₦airaland Forum

Faithfulness (1)

Sun, 5 Feb 2023

‘Many claim to have unfailing love, but a faithful person who can find?’ Proverbs 20:6

A new employee once asked a co-worker, ‘How long have you been working for the company?’ He replied, ‘Ever since the boss threatened to fire me!’ Seriously, employers scramble to find workers who are faithful and dependable. Citizens long for politicians who faithfully carry out their campaign promises. In the marriage ceremony, newlyweds are asked to be faithful to the vows they make to each other. The truth is, without faithfulness, your influence will be restricted or wiped out. Without faithfulness, the total of all your other wonderful talents is diluted. Faithfulness turns the mundane into the miraculous and transforms ordinary individuals into dependable achievers. Wise King Solomon asked this soul-searching question: ‘Many claim to have unfailing love, but a faithful person who can find?’ The world wants people who are faithful. There are more than 300 geysers in Yellowstone National Park (approximately half the known geysers in the world). But one stands above the others. It’s not the largest, and its waters don’t reach the greatest height, but it’s by far the most popular. And its popularity is due solely to one thing – its dependability. People stand in long lines under the hot sun to see it because, according to a precise schedule, it shoots a stream of boiling water more than 120 feet into the air. You can nearly set your watch by it. That’s why it’s called Old Faithful. People are attracted to our faithfulness. God is glorified by our faithfulness. So, in all you do this day, practise faithfulness.

SoulFood: Ps 23, John 6:1-15

Yinmu

God is your provider

Sat, 4 Feb 2023

‘You prepare a table before me.’ Psalm 23:5

Next time you sit down at your table to eat a delicious meal, stop and think about all the people it took to make it possible. A farmer grew it or raised it; a food processing company prepared and packaged it; a transport company shipped it; a grocery store sold it; then someone paid the price to buy it, cook it, and set it before you to eat. There are many links in this chain, but the first link is God. He made the soil, the seeds, and the livestock. Without Him, you would go hungry. That’s why it’s proper to say grace or offer thanks to Him each time you come to your dining table. When someone sets food for your enjoyment and nourishment in front of you, common courtesy should require that you respond by saying, ‘Thank you.’ Here is a memo from heaven: ‘Everything you have came from Me. Signed: God.’ (See James 1:17.) Perhaps you’re thinking, ‘But I worked hard for what I have.’ Then you’re to be commended for your work ethic and your effort. But that’s not the end of the story; here is the rest of it: ‘Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share’ (1 Timothy 6:17-18 NKJV). When God says be ‘ready to give, willing to share, …’ He is simply saying, ‘Just as I have been the provider of all your blessings, now go out and share those blessings with others.’

Emefiele's agents

Are you growing spiritually?

Fri, 3 Feb 2023

‘Growing in every way more and more like Christ ...’ Ephesians 4:15

Spiritual growth doesn’t happen automatically. You must desire to grow, decide to grow, discipline yourself, and delight in spiritual growth. ‘But my life is just too hard,’ you say. A lot of people have had it worse than you and grown into spiritual maturity, and a lot of folks have had it better and remained stuck in spiritual infancy. That’s because they doubted their ability to grow, drifted wherever the current took them, or delayed their growth, thinking, ‘I’ll get around to it when things change’. But it never happens. Growth always begins with a decision. ‘Follow me and be my disciple ... So Matthew got up and followed him’ (Matthew 9:9 NLT). Matthew didn’t understand all the implications of his decision; he simply decided to follow Jesus. That’s all you need to get started: a decision. Nothing shapes your life like the decisions you make. If you want to know what you’ll be twenty or thirty years from now, examine the commitments and priorities that rule your life. It’s at the point of commitment that most of us miss God’s best. Because we are afraid to commit to anything, we make half-hearted commitments to too many things and end up frustrated because we chose the wrong things. And when we commit to the wrong things, we end up living with regrets. Every choice has consequences, so choose wisely. Christlikeness is the result of making Christ-like choices and then depending on Him to help you fulfil those choices. And He will: ‘… put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.’ (Ephesians 4:24 ESV).

You represent your Father

Thu, 2 Feb 2023

‘His father saw him and had compassion …’ Luke 15:20

When the father saw his prodigal son, he had compassion. Pastor Jack Graham writes: ‘This isn’t a father who can’t wait to punish his sinful son, who has written him off as wasted and worthless. This is a loving, caring father who can’t wait to embrace and welcome him. He runs down the road to meet him. What you see is a picture of the Father’s love for you; eager, excessive, approachable and abundant.’ Max Lucado adds: ‘The tale involves a wealthy father and a wilful son who takes his inheritance to Las Vegas and wastes it on slot machines and call girls. Broke and too proud to go home, he gets a job sweeping stables at the racetrack. When he finds himself eating their oats, he realises enough is enough. Off he goes, rehearsing his repentance speech. ‘But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion …’ (Luke 15:20 NKJV). We expect crossed arms, a furrowed brow, a guarded handshake and a stern lecture. Instead, the father said, ‘Bring out the best robe … a ring … sandals … And bring the fatted calf …’ (Luke 15:22-23 NKJV). The ring symbolised delegated authority. The one who wore it carried on business in the name of the one who gave it. Would you have given this prodigal the power of attorney over your matters? Entrusted him with your credit card? When you came to God, you were given the authority to conduct business in His name. When you speak the truth, you’re His ambassador (see 2 Corinthians 5:20). As you steward finances He gives, you’re His business manager. When you proclaim forgiveness, you’re His priest. He has given you the privilege to do for others what He does for you. Don’t withhold encouragement or affirmation! Speak words that strengthen others. Why? Because you represent your Father!

Reflections Without Mirror- Niyi Aborisade

The Presidential campaign 2023.

This presidential election campaign for this year 2023 election coming up on 25.02.2024 lacks flavour in that it is not much of an agenda base. The three top parties are : (1) All Progressive Congress(APC) 2. Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP) and (3.) The Labour Party ( LP). Ahmed Bola Tinubu for APC, Atiku Abubakar for PDP and Peter Obi for LP.

The presidential election is just about 24 days away.

The political ideology of the presidential candidates of these parties are not so clear. There is a genuine need for thorough debates between all the presidential candidates to illuminate on their agenda for the country. The citizens of this country deserve to know what they have in stock for them if they are elected. The candidates should not see the position as a right but a privilege and a call to duty to serve the country. It should not be based on agreement between individuals or ethnic based but the best for the rest. When positions are seen as service to the country and not an avenue to enrich your friends and family members , then we are about to climb the ladder of true democracy in the real sense.

Gone were the days when we had ideological parties in Nigeria. We had Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) under the leadership of Late Chief Obafemi Awolowo with a clear ideology of a welfarist society , free education, free health , abundance of life, integrated rural development, a progressive programme of development of roads and schools, and constitutional amendment for State creation etc. There was the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) under late Chief Adisa Meredith Akinloye as the Chairman and Late Alhaji Shehu Shagari as the President. It was a right-wing party with a clear intention of creating a capitalist society, and one of their campaigns promise was implementation of Green Revolution as an agricultural policy. We had Nigeria Peoples Party (NPP) under Late Dr Nnamdi Azikwe , with the ideology of a little to the left and a little to the right. Its main aim was to transcend the politics of ethnicity and to promote the cause of both the prominent ethnic groups and ethnic minorities. There was People's Redemption party under late Aminu Kano , it was a social Democratic Party, a party that was willing to cater for the poor, a reincarnation of the Northern Elements of the Progressive Union. The Party was created after Aminu Kano withdrew from NPN , having realised that NPN cannot meet the yearnings of his people. We had a Great Nigeria Peoples Party under late Ibrahim Waziri, a business's man and one of the richest man of his time . He broke away from NPP to form the party and nevertheless adhered to the same principle of NPP.

UPN party was the foremost ideological party, and this was what differentiated it from other political parties, the ideals which it was established. The party was populated by the best brains in Nigeria of that time. Few of them are still around watching with disdain the level by which the politics and Nigerian politicians have degenerated into. We all knew what the parties stood for, and you could not campaign without telling the people what you stand for.

Today's politics is totally different, the presidential candidates are shying away from public debates and scrutiny. No one can ask a legitimate question or criticise any of the candidates before their henchmen hammer and fire tongue you. An healthy political public debates is where they would have been able to promote their ideologies and shed light on all the grey areas that are important to Nigeria such as restructuring and how they will perform the restructuring and the form it will take. Up till now, some of them only talk of restructuring but cannot explain what it means , everything is just shrouded in mystery.

The presidential candidate of APC is not willing to attend any debates but relies heavily on his previous performance in Lagos when he was the governor. That was many years ago and the people are saying 'Nigeria' is a country and complex than lagos. Tell us how you will be different from the current government, taking into consideration the current situation in Nigeria and the level of the unprecedented debts.

The presidential candidate of Peoples Democratic Party promised to raise 10 billion dollars by selling all our refineries but did not tell us what he will do with the Ten billion dollars and what will happen after the money is dissipated.

President Obi of Labour Party, a former governor of Anambra State is relying on his prudence when he was a governor. He is rallying the youth and being the youngest of the three, his followers are presenting him as a Saint to the people . I have listened to some of his campaigns, and he has not been able to articulate his plan for a better Nigeria. Most of his followers have no tolerance and are ready to insult anyone who criticises him. In short they want everyone to accept him as 'saint' no question asked.

All the three major presidential candidates have all gone to Chatham House in the UK to sell themselves to the people of Nigeria. They have failed to give us the exegesis of their appearances in Chatham House when it is the people of Nigeria that will determine who wins the election.

I have never seen any Western leaders that come to Nigeria to campaign to win election, the attitude of these three candidates clearly shows that they are still suffering from Colonial mentality. Nigeria is a country of over Two Hundred Million People and they deserve the best and proper attention.

Our presidential candidates should stay in Nigeria and give us a vibrant campaign and attend at least three debates on the National TV where people that are not members of their party would be able to ask them questions on everything including their personal and public lives to show transparency. The system where candidates are seen as gods or project as saints and above criticism can not take us anywhere. The presidential candidate of PDP should be asked why he is not able to unify his party if truly and genuinely he is a Unifier as they called him.
The president of APC should defend why he chose Muslim as his deputy when there are also popular Northern Christians. He needs to tell Nigeria whether he will be able to stand up against the cabals so as to free the country from some few numbers of people that are strangulating the country. He should be questioned about his health status.

Presidential candidate of Labour party should be asked about his investment in Anambra State when he was a governor there, which his critics said it is worth to nothing.

All of them need to address the issue of religion and guarantee peaceful co- existence where people will be able to practice their religion without being afraid of declaring their faith, where people will not be lynched on false allegation of blasphemy like Deborah Samuel Yakubu was lynched in Sokoto and the assailants are not brought to justice.

The people need to know what they will do regarding our down trodden economy and how they will do it to allievate the sufferings of the people of this country and how they intend to revamp our moribund medical facilities.

None of them has addressed their foreign policy for the country and how to protect the citizens of this country living abroad.

There are so many issues that they have failed to address in their campaigns, apart from shouting the names of their party in the campaign and some nice dancing movement.

Nigeria should not miss it this time around, our unity is already fragmenting by multifarious differences , the economy is at the lowest level since independence, the highest foreign exchange since indepedence that has humilliated Nigeria currency has almost crippled everything. Therefore, we need a president who is up to the task, who is ready to take us to another positive level, a leader who will change the course of our negative history so that we shall sing a new song. ' Positive Change' and there shall be a new Nigeria. Let the debate start now.

Niyi Aborisade is a lawyer an Historian and a Human Rights Activist.

Gengen........let the game begins.

Indispensable85:
Tinubu's rally in sokoto will be twice as massive. Save this comment and mention me when Tinubu lands in sokoto.

rally been massive doesn't win election ooo my brother. Big rally is all a scam.

Scriptural coping skills

Wed, 1 Feb 2023

‘Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks...’ 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

In order to succeed in life, you need good coping skills. The salesperson has a quota. The performer has rehearsals. The therapist counsels one depressed soul after another. The pilot has to sit in the cockpit for hours. The preacher is never free of sermon preparation. Then there is the parent with tiny children facing fourteen hours a day of making decisions, competing with strong wills, and trying to be everything to everybody. How do you develop the coping skills required to live the abundant life Jesus promised? (See John 10:10.) Paul tells us, ‘Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks ...’ Rejoice in the things that never change, can’t fail, and won’t let you down (like God’s promises!). And when you feel like you can’t cope, pray. Better yet, live with a prayerful heart! With every breath, say, ‘I trust You, Lord; I turn it over to You, for I know You have everything under control.’ And don’t forget to give thanks. Remember the old adage: ‘I grumbled because I had no shoes until I met a man who had no feet.’ Instead of complaining, start counting your blessings. Do you remember what life was like before you met Jesus? Weren’t there days when you thought you wouldn’t make it? Now, look where you are! On the other side of the Red Sea, looking back, the Israelites declared that the Lord was their strength, their song, and their salvation (see Exodus 15:2). And isn’t that what He has been to you, too? Come on, praise God!

Peace will guard your mind

Tue, 31 Jan 2023

‘The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds.’ Philippians 4:7

Wise people never make important decisions when they are in a tense emotional state. When Elijah found out that Queen Jezebel was after him, he was ready to give up his role as a prophet and die. So, God gave him forty days of rest, prayer, and recovery, before he decided what his next steps would be. He was now ready to decide on the basis of his faith in God, and not his fear of Jezebel. And his decision was very different at the end of forty days of rest than it would have been before he rested.

You’ve probably seen people make terrible decisions when they were drained, tired, discouraged, and afraid, which they would never have made otherwise. Generally speaking, you won’t choose the right course of action when you’re in the wrong frame of mind. When you have an important decision to make, sometimes the wisest thing you can do is—wait until you’re rested. An anxious mind in an exhausted body can lead to a terrible decision.

The Bible says: ‘Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.’ (Philippians 4:6–7 NKJV) Notice what the peace of God does for you. It will guard your mind. From what? Acting impulsively, acting selfishly, or acting maliciously. Acting in any way that will result in loss rather than gain—and regret rather than joy.

Telling it like it is

Mon, 30 Jan 2023

‘Speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ.’ Ephesians 4:15

It’s difficult to confront a friend when there is a problem. It’s easier to stay superficial, to demonise one another when you don’t agree, or to cut ties with someone at the first sign of trouble. But the Bible says, ‘One who gives a right answer kisses the lips.’ (Proverbs 24:26 NASB) Transparency deepens relationships and keeps our fellowship open and authentic, freeing us to speak the truth in love. No more lies or pretence. Tell your brother the truth. Remember, ‘Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbour,” for we are members of one another.’ (Ephesians 4:25 NKJV)

Relationships involve flawed people who make mistakes and get into messes. Friends need to be able to count on each other, not just for fun and affirmation, but for instruction and correction. Committing ourselves to a friendship means that, because we care on a deep, intimate level, we need to have the courage to speak up when a friend needs to hear tough words. True friendship comes with joy and responsibility. To avoid talking truthfully about a situation that’s hurtful, dangerous, or out of God’s will is to dishonour the friendship and the friend. When we’ve been trusted with the blessing of friends, we must love them enough to be willing to experience hurt, rejection, and even anger. In the end, truth heals.

Before addressing a difficult situation, if there’s any self-righteousness or the tiniest desire to get even, we should keep silent. When it comes to touchy subjects, our honesty must be accompanied by pure, loving motives. The Bible says, ‘Speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ.’ If your words aren’t infused with love, they’ll hurt rather than heal.

Emefiele look so unkept......

You dey try my God, a bi?

https://www.facebook.com/100001263175095/posts/pfbid02KAkNkh8Ko9hSDT3UnGVLWMQNVwu6zuzBZJYPxZoF3rFdJN3dZMGmUa7nvbR61R6wl/?sfnsn=scwspwa&mibextid=2Rb1fB

What's next now?

What concerns you concerns God

Sun, 29 Jan 2023

‘Give all your worries and cares to God.’ 1 Peter 5:7

A trucker who always took his dog on his road trips had stopped for a break and was throwing a ball around when something caught the dog’s eye, and he shot into the bush. When the dog didn’t return, the trucker searched frantically, without success. He alerted other truckers at the truck stop, and they searched until dark. They eventually left and told the trucker they would pray for him. The trucker doubted God was listening or particularly concerned about his dog, as he had been praying and searching for hours to no avail.

He posted about his dilemma on Facebook before getting back on the road, distressed that it would be weeks before he was assigned to return. On his next break, he checked Facebook, and it was filled with comments saying: “We’re praying for you.” “Hang in there.” “Trust God.” It was such a comfort to him that someone besides him was worried about his dog. As if that wasn’t enough, his company assigned him a return trip the next day! Could prayer be working?

On his way back, he stopped in the same spot his dog had gone missing and started searching for him again. This time, he prayed with confidence. After searching for hours, to no avail, he returned to his truck disillusioned, only to find his dog sitting next to his truck waiting for him!

The Bible says, ‘Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you.’ (1 Peter 5:7 NLT)

...... another Seun Egbegbe in the making

Start your day with God

Sat, 28 Jan 2023

‘My voice You shall hear in the morning, O Lord.’ Psalm 5:3

Develop the habit of starting each day with God. When you do, you will have a source of strength to draw on all day long. Psychologists say it takes up to three weeks to become familiar with a new habit, and another three before it takes root. That means you need to get beyond the six-week barrier. So, do these:

(1) Make a strong resolution. If you begin half-heartedly, you will never succeed. The Bible says, ‘Encourage one another daily.’ (Hebrews 3:13 NIV) If it helps, become accountable to someone. Ask them to encourage you and remind you of the promise you made to God.

(2) Never allow an exception. A habit is like a ball of twine: every time you drop it, some of the strands unwind. So don’t allow just this once thinking to creep in. Every act of yielding weakens your will and causes you to lose ground.

(3) Use every opportunity to practise your new habit. Whenever you get the slightest urge to read your Bible and pray, do it. Don’t wait; use that moment to reinforce it. It doesn’t hurt to overdo a new habit when you’re first starting.

(4) Rely on the power of God. You’re in a spiritual battle, and you can only succeed with God’s help. Depend on Him to aid you in developing the habit for His glory. Write down the following words, sign your name at the bottom, and keep them before you constantly: ‘Lord, I commit myself to beginning each day with You no matter the cost. And I’m depending on You to help me be consistent.’ That’s a prayer He is sure to answer.

okeysoninv:
I am ashamed of our south east Governors and south south. it's only stealing of public funds they know how to do best.

even Dapo Abiodun too is a shame.

The blessed hope

Fri, 27 Jan 2023

‘Looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ.’ Titus 2:13

Trusting in Christ’s soon return and our ultimate victory is what will sustain us in these days of disillusionment with some of our national leaders, the devaluing of our money, and the devastation of wars being fought on various continents at the same time. And don’t let some television talk-show host play on your fears in order to promote his or her ratings.

Jesus said, ‘Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming.’ (Matthew 24:42 NASB) Admiral James Stockdale was a prisoner of war for eight years in Vietnam. What sustained him? He said: ‘I never lost faith in the end of the story. I never doubted not only that I would get out, but also that I would prevail in the end and turn the experience into the defining event of my life, which, in retrospect, I would not trade.’ When asked, ‘Who didn’t make it out?’ Stockdale replied: ‘Oh, that’s easy. The optimists… they were the ones who said, “We’re going to be out by Christmas.” And Christmas would come, and Christmas would go. Then they’d say, “We’re going to be out by Easter.” And Easter would come, and Easter would go. And then Thanksgiving, and then it would be Christmas again. And they died of a broken heart.’

The courage needed to stand between the two extremes of current trouble and ultimate triumph is found in these words of Scripture: ‘Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.’ (Hebrews 12:2 NKJV) The One who gave you your start has guaranteed you a glorious finish.

Help for your marriage

Thu, 26 Jan 2023

‘He who answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame to him.’ Proverbs 18:13

Author Jean Kerr quipped: ‘Marrying a man is like buying something you've been admiring for a long time in a shop window. You may love it when you get it home, but it doesn't always go with everything in the house.’

The Bible gives good marital advice: ‘Now may the God who gives endurance and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, according to Christ Jesus.’ (Romans 15:5 HCSB) That means doing these three things:

(1) Keep an open mind. The Bible says, ‘He who answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame to him.’ So don’t form your response while your spouse is still talking. And never become so entrenched in your opinion that you’re unwilling to consider your spouse’s viewpoint. Listening is about connecting and acknowledging where the other person is coming from. ‘Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. Everyone should look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.’ (Philippians 2:3–4 HCSB)

(2) Learn to laugh at yourself. ‘A joyful heart makes a face cheerful, but a sad heart produces a broken spirit.’ (Proverbs 15:13 HCSB) When you’re experiencing money woes, family problems, illness, or plain old exhaustion, humour can ease the tension and help restore your perspective.

(3) Eliminate the ‘D’ word from your vocabulary. Although God permits divorce under certain circumstances, it’s never His ideal. When you commit to work on your relationship, no matter how things ultimately end up, you will never regret your efforts.

seeyounow:

what are you driving at?

Advice on dating

Wed, 25 Jan 2023

‘Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?’ Amos 3:3

There is no definitive test that can predict how a date will ultimately work out, but here are five questions you should always ask yourself:

(1) What’s my first impression of this person? For example, who do they hang out with? What kind of events do they enjoy? Do they lie? Steal? Swear? Do drugs? This kind of information can save you untold heartache down the road. And, not to judge a book by its cover, until you really get to know somebody, what else can you go by?

(2) How well do I know them? Isn’t it wiser to date someone you have known for a while instead of a stranger?

(3) Are they gracious towards others? Nothing is worse than a man who brags about his previous conquests, or a woman who constantly criticises her ex. Would you trust that kind of person with your reputation and your heart?

(4) Do we share the same values? The Bible says, ‘Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?’ Opposites may attract, but that’s not a good rule when it comes to values. You need to know that your date is a committed Christian who lives by his or her convictions. What kind of standards do they have about things like money, morals, and films?

(5) Can I trust them to keep their word? In previous relationships did they flirt, cheat, or remain loyal? Count on it, a promise-breaker will inevitably become a heartbreaker. If you’re dating, here is some sound advice: ‘In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.’ (Proverbs 3:6 ESV)

Connecting begins with caring

Tue, 24 Jan 2023

‘May the Lord make your love increase and overflow.’ 1 Thessalonians 3:12

One of America’s most successful telephone companies created a TV advert using the slogan, ‘Can you hear me now?’ It shows a man talking on the phone, but the person on the other end can’t hear him. So, he repeatedly asks, ‘Can you hear me now?’ The ad was designed to convey the message that this particular phone company delivers a high-quality signal and doesn’t drop calls. When your phone drops a call, you know it. And what’s your immediate reaction? Annoyance? Frustration? Anger?

In his book, Everyone Communicates, Few Connect, Dr John Maxwell writes: ‘When I interact with people… I know I’ve connected when I sense extra effort—people go the extra mile; unsolicited appreciation—they say positive things; unguarded openness—they demonstrate trust; increased communication—they express themselves more readily; enjoyable experiences—they feel good about what they’re doing; emotional bondedness—they display a connection on an emotional level; positive energy—their emotional “batteries” are charged by being together… unconditional love—they are accepting without reservation. Anytime I interact with people and I see evidence of these signals, I know I’m connecting. I’ve learned what it takes to connect… and… to gauge when I’m succeeding. How are you doing when it comes to connecting? When you interact one-on-one with someone important in your life, do you receive these signals? Even if connecting with others isn’t something you’re good at today, you can learn how to do it and become better tomorrow.’

But first, you must genuinely care about the person you are trying to connect with. That’s why Paul writes, ‘May the Lord make your love increase and overflow.’

Handling change at work

Mon, 23 Jan 2023

‘To everything there is a season.’ Ecclesiastes 3:1

When change happens in the workplace, we often feel threatened. We get used to the personalities of our co-workers and bosses, and we want them to remain in place, stay the same, and require nothing more from us than what we have given in the past. We fail to prepare for instability, uncertainty, and surprises because of our desire for stability, security, and predictability. How ironic! If we were willing to adjust our expectations and be more realistic, we wouldn’t be so traumatised when change comes. Things can change overnight. It may be the loss of a parent, or a job, or your health.

Change is the only constant in life. And it has the potential to move you on to better things or flatten you like a steamroller. The choice is yours. ‘To everything there is a season.’ The truth is, God is your only secure anchor in life, so if you’re wise, you will build a strong relationship with Him. Ultimately, He will never allow you to depend on anything but Him.

Here is Elijah’s story: ‘The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning… and he drank from the brook. And it happened after a while that the brook dried up, because there had been no rain in the land.’ (1 Kings 17:6–7 NKJV) Elijah may have panicked, but God didn’t. ‘The word of the Lord came to him, saying, “Arise, go to Zarephath… and dwell there. See, I have commanded a widow there to provide for you.”’ (1 Kings 17:8–9 NKJV)

Notice what God used to provide for Elijah: ravens, a brook, and a penniless widow. So, enjoy your job, excel in it, but depend only on God!

I hope northern part of Nigeria will not burn for this cause?

Temptation

Sun, 22 Jan 2023

‘Jesus was…tempted by the devil.’ Matthew 4:1

The Bible says, ‘Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.’ Notice who led Jesus there: God! You’re in training for your destiny, and a good trainer has one thing in mind—turning flab into muscle. So he takes you into the gym and increases the weights until you break a sweat and start thinking, ‘I don’t know how much more of this I can take.’ But God does. It’s only when you look back that you realise you’re handling situations today you couldn’t have handled a year ago. Sometimes old temptations will return with a vengeance. They’ll hound you until you think you need some new, novel, quick–fix strategy. Like the Israelites at the Red Sea, just when they thought they were finally free from a life of slavery, here comes Pharaoh. At that point they cried out to God in fear, saying, ‘It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians...’ (Exodus 14:12 NIV) ‘Then the Lord said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to Me? Tell the Israelites to move on. Raise your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea to divide the water...”’ (Exodus 14:15–16) God used Moses’ rod—again! Victory over the Egyptians didn’t come from discovering something new; it came from using what God had already given them. You have the power inside you today to overcome the temptation you’re facing right now. You just need to tap into it. Paul said, ‘Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.’ (Ephesians 3:20 NKJV)

caesymore:
I love this, if it's not a skit, the Son no even resemble the Car wey him buy not even his footwear

When I was still out of work after graduation, most of my guys hit it big through G,
My Niggas were just try seriously to sign me in like you see teams rushing to sign players, because my doggedness same as my skills in IT.
Now I never calved in to their request. One of the major reasons being my Family background, If I ever made money through that means I will be alone as I trust my Family will ever disown me and won't touch a dime from me. Good upbringing and Family background affects everything about an individual most times when I see some errant things online I wonder if the OP no get Family.

For social studies them tell us say if Homes dey get the training right, the nation at large has nothing to fear, abeg no marry Bubum absent brain.

yes, you are right. Social studies and moral instruction.....those 2 subjects make sense die. Charity they say begins at gome.

In training for better things

Sat, 21 Jan 2023

‘And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God.’ Romans 8:28

When Joseph was thrown into prison, it was hard for him to see how this road would lead to the fulfilment of his dream, but it did. That’s because God had a plan for his life. And He has one for yours too! Your current job may just be preparation for the job God really has in mind for you. Perhaps not today or tomorrow, but, if you stay faithful, there will come a time when you look back and realise how God directed your steps (see Psalm 37:23). Refuse to embrace any concept of victimhood that would steal your contentment. Your job, in spite of its difficulties, would have been the dream of some of your ancestors.

Didn’t you pray for this job you’re now complaining about? As difficult as this may be to accept, you’re where you are for a reason—and for a season. So, study, do the coursework, take the tests, graduate, and move on to what God has for you next. There are certain qualities you need to take with you from your present position into your next one. Things like skill-building and character development. You may need to learn computer and social media skills—plus patience and gratitude. You may need to learn how to manage an office—plus how to manage your moods. When you’re led by God, no experience is ever wasted because ‘we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to [His] purpose.’ (Romans 8:28 NKJV) God knows what He is doing, so trust Him; He uses every experience to bring about His will and fulfil our joy.

AmuDimpka:
how when youbhanent seen blueprint

I know where the project is going on right now. It will be of great benefits to the people. Lagos is moving.