UNGUARDED MATERIAL DESIRE

You may be amazed to know what goes on in our world today in the quest to all our needs have met. That simple desire is the reason behind corruption, murders, robberies, ritual killings and human trafficking. Sometimes, we are even shocked to know learn that people who often engage in these evils already have so much.

Covetousness is the desire for more, whether we need it or not. And many times, covetousness comes with its price; it would require us to do things that we would ordinarily not do, just to get more than we need. Maybe today, you are where you are because you wanted a little more than you needed. Maybe the same people who applauded you and encouraged you along that path have now abandoned you, because things did not work out. They left you stranded, and you have no idea of where to begin again. Not so with God. In Hebrews 13, the word of God says “Don't be obsessed with getting more material things. Be relaxed with what you have. Since God assured us, "I'll never let you down, never walk off and leave you," we can boldly say ‘God is there, ready to help; I'm fearless no matter what. Who or what can get to me?

This day that God has made, I understand that you may not have all that you want, but God has promised to supply all your need I urge you to find contentment with whatever it is that God has blessed you with, because he will never leave you or forsake you. Don’t let covetousness make you do evil; the same God who gave manna to two million people in the wilderness is able to supply, and he will not leave you stranded.
[Source: Ben & Kay Akhigbe II]

WISDOM FOR THE TOP

The moment of victory is often the moment of greatest peril. In the heat of victory, arrogance and overconfidence can push you past the goal you had aimed for, and by going too far, you make more enemies than you defeat.

Do not allow success to go to your head. There is no substitute for strategy and careful planning.  Set a goal, and when you reach it, stop.
Have an Uncommon day Ahead.....

[Source: Unknown]

ON OPEN LETTER TO PARENTS

Dear Parents,

There are things that parents do that makes me wonder if they know the implications. In my teaching career, I've come to realize that children who are well brought up produce better results.

What I see these days is training the "butty"(aje butter) way which gets me scared of what will happen in the next 10-15years.

I see eight year olds who don't bother to lay their beds.
I see 10year olds served by the maid or "caring mum"  on the table and they either don't pack the table or they just dump the plates in the kitchen for the maid or "caring mum".
Drivers carry the bags of children above 5years and the children call them "my driver".
Manual cloth washing is gradually been replaced by washing machines yet the maid or "caring mum" will be the one to do the laundry.
Children wake up and go straight to the TV and sleep late watching TV with mum & dad but mum & dad don't allow them read late. They'll say "go and sleep".

I see parents play game for hours on their phones yet wonder why their children don't read and why their results are poor despite investment in expensive schools.

I see tweenagers and teenagers who can't cook common white rice because there's maid, nanny, cook, "caring mum" etc.

I see  children who are addicted to cheating in exams, assignments, class work and the parents aren't taking conscious steps to correct it instead some will bribe teachers to make their children first or teach them during external exams.

I see children who talk to their parents and other adults disrespectfully and all parents say is "children of now a days are outspoken".

Your children's wardrobe is full but they don't have a bible.

You buy them lots of toys but you buy them books.
They go to Church yet they don't know about tithe, rapture etc.

I can go on and on.

See, when next you tell your child not to do house chores, study hard etc have it at the back of your mind that what you're saying is "don't take responsibility for your life".
[Source: Lifematics]

FINDING TRUE PEACE AS A MAN

God chose us before the foundation of the world to be holy and without blame before Him in love, and predestined us to be accepted in His presence. It’s part of what His righteousness in our spirits has produced for us; we can boldly stand in the presence of God without guilt, inferiority or condemnation.

No matter where you’ve been, what you’ve done, how deep in the thraldom or valley of sin you’ve been, you’re accepted in Christ Jesus. You don’t have to run from God, because of your sins. Imagine His gracious invitation in Isaiah 1:18; He said, "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." He’s not mad at you. Submit to His righteousness. Embrace His love. Trust Him with your life, and He’ll make your life glorious.

Now that you’re born again, you’re in Christ; He’s already accepted you; you’re in Him. You dwell in His presence. In His presence, you’re at liberty; you don’t have to be afraid; you’re free to express yourself and be yourself. You’re at liberty to function for Him and live for Him.

Some people are still living their lives in hope that God will accept them based on their good works. But that’s not going to work! The Bible says, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9). Furthermore, Galatians 2:16 says, "...by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified"; that means accepted and declared righteous before God!
You don’t have to feel insecure or uncertain about your standing with God. Be bold, confident, assured and glad that you belong to Him; that He brought you into oneness with Himself.
[Source: Chris Oyakhilome]

CAN YOU BEAT THIS? - The Origin of the Song

The song "It Is Well With My Soul" was written by a successful Christian lawyer Heratio Spafford. His only son died at age 4 in 1871. In 1872, the great Chicago fire wiped out his vast estate, made from a successful legal career. In 1873 he sent his wife & 4 daughters over to Europe on a summer trip on the ill fated SS Ville du Havre. Since he had a lot of work to do, he planned to follow them later. The Ship sank and he lost his 4 daughters with the wife being the only survivor. She sent him a famous telegram which simply read, "SAVED ALONE...."  On his return home, his Law firm was burned down and the insurance company refused to pay him. They said "It's an Act of God".  He had no money to pay for his house and no work, he also lost his house.  Then while sitting and thinking what's happening to him, being a spiritual person, he wrote a song - "Whatever, my Lord, You have taught me to say - It is well, it is well with my soul".  My dear friend, a good attitude will determine your altitude.  When you look at your life, career, job or family life, what do you say?  Do you praise God? Do you blame the devil?  A good attitude towards God makes Him move on your behalf.  Just sit down and say, "Today, God, it is well with my soul, I am thankful I had a peaceful sleep, I am thankful I am alive with possibilities, I am thankful I have a roof over me, I am thankful I have a job, I am thankful that I have Family and Friends.  Above all, I am thankful that I have God on my side."  Be blessed and don't be envious or shocked when others are prospering because you don't know what they have been through to get there (test, trials and tribulation) so thank God for what you have.  "Little is much when God is in it. It Is Well With My Soul!". If God is for us, who can be against us?
[Source: Unknown]