’s happening now

Many keen watchers of the events in the world are slightly confused. It’s been a dramatic couple of months; War talking Trump appearing to mediate peace, irrational bombing of Syria by three nations, Israel doing everything to derail the Nuclear agreement with Iran.

I have decided to analyse what’s going on to help people make sense of it all. The headline is , it’s just hustling for power by top nations that have dominated for so long and suddenly found their positions under threat.

None of the powers went to Syria to help ordinary people , they went to take a slice of the country. It was one of the last few countries that have not bowed to the shrine of the west and they needed an excuse to raid her. Every country of the world  has internal conflict that could result to war, all the west does is fan the flames of discontent to start wars. Syria was not perfect but things were not as bad until the west meddled. Syria’s guilt was for going with Russia and Iran. That drama is still unfolding.

The bombing of Syria two days before Asssad was to announce winning the civil war was a blatant evidence of what’s going on. Many people will no longer believe the propaganda after that.

The truth is America has been after Iran for a long time. Since the people rose up and toppled the puppet shah who was representing the interests of the west while looting the coffers of his government and banking it in western banks. America will not stop until they confront Iran because of the disgrace of their botched attempt to recover their hostages. Iran has been on an opposite course away from the west since 1979.

America pays Egypt, Jordan , Israel and arms Saudi Arabia. So the countries they didn’t quite have in the pockets they have been systematically decimating and now leaves Iran. With recent appooteees of Trump , a war is not unlikely.

North Korea is following the dictates of China and by publicly going on a charm offensive, will be difficult for sanctions to continue when the world has seen the overture made. Even giving Trump something to boast about should group with that.

Since I was in secondary school , Israel has been carrying out attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities and they have a good reason to. Now they are ready to do what it takes to decimate it. Let’s wait and see what happens.

What is really happening is the jostling for prominence between Us, Russia, and European Union, with Israel serving as a proxy for America . Who will win remains to be seen  but what’s different this time is that for the first time in living memory, the Europeans differ in opinion from Washington and that could be the game changer. In the mean time, I will just quietly continue to build for my children both biological and spiritual and enjoy all the days God has given me on this earth while preparing for eternity. One thing is sure in my mind , no government of the world represent what God is thinking. Blessings.

#matthewakinjidedaniel

This act of naming a year?

I could not stand pastors who announced a certain name for a particular year. In fact, I thought it was cheesy and contrived. I used to take a swipe at them and could not explain their bizarre action.

Then, while I was engaging in our ministry’s tradition of fasting in order to be led by God, he whispered to me what that following year would be and gave me scriptures to back it up. I was greatly embarrassed, I had argued and debated against this practise and had condemned individuals that were associated with doing this, even when some were my mentors and individuals I respected. It’s been over ten years and the Lord has continually given me names for the proceeding year and scriptures to back it up. I have been obedient with my declarations since.

Please don’t get it wrong, I’m well aware of individuals who continue to manufacture this stuff and peddle it like it comes from God. What I’m saying is, I’m not one of them.

The lessons I have learnt from this has greatly enriched my understanding of the person of God: Nobody knows all about God. Nobody can claim to speak for him at all times. Nobody has the right to criticise others unless it’s flagrant flouting of God’s word. The beauty of our God is in the different expressions we exhibit and this compliments his multifaceted sides.

In the last year, there had been much noise made about practises in the church and emotions are high on both sides. One thing I continue to stress is for everyone to study his word and seek revelation from the Holy Spirit. I continue to do this with the best of my ability and with the grace of God helping me. I have been true to this course since he called me into ministry 23 years ago. I may not have been wise all the time or prudent or diplomatic but I have been true.

My personal testimony is, I gave my life to Jesus publicly, I got baptised in water like my Lord and Saviour, I also got the baptism of the Holy Spirit with evidence in speaking in tongues, i pay tithes, I hear God, he guides me, instructs me, corrects me, convicts me but more importantly loves me. You may not subscribe to some or all of the above but that’s your prerogative. Everyone will answer before God someday.

Now, I declare to anyone reading this that the creator of all things who know the future has revealed to me that 2018 will be a year to Soar: All that happened to you in 2017 good and bad had prepared us for a quickening in this year but this promise is for those who wait upon the Lord, who believe , trusts, and obey him. The principal scripture he gave me is Is 40:31. If you believe, it will work for you and if you don’t, happy new year!

Mugabe and Africans struggle with democracy

Africa has struggled with democracy and whether we have made progress or not depends on who you talk to. The continent is littered with dictators who have evolved into notorious despots snd even in parts where it seems democracy may have taken root we continue to have loud noises about the candidates that won. North Africa which has not always been seen as Africa by many  was laid bare with the Arab spring. The murder of Gaddaffi has left Libya in ruins.  Even in countries like Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya and Zimbabwe where democracy has been going on for a little while, the credibility of the election process is in question and questionable candidates continue to find their way to lofty offices in their country. Nigeria carries the medal in this regard.

Democracy in its theoretical form is beautiful and has been tinkered and improved upon in the West to an admirable level. The challenge is the fact that it works for those who are fairly united behind the progress of their country and who are prepared to lay down individual interests for  better and superior collective interests. This is not always the case in many countries and certainly not in Africa historically. We have to remind ourselves that there are other forms of  governance apart from democracy; Monarchy, Socialism,  Communism. This write up will not go into the merits and demerits of these forms but suffice enough to state democracy is not the only form of governance albeit the most successful especially with the Caucasians. The innate ability of the Caucasian to unite in the face of outside opposition is legendary and their collective desire to improve their countries is unmatched. Many have done what was required including destabilising others in order to protect what they have. This is how democracy has thrived not just because of will of the majority but the willingness to disrupt any threat, real or perceived.

This year,China will become the richest and the most influential in the world and yet not a democracy. In the midst of all criticisms, they make it work for them.

When I was in primary school, we were made to memorise the names of African Presidents, now in my 50s and some are still there and others died on the throne. The fact they stayed long would not have bothered me if they left a legacy of  development and better well being for their people..

Africa was conquered and still being dominated by others largely because of disunity. This disunity has threatened almost everything including governance: so when an official is indicted for corruption, he Marshalls his tribe and turns it into a tribal war. This has impeded progress on the continent.

I have always questioned the fact that democracy will work in Africa largely due to our constitution as a people, we all often have an opinion about everything and often too hot headed to defer to others for the collective good. We often major on our differences and still operate as tribes. Democracy may work ultimately but it will take generations in many countries on the continent.

Mugabe is no news to me because there are a few others still leading for decades and keeping quiet so as to remain invisible.

In my lifetime, I have experienced two regimes that had something that would have rapidly developed my country Nigeria but unfortunately, they were both short lived and were not voted for.

My recipe for most of  Africa, either a progressive monarchy or a benevolent dictatorship. There is something about democracy not quite working for my people. Blessings.

If Americans don’t act soon, then good luck.

I have no doubt in my consciousness that Trump is the worst American President in living memory and I know he has got there by cleverly diving his opposition using religion and nationalism and a few others by his wealth.

I have posted my opinions primarily because America has a stranglehold on what goes on in the world as evident in their little actions in disrupting the Middle East in just one visit by the American President.

I also know that God is judging America as he revealed to me before the results were announced. So why am I writing this? I write this to the remnant who continue to pray for change in that land.

America has one of the highest numbers of abortion in the world and yet have a high moral ground opinion about homosexuality? One of frequently unmentioned capital sins of Obama was having the effrontery to give the gays some rights. This was the principal point Trump used to court the church. So other things don’t matter? He dislikes gays like they do and so must be one of them?

I say this to the remnant praying for an end to this scourge that they will need to repent on behalf of their nation for the many atrocities committed over time. They are to pray and ask for Mercy from God to shorten this embarrassment.

I continue to state that impeachment may not work as he has his core 37% behind him but until the 63% marshall themselves to vote in the coming mid term elections, this may continue a little while longer. I pray that God will do a quick work and shorten this for the sake of the chosen, if not I shudder for the things to come. Blessings.

How religion perpetuates bigotry

One of my biggest fights has been against bigotry. I realised this when I was growing up in Nigeria as a Yoruba boy with an Hausa grandmother. I saw Nigerians tear each other apart simply based on where they were born. I believe this is still one of the reasons Africa lags behind till now.

When I came to reside in the UK, I experienced a different kind with racism. I blatantly experienced disgusting looks to being passed over for jobs I could do with my eyes shut and had to work under many unqualified individuals for years who I know the only reason they had the job was the colour of their skin. I have witnessed and continue to observe the devastation effect of bigotry worldwide and was appalled to see the treatment of the First African American president. I live in England and hence come across racism almost daily. I have learnt to live with it and rise above the pettiness but I  have decided to fight against it with every platform I have been given.

During the course of my research, I came across a very disturbing fact; Religion which is at the heart of human civilisation has been the main instrument that has perpetuated this evil of bigotry.

Christianity: A religion that widely preaches love and tolerance has at the heart of its story the fact that God favoured some over others. This truly happened in the Old Testament and the main story being races sacked so the Jews could occupy the promised land. I do not fully understand why but something clear is that God protects his chosen and goes the extra mile for them. The Jews were chosen because they were the first to respond to the true God.. Jesus.came to level the playing field but many Christians have not stopped worshipping at Jewish shrine till this day. An average Jew will get away with murder literally as many in the fold still regard them with awe. This would not have been a problem but it introduces double standards which has gone to support many forms of bigotry for generations.

Islam: A religion that mostly preaches peace  mirrors many of what Christianity does. The bottom line is that the Saudis get away with so much and  are revered because of their geographic connection to the revered Prophet. 

Hinduism. I’m not an expert but this gives rise to castes which divides men up depending on where they are born.

God is love and everything he does is motivated by that. When humans lived in darkness there was the desperate need to establish light and to ensure that lineage of Jesus was not disrupted. Many have interpreted this to mean God is partial and have been using it to lift one over another. Unfortunately this means that bigotry will be with us till the end of time because  many will continue to find religious justification for their actions. When I put this against what just happened in America; where a man many will not desire as an uncle was voted as president largely based on the religious card. Then I fully understood. Come lord Jesus come!

Living by Faith

Many Christians are aware that we are meant to live by faith. In my experience many don't really know what that means. It has been used to explain away unanswered prayers; "you did not have enough faith".

The charge to live by faith is repeated enough times in the Bible that we can't ignore it. We owe it to ourselves to find out what it means and to educate ourselves about it.

Jesus came to preach about the kingdom and even declared that some in his time would not die until the kingdom is revealed. Many people did not understand what he meant and yet that is the key to living by faith.

Faith is the substance in what we hope for and evidence of what cannot be seen. So when you activate faith it is far beyond wishful thinking and it goes into the realm of reality. The second verse of Hebrew 11 gives us the hint by stating that things seen are made from what cannot be seen and the rest of That chapter goes on to state all the giants in the Bible and what they used their faith for.

Jesus came with the kingdom which was giving us the opportunity to become citizens of a kingdom where God is king and we are his adopted children with same access as Jesus. The feat accomplished on the cross promoted anyone who submits to Jesus the opportunity to become royalty.

Royalty is taken care of by the kingdom and they have no lack or want, just like ambassadors they don't have a salary. Their needs are taken care of as they represent their countries.  This is true for anyone who has received Jesus as their lord and saviour.

We are living in days where all we know is changing and man's effort will not be enough. We need to train our faith muscles so we can receive Supernaturally where the physical fails. Trouble is coming simply because this system is not sustainable and will fail. This has been proven spiritually and academically. 

So if you are reading this I congratulate you; you need to settle the fact that God loves you unconditionally, that he has provided for you, that things you need are in the invisible and can be brought into the physical by faith. You need to lift up your head into your source and  tap from that continually. You need to submit all you do into God's hand and watch it prosper.

God's system is different from the worlds system. Find out God's system and follow it conscientiously and eat the fruits. The good news in all of these is that God is in control and has taken care of all angles. My advise to you is to press into his commands and to obey his commands so as to receive the fruits. God's promises are sure and authentic, I'm just pleading with you to do your part so that the cycle can be completed. Peace!