Message To Nigerian Patriots: Welcome 2011

Dear Patriots,

Thanks for keeping the candle of nationhood burning through 2010. In 2011, we begin the task of resetting our vision and national values.

'New Vision - New Values - New Thinking - New Actions'

That is the marathon we must embark and endure, and 2011, a year full of symbolic numbers provides a great impetus to begin with fresh gusto.

The INEC Registration exercise begins in a few days. Lets not only endeavour to be the first to register in our respective wards, but to drag along every individual 18 and above, in our homes, and community.

As for the seasonal state of insecurity, especially the recent bomb blasts targeted at gatherings of innocent citizens, they are designed by those who predict accurately, that they will fail at the ballot box, and at destroying the new nation that will be built by an increasingly patriotic generation.

We are tired of being afraid, we shall lay a foundation for the next 50 years by electing to be part of the democratic process, and we shall overcome.

A few desperate, evil persons may have their violent say today, but the innocent patriotic majority will have their way in the end. Our collective destiny should not ever be in the care of a few, while we passively hope they rule in righteousness. Power corrupts, and we should take back the real power, and entrust them in our commonwealth, by supporting every democratic practice, and participating constitutionally, until they be entrenched in our psyche.

Be vigilant, be prepared, but stand your ground, phantoms don't build structures, people do. And we are the "Great Expectation" of our beloved nation. Those who fail to stand now, may forever lose their places in the history of nationhood. Its not time to be erudite, but time for bruising of fingers and blistering of palms - the earth over this nation is recording our actions, and a day of reward, or judgement is coming.

God bless you, and GOD BLESS NIGERIA

George H Ashiru

THMP

Transformational Leaders' Values Pledge

IF YOU BELONG TO THE JOSHUA GENERATION, CONSIDER THIS PLEDGE, AND PLEDGE PUBLICLY, ACCORDINGLY.


"AS A COMPANY, PROFESSION OR INDIVIDUAL, COMMITTED TO TRANSFORMATION, I PLEDGE

·To be ethical, operating in the highest integrity to produce and deliver superior products and services, including:

-Refusal to accept or pay bribes

-Paying taxes

-Paying reasonable salaries/wages

·To intentionally invest in the betterment of my workforce and their families.

·To actively pursue the transformation of my sphere of influence and expertise in the marketplace.

·To invest generously and sacrificially in the broader community with the focus on eradicating systematic poverty.

·To purposefully connect with other companies, professions and individuals to impact the world.


AS A SCHOOL, TERTIARY INSTITUTE, INDIVIDUAL STUDENT OR AN EMPLOYED YOUNG ADULT, COMMITTED TO TRANSFORMATION, I PLEDGE:

·To be ethical, operating in the highest integrity and living values that will positively influence society, e.g.:

-Respecting the authorities placed over us.

-Focusing on the needs of others, rather than achieving success at the expense of others.

-Refusal to accept or pay bribes, or being forced to become involved in any practise that would endanger a safe living environment for all.

·To intentionally invest in the betterment of the people in my sphere of influence and their families.

·To actively pursue the transformation of my sphere of influence.

·To use my resources, time and talents to help eradicate poverty in the broader community.

·To purposefully connect with other young friends on campus or at the work place to impact our community and nation.


AS A RELIGIOUS LEADER, COMMITTED TO TRANSFORMATION, I PLEDGE:

·To equip, commission and release my members to reach the marketplace and affect the nation.

-To diligently pursue the organic unity of the nation.

-To preach peace, tolerance and love among citizens.

-To promote true godliness, puritanical values, honesty and integrity among followers



So help me God"

To Love, Or To Condemn?

"Christians" in our society continue to use and misuse the "Sword" and the "Rod" of God in a manner that shows some old things may not have passed away. Judgementalism, strife, hatred concealed as correction, separatism, theological elitism, holier-than-thouism. These lead to some of us stretching our tongues out in wickedness, in the name of self-protection, destroying unseen enemies or known ones, etc. The Bible has progressive, even dispensational revelations and thus, applications of the truths embedded. Lets not wear the New Testament toga while living by the Old Testament Dogma and mindset.

I have learn't from direct experience, that obedience to the doctrines of love will yield a much more desirable result than praying/speaking in a manner that exposes the wickedness of our own hearts. When a man's ways please the Lord, He will make his/her enemies to be at peace with him/her. The Bible tells us, to the pure, all things are pure. It says, the merciful shall obtain mercy, it shows that Jesus prayed for forgiveness of those who were killing him.

God may have called the Hebrews a stiff-necked people, and threatened to kill them, yet, He forbade Balaam from cursing them. How do you know if your "enemy" of today is not going to be God's redeemed Apostle of tomorrow? How do you discern when a person is under satanic influence or truly wicked? How would you like to be judged by the standards that you judge others, for whereas some may hurt you, yet you too hurt others.

A self-confessed witch stood in front of me, and I began to pray judgement upon her - but the Holy Spirit interrupted my arrogance, and said "tell her I (God) love her" - Awesome grace from a loving Father. She broke down, penitent, confessing, praising God...today, she serves in the vineyard. Brethren, beware, its a thin line between self-preservation and witchcraft. We should not interpret all actions against us in traditional methodology, we ought to discern. And how can one not filled with the Holy Spirit discern properly, that would be divination rather than discernment.

In conclusion. Lets practice the "Fruit of The Spirit"...that is the "Whole Armour" of God.

The Ultimate Is Love. God bless us all.

George Ashiru

The Civil Service & Nation Building

The Civil Service is the bridge between the political leadership and the citizenry. The value that citizens get from governance is often dependent on the disposition of the civil service - Serving the people or abetting the professional politician in authority.

The inherited structures defining the civil service was designed to create value for the electorate, but it can be tweaked to provide "manna" for the professionals in political leadership. No one can sign a dime out of our corporate finance without a civil service involvement, and only a civil servant can provide documentary information to nail every inappropriate transaction emanating in government.

May God bless the civil servant with integrity. Transformation cannot occur without the cooperation of the civil service. Politicians come and go, but the civil service remains...lets transform the civil service to create value for our collective good.

George H. Ashiru

I LOVE YOU, BUT I WANT BETTER

I LOVE YOU, BUT I WANT BETTER



Their love was seemingly made in heaven. They went arm in arm all their years on campus, had many things in common, and attended the same fellowship. The University was their Garden of Eden. Contrasting lives moulded together by a homogeneous academic and social community. Their contrasts were the attractive qualities. They met through a mutual friend, Matilda, who indeed had brought them into the popular fellowship on campus.



She was raised in a middle-class family and had many of the fine things of life. Her folks were both senior public servants and lived in official quarters and got to travel abroad frequently on trips paid for by government. The economy was better then than it is now, and she and her siblings got to travel often too.



She was an A grade student, and had schooled at the prestigious Queen's College. Not only was she intelligent, she was beautiful. Suitors were already lining up right from her A' Level days at Loughborough College in the UK. She got into the University by direct entry and she studied Pharmacy. Her name is Anjola, but she is more popularly called 'Angel'. She often wore glasses.



He, after several attempts, got enroled to study Philosophy. He was restless and unsatisfied with both his career path and his situation. A fastidious student of 'Socratic Methodologies', he had a philosophy for his situation, and everything else that happened in his life. He had interesting and often contrary opinions about everything under the sun. He was broody and aloof, but had a close network of buddies that shared his passions. He liked to sing to play the guitar whenever he was alone.



His name is Lanre, and was popularly called Larry. He was rugged in his good looks and spotted a full beard though neatly trimmed. When he frowned, it was a scowl, but whenever he smiled, the sun came out. That was his attraction. He was quite persuasive in words and emotive in expression and it was difficult not to agree with his thoughtlines - being quite philosophic. He didn't have a lot of money, never drank or smoked - he is orphaned and was brought up by his Uncles.



Larry and Angel grew in the fellowships they both attended, and Larry having had an unstable religious foundation, questioned every word and preaching and had a logical twist to every miracle - being a philosopher. Nonetheless, he came quite often, and became quite close to the Pastor of the local fellowship. Soon, he began attending, on Sundays, the mother cathedral, and was soon known for his endless questions, to the Church heirachy. The Senior Pastor chose to mentor him, as his was a delicate issue.



Angel drew closer to graduation while Larry was still in his penultimate year. She was headed for medical internship. But she had begun to complain that Larry seemed more addicted to the Church than to her. They were not spending enough 'quality time' together, she complained. He soothed her nerves, promising to marry her at the end of his course. She completed her internship in a different city and then proceeded for the national youth service in yet another.



In the meantime, Larry seemed to have become quite addicted to Christian service...and he told Angel. She was pleased to hear that. The distance didn't help though, and they soon had less time together to plan their future. He was in his final session on campus.



One afternoon, he had a call from Angel...she called to break up with him. She cried over the phone. She said the last four years were the most amazing of her life. She sobbed "I love you, but I want better". She explained how she met another Christian brother where she served, at a local Church. He was an engineer, working in an oil services firm, and apparently had attended Loughborough College a few years before her. They had so many things in common. He had potential.



Larry was broken...and he put all his heart into Christian ministry. Angel got married.



...Eight years later...



Angel was quite happy. She had two children, a God fearing and successful husband. His name is Dede. Dede came home one night from work with some excitement in his face. He had just being promoted to regional manager in his firm, and transferred to the nation's beautiful capital city. She was excited too...they had both prayed for this. But first Dede had to visit the City for a month to organise logistics before they could move permanently. Angel reminded him to look for a good Church they could attend once in the City.



Dede was back after a month. he had gotten a house. They were okay to move all their possessions to the City. But he looked and spoke differently on his return. Angel held his hands, led him to their 'Situation Room'.

"Dede". You have changed somewhat.

"Oh yeah?" Dede seemed surprised

"Yes. You are subdued yet happy"

"Is it so obvious?"

"Sure. Tell, my darling...what happened while you were in Abuja"

"Wow". Dede began.

He spoke about going into a Church for service...it was a magnificent edifice. Everything and everyone was proper, friendly and showed genuine Christian character. The worship was unbelievable and he found himself crying. He had never experienced God this way. It made him feel cheated...that he probably never really knew God. Then a woman came forth to minister, and he was electrified. She spoke with passion and conviction. He learnt that she was the Pastor's wife. Then came the Pastor.



The man was so gentle with words, so empathetic in his ministration and effective in his explanations that he thought he had never heard the Scripture preached before. He knew he just had to meet the man. Afterwards, Dede met up with the Pastor. He couldn't tell his age...he had white hairs on the sides, and a quite powerful stare, yet gentle mien. After their meeting Dede recommitted himself to God and chose the Pastor as his personal mentor.



Angel was transfixed, and excited. The story was already making her eyes misty. She was inspired. She could not wait to get to the City and experience these wonderful things for herself.



They moved into the City and settled in the task of adjusting their lifestyles to the new environment. Dede resumed in the office and she stayed home as a proud homemaker. The children enrolled in a private academy.



On one of the evenings she phoned Dede at the office and asked about mid-week services at the Church. She couldn't wait to get the dose of divine anointing that so moved her sweetheart. Dede confirmed there would be a service that same evening. She could go by herself, the driver already knows the Church location. He would join her afterwards from the office. The children stayed home with their nannies.



Indeed it was a fantastic edifice. Thoroughly airconditioned, and smelling of fresh flowers. It was a contemporary design but with tall domes suited for better acoustics. She was welcomed inside by ushers who obviously were professional women coming straight from their offices, from their suits.



The music ministrations were indeed heavenly. It was obvious that the ministry had a lot of gifted music ministers, or perhaps it was the Pastor. She had chills often. Dede was right. She was going to love this place. Soon Dede joined her. After a few announcements the service moved into the exhortation.



The Pastor moved from his seat in front of the congregation, followed by his wife, presumably. Angel followed with rapt attention, the beautiful order of things and the wonderful couple, dressed in corporate suits, as they moved holding hands to the pulpit, where two chairs had been positioned.



The Pastor's wife moved towards the microphone. Dede held her and said. "She is a truly blessed woman". The Pastor's wife started to sing. Angel strained her eyes a little, and peered to see her properly, the congregation being so large and many worshippers already standing in anticipation of the ministration to follow.



MATILDA!!!! Shouted Angel. Everyone looked back. Dede looked at her in shock. Then Angel's eyes wandered to the Pastor. LARRY!!!! She shouted again. Then she fainted.





(c) George Honey Ashiru

Month of Grace

Ultimate Love Foundation

GHA - Words On Marble

MOONWALK: The act of facing a direction while moving in the opposite. Oh Lord, save us from personal or national Moonwalking.

Are you on the field playing? Don't be distracted by the spectators' cynicism, grumbles and snide remarks. Spectators don't win prizes. Keep your eyes on the prize.

Both Honey and Dung attract flies. But the ant is more discerning, it avoids the dung and goes for the honey. May the Lord bless us with the gift of discernment.

Cynicism speaks more of the nature of the Cynic than it does the object/subject of their cynicism.

If your blessings are across the river, better learn to build a bridge, or row a boat.

The aircraft uses the very things that resists it to soar. Ground friction to get ground speed of 200mph plus, air friction to get lift and stability. Nothing shall, therefore, limit us from soaring to greater heights.

Sycophancy: A practical form of hypocrisy, where an aide/friends publicly promotes a position/person contrary to his or her conscience.

Freedom of Expression is not Freedom to Insult: It can land you a libel or slander charge, and lose you friends and make mortal enemies...and, once its expressed, its like mudslide, it gathers unholy momentum. Let's learn to bridle the pen/tongue.

Gridlock: Acid and Base neutralising each other to form harmless common salt, and water.

Spiritual poverty is a disease that economic empowerment cannot overcome.
My Duty Is To Love - God's Duty Is To Judge

Gossip is murder by subtle means - so is deliberately mis-informing people about someone you envy, or don't get along with.

In the quest for nationhood: Have we freely joined together in a “matrimony of common development” or in an “unholy matrimony of convenience”? That is the question.

Inspiration has an expiry date and plenty of alternative vessels. Seize the moment, otherwise it may disappear like the mist at sunrise.

When there is chaos, people want an older, steady hand at the elm of things. When there is stagnancy people want a young, dynamic hand to forge ahead. Are we in a state of chaos, or stagnancy? That is the question?

Don't envy the grace of God on another persons life. Grace is often for the prodigal...maybe you are the faithful son.

In a Taekwondo tournament, the 3rd round is the most vicious, and you need more stamina than for the first two. Often, the winner is decided by the actions in the 3rd round. So it is with nation building, the ending is determined at the end.

RAHAB: From Rejection 2 Rejoicing. Folks, dont let what others think or say about you fog over Gods promise to you. Set your sights ahead. Be blessed.
All it takes to be a Patriot is to use your talents to be a blessing to your community...and little drops of water...

The mining tragedy turned miracle is a lesson in indomitable spirit, and what is possible if people come together rather than come at each other.

What anchors on Hope? Business, Marriage, Expectations, Nation Building. The job of the Motivator is to build your Hope. You build all else yourself.

Creation has a Purpose, and Man has been given Dominion, through Inspired Actions, and Prayer, to determine its destiny. The endless hurtle to destruction implies that Man, in the whole, has not activated both principles.

Prayer is good, but Worship is guaranteed to get God's attention.
The woman with the issue of blood waited on mortal hekp for 12 years, until she walked in Righteousness' Path. No matter what your own ISSUE is, God will respond to your Faith, (not your needs)

God stands alone in judgement: Haven called the Hebrews a stiff-necked people, threatening to destroy them, nevertheless he rejected the confederacy of Balak and Balaam against Israel.

Jonah, the reluctant prophet, having obeyed, awaited God's judgement on a nation...but God's mercy wasbat work, to his chagrin. A repentant people can earn God's mercy.

Goshen was a fruitful land, in ancient Egypt, assigned to Joseph and his family by Pharoah. It spawn a nation, which soon became threatened with extinction. But when God smote Egypt, his judgement bypassed Goshen. Wherever we are now, its our Goshen. Stay there till God smites your enemies.

I know some nice folks, makIng a change in their spheres of influence - in offices, community, church, media, etc...You don't need to get to the centre of power to make a difference. "Action" is not a noun, its a verb.

If your vote can be paid for, then your life has a quantifiable value - the amount you received.

Everytime we look to the promised land, and see the sea instead of the shore, you know a 40 year wilderness wandering is coming up.

If you want to be happy in life, make friends with Optimists. If you want to be successful, make friends with Realists. Keep away from Pessimists, they will drain your energy.

TRANSFORMATION: "A Qualitative change, in act or shape or appearance". Can also mean progress in development - a change for the better. Can we get this type of transformation with old wine in new skin? How can there be change when the players are still the same, and have always been part of the "more of the same" movement?

Why Do People Resist Change? Change creates a new category of winners...and losers too

If everyone ran their homes well, and their offices/jobs/businesses, etc...and steward their responsibilities with earnest care...we wouldn’t be clamouring for heroes to lead our nations. We would be the heroes.

I don't have time to keep looking at the specks in other people's eyes - I am too busy chopping down the logs in mine.

Watch it when people clamour, endorse, and try to ram your name down the throats of the electorate. You may end up like Saul - wanted by people, yet ultimately rejected by God, and destroyed. Try to be like David - work silently in the wilderness - your day of glory will soon come.

The football team has many designations. Coach, Trainer, Medics, keeper, Players etc...As long as WE all play the roles we are gifted/assigned/appointed to do, the team will do very well. We can't all be politicians/opposition/activists, etc, and no one man can bring the desired change, save God Himself, with the cooperation of ALL the people. But we each have a duty to DO what we can!

Can you imagine a chicken voting for Tasty Fried Chicken (apologies, TFC)? It may be complimentary, but it (chicken) will end up in a growling bowel. That is what will happen if we vote with our eyes closed. Fellows, don't vote zones and superstars...when the time comes, vote rightly.

David gathered many stones to fight Goliath: But the Lord only needed one to finish the job. Lord, give us the right weapons to defeat the goliaths of our time.

King David's experience is proof that, sometimes, our Promotions comes while within the enemy's Palace.

Would you entrust your child to a self taught swimming coach? Or your Faith to a untaught cleric? Dont cast your vote blindly. It is like casting your pearls before swines. God bless us with discernment today.

Everywhere Isaac located, he sowed, and he reaped, 100 fold. His enemies relocated him, but his allocation kept coming through. Even a King came to him, and acknowledged God in him, and by covenant Isaac was established and settled. Wherever you may locate or be relocated

Location Determines Allocation

Moses was a mere man, but God made him a god over King Pharaoh - Joshua was a mere man, but God gave him the scalps of 31 Kings. You don't need to be a King/President/Governor/Senator, to change the world. All you need is to be leader submitted to God.

The Pulpit, designed as a podium for exhortation and encouragement, has been turned by some as a platform for grandstanding and criticism. Little wonder those who sit under these, have relentlessly critical spirits. Practice Love.

A man is called by covenant, not character. But his character will determine the success of his calling.

I wont let you go till you bless me. And after you bless me I will bind myself to you forever. Lord, you know you are irresistible.

When an insecure man or woman marries, the first thing they do is to disconnect their spouses from their family and friends, so the other party becomes utterly dependent on them. Possessive-obsessiveness is destructive.

MOVITATION IS NOT INSPIRATION.

Motivational speeches promote the fulfilment of Wants - Inspirational speeches promote the fulfillment of Purpose. One is energised by the Flesh, the other by the Spirit.

Books and speeches that have short cuts to material things are motivational. Books and speeches that point to a life of service and giving, they are inspirational.

Motivational materials tell us how to squeeze water from a rock. Inspirational materials tells us to become the rock that gives out water.

The Success of the motivational speaker is the Subject of his speeches. The Trials of the inspirational speaker is the Lesson of his speeches.

A motivational Preacher teaches how to use Scripture to get our needs. An inspirational Preacher tells us Scripture provides our needs - man shall not leave by bread alone.

Hitler was motivational, Martin Luther King was inspirational. By their fruit you discern the two.

A motivator identifies problems, an inspirer helps to solve them.

A motivator sympathises with you, teaches you how to fish. An inspirer helps with the fishing.

A motivator is a great role model. An inspirer is a good mentor.

To transform a life, or a nation, both are useful. But the work of the Inspirer is more enduring.

Lets get together and inspirer.