Success Starts with Following God’s Word

"This Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth,but you shall meditate on it day and night,that you may observe to doaccording to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous,and then you will have good success. " (Joshua 1:8)
Life is filled with challenges, assignments, necessities, routine work, and surprises. And it’s easy—and natural—to feel anxious, afraid, and inadequate, like I do and evidently like Joshua did! It appears that Joshua felt these emotions and hesitancies. He was very young compared to Moses (who was 120 when he died and Joshua took leadership). And he was fearful as he thought about going to war against giants and foes with a band of untrained former-slaves. He may have even been tired before he began. Perhaps he wondered like I do, "But how, Lord? How am I going to do all this? How am I going to fulfill your commands? I want to follow you with all my heart...but how, oh how?"
I’m sure you’ve had these same thoughts, questions, and fears. As you stand and gaze at your to-do list from God, at some task He’s given you, at the multitude of responsibilities that seem to fall on your shoulders to carry and bear, at the work involved in what God expects you to handle, at increasing pain as you face physical challenges, you’ve probably asked, "But how, Lord? How can I successfully follow You and fulfill Your will?"

Here’s God’s Word to you in your situation. And it was spoken first to Joshua to give him confidence as he faced a seemingly impossible situation:
This Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night so that you may observe to do it.
These instructions contain a simple charge—know God’s Word and do it. If we choose to follow God’s advice here, He assures us of "good success" or "prosperity." In other words, there will be a successful outcome due to the courage, confidence, hope of victory, and wisdom that comes only from focusing fully on God’s Word and promises. As we obediently and unwaveringly believe in and follow God’s promises—refusing to succumb to our fears, doubts, inabilities, and tiredness—His blessing and success are ours!
God gave Joshua directions—and hope—in these words. And the same directions and hope are yours too. It is success made simple: If you know God’s Word and do God’s Word, you will be successful in all our endeavors, in meeting and fulfilling your job assignments from God, in pleasing Him as you move forward in confidence.

DANGER OF SLOTFULNESS - David Abioye

If you are slotful you’ll miss your slot.

If you are slow you’ll end low,

If you’re sluggish you’ll end as rubbish,

Those who have sleepy eyes will end with slippery hands,

Sleep reduces people to the floor as sleepers – foot wear,

If you cold you’ll grow old.

A man that is fervent will soon become the first.

You can’t end  as last been fervent.

Stay awake  if you won’t the enemy to stay away.

Keep your eyes open if you don’t want the good things of life to pass you by.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE by David Abioye

The real measure of life is the difference it makes.

God intends for us as individuals to be different.

He made us to be different one from another.

Our difference is our identity and uniqueness.

Our differences creates varieties and colours.

The truth is, If you are not different, you are not needed.

If you are not different, your absence will not be felt.

Your difference is your mark and strength.

Stand different in the way God has made you.

Don’t bend, don’t blend, otherwise you will lose your uniqueness.

Stand different, stand unique and stand out!

Your been different adds flavor and fun to your society.

It lightens the environment, and contributes to their well being.

By been different you become a blessing and influence to your world (immediate and large society).

Even though you are created to be different and you have all it takes to make a difference, you need passion to make that a reality. Jude 22.

Discover How to Be Financially Free and Successful

SUCCESS STRATEGIES NIGERIA

Presents

FINANCIAL FREEDOM SEMINAR

1.        WEALTH CREATION WITH ZERO CAPITAL : UNVEILING, HOW I EARNED 5 MILLION NAIRA IN 2013; CREATING, MARKETING AND SELLING INFORMATION PRODUCTS ONLINE AND OFFLINE, AND HOW YOU CAN ACHIEVE THE SAME, WITH LITTLE OR NO CAPITAL, AS PART-TIME OR FULL TIME BUSINESS – Anthony C. Josephat-Nwokolo

Time: 10: 00am – 12: 00 pm.

Fees : 15, 000. 00 Only.

Training Materials: Information Products Starter Pack (Info Materials You Can Start Marketing and Selling right away

2.       MASTERING GOAL SETTING AND EXECUTION SKILL & STRATEGIES; HOW TO ACHIEVE EVERYTHING YOU WANT FASTER THAN YOU THOUGHT POSSIBLE.

Time: 12: 15Pm – 2: 15 pm.

Fees : 10, 000. 00 Only.

Training Materials: Goal Setting formula and format

3.       PRACTICAL KEYS TO UNLOCK YOUR FINANCIAL FREEDOM (How to let money work for you, instead of working for money).

Time: 2: 25Pm – 5: 00 pm.

Fees : 20, 000. 00 Only.

Training Materials: Manuals

THEME:

ATTAINING FINANCIAL FREEDOM & PEACE OF MIND, THROUGH CREATION AND MARKETING OF INFORMATION PRODUCTS.

Date     :   Saturday April 5th, 2014

Venue  :   FRESHDEW Hall, 1^st Floor, 71, Mobolaji Bank-Anthony Way, bye Olowu Str., Ikeja, Lagos

Time    :   10 : 00am – 5 : 00pm

************************************************************************

Dear Friend,

Do you know that YOU can learn virtually anything you want, you learnt how to crawl, walk, run, talk, read, write, drive and operate this computer or gadget etc. You can also learn how to create wealth. It is learnable. But why is it that a whole lot of people don’t learn and apply how to create, multiply and manage money?

This is why a whole lot of educated people do not attain Financial Freedom, I mean become Wealthy and Prosperous. Why? Because the principles for Financial Success and Freedom are not taught in schools. Which is the reason why most university Professors are not wealthy, whereas even school drop-outs, that has learned, understands and applies the principles of wealth creation, creates wealth and become financially free. 

Would you want to be Free from debt, free from lack of enough money, free from worry, fear and anxiety of not having enough money or being broke, free from embarrassment and troubles from Landlords and Landladies, free from Creditors, free from taking orders, free from limitation,  Do you really want Freedom, Fulfillment and Peace of Mind?

If, your answer to any of the above questions is YES, congratulations, because you are on your way to the land of Financial Freedom and Peace of Mind.

I consider you fortunate reading this newsletter, because you would be discovering HOW YOU CAN BECOME FINANCIALLY FREE, THROUGH CREATING, PACKAGING & MARKETING OF YOUR IDEAS AS INFORMATION PRODUCTS AND SERVICES with little or no capital.

I would also be sharing with you what I ve done and have taught others, who have followed the procedures and today they are financially free. They testify as living proofs to this program’s efficacy.

COURSE OVERVIEW

1. How to create, package, market and sell Information Products and rake in millions; We are living at the Information age and one of the smartest ways to generate wealth faster and easier with little or No capital this information age is through creating, marketing and selling of information products. What is an Information product? Information Products are materials, such as Audio and Video Programs or Tutorials, Training Programs, Books or Reports in print or e-book package, that furnishes or provides information on how to do, become or achieve something worthwhile.

Knowledge is a product of Information, and Knowledge, when correctly applied

Translates to Wisdom, and Wisdom when correctly deployed equals to Success, Peace of Mind and Financial Freedom – Anthony Chiugo Josephat-Josephat

No wonder, even the scriptures recorded that Wisdom is the PRINCIPAL thing everyone needs to succeed in life, business, career, family, marriage etc.

The Quantity and the Quality of Information at your disposal determines the Quantity and the Quality of the Result you shall get – Anthony Chugo Josephat.

2. Goal Setting and Execution Skills & Strategies: You will also discover How to achieve everything you want faster and easier than you ever thought possible, through mastering Goal Setting and Execution skills and strategies.

You will also discover How use goal setting to Create, Package and Market your Ideas as Products and Services, and have some residual income as part-time or full time, which has been proven as the smartest and fastest route to Financial Freedom.

3.      Practical Keys To Unlock Your Financial Freedom (How to let money work for you instead of you working for money: Truly, creativity has been proven, as the only remedy to checkmate Financial Insecurity, Unemployment and Job Insecurity, which is prevalence in the world today. So whether you are employed or not, you can create streams of income by the side and let you money work for you, because there is nothing called job security, with downsizing and outsourcing being the thing in vogue in the business world. You need to be prepared and create a back up or an exit route. My mentor Jim Rohn, taught me not to depend on one stream of income.

-Discover why the rich get richer and the poor get poorer.

-Understanding the difference between assets and liabilities.

- Master how cashflow determines whether you are rich or poor.

-Understand how to let your money work for you.

-Understand the difference between Financial Security and Job Security.

-Are you being paid by the month, the hour, the minute, or the second?

-Are you earning money eight hours a day or 24/7?

-If you stop working, will money continue to come in?

-Do you have multiple sources of income?

-Are YOU financially satisfied with your own life?

If you are ready to make changes and plan for a financial Freedom,

then this training program is for you.

The No.1 desire of every rational and responsible individual is to Prosper and become Financially Independent and Successful. The methodology to achieve this Financial Freedom and Prosperity, has been the subject of discussion in books, Audio, Video Tutorials, Magazines, Seminars, and Conferences produced worldwide.

The Oxford Advanced Learner’s dictionary defines the word PROSPER as; To be successful and Rich, while the word PROSPEROUS is defined as; to be SUCCESSFUL and WEALTHY,”

 It’s important to note that Riches has to do with the value of cash and assets that you have as an employee or a business owner or investor; while Wealth is a function of how long your cash and assets can sustain your standard of living after you have stopped working. So HOW WEALTHY ARE YOU? 1 day? 1 week? 1 month? 1 year? 10 years? 50 years? 100 years? etc.

Regardless of the level where you are today, It would interest you to note that WEALTH AND FINANCIALFREEDOM can be created, generated or amassed gradually or exponentially through POSITIVE AND CREATIVE THINKING/IDES, CREATING A PRODUCT OR SERVICE, MARKETING AND MANAGING YOUR IDEAS, PRODUCTS OR SERVICE.

In view of teaching and imparting the foregoing Universal Laws and Principles for WEALTH CREATION, we have packaged this timely fully loaded Training Program Tagged; FINANCIAL FREEDOM SEMINAR; to empower and impact you with the Skills, Mental Attitudes and strategies for Wealth Creation and Financial Independence  and Peace of Mind.

For Whom ?

-For everyone who wants to create additional stream of income,

-For everyone who wants to become Financially free and have Peace of Mind,

- For Bloggers, Internet Users, Students, Employers, Employees, Entrepreneurs, Marketers, Managers and Sales people etc.

·          Course Fee:  See above

·         Payment on or before March 21^st, 2014 attracts 20% discount and entitles you to the book listed below.

·         Fee covers Training, Lunch, Certificate & Training Materials.

Training Manuals : If you would not be available on the aforementioned date to attend the Seminar, you can order for the training manual for each program at N15,000. 00 only.

The Facilitator

i.                    Anthony Chinweugo Josephat-Nwokolo; is the Managing Director of SUCCESS STRATEGIES NIG. LTD., an Author, Success Strategist & Leadership Consultant and Coach, Inspirational Speaker, Multi-Media Consultant, Website, E-Business & E-Commerce Developer & Consultant, an Investment Advisor, Brand & Business Growth Strategist and a minister of God. Publisher SUCCESS STORIES E-Magazine (www.successstoriesng.blogspot.com)

To Register: Visit our website click on Seminar Registration and fill out the registration form, or send us email indicating your names, telephone and email address and your location.

Limited Seats Available; The earlier your register the better chance you have.

For Reservation/Confirmation: Pay the course fees into our company’s bank account, or pay cash at our office or issue a cheque in favour of SUCCESS STRATEGIES NIGERIA. Or make a transfer or cash deposit into our company account, the account details would furnished upon request.

 BONUS: Registration Payment on or before March 21^st, 2014 attracts 20% Discount and entitles you to the following books free of charge as bonus, they: a). MBA in a Day –by- Steven Strassler, (b). Change Your Thinking Change Your Life -by- Brian Tracy, (c). Business at the Speed of Thought -by- Bill Gates.

Should you need more information, details and for registration, Please do not hesitate to contact us.  

………….Success is within you, explore it…..

SUCCESS STRATEGIES NIGERIA

7, Asiata Crescent, Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos

Tel: +234-0806-829-6897, 0802-230-3482

Email : ceo@successstrategies.com.ng

Website : www.successstrategies.com.ng

Blogs: www.successstoriesng.blogspot.com
wwww.heavenlykingdomnews.blogspot.com

VISION THE TAKE OFF POINT TO THE LAND OF SUCCESS & FULFILLMENT (The Land Flowing with Milk & Honey)

Chiugo Anthony JOSEPHAT-NWOKOLO

VISION THE TAKE OFF POINT TO THE LAND OF SUCCESS & FULFILLMENT (The Land Flowing with Milk & Honey)

 (Thou shall have Desire, Vision, Dream, Goal, Direction,)

·         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 – Philippians 4: 8

·         The greatest thing in the world is not so much where we are, but in what which direction we are moving – Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr.

In the school of true success and fulfillment burning desire remains the propelling force that drives mankind towards accomplishing, achieving and fulfilling worthwhile goals, dreams and visions.

In view of the foregoing scriptures it’s recorded that whatsoever is true, honest, pure, lovely, praise worthy and of good report, we should think on them. Because whatever you think of; whatever vision or burning desire you hold onto in your mind consistently in faith, would surely attract the human and material resources that would enable you translate it to the physical realm.

In the book of Mark 11: 24; it is written, whatsoever you desire when you pray, believe that you receive them and you shall have. You will observe that desire precedes praying and believing. Why? Because, until you desire something, you do not really want it, you are just merely wishing for it, you have not really made up your mind, concerning the importance, the value, and the need for that thing. Prayer is the next thing that follows desire.

“Fixing your objective is like identifying the north star, you sight your compass on it and then use it as means of getting back on track when you tend to stray” – Marshall Dimock

Your desire is that objective or vision you sight as your north star and compass that shows you the way to follow to reach your vision and destination and enables you to get back on track whenever you derail. Before we proceed further let us define desire, in order to enhance better a comprehension. A desire is a strong wish to do, have or achieve something in other words; it is a more formal or stronger word for want.

In view of the foregoing definition we understood that desire is a strong wish to do, have or accomplish something worthwhile. The key word there is strong, which manifests as burning, passionate and emotionalized desire. Desire is the force that propels folks to towards excellence, success and fulfillment. However, it would interest you to note that burning desire is a state of the mind that can be developed or conditioned. As a man thinks in his heart, so is he – Proverbs 23: 7b. You can actually develop a burning desire for something by thinking about the object of your desire always or by visualizing, beholding or admiring the object of your desire and also by speaking about the object of your desire, etc. Keep your heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life – Proverbs 4: 23. We are enjoined by the foregoing scripture that we should always entertain creative and productive thoughts on whatever we want or who we want to become for it is from there everything in life originates and manifests from.

Clarify Your Desire

Friend, whatever might be your desire, dream or vision, it is achievable and attainable, if you discover and apply the divine rules and the principles. Perhaps your desire might be to succeed and lead a fulfilled life or to accomplish the purpose of God for your life or to acquire, achieve or attain good financial, material, mental, social, marital, academic or spiritual success. As wrong as the success is dedicated towards glorifying and fulfilling God’s purpose according to Philippians 4:8; 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 – Philippians 4: 8

Truly, wishing will not bring anything, but desiring followed by praying, planning and executing of plans, could make dreams come true. Before anyone can achieve or attain anything or position worthwhile in life, that person needs to develop a state of mind that becomes obsessed with the desired success, and then plan and constructively create definite means and strategies to acquire, achieve or attain the objects of his or her desire with persistence, determination and perseverance.

The fundamental factor for great success, joy and fulfillment is clear, specific, measurable goals plus plans, written down and backed by a burning desire to achieve them. Knowing what you really want of course increases your chances and the probabilities that you will be alert for it, as well as recognize the chance and opportunity to achieve it when the chance shows up. Some people and looking for something but they don’t know what they are looking for.

Definiteness of Desire

This is why even when our Lord Jesus Christ had an encounter with Bartimaeus as recorded in Mark 10:46-52. When Brother Bartimaeus shouted, “Jesus, thou son of David have mercy on me, Jesus asked him,” What do you want me to do for you? Of course, it is obvious that the man was blind, besides our Lord Jesus Christ knows everything and have already seen that the man was blind, but still He asked him to confirm what he really want from him. The lesson from that event is that you must know what you really want at any particular time, in other words, you must have a definite desire and a purpose behind every action and desire of yours.  “No one can hit a target, he cannot see. Zig Ziglar, said; great majority of people are wondering generalities, rather than meaningful specifics.

Imagine someone that picked up his travelling bag and boarded a bus he does not know where it is heading to, the person will end up some where he does not know. You need to have desires, and then break them down into goals based on your vision in every area of your life, in order to be fulfilled, successful and happy.

If you don’t know where you are going, you will probably end up somewhere you don’t know – Lewis Carrol

A person without a goal is like a ship without a rudder, carried to whichever way the tides and winds are blowing.  Someone said that “Success is all about goals, and every other thing are commentary, and I concurred with him. 

Desire, Set Goals and Create a Plan

Write down the vision (desire) make it plain upon tables, that he may run that reads it – Habakkuk 2 : 2.

Now, let us get more practical! There are ten strategies, steps or call it methods through which one can transform or convert desires into its physical realties.

How to Study the Bible - Some Practical Tips - Jim George, Th.M.

One of the noblest pursuits a child of God can embark upon is to get to know and understand God better. The best way we can accomplish this is to look carefully at the book He has written, the Bible, which communicates who He is and His plan for mankind. There are a number of ways we can study the Bible, but one of the most effective and simple approaches to reading and understanding God’s Word involves three simple steps:
Step 1: Observation—What does the passage say?
Step 2: Interpretation—What does the passage mean?
Step 3: Application—What am I going to do about what the passage says and means?
Step #1. Observation is the first and most important step in the process. As you read the Bible text, you need to look carefully at what is said, and how it is said. Look for:
● Terms, not words. Words can have many meanings, but terms are words used in a specific way in a specific context. (For instance, the word trunk could apply to a tree, a car, or a storage box. However, when you read, “That tree has a very large trunk,” you know exactly what the word means, which makes it a term.)
● Structure. If you look at your Bible, you will see that the text has units called paragraphs (indented or marked ¶). A paragraph is a complete unit of thought. You can discover the content of the author’s message by noting and understanding each paragraph unit.
● Emphasis. The amount of space or the number of chapters or verses devoted to a specific topic will reveal the importance of that topic (for example, note the emphasis of Romans 9–11 and Psalm 119).
● Repetition. This is another way an author demonstrates that something is important. One reading of 1 Corinthians 13, where the author uses the word “love” nine times in only 13 verses, communicates to us that love is the focal point of these 13 verses.
● Relationships between ideas. Pay close attention, for example, to certain relationships that appear in the text:
—Cause-and-effect: “Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things” (Matthew 25:21).
—Ifs and thens: “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and forgive their sin and heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14).
—Questions and answers: “Who is the King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty” (Psalm 24:8).
● Comparisons and contrasts. For example, “You have heard that it was said…but Isay to you…” (Matthew 5:21).
● Literary form. The Bible is literature, and the three main types of literature in the Bible are discourse (the epistles), prose (Old Testament history), and poetry (the Psalms). Considering the type of literature makes a great deal of difference when you read and interpret the Scriptures.
● Atmosphere. The author had a particular reason or burden for writing each passage, chapter, and book. Be sure you notice the mood or tone or urgency of the writing.
After you have considered these things, you then are ready to ask the “Wh” questions
Who? What? Where? When?
Who are the people in this passage? What is happening in this passage? Where is this story taking place?When in time (of day, of the year, in history) is it?
Asking these four “Wh” questions can help you notice terms and identify atmosphere. The answers will also enable you to use your imagination to recreate the scene you’re reading about.
As you answer the “Wh” questions and imagine the event, you’ll probably come up with some questions of your own.
Asking those additional questions for understanding will help to build a bridge between observation (the first step) and interpretation (the second step) of the Bible study process.
Step #2. Interpretation is discovering the meaning of a passage, the author’s main thought or idea. Answering the questions that arise during observation will help you in the process of interpretation. Five clues (called “the five C’s”) can help you determine the author’s main point(s):
● Context. You can answer 75 percent of your questions about a passage when you read the text. Reading the text involves looking at the near context (the verse immediately before and after) as well as the far context (the paragraph or the chapter that precedes and/or follows the passage you’re studying).
● Cross-references. Let Scripture interpret Scripture. That is, let other passages in the Bible shed light on the passage you are looking at. At the same time, be careful not to assume that the same word or phrase in two different passages means the same thing.
● Culture. The Bible was written long ago, so when we interpret it, we need to understand it from the writers’ cultural context.
● Conclusion. Having answered your questions for understanding by means of context, cross-reference, and culture, you can make a preliminary statement of the passage’s meaning. Remember that if your passage consists of more than one paragraph, the author may be presenting more than one thought or idea.
● Consultation. Reading books known as commentaries, which are written by Bible scholars, can help you interpret Scripture.
Step #3. Application is why we study the Bible. We want our lives to change; we want to be obedient to God and to grow more like Jesus Christ. After we have observed a passage and interpreted or understood it to the best of our ability, we must then apply its truth to our own life.
You’ll want to ask the following questions of every passage of Scripture you study:
● How does the truth revealed here affect my relationship with God?
● How does this truth affect my relationship with others?
● How does this truth affect me?
● How does this truth affect my response to the enemy, Satan?
The application step is not completed by simply answering these questions; the key is putting into practice what God has taught you in your study. Although at any given moment you cannot be consciously applying everything you’re learning in Bible study, you can be consciously applying something. And when you work on applying a truth to your life, God will bless your efforts by, as noted earlier, conforming you to the image of Jesus Christ.

How to Answer the Seven Basic Objections to the Gospel - Liz George

Not long after I began teaching at Talbot Seminary in Southern California, I was asked by my department head to attend a seminar on student life in Chicago. As I listened to one of the “learned” speakers who had a theological degree from a famous university, it wasn’t long before I realized this man didn’t have a clue about what it meant to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

So, during one of the lunch breaks, I sat with this “Doctor” and started a conversation about salvation, and the gospel message, and the fact that those who don’t become Christians are condemned to an eternity without God. I’ll never forget this religious professor’s response…

“Well, what about the heathen in Africa?”

His question brings up one of the most common fears most people have about sharing their faith. They worry, “What if someone asks me a question that I can’t answer?”

Well, the chances of that happening aren’t too great, for there are only about seven basic questions that non-Christians generally ask as they grapple with the truth of the gospel. And would you believe it — this well-educated man asked the Number One question on the list!

A question for you — Are you like most guys, afraid of the questions that might come your way after you’ve built the bridges and after you’ve developed the friendships? Well, cheer up. Questions are a good thing. Hopefully there will be questions! You should welcome them. Questions are a good sign that the person might want to hear more, and that God might be working in his heart!

Witnessing for Christ is not a one-way street. And reaching out is not a monologue, but a dialogue. Evangelism is listening to other people. It’s understanding their fears and questions. And it’s seeking to give biblical answers.

What we as Christians need to do is have enough compassion to find out the questions our peers have and then go to the Bible for answers. There are only about seven basic questions (or objections) that unbelievers have and ask about. I’ve listed them here. And after each objection, I’ve provided the most basic scriptures that will help you with the answers. My prayer is that you have developed the kinds of friendships with others that will make them feel comfortable asking you one — or even all — of these questions.

Seven Basic Objections to the Gospel

1. What about the heathen who never hear the gospel? (Answer: Psalm 19:1; Romans 1:18-20)

2. Is Christ the only way to God? (Answer: John 14:6)

3. Why do the innocent suffer? (Answer: Romans 5:12)

4. How can miracles be possible? (Answer: John 1:1,14; 3:2)

5. Isn’t the Bible full of errors? (Answer: 2 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 1:1-2; 2 Peter 1:20-21)

6. Isn’t the Christian experience merely psychological? (Answer: Acts 9; Romans 5:8-10)

7. Won’t a good moral life get me to heaven? (Answer: Galatians 2:16; Titus 3:5; James 2:10)

Bishop T.D. Jakes, share; 4 Mistakes That Keep You from Finding Your Purpose

The minister and spiritual advisor weighs in on how to find your passion—and purpose.

Living on purpose, as I define it, is to become aware that we were all created to serve some specific function in life. Some of these purposes might be lofty, attracting the accolades of the world. Some of these purposes may be down-to-earth, such as raising a child, teaching or engaging in some other activity that may not be as acknowledged by society but is still significant.

The pursuit of your life is to come into that purpose. And the waste of your life is to miss that purpose. The problem, though, for most of us is discovering what our purpose is. Here are a few mistakes we make while looking for it, ones that can distract or misdirect us.

1. The "But I Love It" Mistake
For a few years, I was involved in music. I was a choir director, and I played the piano. I noticed that when our choir got ready to sing, people got more blessed out of me introducing the song and talking about the song than they did from the song itself. Gradually I began to realize that the tail was wagging the dog. I love music to this day, and I have a fairly good understanding of music and theory and how they operate. But that's not why I'm here on earth.

Just because you admire something doesn't mean it's your purpose. Don't let yourself be distracted by something that should be a hobby. If you, like me, enjoy music, that doesn't necessarily mean you should be the one directing the song. Buy some CDs or enjoy music on your headset, just don't let it take your focus.

2. The "But That Drives Me Crazy" Mistake
Usually, when things drive us crazy, we're taught to walk away or ignore them. But sometimes it can help to take a closer look. For example, if somebody does something incorrectly, and their error drives us crazy, we shouldn't criticize the person—we should look at what our inability to tolerate their error can show us. What you cannot stand to see done badly is exactly where you ought to work. If you can't stand it when the church programs are done incorrectly or when the invitations are not sent out in time—if you want things in order—maybe you should consider working in an area of administration.

Other people might not even be bothered by these things, but your inability to put up with anything less than excellence means that you have an interest there. You need to recognize, "This is an area I have passion about."

God Remembers You - Joel Osteen

God Remembers You

There's a young lady in the scripture by the name of Rachel. She wanted to have a baby so badly. God put this dream in her heart. Year after year went by and she couldn't conceive a child. At the same time, her sister Leah had a baby. Rachel was happy for her, congratulated her, but all the while, she kept praying and believing God for her own baby. But, still it didn't happen.

Well, Leah had another baby, and another, and another. And of course, it's good to be happy for others. It's good to rejoice with them, but God doesn't want you to just celebrate everybody else's victory. He wants you to have your own, too. He wants to give you the desires of your heart. He wants you to be celebrated.

Rachel did her best to keep praying and believing. But after years of frustration, seeing her sister have babies and her not having her own, she got discouraged and said, "Hey, this is my lot in life. It's never going to happen." The one thing I love about God--just because we give up on a dream doesn't mean that God gives up on the dream. The scripture says, "God remembered Rachel." It doesn't say that Rachel remembered God. This is how much God wants you to fulfill your destiny. It says, "God remembered Rachel, answered her prayer and gave her a baby."

Friend, God is so loving. He's so merciful. Even when we become too discouraged to believe, God does not forget what He's promised. You may feel like Rachel. Your life hasn't turned out the way you had hoped. You worked hard, you put forth the effort, but it didn't work out. Now you're kind of thinking, "Hey, I'm never going to be happy again. I'll never be married. I'll never accomplish my dreams." No, God not only remembers you, He remembers the promise He put in you. He knows what He's destined you to do. You may have already said, "Forget it; it's never going to happen." The good news is that you don't have the final say; God has the final say. And He says, "What I started in your life, I'm going to finish. That dream you gave up on, God didn't give up on it. He remembers you and the dreams He's placed within you!

"Then God remembered Rachel; he listened to her and enabled her to conceive." (Genesis 30:22, NIV)

BE BOLD TO BE BROAD - Bishop David Abioye

Intimidation narrows down destiny,

Fear hinders people from faring well.

Fear is what makes people get unfair treatment.

It takes bravery to be out of slavery, only the daring will become the darling of all around them.

Boldness will naturally result into step taking which brings a man out of mediocrity & limitation.

Bravery will make you step ahead in the place where others are wondering what will happen.

While they are wondering you are generating wonders, while they are asking questions you are making exclamations.

Signs of the END-Time

The Church of Satan, a non-theistic religion, has accused the Church of Satan in Nairobi of using their name illegally to recruit new members. “I can assure you that this alleged group in Nairobi is not part of the actual Church of Satan. We have no association with them. These people from Kenya are frauds, plain and simple,” an official media representative of the Church of Satan who identified himself as Bill M, told The Nairobian. Bill said that the group in Nairobi that is claiming to be one of its branches, offends the Church of Satan. “We do not sanction any sort of Church of Satan ‘branches’ like this. They have no affiliation with us and are just stealing our name for attention. We will be taking the appropriate legal actions against them,” Bill said.

UNDERSTANDING THE INFALLIBLE POWER OF DECISION - Apostle Chiugo Anthony Josephat-Nwokolo

Apostle Chiugo Anthony Josephat-Nwokolo

What is Decision?

In my own definition, it is the process and act of making choice and judgments. When you make a decision, you choose what should be done or which is the best or preferred of various possible actions.  One decision you made can make you or break you. In fact, decision is so important; that it can determine whether you make it to Heaven or Hell, become rich or poor, Successful or a Failure, Fulfilled or unfulfilled.

The importance of decision-making cannot be over-emphasized, because it is truly the starting point of all achievement, success and fulfillment. Decision making is a process.

A case study on Decision

Let’s ponder and mediate on the scripture stated below as recorded in the book of 2^nd  kings 7:3-4

The four leprous men made a decision and that particular decision did not only change their life and economic status from the valley to the mountain top, from obscurity and irrelevance to fame and significant. They changed not only their own economic status from poverty to prosperity they also changed the economy of their nation from famine to abundance. Not only that God, used them fulfill his word which have gone out of the mouth of God’s prophet, confirming that God can use any body irrespective of the person’s position or condition at any particular time to fulfill his purpose.

The four leprous men made a very bold and courageous decision, they said why sit we here until I will die? They considered thus; if, we enter the city there is famine in the city and we shall die there, and if we sit still here we shall die also. Now, therefore let us move forward into the host of the Syrians and if they save us alive, we shall live and if they kill us we shall but die.

It is time to ask yourself that kind of hard question which, those great men in the foregoing scriptures asked themselves such questions. I refer to them as great men because after that determinant decision, they become celebrities in Israel, they asked themselves wise questions and decided. You have got to ask yourself such question as that; why sit you here, doing nothing until you perish? Why continue doing that work, that business, that career or living that life that does not glorify the name of the Lord nor that work or business which you know that it is not God’s purpose or plan for your life or your calling? Why must you continue living that sinful life style, when you know that it does not please God? For you to make the right decision and take a bold step you ought to ask yourself that kind of hard and thought-provoking questions which those four great men asked themselves and then they made the right decision that brought them breakthrough and the breakthrough of their whole nation.

The Decision Making is a Process

The process of making decision involves considering and pondering on various options and choices available, and then choose the preferred out of the options. Those four great men we are considering their decision and action had various options at that moment, but they were able to make the right and the wisest decision, which affected lives and that of others positively.

They had the options whether to return into their city or to sit there at the gate and die there or to enter into the camp of the Syrians (their enemies which were at war with their country at that time. After considering those options available for them to choose from, they arrived at a decision and resolved and said “Now, therefore let us enter unto the host of the Syrians, if they save us alive, we shall live and if they kill us, we shall but die. They resolved to go forward instead of backward. Therefore we ought to move forward and not to retrogress in life. We‘ve got to reach a point in life where we decide and declare like those four men; this is where I want go or what I want to do, and if i perish, i perish. Until you are operating from that state of mind, you are has not decided. No wonder, Martin Luther King Jnr., stated, that whoever have not found what he can die for is not fit to live.

The Decision; The Determining Factor

Friends, you need to make bold and courageous decisions, irrespective of the fears, doubt and unforeseen circumstances and go forward instead of standing still. You have got to go forward and do that thing you always wanted to do, achieve or become as long as it is good and glorifies the name of the Lord. It is high time you decide on that your Career, Business or Project which you want to pursue or execute at this particular time. Make the decision today to take the bold step towards achieving something great and worthwhile and then the Almighty God will then come to your aid.

No wonder the bible says in the book of Romans 8:28, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Before all things (Physically, Spiritually, Materially Socially, Mentally, Financially, Economically, etc., can work together for our good according to God’s word, you must take make a bold decision and take a step of faith first, and then the Host of Heaven would then take over the rest and cause every other thing to work for your good. For instance, in the book of 2^nd Kings 7: 1-8, those four great men that made the decision to go forward into the camp of the Syrians, and as they were marching forward, the Lord took over and caused the Syrians to hear their foot-steps as the noise of great chariot and horses, as the noise of great host, and the Syrians said one to another that King of Israel has hired against them the kings of the Hitties and the kings of Egyptians to come upon them and fight with them, therefore they arose and fled and left their tents, horses, and even their camp as it was, and fled for their lives and when the four lepers came into the Syrians camp they found no one in their tents, and they did eat and drink and carried away silver, gold, cloth, and later they went and informed and called their king and their people and they came and plundered the Syrians. So a measure of fine flour was sold for a Shekel (a cent) and two measures of barley was sold for a Shekel, according to the word of the Lord spoken through prophet Elisha. But the captain of the kings army that doubted the prophesy of the man of God saw it, but did not taste of it, because he was trampled upon by the stampede of the people rushing to grab their share of the spoil.

When you make a decision and take the bold steps towards the object of your desire. God will step in, because as fear attracts the devil, so faith attracts God and the Host of Heaven to make all things work together for your good - Anthony C. Josephat,

It takes faith for you to make a decision and faith is the raw material which when applied produces whatever you want or desired. It’s high time you make up your mind on what you want to do with your life, talent, treasure and the time God has given you to spend in this world to prepare you and qualify you for the next level (eternal life hereafter in God’s kingdom of God.

Decision, A Product of Faith

Truly, for you to arrive at a decision at any point, you need to apply faith, as well as, ask the Holy Spirit of God to guide you to take the right decision. Therefore, i consider a decision already made as an applied and deployed faith.

In fact, decision making is one of the hardest and yet most paramount principle of success and fulfillment in life. That is why a lot folks on this journey of life are often trapped at the juncture of indecision, they subject their life, dreams and purpose to indecision. Indecision is the state of a mind that has not been made up, and many are living in that dangerous state today. A lot people spent all their life at that fearful and doubtful state of mind, at the crossroad, they have been there many years stagnant. Almost everyone has been a victim of this demon called indecision at one time or the other. Some people have been there for a year or two or for many years or months.

However, if you can break off from that strong hold of indecision today, it is still early. And the earlier, the better for you. A wise man admonished that, whenever you are at any crossroad (Point of decision) in life, that it is better for you to decide and choose a particular way and follow it based on the facts you have got, but if you still can’t figure out the right way you should follow, it is better for you to close your eyes and follow a way than to standstill at that crossroad stagnant. 

Indecision a Product of Fear

Friends, don’t be one of those people out there that are spell bound at the juncture of indecision due to fear. Some people are at the crossroad of life, they don’t know whether to go front or back or to move eastward or westward and they are just there figuring what to do, and how to do it perfect without making any mistake. The fear of criticism and the fear failure has held them bound; they do not want to be criticized nor be held responsible for making any wrong choice nor mistake and they do not want to fail in anything. They want everything to be perfect before they can launch out or try it. They want all the lights to be green before they can pull out on the road.

It’s Better to Try and Fail, than not Trying At All

Brethren, I have come to understand over the years from learning, from my mentors and from experiences that it is better to try and fail than not to try at all, because even if you fail, you should pick something worthwhile and valuable from where you have fallen and then move forward. At least you will learn why you failed and then make corrections on the issue that caused your temporal defeat, and then avoid it in the future and you shall surely succeed in your next endeavor. A wise man says that it is not failing that matters but staying where you can fallen. That is why God’s word tells us that; A just man falls seven times and rise again, but the wicked shall fall into mischief - Prov. 24: 16. Whenever you fail in any venture, you should not let that weigh you down, rather pick something valuable from there and run with it; you can even start consulting or coaching others why your projects or business failed and how they can avoid the mistakes you made in order to succeed in their own project or business. You have not failed, but you have learnt one method that did not work. And then you shall and use that experience as a yardstick to develop another method or strategy that works.

Bill Gates one of the two richest people on this planet, concurred that they launched out the first Microsoft Windows Operating System with some flaws, which they correct in the subsequent version of the windows. The problem with some people is that they want to be perfectionist; they don’t want to make mistakes or have any flaw in their products or services and in the course of trying to make everything perfect the project or service never see the light of the day. It is wiser to decide and launch out and thereafter keep improving and perfecting the product or service, than not to launch out all.  That is why car manufacturers for instance always come out with a latest model as a result of improving the previous model.

It is not falling that matters but lying down where you have fallen and throwing a pity there, that makes one a failure – Anthony Chiugo Josephat.

May I conclude this section by advising you that whenever you find yourself over-staying at any crossroad on this journey of life, you should think and consider the options available and the values attached to each road and choose and resolve to follow the road that will add more value to your life and that of others, even if it is longer, rough, hilly or narrow, as long as it does not contradict God’s word and will.  And no matter how big the project seems or how far the journey seems, just decide and follow that road and Heaven would move and intervene in your favour.

Though your begin was small your later end shall be great  - Job 8:7

Anthony Chinweugo Jospehat-Nwokolo, is an annointed Minister of God, a Bible Scholar, Teacher, and an Inspirational Speaker, Visionary Leader, Author and Trainer, he holds various certificates from the secular and Bible institutions. He is a minister of God at Glory Sanctuary Parish of The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Lagos Province 17, Akute, Lagos.

 He is the founder of The Soon Coming King of Glory Mission; an evangelical and missionary out-reach committed to evangelism; to reconcile, restore the lost glory of man, and to teach Christ's Principles for All-Round Success; thereby raise end-time apostles and kingdom partners for the Lord, as well as to proclaim Christ’s second coming. He is happily married to Evang. Eucharia and they are blessed of the good Lord with three glorious boys and two beautiful girls. He is a highly sought-after gifted, anointed and dynamic minister, teacher and motivator; he speaks at churches, conferences and to Business executives. 

You can reach Apostle Chiugo Anthony JOSEPHAT-NWOKOLO 

on Tel: +234-(0806-829-6897, 0802-230-3482

Email: okoloson@yahoo.com

THE SOON COMING KING OF GLORY MISSION

(An Evangelical, Liberation and Prophetic Out-Reach)

Join us at BELIEVER’S BREAKTHROUGH CONFERENCE; every last Thursday of the month at FreshDew Hall, 71, Mobolaji Bank-Anthony Way, bye Olowu Junction, Ikeja, Lagos. Tel: 0806-829-6897, 0802-230-3482

Email: okoloson@yahoo.com