Welcome to another season of happiness and another hour of Blogmas.
For those, who are just joining us, Blogmas is a word gotten from an abbreviation of two words; Blog and Christmas. It is a 25-days non-stop impactful article and video highlighting the importance of Christmas and how to do it responsibly as Christians.
Moreover, this edition is the fourth. The first edition was titled Miracle So Extraordinary, The Love of Christ is the theme for the second edition, while the third edition was The Essence of Christmas.
This fourth edition is titled The Witnesses of Christmas and it’s a special edition because it is Blogmas and Vlogmas edition.
On this sacred day, as the world unites in celebration, Luke 24 echoes with the resounding notes of redemption. The chapter unfolds with the awe-inspiring account of the empty tomb, narrating the triumphant resurrection of Jesus Christ. December 25th, a day steeped in tradition and joy, finds its profound significance in the biblical narrative that encapsulates the very essence of hope and renewal.
Luke 24 not only marks the culmination of a divine promise but serves as a beacon of light, guiding us through the shadows of doubt and despair. The disciples’ journey to Emmaus mirrors our own quests for understanding and meaning, reminding us that revelation often accompanies our walks of faith.
As we reflect on the concluding chapter of Luke, let us carry its timeless lessons into our celebrations. May the joyous festivities be a testament to the transformative power of faith and the enduring promise of renewal.
Appreciation Note: To all those who have followed, liked and shared this series over the past 24 days, thank you for embarking on this spiritual journey. Your dedication to exploring the teachings of Luke has added depth to our collective understanding of the Christmas story.
As we close this chapter, let’s commit to carrying the spirit of Luke 24 into the coming year. Let the message of redemption inspire acts of kindness, compassion, and love. Share the profound impact of this journey with others, igniting a ripple effect of positivity. Together, let’s make every day a celebration of hope and renewal.
May your Christmas be filled with the joy of redemption, and may the lessons of Luke 24 resonate in your hearts throughout the year.
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a New Year filled with abundant opportunities to live out these beautiful lessons.
2 days to Christmas and we are happy. It’s day 22 and that means 22nd chapter of Luke. Shall we?
In this enlightening exploration, we dive into the profound passages of Luke 22, unraveling its timeless wisdom and drawing connections to our modern lives.
CONTEXT MATTERS Understanding the historical and cultural backdrop sets the stage for the impactful events recounted in Luke 22. Join us on a journey through the vivid context that enriches the narrative.
PROPHETIC INSIGHTS Luke 22 unveils powerful prophecies foretold by Jesus. Explore the foresight embedded in these verses and grasp the profound implications for believers.
JUDAS ISCARIOT’S BETRAYAL Dive into the complexities of Judas Iscariot’s betrayal. Unpack the lessons and symbolism behind this betrayal, offering insights into human frailty and divine forgiveness.
GETHSEMANE’S PRAYER Delve into the emotional depth of Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane. Explore the spiritual significance and the universal resonance of this poignant moment.
*Relevance Today:* Bringing Luke 22 into the 21st century, we draw parallels to contemporary life. Discover how the teachings and events in this chapter remain remarkably relevant, offering guidance in our daily journeys.
*Practical Takeaways:* As we reflect on Luke 22, glean practical takeaways for navigating life’s challenges. Find inspiration and guidance applicable to the complexities of the modern world.
CONCLUSION In conclusion, Luke 22 stands as a testament to the enduring relevance of ancient wisdom. Let this exploration inspire continued introspection and a deeper connection to spirituality in our daily lives.
Ready to deepen your spiritual journey? Join our community as we continue exploring the wisdom of ancient scriptures. Subscribe for regular insights, discussions, and resources that will enrich your understanding of timeless teachings. Let’s embark on this transformative journey together.
3 days to Christmas! We can’t wait but let’s continue with our dog into the chapter of Gospel according to Luke.
In Luke 21, we delve into a chapter rich with teachings from Jesus about the future and the challenges that lie ahead. As we explore this passage, we discover timeless wisdom that resonates in the face of uncertainty. Let’s unpack the key lessons from Luke 21 and find inspiration for our journey.
ENDURANCE THROUGH TURBULENCE. Jesus foretells of tumultuous times, urging his followers to endure and stand firm. In a world filled with uncertainties, Luke 21 offers a guiding light, encouraging us to remain steadfast in our faith.
WATCHFUL LIVING. The chapter emphasizes the importance of watchfulness. Just as a fig tree’s budding leaves indicate the coming of summer, the signs around us signal the nearness of God’s kingdom. How can we be more watchful in our lives today?
TRUSTING BEYOND TROUBLES. Amid predictions of distress and confusion, Jesus assures his disciples that not a hair on their heads will perish. This promise invites us to trust in God’s providence even in the midst of life’s storms.
PRAYERFUL VIGILANCE. Jesus emphasizes the power of prayer, urging us to stay vigilant and pray for strength. Luke 21 challenges us to embrace a lifestyle of prayer, connecting with God consistently.
HOPE IN THE MIDST. In the darkest moments, there’s a glimmer of hope. Luke 21 reminds us that even in challenging times, the Son of Man will come with power and glory. Our hope is anchored in the ultimate victory of Christ.
Conclusion: As we reflect on Luke 21, let’s use these hashtags as reminders in our daily lives. #EnduranceThroughTurbulence, #WatchfulLiving, #TrustingBeyondTroubles, #PrayerfulVigilance, and #HopeInTheMidst encapsulate the essence of navigating uncertainty with the teachings of Jesus.
Share your insights on Luke 21 using these hashtags. How do you endure challenges? What does watchful living look like for you? Let’s build a community grounded in faith, resilience, and hope.
In a world that often feels chaotic, may Luke 21 be a source of inspiration, guiding us to navigate uncertainty with grace and fortitude.
Welcome to day 17 of Blogmas themed The Essence of Christmas.
We have been unwrapping the lessons from the pages of books written by Dr. Luke to Governor Theophilus, a day, a page.
Today, let us turn our Bible to Luke chapter 17 and see gratitude as it’s befitting us throughout the season;
[11] While traveling to Jerusalem, He passed between Samaria and Galilee. [12] As He entered a village, 10 men with serious skin diseases met Him. They stood at a distance [13] and raised their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us! ” [14] When He saw them, He told them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And while they were going, they were healed. [15] But one of them, seeing that he was healed, returned and, with a loud voice, gave glory to God. [16] He fell facedown at His feet, thanking Him. And he was a Samaritan. [17] Then Jesus said, “Were not 10 cleansed? Where are the nine? [18] Didn’t any return to give glory to God except this foreigner? ” [19] And He told him, “Get up and go on your way. Your faith has made you well.” Luke 17:11-19 HCSB
Jesus want us to be appreciative of what He has done for us and He want you to show gratitude to those who has done one good thing or another to you this year.
Pick that phone and dial that number now to say thank you.
Chat that stranger that stop to show concern when you tires bust in the middle of nowhere to say thank you.
Send that email now to your boss and team members for how amazing they have been this year.
Don’t forget your spouse, your in-laws, pastor, children, neighbors, etc.
Welcome to day 15 of The Essence of Christmas’ Blogmas.
I hope you have been enjoying all the delicious Nigerian soups we have been cooking since the beginning of this week and I hope you are taking the various lessons from each chapter of Luke as shared.
Today’s lesson is based on forgiveness and looking out for those we haven’t seen for a long period.
The Good Shepherd in vs 4 didn’t see one sheep, he went looking for him.
He didn’t say there are other 99 perhaps fatty sheep.
The life of each sheep is precious to him.
Like that Shepherd, let’s look out for those that have been long we them to see in fellowship.
Yes, there are 10, 000 other faithful brethren in the house but as those 10,000 sheep in the fold are precious to the shepherd so is the life of the one out there in sin, alcohol, immorality, depression, love of the world, lust, vain speaking, etc.
By doing so we are making Heaven delighted (Vs 15:7)
Right now, pick up your phone and make that call!
Furthermore, we should FORGIVE as the father of the prodigal son did
The prodigal son asking for his share of his father’s estate while the father is alive is saying, ‘dad, as I am concerned, you are dead), yet his father forgave him completely.
Forgive your husband who cheated on you.
Forgive that kid of yours who still chooses the wayward lifestyle despite all that you did for him.
Forgive your parents.
God forgave you, you should forgive too.
Who knows, maybe the prodigal son was a Yoruba boy and missed daily Amala with Ewedu that is loaded with locust beans 😂😂
You said, what’s Ewedu soup? Oya, let me teach you!
Ewedu (jute) is a soup of Yoruba origin and it’s believed to help in managing diabetes and HBP as well as serve as an antibiotics in the body. Now, here are the ingredients needed:
Ewedu leaf (jute)
Irú (Locust bean)
Potash
Here is how to prepare it:
Add the desired quantity of water and irú (locust beans) to the pot and put on the gas.
When it’s steaming, put your plucked Ewedu leaf plus a little potash into it.
Note: do not cover.
Allow it to boil for 10 mins.
Put it back on fire, add salt and stir.
While still on hot, mildly blend.
Let it cook for 5 minutes.
Amala with Ewedu Amala and Abula (Gbegiri+ Ewedu)
There you have delatable Ewedu which you can add to stew to eat with Amala, Ẹba, fufu, pounded yam, etc, or combine with Gbegiri and hot Amala which we discussed yesterday and enjoy what we call Abula. Licking tongue, already? Oya, go and try reaching out to forgotten Brethren, forgiveness, and Ewedu soup, and see the richness of all.
Thanks for reading. Remember to like, share, subscribe, comment, and come back tomorrow for day 16.
Today is day 14 of our Blogmas. Remember the theme, The Essence of Christmas.
We are still on the study of the Gospel book of Dr. Luke as we draw out lessons from there for our personal edifications. Plus, I will be teaching you a new Nigerian soup called Gbegiri (bean soup) today.
To begin with, there are many beautiful things to do during Christmas and one of them is feasting or banqueting with friends and family but Jesus warned us in Luke Chapter 14: 7 -24, not to indulge in the following behaviors during feasting – Christmastime or not;
We should not be pompous. Instead of placing ourselves in front, why don’t we wait to be called forward. This is better and Christlike and two, if Christ was proud, He wouldn’t even think of us talk less of dieing for us. (Vs 8 – 11).
Our celebration must not be me-centric. It must be Us-centric. During this period, our gifts, calls, check-ins, foods, banqueting and feasting must not be about us and our inner circle only, but must extend to that single mother in the church, that homeless man on the street, the depressed lady going through divorce, the poor, the lame and the blind. (Vs 12 – 14), and, ”you [we] will be blessed, because they cannot repay you; for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”
We must not give excuses. Nothing should waylaid us in doing God’s works during this festive season – not even our spouse, businesses or investments. We must not turn to sinners in the name of festivities. We must not turn to gluttons because there are plenty of foods to eat. (Vs 16 – 24). Jesus admonishes us to ‘Come, because everything is now ready.’
Now, let’s cook the delicious Gbegiri soup of Yoruba from Southwest Nigeria. The ingredients needed are:
Beans (preferably honey beans)
Onions
Red palm oil
Pepper (scotch bonnet or habanero)
Seasoning cubes or powder
Salt
Water
Optional: (a) Meat (like goat meat or beef) (b) Stockfish or smoked fish
Remember to soak the beans before cooking to make them easier to blend.
Furthermore, the simple steps are highlighted below:
Soak your desired quantity of beans in water for 30 – 40 minutes.
Remove the shell from the bean.
Put the de-shelled beans on the gas with water, and let it cook for 20 minutes.
After cooking, blend/smash for 5 minutes then sieve.
The watery brownish thing inside the bowl is your semi-finished Gbegiri.
Put it inside the pot, add your red oil, fish, seasoning cube, and ground pepper then cook for 5 minutes.
If properly done, you should have a yellowish soup to be eaten with a prepared stew plus Amala, fufu, ẹba, etc.
Now let’s finish our lesson from Luke 14, shall we?
We must never do anything hazardously. Jesus strictly warned against impromptu meetings, buildings, projects, etc (vs 24 – 34) as we are to count the cost of following Him and doing everything orderly. We must count the cost of our Christmas carols, musicals, festivals, ads – an outreach to reach the lost world or another yearly jamboree?
In conclusion, the lessons from Luke 14 remind us of the importance of humility, hospitality, and inclusivity in our lives. Just as Jesus encouraged a welcoming table, we too can extend kindness and warmth to those around us . As we reflect on these timeless teachings, let’s also savor the richness of another aspect of life—culinary delight. Join me tomorrow for a fresh episode where we delve into the art of preparing Ewedu, a soup that embodies healing and flavor. Together, let’s continue this journey of learning and sharing, both spiritually and gastronomically. Your seat at the table awaits, and I look forward to welcoming you for another enriching experience tomorrow.
All thanks for following me for the past 12 days of 2023 Blogmas themed The Essence of Christmas. Make sure you like, share, follow and comment as you used to do
Since the past two days, we have been learning how to cook some delicious Nigerian soups as continuing with our study of Luke.
Today is for Minyan Geda, also know as Groundunt soup, from Northern Nigeria. In the realm of culinary delights, few dishes carry the rich history and cultural significance of Minyan Head, commonly known as Groundnut Soup. This hearty and flavorful soup not only tantalizes the taste buds but also offers a profound connection to life’s deeper lessons, reminiscent of the teachings found in Luke 13.
Preparation Steps: 1. Roast groundnuts until golden brown. 2. Blend groundnuts into a smooth paste. 3. Sauté onions, garlic, and ginger. 4. Add tomatoes and cook until softened. 5. Incorporate groundnut paste and stock, simmering to desired thickness. 6. Add cooked chicken or beef. 7. Fold in leafy greens just before serving.
Recipe 2: Modern Twist – Vegan Minyan Head
Ingredients: – Groundnuts – Chickpeas – Coconut milk – Sweet potatoes – Kale – Red bell pepper – Spices (cumin, coriander, paprika)
Preparation Steps: 1. Roast groundnuts and blend into a creamy consistency. 2. Cook chickpeas until tender. 3. Sauté sweet potatoes, red bell pepper, and spices. 4. Add groundnut paste, coconut milk, and cooked chickpeas. 5. Simmer until flavors meld. 6. Stir in kale before serving.
Now let’s relate the lessons from Luke 13
Tip 1: Transformation and Roasting.
Just as groundnuts undergo transformation through roasting, life often demands us to undergo challenges and transformations to reveal our true essence.
Tip 2: Blending Ingredients, Blending Lives
The art of blending various ingredients in Minyan Head reflects the importance of blending diverse experiences and perspectives to create a harmonious life.
Tip 3: Simmering Resilience
The simmering process mirrors life’s challenges; resilience is the key to achieving the desired outcome, be it a delicious soup or personal growth.
Tip 4: Nourishing Relationships, Nourishing Souls
Much like the soup nourishing the body, meaningful relationships nourish the soul, adding richness and depth to our lives.
Tip 5: Embracing Change, Embracing Greens
The addition of leafy greens signifies the importance of embracing change and adapting to new circumstances, just as life evolves and grows.
In the tapestry of culinary delights and spiritual reflections, Minyan Head stands as a testament to the interconnectedness of our daily experiences with profound life lessons. As you savor the complex flavors of this soup, take a moment to reflect on the simplicity and depth it brings to both the dining table and the journey of life.
Remember to share, like, comment and come back tomorrow for Episode 14. Thanks
Once upon a bustling Saturday morning, Sarah found herself overwhelmed with household chores while her husband, Mark, was engrossed in his work. Feeling burdened, she stumbled upon Luke 10 in her daily reading. The story of Martha and Mary resonated with her – Martha, busy and anxious, and Mary, choosing to sit at Jesus’ feet.
Reflecting on this, Sarah realized the importance of balance in marriage. Often, like Martha, spouses get caught up in the busyness of life, neglecting the simple joy of being present with each other. Just as Jesus valued Mary’s choice, couples can learn to prioritize quality time over the constant hustle, nurturing their connection.
Luke 10 became a guide for Sarah and Mark, teaching them the valuable lesson of finding a harmonious rhythm in their marriage. By embracing moments of shared stillness amid life’s demands, they discovered a deeper understanding and appreciation for each other. The tale of Martha and Mary became a timeless reminder that love is not only in the grand gestures but also in the quiet moments of togetherness.
As Sarah and Mark continued to weave the lessons of Luke 10 into their marriage, they found that open communication played a pivotal role. Just as Mary openly sat at Jesus’ feet, they learned to express their feelings and desires, fostering a stronger emotional connection. This transparency became a cornerstone, allowing them to navigate challenges with understanding and empathy.
The couple also realized the importance of shared responsibilities. Instead of one person carrying the weight of the world, they embraced a collaborative approach. Just as Jesus acknowledged both Martha and Mary, Sarah and Mark discovered that a balanced partnership, where each contributed to the well-being of their home and relationship, brought harmony and mutual fulfillment.
Their journey inspired them to title this chapter of their lives “Harmony in the Heart of Luke 10.” It symbolized not just a momentary shift but an ongoing commitment to weaving spiritual principles into the fabric of their marriage. The timeless wisdom of Luke 10 became a guiding light, helping them create a home filled with love, understanding, and shared purpose.
Embrace the journey of love inspired by Luke 10! 🌟 Comment below with the moments that resonate with your own relationship, hit that like button to celebrate the beauty of shared harmony, subscribe for more heartwarming insights, and share this post to spread the love. Let’s create a community where every heart finds its rhythm in the melody of connection. 💑✨
Welcome to day 5 of Blogmass titled The Essence of Christmas. Let’s go into today’s topic – how to share the good news. We are studying the Gospel according to Dr. Luke and deriving lessons thereof.
Christmas connotes love, isn’t it? What better to show love than to share the love and what better love than sharing the birth, death, resurrection, and ascension of our lord Jesus Christ during this precious season? But how do we go about it?
Firstly, we have to surrender every that we think is ours like Peter and his brother did with their boat (5:1-3, 11, 27-28)
Then we have to listen to Him for in doing so will there be a catch of souls for Him (5 vs 4 – 7).
After then, we have to acknowledge that we ourselves was saved by grace and grace alone so that we will no boast (5:8-9)
When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, because I’m a sinful man, Lord! ” Luke 5:8 HCSB
Furthermore, we should call others to come and see the savior like Peter and Andrew invited James and John Zebedee to come and the long awaited promised Messiah (5:6, 7, 10)
In addition to that, we should know that Jesus’ encouragement to us in commissioning us for the work of spreading the Gospel in verse 10b
… “Don’t be afraid,” Jesus told Simon. “From now on you will be catching people! ” Luke 5:10 HCSB
While going on sharing the good news, we should be compassionate because Jesus had compassion on the unclean man. We may meet a chronic sinner on the road, we must not judge but be compassionate towards his/her that God’s desire is he/she comes to the saving knowledge of Christ. Why? Because doing so will proclaim our Lord the more (5 vs 12-16).
Apart from compassionate heart, we should not forget to offer the sinning world the forgiveness of sin and healing from all affliction in Jesus’ name.
Seeing their faith He said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven you.” Luke 5:20 HCSB
Tell the guilt lady that her sin has been forgiven.
Tell the guy who thinks he has sinned before grace, that forgiving grace is more than enough for him because the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins…” Luke 5:24 HCSB
Where should we go to do this? We should go to from house to house, hideouts, street to street, ceremonies, invites, workplaces, taverns, pub, etc., not to partake in sin or to add more laws to the burden of sin but to offer the newness of life called Grace that Christ offered because ‘…new wine should be put into fresh wineskins.’ Luke 5:38 HCSB
Welcome to day 4 of our annual Blogmas. This year is themed The Essence of Christmas and we are studying from the book written by Dr. Luke about the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.
Similarly, I want to call the 3rd chapter, The Preservation of Good News.
John the Baptist was in the wilderness, fulfilling his purpose
Fun fact 1: Matthew 1:1ff traces the genealogy of Jesus Christ paternally while Luke 3:23ff traces it maternally.
Now, everybody is coming to him – the religious leaders, the ordinary men, and women, the imperial soldiers, etc but you know what? John tells them the whole truth about God the Father.
What is the truth about Christmas that must be preserved?
The truth is, we must not remove Christ from Christmas. John didn’t remove Jesus from his message to appeal to those coming to him.
We can preserve this Good News by staying with the bible on what is Christmas all about – the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ not the celebration of orgies, immoralities, and worldliness. Sola scriptura.
We can also preserve this Good News by spreading it. Therefore, spread the gospel.
And the last lesson on how to preserve the Good News is by going to all nations, making disciples of them, and baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit because Jesus was baptized at the very start of his public ministry.
Welcome to day 3 of 2023 Blogmas-themed The Essence of Christmas. It’s wonderful seeing you here.
Yesterday, I highlighted the fact about receiving good news and that those who received Good News were all lovers of Yahweh.
Today, still on Luke 2 which I dubbed the Chapter of Great and Good News.
The first great and good news was in verse 7 when Jesus was born
Then she gave birth to her firstborn Son, and she wrapped Him snugly in cloth and laid Him in a feeding trough — because there was no room for them at the lodging place. Luke 2:7 HCSB
Christmas was inaugurated! Hallelujah.
Christmas was started in an unusual place.
I pray that during this period only great and good news from places you least expected will happen to you in Jesus’ name.
Furthermore, not only was Christmas started but the first Christmas carol song was sung by the angels and the shepherds. What a great joy!
In the same region, shepherds were staying out in the fields and keeping watch at night over their flock. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid… Suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to people He favors! Luke 2:8-10, 13-14 HCSB
Therefore take this moment to sing carols, spiritual songs, hymns and psalms because our Saviour was born.
Moreover, the great and good news did not stop with the first carol, the shepherds proceeded to confirm what the Angel had said. Meaning, spread the gospel. Confirm to someone this noel that Jesus was born for us.
Courtship Forum 