Inspiration

“If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.” – Matthew 5:29-30 NIV

In the Christian community, masturbation has gained popularity while also remaining taboo. People in our culture avoid discussing it, and those that do think we already know the solution. If we do not discuss sexuality, we cannot have a healthy attitude toward it.

Popularly known as MOG, gospel musician Nana Yaw Boakye-Yiadom has admitted to masturbating but is now masturbation-free. He grew up with a father figure who, while a wonderful man, did not have a father-son bond with him. He turned to his peers as his confidants as a result, and that is how masturbation started for him. Nana Yaw Boakye-Yiadom described how a variety of childhood circumstances caused him to stray since he lacked people whom he could trust.

Photo source: Inspire

The well-known gospel musician revealed that he spoke to men of God who prayed and fasted alongside him, but to no avail. Then, just one lovely day, when in his room with cream in his hands and prepared to masturbate, he felt compelled to pray and said, “ Holy Spirit, I cannot do this on my own. If you leave me to do this I will fail. It is evident; you can see that I am failing. I need your help. I really want to stop this… Help me now.” He soon felt something leave his body as a strong breeze entered his room, passed through him, and returned. He immediately came to the realization of himself and the need to masturbate vanished. After washing his hands, he was released from the shackles of masturbation.

Nana Yaw Boakye-Yiadom mentioned that whenever people come with problems similar to those he experienced in the past, he walks them through the heartfelt prayer he prayed to God, which has proven to be very beneficial to them as well.

The musician who doubles as a Pastor today is free from the shackles of masturbation. He fervently believes that the works he has produced throughout the years are proof of God’s transforming influence on his life.

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Watch the full video of MOG’s interview on “Inspire”, a Dominion Television production.

“It is more rewarding to resolve a conflict than to dissolve a relationship.” – Josh McDowell (Writer, Public Speaker)

Every relationship has disagreements. Understandably, we cannot always agree with our partners. We can practice resolving disputes through our interpersonal connections. Our relationship will be healthier the more work we put in. Since conflict is uncomfortable, many people make an effort to avoid it.

In a relationship, conflict resolution is the proactive process of attempting to resolve communication issues through compromise and empathy. These abilities enhance all of our relationships, not just those with our partners. While practice is required, anyone can perform it.

We must realize that, depending on how we handle it, conflict in a relationship can be constructive. On some issues, it is acceptable to differ. How we handle conflict might influence how intimate our relationship becomes. Let us look at these few suggestions if we want to improve our relationship’s ability to resolve conflicts healthily. 

Photo source: Alex Green

• We should engage in listening to our partners.

When our partner has a problem, we should listen to them without interrupting and then ask what they would deem a good solution. We should avoid trying to discover logical loopholes in what they say or turning their words against them and instead should inquire with genuine curiosity to understand their feelings.

• We should communicate more often.

When something in our relationship disturbs us, we should learn to voice our concerns. If we do not deal with it, tension can increase, and we can later lose our cool with our partner over something insignificant. It is crucial to calmly and supportively express the behavior we want to see fixed and to give the other person the space to carry it out.

• We must avoid personalizing situations.

The majority of us dislike criticism, especially when it comes from our spouses, but we should strive not to take things personally and keep in mind the love we have for one another. Having sound boundaries is crucial in this situation, and communicating those boundaries with one another can help improve the relationship.

• A “both of us vs. the problem” mentality should be adopted.

This ability is possibly the most crucial. We should attempt to stand back while in a fight and consider what the best course of action would be to resolve the issue. With our partner, we must come up with a solution that respects our limits and feels harmonious. Making a relationship work requires the ability to compromise. If it is morning rituals before work, perhaps we alternate who gets to use the shower first. The feelings we hold in about the issue are released when we focus our energy on finding a solution. A “both of us vs. the problem” mentality can make future problems in our relationship easier to handle.

Photo source: Alex Green

We must speak up and express our concerns when there is a conflict. The ideal partner will provide a secure environment where we can express our complaints without being ignored. In exchange, let us be careful to provide a secure environment for our partners to talk about the issues that are troubling them as well. Keep in mind that conflict is unavoidable and that it can help couples get more intimate with one another. Conflict occurs more frequently because we care, and that should not be forgotten.

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“Mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of, but stigma and bias shame us all.” – Bill Clinton

Friends, family, coworkers, and society at large can all exert pressure on people due to the stigma associated with mental illness. It may make it more difficult for those who are suffering from mental illness to seek support, integrate into society, and live happily and fulfilled lives.

When people with mental illnesses or those who seek treatment for emotional discomfort, including anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder among others, are stigmatized by society, it is said to be a mental health stigma.

Preconceptions, which are frequently untrue, unfavorable, and hurtful depictions of entire groups of people, can contribute to the stigma around mental health. They enable a person to quickly assess others based on a few defining traits, and then they generalize their conclusions to include everyone in that group. For instance, preconceptions about people who have depression or anxiety sometimes portray them as lazy or cowardly. Several people worry about being called “crazy” for merely seeking therapy support. All of these stereotypes are inaccurate and hurtful, and prevent individuals from receiving the care they require.

The idea that people with mental illness are violent or harmful has been politicized frequently. A limited percentage of those who suffer from mental illness do, nevertheless, engage in violent behavior. They are more likely to become victims of crime, making them a group that needs to be protected rather than feared.

Photo source: Vie Studio

Why is stigma associated with mental health?

The stigma associated with mental illness can originate from a variety of places, including personal and social as well as the actual mental illness itself, which may lead a person to behave differently than is deemed to be the norm in a given society or culture. Increased stigma can result from a variety of factors, including ignorance, fear, and education gaps.

Effects of stigma surrounding mental health.

An individual with a mental health illness may have worsening symptoms and find it difficult to rehabilitate if they are stigmatized. If an individual is stigmatized, they could be less likely to seek assistance. The manifestation of stigma may not be extreme or include forceful movements. It might manifest itself through the terminology individuals use to characterize mental illnesses or those who are suffering from them. It can be difficult for people to hear language that is cruel or dismissive in this situation. As a result, they could feel alone, have low self-esteem, feel ashamed, have worse symptoms, and possibly even lose their jobs.

How to combat the stigma surrounding mental health.

Since the majority of stigma stems from ignorance and unfounded fear, public education to raise awareness of mental illness is essential. When discovering that a friend or relative is coping with a mental illness, it is critical to check trustworthy sources of information on mental health issues and gain more knowledge. If they believe stigma affects their capacity to deal with day-to-day situations like job, housing, or health, they might also think about hiring an advocate.

Photo source: Pavel Danilyuk

It is difficult to overcome the complicated and well-documented problem of stigma. There are, however, actions that a person who is dealing with mental health stigma can do, like locating an activist who can help them with professional and financial concerns. By telling their stories, they can also help others better understand mental health issues. We can also help reduce the stigma associated with mental illness, which is essential, by enlightening ourselves on mental health concerns and promoting awareness so we can better understand how these disorders affect those who live with them and assist in debunking widely held myths and stereotypes in both ourselves and others.

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“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” – James 1:19-20 NIV

The emotion of anger is common and neither good nor negative. It signals to us that a situation is upsetting, unfair, or dangerous, just like any other emotion. However, if our automatic response to anger is to erupt in wrath, that message is never allowed to be spoken. So, even though it is entirely acceptable to feel angry when we have been treated unfairly or wrongfully, anger becomes a challenge when we use it as an excuse to harm either ourselves or other people.

We may believe that expressing our rage is beneficial, that others close to us are overly sensitive, that our anger is legitimate, or that we must act furiously to earn respect. The truth is that anger is considerably more likely to damage our reputation, cloud our judgment, and obstruct our progress.

Photo source: Keira Burton

Effects of anger on us.

• Mental health

Recurrent rage drains our cognitive capacity and blurs our judgment, making it difficult to focus or enjoy life. Anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues might result from it as well.

• Physical health

We are more prone to heart disease, hypertension, a compromised immune system, sleeplessness, and high blood pressure if we are always under a lot of stress and anger.

• Career

It can be beneficial to have heated debates, creative disagreements, and constructive critiques. However, being angry simply serves to annoy and lose the respect of our coworkers, superiors, or clients.

• Relationships

Anger can ruin friendships and professional connections and leave long-lasting wounds on the people we care about the most. Intense anger is especially harmful to children because it makes it difficult for them to trust us, talk openly, or feel comfortable.

Why anger management is beneficial to us

Many of us believe that mastering the art of controlling our anger is the goal of anger management. Avoiding anger altogether is not a wise goal. No matter how hard we try to control our anger, it will eventually come out. The real objective of anger management is to recognize the meaning of the emotion and express it healthily without losing control, not to conceal angry impulses. Not only will we feel better after doing this, but we will also be more likely to get our needs met, be able to handle conflict in our life better, and build stronger relationships.

It takes effort to master the discipline of controlling our anger, but with continued practice, it gets simpler. The reward is enormous as well. Our relationships will improve, our goals will be accomplished, and we will have a healthier, more fulfilling life if we learn to manage our anger and express it responsibly.

Even while it may seem impossible to control our anger if we have a quick temper, we have more power over it than we realize. This realization enables us to learn how to communicate our feelings without offending others and prevents our rage from taking over our lives.

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 ^“so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” – Matthew 6:18 NIV

The Christian life is built on such fundamental practices as fasting and prayer that we sometimes presume we know what to do and how to accomplish it. While we all agree that praying and fasting are important habits, it is simple to carry out these routines improperly.

These two themes are all about dedicating ourselves to God to make ourselves more available for his use. Fasting and prayer are private acts between ourselves and the Father. While there are no set guidelines for how frequently we should pray or fast, it is unavoidable that God wants us to dedicate ourselves to these activities.

May this piece strengthen our prayer life and clarify how we view and practice fasting. We are very blessed to have a forgiving Father who has provided us with avenues for interaction with him and the opportunity to develop our Christian potential. We are only able to approach God’s throne in these lovely ways because of God’s generosity.

Photo source: Tara Winstead

The importance of prayer.

In a two-way conversation with God, man should not only talk to Him during prayer but also listen to what He has to say. Prayer is a form of spiritual communication. Prayer, which also is communication to God is like a child talking to his father.

Knowing this is beneficial since praying to God is not meant to impress people. We pray to establish a channel of communication with our Father so we can speak with him, and get answers. What are some other advantages of prayer? Here are a select few.

• We run the risk of losing our faith if we do not pray.

Without prayer, we run the risk of languishing in our faith and succumbing to temptations and bad habits that we had previously resisted through prayer. Poor communication is a common cause of relationships to end. Likewise, God and us.

• Praying regularly leads to contentment and calm.

Our world is a sin-filled place. There are many problems and sorrows. How then do we overcome melancholy, letdown, dread, malice, and hurt? When we call on our Father, He grants us serenity that is beyond our comprehension. One of our faith’s greatest blessings is this.

• We become holy through the practice of prayer.

Our hearts get more in tune with what God wants for us as we spend more time in prayer seeking Him, and as a result, we become holy people.

What fasting entails.

To feed and strengthen our spirit man, we must deny our flesh and refrain from consuming food or a particular sort of food (fast as the Holy Spirit leads you). The author of Galatians, Paul, informs us that the wants of our spirits and the cravings of our bodies are at odds with one another in Galatians 5:16-17, “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They conflict with each other so that you are not to do whatever you want.”

Benefits of fasting for the soul.

When we fast with a pure heart and intention, much like when we pray, there are advantages we get and a greater depth of the Lord’s power and influence in our life. There are significant advantages that we experience in our lives when we make time to fast and pray by God’s Word. Our relationship with God grows closer, we gain more insight and knowledge about how the Lord wants to work in our lives, and we strengthen in the confidence and control we walk in as Christians.

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“But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” – Isaiah 40:31 KJ

We might be waiting on God for a job, a child, an educational opportunity, a spouse and so much more. A prolonged waiting, however, could potentially be detrimental to our faith and add to our worries hence a need to be persistent in prayer.

Waiting on God involves putting a decision or action on hold until the appropriate moment. Waiting could have a beneficial and negative effect on our life depending on what we do while we wait. Delay or denial is not the same as waiting. Instead, waiting is a time of preparation. Therefore, the outcome depends on what we do during the period.

Photo source: Tara Winstead

How then can we wait on God in a way that keeps us grounded?

● Persistent prayer.

When God has consistently responded with silence, it is true that this is easier said than done. However, since Jesus told us to pray, let us continue doing so. Jesus stressed perseverance when He was instructing His people on how to pray, so we must imitate that. We can achieve this by having a quiet time with God in all humility and admitting to our sins.

● We should keep God’s previous faithfulness in mind.

The confidence required for waiting times may be instilled by recalling specific petitions God has favorably answered and how we developed spiritually through times of adversity. How has He made provision financially? What bonds has He kept? What changes did He make in our hearts and personalities throughout previous waiting periods? We should keep in mind all these occasions to help us be continually appreciative of Him even as we wait.

● We ought to implore the Lord to make good on our waiting.

We must ask Him to reveal to us where we need to improve, to show us hidden faults to repent of, and to provide us worthwhile service opportunities to carry out while we wait. We are typically more teachable and receptive to the Holy Spirit’s nudges while we are in a waiting season.

● We should remain encouraged.

There are numerous reasons to keep a positive outlook while we wait. However, maintaining encouragement frequently demands courage. We must decide to think back on everything God has done for us in the past. Even though things in our current condition may seem unclear, God’s faithfulness is unfailing. When we concentrate on the love of our Savior and keep on believing in Him, encouragement comes. He has promised to stand by our side no matter what.

How are you waiting on God?

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“Those who do not find time for exercise will have to find time for illness.” – Edward Smith-Stanley

Living a healthy lifestyle is now a common way of life for many folks rather than being a retirement goal as it was a few years ago. Even while leading a healthy lifestyle requires a considerable amount of effort, the rewards will undoubtedly improve lives. This article may be helpful if you are in any way unsure about the efficacy and advantages of leading a healthy lifestyle. Do not skim this post; instead, take your time and reflect on it.

Wondering why you should invest lots of effort towards a healthy lifestyle? It is important to realize that you are not alone because many individuals nowadays struggle with uncertainty about what constitutes a healthy lifestyle and what does not. You can, however, end that cycle and lead a long, healthy life.

Be aware that there are countless definitions of a healthy lifestyle, some of which limit it to dietary modifications exclusively. To ensure you enjoy both the effort and the rewards, you should adopt a comprehensive approach.

You need to understand that the decisions you make now will have an impact on your future. Simply take action by starting small and gathering the knowledge you need to lead a healthy lifestyle.

Although maintaining and living a healthy lifestyle may not appear simple, the benefits of doing so far outweigh any inconveniences. Here are a few of the best illustrations of healthy living to pique your interest.

SOME BENEFITS OF LIVING A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

• Better Mental Health.

As people get older, forgetfulness becomes a serious issue. However, by leading a healthy lifestyle, you can decide to reverse or avoid such illnesses. As a result, eating healthily and exercising can help you deal with issues with forgetfulness, poor self-esteem, and anxiety.

• Improved Sleep.

Unhindered sleep is a hallmark of peaceful nights and comes from leading a healthy lifestyle. Not only is getting enough sleep important for your brain, but also your overall health. It improves your appearance and productivity at work because a well-fed body produces optimal brain function. Make it your life’s mission to have a healthy lifestyle by allowing your body enough time to rest and engaging in sufficient physical activity to improve blood circulation.

• Protection From Common Diseases.

Your immune system will be strengthened as a result of living a healthy lifestyle. As a result, you can combat common illnesses like the flu and cardiovascular conditions. To manage these illnesses and other metabolic difficulties, a consistent and well-balanced diet is essential. Your lifestyle has a direct impact on your body’s capacity. Therefore, if you want to visit the doctor less often, do not compromise on what you eat.

• Increased Self-Assurance.

It is not as easy or as difficult as you might think to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Most people who embark on this path fail because they start with a defeated mindset that works against them. If you can start a healthy routine, you will soon feel more confident as you see the consequences of your perseverance. However, you should make it a long-term objective rather than a temporary one that you will probably abandon once you reach the targeted outcomes. Finally, keep in mind that living a healthy lifestyle affects your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

In addition to the advantages and advice covered above, there are countless other advantages to leading a healthy lifestyle. You will ultimately get there if you put a little effort and consistency into the choice you make today. Your route to excellence will be cleared as soon as you get rid of the negative thoughts in your head and the people who do not support your course.

Do not, however, limit leading a healthy lifestyle to nutrition and exercise alone because it also requires a mental and behavioral shift. Consider making a change in your way of life a long-term objective that will provide you more freedom to enjoy a healthy life as you become older. Additionally, keep in mind that regularity, balance, and fitness can help you succeed in other areas of your life.

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“It is not the load that breaks you down, it is the way you carry it.” ~ Lou Holtz (Author)

There are things we can do to relieve the strain and recover control, even though it might seem like there is nothing we can do about stress at work and home. We run the danger of harming our overall health if we are under a lot of stress. Both our physical and emotional well-being is negatively impacted by stress. It limits our capacity for clear thinking, efficient functioning, and enjoyment of life. There may seem to be little we can do to relieve stress, and there will never be more hours in the day, the bills will not stop rolling in, and our obligations to our jobs and families will always be demanding. Despite what we may believe, we have a lot more control.

Stress is the body’s and mind’s physiological and psychological reaction to conditions that feel too overwhelming. We frequently question how to handle stress. There are various ways for us to handle stress and lessen the general tension of daily tasks. Our lives might feel tense and overwhelming at times because of the quick pace of work and home, the continual barrage of technology, and the need to connect with others around us.

Photo source: Nicola Barts

To be happier, healthier, and more productive, effective stress management enables us to release the grip that stress has on our lives. The overall purpose is to live a balanced life that includes time for work, relationships, relaxation, and fun, as well as the fortitude to withstand stress and face obstacles head-on. Nevertheless, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to stress management, so we must experiment to determine what works best for us. The following stress-reduction advice can assist us in achieving that.

• Finding the sources of our life’s stress.

Finding the roots of our stress is the first step in managing it. It is not as easy as it seems to do this. Finding the causes of persistent stress can be more challenging than identifying big stressors like job changes, divorce, etc. It is far too simple to ignore how ways in which our attitudes, sentiments, and actions add to the stress we experience every day. For instance, we may be aware that we worry about work deadlines all the time, but perhaps the stress is being brought on more by our procrastination than by the demands of the job itself. This means that to pinpoint the real causes of our stress, we must carefully examine our attitudes, excuses, and habits.

• Maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine.

Exercise and nutrition are two crucial factors in how we react to stress, says Mayo Clinic Health System. Our minds can be healthy when our bodies are, and the reverse is also true. Exercise is shown to be an effective way to reduce stress and enhance the overall quality of life. Since stress can deplete several vitamins, such as vitamins A, B complex, C, and E, nutrition is crucial. Maintaining a healthy diet not only makes our bodies feel better but also makes our minds feel better, which makes it easier for us to deal with stress.

• Teaming together with others.

People are social creatures. To feel empowered, we need relationships with other people. Finding a feeling of community is crucial to our wellbeing, whether it is at the workplace, with a religious group, or through shared pursuits like team sports. Participating in a joint activity enables us to build relationships and receive support through trying times.

• Allowing time for leisure and rest.

In addition to taking action and being optimistic, we may lessen stress in our lives by scheduling “me” time. We should not let the stress of life overwhelm us to the point where we neglect to take care of our personal needs. Self-care is a requirement, not a luxury. If we routinely carve out time for fun and rest, we will be better equipped to deal with the stresses of daily life.

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No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. – 1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV

We all continuously encounter temptation as we go about our daily lives, even the most revered, and we might still give in to temptation even if we decide to live indoors for the rest of our life. We are all susceptible to temptation, and we will never be free from it. Therefore, we need to comprehend what the Bible says about resisting temptation. We may tell we desire to live a life that pleases God by the fact that we are considering strategies to resist temptation. This is so crucial that Jesus incorporated it into ‘The Lord’s prayer.’ He said, “… and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil…”

WHAT IS TEMPTATION?

Temptation is as old as humanity. It started at the very beginning of the Bible. It has existed from the time of Adam and Eve, and it will exist until the end of the world. Nothing in this world, not even prayer, could remove it. We just have one choice, which is to overcome it. Fighting against something we do not understand is nearly difficult. It would be like “boxing the air” to do that. So let us first discuss what temptation is before discussing how to resist it.
The impulse to give in to fleeting pleasures that jeopardize long-term objectives is known as temptation. For certain religions, temptation refers to the urge to sin. Temptation can also refer to the manipulation of a person’s curiosity, desire, or fear of losing something significant to them to persuade them to engage in such an act.

OVERCOMING TEMPTATION

The steps below for resisting temptation are practical approaches. They are doable and successful strategies that provide resistance to all forms of temptation. Furthermore, these are not the insights of humans. Since they are taken from the Bible, we may be sure that they are timeless lessons that will never expire.

• We should pray to resist temptation.

It was better articulated by Jesus in Matthew 26:41. He said, ” Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” – NIV
In other words, prayer is crucial in the fight against temptation while we watch.

• We should not disregard the guidance of our spirit.

The Holy Spirit speaks to us through our human spirit all the time, warning us not to do what is wrong. Surrendering to him will enable us to resist temptation.

• We ought to confide in someone.

The Christian life is not intended to be lived alone. For all believers, it is crucial to have supportive friends and family members. Sometimes resisting temptation necessitates that we answer to both God and other men who share our values. When we need assistance, we might need to confide in someone who can provide it. We should seek out a confidant with whom we may discuss our plight when we are faced with problems in life or temptation. Our confidants should be informed of the situation, and we should be prepared to put any advice they may have into practice. Accountability will assist us in avoiding sin when it manifests itself, as well as in overcoming temptation. Our spouses, parents, coworkers, classmates, or members of the same church group can all serve as our confidants. We should use caution while deciding on a confidant, though, so that our hearts do not be hurt when we are attempting to be strong. We must confide in someone mature enough to manage messy circumstances.

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