Rich in Christ?

There is a craving/passionate hunger for wealth, riches and financial gains which has been created by many of our Christian leaders. This has been so crafted and embraced to the detriment of the primary essence of the Christian.

It is good to be rich. I desire financial riches. I want my members to have good wealth. Every Christian must understand that a lack of financial abundance is not a plague or disease. A Christian may not be financially buoyant for different reasons as famine, exposure, illness, tragedy(loss of a bread winner), laziness etc. In any of the situation above, the response or responsibility of the church is to be a support to lead the individual through the phase of financial lack to one of abundance.

The church should be careful not to trigger the greed for riches in members as the Apostle Paul warns about the deceitfulness of riches- it works against the rich and the poor.

It is out of place to base or measure the effect of the work of the cross of Jesus Christ on our financial supplies or the comfort it can give. The unbelievers have a boast in these also.

The blessedness of the Christian is primarily spiritual. Any other thing is secondary and should not be the standard. The church should focus first on teaching members to understand that coming to Christ is to a spiritual end. Christ did not die to make you the richest man in your community but to walk in the Spirit, living in the reality of the divine life and shining as light that you become in Him.

May blessing (praise, laudation, and eulogy) be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah) Who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual (given by the Holy Spirit) blessing in the heavenly realm!
-Ephesians 1:3.

NB- if you continue reading from verse 4 . Ephesians chapter 1, you will be exposed to a few of these blessing(riches) available in Christ.

#BLESSEDinCHRIST   #EPHESIANS1:3   #MindOnThingsAbove

The Blood of Jesus Christ!

The wonderful thing about the BLOOD of Jesus Christ is the efficacy of the achievements it has in the life of the believer. While a lot of us have a habit to plead the blood, it is right to mention that the power in the blood is not in the pleading but in the understanding of what it amended and acting by faith in it.

The blood of bulls and lambs are not worthy to be compared to that of the Saviour. An understand and an adjustment by faith made the old Testament believers enjoy the benefits of a shed blood.

The Israelites and their first born sons were preserved from death when the angel of death visited the land of Egypt in one of the plagues that broke pharaoh to release the people of Israel.
The blood of a lamb protected them from death.

The blood of sheep established the old Covenant at mount Sinai and the people lived by that covenant for centuries with God staying faithful to the covenant to be their God from generation to generation.
The blood of an animal enacted a covenant that was so glorious.

The blood of bulls, goats etc was shed to take away sins. In fact the blood of one animal was sufficient to take away the sin of the whole community for a whole year after the priests had laid hands on the animal thus conferring on it the sin of the whole people (not a few but all). It was for all Israel and for the year.
The blood of an animal forgave the sins of a nation for an entire year.

Having these typologies as a foretaste and proof of the unlimiting ability of of the blood of Jesus Christ, I beg to challenge you to take a step in faith and be confident in the power the blood of Jesus Christ provides. He himself presented it before the Father and it is accepted.
The blood of Jesus Christ cleansed you from all your guilt and filt ONCE(and for all), forgave all your sins, enacted the covenant of grace which you enjoy, offers you protection from the grip of death and hell...(if you have believed in Jesus Christ ).
Give it a thought- if the blood of animals could do so much(the few stated above) without pleading, How much more will the BLOOD of Jesus Christ do.

Heb. 9: 11-14; 10: 12, 14

#TheBloodofJESUS #LifeIntheBlood #HealedbytheBlood #TheBloodSaves

NB. Please read the book of Hebrews back to back to back to...

A Child: privilege and stewardship

Hi friends,
I thought it good to share this about the children that we are surrounded by.  Sometimes they are planned and other times they are not. Sometimes they are ours and other times they are not ours. However they come, the point is that you probably need to realise that there is a child orchestrated to  be around you and you need to realise that there is a demand on you.
Anyone with a child (biological or by circumstance) around them needs to assume a position of privilege and stewardship.
It's a privilege to have a child to love and cherish. It's a privilege to have such opportunity to be part of a child growing to evolve into a fine responsible godly adult. Great privilege. Not all healthy, wealthy, sane people have such. Every Child around you is an inheritance and a reward from God.
It's a responsibility for stwardship to manage such beautiful inheritance of children around you. You must manage & protect with intention and purpose to make better. God isn't expecting that you will Bury these talents but that they are multiplied (qualitatively).
Being a steward of God's gift of a child should be done with intention,  understanding and submission to the master as it is certain that every steward will surely give an account to the Lord how you managed that child He brought your way (either as your birth child, niece or nephew, house help, your student, neighbourhood children etc). Will the Lord's comment be "well done good and faithful servant" or "depart from me you wicked and lazy servant"?
Commit to this noble course for a life time to gracefully embrace children around you and faithfully improve them.
The best quality to add to a child is a training in the way of the Lord.. get involved.

A good coach will never train from a distance..you have to actively and passively teach them..you must be part of it.

A good coach is intentional and deliberate.. you must know and plan to teach them and not leave lessons to chance.

A good coach knows he must get results.. you persevere patiently till they get it right.

You will give an account. 

Before the Nigeria 2015 Election

Hello people.
The year 2015 has brought with it tension, debate and varied opinions. All these result from candidates, parties, different moves, statements, positions, "comedies" and dramas. Everything sends a wave in the air that is rippled and sends shivers to the heart of the people. Something we are good at and eventually stay on as our response is that God will work things out. A position that assumes that God signed a pact with Nigeria to protect it From wrong happenings or as though God will send Nigeria a Messiah to blow away all her problems.
As we go to the polls in a couple of days, I feel compelled to highlight some points that should be relevant to challenge, encourage and prepare us through the elections period to the outcomes and swearing-in periods.

we should understand the following things about God in all of these situation.

God does not have a personal covenant with Nigeria. It must sink into our mental consciousness that God's covenant with Israel does not extend to Nigeria as a Nation. God chose and led Israel personally. He also had a covenant with them on mountain Sinai where He gave them the Law that will guide their living as a people. He allowed them chose leader(s) and He chose or raised leaders for them. He Disciplined, encouraged, defended, supplied their needs etc He did all these because there was a personal covenant with the people of Israel. Nigeria and no other nation has such a relationship with God. The only way God will influence the nation - Nigeria is when the people of God (the church of Christ) allow the kingdom of God permeate in the society and set standards that will make the nation stand out to achieve great things.

God has a knowledge of our system of Governance - Democracy. God is very aware of the system that governs us at this time and in the life of our Nation. His sovereignty allows us as a people to embrace Democracy at this time. He is aware and has allowed the current leadership in various sectors and agencies, governors and the president. It implies that we should appreciate the opportunity to elect the kind of leadership we want as against the times that leadership is forced through a military coup.


God can use the evil or the righteous to achieve His purpose. It is within His sovereignty to use anybody to achieve His plan and answer the prayers of the righteous. He can use a Christian or Muslim to bring His counsel to pass. He raised two individuals against Solomon when he turned against God. He used Pharaoh to fulfil Joseph's dream and save the people of Israel from a season of drought. He used a donkey to correct a prophet. The Pharises, Saduces and the high priest("the most righteous people") were instrumental to the condemnation of  Jesus to the Cross. God can use anyone or thing to uphold and bring to pass the counsel of His will.

God wants you to submit to authority. Anyone in authority is ordained by God and should be submitted to for the authority given them by God to enforce righteousness / righteous judgement on earth. This authority flows from the king (president/governor) down to those who enforce things (soldiers, police, LASTMA, judiciary, FRSC etc). We are to submit like we are dealing with God. When they get out of line we should firmly put them back in order without dishonouring the authority they represent. If we will emphasise righteous living then our obedience must be complete.

It is appropriate to stop here and hope you allow all these influence your attitude and conduct through the election process. I wish the Nation a happy, free and fair election in March and April 2015.

Do drop your comments and opinion.

Thank you.

A moment, not enough.

Hello friends.
I sincerely hope and believe you are doing great and that you have started the year on a solid note.
I should apologise For my break from writing in this blog for over a year now. It was due to many happenings in my life.
I AM SINCERELY SORRY. I will do my best to keep up with dropping a word as often as possible.

A moment is Not enough to make an impact in some situations in our lives so we must learn to make the best of every moment. I remember the last phone conversation with my mum before her demise. She called me to find out whether I was coming to see her that day and wanted to greet my Son whose birthday was the day before. I let her know I wasn't Feeling well and promised to call once my son was back From school. I did not call back. My mum died two days after through a gruesome car accident. If I knew her time was up here on earth I would have not only called but would have dragged myself to go see her with my soN.
I recently observed an elderly woman pick her steps while walking on the road. It became very obvious when a car approached her that no matter how much of will power she may have, her limbs refuse her the opportunity to move Fast enough to keep pace with a regular youth. I imagine that she would relish a moment to have the kind of energy she might have had five or ten years before now. I think she will do quite a number of things quickly and differently.
The opportunity of a moment may disappear before our eyes like a vapour within days, hours, minutes or seconds. It could also be the reverse where the moments fade away over a long period of many years and you just realize suddenly. In which ever case it's important to learn to make the best of every moment, opportunity or privilege especially with people.  
 I saw a movie where a blind lady's husband died and she screamed, Cursed and Cried that he was her life, her sight, her everything. I had to wonder and ask whether she let him realise this before he died or she picked on the little things he didn't do right.
In the same way a lot of us use precious moment to focus on things that could be addressed lightly and later ahead of better thoughts as "I love you", "I appreciate you", "enjoy your Day" or "welcome home" etc.
My word to you this season is to learn and master the act and art of making every moment count in the life of people around you.  As a believer in Jesus Christ you have been enabled by God with the Holy Spirit to help you live beyond the normal human limits. You can make every moment a special one.

ENJOY  your moments. Would love to read your comments as I commit to bring words suitable for Total Living.

Thank you.

Starting and Growing a Business (2)

Hello friend(s), I hope the year has been good to you in one way or the other. I'm sure no matter what position you find yourself now, there must be a reason to be thankful and still have anticipations for just some more exploits. In all of your anticipations, do have a deeper longing for God's love expressed through Jesus for you.
 In continuing the piece I started some time ago on Starting and growing a business, I will just jump straight into the next points. You should refer to the first part in order to have an overveiw
of the topic.
What you need to start a business: most times people start businesses for different reasons and without adequate information or idea of such a business. It becomes important to state the following points as the things needed to start a business. If these things are in place I believe you are on a right path for that business to start and/or grow properly. They include:

- Decision on conviction: you should make a decision that it is the business you want to do because you are convinced that it is the business for you. A lot of us don't get to decide about the business, we just find ourselves doing a business because someone mentioned it. Others haven't really thought deeply about this business to be convinced enough to stay with it when the business is yet to break even. When there is no conviction and personal decision(s) made, it will eventually lead to frustrations. Choose the business because you are convinced that is what you want to do.
- skill and Knowledge of the business: you must have adequate knowledge and basic skill required for the business you want to venture into. You should understand the industry practise, customers' behaviour, risks, pricing, operations, market chain etc. You must be willing to keep learning too so that you don't become obsolete.
- Vision (what do you see before you start): make sure you cast a vision at the start and be True to yourself. In casting your vision you should put into consideration your SWOT- Strenghts, Weakness, Opportunities and, Threats. Also consider your responsibilities to people and organisations i.e. how it will affect them and which one will surfer when you start pursuing your
 vision for the business.
- Passion: you must love the business you want to do. You love thinking, talking, practising this business. It shouldn't be a business you can't stand the activities it entails. You should love getting "dirty" and embarrassed about doing your business.
- commitment from People: you need commitment from people you can trust that will be interested in what you are doing. People who will support you in different ways through the beginning phase of the business. Support could be in different ways- advice, encouragement, believe in your business, objective talks, funds, and prayers. Look out for this people, they are usually God sent. As much as possible be accountable to them.
- Market: people must want what you are offering (find them). The vast popullation we have in this part of the world (Nigeria) gives every business a potential market. However, the people who need your business may not be within a location which implies that you should do a survey and find them wherever they are so that you can reach them.
- Basic book keeping method: every business owner must understand a basic method of keeping money inflow and outflow. If you have no idea about this, make sure you learn and understand how to keep your books. Remember one of the points from the first part was that Money is important to measure how your business is doing. You should also check it regularly to compare and see the level of progress or regress which will help make right decisions to improve the business.
- A PLAN: you should have a plan for your business. A two to five years plan is okay for a start. it gives direction and helps measure where you are and what you are going into from the start. A simple plan (no matter how unprofessional) will open your eyes to things you will naturally over look. It will also help you to start thinking about having solutions for possible obstacles you will encounter once you kick off. Keep your plan close to your heart.
- Registration: start thinking of registering your business from the beginning. Make your business a legal entity that can be related with corperately. It is necessary for growth.
- some or all Capital: Capital is considered to be the biggest challenge people have when starting a business. While a school of thought says that Capital is the least of your worries to start a business, I would quickly point out that any investor would request to see your financial commitment to the business. Do your best to have some of the capital. You can begin by saving something monthly

Once you have all these things in perspective, you can be sure that you are not far from starting a business. It is also important to stay in business and not just start. It is said that every business has a seven years to live. That means the life expectancy of a new Business is just seven years. Many businesses die before seven years and many other still die after that. The idea is that is your business survives for seven years then it can last for so long. I want to state that it is not just about the years but what you bring into the business that will make it last.                
On that basis, to stay in business, you need the following(not limited to these):
- staying power (Thick skin): anybody who just startedd or is building a business will be faced with different kinds of obstacle and needs a lot of courage and staying power to stay in business.
- People: you need to surround yourself with people who will support and cheer you on in business. This could be friends and families who can also offer free or reduced cost services till you find your feet. They will also not shy away from giving you constructive criticism that will wake you up when you are being lethargic.
- Structure: you should begin building structure as your business begins to make progress. These structure should help you build a business that can function without you ie not solely relying on you. A structure that will function on its own.
- Physical presence (Marketing): production is not complete until it gets to its end user. In order to achieve this you will have to make your physical presence evident to people who need your product or service. You should identify your target market and go after them in every way possible.
- celebrate/share your mile stones: it is important that you celebrate or share significant mile stone and achievement with people you are responsible to. This will keep you encouraged and motivated. It will also help your supporters keep believing in you and your dreams.

On a final note, it is important to say that there is the GOD Factor to every start, growth and end of a business. He created all things, set principles in motion and orchestrates every move. No power or wealth is achieved without Him. He holds all the aces and has the last move. He set people at different positions for a particular purpose and plan. It makes a lot of sense to recognise Him in all your moves and plans.
Do have a great start to that business and a deep root growth as a follow up. Always remember, it all takes a process.

.
NB- Depending on schedule, timing and, other factors, I will be available to speak about this and more at any group session or seminar.
Contact:
Email: ayoadeoye2010@gmail.com

A Lesson from my baby (2)

Hello friends, its good to know you are able to join me on this platform again despite my long absence. I sure missed you. Please enjoy this new post- a lesson from my baby(2).

I recently learnt something new from my son who just keeps maturing daily and has something new on his sleeves. He has come to the awareness that someone isn't pleased with him when he does somethings and he stylishly tries to manipulate the situation. Notable moments are when he throws things away and smash them on the floor and a few other naughty things that could be picked up as habits.
It becomes difficult to spank him because he isn't well aware of some of the wrongs but he also can't have his way with wrong doings always. I decide to be firm on my decisions when cautioning him and sometimes have to tap him with my finger to show his action is totally naughty and not accepted. He cries and drops tears at any of these instances because he knows he has just been stopped from having a self gratification.
 The learning point for me is that he comes back to me(or anyone who disciplined him) almost immediately for some kind of mediation. He just needs to hear "stop crying dear, don't do that again" and taken it further with "give me a hug". With the reconciliation process completed, the relationship continues like nothing happened or even closer because he's on my laps and resting on my chest most times following a request that he should be carried.

Most times we run from God when we have committed some atrocities or when we are committed to a sin or weakness when we ought to go back to God, ask for forgiveness and let Him embrace us in comfort and lead us on in the right path.
Hebrews 12v6 says "For the LORD disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child." - this goes to say that God's love does not exclude us from a training in righteousness and a punishment to get us on track. He is very interested in every area of our lives and wants to "mess" it up so that it can be well cultured and fitting for a purposed life in God. The major lesson to learn from my baby is to be well assured of your father's (God) love for you and He will always interfere in your life for your own good. You should also consciously run back to Him when you have wronged him or miss the mark (deliberately or otherwise). He remains the loving father whom you can trust even in shame and despair.
Keep trusting and fall into the arms of love.

Thank you for reading and for being patient. I thrust you are doing great and making gains in every area of your life. Keep your head high.