₦airaland Forum

Be Content With Your Calling (2)

Sun, 23 Aug 2020

‘We make it our goal to please Him.’ 2 Corinthians 5:9 NIV

Paul writes: ‘We make it our goal to please Him… For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due to us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.’ (2 Corinthians 5:9–10 NIV) If pleasing people is your main goal in life, you’ll be disappointed. The moment you stop pleasing them, chances are they’ll criticise you or leave you. Plus, they won’t be with you when you stand at the judgment seat of Christ to be evaluated and rewarded!

Bottom line: you’re not assigned to everybody! So once you discover your God-given gift, ask, ‘Lord, to whom are You sending me?’

‘One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.” So Paul stayed in Corinth for a year and a half, teaching them the Word of God.’ (Acts 18:9–11 NIV) To whom has God sent you? As surely as a plant only thrives in the right kind of soil, you’ll only succeed in the place to which God has assigned you. Peter did well preaching to the Jewish people, whereas Paul writes, ‘God… was pleased to reveal His Son in me so that I might preach Him among the Gentiles.’ (Galatians 1:15–16 NIV)

You must love people, and listen to the right people. But when it comes to your calling—you must be led by God! So go where He sends you and trust Him to take care of you.

Be Content With Your Calling (1)

Sat, 22 Aug 2020

‘There are different kinds of service to God, but it is the same Lord we are serving.’ 1 Corinthians 12:5 TLB

One of the biggest mistakes you can make in ministry is to compare yourself to someone else. In fact, it’s been said that if any two of us are identical, one of us may be unnecessary! The apostle Paul writes, ‘There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord.’ (1 Corinthians 12:5 NKJV)

It’s true that without help from others, you’ll never become all you can be, but God wants you to be mentored, not cloned. He has called each of us to emphasise certain truths at different times. For example, John emphasised love, Solomon emphasised wisdom, and Paul’s major emphasis was grace over law. The need determines the emphasis. If God calls you to be a pastor or church leader, it’s like being a general practitioner. If He calls you to be an evangelist or a teacher, He’s calling you to be a specialist.

‘For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.’ (1 Corinthians 12:8–11 NKJV)

Not everyone will understand or appreciate your style of ministry. And that’s ok—it’s not a popularity contest. You’re called to be a servant, not a star. And a major prerequisite for ministry is ‘that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.’ (1 Corinthians 4:2 NIV)

ValCon888:
Watch as the government will try to smuggle the same money out of the country.
Almost every Nigerian politician in office is guilty of this crime.

Alamaisia of Bayelsa come to mind.

Overcoming Rejection (4)

Fri, 21 Aug 2020

‘If another believer sins, rebuke that person; then if there is repentance, forgive.’ Luke 17:3 NLT

Sometimes you are called upon to confront behaviour that negatively affects you. Jesus said, ‘If another believer sins, rebuke that person; then if there is repentance, forgive.’ Now, that doesn’t give you the right to vent your anger or charge in like a raging bull. Jesus also said, ‘And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, “I repent,” you shall forgive him.’ (Luke 17:4 NKJV)

And here’s another thought: respect the other person’s decision not to pursue a relationship with you. They may not belong in your life, and you may not belong in theirs. Think about the last time you went shopping. Did you purchase every single item you examined? Of course not. Did you reject them because they were inferior? Surely not. You simply decided they were not for you.

Of course, if you experience a pattern of rejection and you’re baffled about the cause, you may want to consider finding out why. ‘Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.’ (Proverbs 27:6 KJV) Sometimes it’s wise to ask, ‘I’d like to get some feedback from you for my personal development. My objective here is not to resume our relationship. I would just like to ask what it was that made you decide to terminate it. I’d really appreciate your honest feedback.’

Be sure to project an upbeat attitude, not a negative one. Listen objectively, and don’t be defensive. You are gathering information. And be willing to change if there is merit to what they say.

Overcoming Rejection (3)

Thu, 20 Aug 2020

‘She perceives that her merchandise is good.’ Proverbs 31:18 NKJV

The mistakes you have made may be big, bad, and frequently repeated. But they haven’t changed God’s mind about you. ‘I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness. I will build you up again, and you… will be rebuilt.’ (Jeremiah 31:3–4 NIV) Yes, God will correct you when you need it. But His correction is not rejection—it’s proof of His love. ‘The Lord disciplines the one He loves.’ (Hebrews 12:6 NIV)

God’s purpose in discipline is to develop you to your highest potential. So don’t let anyone put you down. Be your authentic self when you’re with others. Focus on what you have to give, rather than on how others perceive you. Don’t put on airs, brag, or name-drop in an attempt to level the playing field. You are already equal—even if you don’t have a similar education, experience, financial status, social standing, or background.

Since when did such things make anybody inherently superior to another—especially in the eyes of your heavenly Father? If your goal in life is to please everyone and have them speak well of you, your self-worth will always be at their mercy.

Solomon describes the qualities of a virtuous woman. Here’s one of them: ‘She perceives that her merchandise is good.’ This woman wasn’t prideful, she was just confident in who God had made her to be and the assignment He had given her to fulfil. Her confidence came from within, not from without. Solomon ends the chapter in these words: ‘Honour her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise.’ (Proverbs 31:31 NIV)

Story.......

....the evil in house women these days, ehn! Only God can intervene.

Charmingrascal:
I don't even watch, I just watch some highlights on Twitter and Instagram and read news about it online.

I do not have the time to sit in front of my TV to watch one show with no benefit to my personality.

Somebody said "if you think you are stupid just think about the people who will stay glued to their TV at night just to watch housemates that are sleeping"

These are the people that is making Nigeria to have unnecessary population. You can imagine. And I'm sure he hasn't stop yet?

Overcoming Rejection (2)

Wed, 19 Aug 2020

‘I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.’ Psalm 139:14 NIV

In order to overcome fear of rejection, you must firmly believe that God designed you physically, intellectually, and temperamentally, and gave you an assignment no one else can fulfil. Putting yourself down may seem humble, but it’s actually a form of pride because it’s causing you to reject God’s design and plan for you. So begin to emphatically declare with the psalmist: ‘Thank You for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvellous—how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in Your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. How precious are Your thoughts about me, O God.’ (Psalm 139:14–17 NLT)

Where did you get the idea that you are ‘less than’? Whether it started with critical parents, condemning clergy, unwise teachers, cruel classmates or a verbally abusive spouse, remember that Satan is the ‘father of lies’. (John 8:44 NLT) He used someone to lie to you about your worth and potential. Repeat: ‘It was a lie! It was a lie! It was a lie!’

Decide to reject that lie now. In other words, reject rejection! Make a list of every God-given gift, asset, advantage, or other benefit you possess that is, or could be, a blessing to others. Don’t use worldly systems in developing your list. Focus on character issues such as integrity, loyalty, generosity, discernment, wisdom, and patience. Think of ways you can use each one of these features to glorify God and be a blessing to others.

Overcoming Rejection (1)

Tue, 18 Aug 2020

‘You are precious and honoured in My sight.’ Isaiah 43:4 NIV

Jesus experienced rejection: ‘He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him.’ (John 1:11 NKJV) But He didn’t sit around and lick His wounds; He moved on to where people gladly received Him. And He told His disciples, ‘If anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town.’ (Matthew 10:14 ESV)

Repeated rejection tends to validate the fear that we are inadequate. This is particularly so when it comes to the opinions of those we place value on. But the irony in operating out of the fear of rejection is that it ultimately results in the very rejection you were trying to avoid. When people realise you hold yourself in low regard, they deal with you accordingly. You teach people how to value you by how much you value yourself. If you never express a preference, a boundary, or any other limitation on how others interact with you, they will assume you have none, and behave towards you in that manner.

Notice, even though Jesus was rejected He never responded in a way that encouraged continued rejection. He didn’t stay where He was tolerated; He went to where He was celebrated. In other words, He went to where people recognised and received His person, His purpose, and His power. He had God’s full acceptance; therefore, He did not fear man’s rejection. And you have God’s full acceptance too. ‘You are precious and honoured in My sight, and… I love you.’

The first step to overcoming rejection is to keep God’s opinion of you in your mind at all times.

Practise Visionary Thinking

Mon, 17 Aug 2020

‘I, the Lord, would reveal Myself in visions.’ Numbers 12:6 NLT

If you ask God, He will give you a vision for your life—one that will enable you to see the end goal, get excited, and move progressively towards it. When parents are exhausted with potty training, poor grades, teenage tantrums and car bumps, and you remind them that it’s only a temporary season—you are practising visionary thinking.

Visions aren’t limited to pastors, politicians, and business tycoons—they are for everybody. Visionary thinking gives you a bigger perspective. It’s like enlarging a picture; it expands not only what you can see, but what you believe you are able to do. Visionary thinking calls for three things:

(1) Learning. Be sure of what you know and value it—but never settle for it. Form new relationships, read new books, and learn new skills. Become a lifelong learner.

(2) Listening. Seek out those who have expertise in areas where you don’t. Partner with people who can do things you can’t. Ask questions that enlarge your understanding and thinking, and then listen carefully and record what you hear.

(3) Looking. It’s hard to see the picture while you’re inside the frame. There’s a world outside your own, so you must get outside of yourself and see it through the eyes of others. To meet people’s needs, you must first find out how they think. That calls for humility, getting over your personal agenda, and trying to understand the other person’s point of view. The Bible puts it this way: ‘Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.’ (Philippians 2:4 NKJV)

Is this man a real pastor? Or is it because of politics?
Why was he then been called a THIEF by Oshiomole?

Oga oooo. Crime plenty for this country walahi.

What took them so long?

guy222:
Oga there is no action government will take concerning this issue that will seems wrong. They should even shoot him at sight. Imagin if this happen in a develop country like US or UK. I personal know this man, he dont deserve pity of any kind. He is a known cultist, criminal and thug of the highest order especialy that his useless thug call biggy. The government should not only destroy his properties in the city they should go to his village and destroy every single property that he has and own including his farm and animals if he has any. Finally him cup don full the even throwey.

naa was oooo. Never knew the man is like that ooooo. That means he had choose a wrong person to fight with this time around. You don't fight the government and win. Never!

[quote author= post=92870979]If this is true, then it is understandable
The health of the community is paramount before an individual.[/quote]Oga naa pure politics.

I accept that what the man did was wrong, but why playing politics in destroying his abode?

SpatialKing:
Impressive

Enough of the dependance on Lagos Port alone.

Like seriously, I'm tired of doing businesses through that Lagos port. It's full of shit.
One, here we come.

Lol

It’s Time To Change Direction

Sun, 16 Aug 2020

‘To win the contest you must deny yourselves many things.’ 1 Corinthians 9:25 TLB

Responsibility requires us to make a living and support our family. But deep down, do you feel you’ve been ‘called’ to do something different? It was when Jesus told His disciples to leave the security of the shore and launch out into the deep, that they landed their greatest catch of fish.

Here’s a modern-day story to encourage you. Jerry Richardson faced an important decision in 1961. In those days he played American football for the Baltimore Colts, a job that was considered glamorous and secure. But when he was turned down for the raise he requested, he felt it was time to take a risk and do what he’d always wanted to do—start his own business. He and his family moved back to South Carolina, where an old college friend invited him to buy into a hamburger stand.

Richardson took the plunge and bought Hardees’ first franchise. He went from catching footballs to flipping hamburgers twelve hours a day. He scrubbed stoves and mopped floors. His wages? Only about $600 a month. But tired and frustrated as he was, he refused to give up. He employed the same discipline he’d used on the football field to focus on making his restaurant more efficient, his employees the friendliest in town, and his prices affordable. Before long his business boomed. Eventually he went on to head up one of the largest food service companies in the United States, with $5.3 billion a year in sales.

Oh, and one more thing. He also became an owner in the National Football League and established the Carolina Panthers franchise, which he owned for twenty-three years.

loneprof:
You don't contact a disease, the word is 'contract' so the topic is correct. Google is your friend.

Okay ooo. Lesson learned.

humbleboyy:
You don't contact a disease/virus, you contract them.

okay sir.

Contract or contact?

I don't understand again?

Always Try To Serve Others

Sat, 15 Aug 2020

‘Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people.’ Ephesians 6:7 NIV

A reporter once asked the famous American singer, Marian Anderson, to name the greatest moment in her life. She could have talked about the private concerts she gave at the White House, or her command performance for British royalty. Instead, she shocked the reporter by saying, ‘The greatest moment in my life was the day when I was able to go home and tell my mother that she wouldn’t have to take in washing anymore.’

We are all innately self-centred, thinking first about our own interests. That’s why we must be ‘transformed by the renewing of [our] minds.’ (Romans 12:2 NIV)

Psychologists talk about natural behaviour and learned behaviour. When you’re naturally negative, you must learn to be positive. When you’re naturally fearful, you must learn to be courageous. When you’re naturally selfish, you must learn to be generous. God wants you to go through life looking for opportunities to bless others: ‘Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.’ (Galatians 6:10 NKJV)

And you’re not just to do it to people, you’re supposed to do it through people and unto the Lord. ‘Obey… not only… when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do.’ (Ephesians 6:6-8 NIV) That means what you make happen for others, the Lord will make happen for you!

iwaeda:
With the likes of Oluomo, Koko Niger

......but one day, monkey go market, he no go return.
Let them continue.

APC is really digging serious pits for themselves in the next election in Lagos state.

Anyway, they always rig the elections sha.

It is well.

When You Don’t Understand, Trust God

Fri, 14 Aug 2020

‘The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble.’ Nahum 1:7 NKJV

As Louisa Stead and her family were enjoying a seaside trip, she noticed a youngster struggling in the surf. When Mr Stead rushed in to help, he was pulled under by the terrified child. He was drowned as Louisa watched helplessly from the shore.

A time of grief and dire poverty followed. One day, when she had no money or food, Louisa went out and found a basket on her doorstep with both food and money inside. Putting pen to paper, she wrote this beloved hymn: ‘’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, just to take Him at His Word, just to rest upon His promise, just to know “Thus saith the Lord.” I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee, precious Jesus, Saviour, friend; and I know that Thou art with me, wilt be with me to the end.’ Trusting Jesus, Louisa went twice as a missionary to Africa, where she served the Lord for twenty-five years.

If you’re struggling to trust God today, stand on these Scriptures:

(1) ‘The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knows those who trust in Him.’

(2) ‘You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.’ (Isaiah 26:3 NKJV)

(3) ‘As for God, His way is perfect; the Word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him.’ (2 Samuel 22:31 NKJV)

(4) ‘Oh, how great is Your goodness, which You have laid up for those who fear You, which You have prepared for those who trust in You in the presence of the sons of men!’ (Psalm 31:19 NKJV)

Sad

Drsnives:
Thanks for your suggestion, but have weighed my options bro and I think it's little bit okay n I have equally prayed about it. It's just for a while let's say from now till December let me raise like 250k then I'll start up something come January

I like your courage. And the Lord will see you through all your endeavor in Jesus name.

Press Through And Touch Jesus

Thu, 13 Aug 2020

‘All the sick people eagerly pushed forward to touch Him.’ Mark 3:10 NLT

Jesus healed a woman who had suffered twelve years from a condition society discreetly referred to as ‘an issue of blood.’ (Luke 8:44 KJV) And medical science had no cure. Observe how her miracle took place. She pressed through the crowd, ‘touched the hem of His garment’ (Matthew 9:20 NKJV), and immediately she was healed. As a result, people started talking about it and a trend began.

Four chapters later we read that they ‘brought to Him all who were sick… that they might only touch the hem of His garment. And as many as touched it were made perfectly well.’ (Matthew 14:35–36 NKJV) If you are battling affliction or addiction today, press through and touch Jesus. Keep praying and believing His Word. Be tenacious!

There’s a difference between the facts and the truth. The fact may be that your prognosis is not good. But the truth is, ‘the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise [them] up.’ (James 5:15 NKJV)

You say, ‘I know people who prayed for healing and didn’t get it.’ Yes, and if they were trusting Christ as their Saviour, then they received the ultimate healing: ‘to depart and be with Christ, which is far better.’ (Philippians 1:23 NKJV) When it’s our time to go, we all die of something. Until then, God’s Word tells us the same back that carried the cross to take away our sins, bore stripes that take away our sickness.

‘He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying: “He Himself took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses.”’ (Matthew 8:16–17 NKJV)