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THE POWER OF GIVING AND LASTING IMPACT ACT 9

2026-09-05T14:00:00.000+01:00

THE 9 SECRETS OF KING SOLOMON'S PROSPERITY | ACT 9 – THE POWER OF GIVING AND LASTING IMPACT

True prosperity is a holistic state of flourishing that goes far beyond financial wealth to encompass spiritual well-being, inner peace, physical health, and strong relationships.

True Prosperity Is Not Only About What You Gain, But What You Give.

What is the true meaning of prosperity?

Is it the money you accumulate?

The possessions you own?

The influence you gain?

Or could true prosperity also be measured by the lives you touch and the impact you leave behind?

In ACT 9, the final chapter of The 9 Secrets of King Solomon's Prosperity, we explore the powerful principle of giving and why generosity is an essential part of lasting prosperity.

King Solomon was not only a man who received great wealth and wisdom; he was also known for giving. His life reminds us that what God places in our hands is not meant only for our personal benefit.

Your money can become a blessing.

Your knowledge can educate someone.

Your experience can guide someone.

Your influence can open doors.

Your time can encourage someone.

And your generosity can leave a legacy that continues long after you are gone.

In ACT 9, we explore:

💰 Why giving is one of the foundations of true prosperity

🤝 Why generosity is bigger than money

🌱 The principle of sowing and reaping

🧠 How wisdom should guide our giving

❤️ Why we should not become prisoners of our possessions

📚 How knowledge can become part of our legacy

🌍 How our resources can improve the lives of others

🙏 Why God blesses us so that we can become a blessing

🏆 Why lasting impact is greater than temporary success

The ultimate question is not simply:

“How much have I gained?”

But:

“How many lives can become better because of what God has placed in my hands?”

True prosperity is not only about what comes into your hands.

It is also about what flows through your hands to bless others.

💬 REFLECTION

What has God placed in your hands?

Your talents?

Your business?

Your knowledge?

Your finances?

Your influence?

Your opportunities?

How are you using them?

Don't wait until you have everything before you start giving.

Start with what you have.

Start where you are.

Start with one person.

Because sometimes, one act of generosity can change a life—and one changed life can change a generation.

THE FINAL MESSAGE

The journey through The 9 Secrets of King Solomon's Prosperity has taught us that prosperity is not built on one principle alone.

Obey.

Worship.

Develop your gifts.

Build strategic relationships.

Manage God's blessings faithfully.

Be diligent.

Make wise decisions.

Communicate what you know.

And give generously.

Because the ultimate goal is not simply success.

It is purpose.

Not merely wealth.

But impact.

Not merely what you leave behind.

But what you leave inside others.

“True prosperity is not measured only by what you gain, but by what you do with what you have received.”

If this series has blessed you, LIKE, COMMENT, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE to our Youtube channel.

And don't keep this message to yourself—share it with someone who needs encouragement, wisdom, and direction.

Did you miss ACT 1?, read it here The 9 Secrets of The Greatest Misunderstanding

🙏 FINAL PRAYER

May God give you wisdom to manage what He places in your hands.

May He increase your capacity.

May He bless the work of your hands.

And may your prosperity become a blessing to your family, your community, and generations yet unborn in Jesus name. Amen.

🎬 Inspiring Stories. Timeless Wisdom. Life-Changing Lessons.

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THE 9 SECRETS OF KING SOLOMON'S PROSPERITY ACT 8

2026-08-31T13:00:00.000+01:00

THE 9 SECRETS OF KING SOLOMON'S PROSPERITY

ACT 8 – THE POWER OF EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION

Your knowledge has value. Your voice gives it reach. And when wisdom is communicated with clarity and purpose, it can influence lives far beyond your own imagination.

Wisdom hidden inside you can help only you. But wisdom clearly communicated can influence, teach, inspire, lead, and transform others.

Knowledge gives you something to say. Communication gives that knowledge the power to reach others.

Knowledge is powerful—but knowledge that is never communicated has limited influence.

In ACT 8, we explore another important principle from the life of Solomon: the power of communicating wisdom so that it can teach, inspire, influence, and transform others.

Solomon was not only known for his wisdom. He was also described as an author, lecturer, public speaker, musician, and poet. His wisdom became known beyond his kingdom, drawing people and rulers who wanted to hear and learn from him.

This teaches us an important lesson:

What you know has value—but what you communicate can multiply that value.

Your experience may help someone.

Your knowledge may solve someone's problem.

Your testimony may give someone hope.

Your wisdom may prevent someone from making a costly mistake.

But first, you must be willing to communicate it.

In ACT 8, we discover:

🎤 Why knowledge must find a voice

📖 How Solomon preserved wisdom through his writings

👂 Why effective communication also requires listening

💡 Why clarity is more important than simply speaking

🌍 How communication can expand your influence

🤝 Why people need wisdom they can understand and apply

🙏 How to use your voice for a greater purpose

🌱 How one message can positively influence generations

The lesson is simple:

Don't bury what you know.

Learn it. Develop it. Practice it. Communicate it.

Your voice may be the encouragement someone needs.

Your knowledge may be the solution someone has been searching for.

And your story may become the reason someone refuses to give up.

💬 REFLECTION

What do you know today that could help someone else tomorrow?

Don't keep it locked inside you.

Share it. Teach it. Communicate it. Use it to make a difference.

If this message inspires you, LIKE, COMMENT, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE as we continue our journey

Coming Next:

ACT 9 – THE POWER OF GIVING AND LASTING IMPACT

Because true prosperity is not only about what you gain—it is also about what you do with what you have received.

"A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver." — Proverbs 25:11

🎬 Inspiring Stories. Timeless Wisdom. Life-Changing Lessons.

THE 9 SECRETS OF KING SOLOMON'S PROSPERITY ACT 7

2026-08-27T08:00:00.000+01:00

THE 9 SECRETS OF KING SOLOMON'S PROSPERITY

ACT 7 – THE POWER OF WISE DECISION-MAKING

Working Hard Is Not Enough — You Must Know What to Do

Life is full of decisions.

Some decisions may seem small today, but their consequences can shape the direction of our future.

You can be talented. You can be hardworking. You can have opportunities.

But without wisdom, it is possible to work very hard in the wrong direction.

In ACT 7 of The 9 Secrets of King Solomon's Prosperity, we explore one of the most important principles for success, purpose, and prosperity:

THE POWER OF WISE DECISION-MAKING

King Solomon was known for extraordinary wisdom. But his wisdom was not meant to remain as knowledge alone—it was demonstrated through the practical decisions he made as a king, leader, builder, and judge.

This episode reminds us that wisdom is not simply about knowing many things.

Wisdom is knowing what to do, when to do it, and sometimes, when not to act at all.

In ACT 7, we discover:

🧠 The difference between knowledge and wisdom

👑 Why Solomon asked God for wisdom

⚖️ How wise decisions can reveal the truth

👂 Why listening is important before making major decisions

🛤️ How every decision creates a direction

🚪 Why not every opportunity is your opportunity

🤝 The importance of seeking wise counsel

❤️ Why emotions can sometimes lead to poor decisions

🙏 Why seeking God's direction should come before major choices

🛡️ How wisdom can protect your future

The truth is simple:

One wrong decision can delay your journey.

But one wise decision can open a new chapter in your life.

Before you make that important decision…

Before you accept that offer…

Before you enter that relationship…

Before you invest your money…

Before you react in anger…

PAUSE.

Think.

Seek wisdom.

Consider the consequences.

And ask yourself:

“Is this the right direction for my life?”

Because working hard is important—but working hard in the right direction is even more important.

💬 A Question for You

What important decision are you currently trusting God for wisdom to make?

Share your thoughts in the comments. 👇

If this message inspires you, please COMMENT, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL as we continue our journey through:

THE 9 SECRETS OF KING SOLOMON'S PROSPERITY

Coming Next:

ACT 8 – THE POWER OF EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION

Because wisdom inside you can change your life…

But wisdom that you can communicate effectively can inspire, influence, and change the lives of others.

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction." — Proverbs 1:7

🎬 Inspiring Stories. Timeless Wisdom. Life-Changing Lessons.

THE 9 SECRETS OF KING SOLOMON'S PROSPERITY ACT 6

2026-08-18T10:30:00.000+01:00

THE 9 SECRETS OF KING SOLOMON'S PROSPERITY. ACT 6 – THE POWER OF DILIGENCE

Success Rewards Consistent Effort. God may give you wisdom, gifts, opportunities, and potential—but diligence is what turns potential into results.

In ACT 6 of The 9 Secrets of King Solomon's Prosperity, we explore the powerful principle of consistent effort, discipline, persistence, and excellence.

King Solomon was blessed with extraordinary wisdom, but he did not simply receive wisdom and sit down. He applied it. He devoted years to building the Temple and his palace, developed his knowledge, produced thousands of proverbs and songs, and demonstrated the importance of putting what God has given us to work.

This episode challenges us to examine our own lives.

Are you developing your gifts?

Are you putting your knowledge into practice?

Are you willing to keep going when results are slow?

Are you giving your best to what God has placed in your hands?

In ACT 6, we discover:

🔥 Why talent without diligence can remain unused

📖 How Solomon turned wisdom into practical results

🏛️ The incredible patience required to complete great assignments

🎯 Why consistency is more powerful than occasional effort

🐜 What the Bible's lesson about the ant teaches us about preparation

💪 Why we must keep going when difficulties come

🙏 Why our work should ultimately be done for God's glory

🌱 How small, consistent efforts can produce extraordinary results

The lesson is simple:

You don't have to become great overnight.

You simply have to keep becoming better, one day at a time.

Don't despise small beginnings. Don't abandon your dream because the results are slow. Keep learning. Keep improving. Keep working. Keep trusting God.

Because diligence turns potential into achievement.

A Question for You

What gift, dream, or opportunity has God placed in your hands that you need to start developing more diligently?

Share your answer in the comments. 👇

If this message inspires you, LIKE, COMMENT, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE as we continue our journey through:

THE 9 SECRETS OF KING SOLOMON'S PROSPERITY

Coming Next:

ACT 7 – THE POWER OF WISE DECISION-MAKING

Because working hard is important—but working hard in the right direction is even more important.

"Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might." — Ecclesiastes 9:10

#The9Secrets #KingSolomon #ThePowerOfDiligence #BiblicalWisdom #ChristianMotivation #Diligence #SuccessPrinciples #KingdomPrinciples #FaithAndSuccess #ChristianContent #PersonalGrowth #Leadership #Purpose #SpiritualGrowth #MotivationalVideo #LifeLessons #SuccessMindset

🎬 Inspiring Stories. Timeless Wisdom. Life-Changing Lessons.

The 9 Secrets of King Solomon's Prosperity | ACT 5

2026-08-13T12:28:00.000+01:00

The 9 Secrets of King Solomon's Prosperity | ACT 5 – Faithful Stewardship: Managing God's Blessings

God can give you an opportunity, a talent, wealth, knowledge, or influence—but what you do with it matters.

In ACT 5 of The 9 Secrets of King Solomon's Prosperity, we explore the powerful principle of faithful stewardship.

King Solomon was not only blessed with extraordinary wisdom and wealth. He knew how to administer resources, invest, organize, build, and give. His prosperity was not simply about what he received; it was also about how he utilized what had been placed in his hands.

But this episode also brings an important warning: prosperity without proper stewardship can become a trap.

Your time, talents, finances, knowledge, relationships, opportunities, and influence are all resources. The important question is not only:

"What has God given me?"

but also: "What am I doing with what He has given me?"

In ACT 5, we discover:

💰 Why resources must be managed wisely

📈 Why Solomon invested rather than simply consumed

🏛️ The importance of administration and organization

🤲 Why giving is an essential part of prosperity

🎯 Why stewardship requires responsibility

⚠️ The warning that success must never replace devotion to God

The lesson is simple but powerful: Don't waste what you prayed for.

Develop it. Manage it. Multiply it. Share it. And use it for a purpose greater than yourself.

God has placed something valuable in your hands.

It may be a talent, an opportunity, knowledge, money, a relationship, or simply your time.

What are you doing with it?

Share your answer below. 👇

And stay with us for ACT 6 – The Power of Diligence.

If this episode speaks to you, Like, Comment, Share, and Subscribe as we continue uncovering The 9 Secrets of King Solomon's Prosperity.

Coming Next:

ACT 6 – The Power of Diligence: Success Rewards Consistent Effort

"Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might." — Ecclesiastes 9:10

#kingsolomon #biblicalwisdom #christianmotivation #kingdomprinciples #faithandsuccess #christiancontentcreator #biblicalprosperity #stewardship #leadership #personalgrowth #successprinciples #lifelessons #spiritualgrowth #motivation

🎬 Inspiring Stories. Timeless Wisdom. Life-Changing Lessons.

9 Secrets of King Solomon's Prosperity | ACT 4

2026-08-10T12:13:08.161+01:00

9 Secrets of King Solomon's Prosperity | ACT 4 – The Power of Strategic Relationships

Success is rarely a solo journey.

Behind every great achievement are the right relationships, trusted mentors, loyal partners, and people who share a common vision.

In ACT 4 of The 9 Secrets of King Solomon's Prosperity, we discover that King Solomon didn't build one of history's greatest kingdoms alone. He surrounded himself with wise counselors, formed strategic alliances with neighboring kings, partnered with skilled craftsmen, and built relationships founded on trust, integrity, and mutual purpose.

One of the greatest examples was his alliance with King Hiram of Tyre, whose resources, expertise, and skilled workers played a vital role in building the magnificent Temple of the Lord. Solomon understood a timeless principle: God often fulfills His purpose through people.

This episode reminds us that the people we connect with can influence our direction, expand our opportunities, and help us fulfill God's calling. Whether in ministry, business, family, or leadership, meaningful relationships built on wisdom and integrity are priceless.

Key Lessons from ACT 4

🤝 No one achieves lasting greatness alone.

👑 Strategic relationships multiply opportunities.

🏛️ Great visions require great teams.

🌍 Trust and integrity build lasting partnerships.

📖 God often uses people to answer our prayers and accomplish His purpose.

Ask yourself:

Who are you walking with?

The right relationships can sharpen your character, strengthen your faith, and open doors that talent alone cannot unlock.

One conversation...

One mentor...

One friendship...

One God-ordained relationship...

Can completely change the course of your life.

Who has been the most influential person in your journey?

Share your story in the comments, and don't miss ACT 5 – Faithful Stewardship: Managing God's Blessings. It will enable you to continue this powerful journey through The 9 Secrets of King Solomon's Prosperity.

Coming Next

ACT 5 – Faithful Stewardship: Managing God's Blessings

"As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." — Proverbs 27:17

#Faith #Success #Success #LifeLessons #Motivational

🎬 Inspiring Stories. Timeless Wisdom. Life-Changing Lessons.

The 9 Secrets of Developing the Gifts God Has Given You ACT 3

2026-08-07T10:00:00.000+01:00

Every great achievement begins with a gift—but every gift must be developed.

In ACT 3 of The 9 Secrets of King Solomon's Prosperity, we discover that although God gave Solomon extraordinary wisdom, it was Solomon's commitment to learning, discipline, excellence, and faithful stewardship that transformed his potential into one of the greatest kingdoms in history.

This episode explores a timeless truth: God gives the seed, but we are responsible for cultivating the harvest. Solomon never stopped learning. He expanded his knowledge, sharpened his skills, solved complex problems, and led with excellence. His prosperity was not built on talent alone—it was built on continuous growth.

The same principle applies today. Whether you are a student, entrepreneur, professional, leader, minister, or business owner, God has placed unique gifts and abilities within you. The question is: Are you developing them?

Key Lessons from ACT 3

✨ Every God-given gift requires intentional development.

✨ Continuous learning increases your capacity for greater opportunities.

✨ Excellence attracts influence, favor, and new doors.

✨ Knowledge becomes powerful only when it is applied with wisdom.

✨ Faithfulness in developing your abilities prepares you for greater responsibility.

Success is rarely an accident. It is the result of consistent growth, wise decisions, disciplined effort, and a heart committed to honoring God through excellence.

If this episode challenged and inspired you, please Like, Comment, Share, and Subscribe to continue this life-changing journey through The 9 Secrets of King Solomon's Prosperity.

Coming Next:

ACT 4 – The Power of Strategic Relationships

"Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings; they will not serve before officials of low rank." — Proverbs 22:29

#faith #success #christian #lifelessons #motivational

🎬 Inspiring Stories. Timeless Wisdom. Life-Changing Lessons.

9 Secrets of The Foundation of True Prosperity ACT 2

2026-08-03T10:00:00.000+01:00

What is the true foundation of lasting prosperity?

Many people spend their lives chasing wealth, success, and influence, yet overlook the one thing that made King Solomon extraordinary.

In ACT 2 of this documentary series, we discover that before Solomon became the richest and wisest king in history, he first became a man devoted to God. His prosperity did not begin with gold—it began with obedience, worship, humility, and a sincere desire for divine wisdom.

When God invited Solomon to ask for anything, he didn't ask for riches, power, or fame. He asked for wisdom. That single decision changed the course of his life and became the foundation upon which every other blessing was built.

This episode reminds us that true prosperity starts with the right priorities. When we seek God's wisdom first, we are better equipped to make sound decisions, manage opportunities wisely, and positively impact the lives of others.

Key Lessons from ACT 2:

✨ True prosperity begins with God.

✨ Wisdom is more valuable than wealth.

✨ Right priorities produce lasting success.

✨ Obedience opens the door to divine favor.

✨ God's blessings are best sustained by godly character.

If this message has inspired you, please Like, Comment, Share, and Subscribe to follow the complete documentary series.

Next Episode:

ACT 3 – Developing the Gifts God Has Given You

"For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding." — Proverbs 2:6

#Wisdom #motivation #success #lifelessons #inspiration

🎬 Inspiring Stories. Timeless Wisdom. Life-Changing Lessons.

The 9 Secrets of The Greatest Misunderstanding

2026-07-31T13:41:00.000+01:00

Was King Solomon's wealth simply the result of prayer, worship, and sacrifices?

For generations, many people have believed that's the complete story. But is there something we've overlooked?

In this opening episode of The 9 Secrets of King Solomon's Prosperity, we begin an eye-opening journey into the Scriptures to uncover the deeper principles behind the extraordinary success of the wisest and wealthiest king in biblical history.

This isn't just a story about riches—it's about wisdom, stewardship, preparation, and the timeless principles that can transform our lives today.

Join us as we separate common assumptions from biblical truth and discover why Solomon's prosperity was built on much more than prayer alone.

If this episode inspires you, don't forget to Like, Comment, Share, and Subscribe so you won't miss the next episode.

Coming Next:

ACT 2 – The Foundation of True Prosperity

"True prosperity is not only something you pray for—it is something you prepare for."

THE FARMER'S DONKEY | What Buries You Can Also Build You

2026-07-27T13:30:00.000+01:00

Life will throw dirt on you.

There will be criticism, rejection, failure, disappointment, and unexpected challenges. The question is: will you allow them to bury you, or will you use them as stepping stones?

The Farmer's Donkey is a timeless motivational story about resilience, perseverance, and the power of mindset. When a donkey falls into a deep well and seems destined for defeat, it discovers a simple strategy that changes everything: shake it off and step up.

This inspiring lesson reminds us that every obstacle carries the potential for growth if we choose the right response.

Remember:

🫏 Don't let setbacks define you.

🫏 Turn obstacles into opportunities.

🫏 Keep moving forward.

🫏 What was meant to bury you can build you.

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The Golden Box of Love

2026-07-23T13:00:00.000+01:00

A simple gift. An empty box. A lesson that lasts a lifetime.

This touching story of forgiveness reminds us that the most valuable gifts in life cannot be seen or touched. A father, frustrated by financial struggles, wrongly scolded his little daughter for what appeared to be an empty gift box. But what he discovered next changed his heart forever.

Filled with love, regret, forgiveness, and an unforgettable lesson, this story challenges us to appreciate the people we love before it's too late and to never underestimate the power of a kind gesture.

In a world where we often focus on material things, this story reminds us that genuine love, compassion, forgiveness, and family are life's greatest treasures.

Lessons from this story:

❤️ Never judge too quickly.
❤️ Appreciate your loved ones while you can.
❤️ Forgiveness heals wounded hearts.
❤️ The greatest gifts cannot be bought with money.
❤️ Love is the most valuable treasure we can give and receive.

May this story inspire you to cherish those around you and never take their love for granted.

If this story touched your heart, please Like, Share, and Follow for more inspirational stories and life-changing lessons.

Remember:

"Sometimes the smallest gifts carry the greatest love."

Inspiring Stories. Timeless Wisdom. Life-Changing Lessons.

THE EAGLE AND THE CHICKEN | You Were Born to Soar

2026-07-18T21:03:35.685+01:00

Have you ever felt different? Have you ever felt like you were meant for more?

"The Eagle and the Chicken" is a powerful motivational story about identity, purpose, self-belief, and overcoming limitations.

Sometimes the greatest obstacle to success is not lack of talent—it is believing the wrong things about yourself.

Like the eagle raised among chickens, many people spend their lives living below their true potential because of fear, doubt, or the opinions of others.

This inspiring story will remind you to break free from limitations, embrace your true identity, and soar toward your destiny.

Remember:

🦅 You are not defined by your environment.

🦅 You are not limited by other people's expectations.

🦅 You were born to soar.

Why Success Takes Longer Than You Think

2026-07-08T22:36:27.978+01:00

Have you ever felt like you're working hard, doing the right things, and still seeing no results?

You're not alone.

The Bamboo Tree is one of the most powerful stories ever told about patience, persistence, faith, and personal growth. For years, the bamboo seed shows no visible signs of progress. But beneath the surface, something extraordinary is happening.

This inspiring story reminds us that success is not always immediate. Sometimes the greatest growth happens where nobody can see it. Just because your progress is invisible today doesn't mean your breakthrough isn't coming tomorrow.

If you're building a business, pursuing a dream, studying for a better future, growing spiritually, or working toward a goal that seems far away, this story is for you.

Remember:

🌱 Never despise small beginnings.

🌱 Growth often happens beneath the surface.

🌱 Patience is part of the process.

🌱 Your roots determine your future height.

🌱 Don't quit before your breakthrough arrives.

"The bamboo tree spends years growing roots before it grows tall enough for the world to notice."

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Does Good People Suffer?

2026-05-09T13:14:03.166+01:00

Have you ever regretted giving a testimony?

When I was 19 years old, I prayed really hard to get into a scholars programme at a local university. Only three per cent of the undergraduate cohort was accepted into the programme each year. Eventually, I was accepted despite not having straight A's in my examination results. So I gave a testimony at a cell group meeting, thanking God for opening the door of opportunity.

But later, in my first and second semesters, my grades were not good enough and I was sent warning letters—twice. Essentially, the message was: buck up or you could be kicked out of the programme. I reasoned that I had not adjusted to university life in the first semester.

I reflected on my study approach and tried to work harder and smarter. This included not selecting university modules in which the exam dates were very close to one another and trying to better manage my time. I thought the situation would improve.

But that did not happen, and the second warning letter came as a huge blow. I had never received any warning letter in my entire schooling life; now I’d received two.

To the best of my knowledge, I had done whatever I could and had put in my best effort to get better grades in the second semester. So I was genuinely baffled by my final grades after the examinations.

I failed to understand why my grades turned out the way they did, despite all I had done. Sure, I was not expecting a perfect score, but I expected to do relatively well. I searched my heart and was convinced I had done my best. I tried blaming professors—I even asked for a marking review for one of my exam scripts, but the grade did not change. Eventually, I blamed God, the one whom I had prayed to for good results.

At the time, I regretted giving my testimony earlier. And I struggled to make sense of my situation. I had not taken His gift—the opportunity of entering the scholars programme—for granted. So why would God take away something He gave? And unlike the lyrics in the song “Blessed Be Your Name”, my heart chose not to bless God’s name.

Admittedly, neither the Bible nor the church was the first place I turned to for answers. I wasn’t sure how people would respond when I said I was blaming God. So I turned to Google, typed “disappointment with God”, and discovered a book of the same title by American Christian author Philip Yancey.

After reading the book, in which Yancey delved into the book of Job, as well as other Old Testament books where prophets cried out to God, I gained a greater appreciation of God’s ways.

Three lessons from Job

1. Upright people suffer too
2. Our response to suffering is important
3. There are some issues we can never comprehend

Yancey writes that the book of Job “portrays the very worst things happening to the very best person”. Job was blameless and upright, and he feared God and shunned evil (1:1). God said to himself, and said there was no one on earth like Job (1:8, 2:3).

But within a day, Job lost his oxen, donkeys, sheep, camels, and all his children (1:14-19). On another day, he suffered painful sores all over his body, from head to toe (2:7).

His three friends Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar suggested that his suffering was because of some sin he committed, but God rebuked them for speaking wrongly (42:7). God also did not mention any specific sin as a reason for Job’s suffering.

Not all suffering we go through is because of our sin. For some of us, the reminder we need is: “it’s not your fault”.

People sometimes fare badly at school or work because they did not work hard enough, but that’s not always the case. Perhaps you have had a similar experience to mine: you thought you studied hard, spotted the right topics, did everything you could, but it still wasn’t enough to meet the grade. Even in schoolwork, the formula for success does not always look like this: more revision time (or assessment books or tuition) equals better grades.

Job’s suffering started because of a conversation between God and Satan. Yancey writes that the conversation resembled a wager, a bet.

Satan claimed Job was loyal to God as he had been blessed, and accused Job of being a fair-weather believer (1:10-11). Satan’s challenge to God: destroy everything Job has, and he will surely curse you (1:11, 2:5). God’s response: challenge accepted, but spare his life (1:12, 2:6).

And that’s when Job lost everything. “Job was unknowingly performing in a cosmic showdown before spectators in the unseen world,” writes Yancey.

The Bible records other examples of human actions having an impact on the unseen world: a mission trip by the disciples causes Satan to “fall like lightning from heaven” (Luke 10:1-18); a sinner’s repentance is cause for celebration in heaven (Luke 15:7).

It’s hard to imagine that a single person’s response would matter in the spiritual realm, but that’s what the book of Job shows. Our response to testing matters. Job’s test was to trust God in spite of all that happened, to keep the faith.

In my case, I believe my test was facing the risk of being kicked out of the scholars programme that I wanted so much to be a part of. Would I still be faithful? Or would it show that I was just a fair-weather believer?

I do not know if my response to the testing of my faith affected the spiritual realm, but I believe that it pleased God (Hebrews 11:6). I believe my response also mattered to Him because it refined my faith and deepened my relationship with God.

Today, years after this incident, I can say I have been less shaken when faced with other times of suffering, when it seemed as if God had taken away what He gave. I still cried for nights when my church mentor (whom God placed in my life) strayed away from the faith and left church. I also cried when my family member suffered a miscarriage after God gave a young life in her womb. If my faith were to be likened to a house, it shook when faced with these tough times, but it did not collapse, because my foundational belief in the goodness of God was now stronger.

God did not answer Job’s “why me” question. Instead, God asked Job many questions, using Job’s ignorance of the natural order of the earth God created, to reveal his ignorance of God’s moral order (Job 38-41).

Job’s reply: “Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know” (42:3).

R.C. Sproul, in his book Surprised by Suffering, writes: “Ultimately the only answer God gave to Job was a revelation of himself. It was as if God said to him, ‘Job, I am your answer.’ Job was not asked to trust a plan but a person, a personal God who is sovereign, wise, and good.”

So I learned to confess my disappointment, doubts, and questions to God, like what Job did (e.g. 7:11-21, 10:2-18). I chose to continue taking on added responsibilities in church, while admitting my fears to God about how this would affect my time to study and my grades. By God’s grace, my grades miraculously improved in my third semester at university, a semester in which I walked through my disappointment with God.

The truth is, we are humans, not God. Our perception of time and space is different from that of an omnipresent God who views time as eternity, a never-ending present.

Yancey writes: “No matter how we rationalize, God will sometimes seem unfair from the perspective of a person trapped in time . . . Not until history has run its course, will we understand how ‘all things work together for good’ (Rom. 8:28).”

By God’s grace, I gave another testimony after my third semester, not just of the material blessing of an improvement in grades, but also of God sustaining and refining my faith through it all.

Source: YMI
By Priscilla G., Singapore

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Let’s Always Speak Life

2026-02-20T14:10:00.008+01:00

And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me — holy is his name.” — Luke 1:46-49

I’ve always been deeply moved by Mary’s faith. Not only did she accept her divine assignment, she did it willingly with thanksgiving and praise. After Elizabeth blessed her, Mary began to declare the goodness and faithfulness of God. She did not accept her purpose begrudgingly but with passion and humility. She considered that to obey the call of God was an honor and not a burden.

She gave all the glory to God, proclaimed his goodness and faithfulness, and even declared, “From now on all generations will call me blessed.” It required great faith to make that statement in her condition. Remember, she was an unwed teenage girl and her reputation was at stake, but she chose to believe God despite the circumstances. She knew that he was worthy of her trust and so she entrusted her future to Him.

Once Mary had decided to pay the price to fulfill her calling, she was all in. She wholeheartedly trusted that God was who He said He was and that He would do all he had said He would do. Instead of waiting for a physical sign that she was pregnant, Mary prophesied her future when the promise was still in seed form inside her womb. And guess what?

We all are indeed calling Mary, the mother of Jesus, blessed, now, everyday and at every Christmas.

There are so many lessons that we can learn from this amazing woman of God every Christmas and after. She was relentlessly steadfast and kept her eyes unflinchingly fixed on the author of the Promise that she carried. She committed to enjoy and celebrate the journey and not merely endure this calling as a burdensome obligation. She surrounded herself with great faith-filled people and reminded herself of all the amazing things God had done for her people thus far. She knew that the same God who had been faithful to them would also be faithful to His Promise in her.

Let’s determine to be people of faith who expect to hear from God through His Word, who will not hesitate to say yes to our divine assignments when He gives them to us, and who will surround ourselves with people who inspire us to see the dream come to pass.

As we go forward after Christmas, let’s never forget to give Him all the praise and honor that He is due and continually speak words of life that affirm the dream and the promise that we carry. Each word we speak either waters the seed or destroys it, so let’s speak life as we enter the new year 2017.

Credit: Christine Caine

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Health Habits You Must Break Before Turning 40

2026-02-15T18:53:00.005+01:00

Don’t smoke, eat better, exercise, and sleep more – these are often referred to as the basics of longevity but the reality is a little more complex. People can’t ignore their age. Making this mistake can lead to weight gain, heart problems and chronic illnesses brought by unhealthy lifestyles. A lot of hormonal changes are happening. Any imbalance can have an effect. Before you know it, a routine checkup finds your blood pressure to be too high and you’re pre-diabetic.

Skipping meals: People don’t always eat three times a day with light snacks in between due to busy schedules. But making time is crucial because going through a long period of time without consuming food can lead to a series of health problems – blood sugar levels dive, stress hormones are released, you get hungrier, you increase your chance of developing diabetes, and your skin and hair suffer. Don’t even think about not eating because you’re trying to shed a few pounds because you lose water weight and muscle, not fat.

Read: How Simple Lifestyle Changes Can Transformed Your Life At 40 here

Overlooking health warnings: “If you think you have an emergency, then you have an emergency until proven otherwise,” Dr. Michael G. Millin from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine says. The key to preventing potentially fatal incidents is to pay attention to small changes or sensations and to know when not to dismiss them because you had a busy day at work. Don’t overlook symptoms such as sudden headaches – could be life-threatening, chest pain – could be heart attack, shortness of breath – could be heart problems of collapsed lung, swollen legs – could be a blood clot, or confusion associated with tiredness.

Consuming too much salt and sugar: Sodium is essential for nerve cells to communicate well, prevent muscle cramps, and regulate blood sugar and fluid balance…Until we get too much of it. Then a vicious cycle begins – your blood pressure rises, you hold too much water, blood vessels get damaged, you lose calcium, and you are at higher risk of dementia. Sugar is also one of the worst things you can put in your body. The liver is overloaded, your cholesterol is up, tooth enamel gets destroyed, it makes you tired, your immune system is weakened, and you are at risk of becoming depressed, according to research.

Avoiding dairy: People lose bone mass or density as they age, especially women after menopause. Calcium is an important nutrient that helps maintain healthy bones. Many nutritionists say that milk is the best source of calcium known to people. A study shows that taking it around the same time as a workout may be the most effective way to prevent calcium loss and to aid recovery. The recommended calcium intake for adults, 19 to 50 year old, is 1,000 mg a day.

Doing only cardio exercises: Running, and other cardio workouts that burn more calories, won’t necessarily lead to fat loss. You need to be able to burn more calories when you’re resting in order to drop the few extra pounds. This can only happen if you build muscles by doing strength training. Ten pounds of muscle will burn 50 calories in a day spent at rest, while 10 pounds of fat would burn only 20. Lifting weight also helps prevent diabetes. Glycogen is stored in muscle tissue and the liver. As we age, we lose muscle mass and glucose disposing tissue.

Drinking too much soda and alcohol: Soda – even the diet kind – and alcohol can wreak havoc on your body. A report from 2014 found 54 direct and indirect ways – from car crashes to depression and cirrhosis – in which alcohol can be lead to death. A recent study made a connection between soda and life expectancy decrease by 4.6 years because sugar damages telomeres, which affects how cells age. Diet sodas taste the same as regular ones because they have artificial sweeteners. They play tricks on the brain in a worse way than sugary sodas.

Exercising too much: It is possible to have too much of a good thing, and working out more than what your body can handle is highly detrimental. Exercise addiction often starts with the remarkable feeling you have when you push yourself hard to get to the next level and see the results of your sweat. All of a sudden you wake up at 4 a.m. to do cardio training before work, weight lifting during your lunch break and Zumba classes before you go home. You are constantly tired and find artificial ways to boost your energy such as coffee and energy drinks. Also, you make yourself a very easy target for injuries. Finally, you start to crave comfort foods, filled with sugary, high carbohydrates, and begin to overeat.

Practicing “wreck-covery’: “Many people at the gym train hard but I don't see them putting as much effort into allowing their body to rebuild and repair,” Dustin Bogle, Personal Trainer and Fit Body Boot Camp owner, says. “Recovery almost seems too easy so people don't pay attention until they are mentally and physically exhausted.” You can't ignore it. Recovery is essential for building muscle and burning fat. “If my clients have trouble with sleep, I have them do some foam rolling to activate the parasympathetic system which slows your heart rate and helps you to unwind,” Bogle adds.

Avoiding fruits and vegetables: About 87 percent of Americans don't meet the recommendations for fruit consumption, and 91 percent don't for vegetable consumption, according to a recent U.S. report. They add essential nutrients to diets, reduce the risk for heart disease, stroke, cancer, and help manage healthy body weight. There are some genius ways to add them to your meals – bake with veggies, add them to kebabs, make noodles, freeze them, roast them, and add them to smoothies.

Watching too much TV: A study has linked prolonged television viewing with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and all-cause mortality. Also, televisions and other electronic devices emit blue light, which affects the levels of the sleep-inducing melatonin more than any other wavelength. Another problem is what you’re watching. Chances are a movie or a late show that you find will be more stimulating than relaxing, keeping you awake, which has many side effects, including weight gain.

Washing your face too often: Washing your face twice a day is more than enough, with an extra time before and after exercising. Soaps, especially the alkaline ones, can really dry your skin by removing all of its natural oils. This makes the skin itchy, very irritating and prone to breakouts. Wipes and cleansers are not a much better option. The oils in the skin are crucial for its health because they keep it supple.

Wearing headphones a lot: Elderly people are often labeled as having hearing problems. They usually come with age but sometimes they appear due to environmental factors. Wearing headphones for more than an hour a day can be a cause as well. It’s important to not overdo it and keep the volume down. Sound is delivered directly into the ear canal, very close to the eardrum. Over time that quickens the kind of hearing loss linked to age.

Keeping your home too hot: The biggest temptation in the winter – other than staying home all day, cuddled up and watching Netflix – is cranking up the heat in the house. However, you will end up hurting yourself. The heater dries out the air indoors. That can lead to inflamed skin. An acceptable wintertime temperature indoors is 70 degrees for the living room and at least 64 degrees for other rooms, according to the West Midlands Public Health Observatory. Keep a glass of water in the room for some humidity.

Not eating dessert: There are many ways in which you can consume sweets and not weight. Don’t blacklist desserts. Studies have shown that restriction often leads to overeating. Among the 103 women in the research, chocolate-deprived restrained eaters consumed more chocolate food than any other group did. Restrained eaters experienced more food cravings than unrestrained eaters did and were more likely to eat the craved food.

Detoxing: Detoxing has been a popular diet over the last several years. The liver and kidneys naturally get rid of toxins every time you sweat or go to the bathroom. Science is not conclusive whether detox is good for you. There is no definitive proof that such diets help the body eliminate toxins faster. You are, however, often starving, which is never a good idea. Your body needs about 2,000 calories a day to function properly. It must have its vitamins, minerals and other nutrients to keep you healthy so you don’t gain weight, get constipated or sick, and lose your energy...Anything less than that puts it in stress mode.

Not drinking enough water: The body is dehydrated when it has lost more fluid than it’s taken in, resulting in not having enough water to allow it to perform at optimal level. Drinking water is a vital part of digesting, absorbing and transporting nutrients, which is crucial for good overall physical and mental health. Ignoring that fact can make you sick – kidney problems, dry skin, muscle cramps, headaches, fatigue, swollen feet and arms, high cholesterol, and constipation.

Setting unrealistic fitness goals: One of the most difficult phases of getting healthy is setting goals. You setting yourself up to fail without them, but you have to have a clear idea of how to achieve them, otherwise they are unrealistic and are likely to end up disappointed and physically hurt. The older you get, the more difficult it is to lose weight or build muscle, your metabolism slows down, and the thigh gap is next to impossible.

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How People Become Entrepreneurs Today

2026-02-07T18:10:00.011+01:00

To understand this article, Read ''What Exactly is an Entrepreneur?''

Considering that “part-time entrepreneurship” is now more common than it once was, it’s no longer necessary for you to quit your job to start building something on the side.

Many Shopify store owners run their businesses part-time, during evenings or on the weekend, eventually going full-time if they choose to. Some have a physical location for their store and others operate entirely online.

Businesses can now exist in a variety of forms that just weren’t possible before. So naturally, people are starting them for a variety of reasons.

You can...

Build a business around selling products and proving value.

Many entrepreneurs identify an opportunity and then capitalize on it. If there’s demand, they become the one with the supply. Being passionate about the product helps but it’s by no means a prerequisite.

All you need is to be passionate about business, competition, and creating systems that create value, either as a side business or something that replaces your 9 to 5.

Example: Syght Glasses

Build a business around information and empowerment.

The “infopreneur” is typically a teacher who sells information via courses, templates and other resources usually geared towards educating and empowering their audience.

Example: Copyblogger

Build an audience and then build a business around it.

Once, the only way for an artist to survive was to have their work sponsored by a wealthy patron.

Today, creators—writers, vloggers, musicians—build audiences around their talents and cleverly create businesses around them with merchandise, book sales etc. The “patron” is now their audience.

We don’t often look at them that way, but books are physical products and music downloads can be a digital product. If you’re selling these, you’re running a business.

Example: Wait But Why

Build a business around your craft.

The maker applies a specific craft they’ve honed in order to create physical products. Usually a hobby or a past time, they’ve learned how to unearth niche audiences with an interest in owning what they create—whether necklaces, hand-crafted furniture, or scented candles.

This often starts out as a hobby before you find your first customers and decide to become an entrepreneur.

Example: JM&Sons

Build a business around providing services.

This group includes agencies, consultants, freelancers and people with skills or expertise that others need. They might start off alone, only able to make money when they work, but they can develop into more if they want.

Example: Shopify Partners

Build a business around a better way of doing things.

There’s always room for improvement. There are always needs and pain points that have yet to be satisfied.

This is the story behind many tech company founders trying to realize their vision of a better way.

It can also be built around a product or service that you want that simply doesn't exist. Not yet.

Example: Uber

Build a business around social responsibility.

Some entrepreneurs use business as a means of creating a sustainable living that improves the quality of lives through social enterprise. Outside of profit, the value they seek to create is for those in need.

Example: LSTN

These are only some of the intrinsic motivations that lead people down the path of entrepreneurship. It might even be some combination of reasons that inspires you to start a business.

The reasons might be unique to each person, but there are two qualities all entrepreneurs share.

Two Things All Entrepreneurs Have In Common

The word "entrepreneur" comes from the French word, entreprendre: to undertake. And despite how entrepreneurship has changed over the years, that part is still very much in tact.

However you or anyone else chooses to define what it means to be an entrepreneur, it almost goes without saying that an entrepreneur can’t become one if he or she has to wait for that validation.

Because there are at least two things every entrepreneur has in common for sure:

They have ambition.
They start.

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SILENT KILLER: HABITS AND PRACTICES

2026-02-05T15:48:00.002+01:00

"Silent killers" are chronic, often symptomless, lifestyle-driven conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases, primarily caused by poor diet, physical inactivity, chronic stress, and smoking. These habits lead to inflammation, obesity, and accelerated biological aging.

WORRY AND ANXIETY:

In response to environmental and social demands, humans tend to worry about so many things – what to eat, where to live, how to take care of the children (unborn ones inclusive), how to settle bills, getting along with family and in-laws etc. This increases tension and may lead to hypertension

HAVING TOO MUCH TO DO WITHOUT PROPER PLAN AND BALANCE:

Having too much to do without a proper plan and balance is a formula for burnout, reduced productivity, and severe health issues. When work demands overwhelm personal life, the result is chronic stress, poor mental health, strained relationships, and a lack of focus that actually lowers overall effectiveness. This often leads to stress and confusion. Plan your work and avoid ‘biting more than you can chew’ in a day.

LACK OF REST AND OVER-ACTIVITY:

Getting enough rest is imperative to living a healthy lifestyle and when you do not relax and get enough sleep you are putting yourself at the risk of illness as well as other dangerous side effects. When you don’t get enough rest you will have difficulty concentrating, thinking clearly, and even remembering things. You might not notice this at first or blame it on your busy schedule, but the more sleep and rest you miss, the more serious these symptoms will become.

FEAR FED BY UNBELIEF IN THE HEART:

Women have a lot of fears – fear of children’s security, husband’s fidelity, prevailing disease in the community, fear of what might happen to the baby in the womb, etc. What many do not realize is that fear creates turmoil and chaos in our lives and contributes to ailments such as migraines, panic attacks, high blood pressure, and depression. The human body is not meant to live in a state of fear. Adrenaline was made for emergency situations only. Yet people are imperceptibly subjecting themselves to fear and anxiety every single day. It is no wonder our health suffers. But “…God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of love, power and of a sound mind (2Timothy1:7).

ALLOWING BUILD UP OF STRESS FROM RESPONSIBILITIES:

So much is laid upon the woman: she may be a wife, mother, secular worker and Christian worker, saddled with so many responsibilities. When these are not properly planned and balanced they become stressful and make the woman to be nervous. This could result in peptic ulcer.

ANGER AND RAGE:

These trigger excessive production of certain hormones in the body which may result in stroke, heart attack, or paralysis. According to new research findings, all of the negative energy exerted in moments of anger isn’t just a waste of time or a minor nuisance; it can lead to serious health complications that shorten lifespan and interfere with quality of life.

BITTERNESS AND UNFORGIVING ATTITUDE:

Some women are known to be experts in these negative attitudes, which can cause both physical and spiritual illnesses. There may be loss of appetite, loss of weight, peptic ulcer and psychosomatic problems.

ALLOWING SELF PITY AND DEPRESSION:

Depression involves sadness, pessimism, a preoccupation with personal problems, and feeling sorry for oneself. It could also be accompanied by fatigue, excessive sleeping, insomnia, anguish, crying, and hopelessness. Other possible symptoms include poor appetite, heavy eating, weight loss or gain, feelings of inadequacy or worthlessness, anxiety, regrets, decreased productivity, poor concentration, or recurrent thoughts of death or suicide.

BAD FEEDING HABITS:

Skipping meals, overeating, eating at irregular times, eating the wrong types of food and unbalanced diet can predispose the woman to excessive weight gain (obesity), and diabetes mellitus. Women, by their privileged position in preparing meals at home, tend to eat in-between meals. This contributes greatly to their weight gain.

SMOKING OF CIGARETTES, CIGAR, PIPES AND TAKING OF SNUFF:

All forms of tobacco use, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and snuff, are harmful, addictive, and carry serious health risks, with no safe level of consumption. Smoking delivers toxins and nicotine, causing cancer and heart disease, while snuff (smokeless tobacco) causes oral cancers and cardiovascular issues.

TAKING HARD DRUGS (COCAINE, HEROIN, MARIJUANA, ETC):

"Hard drugs" such as cocaine, heroin, and marijuana (often considered a "soft drug" depending on the context) are substances with a high potential for abuse and addiction, leading to severe health, social, and legal consequences. This could lead to serious mental problems.

NONCHALANT ATTITUDE TO HEALTH MATTERS:

Some women don’t pay much attention to health-related issues, ideas and discussions. This set of people leave everything, including their health, to fate. They believe they can’t do much to improve their health and this makes them flout health rules and shun helpful ideas about their health. This is a very dangerous attitude.

LAZINESS/LACK OF EXERCISE:

Lack of exercise causes lots of physical and psychological setbacks. It increases one’s chances of developing heart disease and increases the risk of obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure.

FLIRTING AND ADULTERY:

These immoral attitudes could lead an individual to contracting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), HIV/AIDS, loss of self respect, and debasing of the dignity of manhood/womanhood.

POOR PERSONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE:

A woman unable to maintain a good personal and environmental hygiene will expose herself and members of her household and even neighbours to numerous health hazards.

KILLER DISEASES
Some common killer diseases caused by these killer habits include:

1. OBESITY: This is an excessive accumulation of fat in the body which leads to great increase in weight. It is determined by the index of BMI (Body Mass Index) whereby the weight in kilograms is divided by the height in metres squared. Overweight is defined as a BMI of 25 to 29.9, while obesity is defined as a BMI of 30 or more. The primary cause of obesity is consumption of more calories (food) than the body needs or uses. It is also caused by insufficient exercise.Â Obesity favours the development of many other diseases such as diabetes mellitus, gall stones, hypertension, inguinal and hiatus hernia, varicose vein, uterine prolapse and tiredness from overwork on the heart and lungs.

2. DIABETES MELLITUS: This is a metabolic disease characterized by excessive urination (with sugar in the urine), weight loss (due to excessive urination), excessive craving for water, and general body weakness. It has an attendant raised blood-sugar level as a result of inadequate secretion of a hormone called insulin.Â Contributory factors are overeating, alcohol consumption, excessive craving for sweetened/sugary foods and drinks. This, if not well controlled, will affect many other systems of the body and can cause diseases and/or untimely death. Change of feeding habit, regular exercise, and weight-shedding will go a long way to prevent diabetes.

3. HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE (HYPERTENSION): High blood pressure means high pressure (tension) in the arteries. The arteries are the vessels that carry blood from the heart to all of the tissues and organs of the body. Normal blood pressure is between 90/60 and below 140/90 mmHg. Thus, a blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg and above is considered high blood pressure. The top number, which is known as the systolic blood pressure, represents the pressure in the arteries as the heart contracts and pumps blood into the arteries.

The diastolic pressure, which is the bottom number, represents the pressure in the arteries as the heart relaxes after the contraction. The diastolic pressure, therefore, reflects the minimum pressure to which the arteries are exposed. 85-90% of people with high blood pressure have primary hypertension where the cause is unknown. 10-15% of people have secondary hypertension which is caused by other ailments such as kidney disorder or hormonal disorder. Hypertension can lead to heart-disease, stroke, paralysis and death. Predisposing factors include obesity, diabetes, emotional tension, stress and heredity.

4. TUBERCULOSIS: Tuberculosis is a chronic bacterial infection. It is spread through the air and usually infects the lungs, although other organs and parts of the body can be involved as well. Most people who are infected with tuberculosis at the latent stage harbour the bacterium without serious symptoms. Symptoms associated with this stage include weight loss, fever, night sweats, and loss of appetite. If the affected individual is adequately treated, he gets cured. However, if left untreated, the latent TB will degenerate into the active TB disease, which has chronic and debilitating symptoms, including severe cough, chest pain, and bloody sputum.

5. CANCERS: Cancer is a disease of cells. It is an abnormal growth of cells which tend to proliferate in an uncontrolled way and, in some cases, to metastasize (spread). First, cells begin to grow out of control in the body. Second, those cells have the ability to travel from their original site to other locations in the body. If the spread is not controlled, cancer can result in death. The most common forms of cancer are skin cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer, breast cancer (mostly in women), and prostate cancer (mostly in men).

6. HIV/AIDS: AIDS is a chronic, life-threatening condition caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). By damaging or destroying the cells of your immune system, HIV interferes with your body’s ability to effectively fight off viruses, bacteria and fungi that cause disease. This makes you more susceptible to certain types of cancers and to opportunistic infections your body would normally resist, such as pneumonia and meningitis. The virus and the infection itself are known as HIV. The term Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is used to mean the later stages of an HIV infection. Immoral sexual relationship, use of infected sharp instruments like needles, tattooing instruments, razor blade, shaving instruments, and transfusion of infected blood could cause HIV/AIDS and its attendant problems.

REMEDY
1. Enter into covenant relationship with God by being born again through repentance and faith in Christ and thereafter live a righteous and holy life daily in following the Lord. Doing this gives you right to enjoy all the covenant blessings of the Lord in all areas of your life – spiritual, health, finance, family, etc. (Exodus 3:25; 15:26; 3John 2; 1 Peter 2:24).

2. Take the following preventive measures against the silent killers:

(i) Learn to always carry your problems, cares and concerns to the Lord in prayer. Leave them there at His feet with a simple childlike trust “casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you” (1 Peter 5:7; Philippians 4:6). Doing this takes care of all worries, anxiety, fears etc.

(ii) Always put the best (positive) construction on every situation of life and on what people say to or about you. This helps a great deal to keep your mind and heart healthy and sound to think and act right always as well as develop the best attitude to life. (Philippians 4:8).

(iii) Learn to always forgive every offence. Pray for grace and make up your mind to do so.

(iv) Obey simple health rules.

(v) Eat good and balanced diet with fruits and vegetables at regular intervals and at the right time.

(vi) Maintain good personal and environmental hygiene.

(vii) Do exercise regularly,

(viii) Rest. Sleep of 6-8 hours a day is ideal.

(ix) Go for routine check-up at six-month intervals.

(x) Do regular BP checks at every available opportunity. You can buy your own digital sphygmomanometer (Blood Pressure equipment) to check your blood pressure regularly.

(xi) Regular self breast-examination, Pap smear and early reporting of any abnormal swelling or growth in any part of the body will help a lot in cancer screening and prevention.

(x) Renew and strengthen your spirit always by daily reading and meditating on God’s word. Remember that your body needs a healthy mind to function effectively.

Source: Deeper Life Christian Women Mirror Magazine

What Exactly is an Entrepreneur

2026-02-02T17:31:00.006+01:00

My dad’s an entrepreneur.

In 1990, he opened his own auto shop. He took a risk, went through the motions of uncertainty and stress, worked a second job to support both his family and his business, grew his customer base, hired other mechanics, sold services (auto repair) as well as products (auto parts), and was ultimately accountable for his own success.

Ask him what he does for a living, however, and he won’t tell you he’s an entrepreneur. He’ll say he "fixes cars".

Ask him about being his own boss and he’ll say, “When you have your own business, you’re not the boss. You’re an employee.”

But in my eyes he is most definitely an entrepreneur, at least according to the definition you get from a quick Google search: ''An entrepreneur is a person who organizes and operates a business or businesses, taking on greater than normal financial risks in order to do so.''

Like my dad, many small business owners don’t embrace their identity as “entrepreneurs”. On the other hand, you probably know someone who wears the title with pride. I’ve heard some people exclude those who own side businesses as “real entrepreneurs”.

I’ve also heard others talk broadly about entrepreneurs as anyone who starts a new business in any capacity. And let’s not forget the “entrepreneurial tendencies” people can have without owning a business, that many companies today look for in the people they hire.

But is an independent freelancer an entrepreneur? What about a full-time Uber driver? Someone who runs a stall at a fish market? Where do we draw the line, if there is one to draw?

This wide range of interpretations, coupled with all the new ways for people to make money on their own terms, begs the question: What exactly is an “entrepreneur” today?

What is an “Entrepreneur” Really?

According to Census Bureau data, from 1978 to 2012 there’s been a more than 44% decrease in new firms being created as a share of total businesses in the United States—the home of the American Dream—a trend that has been interpreted as the decline of entrepreneurship.

Despite that, our overall interest in the "entrepreneur” is still alive and healthy around the world, according to Google Trends.

In fact, a Global Entrepreneurship Monitor report in 2015 revealed that 66% of adults surveyed worldwide see entrepreneurship as a good career choice—over half who are working-age feel they have the ability to start a business.

This is likely due to our evolving interpretation of what an entrepreneur is, one that’s born from new variations and forms of “entrepreneurship”, from the sidepreneur to the infopreneur—emphasizing, above all, the self-starter attitude toward creating value that in turn creates revenue.

So I talked to over 25 “entrepreneurs” from all walks of life—from solopreneurs to tech founders to store owners to creators—to get a range of perspectives on what exactly an entrepreneur is. Here are some of the answers I got:

“An entrepreneur is someone who prefers a life of boundless uncertainty to that of predictability and chooses to bet on themselves before anyone else.”

— Drew Downs, Co-founder of Nuvango

“An entrepreneur is someone who has made a conscious decision to choose freedom. This freedom doesn't come easy because being an entrepreneur isn't easy, but it will change your life in every way. Many of us spend years of our lives building someone else's dream and following someone else's rules.

As entrepreneurs, we get to choose to work on the things that light us up, that motivate us, and that make a big impact for those around us. As entrepreneurs, we get to spend time with our family when we choose to, go on vacation when we choose to and surround ourselves with the people we choose to.”

— John Lee Dumas, Host of Entrepreneur on Fire

“An entrepreneur is a person who seeks to make a change - either to an industry, or the world. They're willing to take on financial risk, always choosing growth over profit, and are optimistic to a fault. There's never been a lower barrier to entry - you don't need a Computer Science degree to launch a web-based product or service. So to be a successful entrepreneur today boils down almost entirely to execution and perseverance.“
— Yoav Schwartz, Co-founder of Uberflip

“An entrepreneur takes on the risk and seeks to fill a need on her own terms. An entrepreneur doesn't just ‘organize’ a business in my mind, but fuels it, directs it, and creates it. I hesitated to call myself an entrepreneur for a long time because I thought you had to have a Harvard MBA. I was so wrong. Entrepreneurs are scrappy and disruptive, creative and unruly, strategic and unstoppable. Sometimes they make lousy students and difficult employees.”

—Terri Trespicio, Branding & Content Strategist, Writer, Professional Speaker

“An entrepreneur is someone that can sustainably serve an audience because they have a profitable business model.”

—Felix Thea, Owner of TrafficAndSales.com

Aside from the recurring themes of risk, value creation, and rebellion, the answers I got varied from person to person, from business to business. The definition of entrepreneurship seems to have evolved, and it’s likely the result of two things:

Thanks to technology, the barriers to entry have never been lower to start as an entrepreneur.

There are more paths now to starting a business than ever before.

How Technology Has Changed Entrepreneurship

A survey of Inc.com readers in 2015 revealed that the biggest barriers would-be entrepreneurs perceive are:

“I don’t think I can raise enough money.” (48%)

“I don’t have an idea.” (40%)

“I’m discouraged by the high failure rate of businesses.” (22%)

“I don’t have the right skills.” (21%)

“I worry about balancing business and family life.” (18%)

“I’m worried about taxes and regulations.” (17%)

“The competitive barriers are too high.” (13%)

“I don’t think I could hire people with the skills I need.” (7%)

But a lot of these are what I’d call “legacy fears” surrounding entrepreneurship—outdated misgivings that have yet to catch up with the technology and platforms that enable us to start things and put plans into motion in ways that weren’t possible before.

A Timeline of Tech Enabling Entrepreneurship.

In the last 20 years, we’ve seen the emergence of new software, tools and platforms addressing the fears and pain points associated with starting and running a business. And that’s excluding all the other opportunities afforded by social networks and search engines.

Expand

How technology has enabled entrepreneurs:

Quickbooks made accounting more accessible for small businesses.

Alibaba made finding a supplier easier for products you could sell.

MailChimp made email marketing easier and more affordable.

Shopify made it easier to start and run a business selling anything online without knowing how to code.

Dropbox enabled file sharing for better, more secure collaboration.

Kickstarter made crowdfunding your ideas a mainstream concept, reducing the financial barrier for execution.

Buffer streamlined the way you schedule social media content across multiple profiles.

Fiverr offered a marketplace for finding affordable talent and human resources.

Zapier made integrating technology possible without a developer in order to automate workflows.

Canva made it possible for anyone to design the visual assets they need for a variety of circumstances.

Kit built a “virtual employee” to take on some of the burden of running a business.

These companies—these entrepreneurs enabling entrepreneurship, of which I’ve only highlighted a handful—have created a world where a business no longer needs to be tied to a particular building, where many of them start and are run from home, on a laptop, in a coffee shop, through a mobile phone, with “employees” around the world.

Read How People Become Entrepreneurs Today here

Source: Shopify by Braveen Kumar

Relax, Don't Take Yourself Too Serious

2026-01-29T14:50:00.009+01:00

Are you worrying about what is going on in Nigeria? Worrying about the crisis in the World? Worried because you're still job-hunting? Worried about job security, paying the rent or the mortgage, success, investments (or lack thereof), whether you'll be promoted or not? Have you laughed yet today? Take a break today and laugh. Plan to relax.

The Holy Bible in the book of Proverbs 17:22 said:

A merry heart does good, like medicine.

When you make merry in your heart by ignoring the problems around you and allowing the Father of creation to be in control, you automatically get healed.

John Maxwell in his book, A Leader's Heart: 365-Day Devotional Journal gave the following advice on how to relax:
''I work with a lot of leaders. And one thing I’ve found is that many times they take themselves much too seriously. Of course, they’re not alone. I meet people in every walk of life who have too much doom and gloom in their attitudes. They simply need to lighten up.

No matter how serious your work is, that’s no reason to take yourself seriously.

too serious

If any person had a reason to take his job and himself seriously, it would be a president of the United States. Yet it’s possible for even people holding that position to maintain their sense of humor and keep their egos in check. For example, when Calvin Coolidge was asked if he was attending the Sesquicentennial Exposition in Philadelphia, the President answered, “Yes.”

“Why are you going, Mr. President?” a reporter asked.

“As an exhibit,” answered the rotund Coolidge.

If you tend to take yourself too seriously, give yourself and everyone else around you a break.

Recognize that laughter breeds resilience.

Laughing is the quickest way to get up and get going again when you’ve been knocked down''.

Therefore, no matter how big the problem look, see the bigger picture by looking unto Jesus Christ the author and finisher of our faith. God is bigger than that problem, Relax.

There is light on the other side of the tunnel and after the turbulent night, joy await you in the morning if you can let go of whatever negativity occupying your thought.
As Nigeria music star Lagbaja put it ''show me your 36, no matter condition, feyin re'' it means, smile no matter the condition. Always laugh over any unpleasant situation and work a way out by being positive.

Excerpted from A Leader's Heart: 365-Day Devotional Journal by John Maxwell

How To Be Happier, Steadier, And More Balanced Life

2026-01-28T13:47:00.000+01:00

5 Steps to be Happier, Steadier, And More Balanced Life

Can you remember when you last felt happy, really happy? Would you like to feel steadier in a healthy, mind-body way that does not involve pharmaceuticals? Is straddling a teeter-totter the last time you consciously considered balance in your life?

Today's topsy-turvy world has us all running madly in every direction. We often feel overwhelmed with what's before us -- and that is, even, before our feet hit the floor in the morning. We are losing our joie de vivre; there is precious little fun and almost non-existent downtime in our lives today. We are masters at multi-tasking; we excel at doing.

Perhaps, it's time to rethink the ways we choose to have a life and the ways we choose to fill a life. The life you are leading now is the life you passing on to your children. Is that what you want? Achieving a happier, steadier, and more balanced life involves a holistic approach that nurtures your mental, physical, and emotional well-being through intentional daily habits and mindset shifts.

Here are five strategies to help you re-find the happiness, steadiness, and balance in your life:

1. WAKE UP

I don't mean just get out of bed or off the couch, I mean become m-i-n-d-f-u-l. Happiness studies tell us that being mindful is the number one factor in creating a happy life.

If we are mindful, we are paying attention. Even God is 'mindful' of us, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them? (Psalm 8:4).

We can savor every moment. We are no longer robots or automatons beating down the hours as the days slip by.

Remember the 80/20 sales rule. You get 80% of your business from 20% of your customers, but your spend 80% of your time on the 20% that does not yield the results you want. Apply that to your mind. Where do you focus your attention? Do you feed your time and energy into your priorities? Or, like most of us, do the shiny things distract you and you head off in your own trivial pursuit?

Discern what is important to you and place your powerful attention and intention there.

2. CHANGE ONE THING

Choose one thing you will do differently. Commit to making that change every day for 30 days. Want to do even better? Extend that commitment to 60 days. Really go for the gold, make that 90 days. Seriously, you will be a changed person after those 90 days.

What happens when you commit to yourself and you keep that commitment? You learn to trust yourself.

We are very good at giving our word to our boss, our family, and our friends, but what about ourselves? Do we keep our promises to ourselves? Frequently, we do not. Thus, it becomes harder and harder to trust ourselves.

If we want to be happier, we need to build up some energetic muscle tone and personal will power that says, in essence, I can do this: I want to; I am committed and I have given my word to myself. No matter how tiny the commitment, the faithfulness to yourself creates an avalanche of well-being. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13)

Happiness is knowing that you can count on you.

3. STOP

I know, it's a unique thought. To be happy and balanced, I suggest you need to stop and allow yourself to course correct and re-find your center:

May I suggest you take a few deep breath breaks during your day? You will bring yourself back to center, re-oxygenate your body, and tap into the here and now.

Ready for more ways to re-find some balance in your life and increase your state of happiness -- and creativity, too?

• A few hours before bed, unplug all technology. Give yourself some time when you are not required to respond, react, or do. End the mental gymnastics for the day in communion with your Creator, and wind down.

• Employ a daily ritual of quiet time. This can be 20 or 30 minutes of quiet time where you sit with yourself. You can journal, meditate, watch the flickering of a candle, listen to beautiful (melody only) music, and the like. Draw a perimeter around your sanctuary of quietude.

• Take at least one day off a week. Have a full non-work day where you can play, have fun, rest, relax, or just be a slug. We all need time to refill the well. If we run consistently on empty, our ideas, energies, and creativity become compromised. Be inventive, and find revivifying ways to nurture your overworked self.

• Say "No" -- or, at the very least, "I will think about it and get back to you." Ask yourself, does this request make me feel happy? Does it nourish or feed me in some way? Does it excite me? Think twice. Life is short. And you hold the key to your personal well-being.

4. DO SOMETHING EXPRESSIVE

Do you dance to the oldies in your living room? Do you like to create penguin cupcakes on your day off? Do you find great satisfaction in watering the garden and talking to the birds? Are you the queen of collages and vision boards?

What lights us up and turns us on is important. We all know that life does life. When we get exceedingly busy, those activities that feed, comfort, nurture, and soothe us can slip through the cracks.

5. HONOR THE BODY

It's time. We all know it's time, no matter how much we struggle, pout, and resist. It's time to be pro-active and support our physical selves. So, let's begin slowly and work ourselves up to a more optimum way of being. We know we will feel much better; we know we feel happier, stronger (in both mind and body), more productive, and balanced. Really, what's to lose, outside of some old bad habits?

Here are a few reminders to help you kick-start some new choice points:

• Remember the importance of getting enough rest; going to bed before midnight really helps those adrenals. If your body continues to run on empty, you will eventually go clunk.

• Eat well and sensibly most of the time. Aim for 80%; it's a good target. You know the drill: Remember to have some protein with breakfast; limit sweets to after a meal; limit caffeine; and choose colorful, whole foods. You and your blood sugar will remain steadier and more stable throughout the day.

• Move your body in any way that makes you happy; regular physical activity is a definite biochemical boost to happiness and balance.

• Make choices based on what totally resonates with you and your body. This requires that you become mindful of what energizes you and turns over your engine. It can be an "and and" not an either/or. In other words, you can have your cake and eat it, too -- just not for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

• Create some space and time to treat yourself well.

The greatest gift we can give ourselves and model for our loved ones is a life well lived.

In today's upside-down world, action is our primary modus operandi. Consider tweaking your idea of action and focus, and try these five strategies -- maybe, one baby step at a time. They are proven techniques with big rewards. They cannot hurt, and they can clearly help. Your life will become happier, steadier, and more balanced -- and isn't that, what is all about?

With Ancient of days, Almighty Jehovah, all things are possible including you being happy without you worrying.

By Adele Ryan McDowell

ARE FIRST-FRUITS AND TITHES THE SAME?

2026-01-08T08:00:00.009+01:00

In God’s Word, firstfruits and firstborn are never the same thing as tithes.

Firstfruits were the first wave-sheaf of the whole harvest, not the best (Leviticus. 23:10); in addition to the tithe, they were the “first offspring of your herds and flocks,” not the best (Deut. 12:7).

Unlike the food-tithe, it was a very small token amount of the first crops harvested and was small enough to fit into a hand-held basket (Deut. 26:1-10).

Firstfruits were a very small token offering -- like a handful of grapes or olives. And, like tithes, first-fruits and first-born were always only food from inside God’s holy land of Israel.

35 ''..We also assume responsibility for bringing to the house of the Lord each year the firstfruits of our crops and of every fruit tree.

36 “As it is also written in the Law, we will bring the firstborn of our sons and of our cattle, of our herds and of our flocks to the house of our God, to the priests ministering there.

37 “Moreover, we will bring to the storerooms of the house of our God, to the priests, the first of our ground meal, of our grain offerings, of the fruit of all our trees and of our new wine and olive oil. Nehemiah 10:35-37.

In Nehemiah 10:35-37 above, first-fruits and first-born offerings went directly to the Temple and were required to be totally consumed by ministering priests only inside the Temple. While the Levites ate only the tithe, the priests could also eat from the first-fruits, first-born offerings and other offerings. All of this is very clear from God’s Word.

1 Tim 5:8 But if any provide not for his own, and especially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.

First Timothy 5:8 is the new Spirit-taught "first." A Christian's first obligation is for the needs (not wants) of his/her immediate family.

God wants you to make sure you can buy medicine, feed and shelter your family. Even the heathen do that (Rom 2:14-16).

Read: First Fruits Offering, Should Christians Give? Here.

A Christian who neglects his/her family's necessities is worse than unbelievers. And a pastor who convinces Christians to give their first to the church to the neglect of caring for their own family is guilty of sin against God's cleat post-Calvary command.

Because the differences between firstfruits and tithes are so clear, one must conclude that educated tithe-teachers deliberately lie when they equate firstfruits with tithes!

There is simply no honest excuse for this distortion of God’s Word. Yet almost all of them tell this lie. It is an outrage almost to the point of blasphemy and must stop!

By Russell Earl Kelly, PHD

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HERE ARE TIPS TO MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER

2026-01-05T08:00:00.001+01:00

It is a new day, a new month, a new year and a new dawn.

What are the best ways to make your life easier this year?

As you read through this list of simple living tips, I encourage you to think creatively about how you can apply these ideas to your own life.

What works for me or others might not be appropriate in your life but I think most of the broader principles are universal tips to make life easier.

Set Daily Goals: When you wake up every morning, try asking yourself “What do I need to do to have a good day today?” and then set your daily targets.

It is very important that you ponder on this each morning, it is a powerful question for several reasons.

First of all, it helps you to identify the priorities on your to-do list. Instead of beating yourself up, trying to get everything done, you can focus on what will really make a difference. This is key to having a productive day.

Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, this question reminds you to think about your wellbeing to avoid breaking down.

I know, you’re busy and you need to do tough things, but you also need to make time for things that make you feel alive—even if it’s just something small. I know it feels counterintuitive but I promise that when you do, life will feel easier overall.

Don’t take things personally: This is very difficult for some, and something my wife is working on. It’s important to own your reality in life, not someone else's. If someone judges you it has more to do with them than you. Stop being a reactor person (bad temper), it is not every word/speech you must react to or respond to.

Practice the PAUSE rule, one quick and easy tip that has made my life easier is learning to press pause. It helps me to slow down and make better decisions.

Relationships: When someone shows you who they really are, believe them the first time, but remember that once bitten, twice shy. Wasting time on toxic abusive people is mentally, and physically draining. Cultivate a healthy relationship with those who will have respect for each other. Help and Care for each other, Trust each other and to be honest and loyal with each other.

Someone that will take interest in one another's activities, Be in touch and spend time with each other regularly and those that will express themselves to one another without any fear.

Health: Taking care of general health, with proper nutrition is often overlooked. It sure can make life easier as you age. One vital thing that makes life more easier is not being tired and weigh down by sickness!

Getting enough sleep is so important for your health and wellbeing but I know that eight hours a night on a regular basis is just not possible for me and for most people. I am not an early bird, my wife have tried to help me in this area.

Having said that, I think getting eight hours of sleep at least once a week is possible if you commit to making it happen (occasionally I tried it and it worked for me). Make it a priority in your life—get a pizza that night or give yourself permission to leave the dishes in the sink if you need to. Do whatever you can to get into bed early!

I know this isn’t always possible for nursing mothers—my daughter nursed every two hours ALL NIGHT and it makes it difficult for my wife to sleep straight—but do the best you can. It really does make a huge difference.

Solitude: Learn to be ok being alone. So many people have to be in a relationship. They have to be surround by tons of friends or somebody 24/7. You can learn a lot about yourself with some solitude. Don’t spend your whole life running from yourself. Never know who you are. Have a quiet time with youself and your Creator.

The benefits of being ALONE are numerous; It improve your Concentration and Memory. It help makes your interests a priority. It boost your creativity. It will also improves your relationships with your Creator and creation. You will be more Productive and lastly, You will be more empathetic.

Social Media: 95% of what you see or read on social media are fake. Everyone is just trying to portray an image to impress someone while underneath their life is nothing like they portray.

Social Media is categorize into two groups:

Group A, The Good

Social media and technology offer us greater convenience and connectivity:

For you staying connected with family and friends worldwide via email, text, FaceTime, etc.

There is quick access to information and research, banking and bill pay at our fingertips, online learning, job skills, content discovery (YouTube)

involvement in civic engagement (fundraising, social awareness, provides a voice)

great marketing tools.

There are opportunities for remote employment, Social media can be a good thing, but if teens ever feel uncomfortable about something they see or read on social, they should trust their own feelings and talk to someone – a parent, a teacher, or another trusted adult. Bullying, threats and cruelty on social media are all signs that the person doing those things needs help.

Group B, The Bad and Ugly

Along with the good comes the bad and ugly. With all of its benefits, the nature of social media presents a range of potential issues.

Online vs Reality. Social media itself is not the problem. It is the way people use it in place of actual communication and in-person socializing. “Friends” on social media may not actually be friends, and may even be strangers.

Increased usage. The more time spent on social media can lead to cyberbullying, social anxiety, depression, and exposure to content that is not age appropriate.

Social Media is addicting. When you’re playing a game or accomplishing a task, you seek to do it as well as you can. Once you succeed, your brain will give you a dose of dopamine and other happiness hormones, making you happy. The same mechanism functions when you post a picture to Instagram or Facebook. Once you see all the notifications for likes and positive comments popping up on your screen, you’ll subconsciously register it as a reward. But that’s not all, social media is full of mood-modifying experiences.

Fear of Missing Out. FOMO has become a common theme, and often leads to continual checking of social media sites. The idea that you might miss out on something if you’re not online can affect your mental health.

Self-image Issues. Social media sites provide tools that allow people to earn others’ approval for their appearance and the possibility to compare themselves to others. It can be associated with body image concerns. The “selfieholics” and people who spend most of their time posting and scrolling are the ones most vulnerable to this. In fact, most college girls who use Facebook at least five times a day are likely to link their self-worth to their looks. That doesn’t mean that the main problem is social media; it only provides a medium for it, which further elevates the problem. It also promotes the same sort of behavior to others.

Bullying. Sadly, there is an ugly side to all that technology offers. While bullying is not a new concept, social media and technology have brought bullying to a new level. It becomes a more constant, ever-present threat -- cyberbullying.

Life: Be easy on yourself, life can be tough sometimes. Negative self talk does no good, but a heightened sense of awareness does. Learn from the below quotes:

“The unpredictability of life

sucks. One minute you’re

riding high with the wind

whipping through your hair

and the next minute you’re

flat on your ass with a face

full of gravel.”

― Alison G. Bailey, Present Perfect

“Let it rain on some days,

Let yourself shiver on some cold nights,

So when it's Spring you'll know why it was all worth going through.”

― Sanhita Baruah

“Life is full of ups and downs, the only way to make the journey worthwhile is if you enjoy the good and learn from the bad.”

― Natasha Potter

So, lastly, according to Debasish Mridha “Life has its ups and downs. When you are up, enjoy the scenery. When you are down, touch the soul of your being and feel the beauty.”

Gratitude List: Make a small list of 3 things you are grateful for each day.

Addiction: If you find yourself abusing alcohol, food or drugs address the issue. It won’t get better and there is a great life without the addiction.

SIMPLIFY YOUR FINANCES: Here are a few ways to simplify your finances.

Be realistic and create a plan that reflects your actual spending habits (not the ones you wish you had). Then with time, you can start making small changes to achieve your money goals. Whether you’re looking to create a personal budget spreadsheet or just get a better grasp on money management, start with these six steps.

Even if you don’t use a budget spreadsheet, you probably need some way of determining where your money is going each month. Creating a budget with a template can help you feel more in control of your finances and let you save money for your goals. The trick is to figure out a way to track your finances that works for you.

The following steps will help you to create a budget that will make your life easier:

Note your net income. The first step in creating a budget is to identify the amount of money you have coming in. Keep in mind, however, that it’s easy to overestimate what you can afford if you think of your total salary as what you have to spend.

Step 2: Track your spending. It’s helpful to keep track of and categorize your spending so you know where you can make adjustments. Doing so will help you identify what you are spending the most money on and where it might be easiest to cut back.

Step 3: Set your goals. Before you start sifting through the information you’ve tracked, make a list of all the financial goals you want to accomplish in the short-and long-term. Short-term goals should take no longer than a year to achieve. Long-term goals, such as saving for retirement or your child’s education, may take years to reach.

Step 4: Make a plan. Use the variable and fixed expenses you compiled to help you get a sense of what you’ll spend in the coming months. With your fixed expenses, you can predict fairly accurately how much you’ll have to budget for. Use your past spending habits as a guide when trying to predict your variable expenses.

Step 5: Adjust your habits if necessary. Once you’ve done all this, you have what you need to complete your budget. Having documented your income and spending, you can start to see where you have money left over or where you can cut back so that you have money to put toward your goals.

Step 6: Keep checking in. t’s important that you review your budget on a regular basis to be sure you are staying on track. You can also compare your monthly expenses to those of people similar to you. Few elements of your budget are set in stone: You may get a raise, your expenses may increase or you may have reached your goal and want to plan for a new one. Whatever the reason, keep checking in with your budget following the steps above.

Finally, don’t be afraid to use your money to make your life easier: hire a cleaner, take a class, invest in a therapist or whatever else YOU need.

Differences: Don’t worry about being right or wrong. Don’t force your opinion on anyone. So much easier to “let it go” instead of wasting the energy, even if you know you are right.

Pain: Lastly, life is full of mental anguish. Learn to sit in that pain briefly, learn from it, and push through. The best way through a terrible situation is to keep moving, if you stop, life can seem unbearable. Do a pain point audit.

Pay careful attention to all the pain points in your everyday life. Where is there friction? What is causing you stress?

It could anything from the seemingly insignificant (you can never find your keys or your phone is always dead) to bigger hurdles (you really struggle with grocery shopping because you have three kids at home).

They all matter; get specific about your pain points (even the tiny ones) and write them down.

Next, get creative and look for the easiest possible way to remove the pain point. Buy a hook for your keys, put a phone charger in every room, or start ordering your groceries online.

This might sound obvious but I promise you that when you intentionally do an audit like this, you see things—problems AND solutions—with new eyes.

If you gain something from the above article, kindly share it to all your friends, there is love in sharing. Kindly click on share button below and share to your social medial platforms.

There will always be Giants in the Land

2026-01-02T14:15:00.000+01:00

David and Goliath

It is a new dawn, a new day and a new year

DADDY told me “son, there’s always a dichotomous arrangement with my statement. Each power of instruction is double-faced, carrying also a relative power of obedience strictly available to help the doer and the willing-to-obey without reservations.

Remember the same angel that was light to Israel was darkness to Egypt

So it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel. Thus it was a cloud and darkness to the one, and it gave light by night to the other, so that the one did not come near the other all that night. (exodus 14:20).

Grace is never an afterthought with God but a deliberate act. He thought it to mean it. He meant it to even think it. And when he eventually made you, to fulfill it was why. The Question now is “fulfill what?” That which is already behind schedule? Hasty or a drag, you waited too long for what’s gone.

Perhaps stuck in the attitude of younger-ones-ahead-of you-in-all-things, you unconsciously agitate, running ahead to a prove point. Your real estate gets left behind while your point-proving egotistical struggles of not being an old “cargo” stays a myth. You get double loss for your self-made troubles.

You walked out on destiny and missed out on workable trials of manageable fate. Don’t you get it? Jesus sat thirty years passing the nail to papa Joseph, supposedly doing nothing.

Not us! We must be at something, helping God lest it becomes too late for him. Hey! Will you be real for once? Isn’t feeling the penetrating eyes running the gauntlet over you the main reason you truly strive to be seen as a sensibly regular (not weird) citizen, relevant to societal normalcy?

Remember team work is not about “e go” Its about “we go”. (Can two walk together, unless they are agreed? Amos 3:3).

The “e” could be a “he” or a “she”.

DADDY questions “Why call me LORD and do not do as I say?”. “I’m trying LORD” is never a right answer. Did God call you to try anything? The last time I checked, ONLY BELIEVE was what I saw.

As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, He said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not be afraid; only believe.” Mark 5:36. But if you prefer to BELIEVE ONLY, be my guest.

But when Jesus heard it, He answered him, saying, “Do not be afraid; only believe, and she will be made well.” Luke 8:50. It’s the same to me. 'Believe' works with whatever attached. That’s why all things are possible to them that believe.

ALL, not some. Been in this city since early nineties. With time, became a concern to closest buddies. What’s with heykins? Is he normal? Is he never ashamed? Well, heykins had been in and out of business. On and off, determinate procedures of gospel chores. Self-deterring and thus-saith-the-LORD deterred.

You know that type of scripture we have grips on, interpreted to suit our poverty, joblessness and unending waiting(s):

But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be [a]perfect and complete, lacking nothing. James 1:4

If a man dies, shall he live again?
All the days of my hard service I will wait,
Till my change comes. Job 14:14…

“And the Spirit of the LORD began to move him (Samson) at times – between Zorah and Eshtaol” Judges 13:25

Somehow, I overstayed my welcome to my own hurt in temporal places God himself arranged. You want to make it in this city, then stay in this city. Have your mind set on this city. Remember last week’s article on “paying attention to details”.

Going on and off won’t make that happen. Now, don’t get me wrong, God can and will move you to permanence somewhere or between here and there if you must move. It’s all about “right place-Right time” Let’s say GOD MOVED ME.

Is He moving you? Let’s say He moved me to equip me for this information you are getting. Should He move you? What if He stayed you in the city for capital information?

Now I'm back, why have you not given me that information necessary to expedite my restoration? Were you in the city like you never was? Jesus asked Nicodemus “how come you don’t know what you ought? Jesus answered and said to him, “Are you the teacher of Israel, and do not know these things?” John 3:10

Eyeball to eyeball, how do you take the Goliath of the city if you are every time evasive? “I'll do it tomorrow is a coward of confrontation.” Not paying attention to your area of strength will only mock you. Most of us think, once we have God, anything will work. David knew better as a teenager to reject the sophisticated weapons of war in his days. Rather, he paid attention to the direction of events in favour of his ridiculous weapons.

Hey!, You are too cumbersome in that presidential attire to win. David fastened his sword to his armor and tried to walk, for he had not tested them. And David said to Saul, “I cannot walk with these, for I have not tested them.” So David took them off. 1 Samuel 17:39.

It’s a make believe when you are not proved, doing what you do. People who met you in the city ran you out of track because all you do is consume space. They beat you to the game of relevance and as far as you are concerned, “It's their time”.

Hey! There will always be giants in the land to make you wait another year. And it will never be your time until your natural ease becomes your winning sling _oh ye sleeping David.

Prayer:
Dear Lord, I apologize for ways I’d abused the simplicity of my naturalness by struggling so hard to impress people. Give me stability of awareness to see clearly my winning ways..In the Name of Jesus Christ.

All Bible quotations are from NKJV.

By Akin Paul Akinboyede

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I AM NOT AN ACCIDENT IN THIS WORLD

2026-01-02T14:04:00.000+01:00

God's purpose for your life is to love Him, to love others, and to bring glory to His name.

Your birth was no mistake or mishap, and your life is no fluke of nature. Your parents may not have planned you, but God did. He was not at all surprised by your birth. In fact, He expected it.

Long before you were conceived by your parents, you were conceived in the mind of God. He thought of you first. It is not fate, nor chance, nor luck, nor coincidence that you are breathing at this very moment. You are alive because God wanted to create you!

The Bible says, The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me. (Psalm 138:8)

God prescribed every single detail of your body. He deliberately chose your race, the color of your skin, your hair, and every other feature. He custom-made your body just the way He wanted it. He also determined the natural talents you would possess and the uniqueness of your personality.

The Bible says, You know me inside and out, You know every bone in my body; You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit, how I was sculpted from nothing into something. Read Psalm 139:15

Because God made you for a reason, He also decided when you would be born and how long you would live. He planned the days of your life in advance, choosing the exact time of your birth and death. The Bible says, You saw me before I was born and scheduled each day of my life before I began to breathe. Every day was recorded in your Book! Psalm 139:16.

God also planned where you’d be born and where you’d live for His purpose. Your race and nationality are no accident. God left no detail to chance. He planned it all for His purpose. The Bible says, From one man He made every nation... and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. Acts 17:26

Nothing in your life is arbitrary. It’s all for a purpose.

Most amazing, God decided how you would be born. Regardless of the circumstances of your birth or who your parents are, God had a plan in creating you.

God has created you with unique gifts and talents that He wants to use for His kingdom.

It doesn’t matter whether your parents were good, bad, or indifferent. God knew that those two individuals possessed exactly the right genetic makeup to create the custom “you” he had in mind. They had the DNA God wanted to make you.

While there are illegitimate parents, there are no illegitimate children. Many children are unplanned by their parents, but they are not unplanned by God. God’s purpose took into account human error, and even sin. God never does anything accidentally, and He never makes mistakes. He has a reason for everything He creates.

Every plant and every animal was planned by God, and every person was designed with a purpose in mind. God’s motive for creating you was His love. The Bible says, Long before He laid down earth’s foundations, He had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of His love. Ephesians 1:4

God was thinking of you even before He made the world. In fact, that’s why He created it! God designed this planet’s environment just so we could live in it. We are the focus of His love and the most valuable of all His creation. The Bible says, God decided to give us life through the Word of truth so we might be the most important of all the things He made. James 1:18

This is how much God loves and values you! God is not haphazard; He planned it all with great precision. The more physicists, biologists, and other scientists learn about the universe, the better we understand how it is uniquely suited for our existence, custom-made with the exact specifications that make human life possible.

Dr. Michael Denton, senior research fellow in human molecular genetics at the University of Otago in New Zealand, has concluded, “All the evidence available in the biological sciences supports the core proposition... that the cosmos is a specially designed whole with life and mankind as its fundamental goal and purpose, a whole in which all facets of reality have their meaning and explanation in this central fact.”

The Bible said the same thing thousands of years earlier: God formed the earth... He did not create it to be empty but formed it to be inhabited. Isaiah 45:18

Why did God do all this? Why did He bother to go to all the trouble of creating a universe for us? Because He is a God of love. This kind of love is difficult to fathom, but it’s fundamentally reliable. You were created as a special object of God’s love! God made you so He could love you. This is a truth to build your life on.

The Bible tells us, God is love. (1 John 4:8) It doesn’t say God has love. He is love! Love is the essence of God’s character.

There is perfect love in the fellowship of the Trinity, so God didn’t need to create you. He wasn’t lonely. But He wanted to make you in order to express His love.

God will fulfill His purpose for you and provide you with whatever help you need along the way.

God says, I have carried you since you were born; I have taken care of you from your birth. Even when you are old, I will be the same. Even when your hair has turned gray, I will take care of you. I made you and will take care of you. (Isaiah 46:3-4)

If there was no God, we would all be “accidents,” the result of astronomical random chance in the universe.

You could stop reading this article, because life would have no purpose or meaning or significance. There would be no right or wrong, and no hope beyond your brief years here on earth.

But there is a God who made you for a reason, and your life has profound meaning! We discover that meaning and purpose only when we make God the reference point of our lives. The Message paraphrase of Romans 12:3 says, The only accurate way to understand ourselves is by what God is and by what He does for us.

God's purpose will always be in your best interest and for your salvation.

This poem by Russell Kelfer sums it up:

You are who you are for a reason.

You’re part of an intricate plan.

You’re a precious and perfect unique design,

Called God’s special woman or man.

You look like you look for a reason.

Our God made no mistake.

He knit you together within the womb,

You’re just what He wanted to make.

The parents you had were the ones He chose,

And no matter how you may feel,

They were custom-designed with God’s plan in mind,

And they bear the Master’s seal.

No, that trauma you faced was not easy.

And God wept that it hurt you so;

But it was allowed to shape your heart

So that into His likeness you’d grow.

You are who you are for a reason,

You’ve been formed by the Master’s rod.

You are who you are, Beloved,

Because there is a God!

Point to Ponder: I am not an accident.

Verse to Remember: I am your Creator. You were in my care even before you were born. — Isaiah 44:2

Question to Consider: I know that God uniquely created me. What areas of my personality, background, and physical appearance am I struggling to accept?

Comment below and share your experience, understanding and those things you are struggling to accept.

Credit: Faithgateway,
Excerpted from The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren, copyright Rick Warren. Published by Zondervan.