₦airaland Forum

The five crowns (3)

Sun, 10 Aug 2025

‘Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness,’ 2 Timothy 4:8

The third crown mentioned in Scripture is the crown of righteousness. Paul writes: ‘I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and … also to all who have loved His appearing’ (2 Timothy 4:7-8 NKJV). A pastor amplifies this: ‘The book of 2 Timothy represents the last known writing of the apostle Paul, and we have reason to believe he was beheaded shortly after writing these words. But rather than dreading death, he was looking forward to the Second Coming. He was … content with his record of service for the Master. Paul’s use of the athletic metaphor here is especially descriptive of the life of the believer because it describes struggle, endurance, discipline, and final victory. The Crown of Righteousness is reserved for those who have a longing for the Lord Jesus and who watch for Jesus to come back.’

Writing to Titus, Paul speaks of ‘looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ’ (Titus 2:13 NKJV). The pastor continues: ‘Psychologists tell us that anticipation … is an emotion with marvellous healing powers. People who are snowbound sustain their spirits by anticipating the longer days of spring and summer. Couples … separated by military deployment stay sane by anticipating their reunion … Brides and grooms are eager for their wedding day.’ As a Christian, your best days are ahead of you, and you can anticipate all the glories of heaven and eternity. It should motivate you to be faithful to Jesus as you wait for His return.

The five crowns (2)

Sat, 9 Aug 2025

‘For what is our … crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?’ 1 Thessalonians 2:19

The second crown mentioned in Scripture is the crown of rejoicing. It’s given to those who take part in leading others to Christ. The background for this passage is written about in Acts 17, which tells the story of Paul arriving in the city of Thessalonica. He went into the synagogue, ‘… and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining … that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, ‘This Jesus whom I preach to you is the Christ’” (Acts 17:2-3 NKJV). Some of his hearers were converted, including a great multitude of devout Greeks and a number of prominent women. As a result, a church was built there. Writing to them later, Paul said that they would be his crown when Christ returned.

We should all follow American evangelist Bill Bright’s example; he was one of the best soul winners of the twentieth century. And he once disclosed his secret: “Although I have shared Christ personally with many thousands of people through the years, I am a rather reserved person, and I do not always find it easy to witness. But I have made this my practice, and I urge you to do the same: Assume that whenever you are alone with another person for more than a few moments, you are there by divine appointment to explain … the love and forgiveness he or she can know through faith in Jesus Christ.” When was the last time you shared the Gospel with someone? Whenever you do, the Lord is fitting you for a crown of rejoicing.

Congratulations to them in advance. And as for Chioma, please cover your body as Uncle Righteousness advised.

The five crowns (1)

Fri, 8 Aug 2025

‘They do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.’ 1 Corinthians 9:25

In describing our heavenly rewards, the Bible speaks of crowns. Let’s look at each and see what we can learn. The first is the victor’s crown. ‘And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified” (1 Corinthians 9:25-27 NKJV). Paul points out that athletes who expect to win must actively train. And we, likewise, must retain self-control even in things that, although not inherently evil, can weaken our devotion to God.

A pastor explains: ‘Sometimes we have to turn off the television so we can study our Bibles. We have to get up earlier in the mornings to have our daily devotions. We have to exercise self-control in what comes into our minds. We can’t watch many of today’s television programs or movies—much less the streaming material accessible on our phones and computers—without violating biblical standards of personal holiness. We can’t subject our bodies to drug or alcohol abuse or allow immorality to creep into our relationships. We’ve got to keep our tempers and tongues under the control of the Holy Spirit … and we have to depend on God to strengthen us in our resolutions to live disciplined lives.’ The Bible says, ‘Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown’—the victor’s crown.

SatoshiX:
Maiyegun Alagidi 😂😂
Old man with zero decorum. He must be feeling like do you know I'm a friend with the President?

exactly. Igberaga tii p'oju. In as much that I like his music, his arrogance always put me off.

LagosOrigin:
Seunmsg oya come and clap for your uncle for making us proud

😂😂😂😂

Excellent 👌. I love her confidence. No one is above the law

Scriptural advice about sex

Thu, 7 Aug 2025

‘For you have been bought for a price: therefore glorify God in your body.’ 1 Corinthians 6:20

American Columnist Ann Landers wrote: ‘Girls need to prove their love through illicit sexual relations like a moose needs a hat rack. Why not prove your love by playing leapfrog in the traffic? It’s about as safe. Clear the cobwebs out of your head! Any guy who asks you to prove your love is trying to take you for the biggest, most gullible fool who ever walked. That proving it bit is one of the … rottenest lines ever invented … Someone who loves you wants whatever is best for you.

But now figure it out. He wants you to commit an immoral act, surrender your virtue, throw away your self-respect, risk the loss of your precious reputation, and risk getting pregnant, getting diseased, or into trouble. Wise up! He wants … what is best for him; he wants a thrill he can brag about at your expense. Love? Who’s kidding whom? A guy who loves a girl would sooner cut off his right arm than hurt her. In truth, this self-serving individual has proved that he doesn’t love you at all. The predictable aftermath … always finds Don Juan tiring of his sport. That’s when he drops you, picks up his line, and goes casting elsewhere for … equally silly fish.

If he loves you, let him prove his love … at the altar.” If you want some sound scriptural advice about sex, here it is: “Your body is … sacred … The physical part of you is not some piece of property belonging to the spiritual part of you. God owns the whole works. So let people see God in and through your body” (see 1 Corinthians 6:20).

Traffic has always been the trade mark of Lagos from on set... Imagine outward from Idumota to Iddo? 🤔

Very very shameful of Wasiu. Imagine the so called public figure behaving in this manner? He honestly needs to be prosecuted for his unruly behavior.

Congratulations to him. All his efforts and dreams pay off. Just believe you can do it.

Orugbo bo diedie..... people need to stop flooding the drainage with waste.

Thank you for making us proud Bola.....for others coming behind. Learn lesson very well from the masters.

Wisdom for parenting teenagers

Wed, 6 Aug 2025

‘To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.’ Ecclesiastes 3:1

Why does a happy, cooperative twelve-year-old suddenly turn into a sullen, depressed thirteen-year-old? There are two powerful forces that account for some of the adolescent behaviour that drives you crazy as a parent. The first is linked to social pressures common at that age. But there is a second source of disruption. It’s related to hormonal changes that not only transform the physical body but also revolutionise how kids think. For some (not all) adolescents, human chemistry is in a state of imbalance for a few years, causing flightiness, agitation, outbursts, and even depression. This upheaval can motivate a boy or girl to do things that make absolutely no sense to the adults who are watching anxiously on the sidelines. This hormonal firestorm can destabilise their self-concept and create a sense of foreboding.

Parents often despair during the irrationality of this period. Everything they have tried to teach their children seems to have misfired for a couple of years. Self-discipline, cleanliness, respect for authority, and common courtesy may give way to risk-taking and all-around goofiness. If that is where your child is today, there is good news—better days are coming! Your unpredictable teen can actually become a tower of strength and good judgment—if they don’t do something destructive before their hormones settle down once more. What should you do as a parent? First, don’t draw long-term conclusions based on a short-term season. Second, let them know you love them, be patient, and pray for peace of mind. “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7 NKJV).

No matter what, I stand with Israel. God help us IJN 🙏

Allow her to grow reach 24/25 at least. A lot of things would have been unfolded then. My own thoughts though I might be wrong.

The white in SA doesn't really like the blacks. The were only pretending all along nii. SA will be the last country for me think of visiting.

Honour others, and God will honour you

Tue, 5 Aug 2025

‘Be kindly affectionate to one another … in honour giving preference to one another;’ Romans 12:10

One of the real tests of character and maturity is how you react to someone else’s success. That’s particularly so when they succeed in an area where you failed or in which you’re frustrated over not having achieved greater success. F. B. Meyer, a well-known author and minister in England, once shared the following experience to a few of his friends: “It was easy to pray for the success of G. Campbell Morgan when he was in America. But when he came back to England and took a church near to mine, it was something different. The old Adam in me was inclined to jealousy, but I got my heel upon his head, and whether I felt right toward my friend, I determined to act right. My church gave a reception for him, and I acknowledged that if it was not necessary for me to preach Sunday evenings, I would dearly love to go and hear him myself. Well, that made me feel right toward him. But just see how the dear Lord helped me out of my difficulty. There was Charles Spurgeon preaching wonderfully on one side of me, and G. Campbell Morgan on the other. Both were so popular and drew such crowds that our church caught the overflow, and we had all we could accommodate.”

No matter how well you do something, someone else will come along and do it better. So, here are your options: Compare yourself to them, compete with them, criticise them, compliment, and cooperate with them. The latter is what Paul meant when he wrote, ‘“Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honour giving preference to one another” (Romans 12:10 NKJV).

Very impressive..... what a dedication and love for one's fatherland. I hope all our top politicians will learn one or two lessons from her.

Congratulations ma'am

Yes, they will. But please tell Baba not to forget their $100k and houses maa. Head no pass hard for sport 💪

Finding your life’s purpose

Mon, 4 Aug 2025

‘I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness.’ Acts 26:16

In baseball, the catcher tries to distract the batter. On one occasion when American catcher Yogi Berra was behind the plate, Hank Aaron came up to bat. Yogi started in, “Hank, you’ve got the writing on the bat in the wrong place. The words should be facing you.” Yogi kept going, “You better check it.” Hank didn’t say a word. On the next pitch, Hank hit the ball over the center field fence. He rounded the bases, stepped on home plate, looked at Yogi Berra, and said, “I didn’t come here to read, I came to win.” It’s vital to know why you are here and not to let anyone talk you out of your calling or purpose.

In the world today, people say they are trying to find themselves. Such a search is pointless. As one pastor states: “If you don’t know who you are, how do you know what to look for? And how would you know when you have found it, since you don’t know what you are looking for? Toasters don’t find themselves … A toaster … just has to do what the manufacturer had in mind.” Paul had a supernatural encounter on the Damascus road when Christ said to him, ‘… “I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you”’ (Acts 26:16 NKJV). To discover your life’s purpose, you must start with God as your reference point. He made you; He redeemed you; He has a plan for your life—and He will reveal it to you.

Another $100k loading 🤔. Congratulations to them all

It's been said severally, that NO PAIN, NO GAIN. People are not ready to make sacrifices, instead they manipulate their ways round you like you a bad person trying to push them around. Look at the characteristics of such people....they are lazy, lairs, ungrateful, dirty, gossipers, and leeches. Always ready to spend free money and not ready to work for it. Yet, they will keep the blames on spiritual challenges or family issues while they are the master of their own woes. They have no confidence of themselves. And they even take their helpers for granted most time too. Always taking advantages of people helping them out. Look out for them......they could be dangerous!!!.

Voltron007:
It doesn’t matter how tough it is. He should at the barest minimum send an “Hwfa”. There is no excuse for such callous behavior. I’ve experienced same from someone I thought was a “friend”. Na the same abroad wey he go I don dey live too for almost 3yrs.
Thank God say man no be god biko.

I totally agree with you bro. But, what about if his friend has some health challenges or dead like someone mentioned above? Not that I am supporting the nonchalant of the person though. And truly, some people can't be predicted after using you as a ladder to climb up. All is well IJN 🙏

I know that feeling. But first, pray for his safety. Pray that America is good to him. Not everyone that's in Western world is living well bro. I'm sure he is not that bad person. But some situations might be tough on him. It's well sir.

100m of stolen funds from Delta State when he was a governor. So many of them out there. Even the current President of Nigeria. None of them that ever rule Nigeria (past presidents, State governors, ministers, commissioners, LG chairmen, DGs and so on). But you see them today living large like those are things they worked for. Obasanjo single handedly took $16b electricity funds that can't be accounted for. Lady Madueke as a Minister of petroleum then went away with over $20b and yet nothing is done. But I have words for all of them this morning. Though you might think you are rich or some people are praising you for your evil deeds. Believe me, you are nothing in the present of God. He dislikes thieves and people that use the position given to them by the people with trust and they use it to enrich themselves. Life is not forever. All is vanity. So, all ill gotten wealth is vanity. Good morning & Happy Sunday.

Take responsibility for your life

Sun, 3 Aug 2025

‘“Do you want to get well?”’ John 5:6

What an amazing question Jesus asked this paralysed man: ‘… “Do you want to get well?”’ (John 5:6 NIV) Who wouldn’t? You might be surprised! American author Kay Arthur tells of passing a beggar one day on a street in the Old City of Jerusalem. As he sat begging, his trouser leg was pulled up to reveal his terrible sores. She writes: ‘My nurse’s heart brought my feet to a halt. I wanted to bend down and shield the open wound from the dust … It should be washed, medicated, and dressed by someone who cared. My friend gently took me by my elbow and propelled me toward our destination. I was a tourist and did not know about these things. She then proceeded to tell me that this man did not wish to be made well. He made his living from his wound! As I looked back … I caught one last glimpse of someone who was less than what he could have been.’ The man lying helpless on a cot by the pool called Bethesda had been there for thirty-eight years.

Question: How long does it take before a problem becomes a way of life? Jesus said to him, ‘…“Get up! Pick up your mat and walk”’ (John 5:8 NIV). The inference being that it’s time to get up and go to work—to become a father to your children, a husband to your wife, a contributor to your community, a solution to someone else’s problem—it’s time to take responsibility for your life. Are you letting your past or present circumstances keep you stuck and stop you from moving forward? If Jesus asked you, “Do you want to get well emotionally, physically, and spiritually?” what would your answer be? Today let Jesus make you whole!

A word to graduates

Sat, 2 Aug 2025

‘Be diligent to present yourself to God as one approved,’ 2 Timothy 2:15

Graduates, here are eleven lessons to empower and inspire you:

1) You’re here for a reason, and the most vital thing you can do is find it. 2) Follow your passion. You may not already know what it is but make it your mission to discover it. 3) Although you might love Facebook, you might not like working for the company. And because you enjoy cooking doesn’t mean you will enjoy owning a restaurant. 4) Don’t quit because the work is hard. Quit because deep inside you know there is something different for you to do, or you’re not improving yourself or the organisation, or you know you’re not supposed to be there anymore. 5) Learn from every experience. Each job gets you ready for the work you were born to do. 6) Your present job may not be your highest purpose, but it can assist as an agent to prepare you for it. 7) In whichever job you accept after graduation, serve. Serving in minor ways affords you opportunities to serve in major ways. Your dream job probably isn’t the one you dreamed about. Frequently we end up in remarkable careers outside the scope of our degrees. 9) The pursuit of your purpose is filled with difficulties, wins, detours, dead ends, and postponements. Remain hopeful and faithful. 10) You may want something to happen immediately, but if it did, would you be ready for it? 11) Seeds yield to the ground so they can be utilised for a greater purpose. So plant yourself, and let yourself be used for a harvest to benefit others.

How do you handle fear?

Fri, 1 Aug 2025

‘The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?’ Psalm 118:6

Being in a position of leadership won’t give you courage, but showing courage will establish you as a leader in the eyes of others. American pastor Larry Osborne said, “The most striking thing about highly effective leaders is how little they have in common. What one swears by another warns against. But one trait stands out: the willingness to risk.” Courage isn’t the lack of fear; it’s doing what you’re afraid to do. It’s having the power to release the familiar and advance into new territory. The psalmist said, ‘The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?’ (Psalm 118:6 NKJV).

Roman historian Tacitus wrote, ‘The desire for safety stands against every great and noble enterprise.’ Courage has the reverse effect. It swings doors open, which is one of its most amazing benefits. British theologian John Henry Newman said, ‘Fear not that your life will come to an end but that it will never have a beginning.’ Without the courage to begin, you have no future. Here is something ironic: Those who lack the courage to take risks and those who have the courage to take risks experience the same amount of fear in life. The only difference is that those who are afraid retreat while those who show courage advance. So, how do you handle fear? Do you embrace it or try to escape it? Do you put yourself in situations that stretch your faith? Or have you withdrawn so far into your comfort zone that you never feel fear? Only when you have answered these questions can you begin to overcome your fears.

Happy New Month of August

Maybe I should show you my own with Access bank too. 🤔

Beware of covetousness

Thu, 31 Jul 2025

‘No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly.’ Psalm 84:11

Covetousness will rob you of contentment. It works like this: you browse through a home-decorating magazine, and the home you were thankful for an hour ago suddenly seems ramshackle. Or you see an ad on TV for a new car, and the car in your driveway suddenly looks like an old banger. God expects you to have goals for your life and to provide for your family but beware of coveting things so much that you become obsessed with how to get them.

When Israel went to war with Jericho, God told them everything in the city was to be destroyed. So afterwards, when Israel stormed the small town of Ai and met with a humiliating defeat, Joshua was devastated. When he asked God why they had lost the battle, He told him it was because of sin in the Israelite camp. When Joshua investigated, Achan, one of his soldiers, confessed, ‘“When I saw … the spoils … I coveted them and took them.” …’ (Joshua 7:21 NKJV). When Achan tried to conceal his sin by hiding the stolen goods in his tent, it cost him and his family their lives. When you covet, you question God’s wisdom, willingness, and ability to provide for you. Don’t do it! When you find yourself wanting something, pray about it and trust God to give it to you—if it’s His will. His Word assures us, ‘… No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly’ (Psalm 84:11 NKJV). God knows what’s good for you and what’s not, and all your pleading won’t change His mind. But when your desire is to do His will, He promised, ‘And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work’ (2 Corinthians 9:8 NIV).

Alimosho? 🤔. Meaning we at Command go collect niyen oooo