SQ3R: An academic breakthrough pathway. PART 2

SQ3R: An academic breakthrough pathway. PART 2

2. Question

Generate questions about the content of the reading. For example, convert headings and sub-headings into questions, and then look for answers in the content of the text. Other more general questions may also be formulated:

What is this chapter about?

What question is this chapter trying to answer?

How does this information help me?

 The Question step again only takes 3-5 minutes to complete, but it will motivate the reader to seek answers to the questions.

3. Read (R1)

Use the background work done with "S" and "Q" in order to begin reading actively. This means reading in order to answer the questions raised under "Q". Passive reading, in contrast, results in merely reading without engaging with the study material.

4. Recite (R2)

The second "R" refers to the part known as "Recite." The reader should try to retrieve from memory what was learned in the same manner as telling someone else about the information. It is important that the reader use his/her own words in order to formulate and conceptualize the material. Try recalling and identifying major points (heading/subheadings) and answers to questions from the "Q" step. The Recite step may be done either in an oral or written format and is related to the benefits of retrieval in boosting long-term memory for the material.

5. Review (R3)

The final "R" is "Review." In fact, before becoming acquainted with this method a student 

probably just uses the R & R method; Read and Review. Provided the student has followed all recommendations, the student should have a study sheet and should test himself or herself by attempting to recall the key phrases. This method instructs the diligent student to immediately review all sections pertaining to any key words forgotten.

Importance of SQ3R for Students

1. SQ3R as a strategy improves students‟ reading comprehension and proficiency

2. This strategy collect and assimilate information and they need not to read the whole chapter and remember every bit of it.

3.  It helps students to retain several reading pages, which otherwise are very stressful for them.

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SQ3R: An academic breakthrough pathway. PART 1

SQ3R: An academic breakthrough pathway. PART 1

2 Tim 2:15a "Study to show yourself approved unto God..."

From the scripture above, we would see here that "studying" is very paramount and essential to everybody whether we are students, teachers, pastors, fathers, mothers, business moguls,etc.

It says "Study to show thyself approved"- this means when we study there is always something we are driving at; it's either we want to get new information or we want to gain mastery of something. 

Thus, our subject today portrays a system we can use to study and have an academic breakthrough. This Mnemonic has really helped men a lot when it comes to success in academics, career, etc. and also getting good grades while in school. The Mnemonic SQ3R stands for:

Study

Question

Read 

Recite/Repeat

Review

1. Study: "To study" means to devote time, energy and attention to gaining knowledge of an important subject, especially by means of books (either spiritual or academic books). We however must understand that to make our studying more effective, we must be purposeful i.e there must be a reason we embark on such adventure; we must also be goal driven- this tends to push us to continue if for instance, we are stopped on the way. To also make studying effective:

✓be a visioner: This backs up the previous point. There must be a vision; what is it you have seen or what are your targets. They keep you going.

✓ have the right people around you: You can't have the likes of Mike Tyson around you and expect to study at all times. Don't get me wrong; I'm not saying friends like this will not help you to study but let's compare this with the likes of our own Woke Soyinka then. Friends you can study with and also learn from. A very important of studying is to have someone to share it with. 

✓have the zeal to follow through: The Bible says in Daniel 1:8 "and Daniel purposed in his heart...". Then we see all he did that showed the zeal to follow through was there. There will always be obstacles but we should learn to use them as ladders to our success.         

        

  You have an ambition, then you must study, so that you can get to your destination. The question then is how do you study? do you have a personal time table? do you have the materials to read? do you have the right friend with you? are you passionate about your dreams? These are the questions we must have answered before we can make studying as effective as it should be. 

There are different ways we can study effectively: First; understand the topic and make research and read materials. Second, scanning and skimming through to get the concept and Third, read all over again. We however have many derived ways one can study that could suit one's condition; the task is that in all, we have to commit ourselves fully.

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THE LEGACY OF EDUCATION

THE LEGACY OF EDUCATION

Education is still the best legacy. There is power in knowledge. There is a saying that goes thus; if knowledge is expensive, try ignorance. We will agree with me that it pays to be informed about certain things than not to have any at all. Your ignorance of a particular subject matter always makes you deformed in that aspect as you can never contribute positively to that cause. But today, many have forgotten the usefulness of being educated, they call education a scam. Many are even going into it for the wrong motives; my parents want me to go to school or I want to be like that guy in my street who speaks good English. 

There is nothing wrong about having good role models, but that should not be the sole reason of us seeking education-first it should be that there is a want, a desire in us to achieve something or to be informed about something, then the next step is to get educated on those things. We all have ambitions that’s why we go to school to get more knowledge on this so as to be outstanding in that aspect.

 There is a difference between a drop-out barber and an educated barber, though they do the same work, even the drop-out barber may have experience more than the educated one; but if both of them apply for a visa to the US at the embassy and there’s just one slot, who do we think it will be allotted to? This begs the question-WHY AM I IN IT? To make a difference, to be knowledgeable, and most importantly to be outstanding. 

Your course of study don’t determine your greatness in life. Never let anyone tell you because you are not studying medicine or nursing you cannot be great. That is one lie with which we deceive ourselves and this tends to become our drive. You are a botanist, an agriculturist, a nutritionist, whatever it is; you can be anything you want to be if you just stand out.  When we say there is no way a botanist can earn the same salary as a doctor, well it might be true even coupled with the kind of economy we have in our nation. But, Is one fulfilled just by the measure of their income or their earnings? NO, True fulfillment comes in how many lives you were able to touch, how many were impacted by this gift of yours. How many you have brought out to see this same light education has given unto you. Thus, please let us change our mindset concerning these things. 

Education will never be a scam. That the whole system in Nigeria has been corrupted in the sense that not every graduate gets a job or gets one that is deserved, does not mean we quit on being educated. One part of it is to get a good job-yes but that’s not the sole purpose- the sole reason here should be I want to be useful to my society, to family, and even to myself. If there is one thing I have realized, Education opens you to a lot of opportunities, a lot-you can shy from it because it seems that’s what everyone is doing these days but you still got to agree that Education sort of makes you fly where you are supposed to walk. It may not seem like it in our Nigeria of today but there is always a room for Change. Let’s all hope for this change. Let us not allow the present determine our future. If we strive to be great, then we will be great. Being an empowered youth is the goal and Remember, KNOWLEGDE IS POWER.

The Men That Lead

Building Manhood

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4 D'S OF ACADEMIC SUCCESS - PART 3

4 D'S OF ACADEMIC SUCCESS - PART 3 

DILIGENCE

Proverbs 22:29 “Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; He shall not stand before mean men”.

The concept of being diligent encapsulates the earlier mentioned D's (Desire, Determination and Discipline). 

Diligence is the quality of working carefully and with a lot of timed effort. Desire fuels Determination. Determination will amount to nothing without Discipline. Discipline as well will be nothing when it's not being practiced diligently. Diligence happens to be the vehicle that conveys desire, determination and discipline to the appropriate and desired destination. The destination we are talking about in this context is 'Academic Success'. Proverbs 10:4 says "Lazy hands makes a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth". Let's make the scripture more empirical: lazy hands could refer to a lazy student who despises reading hence, poor academic performance, while diligent hands could be student who determined to be successful academically by being disciplined, himself to do the needful thing (reading) and crowned the whole exercise by being diligent. Academic excellence is inevitable to such student, because he had paid the price. 

Therefore, being diligent is continually doing what is required to get to the desired destination. It is a reoccurring decimal that need to be done regardless of circumstances that may warrant otherwise. If a man is not diligent in what he does, he cannot achieve that which he has set aside to do, that is to say, without all the four D’s aforementioned, such a person cannot achieve great feats. None of these requirements is avoidable. As a farmer goes to his farm with his necessary tools and implements, in such way a student is supposed to be endowed with these attributes if he or she wants to scale higher heights in his/her academic pursuits. A student who is diligent will know that for some certain hours of the day, I should be able to cover certain pages of my books; and he will not allow anything to take away that time. If such a person does not possess this attribute, it’s at that time something comes knocking and he forgets what he had planned to and what he wants to achieve no longer becomes possible. 

Being successful academically may not come easy; there are prices that need to be paid. In fact, in this life, nothing ever worth something comes easy except Salvation. As such, climbing the ladder to the peak of one's academic career requires determination, discipline and diligence among others. Academic excellence entails taking the extra mile to achieve the set goals, avoiding any distraction and being on the tracks till one gets to the finishing lines. Students can as well be like their mentors only if they can follow the steps and pathways to achieving success. You have to get up every morning with: desire, determination, discipline and diligence if you want to get back to bed with satisfaction. 

In conclusion, it’s not going to be easy, but it’s going to be worth it.

Thank you..

The Men That Lead

Building Manhood

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4 D'S OF ACADEMIC SUCCESS - PART 2

4 D'S OF ACADEMIC SUCCESS - PART 2

DETERMINATION

Daniel 1:8 “But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would  not defile himself with the portion of the king’s  delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank;  therefore he requested of the chief of the  eunuchs that he might not defile himself”

After a strong desire for academic success, the next D is DETERMINATION.

Determination is a positive emotional feeling that involves persevering towards a difficult goal in spite of obstacles. Determination occurs prior to goal attainment and serves to motivate behaviors that will help achieve one's goal.

Determination should serve as a propelling factor that will always forge students ahead. Determination is synonymous to decision. In the academic realm, one needs to decide what he wants so as not to be forced to accept what he sees, a determined student will consistently strive for academic success notwithstanding all that stares him in the face. The ability to consistently aspire for academic success lies in the power of determination. Remember you are who and what you say you are. God has given you all you need to succeed in life; it's only required of you to manifest it through your desire to succeed. 

A determined student will always long to demystify all his subjects regardless of the complexities involved. A determined student will love all his teachers so as to have deep interest in their teaching, as you all know the adage that is paraphrased, “If you love your teacher, you will love the subject he/she takes, but hate your teacher, you will inevitably hate the subject”. 

 What is your determination? What is your decision? What is your aspiration as a student? In other words, what do you desire to obtain at the end of your academic pursuit? A man who is determined at achieving something will never allow an obstacle on his path turn him away from his dreams; he looks for a way round it to turn such obstacles to ladders of success. The same goes for every student. It’s never too late to be determined; it’s never late to start aspiring. 

 The time is now, aspire, decide and determine. Remember, man is a product of his imaginations; dream big, think big, work hard, then academic success will be yours. 

DISCIPLINE

1Corthians 9:27 “But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified”.

Having determined what you want, you need to control your body and emotions to make sure what you get at last is in conformity with what you determined to obtain.

 This in essence launches us to the next concept ‘Discipline’. Discipline is doing what is required to get what you desire. If you desire to be the best among your colleagues by having A's in all your subjects, then you have to discipline yourself in such a way that distractions are totally obliterated, oh! Do I hear you say having A's all through is not possible? Oh yeah! It is possible, trust me. It starts from your ability to see yourself in such realm. 

You need to unleash your refusal spirit, and stop all that could hinder you of achieving your desired goals. By doing this, you are saying "NO" to things that will not add value to your academic success. "Self discipline is the oil that lubricates the wheel of all moral law".  The Bible made us to understand in the book of Proverbs 12:1 that "whoever loves discipline loves knowledge but he who hates correction is stupid". Let me try and explain this scriptural passage a bit further: when you discipline yourself, you are unconsciously correcting yourself on things that are not germane to your academic pursuit. The Bible says love of discipline brings knowledge; meaning when you love discipline, to acquire knowledge will not pose a threat to you. 

A disciplined student will always make sure that he does the needful, no matter the circumstances that may warrant otherwise, such as consistent personal reading period regardless whether examination or continuous assessments are around the corner or not. I tried instilling the spirit of discipline to my students while serving; I often make my assessments an impromptu. At first, they didn't like it but with time they readjusted.  As a student, deem it fit to read on a daily basis. It doesn't matter what your surrounding circumstances are. Be disciplined. 

TO BE CONTINUED

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4 D's of ACADEMIC SUCCESS - PART 1

4 D's of ACADEMIC SUCCESS - PART 1

Joshua 1:8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it.  For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.

Academic success should be every student’s utmost priority.  Research has shown that the human brain capacity is unlimited, and as such; it can accommodate as much data as we can input. But students are however oblivious of how their brains works hence, they tend to settle for average or less. It is against this background I find it imperative to talk about the 4 D's of Academic success as follows;

1. Desire

2. Determination 

3. Discipline 

4. Diligence 

DESIRE

 According to the Holy Book in Daniel 1:8, “But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would  not defile himself with the portion of the king’s  delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank;  therefore he requested of the chief of the  eunuchs that he might not defile himself”

One vital key if we want to achieve success in absolutely anything in life is the key of desire. For every student that wants to succeed academically, the DESIRE for success makes you hungry and thirsty for success.

Desire is a strong feeling of wanting to have something or a wish for something to happen.

Desire for success is the first step to academic success. This desire can be likened to the desire for food. When an individual is hungry or thirsty, he desires food or water to quench the thirst and hunger. If you are in need of something, but you do not know that you need that thing, i.e. you don’t have the desire for it, then you can never really get anything out of it. It’s that desire that drives you into getting it. Even if you are told that you will be somebody, say a billionaire in life and you do not desire it, then there will be a problem getting there. So many people are where they are today because at some point in their lives, they have not keyed into desiring certain things for their lives. If we chose to be nonchalant about the place of desire in our lives, then we will reap the fruits thereof. 

If we look at the lives of the great men and women of today, Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates, Aliko Dangote, Folorunsho Alakija-these people at some point in their lives desired to be great and there they are today. The same way, we have a person who have become so great in good things, that is also the way we have the other set of people-thugs, armed robbers, drug dealers; at some point in their lives also, these desires were made. That brings us to the fact that our desire is at the root of whatever we become in life. There is a usual adage that goes thus; if life gives you lemons, you make lemonade. If there is no desire to make lemonade, you are left with your lemons-no two-way about it.

Also, it is important to know that the kind of environment an individual lives and the types of food available determine what he/she eats.  Thus, the kind of environment you grow up and the people you associate with (Psalm 1:1-3) or the kind of people that you meet everyday affect your desire for success-they can either  fuel  your desire to succeed or quench it.

In the book of Daniel 1, Daniel desired to be better than his peers so he took a decision (Daniel 1vs 8) to be better and that was when the desire became DETERMINATION. When the desire to succeed is fueled every day, it becomes so strong that we want to achieve our goal. Therefore, as students, we must ensure a strong desire for academic success so that seeming distractions along the way do not weigh us down.

TO BE CONTINUED

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AN ARTICLE ON THE CURRENT TREND AMONG NIGERIAN STUDENTS "LAS LAS SCHOOL NA SCAM" PART 2

AN ARTICLE ON THE CURRENT TREND AMONG NIGERIAN STUDENTS

"LAS LAS SCHOOL NA SCAM" PART 2.

In order to switch from the group echoing “last last school na scam”, to the group making a grand headway, consider the following:

1) Change your strategy: Perhaps results aren’t matching efforts, then you have to re-strategize. You have to review the old way of doing things and re-strategize. Simply changing the mode of reading, how you pay attention in class, and switching your reading cohort if need be can have a profound effect on improving results (grades).

2) Finding the right fit: Studying a course you are not passionate about is a lot of work on its own. Sometimes, by virtue of resilience and hard work, passion can be found in between. In other cases, it is not. Well, that isn’t the end. The world is now globalised and anyone can basically learn anything from anywhere. This is established and it simply means a lot can be learnt from those sources - online learning platforms. Certificates can even be acquired through those sources.

3) Find complementary skills: Because school might not offer it all is no excuse to say you cannot know it or you don’t know it. In as much as school teaches theory, those theories form a basis where you can erect solid practical skills. You have to look for it and go extra miles to get it. By so doing, you’d surely get a hang of what it takes to be an exception within the underlying school system. You are not alone in this, training schools like Edubridge will certainly amplify your aspirations in gaining practical and work-related skills. Elsewhere, maybe in the tech landscape, a lot of tech-hubs are just around you. Look for one and glean as much knowledge as you can.

4) moving with the right set of people : The people you move with really affect ur thinking and way of life in the university. When you move with people who do so many illegal stuff to get money den u believe school can't give you such opportunities in the shortest period of time to get rich. So therefore associate itself with d best minds that can impact ur life in the right way.

All in all, school is a place to grow, learn and build network/relationship that will be super useful in the future. Some even found their spouse in college :), it is a part of what we are saying.

Spending your time judiciously here, on campus, is super important. Spend your time well, know where you stand and work towards where you want to be. In the end, school isn’t a scam. Rather, it is an environment to be better of the version of who you were yesterday.

Thank you..

TheMenThatLead

Building Manhood

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AN ARTICLE ON THE CURRENT TREND AMONG NIGERIAN STUDENTS "LAS LAS SCHOOL NA SCAM"

AN ARTICLE ON THE CURRENT TREND AMONG NIGERIAN STUDENTS

"LAS LAS SCHOOL NA SCAM"

 

“Last Last school na scam”. This short phrase seems to be the talk of the town lately, especially in Nigerian universities and among Nigerian youths. And the phrase simply means ‘school isn’t giving enough of what is needed to thrive out there or to be an outlier in the society’. But is school truly a ‘scam’? We will surely find out at the end of this precise article.

School can be dubbed to be a ‘scam’ to someone because of the following reasons:

1) The person isn’t studying the course he/she wanted

2) Results (Grades aren’t matching with the level of efforts)

3)Wanting beyond the four walls of the classroom

4) Peer pressure

Whatever reason it may be can, however, be addressed by taking a few extra steps at identifying where one is and where one wants to be.

 It shouldn’t be surprising to know that a lot of people have invariably benefited from the same school system we are talking about. I mean making a huge fortune out of school.

It should be noted that it wasn’t an easy step, it took a lot of conscious effort and commitment to make a huge difference between the date they gained admission and the date they graduated. Is it businesses, professional occupation? whatever it is, lots have gone through the system and they made their days meaningful without even uttering the ‘school na scam’ phrase. Rather, they understood the system and hedge against future headwinds.

“School as an institution provides enormous opportunities. Whichever you pursue, you will get.”

In order to switch from the group echoing “last last school na scam”, to the group making a grand headway, consider the following:

1) Change your strategy: Perhaps results aren’t matching efforts, then you have to re-strategize. You have to review the old way of doing things and re-strategize. Simply changing the mode of reading, how you pay attention in class, and switching your reading cohort if need be can have a profound effect on improving results (grades).

2) Finding the right fit: Studying a course you are not passionate about is a lot of work on its own. Sometimes, by virtue of resilience and hard work, passion can be found in between. In other cases, it is not. Well, that isn’t the end. The world is now globalised and anyone can basically learn anything from anywhere. This is established and it simply means a lot can be learnt from those sources - online learning platforms. Certificates can even be acquired through those sources.

3) Find complementary skills: Because school might not offer it all is no excuse to say you cannot know it or you don’t know it. In as much as school teaches theory, those theories form a basis where you can erect solid practical skills. You have to look for it and go extra miles to get it. By so doing, you’d surely get a hang of what it takes to be an exception within the underlying school system. You are not alone in this, training schools like Edubridge will certainly amplify your aspirations in gaining practical and work-related skills. Elsewhere, maybe in the tech landscape, a lot of tech-hubs are just around you. Look for one and glean as much knowledge as you can.

4) moving with the right set of people : The people you move with really affect ur thinking and way of life in the university. When you move with people who do so many illegal stuff to get money den u believe school can't give you such opportunities in the shortest period of time to get rich. So therefore associate itself with d best minds that can impact ur life in the right way.

All in all, school is a place to grow, learn and build network/relationship that will be super useful in the future. Some even found their spouse in college :), it is a part of what we are saying.

Spending your time judiciously here, on campus, is super important. Spend your time well, know where you stand and work towards where you want to be. In the end, school isn’t a scam. Rather, it is an environment to be better of the version of who you were yesterday.

The Men That Lead

Building Manhood

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ADDRESSING THE ISSUES OF WORLDLY LOVE, SEX AND MONEY AS RELATES MAINLY WITH THE MALE MAN

ADDRESSING THE ISSUES OF WORLDLY LOVE, SEX AND MONEY AS RELATES MAINLY WITH THE MALE MAN

Most people live life by replicating the pattern, style and cultures of the people around them. There is always a constant yearning for a sense of belonging among individuals, particularly, among the teenage age range. Unfortunately, the systems available in terms of the media, schools, religious bodies and other organisations have not been able to project the ideal model to the world.  It's not surprising to see the whole world plunged into disarray, chaos and confusion due to identity crisis and decreased moral standards. However,  for every lock — no matter how complicated it might look, there is the right key; to every maze the right pattern. 

The successful application of the right pattern to tackle our societal challenges, is paramount to the restoration of tranquility. To get this right pattern, we need the right partnership. 

No other personality fits this description as the Creator — the one who made you and the world you live in. Once you understand this, you will realise that the right pattern is the kingdom pattern.

There is a worldly pattern, the one that has caused so much chaos and disarray in the world today. The basic difference between those following the kingdom pattern or otherwise is in the state of the mind.

 Romans 12: 2 tells us that we should "...not conform to the trends, ideologies and style of the worldly pattern, but we should be transformed by the renewing of our mind."

Patterns are styles, structure or order in which things are done. Genesis 1:27, Mark10:6  and several other scriptures have an order and a common sequence  that is, "Male and female created he them". This is Kingdom order as seen in tens of passages in the scripture, the male man has been given the mandate to apply the right pattern to bring about order in the society and indeed they're copious examples of men who have made great impact. It is therefore correct to say when men lead, the world follows.

There is a relationship between love, sex and money. some men think sex is love while some think money is a ticket for sex. Another category see giving of money as the only form of love they are capable of expressing. Most fathers of today have nothing else to offer apart from money and material things. 

The craving for these three driving forces — love, sex, and money — are the major factors that drive the feelings and desires that largely controls the action and preferences of a large percentage of  men. These three emotions are the main things that are controlling the male man today. For the average man, the mindset about love, sex and money is largely polluted. Proper approach to viewing this, is key to bringing order through the kingdom pattern.

To be continued.

The Men That Lead

Building Manhood

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ADDRESSING THE ISSUES OF WORLDLY LOVE, SEX AND MONEY AS RELATES MAINLY WITH THE MALE MAN

ADDRESSING THE ISSUES OF WORLDLY LOVE, SEX AND MONEY AS RELATES MAINLY WITH THE MALE MAN

THE KINGDOM MAN AND HIS SEX LIFE AND MONEY

ROMANS 1 vs 27a

In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with woman and were inflamed with lust for one another.

          According to the above scripture, Apostle Paul makes us to understand that the men of this generation have abandoned the natural relationship with women, that is the reason God created the woman for man has been abused and abandoned.

        

WHAT IS THE NATURAL USE OF THE WOMAN? To know the natural use of the woman, Let us look into the book of the beginning (Genesis) Gen 2:18. The Bible makes us to understand that God said “it is not good for a man to be alone; I will make him a help meet”. From this scripture, we get the natural use of the woman to man which is HELP-MEET. Therefore, God never created woman for sex mate but for help meet.

        

         Men of this generation have abandoned the natural or initial use of the woman and they are inflamed with lust for one another. For instance, whenever a male-man sees a lady the first thought that comes to mind is sex which is the result of lust. I will implore every man reading this article to have a change of mentality about their female counterpart, so they can have a genuine relationship with these women and you can ask the Holy Spirit to help you have a change of mentality about women.

          

         Furthermore, God never created the woman for sex only but to be a helper in every aspect of our lives as men. Do you know that God could have created man to give birth to another man, we have some creatures that are called hermaphrodites (which possess both male and female sex organs), but God created the woman to complement the man. God only designed sex within marriage for these reasons: 

(1) To procreate the human race, 

(2) To seal a blood covenant between two humans, and 

(3) To allow sex to be enjoyed to its maximum potential without repercussions         

MONEY

   Money can be defined as a legal tender. A generally accepted means of exchange and measure of value. Money can also be defined as the end product of work, therefore the primary reason we work is to make money.

  At the beginning. God gave the male-man work as a platform to gain money but unfortunately when man fell, the ground was cursed which resulted to hard labor and little income.(Genesis 3vs 17). But at the beginning it was not so, glory be to God that he sent his beloved son to lift the curse not the work,so as a covenant child of God we must work but it is more important to know which work(purpose)we were created to do. This can be achieved when we have a relationship with the creator than the creation, then he will open our eyes or align us to achieve our purpose. I have come to understand that male-man don’t ask their God for which work to do but for blessings only and blessings don’t come on wrong work.

    Furthermore, we must understand that money is not the root of evils but love of money is the root of all evils. All wrong doings like covetousness, discontentment and stealing are examples of love of money. This wrong doing exercised by male-man causes his loss of identity. This is what pushes most young male-men to go into all manners of dubious business and rituals for survival, the devil has blinded their minds according to 2Corinthians 4vs4. But if we can return back to our creator then he will make a way for us if we obey and serve Him.

   NOTE:"THE SOCIETY IS AS STRONG AS THE MALE MAN BUT THE MALE MAN IS AS WEAK AS A LOST  PURPOSE"

The Men That Lead

Building Manhood

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ADDRESSING THE ISSUES OF WORLDLY LOVE, SEX AND MONEY AS RELATES MAINLY WITH THE MALE MAN

ADDRESSING THE ISSUES OF WORLDLY LOVE, SEX AND MONEY AS RELATES MAINLY WITH THE MALE MAN

The Concept of True Love.

From our previous article we dealt on how to address Love,Sex and money.folow us today as we will be dealing on what true Love is and what is takes to exhibit true love.

Firstly we must understand that there are four different types of love. Let us highlight the four types of love.

1.Philio(brotherly love)

2.Eros(erotic/sexual love/fleshly)

3.Friendship love

4.Agape (God kind of love)

From the above types of love, we will have the true knowledge and understanding of what true love is. Love is the response to understanding the value of a thing or we can say love is a force generated by a decision.

Agape love is the true love that Jesus described in Matthew 5:44 *But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you* .This is the type of love that is above the natural man, only a supernatural man can exhibit this kind of love, because it supercedes human understanding. It takes a truly spiritual man to exhibit this type of love, this is a man that stays in alignment with his creator. This is the love that covers all sins. This is the love that can keep a relationship.

Men of this generation have changed the concept and the definition of love that God stated for us. We define love as feelings, we define it as having fun with other partner which has devalued or limited humanity. What God stated as  the foundation for a good and better society has been misinterpreted and the scripture says if the foundation be destroyed, what can the righteous do? Humanity at the moment is suffering from this broken foundation. One of the reason God came in the form of man as Jesus, is to make us understand that as men, we can express this God kind of love but only if we are in the presence of the creator.

Furthermore, the only way man can relate this God kind of love to humanity is to be in God’s will and in alignment with the creator. The male-man especially the youth should understand that love is not feelings, it is a choice. Feelings are just like chemical substances and these substances do undergo change as a reaction. Thus, for the male-man to demonstrate a genuine love to his fiancée or wife, he must be in alignment with the Creator. To the women reading this, for you to know a man that truly loves you, check his relationship with the Creator, if he has no relationship with the Creator, just know that he doesn't know what true love is.God is love and only in him we can find and replicate true love *1 John 4:8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.*

*To Be Continued*

The Men That Lead

Building Manhood

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MY PURPOSE MY POTENTIAL Part 3

My Purpose My Potential Part 3

THE KEYS TO RELEASING OUR POTENTIAL

1. Be connected to your source: God is the source of every human being on earth. He is our creator and we must be connected to him, unless we will run dry. There is a saying that a river that is disconnected from his source will soon be dry; it just a matter of time. How do you know a tree branch disconnected from its roots? It withers. Such is every man outside his Creator.

2. Understand the Creator’s manual: There is a manual for every creation in the hand of the creator. We are the product and God is the manufacturer. For any product to fulfill his purpose, he must understand how he must function through his manual. The Bible is our Manual-God’s word. God created man and designed him to function like he does. We are created to function by faith and love. To understand your function, get in touch with His manual for your life.

3. Know your Purpose: It has been made clear to this end that Purpose is what determines one’s potentials. Your purpose gives birth to responsibility and responsibility makes demand on purpose. Purpose is the drive to our potentials. In order to maximize fully one’s potential; get in sync with God’s purpose for your life.

4. Have the right environment: In every seed, there is potential of growing a forest or cultivation, but if the seed is not planted in the right environment, the potential then will not be fulfilled. You must be around good people, those that will build you up and not tear you down; and if you fall, friends that will lift you up and put you back on the right track. Your company determines what accompanies you.

5. Work-out your potentials: Potential is dormant without work. A man once said and I quote “hardwork never kills, it only refines you”. Good ideas do not bring success, good hardwork does.

6. Share your potentials: Your potential was deposited in you to enrich the lives of others. True potential and fulfillment in life is not what is accomplished, but who benefits from them. Learn to share what it is you possess, because in so doing you are building yourself and impacting the lives of others around you.

Thank you.

The Impact Team 

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MY PURPOSE MY POTENTIAL PART 2

My Purpose My Potential Part 2

HOW IMPORTANT THEN IS PURPOSE?

We must understand that your potential was given to enrich lives and humanity. Every life was given a purpose by God to enrich humanity. Have we now thought of it; what then happens to humanity if we fail to discover purpose. I once told a friend of mine that a life can affect many others either positively or negatively; also one’s life equals many destinies. You are responsible for certain destinies. Destiny is not a destination but a journey; and in this journey you will determine the life of many and many will determine yours. True fulfillment, Joy and  responsibility comes to play when you decide to utilise your potentials. 

An understanding of purpose gives us this responsibility.

 An irresponsible pilot or driver can claim a thousands of  lives through accident. This is a practical way to understand that you have many destinies attached to this purpose you possess. God has designed the universe in such a way that the purpose of all mankind are interdependent; your purpose affects millions of lives. “Supposing Mary had aborted Jesus, or Andrew had failed to introduce Peter to Jesus; what if Abraham had not left the Land of Ur or Joseph had refused to go to Egypt”. Let us assume that “Ananias had not prayed for Saul who became Paul, or that the little boy had refused to give Jesus his lunch”. Let’s relate it to our current world: if men like Bishop Oyedepo, Pastor Kumuyi, Pastor Adeboye never heeded the call to  ministry, how many lives would have been remained in perpetual bondage to sin and deception.

Please take responsibility in other not to rob the next generation of your contribution to the destiny of mankind. The good news is that we still have time to contribute to our next generation. Time is God’s greatest gift for accomplishing purpose and fulfilling destiny. Every generation is to be a foundation to the coming generation but in case the previous generation never took responsibility, Christ has laid a foundation for every saint to start their building and receive their reward(1Corinthians 3:11-14. On this note, No man is indispensable when it comes to the things of God. As saints of Christ, never allow your background put your back on the ground. We need to consciously refuse to let procrastination, discouragement and other enemies of our potential drive us to waste even one day of our lives. The choice is ours to make; you are either responsible to understand, release, and maximize your potential or responsible not to. Whichever way you go, there is always an endpoint.

TO BE CONTINUED.

The Impact Team 

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MY PURPOSE MY POTENTIAL PART 1

MY PURPOSE MY POTENTIAL PART 1

Earlier in our article publications, we define purpose as the intended use of a thing or having the right wisdom of a thing.  As man, our purpose is the very reason God created us on this planet Earth.

Potential is the dormant ability i.e. ability inbuilt, which has not yet been discovered or utilized. Purpose is what activates the potential of a man or as I term it a sense of purpose. Your life has the potential to fulfill your purpose for living.So, therefore purpose determines potential. A great man once said that the richest place in the whole earth is the graveyard because in the graveyard, there are a lot of buried potentials yet to be discovered, music that needs to be composed, books that are yet to be published etc. 

Potential is useless until it is given a responsibility. Living without untilising your ability reveals irresponsibility.Work is a major key to releasing your potentials. Unexploited potentials are not only useless; they are wasted both to the person or thing that failed to release it and for all that could have benefited therein.

Therefore, when we discover purpose and we get committed to it then our potentials will start getting unleashed. Discovering your purpose does not bring success, hard work does. To release your purpose, you must be willing to work.

To be continued

The Impact Team

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THE ACT OT TEMPTATION PART 2

THE ACT OF TEMPTATION PART 2

HOW TO WEATHER THE STORM OF TEMPTATION

Earlier this week, we were made to understand the concept of temptation and the forms with which it could take. Temptation as a divine procurement for our blessings and as satanic manipulation to see God’s children in his captivity. But today, we will see how to weather the storm of temptation. The bible says if we say we have not sinned; then we lie, we deceive ourselves (1 John 1:8). If we say we do not fall into temptation we only lie. Thus, how we can we weather the storm in our tempting times?.

1. Know your Temptation:  Looking at Paul’s declaration in Romans 7:19 (For the good that I would I do not; but the evil which I would not, that I do.); we see here that he had an understanding of what his temptation was. So many times we call out to God once we find ourselves in certain tempting situations  but have we even stopped to know that these and these are the things I do, the things that lead me into this temptation, committing this sin. The bible says in Job 3:25-“For the things which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me”. What are the things you fear, these are the things the devil uses against us in his manipulation and temptation. “2 Corinthians 2:11-Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.” Be ye knowledgeable of his adversaries. When you know the weakness and strength of an enemy, then it is easier for you to defeat such enemies.

2. Know your God and Have Faith in Him:  “Romans 7:24-O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” The only one with power to deliver his own from the affliction of the devil is Christ himself.  John 8:32 paraphrased says “The truth you know shall set you free”. Who is the truth? Jesus is the truth. If we have an understanding of whom we have inside of us (1 John 4:4), He who is able to make all grace abound for us (2 Corinthians 9:8). If we are to be in control, there is one thing we need to have understanding of; that is the Word Himself, GOD (John 1). Temptation is darkness and we need light to overcome darkness. In Christ is our light (John 1:4). Taking the shield of faith… (Ephesians 6:16) We should always have Faith in God that He is able to shield us from all works of the flesh.  

3. Seek God: it is not only important for you to know God and believe in Him. You should also continue to find his face over every affair of your life. Continue to fellowship daily with him. He is the Omnipotent God (The All Knowing God), HE knows all things. HE sees the temptation before hand; thus seek him that we will not fall. Engage on the altar of prayer; seek His face by studying his word. He said the truth you know shall set you free. The truth is Jesus and He is the word of God.

4. Do not forsake the gathering of your fellow believers: The hands cannot say to the eyes we need you not; for who will lead the hand if not the eyes and who will lead the eyes if not the legs (1Corinthians 12 paraphrased). We all need strength if we want to overcome the temptations of this life. One way is never to forsake the gathering of the brethren (1 Thessalonians 5:11-Wherfore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do). We draw strength from one another (1Corinthians 12:12). If one is weak, then he that has strength will come to his aid. This is why we should never leave the gathering of like minds. 

5. Flee from all appearances of evil: Shall we continue in sin and pray that grace may abound (Romans 6:1). What do you think you possess that draws you away from Christ and makes you a vulnerable target to the devil-is it a way of life, is it a lifestyle, is it even friends you keep. The bible says in 1Corinthians 15:33b “evil communications corrupt good manners”. Try to fill your mind with all, good, acceptable and perfect things of God (Romans 12:2). LET your mind be renewed at all time. Never give room to the devil. There is a saying, “if you give one room to the devil, soon he will take over the apartment”. Please let us beware as the Bible admonishes us in 1Peter 5:8. Thus, let’s flee from all things that appear not of God. My prayer is as we take steps to heeding to all these, His face shall shine upon us and His mercy will deliver us from every pit of life (Job 33:24 …deliver him for I have found a ransom). AMEN

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A FORM OF WORSHIP

A FORM OF WORSHIP

*Matthew 15:8 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.*

*15:9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandment of men.*

From the Bible verses above, we are made to understand that there is a form of worship. Worship in actual physical sense but void with the Father; melody in our ears but noise in His. We all attend church services, we worship God; but how many of our services are acceptable, how many of our worship sessions even pass the roof? We have lost it. So many of us even play routine in the church; Of course after the opening prayer, there will be worship and you can tell how the worship will go-If it’s this sister with a fine voice or this other one who misses all beats. We have made the place of worship a spectacle in our lives. With our biblical fathers of old, it was not like this. When men worshipped God, they did so in the understanding of who He was. Then, God moved in the worship of his people, but why is it not the same way now? (2 Chronicles 20:1-22) What do we think fell the walls of Jericho? (Joshua 6:1-21) The Power of Worship. When the children of God were expectant of something, they tune to worship and you see the mighty power of God; but its essence has been lost or in a sense misplaced. Now we just do it because we are compelled to or it’s a doctrine. How many of us even take time in our daily life to just worship our Father-GOD himself? How many of us still know the true place of worship?

We have forgotten that worship in the hands of a believer is required to see HE whom we believe in action. So, when we are at a dead end, and it looks like there is no way forward and no way back, we think all hope is lost, still we do not acknowledge that maybe something is missing in our lives which we have to find. The Bible said when the Israelites carried Judah which is God’s praise (Psalm 114), the sea saw it and fled, mountains skipped like rams, river Jordan was driven back. “It” here is God in praise (Psalm 22:3). But let us take a look at our church of today, are we not Spiritual Israelites? YES, we are. How many mountains skip like rams for us or Jordan drive back when we worship? This is because we have lost the true sense of what it means to worship God. Worship is not an art, not something you go to the school of music or ministry of worship to learn. It is Spirit-driven. The Bible says “worship him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24). This means anything other than this, is just loud noise before him. “They draw unto me but their heart is far away from me”. What does the Spirit connect with-The Heart. The bible says “what man knoweth the mind of a man save the spirit of man which is in him; what knows the heart of man, save his spirit” (1 Corinthians 2:11). The same way if we are going to worship the Father, we need to do that with the help of the Holy Spirit and in truth. The pilot verse says “but in vain, they do worship”- meaning our worship which was meant to be a force in our hands have been rendered useless. Why? because our hearts are not right with God. We all go to church in our physical self; but most of us do have our minds far from God-It’s either the heated argument we had with our neighbor, hubby or What we are going to cook for the family when we get home or How do I get money to do this business.  We have replaced the place of worship in our lives and rendered it void of its efficacy.

The bible says Paul and Silas were in prison; we may not be in a physical prison today, but that situation we are passing through, it is a prison. Let me tell a scenario from the bible (Acts 16): Paul and Silas must have been die hard lover of worship even before they were locked up in prison. It is what you possess that you can let out. Or do we think the grace just came over them in the prison? No. They must have been men given to a life of worship; and as such in that situation they found themselves, it came handy. If you do not love his worship on a norm, how will you be able to draw his presence in worship when you need him? It’s not possible. Worship is one instrument of our warfare (war-ship) and one that the devil manipulates in the life of a believer. Once he takes it from you, just know you are a walking dead. Because, Man was commanded to worship God (Malachi 2:2, Luke 19:37-40), the Bible says if you will not lay it to heart to give glory unto me, I will send a curse upon you. He also said I will raise up stones in the book of Luke. So, if you are replaced by stones, where is your usefulness? A useless life to God is as worth as you were not created.

In the natural sense, when a nation’s warriors are well armed, there is no battle they are told to face that they won’t swing into action-you can be rest assured of strong defenses.  The arms (ammunition) of a soldier are like food to him. So, if he is well-fed, then he is strengthened to fight your battles. If we have the understanding, that true worship (heartfelt worship) is food for God then we will know that starving Him is incurring His wrath. A soldier who is not well trained or well armed will be the downfall of his people-such a person can even lead the enemies right to your gates.

God does not need our clothes, money-all that He has given us, all he requests is that we will praise him, we will reverence HIM. Why not do that-in truth and see if He will not defend your coasts like he did Jehoshaphat and the children of Judah. There are many ways to worship; We worship in prayers, We worship by singing hymns (Ephesians 5:19), clapping of hands, with the instruments of worship (Psalm 150)-Any means but that our hearts are aligned. This is very important in the place of worship-an aligned heart; a heart right with God and void of distractions.

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THE ACT OF TEMPTATION

THE ACT OF TEMPTATION

*Matthew 4:1 “Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil”.*

*Genesis 22:1 “And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham…”*

What do we see as Temptation?  Is it the natural occurrence of all times or the challenges we go through every day. So many do not have the understanding of what the term Temptation is? When I am tempted, does it mean I am tested or does it mean I am prepared for something greater in life? Is temptation of the devil or is it of God?  Why will God give me to this temptation?  All these are questions that run through our minds when we find ourselves in certain situations. 

But let us look at the scriptures because that is our own principal book in this kingdom. Temptations are real, and they can happen to just any believer. If Jesus can be tempted, then no man is above temptation. Even Paul testified to this: ( *Romans 7:19-For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do*). Thus, temptations are real; they are trial times, times where our faith is tested to see if we will stand and not fail. Certain times these temptations come because God is preparing us for something big and wants to see, if we end up having those things, are we going to because of those things fall or at those times we will stand strong. 

Joseph, as a case study; He was tempted by Potiphar’s wife because God allowed it. He was building hum for a time to come. He said I will not do this evil and sin against my God. With this, God knew that no matter where he takes him to, he won’t defile the faith. You will all agree with me that associated with position of authority, are temptations of all sort. Thus Joseph had to pass through this because of that bigger position in view. When we are tempted, it’s either there is a blessing just lying wait just or there will come a time when our strength in that particular area will be needed.

Let me paint a scenario; you are a treasurer in a small cooperative society, and a lot of money is always allocated to your hands; and at this certain time, you were so broke and needed money badly but instead of taking from the association money, you won’t commit the crime of stealing or forging figures and miraculously your bills were paid. All of a sudden, you are now called to be an accountant in a large firm. See how God does his things, he allowed you to be tempted because of where he was taking you to.

Why will God allow Jesus to be tempted, after all he is the son of God and he went into the wilderness also to gather up himself for the ministry. Why then will He be tempted?  It’s because out of temptation comes the strength that we need. ( *Matthew 4:1-25) Strength in our temptation*. The bible said after He was tempted, Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit ( *Luke 4:14*). Our temptation times are just preparation for a battle to come. They will always come as they did for Abraham when he was tempted by God to sacrifice his only son. He was only tested so that he will be blessed. Afterwards, God gave him a dose of blessings, (Genesis 22:16-17) that we still proclaim today-Abraham’s blessings are mine.        So, when believers say they can never be tempted, that means they are not ready to be overcomers, not ready for the victory. For this world is full of temptations, but the bible said for whosoever is born of God overcometh the world and this is the victory…(1 John 5:4) This tells us that as children of God, there will be temptations but we will overcome.

Another thing that I have come to realize is; you can never be tested beyond your capacity. Whatever God tempts his people on, he surely must have given unto them and will have created a ransom-a way of escape from. He gave Isaac to Abraham before he tempted him. He will never give us more than we can chew. He said, “For our light affliction which is but for a moment” (2 Corinthians 4:17)”; the affliction is light-no heavy affliction in Christ. He said there will be challenges but be of good cheer, for I have overcome them all (John 16:33paraphrased).

Now that we have established that God can tempt a man. Then, can we be tempted of the devil?  I will say Yes and No. Whatever powers the devil possesses to put us under temptation is known by God. A biblical example of this is Job. Job was thrown into temptation by the devil, trial times, but God gave Job unto the devil. I want us to understand whatever God will do that his name will be glorified; he will go at any length to do it. God boasts with them that are his; I want us to understand that he is always happy when we are living according to his plans and he boasts about us. He knows the end from the beginning. This is what the devil does not understand. God knew that at the end of the devil’s venture with his son Job, that his name will be glorified, so HE let the devil have his way. The same way HE is doing with his saints, them that are his.  Another biblical proof: Jesus knew that Peter was going to enter into temptation, why did he not stop it until Peter denied him three times, then he realized what he had said. So many instances in the bible like this. Jesus was building Peter up for a very important task ahead of time. 

These temptations will surely come, as long as we draw breath; every day is a new temptation; that is why we were taught the Lord ’s prayer. “Do not lead us into temptation”. The NLT says “And don’t let us yield to temptation” (Matthew 6). The prayer does not say don’t let temptation come but that we should not be given unto them. They will surely come, so our prayer as Christians and as believers should be: Father, do not let me yield to temptation and HE will hear you and strengthen you. But first, you must be a son of God; “for whatsoever is born of God, overcometh the world”.

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THE FERVENCY OF PRAYER

THE FERVENCY OF PRAYER

James 5:16b- “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much”. (KJV)

“The earnest prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available, dynamic in it working”. (AMPC)

Prayer is the master key.  It is and will always be our way out of the predicaments and issues of our lives. The bible admonishes us to ceaselessly pray (1Thessalonians 5:17-Pray without ceasing). Prayer is a very vital tool in the hands of a believer. With it, we can force the heaven to open on our behalf. It is a form of communication between man and his creator, one which is important if we must break through in our present day world. 

But many have forgotten the place of prayer in their daily life. Some even go about their day-day activities without saying a word to their creator, forgetting that it is only when we call on Him that He can show up on our behalf. We expect a prosperous day ahead, a joyous one, a happiness filled day, disregarding the fact that only the creator, God himself can do it.

Some have even given up on the place of prayer because either they think their situation is too big for God to handle or they feel they cannot approach His presence as they have been too far away from him or they feel they have prayed and nothing seems to happen so they stopped praying. All these three will be addressed in our article today. I want to admonish us that in everything we do, let not the place of prayer be taken away from us, because that is where we build strength, we are empowered to face anything that comes our way. This world in which we are is full of evils and ills, it will take a prayerful Christian to steer the wheel of this world. Prayer is our weapon of warfare. The bible says that “for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal…” (2Corinthians 10:4). The word also says, “for we wrestle not against flesh...” (Ephesians 6:12) Prayer is our spiritual leverage against the host of darkness.  Take away prayer from the life of a child of God and such person is a walking dead. He is just like a farmer going to the farm with nothing to make ridges or clear the grasses, or a hunter going to hunt without his tools and implements, such a futile journey.

For the above first category, no situation is ever too big for GOD to handle. Remember He said in HIS word, “I am the GOD of all flesh, is there anything too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27), believe God on his word, He said as the covenant of day and night stands, so also His word stands. HE said “my covenant will I not break…” (Psalm 89:34); we serve a covenant keeping God and there is no problem too big that he cannot solve. A song writer sang in his lyrics, there is no mountain you will climb up, no wall you won’t keep down. As long as we are His, there is no battle of ours he won’t fight on our behalf; when we have the knowledge of this, we need not worry.  Can your battles be as tough as those faced by Paul (his sufferings, tribulations, even unto death), the three Hebrew boys, Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, Daniel who was ganged up against and thrown into the den of lions or are you facing the same problem our fathers of old faced; Abraham, Joseph in the hands of Potiphar’s wife or the Israelites who were in captivity for 430 years in Egypt. There is nothing we can ever face that God has no power over- I am the God of all flesh, HE said.  I want us to understand when it looks like we are faced with difficult challenges, God never promised us of a  challenge free life neither did he say we won’t go through struggles, but he said be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world (John 16:33.) Believe God has overcome that problem before you are even faced with it. Just take a look at your surroundings, the same God that created everything you can see in 6 days, believe your situation is too small for him to handle. I want to show us a little trick that the devil uses, he knows how small the problem we are facing is to God but he makes it look so big before us and then all we can see is the giant problem facing us and not the super-giant God who can overcome it. Trust in God, go down on your knees and pray with all fervency and see if he will not show himself. King Hezekiah was faced with a dilemma, he was told by a very vibrant prophet he was going to die, but all he did, instead of worry about what has been said concerning him, instead of worrying about what to do, immediately he thought of what God can do.  I want to urge us instead of thinking of what we can do, let’s hold GOD to His word and He will not fail us.

For those that think God no longer hears them because they have committed sin or no longer seek His face, our God is a just and righteous God, he won’t condone sin (Psalm 26:5)but He is also merciful and is capable of forgiveness (1 John 1:9; 2:1-2). He said if we call unto Him, He will answer us.  As long as we know we have sinned and we ask God for His mercy, HE is compassionate enough to forgive and heed our call. The only thing that will make him not hear us when we call to Him is if we still abhor sin in us. We know that God hates the nature of sin hence He said flee from all appearances of evil. If he despises it then whatever He despises, ask Him to cleanse you of it and come unto Him, He is just to hear us.

For those that say I have prayed and nothing seems to be forth-coming, I have even fasted and gone to prayer grounds but it seems like God is not hearing me. I want you to understand that God hears all and he sees all. Let’s not because of this, lose faith in God or lose faith in the potency of prayer and seek other alternatives. There is no alternative outside God. Daniel was faced with similar problem, in his case he has been praying concerning certain revelation and it looked like the gates of heaven were shut against him. So many are in this position today, but as we were made to understand his answers were delayed, but he continued to press, he did not say I expected my answers the first day, second day passed, no result, then I won’t pray any more. HE kept on with it and God brought forth his answers. Sometimes, when we pray and it looks like no answers, still continue on that altar, pray without ceasing as the bible admonishes us. 

When we relax and stop praying, is that when we expect the solution to show forth? NO. The delay to our prayers might be because there is something we are holding back in our lives that will debar our answers or we need to overcome the forces of darkness trying to conquer our prayers. We should remember God’s words about being fervent and effective in our prayers. One thing I have also enjoyed its efficacy is the place of Praise as an addition to our prayers, it has a way of fast-tracking our blessings (Acts 16:25-26). You think your answers are not coming, add the element of praise to it then see the manifestations of God’s divine presence.

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MY REDEMPTION HERITAGE PART 2

MY REDEMPTION HERITAGE PART 2

THE RENEWING OF OUR MINDS

Romans 12:2 *And be ye not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.*

*The state of the mind is man’s seat of power.* Paul understood that man is a product of what he abhors in his mind whether good or bad. (Proverbs 23:7- As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he). What we feed on as natural beings determines our outlook and in the long run affect so many areas of our life. If we have to feed healthy for our physical self to stay healthy, then the same has to work for our spiritual self. If we decide to go after the flesh alone, then we will reap of the flesh as the word of God has rightly said, but if what pertains to us most is the reaping of the spirit, then it is what we sow that we reap. (Galatians 6:8- For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the spirit shall of the spirit reap life everlasting). No farmer goes to his farm, everyday doing nothing and expects to reap a bountiful harvest. The same way, in the physical realm, you have to sow before you reap; it also applies in the realm of the spirit. Like the elders will say, it is what a bird eats, that it takes to fly. We are supposed to continually feed our spirit man in order to reap the benefits on the day of harvest.

When we are talking about the fruits of the spirit, it is not just for anybody but for those who have sown the seeds of the spirit. If we want to enjoy the fruits, then first we have to sow in the seeds and water those seeds. When Paul was admonishing the brethren to continually renew their minds, he was indirectly saying, these seeds I have planted in you; continue to sow them and continue to water them. Our renewal of mind is vital for every Christian; even Jesus had an understanding of this when he gave the parable of the sower, every land got the seeds but what each did with the seeds determined the products, determined the fruits. Those that fell on good grounds and bare fruits were those that, after the seeds have been planted, they continually nurtured and watered it till it grew, germinated and bore fruits. 

We may ask, why do we need to renew our minds? The bible tells us if we faint in the days of adversity, then our strength is small (Proverbs 24:10 paraphrased). To constantly remain in the realm of unwavering strength, unshakable faith, forever access to the fruits of the spirit, we have to pay attention to nurturing.  Everything has an expiry date, your car that you use, the day it becomes faulty, it tells you I am closer to my expiry date, so it’s up to you to know what to do to make sure that expiry date is not tomorrow, maybe you need to service it, put some oil there, leave it for some time-anything it is. Paul had an understanding that if we do not take care of the engine of our spirit, it will one day knock. You hear of backsliding Christians, or “I was born again before but now I don’t think I am”. All these were what apostle Paul already saw, the days of tribulation, the days of challenges when our faith will be tried, when all we know about God and His kingdom will be tested. Our strength to stand in these times will depend on how renewed our minds are. To renew, you make something that is old or seemingly old, new again.

How can we then renew our minds? Following the footsteps of our biblical fathers, Abraham wavered not at the promises; he kept the faith because he was constantly in a state of check. We will see in the bible, certain phrases; God appeared unto Him; God told Abraham, Arise go, Take thy son and so on. This shows that there was this daily communion with God, such that is missing in our lives today, even in the church of God. Everyone is too busy with their life schedule that they forget the things of the spirit. Let us look at the life of Solomon, he was after all the king; Like any other king, he must have watched his father David and must have seen everything a king has to be or needs in order to really be a king but still he did not ask for all the wealth in the world, he did not ask for any other thing, but he was kingdom focused; he asked for wisdom to lead God’s people. If a blank cheque is given to us by God today, with the look of things around, so many will write a lot of things and when we check, none will be God centered, kingdom centered. We are  busy chasing after certain things, leaving the things of God  which we should attend to unattended to and now when things fall apart like Chinua Achebe’s book, we then retrace our steps back to GOD. Let’s be practical, if you and I were God, what will our response be? So, daily communion with GOD is the most important renewing process we have to all undergo.

How do we then do this? Give in totally to the place of prayer, continue to engage this altar.  Also, give in to the Word of God, give in to fellowship, spread the good news of the gospel. One way to be a master is to first go through the school, go through the school of God.  The same way in the natural realm, if you don’t show up to school for a day, your teachers will be worried, even some will come by visiting depending on how good a student we are; let God think this of us. “My son, I have not seen you today, what is the matter?”  Lastly, let us be kingdom oriented; he said Go into the world and preach ye the gospel (Mark 16:15). Use all you have for the purpose of the kingdom, it is a way of rendering service unto God and also renewing our minds. If our minds are renewed constantly, then we can be sure of inheriting the fruits thereof.

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MY REDEMPTION HERITAGE PART 1

MY REDEMPTION HERITAGE

Revelation 5:10

And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.

To inherit something, you must have a right; to lay claim to an inheritance, there must be something you possess that qualifies you. You can either have a relationship with or own a virtue that qualifies you for that inheritance. The same way in the kingdom realm, to say I have a redemption heritage that means I must have a working connection with the redeemer. What do I mean working; you are connected not by mouth but by your spirit, by your mind, by your heart because all these will prove your works. Christ speaking in Matthew 15:8; these people honour me with their lips yet their heart is far away from me. He also said whatsoever is born of the spirit is spirit (John 3:6 paraphrased). In the same vein, whoever is born of God is in similar sense a god. The child of a lion is a lion, the child of a dog is a dog, the child of a sheep is also a sheep. We are born again that is born of the spirit not because of our mouth but as a result of our works-our beliefs. 

The right to certain things in Christ is only for them that are his. That’s why I say the redemption heritage is not for everybody but for those saved by him, those born of him. The bible says to them that are without, these things are done in parables (Mark 4:11). God has given everything in him to his son and this same grace has been handed over to us through his son Jesus. Christ inherited these things from the father and we have also inherited these things in him so for us to access these things, we have to accept him, believe him, work according to him and live in this light. 

I boldly say there is no inheritance on this earth that a man can lay claim to that is as treasurable or immeasurable as the inheritance God giveth unto us through his son Jesus Christ. If we are to make mention of all these inheritance, they are so numerous. So many don’t even know they have redemption rights, that explains why they are still lost in this world; if we have no understanding, we will just be going on and on, and nothing we ever do will be clear to us. The bible says they know not, neither do they understand, they walk on in darkness and the whole foundations of the earth are out of course (Psalm 82:5). When we have no understanding of the importance of a thing, then we become slaves to that thing. The bible speaking; the heir while he is but a child differs nothing from a servant (Galatians 4:1 paraphrased). He also said the truth you know shall set you free; thus, our knowledge of the truth, of the light is what sets you and I free, if not we will only be slaves to these things. I know that redemption rights exist and they are found in Christ, so what do I do? I take that step; get closer to him because only by association do I know I can carry whatever He carries. 

You may now ask, what are these redemptive packages?  There is no understanding this inheritance, if we look away from the one who owns them. Whatever is in Christ, available in him, that is our redemptive package. Long life, sound health, peace, joy unspeakable full of glory, prosperity, divine strength, freedom from sin, all round rest -all these among others are the things we enjoy as being part of this family. There is something about this redemptive heritage in Christ; it cancels all other ungodly heritage. Can you explain how a person born into a family where no one gets married and such a person finds his place in Christ and later, you hear that person is now married with kids; this is because our redemptive heritage in Christ brings down all satanic heritages. Just a simple step and all these inheritance can be ours. All we need to do is accept Him, know him, Christ; all things have been given unto him. We cannot know him if we do not accept him. The same way we have to be born into a family and stay there to receive that which is inherent in that family, that is the same way we have to stay in Christ, remain connected to him and remain in that family of God to receive what belongs there. If we can do this, then our redemption package is sure.

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SERVANHOOD-THE CORE VALUE OF LEADERSHIP PART 3

SERVANTHOOD-THE CORE VALUE OF LEADERSHIP PART 3 

THE PRINCIPLE OF SERVANT LEADERSHIP

1.Leadership is predetermined: In our earliest publications, we were made to understand that while Leadership is a calling, Leaders are made. You might be called to take up a leadership position, but there are already qualities in us that make us viable for that position. True leadership is not something you do; it is something you are. We are called to serve one another to be great. There is no self-made man, only a fool will claim he is self-made; even as leaders, we are made by the people that are very much under us.

2.Leadership is a prepared position: In God’s kingdom, everybody has a position set aside to carry out his ability. In the hands of the potter is the usefulness of his creation. There is a place of preparation as a prerequisite for leadership. A diamond does not just become a diamond, it goes through many burning and building processes, before it becomes what it is. You have to discover your leadership position and take the responsibility to release your potentials.

3.Leadership demands a price: To function effectively as a leader, there is always a price to be paid. Jesus said in Matthew 20 verse 22paraphrased; “are you able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of”. There is always something we have to do to achieve something. Leadership position is sacrificial. It takes one through a lot-preparation, training, development and refinement. The position is prepared for you but you have to also prepare yourself for the position.

4.Leadership is inherent: No man prays to be in a leadership position or requests for it. (true leadership; with a genuine heart for the position) Such honour is either earned by means of virtues one possesses. We hear of born leaders; the traits are just there hence it’s as if such person is born with it. The capacity is built inside of us but it is our responsibility to nurture it. For instance, your car has the capacity to travel ninety miles per hour but you do not drive to this extent; it doesn’t change the fact that the car has that capacity.

5.Leadership is not for you but for others: We are born to serve; your gift is not for you alone. God has deposited them in us that we should serve them to others; maybe it should be rephrased as “born servants” then and not “born leaders”.  For instance, as a comedian, your funny jokes are not to make you laugh, but to make others laugh. Even though you may end up laughing in the process of telling it; it is solely meant for the consumption of others.

6.Leadership is becoming yourself for the benefit of others: Becoming yourself is a process that begins with self-discovery. You need to discover yourself before you can discover others; you need to develop your talents before you can help others discover theirs. Self-discovery is very vital as a prerequisite for successful leadership. If you are ready to take the journey, ask yourself this question: Who am I? What are my gifts? How can I serve these gifts to benefit other around me? All these, among many others, are the questions we should have answered before we take up any leadership role of any kind.

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THE FATHER AS A LEADER PART 3

The Father As a Leader PART 3.

The Concluding part

(3)BE open to Divine communication:  Be open to communicating with Him. It takes our communication with the manufacturer of a product (through his manual) to understand its make. This is where we need to dial God’s secret Number for proper communication.  The bible in the book of Matthew 7:7; Jesus said Ask, Seek and Knock. These three things are the numbers with which we need to dial God. These are 3 vital steps to take in order to get a good communication with God. We ask in prayer, we seek Him through reading his word and we knock on him to get his response.

We ask in prayer,that is we need to talk to God concerning our needs and the kingdom, Our prayers must be kingdom driven also; it's high time we do away with selfish prayers. Let our prayers be kingdom driven and definitely God will heed to our call. One way we can seek His word concerning our lives is through reading anointed books like the Bible and several other books written by Men of God with proofs. Knowledge is very Paramount in this kingdom. The more you know God,the more you know how to relate with Him. 

To every door, there is a specific key. To know the keys to some certain doors in this kingdom we need to ask from God who has the master key to all doors that we desire open in our lives. 

The most dangerous disease is ignorance. There are so many ignorant Christians who think they can know everything in the kingdom or have access to all things in the kingdom just by going to church alone. Its just like saying a student of Geology can know all about earth science within the four walls of his department without going for field work. We need to sit down and search for more knowledge about God. 

We knock on him to get his response. This means that there are certain times if not all the time, we will need to stay quiet and listen to God's voice. When you go to someone house,you knock on the door,and *wait* for a response from the owner of the house *before* you take the next step. That is how it is spiritually,We need to learn how to wait on God's response.

Is there something that always comes to mind after you pray- is it an idea or a vocation or it’s about a step or decision you want to make. Be careful, that may well be God’s vision for your life; but note I said be careful. If it does not align, please it isn’t. The devil also has a way of playing with our minds causing us to believe certain things which are not. So, if it won’t align, don’t force it. Just leave it alone; there is a better one for you.

Thank you for reading and please you can make use of the comment box

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THE FATHER AS A LEADER PART 2

THE FATHER AS A LEADER-PART 2

PREREQUISITE FOR FULFULFILLING DIVINE VISION AS FATHERS.

From our previous discussion, we were made to understand the three phases man operates in; as a priest, as a husband and as a father. But today, we will be looking at God’s vision for a fulfilled fatherhood and the prerequisites to align with these visions.

We must first understand that there is a vision for the man as a father in the home. As the head, there is a vision. It is the understanding of this vision that can help us to live an outstanding role as fathers. Why we have so many failed marriages or homes today, is because most of them had no vision on which they were built, no foundation and as such when the storm comes, they easily collapse. The bible makes us clearly understand that where there is no vision, my people perish. Thus, if we want to have an understanding of this vision for our homes as men and as fathers; it is however expedient of us to be in contact with the visioner himself-the one who owns the vision; that is God himself. No one knows an appliance better than the manufacturer himself and if we want to have an understanding of it, all we need is access to the manufacturer’s manual.

Therefore, having understood this, what are the prerequisites for fulfilling these divine (God-given) visions?

(1)Acknowledge the Visioner: Jesus Christ as the overall head of the family is the visioner of the home. The Holy bible in 1corinthians 11:3 makes us to understand that as man is the head of the woman, Christ is the head of the man and the overall head of the family, the home. From our basic sciences, we understand that the brain which dictates certain information and control of the body is encased in the head, thus it is the head that dictates where to go for the other members of the body (no matter how smart the other parts of the body think they are). Therefore, for the whole body of the family to function, there must be an order of alignment; the woman with the man and the man with Christ who is the overall head. So, for  us as men to truly fulfill whatever the vision we have for our home, we must move towards the direction our head moves, obeying every of His moves and follow his every step. We must totally align with him, in all things not just in some things but in totality. 

I also want us to understand that Christ does not only give the vision, He is the vision. Remember the Bible says in John 14:6, He is the way, the truth and the life-all these reflect vision. Let us look at this in a scenario: our vision (our purpose) is our life; that’s what we live for-Christ; our vision is also the way to a successful outcome-Christ; our vision is our truth-Christ.

(2)Listen for God’s direction: You cannot fulfill your purpose until you understand how to hear from God and listen to his every instruction. In our daily lives, there are so many voices we hear-some good, some bad. But, how can you tell voices that align with God’s plans for your life? that means you must have a  working connection to know which is his and what he has said concerning that step you are about to take, that decision you are about to make. So many enter into decisions already and then ask God for a way out, if they find themselves entangled with no way of escape, forgetting that God should be first, his decisions should always come first. To this effect, we need the help of the Holy Spirit because it is He who will help us discern what things we hear (1corinthians 2:11 paraphrased- For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man…). To get a grasp of God’s voice, we need His help. 

One other thing, to be able to access God’s voice, you have to first know how to access his presence. You need to get to God’s presence to have him speak to you (Revelation 1:10). The scripture admonishes us to commit our way to God and HE will direct us. Only God can direct our steps towards our purpose and that’s only if we align with him.

TO BE CONTINUED .

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