₦airaland Forum

You need others

Fri, 19 May 2023

‘Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him.’ Ecclesiastes 4:12

As much as we would like to think that we know it all, if we’re honest, each of us is painfully aware that we have blind spots and areas of inexperience. You have had experiences others haven’t had; they have had experiences you haven’t had, and when you get together, you harness your collective experience and knowledge. Jesus sent the seventy disciples out in groups of two. Why? 1) For support. ‘Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him.’ (Ecclesiastes 4:12 NKJV) 2) For enlightenment. Playwright Ben Jonson said, ‘He that is taught only by himself has a fool for a master.’ 3) For accountability. The pastor of a megachurch introduced the man who travelled with him to his audience, saying, ‘I am vulnerable to temptation, and he is my safeguard.’ You could have heard a pin drop in the crowd! Sometimes you need comfort, and other times you need correction. It takes humility to acknowledge that and emotional security to put it in place. Until you realise that others can help you live a fuller and better life than you could live on your own, you’re tying your own hands and limiting your potential. As long as your goal is to get ahead of others rather than work with them, your future will be short-changed. Good thinkers comprehend the power of shared thinking. They understand that when they treasure the thoughts and ideas of others, they receive the compounding results of shared thinking and achieve more than they ever could on their own. The truth is, you need others.

What you must give up

Thu, 18 May 2023

‘One thing I have desired of the LORD, that will I seek.’ Psalm 27:4

In order to succeed, there are certain things you must give up. 1) You can’t be friends with everybody. Jesus loved everybody but spent most of His time with twelve people mentoring them. And He spent extra time with Peter, James, and John, His inner circle. At His life’s end, He could say, ‘I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do’ (John 17:4 NIV). 2) You can’t do everything. Because of the fast pace of our society, people tend to multitask. But shifting from task to task can cost you up to 40 per cent efficiency. According to researchers, you will get more done by focusing on one task at a time, not constantly switching from one task to another. David said, ‘One thing I have desired of the LORD, that will I seek.’ 3) You can’t be well-rounded. Yes, there must be a balance between your private world and your public one. But it’s a myth to believe that you can know everyone, do everything, go everywhere, and have everything. You don’t need to know 99 per cent of everything in life; you just need to focus on the 1 per cent that gives you the highest return. If you’re too easily distracted, you need people in your life who are empowered to ‘call you on it’ and help you get back on track. You need to know what you should and shouldn’t be bothered about. Bottom line: in order to go higher and achieve greater things, you must be willing to lay aside certain things. Even good things (see Hebrews 12:1-3).

......more useless. 🙄

Lessons from a broken heart

Wed, 17 May 2023

‘Restore to me the joy of Your salvation.’ Psalm 51:12

A broken heart can’t be healed by working sixteen hours a day, sweating it out in a gym, or using mood-altering substances like alcohol and drugs. Those things may bring a temporary fix but don’t bring a lasting cure. After falling into sin and shame, David prayed, ‘Restore to me the joy of Your salvation.’ Good news: God can restore what you have lost and teach you things about yourself you didn’t know that make you a better person. And one of the first lessons He teaches us is about forgiveness. You can’t hold the club of unforgiveness over somebody else’s head and expect to find healing yourself. Forgiveness is just a word until you extend it. Your peace of mind and confidence before God depends on your willingness to extend grace to others (see Mark 11:25). The second lesson He teaches us is about relationships. And some of those relationships will bring you more pain than pleasure. Judas’ betrayal, painful as it was, was instrumental in bringing about history’s greatest event – the cross. Does that mean anybody and everybody can walk into your life and do what they want? No, their access to you is limited by the shield of God’s purpose. Some people bring comfort, while others build character, and you need both. The third lesson He teaches us is about ‘the yes zone’. ‘What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open’ (Revelation 3:7 NIV). So whether God opens the door or shuts it, trust Him, follow Him, and say, ‘Yes, Lord,’ because He loves you and has only the best in mind for you.

MIRACULOUS123:
This sure has broaden my mind.

Thanks for this piece 🧩

thanks for reading sir/maa. 🙏

Does it glorify God?

Tue, 16 May 2023

‘Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.’ 1 Corinthians 10:31

When you’re about to do something, and you’re not sure if you should, ask yourself, ‘Will doing this glorify God?’ If you follow that rule, you won’t go wrong in life. Let’s get specific. If you earn your money honestly, then it’s yours to spend as you wish. Once you give God His portion, you get to choose what you will do with the rest. However, your financial decisions have consequences that affect not only you but your family. When you go into debt you can’t repay, they suffer with you. So does your reputation with others. The question is not whether you can afford it but will it bring glory to God? Will He be pleased? And how about your relationships? You’re single, lonely, and longing for companionship. So, you find someone you really like. Today when unchecked passion leads to sex before marriage, society doesn’t blink at it. But as a redeemed child of God, you are different. Jesus said we are in the world, but not of it. That means we live by a different set of rules: scriptural ones. Perhaps your partner will see your refusal of sexual intimacy as rejection. And they may even decide to leave you. What should you do? Ask yourself, ‘Will this glorify God? Will He be pleased?’ You say, ‘Pleasing God isn’t easy.’ It never has been. And the Bible doesn’t say it will be. But if you want to live with joy, self-respect, confidence, and integrity, you have to choose the right path. And that’s the path that always brings glory to God.

Change your thinking, change your life (3)

Mon, 15 May 2023

‘Let those with understanding receive guidance.’ Proverbs 1:5

The book of Proverbs begins: ‘These are the proverbs of Solomon … Their purpose is to teach people wisdom … to help them understand the insights of the wise… to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives, to help them do what is right, just, and fair. These proverbs will give insight to the simple, knowledge and discernment to the young. Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser. Let those with understanding receive guidance ...’ (Proverbs 1:1-5 NLT). Creative thinking is simply disciplined thinking. If you think you know all there is to know, then you already know everything you’re ever going to know. In order to break out of the box, you must begin by asking the right questions. British screenwriter Sir Antony Jay said, ‘The uncreative mind can spot wrong answers, but it takes a creative mind to spot wrong questions.’ Wrong questions halt the process of creative thinking. They send you down the same old path. In order to change your life, you must change your thinking. That means you must be willing to ask these two questions: ‘Why must it always be done this way? Is there a better way?’ Whether your goal is to build a better life, a better family, a better business, a better church, a better career, or a better ‘anything’, all change and progress must begin by honestly asking those two questions. The saying is true: ‘If you build a better mousetrap, the world will beat a path to your door.’ So, do you want to succeed? You must be willing to change your thinking in order to accomplish it.

Change your thinking, change your life (2)

Sun, 14 May 2023

‘He who walks with wise men will be wise.’ Proverbs 13:20

If you’re surrounded by negativity, look for a better environment. Advertising Executive, Charlie Brower said, ‘A new idea is delicate. It can be killed by a sneer or a yawn; it can be stabbed to death by a quip and worried to death by a frown on the right man’s brow.’ Negative environments kill great ideas every minute. A creative environment, on the other hand, becomes like a greenhouse where ideas are seeded, then sprout and thrive. In order to grow, you must seek out people who are committed to personal growth. Such people: 1) Encourage creativity. When innovation and good thinking are openly encouraged and rewarded, people see they have permission to be creative. Freedom to be creative encourages people to stay engaged in a task, regardless of its challenges. 2) Are willing to risk failure. Even when you have studied and prepared yourself thoroughly, you will have to try several times before you succeed. So, you need to be in an environment where mistakes are viewed as part of the creative process. 3) Believe in the potential of a dream. A creative environment encourages the use of a blank sheet of paper and the question, ‘If you could draw a picture of what you want to accomplish, what would it look like?’ A creative environment allowed Dr Martin Luther King Jr to speak with passion and declare, ‘I have a dream,’ not ‘I have a goal.’ Goals may give focus, but dreams have power. Dreams expand your world. And God is the giver of dreams and visions (see Joel 2:28).

Change your thinking, change your life (1)

Sat, 13 May 2023

‘And be not conformed to this world: but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.’ Romans 12:2

When you think creatively, you’re thinking like God, your creator. But not everybody will welcome your creative ideas. Jesus wasn’t crucified because He worked miracles; He was loved and applauded for those. He was crucified for having ideas that challenged the status quo. God is the giver of great concepts, truths, and ideas. So when He gives you one, don’t let anybody talk you out of it. Don’t let the fear of rejection or failure kill your idea, either. After all, you can’t do something new and exciting if you force yourself to stay in the same old rut. Don’t just work harder at the same old thing; make a change. And the first thing you will have to change is how you think, what you listen to and believe. Take a look at the following phrases: ‘I’m not a creative person. Follow the rules. Don’t ask questions. Don’t be different. Stay within the lines. There is only one way to do it. Don’t be foolish. Think of your image. That’s not logical. It’s not practical. It’s never been done. It can’t be done. It didn’t work for them. We tried that before. It’s too much work. We can’t afford to make a mistake. It will be too hard to administer. We don’t have the time. We don’t have the money. Yes, but …’ Paul writes, ‘And be not conformed to this world: but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.’ (Romans 12:2 NKJV). The word for today is – change your thinking, change your life.

Having a vision for your life

Fri, 12 May 2023

‘Your young men shall see visions.’ Joel 2:28

When you ask a child what they want to be when they grow up, they are apt to say something like a firefighter, a doctor, or a famous actor. The ability to dream is a gift that God has placed within each of us. If you want to achieve great things in life, you need a vision. Joseph’s vision didn’t come to pass until he was thirty, but he received it from God when he was a teenager. And God will give you one too: Right now, you may be considering different options for your life and even experimenting with some. That’s okay; you’re still getting to know yourself, your strengths and weaknesses, what you’re drawn to, and what you have no interest in at all. If you focus on only one thing and your aspirations change, then you have wasted your best mental energy. But as you grow and mature, you need to become selective. The Chinese say, ‘A man who chases two rabbits catches neither.’ And when you receive a God-given vision, it has staying power. It’s like a fire burning within you. It may be a full-time vocation or a part-time avocation, but it’s the thing you will find the most fulfilment in doing. Paul wrote, ‘This one thing I do’ (Philippians 3:13 KJV). As a result, he changed history, and today, churches and cathedrals are named after him. Here is a prayer God will answer: ‘Lord, give me a vision for my life!’

A prayer of commitment to God

Thu, 11 May 2023

‘I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do.’ John 17:4

If the desire of your heart is to please God and fulfil His will for your life, here is a prayer for you: ‘Lord, I thank You that even though You know everything about me, You still love me. You know my thoughts, my mistakes, my sins, and yet You still call me your child. Your grace towards me is beyond comprehension. More than anything else, I want to know You intimately and sense Your presence in my life each day. If there is any part of me that I have kept from You, show me so that I can invite You to rule and reign there. Come into me, Holy Spirit, and revive my soul with rivers of living water. Then flow out through me into a dry and thirsty world (see John 7:38-39). Help me to keep my eyes fixed on You instead of others (see Hebrews 12:1-2). Lord, be my richest treasure always. Help me never to make an idol out of anyone or anything or allow possessions or the distractions of this world to get in front of You in any way. You are my healer, my hope, and my strength. When I need freedom, You are my deliverer. You are my shield from the Enemy, my counsellor when I need guidance, and my stronghold in the day of trouble (see Psalm 32:7). Truly, You are the God of miracles. Work Your miracles of grace in my life and keep changing me from day to day into Your likeness (see 2 Corinthians 3:18). In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.’

A prayer for financial contentment

Wed, 10 May 2023

‘Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth.’ 1 Timothy 6:6

The Bible says: ‘Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content. But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows’ (1 Timothy 6-10 NLT). Here is a prayer for financial contentment: ‘Lord, heal me from the stress of worrying about my perception among my peers. Give me the gift of satisfaction with what You want me to have. Thank You for teaching me to walk beside You, not in front of You. I repent of the times I got ahead of You. I also regret the times You were trying to bless me, and I was somewhere behind You, grappling with old issues. From this day forward, I will walk with You in peace and prosperity, knowing who I am and whose I am. I’m preparing to be blessed with the practical steps I’m learning. But my focus is on You and my relationship with You. Your Word says when I put You first, other things will happen as I prepare myself for what You have for me (see Matthew 6:33). Thank You for maturity coming to me spiritually, financially, and emotionally. My family will be blessed by what You’re teaching me. Amen.’

When God sends you an angel (4)

Tue, 9 May 2023

‘My God sent his angel and shut the lions’ mouths;’ Daniel 6:22

Here are some more situations when God might send an angel to help you. 1) When doing the right thing gets you into trouble. Doing God’s will put Daniel in the lions’ den, but God brought him out and publicly vindicated him. The king declared, ‘I issue a decree that in all my royal dominion, people must tremble in fear before the God of Daniel.’ (Daniel 6:26 CSB). 2) When you’re tired of battling temptation. When the urge to pick up a drink, drug, or cigarette feels overwhelming, or you think the only way out is to lie, or loneliness is driving you into the arms of the wrong person. After Jesus had battled temptation for forty days, the Bible says, ‘Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him’ (Matthew 4:11 KJV). 3) When the load you have been called to carry feels too heavy. Facing the indescribable agony of being crucified on a cross, Jesus prayed the defining prayer of His life: ‘“Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours be done.” Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him.’ (Luke 22:42-43 NKJV). God will strengthen you through His Word and prayer. Sometimes He will send people you know to help you do it. Paul wrote, ‘...we were harassed at every turn – conflicts on the outside, fears within. But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus...’ (2 Corinthians 7:5-6 NIV). Other times, He will send an angel. Bottom line: when you call on God for help, you can be sure that help is on the way.

HRHQueenPhil:
Father ,in the name of Jesus Christ, send an angel to protect me this week and guide me to my wealthy place in Jesus Christ name amen

I lock into this too with faith in Jesus name. 🙏

When God sends you an angel (3)

Mon, 8 May 2023

‘The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, And rescues them.’ Psalm 34:7

What are some other situations when God might send an angel to help you? 1) To get you out of trouble. Lot was living in Sodom, a city about to be destroyed because of its extreme sin. That’s when God sent angels to rescue him and his family from impending doom. Lot listened, obeyed, and survived, but sadly his wife didn’t, and she perished (see Genesis 19). 2) To change your life’s direction. ‘Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro…There the angel of the LORD appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush’ (Exodus 3:1-2 NIV). Moses thought his life was over. He grew up in a palace and ended up in a pasture. But every experience, good and bad, had equipped him to lead the greatest migration of people in history. 3) When you’re facing your biggest challenge. In order to enter the promised land, Israel first had to conquer its biggest city, Jericho. And Joshua hadn’t a clue as to how to do it. That’s when God sent an angel with a plan that would literally bring down the walls (see Joshua 5:14). 4) When you have given it your best and want to give up. After his spectacular victory over the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, Jezebel put out a death threat on the prophet Elijah. How did it affect him? He told God he’d had enough and wanted to die. ‘Then he lay down and fell asleep ... there was an angel touching him, and he said to him, “Arise, eat!”’ (1 Kings 19:4-5 NASB). Even today, God still sends angels in disguise to help us.

When God sends you an angel (2)

Sun, 7 May 2023

‘He will order his angels to protect you wherever you go.’ Psalm 91:11

In what situation might God send an angel to help you? 1) When those you love and trust have disappointed you. Imagine how Hagar felt. In a joint decision with his wife, Sarah, Abraham got Hagar pregnant in order to try and fulfil God’s promise. Then Sarah conceived, and after Isaac was born, Abraham sent Hagar and Ishmael away into the wilderness. Not wanting to see her son die after their resources ran out, Hagar sat a bowshot away from Ishmael, lifted her voice, and wept. But God sent an angel to tell her that her son was a child of destiny from whom would come a great people (see Genesis 21:18). 2) When you’re facing embarrassment and can’t defend yourself. Mary planned to get married first and then have a baby. But God had a different plan. Not only was she facing public humiliation, but according to the law, she should be put to death. But God sent an angel to vindicate her and tell her that she was in the centre of His will (see Luke 1:34-38). 3) When you’re grieving the death of someone you love and fearing for your future. Mary Magdalene loved Jesus more than life itself, so when He died and was buried, she was distraught and heartbroken. That’s when God sent an angel to announce to two women: ‘He is not here: for he is risen ...’ (Matthew 28:6 KJV). The Bible says to show hospitality to strangers for some have entertained angels without knowing it. (see Hebrews 13:2). A cynical world will make you doubt that God actually loves you so much that He would send an angel to help you. But it’s true.

When God sends you an angel (1)

Sat, 6 May 2023

‘Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?’ Hebrews 1:14

God can come to you in varied forms. When Jesus appeared to His disciples and stilled the storm, they thought He was a ghost. So, your intellect can undermine your faith. The Bible says angels are ‘ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation’. Have you ever seen an angel? They aren’t always dressed in white with dramatically arched wings. Sometimes they’re so ordinary that they’re overlooked. ‘Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it’ (Hebrews 13:2 NIV). Perhaps you think God doesn’t send angels because He has given us His Holy Spirit to help, protect, and guide us. Not so. Remember, God sent an angel to deliver Peter from prison on the eve of his execution. On his way to Rome, Paul was on board a ship that was destined to be destroyed by a ferocious storm. But God sent an angel to assure him he would survive it. So, Paul announced to the crew and passengers: ‘Take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. For there stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve, saying, “Do not be afraid, Paul”…Therefore take heart, men, for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me’ (Acts 27:22-25 NKJV). You may not be able to see angels, but you can be certain that they see you; indeed, they never take their eyes off you! (See Matthew 18:10.)

dawnomike:
If his connection is not disturbing your power output needed in your apartment, just let it slide

....but he/she should be contributing to the fueling then 🤷

My mama too is late....😢

Oseni Ejire.....a bi? 🤔

Ma'ami nii all the time....trust Iya Sunday. 😄😄😄

A prayer of forgiveness

Fri, 5 May 2023

‘Forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.’ Ephesians 4:32

The Bible says, ‘Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behaviour. Instead, be kind to each other, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you’ (Ephesians 4:31-32 NLT). Are you struggling to forgive someone? Here is a prayer: ‘Lord, I praise You for forgiving me and washing my sins away. Reveal anything I need to confess to You today so that I can bring it before You and be cleansed and set free, especially any place in my heart where I have not forgiven someone. I know how subtly resentment and bitterness can build up and hinder my prayers. I recognise that my lack of forgiveness towards others can keep me from experiencing Your forgiveness (see Mark 11:25). To say that I need Your help to forgive others the way You have always been forgiving towards me is a huge understatement. You forgave the unforgivable on the cross. I acknowledge that I am incapable of forgiving on my own. Remind me that I cannot make my forgiveness conditional upon whether people deserve it or not and that the focus of my heart must remain on becoming more like You. Give me the grace to forgive and not hold forgiveness back until the other person says or does what I think they should. Take away any anger, bitterness, or resentment in my heart. Pour out Your Spirit upon me and cleanse me of all that’s not of You. Enable me to walk in the forgiveness You have given me and to extend it to others. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.’

Use your God-given creativity

Thu, 4 May 2023

‘He has filled them with skill to do all manner of work.’ Exodus 35:35

The Bible says God ‘filled them with skill to do all manner of work of the engraver and the designer and the tapestry maker, in blue, purple, and scarlet thread, and fine linen, and of the weaver – those who do every work and those who design artistic works’ (Exodus 35:35 NKJV). When God calls you to do something, He has already placed within you the ability to accomplish it. Satan hopes you never discover that. He wants you to remain trapped in the status quo, believing that the way things are is how they will always be. Not so! When you change your thinking, your life begins to change. ‘For as he thinks in his heart, so is he’ (Proverbs 23:7 NKJV). As long as you are content to remain as you are, you will never begin to think creatively. But when you decide you want your life to change for the better, you become teachable and open yourself to becoming creative. Like anything else in life, creativity begins with one idea. Then those ideas multiply! And each creative idea you have increases your ability to become a creative thinker. Poet Maya Angelou observed: ‘You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have. Sadly, too often, creativity is smothered rather than nurtured. There has to be a climate in which new ways of thinking, perceiving, and questioning are encouraged.’ If you cultivate creative thinking, there is no telling what kind of ideas you will come up with or how far you will go in life. Are you ready to start? Ask your Creator for a creative idea, then step out in faith and act on it.

Wow!

.....he will eventually when he get to power. It was only a joke. At least 50% will be refund.

Money matters in marriage

Wednesday 3rd May 2023

‘He who is greedy for gain troubles his own house.’ Proverbs 15:27 NKJV

Today one of the biggest sources of conflict in marriage is money. That is because a husband and wife often have opposite ideas about how money ought to be used. Stop and consider the words ‘delayed gratification’. When one spouse is willing to delay purchasing something until their financial house is in order, but the other one isn’t, the battle lines begin to form. Another disagreement that can arise is deciding when and for what credit should be obtained. This is treacherous territory. Nothing irritates a disciplined, thrifty person more than living with someone who wastes their income and their future earnings on things that aren’t truly needed. Another potential minefield in marriage for many of us is deciding when and how much to give to our children. Because we love them so much, we want life to be easier and better for them growing up than it was for us. But it takes a steady hand to hold a full cup. The Bible clearly teaches the virtues of hard work, living frugally, saving, building, and producing by the sweat of our brows. And if our children don’t learn these virtues the right way, while they’re living in our home, there is a good chance they will learn them the hard way – while building their own home. So here is some good advice: stay out of debt as much as possible and be extremely cautious with credit cards. Their misuse can weaken your family’s stability and future. Indeed, credit cards should be labelled, ‘Danger! Handle with care!’ Jesus put it this way: ‘Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own’ (Luke 12:15 NLT).

Don’t wait; enjoy your life now

Tue, 2 May 2023

‘Nothing is better than that a man should rejoice in his own works, for that is his heritage.’ Ecclesiastes 3:22

Solomon writes: ‘Nothing is better than that a man should rejoice in his own works.’ That is why we are here! No one can bring us back from death to enjoy life after we die.’ Begin now to think about what you can do to find more joy in every experience. The present moment is all you’re guaranteed, so don’t wait until later – until you get married, retire, go on holiday, or until your children finish university – to enjoy your life. No one knows what will happen next in their lives or in the world. You’re alive now, so maximise it, embrace it, and celebrate it. Nobody was busier than Jesus, yet He knew how to celebrate! His first miracle was performed at a wedding reception. His schedule was hectic, yet He interrupted it to enjoy time with children. The needs He faced were endless, yet He took time off to rest. If you had your life to live over, would you take more chances and more trips? Would you climb more mountains, swim more rivers, and watch more sunsets? Would you eat more ice cream and fewer beans? Would you stop worrying about imaginary troubles? Are you one of those people who never goes anywhere without a thermometer, a hot water bottle, a gargle, a raincoat, and a parachute? You get the picture. Don’t wait; enjoy your life now.

God bless Lagos State

Experiencing God’s presence and pleasure

Mon, 1 May 2023

‘In Your presence is fullness of joy.’ Psalm 16:11

If you were miserable before you met Jesus, it’s easy to make the mistake of thinking that the only place His presence can be enjoyed is in church. No, you can enjoy His presence everywhere. At home, at work, at school, in business, and even in times of suffering and adversity. Brother Lawrence, a Carmelite monk in a French monastery, wrote the best-selling book, The Practice of the Presence of God. He resented his daily routine in the kitchen. Then God showed him that everything he did each day could be done for God and with God. That truth transformed his life. You can cultivate your mind to be more productive, and you can also cultivate your spirit to be more sensitive to God. You can reach the place where you sense His presence and His pleasure in all that you do. Believing God is present with you won’t help you much if you think He is always upset with you. But when you see yourself as accepted in Christ, you realise that He is not only present with you at all times but pleased with you (see Ephesians 1:6). That will radically change your thinking about God. There are dozens of things pertaining to everyday life, and you can enjoy them all if you just make the decision to do it – getting dressed, going to work, organising things, running errands, grocery shopping, etc. After all, these are the things life is made up of. Joy comes not merely from being entertained but from a decision to be grateful for each moment you are given as a rare and valuable gift from God.

Christ is coming again!

Sun, 30 Apr 2023

‘The day of the Lord will come as unexpectedly as a thief.’ 2 Peter 3:10 NLT

Don’t let date-setters make you cynical about Christ’s soon return. When the founder of a major church denomination predicted in print the date of Christ’s second coming, his successors faced the embarrassment of having to publicly acknowledge that they were wrong. Do you remember the alarmists of Y2K? Declaring a scientific certainty that the year 2000 would bring the end of the world and the return of Christ. They caused people to leave their jobs, sell their homes, stock up on food, and head for the hills. And because of such embarrassments, many preachers today have silenced or toned down the truth of Christ’s second coming. Yes, when some people hear the message, they roll their eyes and say, ‘Not again!’ But doubt about Christ’s return is one of the signs that guarantees it will happen. The Bible says: ‘Know this first of all, that in the last days mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts, and saying, "Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue just as they were from the beginning of creation." The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not willing for any to perish, but for all to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be discovered. Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent to be found spotless and blameless by Him, at peace,’ (2 Peter 3-4, 9-10, 14 NASB).

Ah! 😮.......
....gbese re ooo🤷

Start memorising Scriptures

Sat, 29 Apr 2023

‘Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.’ Colossians 3:16 KJV

Before written languages were developed, memory was the only way to learn. In our day, memorising has got a bad name as rote learning. But memorising never makes your mind a duller place, just the opposite! When we have stored wonderful words in our memory, we will have a much richer inner life than someone who doesn’t. Eva Hermann spent two years in a Nazi prison camp. She wrote how a young cellmate happened to recite the prayer of St Teresa: ‘Let naught trouble thee; let naught frighten thee; all things pass. God alone changeth not. Patience can do all things. Whoever has God, has everything. God alone sufficeth.’ When Eva saw how much this helped the girl, she began to repeat the prayer at the end of every day. Eva later wrote of how her time in prison was transformed by the words she had memorised. This illustrates that the words we carry in our minds are available to transform any given moment. So when there is a verse of Scripture that speaks to you, stop and write it on a card. Put it on a mirror in your bathroom, on your smartphone or calendar, or in your car. If you’re an auditory learner, listen to the Scripture being read. If you’re a visual learner, light a candle and read these words: ‘God is light and in Him there is no darkness at all’ (1 John 1:5 NKJV). When God’s Word is rehearsed, remembered, and repeated often, it’s like a stream of joy, peace, and strength that flows and carries your soul along with it.