Category: Christian Lifestyle

What is Confession?

“He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.” – Proverbs. 28:13

All Christians strive to live their lives by the teachings of Jesus Christ. He calls us to imitate God, practice righteousness, and live a life that pleases Him. As humans, we stray, fall short, and succumb to sinful temptations. Christ introduced the mystery of confession to combat this sickness of the soul. As the sole creator of this world and the ultimate judge, we must show our regret to God through confessions whenever we disobey His commandments, just as we do when we hurt our family and friends. God is a forgiving God, therefore when we call on Him, He is always ready to listen.

What is Confession?

Confession, therefore, is the public or private acknowledgment of sinfulness, which is regarded as necessary to receive divine pardon. It is a way for us to encounter God in all His glory on our planet. When we sin, we end up alienating ourselves from God, our fellow humans, and our genuine selves, which damages our relationship with Him.

As a result, we should confess our transgressions to God whenever we sin, because He despises sin, which separates us from Him and leads to death as stated in Romans.6:23.

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 6:23

How can we confess our sins to God?

Here are some guidelines for confessing our sins.

  • Invest time in God’s presence.

To begin with, we should spend time with God and in His Word regularly. The Lord can make us aware of specific sins while we fellowship with Him in prayer. We do not have to examine ourselves or worry about whether we have made a mistake. God is light, and when we spend time with Him, He reveals our sins. We may see what we need to confess right away when He shines. We will become more sensitive to the Lord’s light shining on us as we allow Him to shine on us. This is one of the reasons why having daily time with the Lord is a good idea.

  • Confess everything the Lord puts His light on.

Whatever the Lord Jesus shines on us, we should confess it. We may believe that some things do not matter, that they are insignificant, but if we let what we think are little transgressions accumulate, we will find it is all too easy to let even a major transgression go unconfessed and suffer the repercussions in our relationship with the Lord.

  • Take considerable time in the presence of the Lord for extended lengths of time.

We can spend long periods with the Lord particularly to be under His glory, in addition to our daily time with Him. We can spend an additional thirty minutes or an hour with the Lord once a week to give Him more opportunity to reveal our hearts. We’ll have more time to respond to His instructions, and revelations and to confess more profoundly and finely as well. We can start these moments by praying or singing a hymn to the Lord using Bible scriptures. Then we might simply beg the Lord to shine on us and confess whatever He shines upon us. By devoting extended periods to fellowship with the Lord, we not only restore our fellowship with the Lord but also strengthen it.

As Christians, we are expected to live righteous lives so that we may enjoy eternal life in Christ Jesus. As a result, living a moral life entails confessing our sins when necessary.

Remember, the Bible promises to set us free when we confess.

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” – 1 John 1:9

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Are You in An Abusive Relationship?

Abuse in a relationship can take many forms, including physical, sexual, emotional, or all three, but it always involves aggression, contempt, cruelty, injury, or force.

Abuse, in whatever form, has a tremendous impact on one’s emotional stability, and because emotional health is so crucial to one’s well-being, it is critical to recognize the signs of an abusive partner and avoid them while guarding your heart.

“Above all else, guard your heart,” Proverbs 4:23 says, “because everything you do flows from it.” By guarding your heart, you end up taking care of yourself and obeying the Word of God, which in turn enables you to be discerning of dangerous associations rather than always looking for faults in yourself to justify the other party’s behavior. Here are some indicators that you may be in an abusive relationship.

Disrespect

An abusive partner ridicules you in front of others, insults and calls you names, never respects your requests, and dismisses your viewpoint. While disrespect can take many forms, including physical, sexual, and mental abuse, it is vital to remember that you can only be treated in a certain way if you allow it to happen. While there could be times when you can only control so much, do ensure that you speak up when disrespected and maintain your assertiveness.

Lies

One of the most fundamental cornerstones in any great relationship is trust. A spouse who does not respect you enough to always tell you the truth is likely to abuse and gaslight you.

Isolating you from loved ones

Isolation is key tactic abusers use to make sure other people do not realize their victims are being abused. They do not necessarily need to use threats or violence to keep you at home.

“The abuser discourages contact with others in subtle and manipulative ways, preventing loved ones from being able to detect changes in mood or well-being,” Genovese says.

Controlling behavior

An abuser may try to keep you under control by restricting your freedom to leave the house, seizing control of your funds, and monitoring your online activity, to name a few. This may start small, such as constantly calling or texting you when you are away from them, but it can escalate quickly.

Physical and, or sexual abuse

A physically abusive partner may attack you at any time, resulting in emotional and mental instability or even death, while a sexually abusive partner may force you to have sex, resulting in long-term health difficulties.

Given this, you should avoid the effects of abuse by saying no to abusers and seek professional help if you find yourself in such a situation, keeping in mind that your mental health is crucial to your growth. Abuse is not a form of power, therefore do not support it. If you know of an abuser, speak to a professional about it in the hopes that they too can get help. Oftentimes, abusers struggle with unmet needs which can be addressed clinically.

Above all else, prayerfully think through every association, especially romantic associations and do not entangle yourself with anyone who hinders your ability to grow in Christ.

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Overcoming Addiction as a Christian

“Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which is God’s” – 1 Corinthians 6: 19- 20 NKJV

Addiction impacts toddlers and teenagers, young people, and elderly men and women alike, and affects people of all ethnicities, demographics, and socioeconomic backgrounds. It varies from person to person since some people battle with addiction more than others. While addictive behaviors share similar neurological and psychological processes and produce pleasurable feelings and sensations, persons attempting to cure an addiction frequently replace such behaviors with other alternatives that may not be healthy.

Addiction, therefore, is a relationship between a person and an object, substance, or activity. The object or activity becomes increasingly important as the addiction progresses, whereas formerly important activities become less important. In the end, addiction is about a complex conflict between acting on an urge and resisting it. The condition has existed since the dawn of time, and society has been trying to develop various remedies for it for nearly as long. As one might expect, some of the previous methods of addiction treatment were less than pleasant, making it even more fortunate that we now live in a society where compassionate care is available. While we do not know everything about how it was treated in the past, there are enough accounts of treatment procedures from the last 300 years to give us a good idea.

It is also worth noting that the recovery process only works if the individual battling addiction acknowledges the problem and the challenge that comes with it.

According to the transtheoretical model of behavior change, any change requires a process that begins with pre-contemplation and progresses to contemplation. You may be in denial about the impacts of your battle with addiction in the early stages of treatment. You may experience feelings of doubt as you become more conscious of the issues you’re dealing with, even as you become more aware of your need to conquer your addiction. However, once you have decided to change, you may start planning your next steps.  The length of time it takes to recover varies from person to person based on the severity of the addiction, and it requires a certain amount of consistency to get the desired result, therefore addiction is not a hopeless situation.

Recognizing and accepting the warning symptoms of addiction can be frightening, especially as a Christian living in a society where many are ostracized for the same.  Starting to seek addiction treatment is a far more difficult task, however, it is important to mention that there is nothing wrong with seeking help from addiction as a Christian.

Seeking counseling and therapy is one approach to get started with the process as outpatient or inpatient programs are both available. These programs also help you develop and strengthen (healthy) life skills, as well as provide structure and support for long-term recovery.

Here are some of the approaches or ways you might come across:

  • Behavioral therapy

This comprises dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and motivational interviewing (MI), which are often done one-on-one. They are designed to change people’s behavior, emotions, and attitudes. They assist you in taking responsibility for your recovery and abstinence. Through this therapy, you can also improve family and close relationship communications and dynamics.

  • Group psychotherapy

This method, which is facilitated by at least one therapist, creates a space for you to relate to other patients who are dealing with similar problems. This allows you or a loved one to share knowledge and assist other patients. You can use this to create healthy and loving relationships.

  • Support groups

These provide a secure place in which to discuss personal challenges and addiction issues.  After finishing therapy, these organizations provide support and follow-up care. However, they cannot be utilized in place of a strategic, well-planned treatment.

  • Prayer

Above all, it is important to maintain and continuously work on your relationship with God as a Christian. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 admonishes us that we should care for our body as it is the temple of God. This means avoiding, at all costs, anything that destroys our ability to connect with God. Prayer is one way we can ensure we walk in alignment with God’s purpose for our lives. It is important to constantly study His Word too. You can read more about How to Understand the Word of God Better

No Christian is perfect. Every Christian is battling with something. One of those things could be an addiction, and if that is the case, feel loved, and feel heard. Explore some of these tips and we hope you recover soon.

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How Much Caffeine is Too Much Caffeine?

Caffeine is a stimulant found in several foods and drinks like tea and coffee. Caffeine can also be found in kola nuts and chocolate-flavored snacks. It is quite popular in everyday meals because of its ability to help people regain mental clarity when tired.

An overdose of caffeine can cause a variety of symptoms and side effects such as dizziness, headache, sleeplessness, and fever, among others, which may not appear as serious as vomiting, chest discomfort, and convulsions. Some of these serious symptoms may require urgent medical attention. Caffeine in high dosages may also increase the risk of miscarriage or low birth weight in expectant mothers. It should be limited or avoided entirely during pregnancy.

Coffee and coffee beans. Source: Pexel Photos

However, avoiding caffeine can be difficult because it is a common ingredient in many foods and drinks. According to Mayo Clinic, most healthy persons may tolerate up to 400 milligrams of caffeine per day. Four cups of brewed coffee, ten cans of Coca-Cola, or two “energy shot” drinks have about the same amount of caffeine. Important to mention that caffeine concentration in beverages varies significantly, particularly in energy drinks.

Given this insight into caffeine education, we must take care of our bodies and monitor the amount of caffeine we ingest regularly. However, caffeine affects each individual differently, hence not a one-size-fits-all. It is, therefore, important to learn how your body reacts to it.

Has caffeine consumption ever affected you negatively? Let us know in the comments below.

 

 

 

How to Understand the Word of God Better

“Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation.” – 1 Peter 2:2

1 Peter 2:2 serves to remind us that just as every little child needs milk to grow, every believer should crave spiritual milk to grow in the faith. Believers are encouraged to make the Word of God a priority and must live by it thereby. Furthermore, when believers do this, the Word becomes a lamp unto their feet and a light for their path (Psalms 119:105). How can believers, therefore, better understand God’s Word and reap its blessings and promise of guidance?

By having an intimate relationship with God through His Word. As John 1:1 puts it:

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” – John 1:1

While introducing God as the Word, John’s first verse establishes numerous essential truths, including the Word’s existence from the beginning of creation and the Word’s presence with God, as well as God Himself being the very Word. This means that when we connect with the Word of God, we are connecting with God Himself. This sets a beautiful opportunity to interact with God daily. There are various steps believers can take in their daily lives to ensure they are interacting with God, and building an intimate relationship with Him through His Word. Such include:

1. True repentance

“…but what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith which we preach): that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth, confession is made unto salvation. – Romans 10:8-11 NKJV

 It is critical to profess true repentance because the Bible repeatedly states that sin leads to death and destruction. There are consequences to going against God’s design on how believers should live and obey Him, and destruction completely separates believers from Him and leaves them in disharmony with Him. True repentance allows believers to live in harmony with God and acknowledge His sovereignty in their lives. Additionally, it is only through true repentance that believers can receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit which will lead them into all truth and guide them in the way that they should go, and how they should interact with God’s Word. 

2. Having dedicated study time.

The Bible is a spiritual textbook that necessitates time spent studying it. Believers should make bible study regimens just as they make study regimens for academic endeavors. This helps edify the soul and ensures that the believer meditates on the Word day and night. 

3. Spending time in prayer 

Each believer needs to spend time in prayer before reading the Word of God, asking the Holy Spirit to lead them into all truth as promised in John 16:13. Furthermore, prayer brings the acknowledgment of the fact that scripture is inspired by God Himself. “For the prophecy did not come by the will of man in old-time, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” – 2 Peter 1:21

4. Being diligent. 

Believers must be diligent in their study of the Bible. The same diligence practiced in areas of work, education, and daily activities must be applied in greater measure when studying the Word of God. Diligent study and dedication to God’s Word is one way a believer can learn about God’s will for their lives. 

5. Practicing the Word. 

“Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.” – James 1:23-25

James 1:23-25 explains why we should not only be hearers of the Word, but also doers, for it is through practicing the Word that we become like God.  

Each Believer should, therefore, first accept Christ as their personal Savior, pray before reading His Word, endeavor to be diligent in Bible study and finally, practice what the Word of God says. Through this, believers can understand God’s Word better, increase in faith and find true joy in fellowship with God. 

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Finding Completeness in the Absence of Children | Nosisa’s Story

“Women can be complete without children” – Nosisa Doe

Women deserve to be recognized for their significant contributions to society, great victories, and unrivaled bravery. Despite gender disparities in many fields, women continue to flourish and succeed. As a result, women must be encouraged, motivated, and inspired to keep fighting, rather than being ostracized due to a lack of biological children.

Nosisa is an example of a woman blessed with a child at God’s own time, and an excellent role model for aspiring mothers because she kept loyal to her faith and never gave up on God despite her prolonged waiting period. She believed that God’s timing was always optimal, and therefore, she let go and let God.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) affects 6 to 12 percent of women of reproductive age worldwide. According to research, successful therapy resulting in pregnancy is more likely to occur in the first three to four months of treatment. Several women have shared their tales of childbirth after being diagnosed with the condition, making each birth and conception story a unique one.

Nosisa’s was one very unique story; a tale that every aspiring mother battling with PCOS needs to read. Nosisa, a Zimbabwean, migrated to Ghana at the age of thirty-one after being diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome in her twenties and being informed by three different doctors in three different countries that she would be unable to bear children. She also recounted her difficult time growing up as she never felt good enough. This phase further intensified her feelings, prompting her to doubt her husband’s affirmation of her occasionally.

Before moving to Ghana, Nosisa had a dream where she saw children in a white car; children who belonged to her. However, it remained a dream. She sobbed and questioned God several times following the dream, asking why she could not have children like Hannah in the Bible. Nosisa recalls being stigmatized on several occasions, by various society members asking “Why don’t you try In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)”, or “has your husband explored other options?.”

Such remarks only intensified Nosisa’s displeasure, making her question whether she did something wrong. She felt incomplete. However, this did not shake her faith in God. She grew more vocal with God, citing Isaiah 1:18:

“Come now, let us settle the matter, says the Lord. Even though your sins are as scarlet, they will be as white as snow, and even if they are red as crimson, they will be as wool” – Isaiah 1:18

These words consoled Nosisa during her difficult moments and kept her faith alive. She recognized that no matter what she thought she had done wrong, God was willing to forgive her. As a result, she made positive declarations throughout those trying moments which edified her spiritually and affirmed Christ’s love for her, childless or not.

Aside from consoling herself, she also took the initiative to advise young women in similar situations not to blame themselves for their inability to bear children, teaching them that women can be whole without children and that God does all things perfectly in His own time.

“Have faith and surround yourself with people who proclaim life rather than death,” she would encourage other women.

Her family played a major role in helping her grow past her pain and demonstrated that “family is everything” by being there for her during her most trying period.

“My husband, mother, and mother-in-law were all very supportive. I recall a time when my mother-in-law kept me away from those who made it seem like my husband made a mistake by marrying me” she says.

Nosisa finally gave birth to her first child, a girl, in 2014 at the age of 34, and her second child, a boy, two years later at the age of 36, which she believes was God’s plan. This testimony reaffirmed her faith in God’s will for man, which she described as “perfect” and “perfectly timed.” Interestingly, the children Nosisa gave birth to looked exactly like the children she had seen in her dreams right before moving to Ghana.

Do not tell people how deep the valley they are in is. Tell them how beautiful it is to be on the tallest mountain.” Nosisa Doe

Nosisa’s words set out to encourage aspiring mothers and women battling with polycystic ovarian syndrome is that there is hope especially when faith is anchored on God.

Are you a young woman who is battling with or has battled with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)? What is your story? Let us know in the comment section. Dominion TV; Africa’s Christian Lifestyle Network for Inspired and Empowered Living.

WHY YOU SHOULDN’T LISTEN TO SECULAR MUSIC

I haven’t met a person with an aversion to music. The right combination of instruments, voices and lyrics birth a masterpiece that lingers in our minds for hours and days. It is comparable to food; the right recipe produces remarkable taste. What’s worth noting, however, is that the quality of food isn’t solely dependent on its taste but its effect on health. I opine that good food should have good taste and have positive effects on our health. The same reasoning applies to music; true musical satisfaction can only be the effect of a great sound and a message healthy enough for our minds.

Humans like to define and categorize things to ease the complexities of selection. The music industry is one of the victims of the said categorization. The industry denotes its categorization by the word ‘genre.’ Usually, the definitive feature of a genre is its sound and instrumentation, and R&B, Hip-hop, soul, and rock are a few examples. Gospel or Christian music is one of the few if not the only genre defined by its message. The problem this creates for Christians is that it splits the industry into two: gospel and secular. This phenomenon is only problematic because of the tendency for Christians to limit Christian music not just by its message but by its sound too. The apparent segregation of gospel and secular music results in the Christian community associating a particular sound with gospel music, thus neglecting all other music without this sound even when the messages are Christian.

For the sake of clarity, when I refer to Christian music in subsequent paragraphs, I’m not limiting it to music that is sung in church by a choir. I am also not referring to Christian music as music with Christian references and words like ‘Hallelujah, Amen, Jesus, Holy Spirit, Savior, etc. Christian music is music whose message conforms to Christian values, message, and direction. The lack of Christian references isn’t what makes a song secular. Secular music draws you further away from Christian virtues with its message. Songs that promote misogyny, racism, violence, indiscriminate sex, lust are not healthy for consumption.

WHAT CAN WE LISTEN TO

Phi 4:8 KJV

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

As said earlier, music affects the mind. Songs can influence your thoughts and change your perspective on life. Therefore we need to be our own judges of what we can listen to. We shouldn’t categorize songs as gospel just because it is sung in church nor should we write off a song we heard on the street as secular just because the lyrics did not mention God or Jesus.

Our decision on what we can and should listen to must stem from what the word of God says. From what we see in Philippians 4:8, we must endeavor to listen to music that will influence us to think about things that are lovely, pure, virtuous, and of good report. It is safe to listen to music that will influence our thinking in such a manner. Any form of music that does not induce positive thoughts and actions should not be entertained.

THE INFLUENCE

There’s a reason why adverts, rallies, political campaigns, funerals and other programs employ music is to set the mood. Music has the power to make you act in accordance to whatever mood or message the song is propagating. The more you listen to negativity, the more you allow yourself to be engulfed in a negative atmosphere. Listening to music that supports sex, drugs, violence and other vices would in time slave you into practicing the same. Ensure that you listen to positive music, to maintain a positive mentality and the energy necessary for your spiritual well-being to go about your day. Wondering where you can have access to such quality music? Right here on Dominion Tv.

 

Author

Kobina Oduro Korankye

 

 

 

UNSUNG HEROES OF OUR TIME

A father is to be considered the source of one’s life. It takes a man and a woman to produce an offspring therefore it is imperative that we do not overlook the importance of either sex in a conversation that dishes out accolades. So father’s day approaches and it is time for our fathers to receive the adoration and honour they deserve. Let’s take a look at the important roles our fathers play in our lives.

DISCIPLINARIANS

Hebrews 12:7: “Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?”

We are quickly censured by our loving fathers whenever we commit actions that are considered immoral or against accepted norms and standards of our faith. Fathers train us to become respectable persons of the society. They are usually our first encounter with virtues like justice, discipline and temperance. Just like God disciplines us from time to time when our deeds and misdeeds are aberrations to His perfect standards, fathers train us in the way we should go so that we would not depart from it.

BIGGEST FANS

Proverbs 23:24: “The father of a righteous child has great joy; a man who fathers a wise son rejoices in him.”

A godly father is normally the biggest fan of his children. It is a normal practice in many societies that the children bear the surname of their father. The fact that we bear the names of our fathers make them naturally inclined to rooting for us in the arena of life. Fathers rejoice when their sons and daughters grow up to achieve and become great people in the future. This is because the greatness of a child is the reflection of the effort and training a father had to put in to make her the best s/he is.

THEY NURTURE AND PROTECT

Deuteronomy 1:31: “There you saw how the Lord your God carried you, as a father carries his son, all the way you went until you reached this place.”

Our fathers are our protectors. They guide us through the hard times of life. It is through our fathers that a lot of us build character and resilience to face the storms of life. Fathers provide security to their families. Security doesn’t just refer to physical strength and the raw aggression we like to associate with men but security can be spiritual, monetary and even in education. Fathers provide spiritual security and guidance through prayers and instructing us in the ways of God. They give us monetary security when they pay our fees and provide our needs.

20th June 2021 is father’s day and we ought to honour our fathers. The blessings our fathers speak on us are extremely important for the progress of our lives. God promises that we will have long life when we shall prosper when we heed to the advice of our fathers and honour them. How are you going to honour your father on Father’s day? Leave your answers in the comments.

THE GREATEST LESSON LEARNT FROM THE LIFE AND MINISTRY OF ARCHBISHOP NICHOLAS DUNCAN-WILLIAMS.

A creator knows best what his creation is suited for; what can corrupt it and what can propel it to the fulfillment of its full potential. What can be said of an inventor is not just one who brings forth something into existence, but one who made an object with the intent of the object working perfectly in accordance with the motive for which he created it. The inventor does not just invent, he gives the object an objective. Therefore, the inventor ought to be sought in the pursuit of the purpose for which his invention was made. Speaking of inventors, it is made clear in John 1:3 that the word made all things and without him(the word) nothing was made. It follows that, for everything that was made, its divine purpose cannot be found outside the boundaries of the word and God’s will. So as part of His creation, it is necessary that man subdues all his desires to seek God, His word and His kingdom, if he is to be a success. It is worthy at this point to note that, after reading about the life and ministry of the Archbishop; Nicholas Duncan-Williams, the greatest lesson I took home was that, all our efforts to attaining success would be futile if the Lord is not sought first. It is a reflection of the passage in Matthew 6:25-34 with emphasis on the 33rd verse which suggests that seeking first the righteousness of God and His kingdom is a sufficient condition for attaining wealth, health, happiness and every other thing that is a need.

THE GREATEST LESSON LEARNT FROM THE LIFE AND MINISTRY OF ARCHBISHOP NICHOLAS DUNCAN-WILLIAMS.

THIS LESSON STEMS FROM FACT

This lesson stems from the fact that, though the Archbishop had a desire to climb the rungs of the ladder of greatness, he was never successful until he had an encounter with God on the bed of affliction. No matter how hard he tried, no matter how hard he worked, no matter how clever his schemes were, everything he tried to build was tumbled down by a gentle push by the finger of God. Decades on, he has one of the biggest ministries in Africa and the world at large due to his loyalty to God and His kingdom. Submission to God’s will is all that we need to fulfill our divine mandate and have true happiness in our endeavors. In some detail, I will show that his failures and successes led to my conclusion on this lesson.

Though he did live with a single mother and it was quite evident that this resulted in his deficiency in financial resources, it was never a hinderance to his work ethic but a fuel to ignite an attitude of resilience in the Archbishop during his youth. Resilience however, was never enough as he was forced to relinquish a short lived stint juggling a newspaper sales job with wooden food carriage truck-pushing due to circumstances beyond his control. It was God’s plan that until He got his attention, his(Archbishop’s) will and determination to succeed would come to nought.

I would have to mention that, the major influence on my lesson was young  Nicholas’ visit to a fetish priest who asserted that the only one who could help him was the almighty God. This in my opinion was unusual and it raises the question of why someone who belongs to the forces of destruction would give advice that brings glory to Jehovah. Such an occurance is a clear indication of the fact that without God, it is impossible to find your purpose in life. If we shall be willing to throw our hands up and surrender all our efforts to God and believe  in the finished work of Christ, we have taken the first step to discovering our purpose and faith in any other god would be detrimental to our progress. To come to God, one must know that He is, and that He is a rewarder of they that diligently seek Him.

The ministry of the Archbishop has grown from glory to glory mainly because he has set His sight on the living God and is persuaded that He is the foundation of everything. In the midst of storms, trials and betrayal by men, the ministry stands firm because the focus has never been on the success defined by humans but that which is defined by God. True success is defined by God and if only we would humble ourselves and seek him first, we shall find fulfillment in our purpose in life. Ideally, the inventor is the most knowledgeable about the purpose of his invention.

A WORLD WITHOUT MOTHERS.

Environmentalists usually say that ‘when the last tree dies, the last human also dies’. The veracity of this statement is unquestionable because humans are dependent on plants for a whole lot. Think about it; our food, medicine, furniture, and stationery are produced from plants. We even engage in gaseous exchange with plants when they release oxygen as a by-product of photosynthesis. Humans would barely exist without plants and that’s why we say that humans would cease to exist without them. Have you ever considered what the world would be like if the last mother ceased to exist?

Have you ever considered what the world would be like if the last mother ceased to exist?

THE SENSES OF MOTHERHOOD

Before I continue with this blog, I’d like to clarify I would be considering motherhood in two senses. The first sense is what I would call biological motherhood and the other sense would be referred to as normative motherhood. A biological mother would refer to anyone that is a mother by childbirth. Any woman who has given birth to a child still in existence qualifies to be designated by the term ‘mother’ in a biological sense. By normative motherhood, I’m referring to the features that characterize anyone we can call a good mother. What is a mother supposed to look like? How does a mother treat the children around her whether she’s biologically related to them or not? Ideally, motherhood is not about being biologically related to those you take care of but about being a guide, a nurturer, a protector, a motivator, etc. Women do not have to be biologically capable of childbirth to be great mothers because true motherhood isn’t a biological feature. So back to our question, what would the world be without our nurturing, kind and motivating mothers.

  1. A WORLD OF EMOTIONAL TROUBLE

Scientists have emphasized how important it is for children to have their mothers emotionally and physically available to them in their first three years at least. Nania (2017) posits that a lot of children with Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) didn’t have the presence of their mothers to help them with stress regulation. A lot of the psychological issues children face are a result of their mothers not being available to them. It is a fact that psychologically healthy children usually had their mothers providing them with the needed emotional and mental cushion. A world without caring mothers would be a world full of emotionally troubled individuals. Thank God that our societies are full of mothers who have provided and continue to provide the needed mental, emotional and physical support to their offspring.

  • A WORLD OF INDISCIPLINE

Have you ever been grounded or had your toys and video games confiscated because you did something wrong? Mothers are disciplinarians and their contributions have been immense in our journey to being responsible and godly individuals. Imagine that we didn’t have such training at the beginning of our lives. Most of us would’ve been liabilities to society if we did not have our mothers strictly enforcing their principles of morality in our lives. Mothers are extremely important because they are usually the ones who introduce us to society’s accepted norms, values, and moral standards.

  • A WORLD WITHOUT COMPASSION AND SELFLESSNESS

Mothers are just instinctively compassionate and selfless. Any woman who carried a child in her womb for nine months carried out a selfless act. Allowing another human being to reside in your body for nine months reveals a mother’s willingness to be in uncomfortable situations to help others flourish. Some mothers take leaves and quit their jobs to give their children the needed time and attention. Mothers can put their entire lives on hold just so we can be great men and women in the future.

LET’S CELEBRATE MOTHERS.

Proverbs 31:28

Her children arise and call her blessed;

 her husband also, and he praises her:

Proverbs 31:28 shows us that the virtuous woman deserves to receive praise from her husband and children. The fact that the Proverbs 31 woman has her children praising her implies that she was a great mother to them. From the scripture, we can see that her husband also praised her, this shows that she was a great wife as well. As mothers’ day fast approaches, we need to understand that our mothers deserve to be celebrated. They have been a blessing to us and they need to be blessed and celebrated not just on mothers’ day but every day. 

Reference

Nania R (2017, May 19) WTOP news. Why prioritizing motherhood in the first three years is critical.

CHALLENGES BUILD CHARACTER.

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