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Student's Corner

Student’s Corner: Qualities of an Excellent Student – Determination

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Albert Einstein, one of the greatest of genius who ever walked the surface of the earth had learning difficulties when he was young. He suffered from what is known as Asperger’s syndrome which made him socially unfit.


Leonardo Da Vinci, one of the world’s greatest artist in his childhood suffered from dyslexia, a condition that made him write backwards from right to left in a mirror image. This condition also made him use incorrect spellings.



Agatha Christie, one of the greatest mystery authors was unable to write legibly. Christie suffered from dysgraphia – a learning disorder that affects penmanship, spelling and arithmetic. Due to her poor handwriting, she had to dictate her mysteries and romance novels to someone who would write them down.

Agatha Christie


There’s one more nab, Thomas Edison – the man who invented the light bulb.
Thomas’s teacher said he was too stupid to know anything. Thomas got fired from his first two jobs because he was “unproductive ”. He ventured into inventing and from there, he created one of the world’s greatest inventions till date. He made 10, 000 unsuccessful attempts at inventing the light bulb before he finally succeeded.



He made a statement which blew me off. He said “I have not failed, I have only found 10,000 ways that won’t work” – powerful words there!


Now why did I bring up these great guys?


I want you, dear student, to see that there was something common to all of them;



– DETERMINATION!


They were all determined to make a difference and excel in their different fields.



They all had tangible and adequate reasons to quit and give up, but they chose not to.



None of them was born a genius! They all had disabilities but they determined to excel despite the odds that were stacked against them.

WHAT IS DETERMINATION? 👨‍🏫


1. Determination is willingness to stand firm no matter the circumstances.


2. It is a situation where strong desire to achieve something can not be shaken by anyone or anything no matter how hard they try.


3. It is a situation wherby you are resolute something no matter how long or how hard it takes.



It is a factor you must develop if you truly want to excel in the academic world and in any other sphere of human existence.





Daniel 1 vs 8;
But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king`s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.


Daniel was determined to separate himself from the king’s meat. He and his friends decided to take just pulse and water for THREE GOOD YEARS!

Who does that? 😲🤔



You might not know what pulse is but let me help you. Pulse are edible seed crops from the legume family such as beans.


Now imagine feeding on beans and water for three years!

But that is the sign of true determination.


A determined person must be ready to let go of certain things no matter how attractive they may be.


Let’s run through verse 17 of the same chapter.


Daniel 1 vs 17;
As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.


You see that up there?
God himself blessed them above their counterparts.

The twentieth verse says;

“And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king enquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm.”


TEN TIMES BETTER!






That’s how far and how high determination can take you.


A determined person can never be put to shame. It may take years, you may get ridiculed, it may look impossible but as long as the determination is there, you will surely excel in your studies.



You are no dullard! All you need is a determined spirit – a spirit that is ready to keep studying until you get the result you desire.





If Albert Einstein, who was born with severe and incurable diseases could become a world renowned scientist, you too can become the genius student you aspire to be.

No one is born an excellent student; excellent students are made.

Tolu-Taiwo Victor

This article was written by Tolu-Taiwo Victor

GENERAL

The Greatest Love

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Love was one of the most powerful weapons God used in redeeming Mankind back to himself; and that weapon is still very much active today. 


The Bible says in John 3 vs 16;

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his ONLY begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life”.



Jesus was the only Son God ever had, yet, God was willing to sacrifice Him for the salvation of the world. 


God gave Jesus out into the cold hands of death just because of you and I and in doing this, put both Heaven and Earth in Great danger. 


Great danger? 


Yes! Because the fate of both Heaven and earth depended on whether Jesus would fulfil or fail in His mission. 


Jesus faced several temptations, yet, He overcame them all. He refused to be distracted in His mission to save mankind. Scriptures tell us that He prayed with so much fervency – not for Himself, but for you and I. (Hebrews 5 vs 7) 


He had the power to disappear before even when the soldiers came to arrest Him at Gethsemane.


But He said, “Not my will Lord, but thy will be done”. 


His great love for us made Him willing to sacrifice His freedom and dignity.





He even bore our curse;

Galatians 3:13 – “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:”



Folks, God’s display of love on calvary remains the highest display of love for eternity.

St. John 15:13 “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”





Even when we fall, He picks us up and wipe the stains of sin and guilt away with His Blood.


This is the incomprehensible love of Christ – the love that passes understanding.




If you ever feel like anyone hates you, remember that two thousand years ago, a Divine Being named ‘Jesus’ made the greatest love sacrifice on the cross.

Are you feeling hopeless or in despair? Look unto the cross and be strengthened.


If you ever feel like an outcast, Remember you have been adopted by God through Christ and you are now a part of God’s Household {Ephesians 2:12-13}

Rejoice and bask in the love of Christ! 😊😊




Written by Tolu-Taiwo Victor

Spirituality

The Enemy’s Wiles

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What analogy can be best suited to describe a Christian warrior who is in constant opposition to Satan?


Here is one:


A boxer has a higher chance of winning when he understands every move of his opponent. He is calculative enough to know beforehand the next action of his foe and the best way to counter it.

Once he understands his opponent’s inclinations, he can take defensive techniques to avoid getting hit with the blows and then launch his attack.


Swiftness is what it is, an athlete needs to be quicker than his opponent.



The opposition with the devil has been from time immemorial. It is a war and only a witty Christian can outmanoeuvre the attacks of Satan.


If we are innocent of the enemy’s schemes, then we will not recognize his handiwork and he will use us for his ends. If we are cognizant of his tactics, then we will know when he is at work and deal with him.


1 Cor 12:1
“Now concerning spiritual things, brothers, I don’t want you to be ignorant.”



Below are the commonest schemes and means by which the enemy attacks:



å Thoughts:

The mind is a powerful channel to send opinions to a man. Satan works subtly. It takes wittiness to discern him when he comes through the channel of the mind.



Take for instance, a Christian who got offended by a cab driver, he tries to ignore the offense and stay cool. While at it the devil gives him reasons why he must retaliate to the provocation.


Wisdom is the application of knowledge. A wise Christian will not be taken advantage of because he quickly takes notice when strange thoughts creep into his mind and he can identify them as Satan’s ploy.


2Cor 2:11
“…that no advantage may be gained over us by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his schemes.”


å Incitement:

This could come from anyone, most often from peers. Here is another common instance of how it works:

_A Christian girl who is clear-minded and has zero interest in romantic dates, however, gets her clear-mindedness all infused with inordinate fantasies. This is after her peers incessantly share loved-up and sensual stories about their lovers, more so encouraging her to get into romantic relationships._


Incitement comes in a form of advice, encouragement, or a call to action, often to do wrong things.


While these and more are the likely schemes by Satan, it is 100% possible to outwit him.



Wisdom and discernment are the virtues needed to understand the tactics of the devil. Not only understanding his tactics but also knowing when he is at work.


These virtues are not utopian, they are given to us by God through prayers.



James 1:5
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.


James 1:6
But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.



Finally, brethren, discernment is a gift of the Holy Spirit (1Cor 12:10) which should be desired by every Christian, just as St. Paul admonished.


God who gives freely is able to give us all that we ask for; every good thing comes from Him.

GENERAL

Building Godly Foundations for the Next-Gen

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It is no secret that the world which we live in is full of perversion, immorality and ungodliness. It was designed by Satan to be hostile to believers. If a Saint must succeed in this world, he must be deep rooted in Christ.



Unfortunately, even in the Church, the love of Christ is waxing cold. It makes me wonder the next generation has what it takes to pioneer the move of God. The absence of foundational teachings on godliness, righteousness and faith further worsens the situation.



“The teachings of the godly ones are like pure silver, bringing words of redemption to others, but the heart of the wicked is corrupt” – Proverbs 10:20.


These times call for preachers to return to the teaching of the foundational doctrine of God’s word. We need to preach the Gospel of Christ and not some sort of motivational gospel that only breeds weak and emotional believers!


The foundation of the bold is laid through accurate knowledge of God’s will concerning how we are to live on earth.


The responsibility for the laying of this foundation does not belong to our preachers. Parents must also take responsibility of laying this foundation in the lives of their children.



We must understand that it is the responsibility of believers to set the foundations of godliness and righteous living upon which their next generation will live.


Recently, the state of California called for the introduction of teachings on the grotesque Aztec god into their school’s curriculum and even frowned at the sales of materials that condemn homosexuality.


If Christian parents do not take responsibility for the godly upbringing of their kids, Satan will do it on their behalf.



How is the foundation of the godly laid


1. The fear of the Lord:

Image Credit: Arise Ambassadors Ministries

“The Lord shows favour to those who fear him, to his godly lovers who wait for his tender embrace.” – Psalms 147:11 {The Passion Translation}



What this generation lacks is the fear of God. We no longer fear God. We even do things that even angels wouldn’t dare imagine.

Even in our Churches, we lack reverence of the sacredness of God’s presence. We allow comedians to flood our pulpits and bring defiling jokes on God’s altar.


The children of Eli died because they didn’t have the fear of the Lord. You can’t offer strange fire to God and expect God’s approval; what you will get is death!


We must teach our children as well as ourselves, to remain conscious of the ever abiding presence of God. Only a consciousness of God’s presence and eyes watching us will instil the reverence needed.


2. The Knowledge of His Will:

Image Credit: Patrick Oben Ministries

The Foundation of the Godly is bent on the knowledge of the will of God.


One of the things that Christ has blessed us with is access to the knowledge of God.


No man can live accurately if he does not know the kingdom. It is the full revelation of Christ and his kingdom that makes us perfect in our walk with Christ.



“The teachings of hypocrites can destroy you, but revelation knowledge will rescue the righteous.” – Proverbs 11:9.


God’s Will must be taught relentlessly!


3. Purity and Virtue:

Image Credit: Unsplash.com


The path of the Saint is a pilgrimage of holiness and godly virtues. Christianity is founded upon certain unquestionable virtues. Without the practice of these virtues, the Christian institution will collapse!



There are believers who consider themselves ‘progressive’ and do not believe in Biblical holiness and godly living. They lower their standards and conform to worldly civilizations all in the name of being ‘progressive’. The Church must be purged of these folks before they deceive other true Saints!


Genesis 18:19: “For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.”


God here spoke fondly of Abraham. He was confident that Abraham would train up his children in the path of holiness.

May we learn how to command our children and his household after the way of God!


Ministry, Spirituality

Live Love

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Image Credit: Crosswalk


The supreme revelation of God was unveiled to us in 1 John 4:8:
“…. God is love”.


Unfortunately, the word, ‘Love’ is a word which has been wrongly defined, misused and misinterpreted by people.



Love, to the fallen man, is a feeling – a good feeling one has for another. This mediocre definition is a contributing factor to the numerous divorces found in American homes.



But for the Saint, love is not a mere feeling; neither is it an idea. For the Saint, Love is a nature, heart and life of benevolence, charity and kindness to humanity.


Adamic love is conditional. But Agape love – the love we are commanded to show to man – is unconditional.



Are you living this life of Love?


When your heart is lain bare before several eyes, what will be seen? Will it be a heart clothed with divine love, or a heart hardened with hate?


The Love of Christ was what made Him to leave the pleasures of Heaven to partake in man’s humanity, for our liberation.



Romans 5:8: “But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” {NLT}


God expressed His love for us through the sacrifice of His beloved Son.


By that act, God created a precedent, a standard and an ordinance, to govern Christian living.



It is no secret that this is a tough season for nations around the world.

Even the world’s global power, USA, is experiencing a steady decline in its national economic strength.

Millions around the world are dying daily. Hope is fading away, like the setting of the sun.


Music therapy is no longer working. Motivational speeches are no longer antidepressants. Who shall the world turn to?



Jesus answered this question when He said, ‘We are the light of the world’.
The Church is God’s light meant to illuminate the darkened hearts and hopeless lives of people.



We do this by showing and expressing the Love of Christ to them.



This Love must be lived, not just in the Church, but even outside the Church. It must be felt by our neighbours and friends.



A religious scholar once posed this question to Jesus:



“Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?”


Jesus answered him, “‘Love the Lord your God with every passion of your heart, with all the energy of your being, and with every thought that is within you.’ {TPT}



“This is the great and supreme commandment. And the second is like it in importance: ‘You must love your friend in the same way you love yourself.’ Contained within these commandments to love you will find all the meaning of the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 23:36-40 {TPT}


The greatest commandment that Christ gave the church is to love God and to love humanity.


Some believers are full of so much hate that they actually desire the eternal destruction of those who hate them; whereas, God’s Word tells us that He does not want anyone to perish.



“Now, this is the goal: to live in harmony with one another and demonstrate affectionate love, sympathy, and kindness toward other believers. Let humility describe who you are as you dearly love one another.” 1 Peter 3:8.


The core value of the Church is Love. Every other value and principle is built upon it.



The same way Christ expressed the love of The Father to man, is the same way The Church, must express and exemplify Agape love to humanity.






“Beloved children, our love can’t be an abstract theory we only talk about, but a way of life demonstrated through our loving deeds. We know that the truth lives within us because we demonstrate love in action, which will reassure our hearts in his presence.” 1 John 3:17.


Real love is an action. Real Love is overwhelming; it is a tangible phenomenon.


Love is more of a verb than a noun.

Love is seen by actions and not by mere words. Real love will push you to the undeveloped nations of Africa to provide spiritual, emotional and financial edification to humanity.

It will cause you to give to the poor and needy. When there is true love in one, one’s smile becomes a healing balm to the wounded.


Manifest God’s Love today!



Written by Greenhills Emmanuel Amarayahweh