"It is God himself, in his mercy, who has given us this wonderful work [of telling his Good News to others], and so we never give up."
A number of years ago I read the following story about Sir Winston Churchill in Our Daily Bread. Churchill attended grade school at Harrow where he was in the lower third of his class and showed no particular potential. After he graduated he went on to university and eventually became famous.
...On October 29, 1941, Prime Minister Winston Churchill went back to Harrow to hear the traditional songs he had sung there when as student and to address the student body. He was introduced as one of the greatest orators of all time. The students were told to take plenty of notes..
In those sobering days of World War II included in his address Sir Winston encouraged the boys to:
"Never give in. Never give in. Never, never, never, never—in nothing, great or small, large or petty—never give in, except to convictions of honor and good sense. Never yield to force. Never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy."."
I'm certain that none of those students ever forgot that advice.
And that is God's advice and word to us. If we interpreted God's message to the Hebrew Christians fully, it would be: "God said, 'I will never, never, never, never, never [five times over] leave you or forsake you" or "I will never, not ever, not ever, leave you or forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5). This is the greatest reason why we, too, must never give up.."
Suggested prayer: Dear God, thank You for the wonderful assurance that You will never ever leave me or forsake me. Help me to never ever leave or forsake You … not ever. Gratefully in Jesus's name.
2 Corinthians 4:1 (TLB).
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Monday, April 28, 2014
An Amazing Fact, ur say on ALCOHOL as christians
My pastor shared a sermon yesterday on Christians and alcohol,which was actually prompted by an outing to the beach where two young guys were caught....sorry, were seen(because they were doing it to no one's concern with no bad conscience) This prompted me to write an article on the subject<
Is it biblically permissible for a Christian to drink alcohol? If so, how much? This controversial subject has evoked many passionate opinions among Christians. Why? Is God’s Word silent or in anyway unclear about alcohol? I submit that the Bible is in no way ambiguous when it speaks on alcohol and how it relates to God’s followers. I hope the following study will assist you in forming your own biblically based conclusions on this important subject.
Two Opposing Camps Among Christians, there are two primary camps of thought on this sensitive topic. The first group argues that Jesus Himself drank wine, and since a Christian is a follower of Christ, how can it be forbidden? And generally, they add with a moderate air: “but even so, drinking should not be done to excess.” Then there is the other position: Alcohol is an addictive and destructive drug that no sincere Christian should use to any degree. Of course, between these two diametrically opposed poles, there are countless variations of opinions. In this short work, I cannot possibly address the whole spectrum of perspectives—so using the Scripture and common sense, I will attempt to stay within the core principles. In fairness, I will state from the beginning that I am firmly in the unfermented camp! I believe that scriptural references to Jesus’ use of wine are of the grape juice variety. But before the wine connoisseurs toss this book aside, you owe it to yourself to hear me out. I come from the perspective of one who grew up frequently drinking wine or beer with dinner—I even brewed my own beer and made wine once. But I have never been an alcoholic, so my position is not the result of overreacting from a clean and sober victory.
What Is Alcohol? Let’s begin with a definition. There are many forms of this compound called alcohol. However, there is no mistaking that all of them are classified as poisons—toxins to the human body. The alcohol found in beverages such as beer, wine, and brandy is ethanol (C2H5OH), a clear, highly flammable liquid that has a burning taste and a characteristic odor. What happens when one consumes this type of alcohol? Well, death usually occurs if the concentration of ethanol in the bloodstream exceeds about five percent! But even for those who use it sparingly, immediate behavioral changes, impairment of vision and unconsciousness can occur at lower concentrations. That’s interesting, isn’t it? That’s exactly the same effect that other illicit drugs such as heroin, and even marijuana, have on those who use those substances. I doubt there are any Christian churches that would ordain the use of these drugs in even a casual social setting—or even to “calm the nerves” before bedtime. Is there any reason that alcohol should not be included in this list of drugs to avoid?
Two Types of Wine—Biblically Speaking The word “wine” in the Bible sometimes refers to the new—or fresh juice of the grape; other times it is used to describe the aged or fermented product containing the drug alcohol. The translators never used the term “grape juice.” In the Hebrew text, the writers use different words to distinguish between the two. The word tîyrôsh is used for new unfermented wine, and yayin is generally used for fermented wine, but there were some exceptions (Isaiah 16:10). However, in the New Testament, only one Greek word is used to describe both fermented and fresh grape juice: oinis .
But this shouldn’t be a problem. By simply understanding the context of the word in a passage, the appropriate meaning will usually surface. So unless the passage says old or new wine (as in Luke 5:37–39), the context will often tell us what kind of grape juice is being described. One simple example occurs in Mark 2:22: “And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; or else the new wine bursts the wineskins, the wine is spilled, and the wineskins are ruined. But new wine must be put into new wineskins” (NKJV). Obviously the new wine would be the fresh unfermented kind. Additionally, from the Old Testament, in Isaiah 65:8, we read, “As the new wine is found in the cluster, And one says, ‘Do not destroy it, For a blessing is in it…’” It is clear in both these passages that the new wine is simply grape juice.
What About the Last Supper? Some argue that if Jesus partook of wine at the Last Supper, and even employed it as a symbol of His purifying blood, then how can drinking a little wine—even just casually—be wrong? Indeed, the very seeds of the New Testament were watered with wine from the Last Supper. There is no arguing that Jesus used wine at the Last Supper, but it is a mistake to assume that the wine was of the fermented variety. “For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father's kingdom” (Matthew 26:28–29, emphasis mine).
Indeed, here Jesus uses the new wine as a symbol of His new covenant with His people. Jesus also calls wine the “fruit of the vine.” However, after wine goes through the process of fermentation, it is no more the fruit of the vine than yogurt is the fruit of a cow. Furthermore, we also know that the Passover meal was to be free from all forms of leaven (Exodus 12:19). Fermentation is the identical process of leavening! If the bread was to be free from leaven, which is a type of sin, then we can be sure that the wine, a symbol of Jesus blood, used at the Last Supper would also be free from the poison of alcohol. The perfect, sinless blood of Jesus would never be symbolized by corrupt and putrefying old wine. Jesus compared His pure teachings to wholesome new wine (Matthew 9:17). Indeed, all corrupted doctrines are likened to the fermented wine of Babylon! Babylon was identified as a place “with whom the kings of the earth committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth were made drunk with the wine of her fornication” (Rev 17:2).
Another example: “But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's delicacies, nor with the wine (Of Babylon) which he drank” (Daniel 1:8). Was Jesus a Drunkard? Pharisees frequently accused Jesus of being a winebibber, drunkard and glutton. They also said He had a devil and blasphemed God, among other things. We know He wasn’t a glutton or demon-possessed blasphemer! So if these things are not true, why should we assume that our Lord was a drinker as indicated by the Pharisees, a group of Jesus’ most-outward adversaries well known for their questionable theology? They were merely contrasting His lifestyle with the austerity of John the Baptist, a practicing Nazarite, who abstained from anything of the vine and ate locusts and wild honey (Numbers 6:3; Luke 7:33–34, 1:15; John 8:48–52; Mark 2:7; Matthew 3:4). When Jesus hung parched on the cross, Roman soldiers offered him fermented wine mingled with myrrh. But as soon as Jesus tasted it and recognized it was fermented, He refused it. If Jesus refused this beverage even as His body was tormented with extraordinary thirst, why would He have drank wine normally (Matthew 27:34)? (And more to the point, why then should we?) Alcohol: The Bible Hall of Shame The first reference to wine is found in Genesis when Noah, after the flood, created the original fermented grape juice. “Then he drank of the wine and was drunk, and became uncovered in his tent” (Genesis 9:21). The sad record is that Noah drank and stumbled around naked and shamefully exposed himself to his sons. This first experiment with a new drug ended with a scathing curse falling on Noah’s posterity. Lot also drank, and he was therefore easily seduced into having incestuous relations with his daughters. “So they made their father drink wine that night. And the firstborn went in and lay with her father, and he did not know when she lay down or when she arose” (Genesis 19:33). The offspring of this relationship became the nations of Moab and Ammon, the mortal enemies of God’s people. And there is no shortage of evidence today that alcohol often leads to sexual immorality—such as adultery, rape, and incest. Then there is the infamous experience when the children of Israel drank alcohol, stripped themselves naked and worshiped a golden calf (Exodus 32:6, 25). This fermented “church social” ended in a horrible massacre. Amnon, another drinker and the son of David, raped his half-sister Tamar. Because of this incestuous act, he lost his life at the hands of his enraged brother while intoxicated (2 Samuel 13:28). These are only a few examples. For more about the terrible repercussions involving alcohol in the Bible, look at 2 Samuel 13:28, Job 1:13–19.
Truly, when one considers the Biblical record of fermented drink, you have to wonder why would any genuine Christian argue in its defense! Fermented Wine Brings Woe The word “woe” is not used commonly today in the English vernacular. The word means deep distress or misery—as from grief and/or wretchedness. The Bible is found using the word in many different places; not surprisingly, the use of alcohol is often the reason why the word is used!
■“Woe to those who rise early in the morning, That they may follow intoxicating drink; Who continue until night, till wine inflames them!” (Isaiah 5:11).
■“Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has contentions? Who hath complaints? Who has wounds without cause? Who has redness of eyes? Those who linger long at the wine, Those who go in search of mixed wine.” (Proverbs 23:29–30).
■“Woe to him who gives drink to his neighbor, Pressing him to your bottle, Even to make him drunk, That you may look on his nakedness!” (Habakkuk 2:15). Does the Christian need any more condemnation of alcohol consumption than this? A very safe and simple rule for these issues is: “When in doubt, leave it out!” A Matter of Health For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's” (1 Corinthians 6:20 KJV).
From liver disease to ulcers to dementia, an almost endless list of health problems have been linked to the drinking of alcohol. Alcohol (also grain alcohol) is a toxin that severely affects the central nervous system when ingested. Most people know that even moderate “social drinking” destroys brain cells. If a person holds a small swig of whiskey in their mouth for about ten minutes, various parts of the interior of their mouth will become blistered. If you have them blindfolded and have them taste various beverages—for instance, water, vinegar, or milk—you will find that they are incapable of distinguishing one from another. This experiment proves to a certainty that alcohol is not only a violent irritant, but also a narcotic. I think even the strongest advocate of alcohol must honestly admit that its consumption certainly does not glorify God in their body; instead, it slowly destroys body and mind, which is a clear violation of the Sixth Commandment.
The Most Deadly Substance on Earth
Abraham Lincoln said, “Drink is a cancer in human society, eating out its vitals and threatening its destruction.” So much devastation is caused by alcohol in our community, on the roads and in homes, that this is hardly a bold or surprising statement. Indeed, even if the Bible were silent on the subject, the object lessons of devastation from a thousand years of history would still be crystal clear. But the scriptures say plenty. “Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes? Those who linger long at the wine, Those who go in search of mixed wine. Do not look on the wine when it is red, When it sparkles in the cup, When it swirls around smoothly; At the last it bites like a serpent, And stings like a viper. Your eyes will see strange things, And your heart will utter perverse things. Yes, you will be like one who lies down in the midst of the sea, Or like one who lies at the top of the mast, saying: ‘They have struck me, but I was not hurt; They have beaten me, but I did not feel it. When shall I awake, that I may seek another drink?’” (Proverb 23:29–35). And Jeremiah said God would make “bottles of wine” freely available to destroy the nation (Jeremiah 13:12–15). How true is this in our own country—with advertising directed at our youngest and most vulnerable citizens? Is it a wonder that with a nation consumed by the false merriment of alcohol, it encourages consumption even to our youngest? There is strong evidence supporting widespread alcohol use and the surge of crime committed by young adults—and even children. (Did you know there are 3.3 million problem drinkers in America's high schools alone?) Micah also warned of lying and false prophets who condone wine and strong drink (Micah 2:11). Today, they still teach “moderation” with alcohol, but history has shown that moderation with an addictive drug is impossible. It is also a well-documented fact that drinking even the smallest quantity of alcohol impairs reactions and weakens normal inhibitions. Put simply: It lowers a Christian’s resolve to resist temptation. Why would any Christian want to make it easier for the devil to snare them? Many men and women have awaken after a night baptized by a few glasses of wine or bottles of beer to discover they have violated the Seventh Commandment and forever scarred their lives and reputations. This is why Peter charges us to be “sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). The devil is already bent on getting us! Let’s not make it any easier for him by diluting with alcohol our God-given resistance! Remember, even when Jesus was hanging on the cross, with acute thirst, He refused to drink the wine they offered Him. “They gave Him sour wine mingled with gall to drink. But when He has tasted it, He would not drink” (Matthew 27:34). With the redemption of the planet hanging in the balance, He would not risk His judgment being impaired by receiving even a mouthful of wine, which might have made His suffering for us a little more bearable. Does He expect less of us? Tarnished Testimonies The great Canadian physician Sir William Osler was lecturing one day on alcohol. “Is it true,” asked a student, “that alcohol makes people do some things better?” “No,” replied Sir William. “It just makes them less ashamed of doing them badly.” Christians who drink alcohol have tarnished their testimonies to the outside world—as well as to those in the church. And the ones who are hurt the most by these compromised testimonies are the children. Surely, it must be confusing to children to see their mothers or fathers praying—and then have a few beers. Jesus condemned this hypocrisy with the very strongest language: “But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea” (Matthew 18:6). An anxious father approached his pastor and said, “Preacher, talk to my boy about drinking. He came home last night and fell sprawling on the floor—too drunk to get up. His mother cried the rest of the night.” “Why don't you talk to your own boy yourself?” the preacher questioned. But the father said, “Pastor, I can't talk to my son about it, because I am to blame. I wanted him to be a man, so I gave him his first glass of liquor. I didn't dream that he'd ever become a drunkard. Please speak to my boy. I can't talk to him.” It is a sad fact that all over this nation many fathers and mothers are re-living this exact same scenario.
We are commanded to “Come out from among them And be separate…. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you” (2 Corinthians 6:17). But when a Christian begins to drink alcohol, they show that they are not separated from worldly things. Many Christians then wonder why God does not use them more to do great things. God will not use a compromised Christian for any great work. God only uses clean vessels for such amazing endeavors. Wine on the Day of Pentecost On Pentecost, when the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit, onlookers said, “These men are drunk with new wine” (Acts 2:13). The Greek word here is gleukos, which was either new unfermented wine or “must,” a sweet boiled non-alcoholic grape juice. These onlookers were mocking the devoted disciples by saying, “They are drunk on grape juice.” This indicates that the disciples were known for their abstinence of alcohol! How is it that we should not follow their pointed examples? A Little for the Stomach? Paul also tells Timothy to “No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for your stomach's sake and your frequent infirmities” (1 Timothy 5:23). It is assumed by many that the wine Paul recommends to Timothy is alcoholic. Yet this is a false assumption for several reasons: First, the word oinos is used, and as we’ve already learned, it can denote either fermented or unfermented grape juice. In addition, there are historical references attesting to the use of unfermented wine for medicinal purposes in the ancient world. For example, Athenaeus (AD 280) counsels to use unfermented grape juice for stomach disorders.
Other Medicinal Use Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts” (Proverbs 31:6–7). This text addresses those who are “perishing” (obed) and those in “bitter distress” (marei naphesh). Both terms in Hebrew denote a desperate, hopeless situation. In other words, this is describing a situation in which a person is dying in painful agony. This was practiced by the Jews, and we find that “wine mingled with myrrh” (Mark 15:23) was offered to Christ on the cross, but He refused to take it. This passage, while not approving of the general use of alcohol, does provide for the medicinal use of alcohol as a narcotic in the specific situation of those who are in terminal misery. Moderate Drinking Likewise must the deacons be grave, not double-tongue, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre” (1 Timothy 3:8 RSV). While on the surface this verse appears to tolerate drinking in moderation, we must remember the biblical context that God approves of the moderate use of those things that are good, and abstaining entirely from those things that are bad. With this understanding, the only logical conclusion is that Paul is admonishing deacons to be moderate in partaking of the good, unfermented wine. Moderation in good things is supported by several Bible passages. Honey, a healthful, natural food is also to be taken in moderation: “It is not good to eat much honey” (Proverbs 25:27).
Gluttony, be it drinking or eating, even with good things to excess is thoroughly condemned in the Bible (Deuteronomy 21:20; Proverbs 23:21), and Jesus describes gluttony as one of the primary sins of the people destroyed by the flood (Matthew 24:38). Eating and drinking to excess was common throughout the Roman Empire. We must further remember that one of the duties of deacons was to visit the homes of the believers. As is common today, visitors were offered grape juice to drink. Deacons were to show their moderation in drinking grape juice so that the charge of gluttony would not be brought upon Christians. Therefore, the most plausible interpretation of this verse is that Paul was forbidding deacons from drinking unfermented grape juice to excess. When Paul says “Be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess, but be filled with the spirit,” some have thought this verse says just don’t drink too much. But the word excess in Greek is asotia, which is translated as riot and riotous living (Ephesians 5:18, 1 Peter 4:4, Luke 15:13). Darby’s version translates it this way: “And be not drunk with wine, in which is debauchery; but be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18). We are called to be sacred vessels filled with God’s Spirit. A Nation of Priests and Kings Another powerful argument for modern Christians to abstain from alcohol is our royal and religious spiritual heritage. Considering the effect of alcohol and the woes, as the Bible says, it brings to those who have used it in the past, the following verses surely have a more powerful affect on our hearts:
■Exodus 19:6 — “And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.”
■Proverbs 31:4 — “It is not for kings, O Lemuel, It is not for kings to drink wine, Nor for princes intoxicating drink.”
summary:- It is sobering to realize that even 4,300 years later, the sin of Noah is still wrecking families today. Have we learned nothing? Moderate drinking is not God's answer—abstinence is. Every alcoholic begins his or her downward path with a “moderate” drink. The church should never condone or allow that first step by teaching it’s permissible to drink a little wine. Rather, the church should uphold the clear position of the Word of God, knowing that Jesus is the Word made flesh and come to dwell among us. God’s issue with alcohol is clear, and it always has been. Alcohol is unholy and unclean. Partaking in the worldly drink can only compromise God’s high standards. If you have a problem with drinking, I invite you to contact Amazing Facts and request our free literature concerning alcohol and the Christian. We have seen thousands freed from alcohol and other addiction by the power of God! “Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed” (John 8:36).
Monday, April 21, 2014
9 STEP ON HOW TO BE REAL . ( BE REAL YOU )
1. Voice your thoughts. Don't wait for others to give their input; you may not get another chance to speak your mind. If you disagree with something, bring up the issue, but do so with respect. Remember you want to solve a problem, not create a new one.
2.Get over peer pressure. Real friends aren't afraid to give you the painful truth, but they do so in a loving way. Peers, on the other hand, are just people you want to impress or fit in with. This is fine, unless they try to get you to do something against your beliefs or something you know is wrong. Real friends don't put friends in compromising situations, but instead encourage each other to be the best they can be.
3.Be transparent with others. Don't wear a mask. Don't be afraid to let people see the real you. Be open and honest.
4.Accept your individuality. You are unique (think you-nique)! Write down a big list of things you like about yourself and that make you you. It's also good to write a list of things you need to work on and would like to become, but remember this list is to help you be the best you can be, not to make you feel bad about yourself
5.Don't fake anything. People can see right through that, and those who can't will figure it out or be told soon enough. Eventually, the truth is going to slip out and it will be painful. Living a lie is not being true to the real you.
6.Don't do things just because other people are. Once you figure out who you really are, doing something for the sake of just fitting in won't even seem cool anymore.
7.Develop your natural talents. Take up piano, or painting. Sign up for a dance class. Pursue your passion and do something you've always wanted to do.
8.Be upfront with people. Consult them if you're struggling or if you have a problem with the way things are being done, but again, do so with respect. Figure out a way things can be done better, and don't be passive.
9.Break the mold of what's cool -- just be you. Don't wear what everyone else is wearing if it doesn't look good on you or fit your lifestyle. Don't go for something crazy that you'll regret later -- substance abuse (drugs, alcohol), partying, getting a tattoo, etc. It's most likely a spur-of-the-moment fad that you'll wish you hadn't gotten into.
PLUG IN!
This afternoon, I turned on my laptop, intending to plug my blackberry to it for charging, but alas, the laptop itself was only 15% charged! The tragedy here was not that my battery was low or that the Power-holding Company of Nigeria had held back power. The real tragedy was that I had been in the presence of electricity all night long, fully awake, with free sockets all around me, and I did not plug in!
This is also a common tragedy in the Spirit realm. You may have heard the saying "a prayerless Christian is a powerless Christian". While this may not be entirely true, there is some serious truth to it. Every child of God has the Holy Spirit residing in him/her (1Corinthians 3:16), therefore every child of God has the power of God, more so if he/she has been filled with the Holy Spirit as on the day of Pentecost (Acts 1:8&2:4). But many beloved saints of God do not make use of this power (for many different reasons), therefore, they live a life devoid of the expressions of God's power (dunamis). God has given them the Spirit of power, but they have failed to stir up or fan into flame the gift of God which is in them (2Timothy 1:6-7), so they are "powerful but powerless".
Son of God, plug in to dunamis, don't be a powerless reservoir of power! The major way to connect yourself to God's power is through the Word and prayer. This was the secret of the early church, especially the apostles. Those folks gave themselves to prayer and to the ministry of the Word like no man's business! (Acts 2:42&6:4) And when it comes to prayer, there's a reason the Holy Spirit brought a heavenly prayer language with Him when He filled you, it wasn't just to announce His presence. No! When you pray in tongues, you edify yourself, you build up yourself (the real you, spirit). And since your spirit is full of God's power, the stronger your spirit, the more the power that flows through you. Secondly, when you pray in tongues, you bring up the rain of God's Spirit from the rivers of living water flowing from within you (John 7:38, Zechariah 10:1) like they did in Acts 4:31. And finally, when you pray in tongues, you're partnering with the Holy Spirit, or better still, you're allowing Him to partner with you, and what does He bring to the table? He brings all His power, wisdom, might and ability. Oooooh glory! That's massive help!
When the Spirit says to my heart, "child, I am your Help"
Then my soul doth respond, "Father, my Help You are"
His Help I receive, His power I engage
His strength is mine, as I connect to Him
As I yield to Him, as I allow Him
He does all He's come to do
He says all He's come to say
He is all He's come to be
And He makes me all I'm meant to be!
Receive God's help today, engage His power through the Word and through prayer. Plug in to dunamis! Don't be left out!
Trailblazing Nigerians, Bishop David Oyedepo and Alhaji Aliko Dangote: Two Sides of the Same Coin?
One is primarily a preacher; the other is a business mogul. One is an incorrigible unrepentant Christian; the other a faithful Muslim. One is a blunt, no-nonsense personality; the other is a discreet and reserved individual. But they are both entrepreneurs. They are visionaries. They have made their impact on the Nigerian society. They cannot be ignored in the scheme of things. They both wield enormous influence on practically every sphere of our national life in Nigeria.
Bishop David Olaniyi Oyedepo is the founder and presiding bishop of Living Faith Church World Wide, also known as Winners Chapel, which has its headquarters, a 5,000-acre (20 km2) land called Canaanland, in Ota Ogun State, Nigeria. The church dedicated a 50, 000 capacity auditorium, Faith Tabernacle, in 1999 and has established about 100 educational institutions based on Christian principles across Nigeria and the African Continent from primary to tertiary levels. Bishop Oyedepo, born in 1954, was in 2011 named by Forbes magazine as the richest pastor in Nigeria.
Alhaji Aliko Dangote is the Founder/Chief Executive of the Dangote Group, a conglomerate which started in 1977 as a small trading firm with a loan from his uncle. Today, his business interests cut across food processing, cement manufacturing, freight, telecommunications, etc. Dangote, who was born in 1957 and whose conglomerate is the largest industrial group in Nigeria, is ranked by Forbes Magazine as the richest man in Africa and the 43rd richest person in the world.
What do these two individuals have in common? Maybe the question to ask is can these two very dissimilar indibuals possess anything in common? My answer is in the affirmative. Yes they can and indeed they do have some things in common. Let's check out some of the similarities between a bishop and an alhaji.
1. Both of them were born in the 1950’s
2. Both of them started small. Bishop Oyedepo started his ministry with a small congregation but today he has one of the larest congregations in Nigeria. Alhaji Dangote started as a petty trader and has grown his business to a conglomerate.
3. Both of them moved from the North of Nigeria to Lagos in the South-West region of the country. Bishop Oyedepo moved from Kaduna to Lagos before eventually settling in Ota, Ogun State while Alhaji Dangote moved from Kano to Lagos.
4. Bishop Oyedepo is the richest pastor in Nigeria, according to Forbes;Aliko Dangote is the richest African, according to Forbes
5. The two of them are involved in different ventures: Bishop Oyedepo is a preacher, author and publisher, propietor/chancellor and the church he leads is involved in hospitality, bakery, etc. while Dangote is into cement, sugar, salt, oil and gas, telecommunications, etc.
6. Bishop Oyedepo church has branches in different countries; Dangote has plants in different countries.
7. Dangote’s sugar refinery at Apapa port, Lagos is the biggest in Africa while Bishop Oyedepo’s Faith Tabernacle is the biggest church building in the world.
8. Both of them have private jets
9. They were both influenced by a grandparent. The two of them acknowlege the influence of a grandparent on their lives.
10. The two of them are huge employers of labour.
This post is not just about the similarities between these two personalities but the lessons we can also draw from their stories. Some of these lessons are:
i. Mentors and worthy role models are important to our success in life. Both Bishop Oyedepo and Dangote can never forget the impact of their grandparents on their lives. And even as they progressed in their chosen endeavours, they took on more mentors.
ii. Success is a journey. We should learn to start small but dream big. Both of them started small but they had big dreams and they have ended up big and are even getting bigger.
iii. Patience is a necessary virtue one should possess. It has taken both of them over two decades to get to where they are today.
iv. One should not stop thinking. These two personalities are visionaries and thinkers and we can see the reflection of these in their achievements. They keep starting new ventures (products of their thinking). They are innovators (because they keep thinking).
v. It is not always true that being a jack of all trades makes one a master of none. Bishop Oyedepo and Alhaji Dangote are men of many parts who are very successful. They learned to diversify their interests and thereby increased their sphere of influence and impact.
What other lessons have the lives of these individuals taught you? Please on't hesitate to share them with us on this forum.
The Trademark of a True Christian
One of the most important facets of love is unselfishness, which is characterized in Romans 12:16 as the willingness to adapt and adjust to the needs and desires of others.
People who have grasped the meaning of this Scripture and applied it in their lives have learned what it means to be reduced to love. They are not selfish. They have learned to be adaptable and to adjust to others.
...On the other hand, people who think more highly of themselves than they should find it difficult to adjust to others. Their inflated opinion of themselves causes them to see others as "little" and "unimportant." They selfishly expect others to adjust to them, but they are often unable to accommodate others without becoming angry or upset.
Which type of person are you? I used to be so selfish, but now, I can tell you from experience that living unselfishly is a much more satisfying way to live.
The trademark of a true Christian is the ability to adapt to others. Will you unselfishly adapt to someone else today?
Prayer Starter: God, show me daily how to lovingly adapt to others. I don't want to be a selfish person, so I choose to be unselfish and adaptable, loving others as a true Christian.....IJN (Amen)
Don't Worry...Worship!
I remember a morning when I sat down to pray and instead began to worry about whatever my current situation was and to consider what I was going to do about it.
Suddenly I heard that still, small voice inside my spirit say, "Joyce, are you going to worship your problem or Me?" See, God was more than willing to handle my problem if I was willing to forget it and spend time worshipping Him.
...When we worship the Lord, we release the emotional or mental burden that weighs us down. It is swallowed up in the awesomeness of God. When we keep our eyes on Him and worship, we will always see His plan for our lives work out all things for our good.
The Bible says there is no lack for those who truly worship the Lord with godly fear. Do you want to be sure all your needs will be met? Then remember to worship, not worry.
Regardless of the difficulties you face, just keep praising God and giving Him glory. Faith will rise in your heart, and you will overcome.
Prayer Starter: God, I will not worry. Instead, I choose to worship You. You are great and mighty, and I know that my needs are met because of Your goodness and love for me....IJN (Amen)
Develop Your Potential and Do Something Now
You may know that God's created you with great potential, but you can't stop there. You have to develop your potential.
I believe that many people are unhappy because they aren't doing anything to develop their potential. If you want to see your potential developed to its fullest, don't wait until everything is perfect. Do something now. Start laying your hand to whatever is in front of you.
...You must give your potential some form by doing something with it. You will never find what you are capable of doing if you never try anything.
Don't be so afraid of failing that you never take a chance. Don't stay in the safety zone. You may feel safe, but you will never succeed at developing your full potential or being fulfilled in what you are doing. Step out into what you feel God is leading you to do, and you will soon discover what you can and cannot do.
You are full of God-given potential, and He wants to do more through your life than you could ever imagine, but it requires your cooperation. Step out and serve Him wholeheartedly today.
Prayer Starter: Lord, in everything I do, I want to serve You wholeheartedly. Thank You for encouraging me to step out and take action, developing the great potential You have given me....IJN (Amen
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
Don't be surprised, there are things God can't do..........I'm sure u wanna knw.
Everywhere you go, all the time, people are saying that God can do anything, but that couldn't be farther from the truth! When we consider God, a being that is almighty who created everything that existed we don't usually think that there are things God cannot do. One of the first requirements for being God is to be uncreated, infinite, eternal, and omniscient. So a created god does not qualify for the job description of being God.
Once you know what God can't do, you will know why you can do all things through Jesus Christ!
So What Can't He Do?
1. It is impossible for God to lie. It is impossible for God to lie, so he is consistent with truth, which has absolutes. His standard of right and wrong does not change.
Heb.6:18 tells us He can’t lie = he can’t break a unconditional promise what he says He will fulfill. He is the truth and there is no darkness in him. He cannot go back on His Word. .
2. God cannot stop existing? The nature of God is infinite- meaning no end, He is from everlasting to everlasting. God's unchanging moral character is a moral absolute, he changes not. This includes holiness, justice, love, mercy and truth. God is who He is forever and is the only constant thing (being) in the universe. Only created things subject to time and space which are of a non-eternal substance can change. God could not change if He wanted to (which He would not). Because He exists in the highest and ultimate state of perfection. Words fail to describe at this point the state God is in. However we do know God became a man, in that he added another nature to his deity, so He came in human flesh, we know him as Jesus Christ.
3.God cannot sin, Holiness is part of his intrinsic nature, He cannot do otherwise. What God is, He forever exists as. He cannot break his commands of holiness that reflect his nature.
4. God cannot learn anything new. Before He created anything He knew all about it. This is why He is able to predict the future with perfect accuracy. There is no progression in knowledge for God as there is with man. He knew the end before the beginning, before he even began to create.
5. God cannot be wrong- He is never wrong. When God does something; it is not right because He did it, it is right because it is right. God is perfect in all His ways. It is not good because God chose it, therefore it must be good! God chose it because it is good, God wills it because it is good, it’s not good simply because he wills it or chose it to be. God is not arbitrary or capricious. He knows the greater good because He alone possesses all knowledge. All of nature shows this to be true. Order is of the greater design and objective, chaos is not. To preserve life is the greater good, to take life is not, (exceptions are the rarity). This is because all morals and ethics flow from His moral nature. So while God is all-powerful he cannot act or think contrary to His perfect eternal unlimited nature, which is the ultimate standard of moral good. as Jesus said - there is none good but God.
6.God can't get tired.
Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, neither faints nor is weary.
—Isaiah 40:28
7.God can't remember sins he's chosen to forget.
I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake; and I will not remember your sins.
—Isaiah 43:25
8.God can't fail.
Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ.
—2 Corinthians 2:14
9.God can't die: to his kingdom there's no end.
10.God can't lose.
God cannot force aman to serve him, he can't change.
Monday, April 14, 2014
CAN WE TALK ABOUT LOVE? (concluding part)
Everything seems to be strange that morning, to discover it was February 14 was a sigh and then the tv was left on over night which was so unusual of his parent or probably they were in a hurry to put it off before leaving for work he thought. As he walked towards the tv to turn it off, what he saw was quite attractive, it was a teenage program talking about love. This got his attention so he decide to spare some minutes may be they would give some tips which might help on his date.
Shade in her room was making selection of which cloth to wear when she got a call from her friend telling her to go check out a program on tv, she wanted to shun that but she knew the program must be so interesting and educating for Roseline to call her about it so she decided to give it a trial
Tola was practically glued to the chair even thou he wasn’t a tv freak he knew this one is a must watch for him…. It seemed the program coordinator knew his mind and was talking to him. He had been talking about a particular topic for almost 15mins now and that has been answering a lot of questions on tola’s mind. he wished he was in the studio with all those teenagers to ask some more question but the next scripture Bishop Rhema (the program coordinator) quoted was like the perfect answer to that question it was the scripture he had heard in sunday school a long time ago Songs of Solomon chapter 2 verses 7B, the way Bishop Rhema was analyzing and breaking down each word in that verse was as if he had never heard that scripture before
************************************
Shade got to the tv sluggishly just to fulfil all righteousness but what she saw on the screen made her rush to her sit, it was her former sunday school teacher but he now looks different.
Bishop Rhema!!!! She screamed like she saw him physically; she wished she was in the studio with him, this was obviously the program he had always talked about while he was in their parish, WOW that was all she could say as she watched him teach on tv.
Tola was almost crying as bishop rhema was rounding off the show, the program has successfully been a life changing one for him, and he was grateful to God that he didn’t miss it… As the tears made way down his cheek he thanked God he hasn’t asked her out yet, that would have been a big mistake for him, he was amazed at how God cared about him so much and HE was so interested in the things he didn’t even tell Him about.
He knew this was the wrong time to awaken Love as it was an early stage in his life and he was definitely not ready for a relationship, he now knew he had needed to be so busy with school, vision, taking care of his siblings and working for God until God is ready to distract him with the woman of his dreams. And all he could say was “God I love you”
Shade, who still sank in the sofa even when the program had ended 5mins ago was practically in tears. Bishop Rhema as just told a story of her life, he was talking about her, she could see her self in every analogy, every example and every question. She thanked God she hasn’t made the wrong decision by asking tola out, it would have been a decision she would have forever lived with the regret and she wished tola was also watching the program, she now knew a lady’s heart had to be lost and sold out to God that it takes a man lost and sold out to God to find the heart. She finally got her self back and started preparing for her date she knew all she would do during their date was to share what she watched with tola and she hoped she won’t sound awkward to him.
Tola also got up to prepare for the date since its almost time and he knew all he would do in the date was to share what he watched with shade and he planed to remain her best friend till when God wants him to make his intentions known to the right person.. A heart lost and sold out for God is hidden and going through purification process for the right time and light to shine in.
Saturday, April 12, 2014
WHAT CAN THE BORN AGAIN CHRISTIAN EXPECT?
Beware, there is a battle ahead. Some people that love you may think you are crazy. Wives may turn against husbands and vice versa. Persecutions, temptations, sufferings, problems and the unexpected lie ahead. There is a war to be fought against all sorts of temptations: desires, pride, lusts, cares of this life, pleasures, riches, and wrong thinking. Our faith (or trust in God) will be tested to see if it is real–ref 1 Pe 1:7. Life is a test.
Most people who come to Jesus do not realize the intense fight that lies ahead for them. Many of the Epistles address this very thing (note Eph 6). There are battles to be fought against the powers of darkness. Satan can be expected to use tactics against you that will catch you off guard. Satan will try to get you to return to the way you were before you repented. He succeeds with most. We can expect that what seems to be impossible situations will all of a sudden happen. God is with us through it all. Our biggest battle is with our self, including our fears, our desires, our plans. The more we deny self and pick up our cross and follow Jesus as God commands, the more successful we should be against Satan’s devices. We are to fight the good fight of faith. Looking back is a tool Satan uses. Our past hurts and rejections can all of a sudden pop up in our thoughts. 1 Cor 10:13–There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
Satan’s power to tempt you and deceive you seem to be beyond most people’s understanding; for he deceives the whole world–ref Rev 12:9. Remember, the battle rages in our thoughts, flesh, and emotions. Ultimately, a person’s heart will decide whether or not he will follow Jesus steadfast to the end.
Satan uses false religions, your devotion to a certain church or person, or things, or money, lusts, cares of this life, pleasures, pride, wanting to be loved, wanting to be something special, fear, worries, rejection, hurts, anger, unforgiveness and even love. Satan may use your best friend, your spouse, your relatives, and even your children to try to turn you back from following Jesus.
When you try to study God’s Word, all sorts of distractions may happen. People just pop in. Telephones ring, kids interrupt you—the list is almost endless. You try to read your Bible, and all of a sudden your mind is filled with things you need to do right then. Satan put in Eve’s mind that God did not mean what He said. Expect the same to happen to you. If we look at the world and love this world, we can expect to fall. If we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and His Word, we can expect to stand. The Bible has much to say about this fight; yet few churches teach anymore on this spiritual warfare we go through.
Eph 6:10–17–“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” The fiery darts are those overwhelming pressures you feel that tempt you to do contrary to God’s Word. They tempt you to sin. They stir up your emotions. They are so strong, they are difficult to resist; but resist you must by faith. Fear God, and depart from evil.
THE BIGGEST SKEPTIC IN THE WORLD
To the best of my memory, before I came to the saving grace of Jesus Christ, I did not believe the Bible was true. I doubted whether God, Satan, heaven, or hell even existed.
One evening, my wife and I heard some documentation that these were the last days before Jesus Christ would return. I almost walked out. Something kept me there, but I was not convinced. I decided to do some research to find out if the Bible was true. If I could find one contradiction or anything that was not true, then I could disregard it. I believed this would be easy. I learned nearly one–third of the Bible is, directly or indirectly, related to prophecy, which includes about 10,000 prophecies. I realized that I needed to determine when the Bible was actually written. A study of biblical history, translations, and archaeology was needed. The Dead Sea Scrolls, which were found in Israel, contained Old Testament prophecies of the coming of Jesus. It has been proven that these were written before Christ came. Thousands of clay tablets and archaeological sites also confirm many accounts in the Bible.
I took time off and began studying the prophecies. My wife spent much time at the library. She obtained documentation from reference books, which I would check against the Scriptures to see if the prophecies took place. One week went by and then a month. Every prophecy that we were able to get information on proved to be accurate. I was astonished, but not convinced. Later, people would show me what appeared to be mistakes in the Bible. Turned out these were not contradictions, but only a lack of research, or a printer made an error. Stubborn, that’s me.
After four months of intensive study, authenticating prophecy after prophecy, I was still skeptical. Four months turned into six. I became more determined.
It wasn’t possible that the sixty–six books of the Bible, written by many people over hundreds of years, would not have some errors. Thousands of prophecies and every one perfect? No, impossible! If I would admit that, then I would have to admit there was a God. I was not prepared to do that—yet, I wanted to know the truth. More months passed. Finally, I admitted after almost countless hours of research—I was wrong. I may have been the biggest skeptic in the world, but now I know—the Bible is true and is the Word of God. Anyone willing to take the time I did and do the same research could only come to the same conclusion, if they are honest with themselves. Regretfully, some people have their own agenda and will never admit the truth. I became afraid that I would perish.
I surrendered my life to Jesus Christ, as a result of His love, compassion, mercy and grace, and was baptized by immersion. I know that there is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we MUST be saved–ref Acts 4:12. I REPENTED and received Christ as my only hope of salvation by FAITH–ref Eph 2:8–10. EXCEPT YE BE CONVERTED, AND BECOME AS LITTLE CHILDREN, YE SHALL NOT ENTER THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN–Mt 18:3. You can also call on Jesus NOW to be YOUR Lord and Savior. Jesus said: Lk 24:25–O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken.
CAN WE TALK ABOUT LOVE? (part two)
Val is just few days away but to shade it seems like a decade, she wished she could alter the hand of time and make Val’s day hours
Away or change the date of val to feb 12 but on tola’s side it was as if he should postpone val till next year, he couldn’t just face his friends again to tell them he didn’t pour out his heart to shade, he could clearly remember the verbal abuse they gave him when he told them he didn’t tell her the last time. He just wished shade could read his mind and he could read hers too, may be it would have been easier for him. he was still lost in his thought when he remembered there will be champions league matches that night and he wouldn’t miss that for anything in the world, he hurried out of his bed and dashed to the sport arcade.
14:02:13
Wow the long awaited feb 14 is here and it was as if shade woke up on the right side of the bed.. She practically woke up with a smile, it was really a long night for her, she slept late thinking about what to wear, how to eat and the likes but still wandering why tola would want to go out with her on vals day and he didn’t even mention where they were going to, so she decided to send him a text
Tola on the other side woke up very tired and the night was too short for him. He still hope his eyes were shut but the early morning sun didn’t give that opportunity.. He had forgotten he had an outing with shade that day and had even forgotten it was vals day, he was about getting up to do his house chores when his phone beeped. The text from shade sent a spine down his throat, his heart was beating faster that the beat of any jazz song,
She just sent him a text message wishing him a happy valentine’s day. He knew there was more to the message, it was actually a reminder of their date.
Wow I have to get to the atm machine ASAP (he said to himself) but he knew that wasn’t his problem. He just wished he won’t act annoying again today, he wished he could pray about it but he wasn’t sure of a YES or NO from God so he didn’t bother to do that.
Just as he got to the sitting room something strange happened .....culled from MINE
************************************* TO BE CONTINUED
Friday, April 11, 2014
CAN WE TALK ABOUT LOVE?
Just want to write this according to my head knowledge but am sure along the line the holy spirit will take over, yup he as always done that so try your best to read this article to the very end, I don’t know how long it will be but will make it as short as possible….
Hmmmmmm.. Can we talk about love? When this topic came to my mind I was like, what else can I say about love that you don’t already know about. I know some of us can write a dictionary on love if given the opportunity… but please let this article be a reminder of the things you already know or be an additional knowledge to what you know already. Okay let’s go straight to the point now
Shade was home alone and decided to take a journey into the land of imagination.. She was practically day dreaming about her Mr right, she successfully painted him in her thought. It was so sure she had the best picture ever because the smile worn on her face was so contagious. She imagined a tall, dark, handsome, diligent and all the good qualities you could find in a man. Little did she know that such a man only existed in her imaginations… Yes her imaginations, she was still lost in thought when tola walked in, she didn’t even notice someone walk into her living room.
ShadeE!!!! Tola shouted as he sunk into the sofa and distracted her when she had her gracious moment of imagination as the pastor just mentioned “you may kiss your bride”. Aaaaah tola just spoiled the movie.. She wished he had given her one more minute before distracting her.. But that was the end of her imagination…
Shade has been tola’s crush since ss1 buh he couldn’t approach her to express his feelings for months but little did he know that it was the same story on shade’s side too, she had be hoping he would walk up to her one day to ask her out but she knew she couldn’t make advances because she had learnt in sunday school that it is bad to ask a guy out even though some of her friends had said there is nothing wrong in it, she knew in her mind that it wasn’t a task she should attempt. They were good friends and she hoped for more than a friendship and she just wished this tola of a boy will make moves today
On the other hands tola had tried this mission severally but all effort proved abortive, He has always gone back to tell his friends the same story.. “I was scared and couldn’t tell her” that as always been his response anytime his friends ask how it went… But he seems kinda confident today, maybe because he has just received a two hour lectures form his friends and had done like three practical class with some of them, he seems good to go for the task now.. (What a coward)lol
“Don’t mind me jare tola, I was just day dreaming about something or let me say someone special jare” Shade said that with an amazing smile
hmmmm I can imagine, i hope its not who am thinking sha. Tola responded
What are you thinking ooooo naughty boy as she cut him in on his statement. Forget about that, I want to tell you something very important (tola scratching his head)
Really I can’t wait to hear it o (shade responded)
Emmmm its about emmmm its emmmm. am hungry do you have anything at home after eating I will tell you (tola just failed the test again)
Tola say it jor, okay wait let me go and check the kitchen if mom didn’t finish all the rice I cooked, brb (shade walks to the kitchen in anticipation)
She came back and hopefully there was food for tola so he had no excuse to run and after forcing himself to eat the food he decided to ask Shade on a outing on vals day more like a date but since they were friends he suggesting an outing
THE POWER OF PRAYER
(Phil 4:6,7) Says to not worry about anything but by prayer, supplication and thanksgiving, we must present our request to God who is capable of meeting our needs. Prayer then legitimise our spiritual connection with God, formalising His will for us in prayer to intervene in our lives with signs following.
God Almighty, the creator of all things, people, animals and weathers including the moon, the stars and the sun; have the supernatural ability to control all things through prayer (Psalms 24:1-6). Prayer is the process of intimacy with the power of God ( Mark 14:38, John 4:24; 6:63)
The idea that power is inherent in prayer is a very popular one. According to the Bible, the power of prayer is, quite simply, the power of God, who hears and answers prayer. Consider the following:
1) The Lord God Almighty can do all things; there is nothing impossible for Him (Luke 1:37).
2) The Lord God Almighty invites His people to pray to Him. Prayer to God should be made persistently (Luke 18:1), with thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6), in faith (James 1:5), within the will of God (Matthew 6:10), for the glory of God (John 14:13-14), and from a heart right with God (James 5:16).
3) The Lord God Almighty hears the prayers of His children. He commands us to pray, and He promises to listen when we do. “In my distress I called to the LORD; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears” (Psalm 18:6).
4) The Lord God Almighty answers prayer. “I call on you, O God, for you will answer me” (Psalm 17:6). “The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles” (Psalm 34:17).
Another popular idea is that the amount of faith we have determines whether or not God will answer our prayers. However, sometimes the Lord answers our prayers in spite of our own lack of faith. In Acts 12, the church prays for Peter’s release from prison (v. 5), and God answers their prayer (v. 7-11). Peter goes to the door of the prayer meeting and knocks, but those who are praying refuse at first to believe that it is really Peter. They prayed he would be released, but they failed to expect an answer to their prayers.
The power of prayer does not flow from us; it is not special words we say or the special way we say them or even how often we say them. The power of prayer is not based on a certain direction we face or a certain position of our bodies. The power of prayer does not come from the use of artifacts or icons or candles or beads. The power of prayer comes from the omnipotent One who hears our prayers and answers them. Prayer places us in contact with Almighty God, and we should expect almighty results, whether or not He chooses to grant our petitions or deny our requests. Whatever the answer to our prayers, the God to whom we pray is the source of the power of prayer, and He can and will answer us, according to His perfect will and timing.
If you do not have a relationship with God, I encourage you to do so by saying: I am a sinner, I want to know you God, forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour through your Son Jesus (Romans 10:9,10, John 3:16,17)
It's Still Finished!
Romans 5:19
"For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous".
Psalm 27:3-5
"Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.
One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple.
For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock".
Philippians 1:6
"Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ".
Deuteronomy 31:8
"And the Lord, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed".
Joshua 1:9
"Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest".
Exodus 14:13
"And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever".
Joshua 1:5
"There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee".
Psalm 46:1
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble".
Hebrews 13:5
"Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee".
Isaiah 41:10
"Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness".
Isaiah 41:13
"For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee".
Genesis 2:18
"The Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him".
Romans 5:8
'God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us'.
2 Corinthians 5:21
"For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him".
John 11:25-26
"Jesus said, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die"
2 Corinthians 12:9
"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me".
Psalm 121:1
"I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help".
Psalm 28:7
"The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him".
1 Corinthians 1:29-31
"That no flesh should glory in his presence. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord".
If you can explain how you did anything good in your life, you have not matured to understand the grace of God. The is no other explanation of goodness on earth with humanity other than the grace of God.
The only honest reply worthy of any goodness must be,
"By the grace of God it is so".
Romans 3:22
"The righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference".
.Galatians 2:21
"I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain".
What is grace, this is grace,
Revelation 20:12-15
"I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire".
Colossians 2:8-10
"Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power".
Luke 10:19-20
"Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven".
Psalm 121:1
"I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help".
Hebrews 12:2
"Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God".
John 19:28-30
"Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled".
John 19:30
"He said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost".
Romans 5:19
"For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous".
It's Still Finished!
It's Still Finished!
Romans 5:19
"For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous".
Psalm 27:3-5
"Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.
One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple.
For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock".
Philippians 1:6
"Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ".
Deuteronomy 31:8
"And the Lord, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed".
Joshua 1:9
"Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest".
Exodus 14:13
"And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever".
Joshua 1:5
"There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee".
Psalm 46:1
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble".
Hebrews 13:5
"Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee".
Isaiah 41:10
"Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness".
Isaiah 41:13
"For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee".
Genesis 2:18
"The Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him".
Romans 5:8
'God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us'.
2 Corinthians 5:21
"For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him".
John 11:25-26
"Jesus said, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die"
2 Corinthians 12:9
"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me".
Psalm 121:1
"I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help".
Psalm 28:7
"The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him".
1 Corinthians 1:29-31
"That no flesh should glory in his presence. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord".
If you can explain how you did anything good in your life, you have not matured to understand the grace of God. The is no other explanation of goodness on earth with humanity other than the grace of God.
The only honest reply worthy of any goodness must be,
"By the grace of God it is so".
Romans 3:22
"The righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference".
.Galatians 2:21
"I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain".
What is grace, this is grace,
Revelation 20:12-15
"I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire".
Colossians 2:8-10
"Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power".
Luke 10:19-20
"Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven".
Psalm 121:1
"I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help".
Hebrews 12:2
"Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God".
John 19:28-30
"Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled".
John 19:30
"He said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost".
Romans 5:19
"For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous".
It's Still Finished!
Thursday, April 10, 2014
Encouragement Energizes
"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."
"A study was done by psychologist Dr. Henry H. Goddard, on energy levels in children. He used an instrument he called the 'ergograph.' How he ever got some children to stand still long enough to connect them to the machine is a mystery. But he did, and his findings are fascinating.
..."He found that when tired children are given a word of praise or encouragement, the ergograph shows an immediate upward surge of new energy. When the children are criticized and discouraged, the ergograph shows their physical energy take a sudden nosedive."
I'm sure the same principle applies to teenagers and adults of any age. When we are genuinely thanked, praised, and encouraged, we definitely feel much better and energized. And when we are criticized or just feel bad, our energy level certainly falls and we are de-energized.
We all need to be encouraged daily … so let's decide that we will first of all be encouragers ourselves, especially to those we love the most, to our friends, and also to strangers as opportunities arise.
Suggested prayer: Dear God, please help me to develop the gift of encouragement and use this gift liberally to all who come into my life who need a word of good cheer. Thank You for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus's name, amen.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV).
HOW TO EVANGELIZE WITHOUT AN ALTER CALL...........AUTHOR BY AARON MENIKOFF.........
How should a pastor who rejects the altar call think about evangelism in a public worship service? Put another way, what does it look like for a corporate worship service to be marked by evangelistic zeal?
1. BE EARNEST.
Be earnest. Though there is nothing more important for a preacher than fidelity to gospel truth, earnestness must be a close second. God uses men whose hearts are gripped ...by the tragedy of sin and the reality of salvation. Until the doctrine of God’s amazing grace has settled in a preacher’s bones, it will never flash from his lips.
2. BE CLEAR ABOUT THE GOSPEL.
Be clear about the gospel. Every passage of Scripture is a gospel text. In all of Esther, the name of God is never mentioned, and yet his handiwork is on every page. A pastor who wants to see sinners saved will faithfully teach the Bible, showing his congregation how the person and work of Christ is the point of every text.
3. CALL PEOPLE TO REPENT AND BELIEVE.
Call people to repent and believe. There is a place in every sermon for a pastor to invite sinners to find hope in Christ. So often, I hear sermons that end with a call to stewardship, a call to risk, a call to faithfulness—but not once a call to Christ. The preacher should carefully and passionately urge his listeners to repent and believe the good news, to submit their lives to Christ the King.
4. CREATE SPACE FOR FOLLOW-UP CONVERSATIONS.
Create space for follow-up conversations. When I preach the gospel during my sermons, I want unbelievers to know that I’m eager to talk more about the faith I’ve just shared. Therefore, I make myself available after the service to talk about the gospel and its implications.
5. OFFER EVANGELISTIC STUDIES.
Offer evangelistic studies. I commonly let seekers know that they are invited to join a short, straightforward study that explains the basics of the Christian faith. The study I use is Christianity Explained, a six-week study through the Gospel of Mark published by the Good Book Company. I’ve found it to be an invaluable introduction to the gospel. In fact, training in how to lead this study has become a staple class at my church.
6. MAKE A BIG DEAL OUT OF BAPTISMS.
Make a big deal out of baptisms. Of course, baptisms already are a big deal. We should recognize that each baptism is an opportunity to show the congregation that God is at work building his church.
7. PRAY.
Finally, pray. In the pastoral prayer and even the closing prayer, I regularly pray that seekers would repent and believe the gospel. I pray they would submit their lives to Christ, overcoming whatever obstacles they perceive to be standing in their way. I pray that God would make himself known by drawing sinners to himself this very day
IGNORANCE
O simple ones, learn prudence; O fools, learn sense.
Proverbs 8:5
...My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because you have rejected knowledge, I reject you from being a priest to me. And since you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children.
Hosea 4:6
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
James 1:5
Desire without knowledge is not good, and whoever makes haste with his feet misses his way.
Proverbs 19:2
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.
1 John 4:1
-link:-I Love JESUS.com
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
Conquering the Wilderness Mentality
The Israelites wandered around in the wilderness for forty years to make what was actually an eleven-day journey. Why?
Once, as I pondered this situation, the Lord said to me, "The Israelites couldn't move on because they had a wilderness mentality." The Israelites had no positive vision for their lives, no dreams. They needed to let go of that mentality and trust God.
...We really shouldn't view the Israelites with astonishment because most of us do the same things they did. We keep going around the same mountains instead of making progress, and it takes us years to experience victory over something that could have been dealt with quickly.
We need a new mindset. We need to start believing that God's Word is true. Matthew 19:26 tells us that with God all things are possible. All He needs is our faith in Him. He needs for us to believe, and He will do the rest.
The Lord is saying the same thing to you and me today that He said to the children of Israel: "You have dwelt long enough on this mountain." It's time for us to move on!
Prayer Starter: God, I've spent enough time going around the same old mountains in my life. With You, I know I can move on, so I put my faith in You and let go of my wilderness mentality!.......IJN (Amen)
God Can Set You Free from the Prison of Your Past
I come from a background of abuse and was raised in a dysfunctional home. My childhood was filled with fear and torment.
As a young adult trying to live for Christ and follow the Christian lifestyle, I believed that my future would always be marred by my past. I thought, "How can anyone who has the kind of past I do ever be really all right? It's impossible!"
...But Jesus said, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me...He has sent Me to announce release to the captives...." Jesus came to open the prison doors and set the captives free.
I couldn't make any progress until I realized that God wanted to release me from the prison of my past. I had to believe that neither my past nor my present determined my future, unless I let it. I had to let God miraculously set me free.
You may have had a miserable past that continues to affect your present in negative and depressing ways. But I say to you boldly, your future is not determined by your past or your present! Let God break off the chains of your past.
Prayer Starter: God, I believe that You are more powerful than my past. I receive the freedom You give me. My past will not determine my future....IJN (Amen). culled from Fooursquare Ikeja FB
Who Is Your Real Enemy?
Are you facing challenging circumstances? Are you in need of provision in some area and not sure where it's going to come from? Many Christians today are dealing with serious hardships. Some have lost their jobs and benefits. Others struggle with critical health problems and live with constant concern about how to cover the cost of medicine and doctor visits in addition to simple necessities such as shelter, food and clothing.
There are many things i...n the world that threaten us. But our biggest enemy, fear, is not "out there."
Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that we are at war not with flesh and blood, but with the enemy of our souls. We must not be confused about the identity of the enemy in our battles.
Thankfully, our unseen God is more than capable of dealing with our unseen enemy. When we come to a deep understanding of God's unconditional love for us, we realize He will always take care of everything that concerns us.
You don't have to be afraid of your unseen enemy. Trust in God, the only One who can defeat the spiritual forces of darkness.
Prayer Starter: Lord, don't let me forget who my real enemy is, and don't let me forget that You are all-powerful. I know I can't handle everything the enemy throws my way, but You can.Help me Lord.....IJN (Amen)
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
Faith, or Nothing!
Faith, or Nothing!
1 Corinthians 15:34
"Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame".
Romans 14:23
"Whatsoever is not of faith is sin!".
Romans 3:22
"The righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference".
Need thing's? Need a righteous lifestyle? A righteous consciousness?
Matthew 6:33
"Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you".
Romans 1:17
"For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith".
Isaiah 64:6
"We are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away".
Ezekiel 3:20
"When a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumbling-block before him, he shall die: because thou hast not given him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he hath done shall not be remembered; but his blood will I require at thine hand".
Take heed this warning! Have faith or Nothing!
Ezekiel 18:20-24
"The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.
But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die.
All his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him: in his righteousness that he hath done he shall live.
Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord God: and not that he should return from his ways, and live?
But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked man doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned: in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die".
Romans 14:23
"Whatsoever is not of faith is sin!".
What is faith? Unwaveringly faith is,
John 3:16
"God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life".
Romans 5:8
"God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us".
Romans 5:19
"By one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous".
Romans 6:18
"Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.".
1 Corinthians 1:30
"Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption".
2 Corinthians 5:21
"For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.".
Romans 3:22
"The righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference".
Revelation 22:16
"I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star".
Isaiah 45:13
"I have raised him up in righteousness, and I will direct all his ways: he shall build my city, and he shall let go my captives, not for price nor reward, saith the Lord of hosts".
Ezekiel 3:17-20
"Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me.
1When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.
Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul".
Galatians 1:1
I am Henry, an apostle, not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead".
1 Corinthians 15:34
"Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame".
Romans 14:23
"Whatsoever is not of faith is sin!".
Faith, or Nothing!
Determined
Determined
From one man he created all the nations throughout the whole earth. He
decided beforehand when they should rise and fall, and he determined their
boundaries....
(NLT) -Acts 17:26
Do you ever feel like you are just drifting along in life, meandering along
without a way or purpose? God created you and determined a reason for your
existence. You are special and have value. From the beginning of time He
thought you were important and deserved to be included in His grand plan.
Ask God to bring His plan into your view. Even if it takes 3 months, 2
years, or a lifetime, continuously ask for God to reveal your purpose to
come to fruition.
Relationships...............Whats ur view
Relationships
"And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage and warn each other, especially now that the day of his [Jesus] coming back again is drawing near."
I'm sure you've heard the old example of how to keep a fire burning in a fireplace. It's about keeping the burning logs and coals stoked together. Coals that fall away from the body of the fire soon become cold and their fire goes out.
...This is an excellent illustration of why those who claim to be believers in Jesus need to be actively involved in a good church. To keep on fire—that is, enthusiastic, regarding our faith we need fellowship and connection with fellow Christians.
Furthermore, we were created for relationships. Christianity is not only having a right relationship with God, but also with others. Healthy relationships are vital for healthy living and meaningful growth—physical, emotional, and spiritual. We may exist but cannot live meaningfully and healthily in isolation.
God himself is in relationship: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. And one of the first things Jesus did at the commencement of his earthly ministry was to choose twelve "that they might be with him."
We need not only to "walk with Jesus" but also with each other. None of us can make it alone. We weren't meant to. Likewise we need to belong to a fellowship filled with warm and loving Christians to help keep us "on fire" for God.
Suggested prayer: Dear God, help me to stay connected to loving and supportive Christians so I can stay enthusiastic about my Christian faith and 'on fire' for You. Thank You for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus's name, amen.
1. Hebrews 10:25 (NLT).
2. Mark 3:14.
Monday, April 7, 2014
we need to be willing to take the peace
A pastor friend of mine told me that you should never pastor a church until you have shed tears for that community. I wept for my church and prayed that it would make a difference. God saw my intentions, and increased my capacity to love and serve my church. However, I felt that something was not quite right. There was something more to pastoring.
I began a quest to find out what else God wanted for me and for the church I serve. I found myself reading Jer. 29:11 because that verse has always fixed all my problems. The context of that verse is the captivity of God’s people, who had been taken from Jerusalem (city of peace) to Babylon (confusion and chaos). Their plan was to be separate and safe while they waited for God’s deliverance. Jeremiah gave them a new plan: They were to build houses, plant gardens and marry off their children. They were to seek the peace of the city. The peace they carried wasn’t meant for isolation, but for influence.
We long to be an influential people and to lead influential ministries, but we need to be willing to take the peace that God has planted in us and demonstrate it in the middle of chaos. Now when we read Jer. 29:11-13, we see that these words were addressed to God’s people living in confusion and the chaos of the city: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart” (ESV). As we confront our chaotic world, we get to usher in the peace that only God gives.
Don’t just pastor your church, but love your city. As you love your city, you are representing the proactive and persistent heart of God for lost people. Engage brokenness on other people’s terms, not yours. Be the peaceful presence that our world is longing for.
Are you looking for ways to love your city? Consider the following:
Move some appointments from your office to the “chaos” of the coffee shop—and be attuned to the needs of those you encounter there.
Connect with your community leaders and ask them to share their hearts for the city.
Create room on Sunday for members to share stories of community impact.
Think of a way to use your facility so that you can bless your city.
Think of a way honor and bless your community servants and leaders.
As we become committed to loving and serving the communities and cities where God has placed us, I know that we will begin to see God’s kingdom advanced.
How wonderful our God is!
There is still One whose faith in you has never wavered. And how wonderful it is that that one should be Jesus Christ! It was a wonderful dream God dreamed, Christ says, when He created you; it was a stately being that was in His mind when you were fashioned; and I can make you all He meant that you should be.
A J Gossip quotes
How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.
I'd like to be more patient! I just want everything now. I've tried to meditate, but it's really hard for me to stay still. I'd like to try to force myself to do it, because everybody says how wonderful meditation is for you, but I can't shut my mind up. So patience and learning is the key.
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