tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-861367142258669632024-03-24T16:33:02.871-07:00Gavin Aleogho's WorldA World Of Biblical Truth, Education, Insight, Information and Exposition.Gavin Aleogho's Worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10835763055177851212noreply@blogger.comBlogger181125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86136714225866963.post-66039932028092907362024-02-21T03:01:00.000-08:002024-02-21T03:01:48.572-08:00 NIGERIA: THRIVING IN TOUGH AND CHALLENGING TIMES<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijFtmf0Pw0uiKYuYX-5fw88IWOPmThsgghiHyq44x5Sc1uzpWJw5E3kMH8OIgmNZ-2fPWRtewfF01du8wX1rosiS84mdKIxvwN2pTo26QDS5QLBUhf7B6ECtB9Boa9jTFFbzMcev6bOsC9L_0MT-WxZR7sUe-N4SiztLYSO0kXaKuagFU9q5iEOa4EuZg/s900/NIGERIA%20THRIVING%20IN%20TOUGH%20AND%20CHALLENGING%20TIMES%20%20%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="507" data-original-width="900" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijFtmf0Pw0uiKYuYX-5fw88IWOPmThsgghiHyq44x5Sc1uzpWJw5E3kMH8OIgmNZ-2fPWRtewfF01du8wX1rosiS84mdKIxvwN2pTo26QDS5QLBUhf7B6ECtB9Boa9jTFFbzMcev6bOsC9L_0MT-WxZR7sUe-N4SiztLYSO0kXaKuagFU9q5iEOa4EuZg/w640-h360/NIGERIA%20THRIVING%20IN%20TOUGH%20AND%20CHALLENGING%20TIMES%20%20%20(1).jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><i><a href="https://gavinaleoghoworld.blogspot.com/p/about-gavin.html" target="_blank">- Written by Gavin Aleogho</a></i><br /></span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> <br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">I was somewhere some days back where some people
were discussing the state of our nation. The discussion unveiled the fact that crime rate has increased, especially the crime of stealing. Some parents are
pushing their daughters into prostitution in the bid to survive; others are
encouraging their sons to go into fraud.<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> <br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">The high cost of foodstuffs and hunger in the land
are doing a lot more harm to our society, than anyone can imagine. The high
cost of common foodstuffs like rice, beans, and garri is frightening. Do we
talk about the cost of cooking gas and other basic amenities? Sadly, there is
no indication that the economy will be stable soonest. Money is failing right
before our eyes. Huge amounts of our naira have very little purchasing power.<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> <br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">I left that scene with great sadness in my heart,
more than what I have ever felt since the inception of the new phase of
hardship in the land. I felt a deep grief in my spirit. This grief was coupled
with fear and mixed feelings. My heart literally came under attack.<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> <br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">The thought of how my relatives, brethren, friends,
and family members are faring in this season, took hold of me. As a Pastor of a
local Church that has a list of some widows and less privilege that we reach
out to once in a while, you can understand my feelings.<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> <br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">My thoughts and feelings made me forget that we are
living in an unstable world that is destined to fail and get more difficult.
For the scripture says, “<b><i>But understand this, that in the last days
dangerous times [of great stress and trouble] will come [difficult days that
will be hard to bear].”<br /></i></b></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">2 Timothy 3:1 AMP.<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> <br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">When I took the burden to the secret place, then
the Holy Spirit whispered the following words into my spirit<b><i>, "NOW
(in Nigeria) the JUST must live by faith. Applying the Word and believing God
for miraculous supply."<br /></i></b></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> <br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">I remember that one of the references to that
statement is found in the book of Hebrews that reads, <b><i>“Now the just shall
live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe
to the saving of the soul.”<br /></i></b></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Hebrews 10:38-39.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> <br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Based on what the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart, I
can deduce four important points.<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> <br /></span><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">4 KEYS TO THRIVE IN CHALLENGING TIMES<br /></span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> <br /></span><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">1. Have faith in God<br /></span></b><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> <br /></span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">This is not a time to lose faith in God. This is
not a time to be unserious in your walk with the Lord. Rather, this is a time
to believe in God like never before, for incredible miracles and supernatural
supply. For it is from God, all blessings flow; even in challenging times.<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> <br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">God is still releasing His blessings.<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">God is still lifting people.<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">God is still raising men<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">God is still helping families<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">And the Lord will definitely help you this season,
in Jesus name.<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> <br /></span><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">2. Apply the Word<br /></span></b><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> <br /></span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">At such a time as this, there is this tendency for
people to start breaking God’s law and the principles of the kingdom of God in
their bid to survive. In the book of 2 Kings 6:24-30, women began to eat up
their own children because of the hardship in the land.<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> <br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Beloved, this is not a time to break God's law or
cut corners in the bit to make ends meet. It is not a time to start stealing,
cheating, lying, becoming stingy, or oppressing others. Such evil
practices will make you forfeit the help of God.<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> <br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">One thing I have discovered is that God's word
always works. The principles of the kingdom always produce results in whatever
season you find yourself in.<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> <br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">The principle of giving always works. The
principles of living a holy and righteous life always work. So is the kingdom
principle of honour, love, labour, truthfulness, honesty, integrity, and mercy,
as well as the principle of seeking first the kingdom.<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> <br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">These principles of the Kingdom always work, even
in times of economic hardship.<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> <br /></span><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">3. Be sensitive to the leading of God’s Spirit<br /></span></b><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> <br /></span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Yielding to the dealings and leadings of the Holy
Spirit at any given time will always give you an advantage in life. For every
leading of God is for your advantage, profit, glorification, and exaltation.<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> <br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">The scripture recorded in Genesis chapter 26, that
there was famine in the land and Isaac intended to “Japa” (run away) to Egypt,
for Egypt was the happening nation then. But God instructed Isaac to stay back
in Gerar. The story has it that Isaac yielded to God’s leading, and he greatly
prospered in that same land of Gerar.<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> <br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">What is God leading you to do?<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> <br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Is He leading you to change your business?<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Is He leading you to change location?<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Is He leading you to give?<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Is He leading you to leave your job and start your
own business?<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Is He leading you to leave what you are doing to do
His work?<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> <br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Know this:<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">God will never lead you to shame.<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">God will never lead you to suffer loss.<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">God will never lead you to failure.<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Every of God’s leadings is a setup for your
lifting.<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> <br /></span><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">4. Keep doing the right thing<br /></span></b><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> <br /></span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">After God told Isaac to stay in the land of Gerar,
Isaac got himself engaged in productive labour; doing the right thing. For the
Bible says that:<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> <br /></span><b><i><span style="font-size: 14pt;">“Then Isaac sowed in that land, and received in the
same year an hundredfold: and the LORD blessed him. And the man waxed great,
and went forward, and grew until he became very great: For he had possession of
flocks, and possession of herds, and great store of servants: and the
Philistines envied him.”<br /></span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Genesis 26:12-14<br /></span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> <br /></span></i></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">You can see that before Isaac received a great
harvest and became great, He sowed in that same land. If you really believe in
God, you will keep doing what is right. You will keep putting your best to your
endeavour while you trust God, the Rewarder (not your employer, client or man)
to reward you awesomely.<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> <br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">In summary, to thrive in this tough and challenging
time:<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> <br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Don’t stop sowing.<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Don't stop giving.<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Don't stop helping the poor.<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Don't stop sharing.<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Don't stop showing mercy.<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Don't stop seeking first the kingdom of God.<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Don't stop yielding to the leading of God's Spirit.<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Don't stop praying<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Don’t stop developing yourself.<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Don't stop giving value.<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Don't stop putting your best to your endeavour.<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Don't stop believing God for an incredible
supernatural supply.<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> <br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">This is the way to stay on top and ride on your
high places despite the challenging time in this season.<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> <br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">I pray for you, you shall not sink this season.
Rather, just like Isaac prospered in the midst of famine, I pray that you shall
rise and experience an increase in all ramifications, in Jesus name.<br /></span></div><p>
</p>Gavin Aleogho's Worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10835763055177851212noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86136714225866963.post-2039266429972159202023-11-07T01:51:00.006-08:002023-11-08T00:44:36.578-08:00THIS IS WHY YOUR FAITH IS WEAK AND INEFFECTIVE<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkl2kQtH_fzyJmPR5h9fqwxgpBFix6-wBGQoe_V5Py2iWOqjeRvy9WcgKgBr37KWxqWF7h-bHUJnB9EsL3flkxX1kvPSXu0fhWMeBhGTruUneWoLywl_ZMJkm9YicosqF0byrLGijRJ6O5AXHEeuvDxjFJJ2wqsKEg_7_tj5qTAtaNyGSWzpUwb_ZPSa0/s900/THIS%20IS%20WHY%20YOUR%20FAITH%20IS%20WEAK%20AND%20INEFFECTIVE%20(1).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="507" data-original-width="900" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkl2kQtH_fzyJmPR5h9fqwxgpBFix6-wBGQoe_V5Py2iWOqjeRvy9WcgKgBr37KWxqWF7h-bHUJnB9EsL3flkxX1kvPSXu0fhWMeBhGTruUneWoLywl_ZMJkm9YicosqF0byrLGijRJ6O5AXHEeuvDxjFJJ2wqsKEg_7_tj5qTAtaNyGSWzpUwb_ZPSa0/w640-h360/THIS%20IS%20WHY%20YOUR%20FAITH%20IS%20WEAK%20AND%20INEFFECTIVE%20(1).png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: #050505; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span><span style="color: #050505; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="color: #050505; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><a href="http://gavinaleoghoworld.blogspot.com/p/about-gavin.html" target="_blank">- By Gavin Aleogho</a><br /></span><span style="color: #050505; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><i><span style="color: #050505; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth anything, nor
uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.<br /></span></i><span style="color: #050505; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Galatians 5:6 KJV<br /></span><span style="color: #050505; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="color: #050505; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">One of the struggles of most
Christians is in the area of faith. Many believers are still struggling to
exercise faith in God, despite the fact that they’ve been in the faith for a
long time.<br /></span><span style="color: #050505; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="color: #050505; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">One of the reasons for this problem
is that a lot of people are yet to come to a full understanding of God’s love
for them. For the more you know that God loves you, the more you are confident
to exercise faith in God. When you are firmly established in the love that God
has for you, your faith in God will become strong, producing results.<br /> </span><span style="color: #050505; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="color: #050505; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">A lot of people know that God loves
them. But such knowledge is only theoretical; it is not experiential knowledge.
You must bring yourself to the level where you know beyond reasonable doubt
that God loves you. You must accept and embrace God’s love. It is only an
experiential knowledge of God’s love that can boost your faith.<br /></span><span style="color: #050505; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="color: #050505; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">When you are able to embrace the full
measure of God’s love, you won’t have a problem exercising faith in God. Then,
it won’t matter to you what the challenges or situation is, you will be rest
assured that the God who loves you will take care of the situation.<br /></span><span style="color: #050505; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="color: #050505; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">This is my counsel to you. Instead of
spending time studying faith, I will counsel you to, first of all, take time
studying the love that God has for you. Then you will be able to understand the
subject of faith better. A diligent study on the subject of faith without
accurate knowledge of the love of God will make your faith ineffective.<br /></span><span style="color: #050505; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="color: #050505; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">The major reason why we easily lose
faith in God is simply because we are yet to be firmly established in the love
that God has for us. We don’t understand the depth of God’s love for us.
However, when we know that God loves us beyond any doubt, our faith becomes
stronger, even in the face of obstacles and the challenges of life.<br /></span><span style="color: #050505; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="color: #050505; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">You have to get yourself to the point
where you know that God really loves you. If you can bring yourself to
understand the depth of God’s love, you will not have a problem with the issue
of faith.<br /></span><span style="color: #050505; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="color: #050505; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Presently, this is how I live my
life. Despite the happenings around me, I am not moved. It was not like this
some years ago. Is it because I have suddenly developed faith? Not really! I
have had faith right from when I gave my life to Christ, more than 25 years
ago. For everyone who is born again is impacted with a measure of faith by God
(Romans 12:3c).<br /></span><span style="color: #050505; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="color: #050505; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Sadly, my faith was not strong enough
to believe God in those days. This is because I was ignorant of how much God
loves me. Yes, I knew that God loved me “theoretically,” but it was not
practical or experiential.<br /></span><span style="color: #050505; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="color: #050505; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">And not until I begin to understand
the depth of God’s love for me (I am not talking about God’s love for you or
the world, but a personal love of God for me, Gavin Aleogho). Not until then,
my faith was weak and ineffective.<br /></span><span style="color: #050505; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="color: #050505; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Praise God, now I have come to know
that God loves me and that He is very mindful of me. It is a discovery that is
still ongoing, though. The thought of God’s love alone has helped me to boost
my faith in God. There won’t be faith if love is absent. We can only have faith
because there is a God who loves us.<br /></span><span style="color: #050505; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="color: #050505; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">My beautiful daughter, EtseOghena, is
very confident in the fact that I and her mom love her. Even though she
sometimes makes ridiculous requests, which we often turn down, she still
believes that if we really want to meet her request, we will do that. Even when
we say no to her request, she believes that we have a cogent reason for our
decision.<br /></span><span style="color: #050505; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="color: #050505; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">I said all this to let you know the
degree of trust that our daughter has in us. She does not doubt the fact that
we love her.<br /></span><span style="color: #050505; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="color: #050505; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Does my daughter need to go and study
more about faith to get something from me?<br /></span><span style="color: #050505; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="color: #050505; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">No.<br /></span><span style="color: #050505; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="color: #050505; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">As a matter of fact, as it stands
today, my daughter, who is just 7, does not understand the concept of faith.
But the fact that she knows that I love her settles all that faith is needed
for. This is how God, your Father, wants you to relate with Him.<br /></span><span style="color: #050505; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="color: #050505; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">EtseOghena usually asks me for things
with confidence that I will give her what she needs.<br /></span><span style="color: #050505; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="color: #050505; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">What is fueling her confidence to ask
me?<br /></span><span style="color: #050505; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="color: #050505; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Is it because she has “big” faith?<br /></span><span style="color: #050505; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="color: #050505; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">No.<br /></span><span style="color: #050505; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="color: #050505; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">At her age, she doesn't even know
what faith is.<br /></span><span style="color: #050505; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="color: #050505; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Etse’s confidence to ask is simply
because she knows that her father loves her.<br /></span><span style="color: #050505; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">I am using this illustration to show
you how vital LOVE is and how it can help your faith become strong and
effective.<br /></span><span style="color: #050505; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="color: #050505; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">The fact that I love EtseOghena
directly fuels her confidence (faith) that I will respond positively to her.<br /></span><span style="color: #050505; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="color: #050505; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">In the same vein, when it comes to
trusting God to intervene in our lives, we don’t need more faith but more
knowledge of God’s love. The more you grow in the fact that God loves you, the
more your faith grows and becomes strong in the Lord.<br /></span><span style="color: #050505; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="color: #050505; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">If you can settle it in your heart
that God loves you, you will not have a problem trusting Him to intervene in
your life. If you have a deep revelation of God’s love for you, you won’t be
perturbed by the happenings around you. You will be confident in the fact that
because God loves you, He will definitely intervene in the situation you are
going through. For the more of God’s love we are established in, the more of
God’s fullness we experience.<br /></span><span style="color: #050505; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><i><span style="color: #050505; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and
grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the
breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ,
which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.<br /></span></i><span style="color: #050505; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Ephesians 3:17-19<br /></span><span style="color: #050505; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="color: #050505; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">©Gavin Aleogho<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div><p style="clear: both;">
</p></span></div>
Gavin Aleogho's Worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10835763055177851212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86136714225866963.post-40224490100275826462023-11-03T02:47:00.001-07:002023-11-03T02:47:16.325-07:0012 BIBLICAL TRUTHS ABOUT MONEY YOU SHOULD TEACH YOUR CHILD<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcwUnM-6usgPiZcC5P_drW8GaCY7tcN-2NPd28sWcEe0iK0nUGikgjt2IiNVzhfms_vJw0vROK6V41-T897f6ydUXyjQrCrctYL_D-qsFPRV_uUU4p-HAAa-RPd_qpkqSO5JrnEebjuoRdO4qDwca3XJAbfoZg-dkQJJcD8RzTd1_YsQtj4X2Clumroe4/s900/12%20Biblical%20Truths%20About%20Money%20You%20Should%20Teach%20Your%20Child.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="507" data-original-width="900" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcwUnM-6usgPiZcC5P_drW8GaCY7tcN-2NPd28sWcEe0iK0nUGikgjt2IiNVzhfms_vJw0vROK6V41-T897f6ydUXyjQrCrctYL_D-qsFPRV_uUU4p-HAAa-RPd_qpkqSO5JrnEebjuoRdO4qDwca3XJAbfoZg-dkQJJcD8RzTd1_YsQtj4X2Clumroe4/w640-h360/12%20Biblical%20Truths%20About%20Money%20You%20Should%20Teach%20Your%20Child.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /> <br /></span><b><i><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><a href="http://gavinaleoghoworld.blogspot.com/p/about-gavin.html" target="_blank">- Gavin Aleogho</a><br /></span></i></b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> <br /></span><i><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">For
wisdom is a defense as money is a defense, But the excellence of knowledge is
that wisdom gives life to those who have it.<br /></span></i><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Ecclesiastes 7:12<br /></span><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> <br /></span><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">The topic of money is an avoidable topic that has
led many astray due to misinformation and misconceptions about money. The
solution to this problem is not to refrain from speaking about money; rather it is to
teach the biblical truth about money to our children.<br /></span><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> <br /></span><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">The following 12 points will help your child develop the right attitude to money and the wisdom to handle it, rightly.<br /></span><b><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> <br /></span></b><b><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">1. Everything And Every Money Belongs To God<br /></span></b><b><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> <br /></span></b><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">It is important you let your child know that
everything in this life belongs to God and that includes money. Every money
they have and every money they will have belongs to God. Having this
understanding will instil in them the fact that they are only stewards of God’s
resources to which they should be faithful.<br /></span><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> <br /></span><i><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">The earth is the LORD'S, and all its fullness, The
world and those who dwell therein.<br /></span></i><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Psalms 24:1<br /></span><b><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> <br /></span></b><b><span style="background: white; color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">2. Money Is Neutral; It Is Either
Good Or Evil<br /></span></b><span style="background: white; color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> <br /></span><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">It is wrong to teach your child that money is evil.
Money is not evil. It is the ‘love’ of (desperation for) money that is evil.
Money is morally neutral; it only reflects <span style="background: white;">the
character of its possessor. When the possessor is evil, money produces
wickedness. But when the possessor is a good and wise person, then money will
be used for a good purpose.<br /></span></span><span style="background: white; color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> <br /></span><i><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">A feast is made for laughter, And wine makes merry;
but money answers everything.<br /></span></i><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Ecclesiastes 10:19<br /></span><b><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> <br /></span></b><b><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">3. It Is Okay To Work For Money<br /></span></b><b><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> <br /></span></b><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Yes, your child may not be old enough to work for
wages, but let them know that every money that they have ever been given was
worked for either directly or indirectly by someone. Hence, there is no free
money anywhere. As they grow, let them know that it is okay to do legitimate
work to make money. Let them know that there is dignity in labour.<br /></span><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> <br /></span><i><span style="background: white; color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">A hard worker has plenty of food,
but a person who chases fantasies ends up in poverty. <br /></span></i><span style="background: white; color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Proverbs 28:19 NLT.<br /></span><span style="background: white; color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> <br /></span><i><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Wealth from get-rich-quick schemes quickly
disappears; wealth from hard work grows over time.<br /></span></i><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Proverbs 13:11 NLT<br /></span><b><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> <br /></span></b><b><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">4. Don’t Exalt Money Above Value For Human Life or
Above Godly Virtue.<br /></span></b><b><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> <br /></span></b><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Anybody that exalts money more than human life can
kill to get money. This is why we have a lot of ritualists and fraudsters in
our society who can kill and do harm to their fellow man because of money.<br /></span><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> <br /></span><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">A girl who exalts money more than the virtue of
purity can go into prostitution to get money. Anybody that exalts money more
than godly virtues like integrity, honesty or truthfulness will lie and cheat to
get money. They can go any length to do evil and commit any crime because of
money.<br /></span><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> <br /></span><i><span style="color: #040c28; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">A faithful person will be richly
blessed, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished…</span></i><i><span style="color: #202124; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> The stingy are eager to get rich and are unaware that poverty awaits
them.<br /></span></i><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Proverbs 28:20, 22 TLB<br /></span><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> <br /></span><i><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Ill-gotten treasures have no lasting value, but
righteousness delivers from death.<br /></span></i><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Proverbs 10:2<br /></span><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> <br /></span><i><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer,
but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have
something to share with those in need.<br /></span></i><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Ephesians 4:28<br /></span><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> <br /></span><b><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">5. Don’t Compare Yourself With Anybody,
Financially.<br /></span></b><b><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> <br /></span></b><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">It is foolish to make financial comparisons,
considering the fact that you might be worth more than that fellow in other
important areas of life. Besides, your path and destiny in life is different.
And you shouldn’t disregard the fact that you might be wealthier than that
fellow in the future.<br /></span><b><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> <br /></span></b><i><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">For we dare not class ourselves or compare
ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by
themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise<br /></span></i><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">2 Corinthians 10:12<br /></span><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> <br /></span><b><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">6. Uphold The Virtue Of Contentment<br /></span></b><b><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> <br /></span></b><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">One important virtue you can teach your child is
the virtue of contentment. You must ensure that before your child leaves your
house to be on their own, they are firmly established with the virtue of
contentment. This is because the virtue of contentment will greatly help them
to easily overcome the many temptations that are related to the subject of
wealth, riches and money. The virtue of contentment will help your child live
within their means; overcoming the temptation of borrowing and taking loans.<br /></span><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> <br /></span><i><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">It is better to have a little, honestly earned,
than to have a large income, dishonestly gained.<br /></span></i><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Proverbs 16:8<br /></span><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> <br /></span><i><span style="background: white; color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“Keep your lives free from the
love of money and be content with what you have…” <br /></span></i><span style="background: white; color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Hebrews 13:5 NIV<br /></span><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> <br /></span><i><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">But people who long to be rich fall
into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge
them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds
of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and
pierced themselves with many sorrows.<br /></span></i><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">1 Tim 6:9-10 NLT.<br /></span><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> <br /></span><b><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">7. Develop The Culture Of Saving<br /></span></b><b><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> <br /></span></b><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Your kids are not too young to start saving.
Instead of using all their pocket money to buy sweets, biscuits and candy, get
a savings box for them. Let them start saving part of any money that is given to
them. You can also open a bank account to help them in this regard. And as
their fund increases, you can guide them to start a mini business or help them invest their funds.<br /></span><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> <br /></span><i><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">There is desirable treasure, And oil in the
dwelling of the wise, But a foolish man squanders it.<br /></span></i><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Proverbs 21:20<br /></span><b><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> <br /></span></b><b><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">8. Money Should Be Spent Purposefully<br /></span></b><b><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> <br /></span></b><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Help your children to develop the attitude of
delayed gratification. Let them know that it is wrong to lose, misuse or waste
money on frivolity.<br /></span><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> <br /></span><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">One of the ways you can help them to spend rightly
is by guiding them to spend on their future. That is, spending on things that
will greatly empower them for their futures. Thus, instead of buying toys and
candies, they can start investing their money to buy books, pay for courses and
buy any material that will greatly help them in their journey to their destiny.<br /></span><b><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> <br /></span></b><i><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">A feast is made for laughter, And wine makes merry;
but money answers everything.<br /></span></i><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Ecclesiastes 10:19<br /></span><b><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> <br /></span></b><b><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">9. Overcome Greed And Selfishness With Generosity.<br /></span></b><b><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> <br /></span></b><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Greed and selfishness will only make one a slave to
Mammon. You are not supposed to be a slave to money (Mathew 6:24). You are
supposed to lord over money. One way to master money is by developing a liberal
heart of generosity. A generous man will rule and have mastery over money.<br /></span><b><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> <br /></span></b><i><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Command those who are rich in this present age not
to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who
gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they be rich
in good works, ready to give, willing to share,<br /></span></i><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">1 Timothy 6:17-18.<br /></span><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> <br /></span><b><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">10. The Pursuit Of Purpose Is Guaranteed To Bring
Money<br /></span></b><b><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> <br /></span></b><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Let your children know that if they set their heart
to pursue their God-given dreams it is guaranteed to make money come their
way. Besides the blessing of money that accompanies the pursuit of purpose, it
is also important to know that you also get fulfilment and satisfaction which
comes with eternal rewards.<br /></span><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> <br /></span><i><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">He who tills his land will be satisfied with bread,
But he who follows frivolity is devoid of understanding.<br /></span></i><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Proverbs 12:11<br /></span><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> <br /></span><b><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">11. There Are A lot Of Dangers In Being Desperate
To Get Money<br /></span></b><b><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> <br /></span></b><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">The scripture clearly says that it is the love and
desperation to get money that is the genesis and root of the evil we see in our
land. Stealing, prostitution, fraud, lying, cheating and the love of the world
in whatever guise are all connected to an unholy love and desperation for
money. Let your children know of the many dangers and misfortune that face
every man who is desperate to get money at any cost.<br /></span><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> <br /></span><i><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Those who love money will never have
enough.<br /></span></i><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Ecclesiastes 5:10a NLT.<br /></span><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> <br /></span><i><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Food gained by fraud tastes sweet, but one ends up
with a mouth full of gravel.<br /></span></i><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Proverbs 20:17<br /></span><b><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> <br /></span></b><i><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">The person who gets money dishonestly is like a
bird that hatches eggs it didn’t lay. In the prime of life he will lose his
riches, and in the end he is nothing but a fool.<br /></span></i><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Jeremiah 17:11<br /></span><b><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> <br /></span></b><b><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">12. Let God (Not Money) Be Your Primary Pursuit<br /></span></b><b><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> <br /></span></b><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Since the world and everything in it belongs to
God, it is wise to have a cordial relationship with God, the Creator of
everything. It is from God all blessings flow. You will be undoing
yourself when you don’t align your life properly with His ways. Besides,
following the precept of God and all the principles in the Kingdom is a sure
way to enjoy all the goodness of God. Hence, ensure that you guide your
children in the way of the Lord, early. Let the pursuit of God be their
primary pursuit in life. Teach your child to live their lives in such a way
that brings glory to God always.<br /></span><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> <br /></span><i><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">But seek first the kingdom of God and His
righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.<br /></span></i><b><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Matthew 6:33<br /></span></b><b><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> <br /></span></b><b><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> <br /></span></b><b><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> <br /></span></b><b><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> <br /></span></b><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> <br /></span><b><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> <br /></span></b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></span></div><p>
</p>Gavin Aleogho's Worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10835763055177851212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86136714225866963.post-21414769146559594422023-10-11T02:01:00.000-07:002023-10-11T02:01:08.335-07:00YOU TOO CAN HEAR THE VOICE OF GOD <div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW3H3Kl5VO5n2IY7KcXa5SP_JBuTqBcX8IgciwX8zksIr62r2YloagNQZSGAXzAxH-7UKlMQMO9ENHJfn2SgNGqnVj0cpDOaMaeCjcKVXpANbpiVneb5mQLitCYlxKfciLH-NiAHBIMMaa51Ommk2rI8gpzDuKNY53oaO9LeChBjM_kHp-Ru9J_qlbGDo/s900/Inherent%20in%20you%20is%20the%20ability%20to%20hear%20the%20voice%20of%20God..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="507" data-original-width="900" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW3H3Kl5VO5n2IY7KcXa5SP_JBuTqBcX8IgciwX8zksIr62r2YloagNQZSGAXzAxH-7UKlMQMO9ENHJfn2SgNGqnVj0cpDOaMaeCjcKVXpANbpiVneb5mQLitCYlxKfciLH-NiAHBIMMaa51Ommk2rI8gpzDuKNY53oaO9LeChBjM_kHp-Ru9J_qlbGDo/w640-h360/Inherent%20in%20you%20is%20the%20ability%20to%20hear%20the%20voice%20of%20God..jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Inherent in every child of God is the ability to
hear the voice of God. This truth is validated by John 10:27 which reads, <b><i>"My
sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:"<br /></i></b></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> <br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">If you are born again, you should and you can hear
the voice of God. This is because you've been wired in your spirit-man to
receive divine leadings. For your spirit has been joined with God's Spirit. (1
Corinthians 6:17).<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> <br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">God is always talking to His children. Sadly, many
Christians cannot recognize the leading of God, otherwise known as God's voice.
They can't differentiate God's voice from other voices in the world.<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> <br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">The reason for this problem is that many are not
familiar with the voice and Person of the Lord. Hence, they can't filter-off
other voices from His. Some mistake their voice (opinion) and "nice"
advice for God's voice. <br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> <br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">The question then will be how can I get myself to
be familiar with God's voice?<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> <br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Let me use this story to show you how you can get
yourself familiar with God's voice.<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> <br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">My daughter is very fond of me. I discovered that
even in the dark, she could recognize my voice. And the simple reason is
because she has been with me right from birth. I doubt if she could have
recognized my voice if she hadn't grown up with me.<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> <br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">When she was just 3, I remember that my wife and
Etse, my daughter, went to visit one of our brethren whose house was not too
far from ours. They left around 6:30pm or so. And as usual, I knew they would
be there for a minimum of one hour, and by then it would be dark. <br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> <br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">I decided to play a prank on them by waiting in the
lonely street where I knew they would be passing when they would be coming back
home. My intention was to scare my daughter. Yeah, I can be funny.<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> <br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">When I saw them coming, I tried to change my voice
and gave a scary command, "You there, come here now," I said, hiding
behind one of the trees. You won't believe the response I got...<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> <br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">"Daddy, daddy, it’s you. I catch you."
Said my little girl as she walked towards where I was hiding. Oh, my girl just
spoiled my plans.<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> <br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Why was Etse able to quickly identify me?<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> <br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">It is because she has been with me. She knew my
voice, and she could recognize it even in the dark. Besides, she knew my
tendency to be naughty sometimes.<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> <br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">In the same vein, to be able to easily recognize
the voice of God, you MUST have been (stayed) with the Lord for a while.
Staying with the Lord will help you to get familiar with the leading and
dealings of God.<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> <br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">How do you then get to stay with the Lord?<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> <br /></span><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">TWO WAYS TO STAY WITH THE LORD<br /></span></b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> <br /></span><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">1. By Staying With His Word, The Bible<br /></span></b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> <br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">The more you read your Bible the more you get to
know the texture and nature of God's voice. Then will you be able to spot any
voice that is not of the Lord.<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> <br /></span><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">2. By Staying With Him In The Secret Place Of
Prayers<br /></span></b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> <br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Prayer is a place of meeting with the Father<b><i>
"...pray to your Father who is in the secret place.</i></b>" (Matthew
6:6).<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> <br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">The more you wait in the place of prayer the more
you are properly tuned to recognize the voice and leading of the Father. For
prayer is a spiritual alignment mechanism.<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> <br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Besides, prayer is a fire that burns away every
particle of the Old Man which tends to make the flesh louder than God's voice.
This is more effective when prayer is coupled with fasting.<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> <br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">When you engage these two elements of prayer and
the serious study of God's word, you will discover that you can easily pick up
divine signals.<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> <br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">…To be continued.<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> <br /></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">...This piece is an excerpt of what I taught in our
Tuesday Service (10th of October 2023), at <b><i><a href="https://web.facebook.com/RadiantSaintsInternationalChristianCentre" target="_blank">Radiant Saints International Christian Centre</a>.<br /></i></b></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> <br /></span><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><a href="http://gavinaleoghoworld.blogspot.com/p/about-gavin.html" target="_blank">©GavinAleogho</a><br /></span></b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
</p>Gavin Aleogho's Worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10835763055177851212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86136714225866963.post-42527213451126808722023-10-09T02:44:00.000-07:002023-10-09T02:44:30.525-07:00BREAKING BARRIERS<p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx4qN-gzzwU_D84rkrkp-Z86bPevDoJEwQZc8eBVIl6dbPV9QfwAppto1DLGtkij5YYE3vX7VdEr_C2xF5rZoKh2hAZ2IdjdE5DdbwibM6OvVRxtwFMHhNZLLZcpug9RHW2eg2WCprxDZD26wkUsP2jvVtD2eQ4m-yohke4hI7MiejA1vjLKxhNYf4Ts0/s6000/_DSC0019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx4qN-gzzwU_D84rkrkp-Z86bPevDoJEwQZc8eBVIl6dbPV9QfwAppto1DLGtkij5YYE3vX7VdEr_C2xF5rZoKh2hAZ2IdjdE5DdbwibM6OvVRxtwFMHhNZLLZcpug9RHW2eg2WCprxDZD26wkUsP2jvVtD2eQ4m-yohke4hI7MiejA1vjLKxhNYf4Ts0/w640-h426/_DSC0019.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><p></p><div class="xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs x126k92a" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none !important; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Yesterday at <span style="animation-name: none !important; transition-property: none !important;"><a class="x1i10hfl xjbqb8w x6umtig x1b1mbwd xaqea5y xav7gou x9f619 x1ypdohk xt0psk2 xe8uvvx xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r xexx8yu x4uap5 x18d9i69 xkhd6sd x16tdsg8 x1hl2dhg xggy1nq x1a2a7pz xt0b8zv x1qq9wsj xo1l8bm" href="https://web.facebook.com/RadiantSaintsInternationalChristianCentre?__cft__[0]=AZUunaq3E1Ja99SefWkcmugGpfCFmSO1V2j_-cDDko4hbMYTxsCeJAH9lurg0ZTA6NRfpd0Z3N41VO0M4-awXXYgXxJ_CH5LPntzK-35PvlAPy6gPpHhRaB5cNcL8JYjrqceFaNEk6jOIRbHlKyqH8aehtEFMmxb33q3MoZeRtV6VtxtuKcOx5CqF3At2pUzhUg&__tn__=-]K-R" role="link" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; animation-name: none !important; background-color: transparent; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation; transition-property: none !important;" tabindex="0"><span class="xt0psk2" style="animation-name: none !important; display: inline; transition-property: none !important;">Radiant Saints International Christian Centre - RSICC</span></a></span> I spoke on the topic "BREAKING BARRIERS". Using Jephthah as a case study (Judges 11). We saw that every man is born with some form of barriers and limitations which are aimed at stopping them from entering their destiny. </span></div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none !important; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">To ride on your place of honour like Jephthah, you must develop yourself and build capacity. Stop the blame game and face life squarely. When you do this, the barriers that have been</span></div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">devised <span style="animation-name: none !important; transition-property: none !important;"><a style="animation-name: none !important; color: #385898; cursor: pointer; transition-property: none !important;" tabindex="-1"></a></span>by the gate of hell to stop you will bow.</span></div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none !important; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Two areas you must build capacity:</span></div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none !important; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; transition-property: none !important;"><b><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">1. Physical Capacity</span></b></div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; transition-property: none !important;"><b><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">This entails sharping your skill. Acquiring a new skill. Running courses and developing your mind. Building valuable network. Etc</span></div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none !important; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; transition-property: none !important;"><b><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">2. Spiritual Capacity</span></b></div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; transition-property: none !important;"><b><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">This starts from having an intimate walk with God. Laying a foundation of prayer for your tomorrow.</span></div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Not adding or complicating your life through sin and reckless living.</span></div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none !important; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">The second is very important because life is spiritual. You need to build both the physical front and the spiritual front to break the barriers standing before you.</span></div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none !important; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">I see the barriers and limitations before you giving way, in Jesus name.</span></div></div>Gavin Aleogho's Worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10835763055177851212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86136714225866963.post-73593186254351308312023-10-05T07:43:00.000-07:002023-10-05T07:43:39.980-07:00Discipleship Course mp3 - Pst. Gavin Aleogho<p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQi6sl-BN9_xuO0A_FQmwuwjevpcNtIZKYj2uX2WAqrcLWV3nh3xjeOLSCqUw-a4saAnLjRPaNFWDMMsiSKTik6j4rUaxAIlIQHEV1-7wXAtm0NSyANvemkxciQxddqbej9JsxqGAITjb55B6D62qK1jqHcp6cgc7Epo6X8uYF5Gq83MmxULCxP5RyUCM/s900/Discipleship%20Album%20Cover.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQi6sl-BN9_xuO0A_FQmwuwjevpcNtIZKYj2uX2WAqrcLWV3nh3xjeOLSCqUw-a4saAnLjRPaNFWDMMsiSKTik6j4rUaxAIlIQHEV1-7wXAtm0NSyANvemkxciQxddqbej9JsxqGAITjb55B6D62qK1jqHcp6cgc7Epo6X8uYF5Gq83MmxULCxP5RyUCM/w400-h400/Discipleship%20Album%20Cover.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr></tbody></table></p><div class="text-sm text-gray-700 dark:text-white whitespace-pre-line truncate-11-lines ..." style="--tw-border-opacity: 1; --tw-ring-color: rgba(59,130,246,.5); --tw-ring-inset: var(--tw-empty,/*!*/ /*!*/); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-text-opacity: 1; -webkit-box-orient: vertical; -webkit-line-clamp: 11; background-color: white; border-color: rgba(229,231,235,var(--tw-border-opacity)); border-image: initial; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgba(55,65,81,var(--tw-text-opacity)); display: -webkit-box; font-family: ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.25rem; max-height: 18em; overflow: hidden; white-space-collapse: preserve-breaks;"><p style="--tw-border-opacity: 1; --tw-ring-color: rgba(59,130,246,.5); --tw-ring-inset: var(--tw-empty,/*!*/ /*!*/); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000; border-color: rgba(229,231,235,var(--tw-border-opacity)); border-image: initial; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;"><span style="--tw-border-opacity: 1; --tw-ring-color: rgba(59,130,246,.5); --tw-ring-inset: var(--tw-empty,/*!*/ /*!*/); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000; border-color: rgba(229,231,235,var(--tw-border-opacity)); border-image: initial; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #051149; font-weight: bolder;"><span style="--tw-border-opacity: 1; --tw-ring-color: rgba(59,130,246,.5); --tw-ring-inset: var(--tw-empty,/*!*/ /*!*/); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000; border-color: rgba(229,231,235,var(--tw-border-opacity)); border-image: initial; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box;">This pack is aimed at helping you to have a deeper walk with the Lord Jesus and geared towards helping you to have a firm foundation in your walk of faith. </span></span></p><p style="--tw-border-opacity: 1; --tw-ring-color: rgba(59,130,246,.5); --tw-ring-inset: var(--tw-empty,/*!*/ /*!*/); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000; border-color: rgba(229,231,235,var(--tw-border-opacity)); border-image: initial; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;"><span style="--tw-border-opacity: 1; --tw-ring-color: rgba(59,130,246,.5); --tw-ring-inset: var(--tw-empty,/*!*/ /*!*/); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000; border-color: rgba(229,231,235,var(--tw-border-opacity)); border-image: initial; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #051149; font-weight: bolder;"><em style="--tw-border-opacity: 1; --tw-ring-color: rgba(59,130,246,.5); --tw-ring-inset: var(--tw-empty,/*!*/ /*!*/); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000; border-color: rgba(229,231,235,var(--tw-border-opacity)); border-image: initial; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://selar.co/191699" target="_blank">Clink HERE to get the product for FREE</a></em></span></p><div><span style="--tw-border-opacity: 1; --tw-ring-color: rgba(59,130,246,.5); --tw-ring-inset: var(--tw-empty,/*!*/ /*!*/); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000; border-color: rgba(229,231,235,var(--tw-border-opacity)); border-image: initial; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #051149; font-weight: bolder;"><em style="--tw-border-opacity: 1; --tw-ring-color: rgba(59,130,246,.5); --tw-ring-inset: var(--tw-empty,/*!*/ /*!*/); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000; border-color: rgba(229,231,235,var(--tw-border-opacity)); border-image: initial; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box;"><br /></em></span></div></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p>Gavin Aleogho's Worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10835763055177851212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86136714225866963.post-62372782990445291972023-09-22T03:46:00.002-07:002023-09-22T03:46:31.651-07:00PRACTICAL STEPS TO ATTAINING SEXUAL PURITY<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gavinaleoghoworld.blogspot.com/p/about-gavin.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="507" data-original-width="900" height="361" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0dzAPaAWILoPAbPh6g1qNHfQcMK_HByJbD7xBwVSATF-CcfiQCbYIBYpeBJf-oCj4AwSfi2r89K-UhSipwYziEcGnig-Dfrf_IIqUvBIgN8cpKAtcZ_o_Llq4M88yhzdz-8QhyYgDnS3YDKQV3tg_2O5Ic8hbmhEHRboSSq7juonqUN9MSo4RcKSCO6E/w640-h361/Practical%20Steps%20To%20Attaining%20Sexual%20Purity.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-7b0a8e40-7fff-d6d8-4812-2fbed213e855"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><b><i><a href="http://gavinaleoghoworld.blogspot.com/p/about-gavin.html" target="_blank">Written by Gavin Aleogho</a></i></b></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">This piece is in continuation of my article titled, “</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><a href="http://gavinaleoghoworld.blogspot.com/2023/08/the-possibility-of-sexual-purity.html" target="_blank">THE POSSIBILITY OF SEXUAL PURITY</a>.”</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> If you have not read that piece, kindly do yourself some favour and read it so as to be brought to speed. In that piece, I showed that sexual purity is something that is attainable.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">2 Timothy 2:22 NKJV</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">9 STEPS TO ATTAINING SEXUAL PURITY</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">1. Believe That Sexual Purity Is Possible</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Believing that sexual purity is possible is the first step towards victory over sexual immorality.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">On several occasions, I have heard some public figures make some absurd comments, stating that no man can keep themselves from sexual immorality. Well, such individuals are only stating a fact that is based on their personal experience, but that is not the truth. You will only be setting yourself up to fail in this regard if you believe such individuals.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">If you must attain sexual purity, you must believe that it is a possibility. You have to believe that there are a lot of people who are keeping themselves from sexual immorality. There are many men who do not have extramarital affairs. There are singles who have not been cut in the web of sexual immorality. You can also be one of them if you believe.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">2. Be Determined To Stay Sexually Pure</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Your determination has a vital role to play in this regard. The will of a man is very powerful. If you make up your mind to do anything, the possibility of achieving it is very high. This is why we have records of men, women, boys and even girls who are not born again but who have been able to successfully keep themselves from sexual immorality. They’ve achieved this through the power of determination.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">If mere mortals can achieve this, how much more should believers who have been empowered by the Holy Spirit achieve much more? This is why the scripture says, </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">“Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man,” </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">(Romans 2:1).</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">With your determination, coupled with the help and empowerment of the Holy Spirit you can attain sexual purity.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Your determination will help you to set boundaries around yourself; cutting off anybody, anything or any circumstances that will lead to a fall. Determination will help you to flee when the devil offers such an opportunity. It will help you to say no even when a person is offering himself or herself to you free of charge.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Your determination will help you to avoid things that will pollute your mind. It will help you to avoid sexual triggers like ungodly music, videos, pornography, etc.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">3. Be Vigilant To Sexual Predators</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The pursuit of sexual purity does not exclude you from sexual temptation, nor does it blind the eyes of sexual predators from you.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">It is your determination to pursue sexual purity that will help you to easily spot anyone who is trying to worm his or her way into your life with the aim of defiling you through any form of sexual perversion.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">As long as the world remains, there will always be sexual predators. These sexual predators are found everywhere in our society and even in religious houses. Irrespective of your age, gender, title or status there are sexual predators that have been anointed by hell to chase after you.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Such sexual predators can come in disguise as friends, teachers, neighbours, pastors, colleagues, strangers, classmates, church members, family members or even religious leaders.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">You must be wise and vigilant to spot these sexual predators whenever they raise their ugly heads against your body.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">4. Be Conscious Of The Danger Of Sexual Sin</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">“…</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body.” </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">1 Corinthians 6:18b NIV.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">If you can bring yourself to always remember the various deadly consequences of sexual sin it will help you to pursue sexual purity. This consciousness will help you to run away when the devil is offering such on a platter of gold.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Sexual Transmitted Diseases are only one aspect of the consequences of sexual sins. Time will fail me to talk about the problem of demonic soul-tie that is associated with sexual sin. There are a lot of subtle consequences which are not obvious to the eyes.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">For further studies on the various dangers of sexual immorality, you can read the following of my articles:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><a href="http://gavinaleoghoworld.blogspot.com/2017/01/14-deadly-biblical-consequences-of.html">14 DEADLY BIBLICAL CONSEQUENCES OF SEXUAL SIN</a></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">http://gavinaleoghoworld.blogspot.com/2017/01/14-deadly-biblical-consequences-of.html</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><a href="http://gavinaleoghoworld.blogspot.com/2017/04/7-illusions-about-illicit-sexual.html" target="_blank">7 ILLUSIONS ABOUT ILLICIT SEXUAL RELATIONSHIP</a></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">http://gavinaleoghoworld.blogspot.com/2017/04/7-illusions-about-illicit-sexual.html</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">5. Speak Out When You Discover That You Are Falling</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">One thing I have discovered is that having someone you can confide in when you discover that you are already “falling” into sexual sin, can help you to quickly bounce back. For sexual sin flourishes in secrecy. If the devil can make you keep the affair private, he has won the battle against you.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">One way to easily deal with sexual sin is to expose it. It is difficult to fight this problem alone. This is where your spiritual guardian (Pastor, Mentor or Discipler, etc) comes in. Ensure that you have matured believers around you that you are accountable to. Speaking with someone who is genuinely concerned about your spiritual growth in the faith will greatly help you to maintain the path of sexual purity.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">6. The fear of God</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Indeed, the fear of God is the beginning of walking in wisdom. When you actually fear God, you will automatically walk in wisdom. You will always do the right thing when you have the fear of God in your heart, irrespective of the environment or situation that you find yourself in.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">A lot of Christians love God but very few actually fear God. This is shown by the way we worship and praise God in the congregation of the saints. Believers cry in worship. They dance in praise to God like David danced. All these are a reflection of love for God.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">However, what shows that we fear God is what happens outside the four walls of the Church. What happens in the secret place where nobody is, is what shows whether we fear God or not. We must not only love God, we must also fear God.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Can you stand for righteousness in the dark? Will you give in to Potiphar’s wife when you know that nobody will know? When you know that God can see through even in the darkest room and that nothing is hidden before Him, then you would fear Him.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The fear of God is not just a dread for God but a holy reverence and respect for His person. The fear of God will definitely keep you from sexual immorality.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">7. Fill Your Mind With The Word Of God</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">You can’t overcome sexual temptation when your mind is empty of God’s word. For it was with the Word that Jesus used to overcome the temptation of the devil.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">This was why someone like David asked, </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.”</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> Psalms 119:9</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Your life will tilt in the direction of the kind of belief (philosophy, ideology, words) in your mind, which you have accumulated over the years.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">For some people, even though they are born again, their mind is still filled with the philosophy of the world. Some men have this ideology that all men are womanizer. If you are like that, you can’t attain sexual purity.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">You have to get rid of such a mind set and fill your mind with the word of God. The word of God in your mind will serve as the operating system of your life.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The mind cannot be empty. Something must occupy your mind. When your mind is not occupied by the principles of heaven, it will be occupied by the ideology of the world.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">8. Get rid of sexual pollution</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Sexual purity begins from the mind. When the mind is polluted, the man becomes polluted. Pollution in the mind has a way of controlling the man to do stupid things. This is one reason why you should put away anybody and anything that can pollute your heart.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">For the scripture says, </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Proverbs 4:23.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">To keep yourself from sexual pollution, you must get rid of materials, music, videos, friends and environment that pollute the mind.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nobody will do that for you; it’s your responsibility.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">9. Depend on The Holy Spirit for Grace to Overcome</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Yes, the will of a man can help to some extent in this regard. However, if you must achieve total victory over this sin, you must depend on God’s grace. The grace of God is available to you via the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit in you.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Your responsibility is to cooperate with the Holy Spirit. He will tell you when you are in danger of falling. He will tell you when to flee from an environment or from an individual. He will guide you on the choice of friends to make. If you walk with Him, you are sure of victory. </span></p><br /></span></div><br /> <p></p>Gavin Aleogho's Worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10835763055177851212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86136714225866963.post-76691764835877377022023-08-31T14:47:00.002-07:002023-08-31T14:47:35.763-07:00THE AGONY OF MAMA JAMES<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFV3VZAETkDWaUBcL4gnE6G2z74h7t6NSBQkmXpOh_9Ow8-SP3zK6TnVepN_eEfDzMxXtgYMGxLiWWVhNo-PkcNnRd5f-MZoeHzZCMs6ZiyFfB0ajEknzGq8C37dhsq_J0_jzqBGJ3q_pmFEVyIq7kPNyIkVCktSYOrbcQvwEQ-s9dLC8dlv0gURcmWhY/s900/The%20Agony%20of%20Mama%20James.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="507" data-original-width="900" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFV3VZAETkDWaUBcL4gnE6G2z74h7t6NSBQkmXpOh_9Ow8-SP3zK6TnVepN_eEfDzMxXtgYMGxLiWWVhNo-PkcNnRd5f-MZoeHzZCMs6ZiyFfB0ajEknzGq8C37dhsq_J0_jzqBGJ3q_pmFEVyIq7kPNyIkVCktSYOrbcQvwEQ-s9dLC8dlv0gURcmWhY/w640-h360/The%20Agony%20of%20Mama%20James.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><a href="http://gavinaleoghoworld.blogspot.com/p/about-gavin.html" target="_blank">Written by Gavin Aleogho<br /></a> <br />It's been over a year since her husband eloped with the lady he met during his official trip to Abuja. Since then, Mama James’ health has deteriorated drastically. She has allowed the situation to put her into depression, which has in turn affected her health. First was the increase in her blood pressure, followed by other medical conditions as stated in the medical report she received from her doctor.<br /> <br />Moreover, the situation also affected the behaviour and academic performance of her children. Mama James virtually lost the motivation, strength and zeal to follow up on her children. Indeed, the misbehaviour of their father really affected everyone.<br /> <br />Ever since the situation started, she has only channelled all her energy hopping from one prophet to another, seeking to win her husband back from the strange woman. In the course of moving from one prayer house to another, she has fallen victim to different false prophets who have milked her dry. One of such devilish agents has even taken advantage of her body. She even has to close her shop for a period due to the need to attend prayer meetings during working hours.<br /> <br />Things had already deteriorated when I met her last month. After listening to her story, I knew that I had to help her to first of all get back herself, before she can get back her husband and family. For she really was a shadow of herself; filled with hatred, anger and bitterness against her husband and against the strange woman.<br /> <br />You will agree with me that you can't get answers to your prayers when your heart is filled with unforgiveness, bitterness and hatred against any man. Besides the hatred she has for her husband, she even has greater hatred against the lady who took her husband. She confessed that she had schemed and prayed that the lady should "fall down and die."<br /> <br />Even though she was jumping from one prayer house to another, I discovered that she doesn't have a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. She wasn't born again, although she thinks otherwise.<br /> <br />Your prayers become effective when you strive to grow in your relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. Mind you, I am not talking about growing in your relationship with any Church or any man of God like Mama James had been doing. I had to lead her to Christ and began to teach her the elementary principles of the faith.<br /> <br />I remember on several occasions telling Mama James, "Since you are already praying about this situation; quit worrying. Worrying and faith cannot coexist. You must be strong to face life, especially for your three children. If you die due to thinking and depression, who will take care of your children for you? Besides, you must ensure that the answer to your prayers meets you alive and in good health."<br /> <br />Sadly, I was informed that Mama James passed on to Glory last week Saturday due to some medical complications. She has finally allowed her husband's misbehaviour to kill her. She has allowed the devil to win over her. Although, she is guaranteed to spend eternity with the Saviour, since she was born again. But she has allowed the devil to truncate her life here on earth. <br /> <br />Now, I heard that the children have been moved to live with their grannies in her remote village, where I learned there is no good education system. I also learned that Mama James' parents are very poor and that she was the only surviving child of her parents.<br /> <br />It's a sad situation, I must confess. The man is still alive with his new catch, but the wife is dead. The children have been displaced from their home due to two factors. First, the father, who could not keep himself from an extramarital affair. Secondly, their mother, who could not be strong enough for her family and stand in faith to win the battle against the devil.<br /> <br />See, the devil's agenda from the start of this situation was to disintegrate the family. Satan's objective at any time is to kill, steal and destroy. Mama James never saw the whole picture of the devil's agenda. I am just thinking, "What will become of these children whose parents are nowhere to be found?"<br /> <br />Dearly beloved, you must not allow the devil to win over you. Make up your mind to win the battle that the devil has launched against you, your family, children, business, etc. Don't be deceived, the devil may start small, but his goal is to wreak great havoc in your life.<br /> <br />Like 1 Peter 5:8 says, you just have to <b><i>"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:"</i></b><br /> <br />There is nothing wrong with going to Church or making friends with men of God. However, seek first to become a friend of Jesus. Besides prayer, seek to know the truth, for it is the truth that makes you free. Seek to grow in your relationship with the Lord. That is what will help you to effortlessly resist the devil.<br /> <br /><b><i>So give yourselves completely to God. Stand against the devil, and the devil will run from you.<br /></i></b>James 4:7 NCV<br /> <br />Finally, make up your mind to stay alive, for a lot of destinies depend on you.<br /> <br />Don't run away.<br />Don't chicken out.<br />Don't give up.<br /> <br />You shall triumph over all the hosts of hell that are militating against your joy and peace, in Jesus name.<br /> <br /><b><a href="http://gavinaleoghoworld.blogspot.com/p/about-gavin.html">©Gavin Aleogho</a></b></span><br /></div>Gavin Aleogho's Worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10835763055177851212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86136714225866963.post-30811714979815393312023-08-28T06:51:00.001-07:002023-11-03T02:50:43.467-07:00THE POSSIBILITY OF SEXUAL PURITY<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6597Ap2HGsV7aYVkvzF3AlSTxP9pInjX32OAFvQwTSeVLjeKBlKB1mwRrHaWMFTWgn3EPV7l0JdH1v18fO53HN_EYJ4zZdAZ9_vaMSt058-xjoezZ5PmPxpsUWkPVjsYqZ7Mypfrr4jXLl1X4cIrDJkeKBo_0k_HnMpXJJ2ET5OTIwlkRzCdRjcfSQ3w/s900/THE%20POSSIBILITY%20OF%20SEXUAL%20PURITY.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="507" data-original-width="900" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6597Ap2HGsV7aYVkvzF3AlSTxP9pInjX32OAFvQwTSeVLjeKBlKB1mwRrHaWMFTWgn3EPV7l0JdH1v18fO53HN_EYJ4zZdAZ9_vaMSt058-xjoezZ5PmPxpsUWkPVjsYqZ7Mypfrr4jXLl1X4cIrDJkeKBo_0k_HnMpXJJ2ET5OTIwlkRzCdRjcfSQ3w/w640-h360/THE%20POSSIBILITY%20OF%20SEXUAL%20PURITY.png" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><br /></p><p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><a href="http://gavinaleoghoworld.blogspot.com/p/about-gavin.html" target="_blank">Written by Gavin Aleogho</a></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">“No man fit kip himself oh. Bodi no bi firewood.” said Rume to his colleague as the chat during a break period at work. “No let anybodi deceive you. It is not possible for anybody to keep himself. Even Pastors, Imams, Reverend Fathers and even Reverend Sisters dey do.”</span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">While Rume was expressing his view in Nigerian Pidgin English, three of his colleagues, Frank, Bright and Owen were nodding in agreement to what he was saying. But Gabriel was frowning in disagreement.</span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">Gabriel could not take it anymore; he interrupted Rume, “the fact that you have chains of girlfriends does not mean that other men are like you. The fact that you can’t keep yourself with just your wife does not mean that there are people who are not keeping themselves from sexual immorality.”</span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">Pointing to the other three, Gabriel said, “don’t let Rume deceive you guys. You can keep yourself if you want to. Owen, you can be faithful to your spouse if you are determined.” Besides Owen who got married three months ago, Frank and Bright were bachelors.</span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">“But men, the temptation is much oh,” said Frank. “Just this morning alone, more than three girls have given me a green light that they are available for me. I no go lie to you.”</span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">“You guys know Mercy, right?” Bright interrupted. “That girl that usually comes to pick our product every Tuesday morning.” “Yes, yes,” they others nodded in unison. “She has been on my neck. I have disappointed her twice now. She has always wanted to take me out. But I have not been able to keep the appointment with her. You know that after work I always have Church evening services?”</span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">“Church boy,” exclaimed Rume. “You can’t tell me that there are no girls that are chasing you even in your Church?”</span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">“Sure, sure there are.” Replied Bright. “Sincerely speaking, it is not easy. All this temptation usually pollutes my mind”</span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">We can’t deny the fact that sexual temptation is on the increase and this will keep increasing as the days go by. Diverse sexual perversion which was not too pronounced in the past has now been made an acceptable norm in some communities.</span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">We are all sexual beings with feelings and emotions. This is how God has made every one of us. This feeling and emotion is what the devil targets at appealing when he brings sexual temptation to us. We must brace up and put our feelings and emotions under control so as to remain sexually pure.</span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">Sexual purity is something that is demanded by God from all His children. It is a possibility that we can all attain through knowledge, determination and the grace of God. For God will never ask you to do something which He has not already graced you to do Besides, always know that God will never ask you to do what He thinks you can’t do.</span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">Whether you are a single, married, adult, kid or a teenager you are expected by God to keep yourself from sexual immorality. Sexual purity is not for specific gender, but for both male and female. Your marital status does not exclude you from the pursuit of Sexual Purity.</span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><i><b>"God’s will is for you to be set apart for him in holiness and that you keep yourselves unpolluted from sexual defilement. Yes, each of you must guard your sexual purity with holiness and dignity, not yielding to lustful passions like those who don’t know God."</b></i></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 TPT</span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">Thus, if you are married, you are expected to stick to your spouse alone. If you are unmarried, you are expected to keep yourself from fornication. You are not expected to indulge in any form of sexual perversion like masturbation, homosexual, etc.</span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">Sexual Purity includes virginity for the unmarried, but it's more about a <b>PURE HEART</b> than being a virgin, physically. Hence, the primary basis of attaining sexual purity starts from the heart. If the heart is defiled, sexual purity has been compromised. If the heart is pure, the man or woman will always act rightly.</span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">In dealing with the issue of the state of the heart, Jesus said that, <i><b>“But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.”</b></i> Matthews 5:28. Thus, we can safely conclude that to attain sexual purity, we must first of all deal with the state of our heart, ensuring that our heart is not defiled by either what we see, smell, ear or feel. For sexual Purity is not what is ascertained from the outside by people, rather, it is what God sees and this is based on the condition of our hearts.</span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">This is why the scripture says, <i><b>“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.”</b></i> Proverbs 4:23.</span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">Hence, one of the first steps towards sexual purity is to keep yourself from sexual pollution. If you are serious about sexual purity, you must get rid of anybody that often pollutes your heart by their acts or words.</span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">You must also get rid of any material like books, magazines, music, videos that tend to tilt your mind towards sexual immorality. Also, you must censor your social media of friends, pages or groups that promote sexual perversion of any kind. You must consciously create your own environment, both offline and online.</span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">This is something you must do intentionally if you are serious about the matter of sexual purity.</span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">To be continued... Watch out for <b>“STEPS ON HOW TO ATTAIN STEXUAL PURITY.”</b></span></span></p><div><br /></div>Gavin Aleogho's Worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10835763055177851212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86136714225866963.post-91445841875314571602023-08-19T02:43:00.004-07:002023-11-03T02:48:19.333-07:00PRESERVING A GENERATION FROM SEXUAL IMMORALITY<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHlSPFIZjyAbqLxZV97TIhpwLlbs1UZhwyHcTtF-UFY_dnTGPm8Bkwf80tmqFOfFVsxZZ3jgmD298Ff2jImYuWUWdESxp4uiN5GlQF4FxXWj65bnc2jsxNsXbnpguYV2liP_0OHdm7ZkU35ttcNGPNse_dPZfVQ6RRuqfWr0D1Y4-G05ijGpNrYvRot1g/s900/Preserving%20a%20generation%20from%20sexual%20perversion.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="507" data-original-width="900" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHlSPFIZjyAbqLxZV97TIhpwLlbs1UZhwyHcTtF-UFY_dnTGPm8Bkwf80tmqFOfFVsxZZ3jgmD298Ff2jImYuWUWdESxp4uiN5GlQF4FxXWj65bnc2jsxNsXbnpguYV2liP_0OHdm7ZkU35ttcNGPNse_dPZfVQ6RRuqfWr0D1Y4-G05ijGpNrYvRot1g/w640-h360/Preserving%20a%20generation%20from%20sexual%20perversion.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Sexual immorality has always been a
significant weapon that the devil is using to destroy the upcoming generation.
Ironically, the human agents the devil uses to perpetuate this evil against our
rising stars are not aliens but people you least expect.<br /></span></span><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> <br /></span></span><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">The rate at which kids, teens, young
people, and adults are getting ensnared in this web is alarming. I guess I am
among the few who are privileged to these statistics. Thanks to the fact that
many young adults consider me trustworthy to share their experiences with me.<br /></span></span><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> <br /></span></span><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">As a counsellor to youths and
teenagers, I can tell you that a lot is going on which many parents are unaware
of. Your kids are smarter than you think. Your children know more than you can
imagine. And many of them have had terrible experiences in this area that are
beyond your comprehension.<br /></span></span><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> <br /></span></span><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">My position as a Pastor and also a Sex
Educator specialist gives me access to a lot of information in this regard. It
is sad that such is happening in our very nose, especially at the very nose of
the Church which is supposed to be the light of the world.<br /></span></span><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> <br /></span></span><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">We must sound the alarm for all to be
aware.<br /></span></span><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> <br /></span></span><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Parents must wake up to their
responsibility of protecting their children from sexual predators.<br /></span></span><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> <br /></span></span><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">The Church mustn't turn a blind eye to
this atrocity, which is already taking place in some congregations.<br /></span></span><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> <br /></span></span><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Our Church boys and girls are falling
into sexual immorality. It is happening among some choristers. Some suppose
elders, pastors and adults in the faith who are supposed to protect our lads
and ladies have become tools in the hand of the devil. They’ve become predators
instead of protectors. Besides, you have to understand that many of such sexual
predators are involved in such sexual perversion for diabolical purposes.<br /></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: times;"> <br /></span></span><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">These paedophiles who wear the cloak of
religion and piousness have infiltrated our Churches and neighbourhood, they
are on a mission of molesting our children and destroying the glorious destiny
of these minors. <br /></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: times;"> <br /></span></span><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">There is a dead rat in the house, but
sadly many people seem to have a nose that is unable to detect or perceive the
unpleasant smell, due to negligence in the name of busyness. We must all rise
up and become vigilant to preserve the next generation.<br /></span></span><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> <br /></span></span><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Mothers and Fathers, it is your
responsibility to sex-educate your child. Don’t assume that your children don't
understand. They know more than you think. Make your home a place where your
kids feel comfortable approaching you with ANY question.<br /></span></span><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> <br /></span></span><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Churches must rise up and begin to
speak about this illness. Defence tackles must be taught to our children.<br /></span></span><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> <br /></span></span><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">This is one of the things we teach to
our young adults in the Young Adult Christian Club (YACC). Thanks to God for
the testimonies and feedback we are getting on how our teaching is helping
these young ones to overcome sexual temptations and break free from sexual
entanglement.<br /></span></span><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> <br /></span></span><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Personally, l have been opportune to
speak on this subject to different churches, Fellowships, Schools and to
different age groups; for I have a different curriculum for different age
groups. I even have a curriculum on how parents can successfully sex-educate
their children so as to overcome sexual predators and sexual temptation. You
can contact me for any of these services.<br /></span></span><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> <br /></span></span><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">We must all rise up to preserve a
generation from the social vice of sexual immorality.<br /></span></span><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> <br /></span></span><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Stay vigilant.<br /></span></span><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> <br /></span></span><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><a href="http://gavinaleoghoworld.blogspot.com/p/about-gavin.html" target="_blank">Written by Gavin Aleogho</a><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> <br /></span></span><o:p><span style="font-family: times;"> </span></o:p></div><p>
</p>Gavin Aleogho's Worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10835763055177851212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86136714225866963.post-55216405089531824002023-07-28T07:58:00.004-07:002023-11-03T02:50:08.346-07:002023 Summer Holiday Bible Competition<p><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuAlbo3S5eQT88PbsQLEzLrb4nptZss3pTRBShRtuFcKte54z07sPM4lAXH7spv0bFNHKlktigD6U78JhIhcxaHg-KvVh_Vn2EuQLltv7arvHzsPOJT1oncFMQovH8LSM0Ul06_8lTCCl2pgwBL-EZJzXDy9AkuoavjkzOphlVTSEdWywsyTA55aY2-e8/s720/IMG_20230712_111438_861d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="511" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuAlbo3S5eQT88PbsQLEzLrb4nptZss3pTRBShRtuFcKte54z07sPM4lAXH7spv0bFNHKlktigD6U78JhIhcxaHg-KvVh_Vn2EuQLltv7arvHzsPOJT1oncFMQovH8LSM0Ul06_8lTCCl2pgwBL-EZJzXDy9AkuoavjkzOphlVTSEdWywsyTA55aY2-e8/w454-h640/IMG_20230712_111438_861d.jpg" width="454" /></a></div><h4 style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span> </span> <span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: black; color: white; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: 700; text-align: center; white-space-collapse: preserve;">IGNITERS INTERNATIONAL BIBLE BEE (IIBB)<br /></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: x-small; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">IN CONJUNCTION WITH<br /></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 18pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">THE SINGLES FORUM (TSF)<br /></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 18pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> <br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">2023- FINAL STAGE<br /></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">SUMMER HOLIDAY BIBLE COMPETITION<br /></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">12TH EDITION<br /></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">BIBLE QUIZ AND RECITATION COMPETITION FOR STUDENTS,<br /></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">HELD ON 10TH AUGUST, 2023</span></span></h4><span id="docs-internal-guid-f17aa251-7fff-1c41-4790-9f0cc00f4c1e"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Kindly note that registration for this Summer Holiday Bible Competition is FREE. Hence, you are not, and you were not expected to pay any money to anybody.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Schools Participating In this Competition</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 0pt 18pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">1.</span><span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 7pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span><span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 7pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="text-wrap: nowrap;"> </span></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Institute of Continuous Education (ICE)</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 0pt 18pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">2.</span><span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 7pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span><span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 7pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="text-wrap: nowrap;"> </span></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Uwangue College</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 0pt 18pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">3.</span><span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 7pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span><span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 7pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="text-wrap: nowrap;"> </span></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Orhuworun High School (OHS)</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 0pt 18pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">4.</span><span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 7pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span><span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 7pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="text-wrap: nowrap;"> </span></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">West View School</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 0pt 18pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">5.</span><span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 7pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span><span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 7pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="text-wrap: nowrap;"> </span></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bright Success School</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 0pt 18pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">6.</span><span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 7pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span><span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 7pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="text-wrap: nowrap;"> </span></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">De-Light Academy</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 0pt 18pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">7.</span><span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 7pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span><span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 7pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="text-wrap: nowrap;"> </span></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Odin College</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 0pt 18pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">8.</span><span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 7pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span><span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 7pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="text-wrap: nowrap;"> </span></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Students from TSF</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">At The First Stage Of The Screening Exercise</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Out of the 308 pupils who registered for the competition, 152 pupils from the different schools sat for the First Stage (Screening Stage). At the end of the screening exercise, a total of 26 students qualified for the Final Stage.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">For the First Stage, Bible quiz from the book of Daniel and the book of Titus was administered to every participant.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 18pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><u>AREA OF CONCENTRATION FOR THE FINAL STAGE OF THE 2023 SUMMER HOLIDAY BIBLE COMPETITION</u></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">1. Scriptures To Memorize For Recitation:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 0pt 18pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">1.</span><span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 7pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span><span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 7pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="text-wrap: nowrap;"> </span></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Proverbs 10:1-32</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 0pt 18pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">2.</span><span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 7pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span><span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 7pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="text-wrap: nowrap;"> </span></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Psalms 37:1-40</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 0pt 18pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">3.</span><span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 7pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span><span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 7pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="text-wrap: nowrap;"> </span></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">James 5:1-20</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 0pt 18pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">4.</span><span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 7pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span><span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 7pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="text-wrap: nowrap;"> </span></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Matthew 5:1-48</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 0pt 18pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">5.</span><span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 7pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span><span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 7pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="text-wrap: nowrap;"> </span></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">1 John 2:1-29</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 0pt 18pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">6.</span><span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 7pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span><span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 7pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="text-wrap: nowrap;"> </span></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Hebrews 11:1-40</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The finalists are expected to recite the whole scripture listed above which is a total of 209 Bible verses of the scripture.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">2. Scriptures To Study For Written Bible Quiz</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 0pt 18pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">1. The whole book of 1</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-size: 0.6em; vertical-align: super;">st</span></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> Samuel and </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="text-wrap: nowrap;"> </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 0pt 18pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">2. The whole book of Ephesians</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 20pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">GUIDELINES & RULES GOVERNING THE FINAL STAGE OF THE COMPETITION</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 21pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 0pt 22pt; text-indent: -22pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">1.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> The Bible Recitation and Bible Quiz will be a competitive exercise.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 21pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 0pt 22pt; text-indent: -22pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 21pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 0pt 22pt; text-indent: -22pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">2.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> Although it’s a competition, every participant is seen as a winner. Therefore, every participant will be given a gift. This includes everyone who participated in the first stages of the exercise at the school level.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 21pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 0pt 22pt; text-indent: -22pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 21pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 0pt 22pt; text-indent: -22pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">3.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> However, there will be special awards and certificates given to those who emerge as the 1</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-size: 0.6em; vertical-align: super;">st</span></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">, 2</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-size: 0.6em; vertical-align: super;">nd</span></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">, and 3</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-size: 0.6em; vertical-align: super;">rd</span></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> positions of the contestants.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 21pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 0pt 22pt; text-indent: -22pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 21pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 0pt 22pt; text-indent: -22pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="text-wrap: nowrap;"> </span></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The 1</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-size: 0.6em; vertical-align: super;">st</span></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> position will go home with the sum of </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-line: line-through; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">N</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">50,000</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 21pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 0pt 22pt; text-indent: -22pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The 2</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-size: 0.6em; vertical-align: super;">nd</span></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> position will go home with the sum of </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-line: line-through; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">N</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">30,000</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 21pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>The 3</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-size: 0.6em; vertical-align: super;">rd</span></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> position will go home with the sum of </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-line: line-through; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">N</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">20,000</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 21pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 0pt 22pt; text-indent: -22pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 21pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 0pt 22pt; text-indent: -22pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">4.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> Any of the following versions of the Bible is what is approved for the Bible quiz and the Recitation in the Final Stage:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 57pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 0pt 18pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">·</span><span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 7pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">King James Version (KJV)</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 57pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 0pt 18pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">·</span><span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 7pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">New King James Version (NKJV)</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 57pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 0pt 18pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">·</span><span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 7pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Revised Standard Version (RSV)</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 57pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 0pt 18pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">·</span><span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 7pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">New International Version (NIV)</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 57pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 0pt 18pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">·</span><span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 7pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Good News Translation (GNT)</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 21pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span></span><span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Any version outside these is NOT approved for the competition.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 21pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 21pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 0pt 22pt; text-indent: -22pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">5.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> Participants are not expected to express their understanding of the scriptures. They are only expected to recite the scriptures!</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 21pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 0pt 22pt; text-indent: -22pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 21pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 0pt 22pt; text-indent: -22pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">6.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> Participants are expected to introduce themselves in this order: Name, School, Class and the version of the Bible he/she would be reciting from.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 21pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 0pt 22pt; text-indent: -22pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 21pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 0pt 22pt; text-indent: -22pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">7.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> Each question of the Bible quiz carries 20 marks, except otherwise stated.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 21pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 0pt 22pt; text-indent: -22pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 21pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 0pt 22pt; text-indent: -22pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">8.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> A Bible recitation verse carries 10 marks.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 21pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 0pt 22pt; text-indent: -22pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 21pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 0pt 22pt; text-indent: -22pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">9.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> Participants have the privilege of having </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">bonus marks</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> from the judges for </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">BOLDNESS </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">while reciting the scripture</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> This mark is based on the following criteria:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 50pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 0pt 22pt; text-indent: -22pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">a. Memorization: _____ (1-10) marks</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 50pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 0pt 22pt; text-indent: -22pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">b. Expression: ______ (1-10)marks</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 50pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 0pt 22pt; text-indent: -22pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">c. Appearance and Enthusiasm: ______ (1-10)marks</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 50pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 0pt 22pt; text-indent: -22pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">d. Diction and Articulation: _____ (1-10)marks</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 50pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 0pt 22pt; text-indent: -22pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">e. Clarity: _____ (1-10)marks</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 50pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 0pt 22pt; text-indent: -22pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="text-wrap: nowrap;"> </span></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Total 50 marks</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 21pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 0pt 22pt; text-indent: -22pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">10.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> All contestants have 30 seconds LIFELINE for hiccups. Afterward, the bell will ring.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 21pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 0pt 22pt; text-indent: -22pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 21pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 0pt 22pt; text-indent: -22pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">11. </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The sound of the bell by the Timekeeper signifies TIME UP for the contestant on stage. He/she is expected to quietly go and take his/her seat at the sound of the bell.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 21pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 0pt 22pt; text-indent: -22pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 21pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 0pt 22pt; text-indent: -22pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">12.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> Any observation or dissatisfaction should be made known quietly to any of our protocol officials. Any form of agitation or outburst from anybody will not be welcome as it might lead to the disqualification of the contestant in question.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 21pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 0pt 22pt; text-indent: -22pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 21pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 0pt 22pt; text-indent: -22pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">13.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> Official cameramen will be on ground for the exercise. Hence, distractions or interruptions will NOT be welcome from anyone who may to take photographs or videos.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 21pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 0pt 22pt; text-indent: -22pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 21pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 0pt 22pt; text-indent: -22pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">14.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> Interruption of any contestant except by the Chief Judge or the Timekeeper would NOT be welcome from anybody.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 21pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 0pt 22pt; text-indent: -22pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 21pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 0pt 22pt; text-indent: -22pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">15.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> The audience is expected to maintain order and silence during the Bible recitations.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 21pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 0pt 22pt; text-indent: -22pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 21pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 0pt 22pt; text-indent: -22pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">16.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> IIBB frowns at any form of malpractice during the Bible quiz and Bible recitation. Anyone found wanting will be disqualified.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 21pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 0pt 22pt; text-indent: -22pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 21pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 0pt 22pt; text-indent: -22pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">17.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> No contestant should be found loitering around. Anyone found wanting will be disqualified from the competition.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Other information</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 18pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 0pt 18pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="color: #0d0d0d;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">- Contestants are allowed to come along to the Final with their Parents, Guidance, Friends or Family members</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 18pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 0pt 18pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">- There will be refreshment for everyone after the exercise.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 18pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 0pt 18pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">- There will be a group photograph after the competition.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">For enquiries, support, sponsorship and partnerships, kindly contact:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">IIBB Coordinator, Pst. Gavin Aleogho - 08069003402</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 18.6667px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The Singles Forum (TSF) - 09024285534</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><br /></span>Gavin Aleogho's Worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10835763055177851212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86136714225866963.post-19637114902264292692022-12-28T04:12:00.001-08:002022-12-28T04:12:31.828-08:00Download the Song "I JUDGE YOU FAITHFUL" - Otobong Asuquo Ft. Inem Umoh<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwBY54oGEZN0KIt7BBKnccMcC_kUBbOvphbM2m6bUeoHJKg2BRye7pgkrVy_fneOOjFBZiv6KhCgQCtWshLL3HM_rJTxfY1njcemYTRvgBZGgxUe6oRV90tjrVeMbYc8h036HKMhRF6fRz1Z56oDeVZUQTQcPKC9Gkkloh4or-D_Ki2l91dF3QasEs/s1080/I%20judge%20You%20Faithful%20-%20Otobong%20Asuquo%20Ft%20Inem%20Umoh%20COVER.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1059" data-original-width="1080" height="393" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwBY54oGEZN0KIt7BBKnccMcC_kUBbOvphbM2m6bUeoHJKg2BRye7pgkrVy_fneOOjFBZiv6KhCgQCtWshLL3HM_rJTxfY1njcemYTRvgBZGgxUe6oRV90tjrVeMbYc8h036HKMhRF6fRz1Z56oDeVZUQTQcPKC9Gkkloh4or-D_Ki2l91dF3QasEs/w400-h393/I%20judge%20You%20Faithful%20-%20Otobong%20Asuquo%20Ft%20Inem%20Umoh%20COVER.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DRBp4SzJL6c9HtvkVOEtY0_ZTJm_WTTp/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Download the Song "I JUDGE YOU FAITHFUL" - Otobong Asuquo Ft. Inem Umoh</a></span></b></div><p></p>Gavin Aleogho's Worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10835763055177851212noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86136714225866963.post-72551539404776583802022-06-14T05:13:00.003-07:002022-06-14T05:13:00.167-07:00ACTIVATING YOUR FAITH THROUGH LOVE<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 12pt 0pt 0pt 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: times;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfT-4V7Nb7IYiA-W8Sp5AVbF9H0joeecs7KyLePHBzqN9fu38BO6-rhH7e11H-NM06w_b8c-r3aZt_eD9N8_Oky4j7yhgYg5PhIrDCN3gY7MUfAXyO0jmbf02wvRP2Xtys0SiPc5QCeVgx1AaZ6ncmsFE2Wy7NgtF701_HeKuqfXlMN2nvOVUiSyP4/s900/ACTIVATING%20YOUR%20FAITH%20THROUGH%20LOVE.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="507" data-original-width="900" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfT-4V7Nb7IYiA-W8Sp5AVbF9H0joeecs7KyLePHBzqN9fu38BO6-rhH7e11H-NM06w_b8c-r3aZt_eD9N8_Oky4j7yhgYg5PhIrDCN3gY7MUfAXyO0jmbf02wvRP2Xtys0SiPc5QCeVgx1AaZ6ncmsFE2Wy7NgtF701_HeKuqfXlMN2nvOVUiSyP4/w640-h360/ACTIVATING%20YOUR%20FAITH%20THROUGH%20LOVE.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 12pt 0pt 0pt 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://gavinaleoghoworld.blogspot.com/p/about-gavin.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: times;">- Gavin Aleogho</span></a></span></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 12pt 0pt 0pt 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-89abe08c-7fff-b9d1-49a7-01506e9267a0" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><br /></b></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">For [if we are] in Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith activated and energized and expressed and working through love.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Galatians 5:6 AMPC<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Have you ever wondered why your faith seems not to be producing results as you expect? Are you tempted to say like some people will say that “this faith thing” does not work?” I believe this short piece will open your eyes to what has been missing in the equation.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As strong and powerful as faith is, it is important to know that it is a virtue that does not work alone if it must produce results. Among other kingdom virtues that must go along with faith is the virtue of love. If your faith must produce the needed result you desire, it must work through love. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Faith must pass the channel of love before it can deliver the needed result.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As great and valuable as the virtue of faith is, you must understand that in God’s kingdom, love is greater than faith. (1 Corinthians 13:13).<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Galatians 5:6 tells us that faith works through love. And that the only thing that counts in Christ Jesus is the faith that works through love. It implies that the virtue of love and faith are very vital for everyone that is in Christ Jesus.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you are like me who wants to do great exploits for the Lord by raising the dead, healing the sick and working in the miraculous, then it is important to understand how faith works through love.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Faith works through love because:<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">·</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Love gives faith the power to operate.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">·</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Love energises and empowers faith to work<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">·</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Love is what activates faith.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">·</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Love is the driving force behind faith.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And this love is no other love but agape love, which is the God’s-kind-of-love, that is what is spoken of in Galatians 6:5.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> <br /></span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">How Faith works through love<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When you have faith for something, it is important to know that it is not your “faith” that produces the result you desire. Rather, it is God Himself who acts to bring to pass your godly desires. The Lord is the One who gives us what we have “faith” for. And don’t forget that </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“God is love” </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">(1 John 4:8).<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Since God is love, then we can say that Love (God) is what acts on our behalf to make our faith productive. Thus, you can see that when there is no love, nothing works just by faith.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And don’t forget that God never fails (Zephaniah 3:5) even as love never fails (1 Corinthians 13:8). You will not fail to have the answer to your prayers when your faith is working through love. This is because God is love and when you walk in love, you exhibit God even in your prayers and command His manifestations.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I have heard this same testimony from many leading healing ministers like Curry Blake, and Benny Hinn. They said that some persons who come to give testimony of how God healed them in a meeting said that when they stopped focusing on themselves (even though they were seriously sick) and started praying for another person who is sick in the meeting, they themselves miraculously get healed even before the healing minister calls up their case. That is an example of faith working through love.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Most times, we are so engulfed in our problems and challenges that we don’t see the windows of opportunities that God brings our way to show acts of love to others. Taking advantage of such opportunities is an act that will definitely strengthen our faith.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When love is absent, faith will be weakened. Your faith becomes effective when you are firmly established in love. You can see why the devil does everything he can to stop you from walking in love with your neighbour. The devil understands that if you are made to start hating another man, your faith will become paralyzed.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and WALKETH IN DARKNESS, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that DARKNESS HATH BLINDED HIS EYES.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1 John 2:11<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Not walking in love will spiritually demoralise and disarm you from walking in God’s fullness.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Are you harbouring hatred against your spouse and expecting God to hear your prayers? Could this be the reason why your prayer for your marriage is not yielding results?<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1 Peter 3:7.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Considering the fact that there is hatred and anger in the hearts of many Nigerians against our nation and our leaders, most believers are not left out in this net of hatred and anger. Could this be why our prayers for our nation Nigeria is not yielding much results?<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So I want men everywhere to pray with holy hands lifted up to God, free from sin and anger and resentment.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1 Timothy 2:8 TLB<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I realised that when I am bittered against another person, I hardly have faith to help the person. But on the other hand, I observed that I easily get words of prophecy or words of knowledge for people that I love whom I pray for consistently.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Walking in love was one of the secrets of Jesus’ exploit on earth. Before he does miracles our Lord Jesus always exhibits the virtue of compassion which is one feature of love. The signs, wonders and miracles He did were first activated and energised by the love He had for men.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Matthew 14:14<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Before Jesus gave sight to the two blind men, He had compassion on them.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Matthew 20:34<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">You have seen that the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ worked through the channel of love and compassion. And just like Jesus, we will do great exploits with our faith if when our faith passes the love test.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></span><br /></div>Gavin Aleogho's Worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10835763055177851212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86136714225866963.post-15875820584873879472022-05-31T17:00:00.001-07:002022-05-31T17:00:00.167-07:00THE FUNCTION OF FAITH<div style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx75hTeEnbOwEkzMkPirLGg0n4uXziqvjuYZfKaoOlyUZvdNUyE9Xun38jXmbIcLqPykxGpdukqvFblWlKqdiGGxvY7_Inm0YwYEbR6p9hzUjYg_aV8Tmd4lMNaCS8lCdizVKFwygNooi6ubg-NrwTyAWXlmLl1FgvrGaWI8jZnlXbHs6haMtyRpK4/s900/THE%20FUNCTION%20OF%20FAITH.png" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img border="0" data-original-height="507" data-original-width="900" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx75hTeEnbOwEkzMkPirLGg0n4uXziqvjuYZfKaoOlyUZvdNUyE9Xun38jXmbIcLqPykxGpdukqvFblWlKqdiGGxvY7_Inm0YwYEbR6p9hzUjYg_aV8Tmd4lMNaCS8lCdizVKFwygNooi6ubg-NrwTyAWXlmLl1FgvrGaWI8jZnlXbHs6haMtyRpK4/w640-h360/THE%20FUNCTION%20OF%20FAITH.png" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><a href="http://gavinaleoghoworld.blogspot.com/p/about-gavin.html" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">- Gavin Aleogho</span></a></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><br /></b></span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Besides other functions of faith, I will love to show you two important functions of faith. If you can apply this truth in the order it is presented, you will definitely see results as you exercise your faith.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">First, Faith Is For Pleasing God<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The first and most important use of faith is for pleasing God. I know this might sound different from what you’ve been taught that faith is for receiving from God. We will come to that, but it is very important that you accept the truth that </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">primarily, the use of faith is for pleasing God</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Going to the book of Hebrews 11 that talks about faith, verse 6 points to the fact that faith is for pleasing God.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Hebrews 11:6<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Looking at the patriarch of faith, you will discover that their primary motive of believing and following God was not to receive from God but to please him. Every exhibition of their faith was geared towards pleasing God.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">For instance, there was no record that Enoch had a personal need that compels him to follow God the way he did.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Even father Abraham; although he had needs, nevertheless despite his needs, he was willing to forfeit his needs to please God. That was why even when one of his major needs was met (that is, the birth of Isaac), he was willing to sacrifice Isaac just to please the Lord in whom he had faith in. Thus, you can see that Abraham’s faith was primarily to please God.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In the same vein, our faith should be aimed at pleasing God by first of all believing that God is real (that He exists). Next, is to exhibit our faith by living our lives every day to please this God who is real, in accordance with His will.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Therefore, you can’t say that you have faith in God when in secret you can still comfortably break His law. Your action simply shows that you don’t really believe that He exists. If you do, it will affect your conduct both in the secret and in the public.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Thus, when you decide not to do that evil, not because anyone will know, but simply because you have faith that God is real and He sees you even in that dark room; that is faith.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This is the starting point of the function of faith in the life of a believer.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Secondly, Faith Is For Spiritual Transactions<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The second use of faith that I will love to share with you is that faith is for spiritual transactions.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">You can’t do business in this Kingdom that we have been brought in if you lack faith. That is why God gave us a measure of faith when we got born again (Romans 12:3). This is to enable us to transact effectively in this kingdom of light. And the good thing is that, we can grow our faith so as to do bigger spiritual transactions.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So, what do these transactions entail?<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">i.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">To receive anything from God, you need faith.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">ii.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">You need faith to put to fleet the host of darkness that crosses your path.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">iii.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">You need faith to enforce the authority that has been given to you in Christ Jesus.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">iv.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">You can’t effectively relate and walk with the Holy Spirit without faith.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">v.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It takes faith to obey God even when it does not make logical sense.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sincerely speaking, you can’t do any of the above spiritual transactions if you lack faith. Even though you have faith, if you don’t know how to transact, you will still be ineffective.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">But thank God for the instrumentality of God’s word and the Person of the Holy Spirit that has been given to us to help us learn how to put our faith to work. The more we yield to Him, the more our faith produces results.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></span></div>Gavin Aleogho's Worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10835763055177851212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86136714225866963.post-2903753995130200012022-05-17T04:49:00.001-07:002022-05-17T04:49:00.187-07:00THE SIGNIFICANCE OF COMPASSION IN MINISTRY<div style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAYInk8TBXuE5Vy06T6FzQVV50vB148Ej6CKqAUGxxkuFAzPqTRfj7Kh2wBT4qHh1XNAiC_DILZNh13_MNaL6ewWCOE6_Es_FCTMi8LxH0KUSO-OQ1H4-Sru-Mbooya9mv_lg_5f_fV0ODZy0DRXCaZysjiQq8Q_ICoNBiXcnYTD3k-RDuonhGI--q/s900/THE%20SIGNIFICANCE%20OF%20COMPASSION%20IN%20MINISTRY.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="507" data-original-width="900" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAYInk8TBXuE5Vy06T6FzQVV50vB148Ej6CKqAUGxxkuFAzPqTRfj7Kh2wBT4qHh1XNAiC_DILZNh13_MNaL6ewWCOE6_Es_FCTMi8LxH0KUSO-OQ1H4-Sru-Mbooya9mv_lg_5f_fV0ODZy0DRXCaZysjiQq8Q_ICoNBiXcnYTD3k-RDuonhGI--q/w640-h360/THE%20SIGNIFICANCE%20OF%20COMPASSION%20IN%20MINISTRY.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><a href="http://gavinaleoghoworld.blogspot.com/p/about-gavin.html" target="_blank">-Gavin Aleogho</a></b></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It is my discovery and experience that if a minister of the gospel lacks compassion for anybody or any people that he is ministering to, he can’t really minister in the power of God to meet their needs. But when compassion is developed, it is easy to release and flow in the anointing. For the anointing flows when compassion is present. I am not talking about head-knowledge love, but real compassionate love for the person or people you are ministering to.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This is one basic truth everyone who wants to do miracles and walk in the miraculous must understand. If you lack compassion, you can’t see the power of God flow through you.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This principle was exemplified by our Lord Jesus Christ; compassion always precedes the miracles He does. Before Lazarus was raised back to life, the Bible recorded that </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Jesus wept”</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> (John 11:35); that was an expression of compassion. Such compassion is the kind of love that always changes situations.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Some references that point to the fact that our Lord Jesus always shows compassion before doing miracles are found in the following scripture:<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">35 And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">36 But when he saw the multitudes, HE WAS MOVED WITH COMPASSION ON THEM, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> 37 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> 38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Matthew 9:35-38<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was MOVED WITH COMPASSION TOWARD THEM, and he healed their sick.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Matthew 14:14<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Before Jesus fed the 4000, He had compassion for them.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Then Jesus called his disciples unto him, and said, I HAVE COMPASSION ON THE MULTITUDE, because they continue with me now three days, and have nothing to eat: and I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Matthew 15:32<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Before Jesus gave sight to the two blind men, He had compassion for them.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So JESUS HAD COMPASSION ON THEM, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Matthew 20:34<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I can go on and show you many other scriptures, how Jesus’ compassion precedes the miracles He did. So, you can see that He didn't just have sympathy, but He also went further to give a helping hand. His love was practical; with the aim of changing a situation into something better.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It is my discovery that the stronger the compassion that I have for the people I am ministering to, the stronger the anointing of God flows to bring healing, baptism of the Holy Ghost, deliverance and enlightenment.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Do you want to see the sick healed through your hands? Have compassion for them.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Do you want to see insane (mad) people delivered through your hands? Have compassion for them.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Do you want to be used by God to feed hungry people, to meet the needs of orphans and the less privileged? Have compassion for them.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Your compassion does two things; it opens you up for God to give you the resources to meet the need at hand and it also helps you to channel the resources appropriately.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">One of the reasons why God is using me in the area of enlightening the body of Christ with the truth of the word of God is simply because of the compassion I have for brethren who are sincerely ignorant about the basic truth of the Kingdom of God. It is not compassion that is infected with pride or criticism, but one that is filled with love, humility, sympathy and is willing to be used by God to bring light to the Church through the instrumentality of the word of God which in itself is light itself.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Without genuine compassion, our ministry becomes showmanship and eye-service that is only geared at receiving the praise of men not minding God’s approval.</span></span></div><p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-6837aa66-7fff-6adc-9d13-041cb64eb50e"></span></p>Gavin Aleogho's Worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10835763055177851212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86136714225866963.post-48571873667828824622022-05-09T04:46:00.001-07:002022-05-09T04:46:19.660-07:00COMPASSION, A DRIVING FORCE OF AGAPE LOVE<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times;"> </span></p><p style="height: 0px; text-align: left;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-b9af311b-7fff-4475-28ef-dbaebd7796ff"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibcyryx_uTK3e1XiN_qBlLMZ0EcJH6rFLAIQaUxelzl0R9Wgjzx0qmgd4ZzMUD4KhNM5SnxPf2dRoax7GmqnOER5kvQnSitdWo53hzNBwRyNCaf0PDRFQo1N5iCUqZfPDwIdqvu536oSZJw5UqZog_Un2c0LCMibhTdi61PIaqOdTiokuum7q-3f-c/s900/COMPASSION,%20A%20DRIVING%20FORCE%20OF%20AGAPE%20LOVE.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times;"><img border="0" data-original-height="507" data-original-width="900" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibcyryx_uTK3e1XiN_qBlLMZ0EcJH6rFLAIQaUxelzl0R9Wgjzx0qmgd4ZzMUD4KhNM5SnxPf2dRoax7GmqnOER5kvQnSitdWo53hzNBwRyNCaf0PDRFQo1N5iCUqZfPDwIdqvu536oSZJw5UqZog_Un2c0LCMibhTdi61PIaqOdTiokuum7q-3f-c/w640-h360/COMPASSION,%20A%20DRIVING%20FORCE%20OF%20AGAPE%20LOVE.png" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times;"><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><b><a href="http://gavinaleoghoworld.blogspot.com/p/about-gavin.html" target="_blank">- Pst. Gavin Aleogho</a></b></span><p></p><p></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-b9af311b-7fff-4475-28ef-dbaebd7796ff"><span style="font-family: times;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NIV</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I have often been asked, “why is it that a lot of Christians do not live a life of practical love for their neighbours, despite the fact that a lot is being said about love in Christianity?”</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I believe one of the missing components that hinder a lot of Christians from expressing true love to their neighbours is the component of compassion.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It is my discovery that if you lack compassion you can’t show kingdom love to anybody. You can claim to have lip-service love, but when it comes to the practicality of agape love you will be found wanting.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It is the element of compassion that allows us to have pity on our neighbours and go further to show them God’s love, practically. Thus, agape love cannot be expressed when compassion is lacking in our hearts. For compassion is a thing of the heart. It is not a thing of the head.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Compassion is showing sympathy for the suffering of another with the desire to help. Thus, it is not enough to just have sympathy. If it is genuine compassion, you must move to the next stage of asking yourself, “what can I do to help this person?”</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Agape love must involve having sympathy for your neighbour who is in need and also the willingness to give a helping hand to get the person out of what he/she is going through.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When we were lost in our sins, God didn’t just have pity on us, He went further to provide a solution to our sinful state by giving His Only Begotten son to die for us.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Romans 5:8</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Why is compassion vital in the act of showing agape love?</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">God’s -kind-of-love is transformational in nature. That is, it has the ability to change the object that it loves. But this cannot be achieved without the element of compassion. If you lack the element of compassion in your heart, your love will not be able to change or affect another man.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">True love is action and it is aimed at transforming another man’s situation into a better situation. When compassion is lacking, our love only becomes lip services, without the power to change anybody.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">For instance, if you are concerned with the sinful state of a neighbour who is not born again, then your compassion should push you to do the needful of praying and preaching the word of God to the neighbour.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In the same vein, if you claim to love your neighbour who is in need, then your compassion should push you to give what you can to help get the individual out of that situation.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So, you can see that compassion is the driving force that causes our love to flow from our hearts to another person.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If compassion must have enough driving force, then it must have the element of sympathy. And sympathy is the ability to understand and show pity or sorrow for the pain or distress of another. Thus, genuine sympathy is given birth to when we understand the situation a person is going through and then identify with the person in question, by putting ourselves in their shoes. That is what is called empathy.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Empathy is the ability to identify with and understand somebody else's feelings or difficulties. It is the act of putting yourself in another person’s shoes so as to feel what they are feeling.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Romans 12:15</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">That was what our Lord Jesus Christ did for us, He identified with our weakness by coming to the earth and putting on flesh so as to feel what we were going through.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Hence, our Lord Jesus Christ knows what it means to be living on planet earth.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">He knows what it means to be weak in the flesh.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">He knows what it means to be tired.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Hebrews 4:15.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins: Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Hebrews 5:1-2.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It is difficult to give a helping hand to a neighbour when you can’t feel what they are feeling. You have to put yourself in their shoes. If you were in their shoes, how would you want to be treated?</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Compassion Is One Of God’s Character</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The following scriptures point to the fact that God our Father is a compassionate God.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Lamentations 3:22-23</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Psalm 103:13</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If we claim to be God’s children, we must also exhibit this attribute of compassion in dealing with our fellow humans.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Colossians 3:12</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NIV</span></p></span></span>Gavin Aleogho's Worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10835763055177851212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86136714225866963.post-84946701396827541382022-04-29T16:32:00.001-07:002022-04-29T16:32:16.921-07:00SPIRITUAL HEDGE BREAKERS<div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIWNzNGL9oaqNCclH6WXBjfqe2vsTVsH0pDaCpF_7RhIMWww28wh8xxgWSJGsQisoOsTu4ck3LFe29q70A8-jCwzcVzazg-Y_t_5-AdEjZ7fiplRAvSUfR3StYXl9jxZiehPy_dh3YE8IZu090Gw63RXsZYgYe7zoiMdEJfTKjuDFi92NER0AH804D/s900/SPIRITUAL%20HEDGE%20BREAKER.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times;"><img border="0" data-original-height="507" data-original-width="900" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIWNzNGL9oaqNCclH6WXBjfqe2vsTVsH0pDaCpF_7RhIMWww28wh8xxgWSJGsQisoOsTu4ck3LFe29q70A8-jCwzcVzazg-Y_t_5-AdEjZ7fiplRAvSUfR3StYXl9jxZiehPy_dh3YE8IZu090Gw63RXsZYgYe7zoiMdEJfTKjuDFi92NER0AH804D/w640-h360/SPIRITUAL%20HEDGE%20BREAKER.png" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://gavinaleoghoworld.blogspot.com/p/about-gavin.html" target="_blank">-Pst. Gavin Aleogho</a><br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">He that diggeth a pit shall fall into it; and whoso breaketh an hedge, a serpent shall bite him.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ecclesiastes 10:8<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">To understand the defence and security system that the Lord has given to the believers against the onslaught of the devil, it is important to look at God’s dealing with the Israelites right from when they left Egypt to the time of the Judges and the Kings.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">God did all and gave all that is required for the protection of the Israelites. He ensured that they were immune to all the attacks from their enemies. But like you must have discovered as you read the book of Judges, 1 Kings and 2 Kings, that as long as the Israelites abide by God’s rules their defence system remains intact. But whenever they break God’s law, their defence system gets weakens, giving the enemies an advantage over them.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In the same vein, in this era of grace, God the Father has done all He ought to do concerning our protection from our archenemy the devil and his agents. The Lord didn’t just save us from our sins. The Lord went further to do the following for us, to put us in an advantageous position against the devil.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Among many things He did for us are:<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">He took us away from the domain of darkness to the Kingdom of His son (Colossians 1:13). It therefore means that nothing of darkness should have a grip over us.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">He made us set together with Christ Jesus in the heavenly place far above all satanic hierarchy (Ephesians 1:20-23, 2:6). It therefore means that the devil and all his agents are under us.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">3.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Lord assigned angels to encamp around us. (Psalms 34:7). Implying that at every moment, we are not alone.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">4.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">He gave us the Holy Spirit who dwells in us. This is why the Apostle John wrote to us that we don’t need to be afraid. Why? Because “</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">(1 John 4:4). The Greater One in us is the Holy Spirit.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Like the Israelites of old, the devil cannot do anything against you except you give him that opportunity. That is why the scripture admonishes us not to give the devil any opportunity.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“and give no opportunity to the devil.”<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ephesians 4:27 RSV<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The truth is that the devil, our enemy, is always seeking for any opportunity to kill, steal or destroy us. (1 Peter 5:8, John 10:10a). He won’t hesitate to take advantage of any opportunity he finds even in the life of Christians. Thus, it is important for us to know the ways and avenues we are likely to give the devil a foothold in our lives, thereby breaking our spiritual hedge.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">8 THINGS THAT CAN BREAK YOUR SPIRITUAL HEDGE<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1. Ignorance Of Your Place In Christ<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Hosea 4:6<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The devil is a trickster who always takes advantage of every opportunity he finds to steal, kill and destroy. He doesn’t fail to take advantage when he finds a believer who is ignorant of his rights and privileges in Christ Jesus.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">One of the best knowledge every believer in Christ should arm themselves with is the knowledge of their place rights and privileges in Christ Jesus. Knowing this truth will help you to put the devil where he belongs; which is under your feet.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2. Negative Attitude To Offences<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A lot of believers are unaware of the catastrophically damage that the devil is aiming at doing to us when he brings offence our ways. Offence in and of itself is not the problem. However, our attitude to offence can bring us to the place of darkness which the devil intends, where he can effectively do his havoc in our lives.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Outside darkness the devil cannot operate. When we allow offence to make us begin to hate our fellow man, we automatically bring ourselves into the domain of darkness where the devil operates effortlessly. This is the truth that is exposed to us in 1 John 2:9-11.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now. He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him. But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1 John 2:9-11.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">3. Disobedience To Divine Instructions<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1 And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth:<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2 And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">15 But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee:<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Deuteronomy 28:1-2, 15<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In our walk with God, our security is reinforced as we walk in obedience to the divine instructions that we’ve been given. Living in disobediences only makes us vulnerable to the wiles of the enemies.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Besides the general instructions of the Lord that are found in the Bible, you have to also take heed to the instructions of God that were given to you, personally. Going into a marriage or taking a job which the Lord has previously instructed you not to take will only make you vulnerable to the wiles of the devil. That was the case of the young prophets in 1 Kings 13 who walked contrary to the instructions that the Lord gave to Him and he paid dearly for it with his life.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">4. Sin In General.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Romans 3:23<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">On a general note, every sin that we commit as believers weakens our spiritual defence system. It may not be obvious to us initially but as time goes by, the resultant effect will become obvious to all. This is one reason why we should never allow any sin to have dominion over us.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">After rededicating his life to Christ, a man attested to the fact that when he was collecting bribes the problems that were coming to him were so much that the huge money he was getting from the bribe was not enough to solve the problems. However, after making a commitment to forsake these old ways, he observed that all the doors of these unexplainable problems were closed up. He said that with just his salary, he is able to achieve what he could not achieve with the huge money coming from bribing and illegal sources. This is just to show to you that sin makes us vulnerable to the devil.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">5. The sin of immorality<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We should not commit sexual immorality, as some of them did-and in one day twenty-three thousand of them died.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1 Corinthians 10:8 NIV<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Like I stated, every sin that a believer commits weakens their defence system. But one obvious sin that does great and immediate damage to the defence system of the believer is the sin of immorality.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Like the scripture says, the sin of immorality is not just a sin against God but it’s a sin against our own selves which includes a sin against our spiritual defence system. It is a quick way to bring down and break your spiritual hedge. This is why sickness, diseases and even demons are being transferred easily because the sin opens the door and gives the devil unhindered access to the individuals.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">16 What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> 17 But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> 18 Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> 19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1 Corinthians 6:16-20<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">6. Strongholds of the mind.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2 Corinthians 10:3-5.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">About 90% of spiritual warfare against the believers begins in the mind. This is what is known as the battle of the mind. When the devil succeeds in winning the battle in a man’s mind, he has defeated the man. But if you have not been defeated in your mind, you can’t be defeated in life. This is why our mind and heart needs to be guarded.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We are strongly admonished in 2 Corinthians 10:5 to cast down every thought that does not align to the will of God for our lives. It is your responsibility to cast-off guilt and condemnation consciousness that the devil is trying to instill in you. Get rid of wrong beliefs. Get rid of the sense of unworthiness and demon consciousness. And be conscious of your rights and privileges in Christ. Be conscious of your position in Christ Jesus which is a place far higher than every demonic hierarchy. Be conscious of the presence of the Lord and the host of heaven with you. By doing so, you are conditioning your mind to be victory conscious.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">7. Wrong use of the tongue<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Proverbs 18:21<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If death and life are in the power of the tongue, it therefore implies that the wrong use of the tongue will administer death to an individual. This is one way the devil causes us to break the spiritual hedge around us; through the wrong use of the tongue.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Many parents have strip-off the default spiritual hedge that their children have through the negative words they keep speaking against them. As a parent, you must understand that God has placed you in a place of authority over your children. Whatever you allow is what is allowed into their lives. So if out of ignorance or anger you choose to speak negative words to your home, marriage and children, be ready to accept the outcome of your tongue’s investment.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">James 3:10-12<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">8. Associating with the devil<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">John 14:30<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A direct or indirect association with the devil or anything that belongs to him will give him a foothold in our lives. This is a major reason why we should have nothing to do with anything associated with darkness. This includes and it is not limited to the following:<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">-Receiving anything from the devil or his representatives.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">-Listening or obeying instructions from the devil or his agents like native doctors, shrine Priest, False Prophets, False Religions etc<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">-Accepting any object that is from the dark world. This object can include an armlet, handkerchief, water, candles, oil etc.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ephesians 5:11 NIV<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Doing otherwise will only give the devil a legal ground to operate in your lives which will always be against your progress.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Romans 6:16.</span></span><span id="docs-internal-guid-1a116765-7fff-73d7-dfdd-c3a55ec732ce"><br /></span></div>Gavin Aleogho's Worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10835763055177851212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86136714225866963.post-51721374351283208442022-03-29T07:50:00.001-07:002022-03-29T07:50:00.173-07:00OUR FUTURE GLORY<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg9x4wrxzkzYAvROEL8EP_odwY2qcQnnPzU7ZZYQpJpp1-EibW9mZLNB5kOw1EHXxcbLnTWBPYj-O9CjG9U-meBqjdWVXso5FUBVVX1AWWLE0AG_I0q1F6UVc5oP3AnhLNgzRXRJYN4saL8V__2FUWUljviZ2msx3GkCfVypkMLiERBCSQvNhAjEBz6=s900" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="507" data-original-width="900" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg9x4wrxzkzYAvROEL8EP_odwY2qcQnnPzU7ZZYQpJpp1-EibW9mZLNB5kOw1EHXxcbLnTWBPYj-O9CjG9U-meBqjdWVXso5FUBVVX1AWWLE0AG_I0q1F6UVc5oP3AnhLNgzRXRJYN4saL8V__2FUWUljviZ2msx3GkCfVypkMLiERBCSQvNhAjEBz6=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><br /></span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><b><a href="http://gavinaleoghoworld.blogspot.com/p/about-gavin.html" target="_blank">-Gavin Aleogho</a></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><b><i>If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. <br /></i></b></span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">1 Corinthians 15:19.<br /></span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"> <br /></span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">It is good to always remind ourselves of the glorious life that awaits us after this present world. Having this truth in our subconscious mind will help us to live our life soberly with God’s wisdom.<br /></span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"> <br /></span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">It is clearly shown throughout the scripture that the benefit of following Jesus Christ is beyond this present life, and it is far greater than any material blessing or any miracle we can get here on earth. We have hope; this hope helps us to go through any challenge that comes our way in this world.<br /></span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"> <br /></span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">However, ignorance of this fact will make any Believer in Christ Jesus to be distracted from following the narrow path, which we’ve been called to walk in. This is the reason why a lot of Believers are being distracted by the cares and challenges of life.<br /></span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"> <br /></span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">We are not supposed to be afraid of death, since death to a believer is not an end in itself. Death only ushers us into our glorious inheritance. Besides, whether in death or in life, we know according to the scripture that Jesus Christ will come again.<br /></span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"> <br /></span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Jesus Christ is going to come back for us his saints. If we are alive when Christ comes, we shall be changed to meet Him in the sky. One thing is sure; we shall put on an incorruptible immortal body that is not subjected to the effect of sin and death.<br /></span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"> <br /></span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><b><i>For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.<br /></i></b></span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">1 Corinthians 15:53<br /></span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"> <br /></span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">We have an eternal future glory that awaits us after this life. This should be a great comfort to us irrespective of what we are going through in this world.<br /></span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"> <br /></span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><b><i>Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.<br /></i></b></span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">John 14:1-3.<br /></span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"> <br /></span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Maranatha!</span></div><div><br /></div>Gavin Aleogho's Worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10835763055177851212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86136714225866963.post-11403443267471681692022-03-15T08:10:00.001-07:002022-03-15T08:10:00.188-07:00GET BACK INLINE<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"> </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgmUWRHozwi3EPZmHwmePj-0J014TF3Qet5wBS-QN08vn5PiwBzpVjaN6Kk_erjlFDYVOByr2pvVeQiVat3BhDTo8TvqDpiANfW2QfsOqpm4XZRRDQkT52KueVd0QJtQZsey7aVTZnxHSnb0tOt9d7cPF0FcauJ-n_0sq5l7kya0EFwE406yDCxVwfB=s900" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="507" data-original-width="900" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgmUWRHozwi3EPZmHwmePj-0J014TF3Qet5wBS-QN08vn5PiwBzpVjaN6Kk_erjlFDYVOByr2pvVeQiVat3BhDTo8TvqDpiANfW2QfsOqpm4XZRRDQkT52KueVd0QJtQZsey7aVTZnxHSnb0tOt9d7cPF0FcauJ-n_0sq5l7kya0EFwE406yDCxVwfB=w640-h360" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><br /><br /><a href="http://gavinaleoghoworld.blogspot.com/p/about-gavin.html" target="_blank">-Gavin Aleogho </a><br /> <br />In the past, I have had the experience of falling into sin or what you may call a habit of sin which I don’t want to be entangled with. Even after praying and confessing the sin, I keep finding myself going back to it. But thank God for the continuous victory over sin that I am enjoying presently.<br /> <br />It is the devil’s agenda to keep you down when you fall. But it is God’s will for you to get back in line. Whatever the case, be aware that as an individual, you have a part to play; whether you want to remain down or get back up in line.<br /> <br />When a believer falls into sin, the Church may not be aware of the spiritual state of the man. However, God knows and even the devil is very much aware. Thus, the devil does all he can to keep the man on the ground by making the believer keep the sin secretive. Because not until such is brought to the light, the man may never get a total victory over that sin. And if the man decides to cooperate with the devil, he is held captive to keep continuing in that particular sin.<br /> <br />My experience in counseling shows to me that many believers are not really happy remaining captive to the sin that so easily besets them. They want total freedom from such captivity but they don’t know how to get themselves free.<br /> <br />Truly speaking, a drowning man cannot save himself. He needs external help. He needs someone to stretch out a hand of rescue to him. In the same vein, if you are not willing to involve a third party concerning that issue, you may never get your deliverance.<br /> <br />Are you a captive of illicit sexual relationships and you are trying to get out of such an immoral relationship? Have you done something shameful and you are imagining the disgrace you will receive if it is let out? Are you a captive of occultism or satanism and you don’t know how to come out? Have you been trapped in an illegal business deal but can’t get out? I have good news for you; there is a way out of that mess.<br /> <br />Let me show you a key (among other ways) on how to get your total deliverance from a verse in James chapter 5.<br /> <br /><i><b>Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.</b></i><br />James 5:16<br /> <br />The key from the above scripture is to involve a trusted third party who is mature in the faith and with some experience. This could be a Pastor, Deacon, or a matured believer. All you have to do is to let the cat out of the bag. Confess your sin, tell the mature believer what you did.<br /> <br />You must have prayed and asked God for forgiveness; He has definitely forgiven you. But the devil will not want to let you off his hook of guilt and self-condemnation. However, when you involve an elder in the faith, you don’t just receive forgiveness only, you also receive healing from guilt, self-condemnation, and from going back to the vomit, through the godly counsel and prayers you will receive.<br /> <br />And for the counselor who is being talked to, you must learn to keep such information confidential. That is the ethic of a good minister of the gospel.<br /> <br /><i><b>My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.</b></i><br />James 5:19-20 NIV<br /> <br /> <br /> </span><br /></div>Gavin Aleogho's Worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10835763055177851212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86136714225866963.post-48824799154671103052022-03-01T06:35:00.001-08:002022-03-01T06:35:00.191-08:00 IN THE TRUTH<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjptOrVz1PKWIdYip-O4xaU6g_TQEMqvjv1pRMGzPmtqUPgsQdPiDvz6rp-vx1xcRjbIG4BqM7lWgsW75X4U32NPeXpyl5PhfLUIbzCwg_oUmhjahoP1w9QlWgGy5gGsXDfeWgrHVJloBiC3ArbyoXB3-B3K4TUV3iLp5Ot-pI83VEq6EbfJ891MUyC=s900" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="507" data-original-width="900" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjptOrVz1PKWIdYip-O4xaU6g_TQEMqvjv1pRMGzPmtqUPgsQdPiDvz6rp-vx1xcRjbIG4BqM7lWgsW75X4U32NPeXpyl5PhfLUIbzCwg_oUmhjahoP1w9QlWgGy5gGsXDfeWgrHVJloBiC3ArbyoXB3-B3K4TUV3iLp5Ot-pI83VEq6EbfJ891MUyC=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><a href="http://gavinaleoghoworld.blogspot.com/p/about-gavin.html" target="_blank">-Gavin Aleogho</a></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><b><i>Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man
cometh unto the Father, but by me.<br />
</i></b>John 14:6<br />
<br />
The importance of standing and living by the truth in our walk of faith cannot
be overemphasized. For the structure of the Christian faith is built on the
truth of God’s word. Anything and anybody outside the truth will not stand the
test of time.<br />
<br />
Before our Lord’s crucifixion, in John 18:38, Pontius Pilate asked our Lord
Jesus the question, <b><i>“What is truth?”</i></b> However, he was
not patient enough to get an answer to the question which he posed to our Lord
Jesus Christ who is the Truth, personified.<br />
<br />
The truth is the counsel of God that has been revealed in the scripture and it
is embodied in the person of Jesus Christ. In other words, the Word of God is
truth. These are the principles and rules of the kingdom of God as revealed by
the Lord Jesus Christ.<br />
<br />
<b><i>Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.</i></b> John
17:17.<br />
<br />
The truth is divine, it is the wisdom that is from above which is pure. And one
of the tests of a true child of God is a sincere desire and hunger for the
truth. The absence of this hunger is an indication that something is wrong.<br />
<br />
When a believer stops living by the truth he starts degenerating spiritually.
For the truth is the framework from where the believers operate.<br />
<br />
<b><i>Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth…<br />
</i></b>Ephesian 6:14.<br />
<br />
There is a great deception that is going on in this age and this deception is
being dissipated from some pulpits. This is giving rise to the great falling
away that was prophesied by our Lord Jesus Christ in Matthew 24. This is simply
because men are no longer built by the truth but by the wisdom that is earthly,
sensual and sometimes devilish.<br />
<br />
If we must remain to the end, we must have the capacity to detect the truth and
also be willing to stick to the truth. This is because it is only by holding on
to the truth that we can detect and reject every form of deception, which is
taking place in Christendom.<br />
<br />
<b><i>For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but
after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching
ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned
unto fables.<br />
</i></b>2 Timothy 4:3-4.<br />
<br />
You can’t detect the truth by your carnal nature (mind). The flesh loves to be
appeased, it loves to hear what will stimulate and appease it. You can’t use
the flesh to detect the truth of God. To be able to detect the truth, you must
use your spirit which has been joined to the Lord to perceive the truth. Thus,
a general knowledge of the Bible is not enough to walk in the truth. You must
of necessary synchronize with God’s Spirit to be able to spot and walk in the
truth.<br />
<br />
<b><i>Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all
truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that
shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.<br />
</i></b>John 16:13<br />
<br />
It is the Person of the Holy Spirit that guides us into the truth of God. That
is why the Holy Spirit was given to you in the first place. The Holy Spirit is
the Spirit of truth (John 14:17). Relay on the Holy Ghost so that you can
quickly filter off the lies you hear from men, while you stick to the truth.<br /><br /></span></p>Gavin Aleogho's Worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10835763055177851212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86136714225866963.post-49020868993312862092022-02-15T05:24:00.002-08:002022-02-15T05:24:00.198-08:00DISTRACTED OR DEVOTED<p style="height: 0px; text-align: left;"></p><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiMZ6xiLzVE8NqmUH2TahfZ46OfryWfVJYC6n3qTCLJgGSDNZkvygbFbXYLOKaRdMXXIa9XQ4rRpqc6GMrTHXlM3TAwgRDH8VqmpUwBXmaJm5qVHK9ZDtTy30C7OiA3Xztu_0nwGfhIewmVk4CMoPrYKZmdIOszstiSQgTJWhhrBxB-Xac7HOuRa9OT=s900" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="507" data-original-width="900" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiMZ6xiLzVE8NqmUH2TahfZ46OfryWfVJYC6n3qTCLJgGSDNZkvygbFbXYLOKaRdMXXIa9XQ4rRpqc6GMrTHXlM3TAwgRDH8VqmpUwBXmaJm5qVHK9ZDtTy30C7OiA3Xztu_0nwGfhIewmVk4CMoPrYKZmdIOszstiSQgTJWhhrBxB-Xac7HOuRa9OT=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><br /><i><br /></i></span></b></div><div><b><i><a href="http://gavinaleoghoworld.blogspot.com/p/about-gavin.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;">-Gavin Aleogho</span></a></i></b></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">In the bid to make ends meet, we are drawn away from God by a lot of things that crave our attention. If we don’t call ourselves to order on time, we may suddenly realise that we have only laboured for meat that perishes.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">For our Lord Jesus said; <b><i>“Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.”</i></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">John 6:27.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Besides the distractions that come due to the pursuit of life to make ends meet, it is important to also know that we can also be living a distracted life away from God in the name of religious activities and still be thinking that we are living to please God just like Martha the sister of Mary and Lazarus. The funny part about the latter is that it is done in the name of God; hence it is very difficult to spot.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">The question then is, when does what we do in the name of the Lord shift our attention from the God whom we claim to be serving?</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">This happens when we forsake our intimate personal walk with God for mere activities.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">It is important to know that God loves and appreciates our religious activities. But beyond that, the Lord values and appreciates our personal walk with Him more than any act of service we can do for Him.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Come to think of it, what can you really give to the One who created the whole universe? That was Martha’s error. The Lord who could feed 5,000 men on one spot was present and Martha never considered that. God wants you more than whatever you can give to Him. He wants you to spend time with Him privately; that is the best thing you can give to God.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Despite his commitment and busy schedule, David understood this truth. That is why he wrote:<i><b> “One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.”</b></i> (Psalms 27:4).</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Secondly, our attention is shifted from beholding the Lord when our motive of doing religious activities becomes impure; filled with lust, pride, personal desire and personal gain rather than the gain of the Master.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Our motive for doing religious activities becomes impure when we do acts of Christian service as a bargaining chip, to get God to do something for us. It also becomes impure when we act out of compulsion or out of eye-service instead of acting from a heart of love for God and the expansion of His Kingdom.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">As simple as working in the vineyard of God; that should not stop our unwavering devotion to God. We should never forget that our primary devotion is to God first, after then, comes our ministries or anything we want to do for God. Our priority in life should always be put right or our lives would not be rightly built.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></div><div><i><b><span style="font-size: medium;">"And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach,"</span></b></i></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Mark 3:14</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">As you run the race that is set before you, one question you should always ask yourself is this, <i>“am I being distracted or devoted to the Lord?”</i></span></div><div><br /></div>Gavin Aleogho's Worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10835763055177851212noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86136714225866963.post-61174687536688251692022-02-01T03:16:00.002-08:002022-02-01T03:16:00.164-08:00THE FIVE ELEMENTS OF HARD WORK<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiAR0QjSnmxY2hKGMZ5JevH_NBK-vziFxR28-0miJdHva_KzmMxwE5barMKgs6kIe_K77pg-25i3a3vsIkApqGaSYKM5kCJxethNvmi2DTUeZ_Pf4-iSN_aFv0qPktkLup4cfZmLKSyLK7mDu4rLhFgEMHgISOKy0RD6b1jrhLs3wCYAKoN8Rsbx9ce=s900" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="507" data-original-width="900" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiAR0QjSnmxY2hKGMZ5JevH_NBK-vziFxR28-0miJdHva_KzmMxwE5barMKgs6kIe_K77pg-25i3a3vsIkApqGaSYKM5kCJxethNvmi2DTUeZ_Pf4-iSN_aFv0qPktkLup4cfZmLKSyLK7mDu4rLhFgEMHgISOKy0RD6b1jrhLs3wCYAKoN8Rsbx9ce=w640-h360" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><a href="http://gavinaleoghoworld.blogspot.com/p/about-gavin.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;">-Gavin Aleogho</span></a></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></div><div><i><b><span style="font-size: medium;">In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury.</span></b></i></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Proverbs 14:23</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">The purpose of every work that we involve in is to have results; that is what Proverbs 14:23a is saying; <i><b>“there is profit in hard work.”</b></i> But what if a man claims to be working hard without results? What could be wrong?</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">It is possible to think that you are hard-working, but in reality, you are not. You are only busy without directions. Like a quack carpenter, you are not hitting the nail on the head; hence the nail is not being driven in.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">A young man claims that he is working hard to pass his exams. Although you always find him reading, when you take a critical look at what he is reading, you find out that he is reading the wrong materials which do not relate to the course he is supposed to be preparing for. Such a person is actually working but is he working correctly? No.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">The elements of hard work are the components that will help you to work rightly and smartly, making your hard work worthwhile, rather than just being busy beating about the bush. Incorporating these 5-elements into your work is guaranteed to produce great results.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Here are the 5-elements:</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Element 1: DRIVE</span></b></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Your drive is your motivation. If you don't have a drive in life, you will be static in life. Your drive is the reason why you are doing what you are doing. It is your reason for the work in the first place.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">For example, a young man that came from a poor family who gains admission into a high institution might be very serious with his studies. This is given to the fact that he is from a poor family background. And he wants to successfully finish his studies so that he can be of help to his family. That is a good drive.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Your drive will keep you awake when others are sleeping. However, when you lack that drive, you will find yourself procrastinating on what you ought to be doing.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">For you not to deal with a slack hand, you will have at the front of your mind the reasons why you should be doing what you ought to do.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Element 2: STRATEGIC PLAN</span></b></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">It is not enough to put all your energy into a given project; you must also learn to work smart. And for you to work smart, you must have a strategic plan on how you are going to work hard to achieve your goal. You can't just work haphazardly.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Hard work in itself does not guarantee success. What guarantees success is hard work that is done the right way on the right thing at the right time.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">This principle is rightly applied in cooking our African delicacies. When cooking our Africa soup, for you to have the desired result, you must learn to put each ingredient at the proper time. Doing otherwise will alter the beautiful result that you want.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">In the same vein, you must apply the same principle to the project you are working on. Your hard work must be planned and structured.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">If you want to have excellence in your academics, you must have a strategic plan on how you will be reading your books on a regular and a daily basis at your most productive hour. This plan must also contain the minimum hour of time you MUST spend daily on reading.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">This principle is applicable to anything you want to work hard to achieve.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Element 3: A GOAL</span></b></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Work is an instrument for attaining your goal. Your goal is your reward.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Your goal is what you wish to achieve with your hard work. As a matter of fact, you ought to have a goal before you engage in any work. Thus, if you find yourself working hard, then never forget the reason why you started working in the first place.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">A lady who wants to be a good soloist would spend countless hours working on her voice. Not until the goal is achieved, work must continue.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">When your goal is not clearly defined, you will lack the motivation to keep on working. Not forgetting that as you engage in hard work concerning a goal, you will encounter distractions on your way. But having a clearly defined goal will help you to keep your focus, despite the many distractions in life.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Element 4: SACRIFICE</span></b></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">There is no true hard work without sacrifice. If you are working hard presently, it invariably means that you are sacrificing something for you to have time and resources to work on your project.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Sacrifice is the forfeiting of pleasure for the attainment of a goal. If you want to be a hardworking person, then you must be ready to sacrifice some pleasures. Especially pleasures that tend to distract you from focusing on the task at hand.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">No sacrifice, no hard work. For hard work is synonymous with sacrifice. Thus, work without sacrifice is not really hard work.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Some pleasures that must be sacrificed for hard work are:</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">-Long hour with TV</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">-Unproductive use of the internet</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">-Time on frivolities</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">-Time with unproductive companions</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">-Et cetera.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Yes, the proverb: <i>"All work and no play make Jack a dull boy,"</i> is very true. For you actually need time to refresh your brain. However, you must learn to strike a balance and know when to set a limit.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Element 5: EFFORTS AND ENERGY</span></b></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Effort and energy is the amount of work you need to put in to achieve a particular goal. There is a minimum requirement of work needed for every goal you wish to attain.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">The amount of work needed to get a grade of “F” parallel in an SSCE result can't be compared to the ‘quantity’ of work needed to get a grade of “A” parallel.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">To attain excellence in your work, much effort and energy must be put in.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></div><div><br /></div>Gavin Aleogho's Worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10835763055177851212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86136714225866963.post-1515668221762087602022-01-26T02:56:00.004-08:002022-01-26T02:57:36.589-08:00MISCONCEPTION ABOUT HARD WORK<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiOxFPUudeed4--PicAfXRVrwsBFodC5Lw8TEQOx15V6ouOCF6kkcufEaKFJ07GtJm2apKIZJaT4fondgsZouP2RA8tF2N82H7VHlwibtB1ziHgtAt8FKHxep4XCJ2RR5ZEL7Gr3Yr40YmpERgIx6GTDVb8e60ZH0Y6Zvb3j2B1gXZDeQFQrgJIUj-9=s900" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="507" data-original-width="900" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiOxFPUudeed4--PicAfXRVrwsBFodC5Lw8TEQOx15V6ouOCF6kkcufEaKFJ07GtJm2apKIZJaT4fondgsZouP2RA8tF2N82H7VHlwibtB1ziHgtAt8FKHxep4XCJ2RR5ZEL7Gr3Yr40YmpERgIx6GTDVb8e60ZH0Y6Zvb3j2B1gXZDeQFQrgJIUj-9=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><br /> </b></span></span></span></div><div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://gavinaleoghoworld.blogspot.com/p/about-gavin.html" target="_blank">-Pst. Gavin Aleogho</a>
</b>
There are some misconceptions about hard work which is prevalent among some Christians. If this misconception is not dealt with from the root, it is capable of breeding a set of believers who are less productive than what God expects of His children.
<b><i>For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.</i></b>
Ephesians 2:10
For we have been called to a life of maximum fruitfulness and productivity in our various areas of calling. However, this will not happen without our input. It is only through the instrument of labour, hard work and sacrifice we will be able to do what the Lord expects of us.
So, there are four common misconceptions about hard work that you must get rid of, if you must be more productive and fruitful in your field.
<b>Misconception #1: Grace Removes Hard Work</b>
This misconception originated from the fact that some set of believers believe that work was a result of Adam’s sin in the Garden of Eden. So to them, it is logical to think that since we are under grace, then we should not be engaging in hard work.
On the contrary, when you look at Genesis Chapter 1 down to chapter 3, you will discover that even before Adam sinned, God had already planned that man should work on the Garden of Eden. This is clearly shown in verse 28 of Genesis chapter 1.
<b><i>"And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth."</i></b></span></span></span></div><div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">
You will agree with me that these words; ‘Be fruitful’, ‘multiply’, ‘replenish’, ‘subdue’ and ‘have dominion over’, are all words that refer to work.
Genesis 2:5 also confirms that God planned that man should engage in work. It reads:<i><b> “And every plant of the field before it was in the earth, and every herb of the field before it grew: for the LORD God had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and there was not a man to till (work, cultivate) the ground.”</b></i> (Emphasis added).
Thus, you can see that God originally designed man to participate in the creation process through work. Although, we can’t deny the fact that Adam’s sin changed the nature of work by making it more difficult; but that does not imply that we were called to live an idle and indolent life in the name of grace.
Thus, to think that grace abolishes hard work is wrong. On the contrary, grace empowers us to be more hard-working. Apostle Paul attest to this truth when he said; <i><b>"But by the GRACE of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I LABOURED (WORK HARD) more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me."</b></i>
1 Corinthians 15:10
<b>Misconception #2: Favour And Success Can Be Achieved Without Hard Work</b>
This erroneous belief originates from the view that favour and work does not have any connection, thus they believe that favour can be experienced without hard work. So, you will hear such people say, “if it must be favour, then it should be void of work”.
Is it actually true that favour does not have any relationship with hard work? Is favour against hard work? Can success be achieved through the shortcut of favour without hard work?
One important truth that you should be established on is the fact that favour is not free, in itself. Yes, favour or success is not given to men freely without work. Every favour or success that a man experienced was worked for either directly or indirectly.
Check it up, every favour you have ever enjoyed came to you as a result of a seed you have sown either directly or indirectly. It could also be a seed that someone has sown that you are reaping from; like the case of a father who has a good name and his daughter is experiencing some favour because of the kindness of his dad.
In the same vein, success in any adventure does not come by chance. Success and favour only comes after you have done the needful; through diligent and hard work in your endeavour.
<b><i>"Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men."</i></b>
Proverbs 22:29
Don’t let anyone deceive you; you can only enjoy genuine success and favour after you’ve paid the necessary sacrifice of work which will come in different guises.
<b>Misconception #3: Faith And Positive Confession Removes Hard Work</b>
I believe in the power of the words that we speak. However, I believe that our words must be coupled with the appropriate action (work) if we must see the result that we dearly desire.
Faith and positive confession must be coupled with appropriate work; otherwise, our faith is empty and void of power. Don’t forget that it is work that makes our faith complete.
<i><b>"Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead…For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also."</b></i>
James 2:17, 26
Favour does not come by confession alone, but by diligence and by following the principles of life. In reality, you don’t get what you wish for but what you work for or work towards.
Positive confession like:
<i>"I will make it,"
"I will be very rich,"
"I will succeed,"</i>
Without any corresponding action, it will not amount to anything.
After confessing, ask yourself, <i>“what can I do or what should I be doing to get me to where I want to be”.</i> What you ought to do is the work that will make your faith produce the results you so wish.
<b>Misconception #4: Shortcut Is Better Than Hard Work</b>
<i>“What comes easy won’t last, what lasts won’t come easy.” </i>– Anonymous.
The act of taking shortcuts has hindered men from knowing and realising the full capacity of their potential. You will never know what you are capable of doing if you are given to taking shortcuts.
Don’t make taking shortcuts a habit; it is a pathway to ruin. Cutting corners in the name of walking in favour is not a godly act; it is an act of folly.
The presence of a shortcut is only a temptation to see if you will bypass the process. For God is not a magician but a God of process. God is not concerned about the end like He is concerned about the means that you took to get to the end. And in the means to the end is work and sacrifices.
The scripture says, <i><b>"There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death."</b></i> Proverbs 14:12 NIV
To avoid the hard work of reading, we have a lot of students who are no longer reading their books. They are no longer working hard in their studies because they felt, "why labour hard in my studies, where there is a shortcut (examination malpractices)?" They forget that they are only undoing themselves.
The effect of taking shortcuts awaits a man in the future, for shortcuts are dangerous cuts.
<b>Some Benefits Of Hard Work</b>
1. It produces excellence.
2. It brings out the best in you.
3. It helps to reduce time wasters.
4. It showcases you to the world.
5. It brings fulfilment.
6. It makes you a blessing to humanity.
7. It develops your inner potential.
8. It leads to massive success and breakthroughs.
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-eb91b96c-7fff-098f-f5e2-2bdf5444ab7d">
</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"></span><o:p></o:p></span></p>Gavin Aleogho's Worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10835763055177851212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86136714225866963.post-81274829281039164332022-01-18T00:12:00.005-08:002022-01-26T07:16:41.535-08:00Effective Decision-Making - SEMINAR<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh8Eekq2Krzx3qVI-5voXDolzYEuE2a0UzJM3NKtRCTVAFoyCk0PE31T6YhB2Ah5wDYROazjJ1jSXl3p9lncarBMGWHEeCZi-Ey_O5ghU_Ra03kbnkCBR0x0gtzgQPBpLtL2-qeVdYsIukaCbU7ohm9aSbWwdBPfCsu41Wia1fIxhFUo5SAgGb_XZfF=s1080" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh8Eekq2Krzx3qVI-5voXDolzYEuE2a0UzJM3NKtRCTVAFoyCk0PE31T6YhB2Ah5wDYROazjJ1jSXl3p9lncarBMGWHEeCZi-Ey_O5ghU_Ra03kbnkCBR0x0gtzgQPBpLtL2-qeVdYsIukaCbU7ohm9aSbWwdBPfCsu41Wia1fIxhFUo5SAgGb_XZfF=w640-h640" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Dr. Myles Munroe said, "Our life is the sum total of all the decisions we make every day." It therefore implies that for you to have a better tomorrow, you can't underrate the place of the decisions you make today. Hence, it will be wise of you to attend this seminar where you will learn kingdom strategy for effective decision-making.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Take advantage of this rare opportunity and don't forget to recommend this to your friends.</span></i></b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><div><span style="font-family: times;"><b>YOU CAN JOIN IN, LIVE FROM ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD VIA ZOOM.</b><br /></span><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Zoom Details:</b></span><br /></span><span style="font-family: times;"><a href="https://zoom.us/j/2691761113?pwd=SkNRREJLQXRwekhaMFp3MGhWSjN6dz09">https://zoom.us/j/2691761113?pwd=SkNRREJLQXRwekhaMFp3MGhWSjN6dz09</a></span></div><div><b>Meeting ID: 269 176 1113<br />Passcode: 123456</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><span><span style="font-family: times;"><b>INSTALL ZOOM APP: To join the live streaming of the broadcast, go to Google Play Store and download and install ZOOM. </b></span><span style="font-family: times;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: times;"><b>Afterward, click this link above to join the seminar.</b></span></span></div><div><span><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">LIVE Zoom Broadcast</span></b> comes up by <b>5:30 prompt, </b>when the lecture commences.</span></div>Gavin Aleogho's Worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10835763055177851212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86136714225866963.post-47464855674064701422022-01-11T02:19:00.011-08:002022-02-09T00:57:03.299-08:00FOR WE KNOW IN PART<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhTv6z0lT3WosSS1eWi6e2BntAV8Xut57iXLE4NgBZqNhk7aKg66J24GPbDzkp4VzAweRoGz3FFg8vgams7QfWp9Lrfd1g7BGMzckXOYtjSbMyleRH19QniWECL6S7WVdCKFh_s7BhBDevuefWrqOjnl1DMO4jJGxqc-NpgzAiQm1Ng1AX3PrFs0jCE=s900" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="507" data-original-width="900" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhTv6z0lT3WosSS1eWi6e2BntAV8Xut57iXLE4NgBZqNhk7aKg66J24GPbDzkp4VzAweRoGz3FFg8vgams7QfWp9Lrfd1g7BGMzckXOYtjSbMyleRH19QniWECL6S7WVdCKFh_s7BhBDevuefWrqOjnl1DMO4jJGxqc-NpgzAiQm1Ng1AX3PrFs0jCE=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p> <b><i><span face="Calibri, "sans-serif"" style="font-size: 14pt;">-Gavin Aleogho</span></i></b></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><b><i><span face="Calibri, "sans-serif"" style="font-size: 14pt;">For now we see through
a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I
know even as also I am known.</span></i></b><span face=""Calibri","sans-serif"" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span face="Calibri, "sans-serif"" style="font-size: 14pt;">1 Corinthians 13:12.</span></span><span face=""Calibri","sans-serif"" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><span face="Calibri, "sans-serif"" style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></b></span><span face=""Calibri","sans-serif"" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span face="Calibri, "sans-serif"" style="font-size: 14pt;">There is this old famous Indian fable of “the six blind men and the elephants”. The story speaks of six blind men who went to explore what an elephant is. The story has it that they all came back with different reports about what an elephant is.</span></span><span face=""Calibri","sans-serif"" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span face="Calibri, "sans-serif"" style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></span><span face=""Calibri","sans-serif"" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span face="Calibri, "sans-serif"" style="font-size: 14pt;">The first said an elephant looks like a wall because of its broad sturdy side which he felt.</span></span><span face=""Calibri","sans-serif"" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span face="Calibri, "sans-serif"" style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></span><span face=""Calibri","sans-serif"" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span face="Calibri, "sans-serif"" style="font-size: 14pt;">The second, who felt the tusk, said an elephant is like a spear.</span></span><span face=""Calibri","sans-serif"" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span face="Calibri, "sans-serif"" style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></span><span face=""Calibri","sans-serif"" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span face="Calibri, "sans-serif"" style="font-size: 14pt;">The third blind man who happens to take the squirming trunk within his hands said that the elephant was like a snake.</span></span><span face=""Calibri","sans-serif"" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span face="Calibri, "sans-serif"" style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></span><span face=""Calibri","sans-serif"" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span face="Calibri, "sans-serif"" style="font-size: 14pt;">While the fourth, who felt the knee, reported that the animal is like a tree.</span></span><span face=""Calibri","sans-serif"" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span face="Calibri, "sans-serif"" style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></span><span face=""Calibri","sans-serif"" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span face="Calibri, "sans-serif"" style="font-size: 14pt;">The fifth, who by chance touched the ear, reported that an elephant was like a fan.</span></span><span face=""Calibri","sans-serif"" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span face="Calibri, "sans-serif"" style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></span><span face=""Calibri","sans-serif"" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span face="Calibri, "sans-serif"" style="font-size: 14pt;">The sixth man, who seized on the swinging tail, claimed that the elephant is like a rope.</span></span><span face=""Calibri","sans-serif"" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span face="Calibri, "sans-serif"" style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></span><span face=""Calibri","sans-serif"" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span face="Calibri, "sans-serif"" style="font-size: 14pt;">All six men disputed among themselves, holding strong to their personal opinion based on their own personal reality. Although each of them is partly correct in his own right. The question then is of the six men, who was correct?</span></span><span face=""Calibri","sans-serif"" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span face="Calibri, "sans-serif"" style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></span><span face=""Calibri","sans-serif"" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span face="Calibri, "sans-serif"" style="font-size: 14pt;">Definitely, none of them was correct. They were all wrong. To have accurate knowledge of the subject in question, they must all consider the view of each individual and bring it together on a table.</span></span><span face=""Calibri","sans-serif"" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span face="Calibri, "sans-serif"" style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></span><span face=""Calibri","sans-serif"" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span face="Calibri, "sans-serif"" style="font-size: 14pt;">Sometimes, we act like those six blind men. It is ignorant and foolish to hold on to a perspective of a matter without considering other views. It is wise to consider other people’s views before coming to a conclusion about a matter. This truth should be applied to our views on doctrines, politics, religion, everyday issues and the rest.</span></span><span face=""Calibri","sans-serif"" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><span face="Calibri, "sans-serif"" style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></b></span><span face=""Calibri","sans-serif"" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span face="Calibri, "sans-serif"" style="font-size: 14pt;">One of the major causes of war and strife between men is the acclaim superiority of knowledge over each other. Knowledge puff up, that is what the scripture says. Knowledge in itself makes men proud and even arrogant.</span></span><span face=""Calibri","sans-serif"" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span face="Calibri, "sans-serif"" style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></span><span face=""Calibri","sans-serif"" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><i><span face="Calibri, "sans-serif"" style="font-size: 14pt;">Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies.</span></i></b></span><span face=""Calibri","sans-serif"" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span face="Calibri, "sans-serif"" style="font-size: 14pt;">1 Corinthians 8:1</span></span><span face=""Calibri","sans-serif"" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span face="Calibri, "sans-serif"" style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></span><span face=""Calibri","sans-serif"" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span face="Calibri, "sans-serif"" style="font-size: 14pt;">This is why a Christian must balance knowledge with humility and love. The absence of humility and love in the heart of a man that has knowledge will only make the man proud and offensive.</span></span><span face=""Calibri","sans-serif"" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span face="Calibri, "sans-serif"" style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></span><span face=""Calibri","sans-serif"" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span face="Calibri, "sans-serif"" style="font-size: 14pt;">Knowledge is dangerous and destructive when it is void of love and humility. It only becomes a weapon of oppression in such cases. But it is good and beneficial only when it is coupled with love and humility.</span></span><span face=""Calibri","sans-serif"" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span face="Calibri, "sans-serif"" style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></span><span face=""Calibri","sans-serif"" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span face="Calibri, "sans-serif"" style="font-size: 14pt;">Humility, on one hand, will make you stoop low to consider another person’s view. And love, on the other hand, will help you not to act presumptuously. Rather, love will make you find a way to use the knowledge you have acquired to benefit your fellow man.</span></span><span face=""Calibri","sans-serif"" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span face="Calibri, "sans-serif"" style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></span><span face=""Calibri","sans-serif"" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span face="Calibri, "sans-serif"" style="font-size: 14pt;">Besides, we should know that as humans, our knowledge is limited. Whatever we think that we know is not the final knowledge. Thank God for what we know presently; like we often discover that there is more to whatever we think we know.</span></span><span face=""Calibri","sans-serif"" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span face="Calibri, "sans-serif"" style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></span><span face=""Calibri","sans-serif"" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span face="Calibri, "sans-serif"" style="font-size: 14pt;">In the same vein, not until we are willing to see and consider the views of others, we might as well be living in our own world of self-denial and self-deception.</span></span><span face=""Calibri","sans-serif"" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span face="Calibri, "sans-serif"" style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></span><span face=""Calibri","sans-serif"" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span face="Calibri, "sans-serif"" style="font-size: 14pt;">Use the views of others to critically challenge and scrutinize what you know. This is how the wise increase in knowledge.</span><span face=""Calibri","sans-serif"" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>Gavin Aleogho's Worldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10835763055177851212noreply@blogger.com1