Come Sell Without Money

"Why are people unemployed?" Craig Bruce asked. "Because there is no work," he answered. " Why is there no work?", he continued. "Because people are not buying products and services. Why are people not buying products and services? Because they have no money. Why do people have no money? Because they are unemployed."

One of the setbacks of the Information age is the attendant laziness that comes with the white and blue collar jobs it has to offer. The ability to negotiate real products in real time with real people under real and often harsh economic conditions has become a priced virtue rather than a basic skill. What many unemployed, and even employed folks, seem not to realize is that the game is changing. Employers need more people who can sell, close the sale and increase the bottom-line. Promotion and productivity is no longer measured by the length of hours spent on the job but how valuable your contribution has been in increasing the organization's competitive advantage.

Let's face it, everyone is selling something. No matter how big MTN or Unilever is, until a recharge card is sold or a bar of Lux soap is bought, they haven't achieved their reason for existence. I know you probably have a job (or not) and you're thinking of how you can get promoted easily or secure that dream job in that juicy company you've been eyeing. I have good news for you: take the giant leap into the world of selling.

Dear friend, you've got to learn how to sell yourself, as well as products and services. And just like anything else, selling can be learnt. It is a simple combination of art and skill. And statistics have proven that the management of any organization will always be willing to listen to anyone who has ideas to help them make more sales and penetrate new markets.

I know this is not for everyone. But if you are still trying to figure out what to do with your life for the remaining 6 months in this year, then consider selling. Look for a product you can easily convince yourself to buy - either tangible or intangible. Then read and find about it. (Trust me there's no substitute to knowledge acquisition). And coupled with the inspiration and leading of the Spirit, you can take the step of faith by approaching that organisation or individual who has that product or service you'll like to help him sell or improve sales.

You might be broke today, but you don't have to remain broke for the rest of the year. You might need money to buy your next recharge card, but you sure don't need money to get into the world of selling. Get started today and you'll be glad you did. "Be content to act and leave the talking to others".

THE DANGER OF BOREDOM

"Is life not a thousand times too short for us to bore ourselves?” asked Friedrich Nietzscheom. This is the question to be unravelled by the Police in Okhlaoma, a U.S city, in the weeks ahead.

According to Fox News, on Friday, August 16 2013, three teenagers in Oklahoma shot & killed an Australian student “for the fun of it.” Christopher Lane, 22, was visiting the U.S. on a baseball scholarship at East Central University. On Friday, Lane was reportedly jogging along a road in Duncan, Oklahoma, after visiting his girlfriend when he was shot in d back, allegedly by the teens.

The Duncan police chief said the boys told police they were “bored” and so they “decided to kill somebody.” The three defendants, ages 15, 16 & 17, appeared in court yesterday, 20th August and were charged for murder.

What a sad story! But the next question is WHY? Or perhaps the real question should be "when did boredom become a lethal thing on a small island?"

“'I’m bored' is a useless thing to say", declared Louis C.K. "I mean, you live in a great, big, vast world that you've seen none percent of. Even the inside of your own mind is endless, it goes on forever, inwardly, do U understand? The fact that U’re alive is amazing, so U don’t get to say ‘I’m bored.”

In his book, Little Brother, Cory Doctorow warns never to underestimate the determination of a kid who is time-rich & cash-poor. Indeed, an idle mind, regardless of age and status is a potential tool for the devil.

This is why it is important to consciously engage our spirit, soul & body with positive thoughts, faith-filled words & purpose-driven endeavours.

As we await the return of our Lord & Saviour Jesus, let us continually offer our lives as a pleasing sacrifice to God. "And be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by d renewing of your minds, that U may prove what is that good & acceptable & perfect will of God."

His grace is sufficient.

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TIME OUT WITH EKENE AGABU

Ladies and gentlemen, it's a honour to concede this space, this special weekend, to Ekene Agabu. A blunt & passionate writer, Ekene speaks to the heart of ladies and the men that cherish them. Be inspired.

First, to the men. Where we should have given, we took; where we should have loved, we lusted; and where we should have preserved, we devoured.

As a man, I must call myself to higher standards. Before I touch you, I must respect U like my mother, protect U like my sister and look out for your best interest like my baby. After all, that’s what I call U when I want U!

We’ve failed to realize that the significance of our masculinity does not lie in how many girls we can 'dis-virgin' but rather the honor we can bestow upon one.

We fail to understand that the purpose of our strength and dominance is to defend & protect not to attack and destroy. But the first mistake was not yours. U were born into a world that didn’t even give U the chance - the chance to be who U really are without any pressure or expectation.

From day one U were unconsciously groomed from childhood to be an acceptable accessory to a man’s life. U were constantly made conscious of a false milestone that suggested your value was based upon a man finding U worthy to be his, instead of being made aware of who U are by virtue of your own unique existence.

Your worth as a woman was reduced to two things: being a wife & your ability to bear a child. And in some cultures, U had to bear the right type of child. And if per chance U failed in one of these areas, U were a nobody.

Unfortunately, along d way, U may have made some mistakes in trying to fulfill this false notion of who U are supposed to be. Bad relationship after bad relationship continually emphasized d lie that U were nothing without a man.

Having said that, I do not believe we are responsible for the things that are done or said to us. But I do know that we are responsible for allowing those things continue in us...

To be Cont'd nxt week.

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INFATUATION, LOVE AND OTHER STORIES

As a young boy gliding through the murky waters of puberty and adolescence, Sam grew up watching lots of emotionally-charged soaps on TV. It was the era of the irresistible SECRETS OF THE SAND, the unforgettable NO ONE BUT YOU, the alluring BEHIND THE CLOUDS, the adrenalin-pumping PASSIONS, the sophisticated FORTUNES, the thought-provoking GARDENER’S DAUGHTER, the rib-cracking FUJI HOUSE OF COMMOTION, the magical SECOND CHANCE and of course, the never ending SUPER STORY.

The scenes, plots and twists that characterized these flicks edged indelible emotional images on Sam’s mind. He just couldn’t imagine why some guys chose to break the hearts of beautiful girls. It was so tough to stomach the fact that a ‘fine girl’ wouldn’t mind dumping her ‘fine boy’ once she sees a better and secure future in another man – regardless of his ‘fineness’.

But that was then, not any more. As a child, Sam thought like one, but now that he’s older and wiser, he obviously knows better. No wonder the holy writ warns of the deceit of beauty and fickleness of emotions. For all its worth, premium should, always, be placed on men and women who fear the Lord.

While brooding on how to blur the thin line between infatuation and love, Sam found an ally in Chuck Klosterman. “It has always been my understanding that being ‘infatuated’ with someone means you think you are in love, but you are actually not,” he began.

“Infatuation (supposedly) is just a foolish, fleeting feeling. But if being ‘in love’ is an abstract and intangible notion, with no way to physically prove it to anyone else, how then is love any different than having an infatuation?” he quipped. To Chuck, “Both are human constructions. If you THINK you are in love with someone and you FEEL like you are in love with someone, then you obviously are.”

In her book, Committed: A Skeptic Makes Peace With Marriage, Elizabeth Gilbert summed it up in one breathe. “Infatuation is not quite the same thing as love; it’s more like love’s shady second cousin who’s always borrowing money and can’t hold down a job.”

Indeed, love is a beautiful thing. If you’ve found it, good for you; if you haven’t, please don’t give up. Keep sowing the seeds of love wherever and whenever you have the opportunity. As long as the earth remains, seed time and harvest shall never cease.

Finally, for those who have given up on love (either married or unmarried), remember, Love is kind, patient, rejoices in truth not evil, always hopeful, loyal and trusting. Love is never: jealous, selfish, quick tempered, and doesn’t keep a record of wrongs that others do. Love never fails, for God is Love.

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STAYING FOCUSED IN A CONFUSED WORLD

Lagos, Nigeria's commercial capital, is a land flowing with milk, honey and bitter-leaf. To the uninitiated, the acclaimed centre of excellence will only come across as an eldorado. To veterans, however, Eko is an irony of sorts.

Make no mistake about it, billions flow in the land. And so do red oil and eggs. While stepping out to work this morning, yours sincerely encountered two small calabashes - filled with sparkling red oil and 3 eggs each - placed at the strategic Obalende-CMS bridge intersection. Haba! On a Monday morning?!!

Spontaneously, I bursted into tongues, nullifying and destroying the works of the devil. I have learnt not to take such things for granted. Trust me, such a 'ritualistic' sight could easily distort your mental calculations for the day.

From daylight highway rituals to the perpetually angry bus drivers, and then to the ever-demanding bosses at work, staying focused in today's world indeed takes a great deal of courage.

Courage, in this context, "involves working at a relationship, continually seeking solutions to difficult problems, and staying focused during stressful periods," says Denis Waitley.

So how do U stay focused in a confused world like ours?

First, define yourself. Who exactly are you? What do you do for a living? Why are you here? What is it U feel U are born to do that makes U fulfilled?

If you don't have straight answers to those questions, then you should at least have a clue. But if you don't, then you need to jerk up your 'self-esteemometer'.

Your result is a function of your level of self-esteem. Iyanla Vanzant puts it this way, “Everything that happens to U is a reflection of what U believe about yourself. We cannot outperform our level of self-esteem. We cannot draw to ourselves more than we think we are worth.”

This is a life-long journey, not a one-off thing. If U think U can, U can.

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70 to 120: WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE?

Picture this. You’re sitted at an event in the expansive and exquisite Shell Hall of the Muson Centre, Lagos. The weather is cool and friendly. The mood of the evening is light. You engage in small talks with your partner as you await the concert to begin. Suddenly, a funny character breezes on stage. And before you could say Jack Robinson, everyone is clapping furiously? “Haba!” “Why na?” “What did he say?”, I rushed at my partner, in a bid to catch up with the excitement. The comedian/MC had ordered everyone to clap the number of years they wanted to live on the earth!

What?! OMG! Not again! Your excited mood switches instantly as you sink into your seat, shaking your head in disappointment. For you, the show was over. Matters regarding longevity are too important to be trivialized. You turn to your Blackberry and Ping the rest of the evening away. End of story. Thanks for watching. *smiles*

But seriously, lemme ask you. What do you believe? Have you ever thought about it? How long do you think you’re gonna last on the earth? 

Why not let’s examine what the Good Book says about it. You know, some of my friends say I’m too spiritual. And you know what I tell them? I’d rather be spiritual than carnal, “for this is the victory that overcomes the world – even our faith”. My dear friend, it’s a jungle out there. And you can’t afford to be on the fence. It’s either you are on the Lord’s side or otherwise.

Back to our discourse. As a young boy, I first heard it from Bishop David Oyedepo when he declared that the minimum number of years every believer should be 120 years. Really? Well, he backs up his position with Gen. 6:3, “Then the Lord said, ‘My Spirit shall not abide in man forever, for he is flesh: his days shall be 120 years.’” The bishop also has a living example and fulfillment of that scripture in the 113-year old Pa Sadela (of the Gospel Apostolic Church). He is reputed to be the world’s oldest preacher.

During the sage’s 110^th birthday celebration, 3 years ago, he declared that dying at 70 is premature. According to him, three of his sisters lived to be 130 before they died, adding that his longevity is hereditary. During the thanksgiving service he danced so much and with such vigour that many wondered at the spectacle.

Before you get confused as regards whom to believe among these two men, and many others who have various positions on this subject, I put it to you that the choice is yours. The scripture is God’s word. And you can only explain scripture by scripture. If you spend time with the word, you’ll discover that these scriptural passages on longevity indeed complement each other.

Alongside the above scriptures, I share some more below for your meditation. Remember, after all is said and done, the just will only live by his faith. Selah…

“With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.” Psalm 90:10

“The fear of the Lord prolongs life, but the years of the wicked will be short.” Proverbs 10:27

For “Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit…” 1 Peter 3:10

“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.” Exodus 20:12

“What man is there who desires life and loves many days, that he may see good? Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit.” Psalm 34:12 – 13

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SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE

 Today’s voyage is of a different path, a departure from the norm. It’s a cursory but symbolic examination of how we can reduce the clutter in our lives. True, life could be often brutish, nasty and short, but “in order to seek one’s own direction, one must simplify the mechanics of ordinary, everyday life,” counseled Plato. And “the greatest step towards a life of simplicity is to learn to let go,” declared Steve Maraboli.

In a move to appease readers who consider my treatises a “very long thing”, justice will be done on today’s theme by simply allowing the ever-green quotes of the ancients to convey my thoughts. You know, “only great minds can afford a simple style.”

So, here are some of my best collections on how to simplify your life:

“Too many people spend money they haven’t earned, to buy things they don’t want, to impress people they don’t like.” – W. Rogers

“If you can’t explain it to a six year old, you don’t understand it yourself.” – A. Einstein

“Clutter and confusion are failures of design, not attributes of information.” – E. Tuft

“Dress to enjoy your day, not so that others can enjoy you.” – C. Carver

“Beware the barrenness of a busy life.” – Socrates

“When you have cleared all of your clutter, you can be of greater service to those around you.” – M. Kitson

“It’s not only the scenery you miss by going too fast; you also miss the sense of where you are going and why.” – E. Cantor

“Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.” – A. Exupe

 “The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak.” – H. Hofmann

“Unnecessary possessions are unnecessary burdens. If you have them, you have to take care of them! There is great freedom in living a simple life. It is those who have enough but not too much who are the happiest.” – Peace Pilgrim

  

On a final note, to the business-oriented, Sanjiv Karani counsels thus: “In today’s dynamic environment, Simplexity (i.e. the simultaneous perfection of simplicity and complexity) is the organization’s only form of sustainable competitive advantage. In the current global, turbulent and hyper-competitive environment, complexity/simplicity is no longer an either/or proposition. In order for you to drive and thrive in this economic environment, you require the mastery of both complexity and simplicity.”

In other words, while you guard your trade secrets jealously be sure to consistently create clear expectations around your products and services.

So what steps are you going to take in simplifying your life? Feel free to share your thoughts. Wishing you God’s best in the days ahead!

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A Case for Happiness

“Happiness is not something you postpone for the future; it is something you design into the present. People are just as happy as they make up their minds to be. So why not smile every chance you get. Not because life has been easy, but because you choose to be happy and grateful for all the good things you do have and all the problems you know you don’t have.”

Happiness is a choice. And it’s high time we stopped blaming others for our unhappiness. Let’s face it: many of us take solace in trading blames just because we do not want to accept responsibility for the events that happen to us. True, we often do not have control over people and circumstance, but we sure do have control over our ‘happiness thermometer’.

Let’s take this a step further. Why go for Happiness when you can have Joy! “Joy is not in things; it’s in us,” says Richard Wagner. Even Oprah Winfrey describes joy as a sustained sense of well-being and internal peace – a connection to what matters. Dear friend, it is easier to perpetually create a world of happiness in your life by having the joy of the Lord in your heart.

Make no mistake about it, there are people (believers) who have the joy of the Lord in their hearts but still have mood swings. Some even look and appear perpetually sad. They think it’s piety. No sir, it’s not! They are only projecting a negative image of Christ to the world.

Just like me, you can choose to be happy. Regardless of your account balance, marital status or level of insecurity in the country, you can choose to smile, be optimistic and look at the brighter side of life. There are too many negative things and people out there already. No matter what they say to you or about you, you've got to choose to be happy. With the joy of the Lord flowing from within, you can consciously create an atmosphere of happiness and peace around you. "Not by power or by might, but my Spirit," says the Lord. Selah...

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Sam Adel'

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MANY QUESTIONS, ONE ANSWER

If a loving God exists, why is there so much suffering in the world?

If a loving God exists, why will he throw millions of people who refuse to obey Him into hell?

If a loving God exists, why will He allow Boko-Haram snuff out the lives of 30 innocent young children and their teacher while learning in school?

If a loving God exists, why does He folds His arms and watch the serial rape and murder of patriotic Youth Corpers who left their secure homes to the hinterlands in the service of their country?

If a loving God exists, why hasn’t He killed the over recycled politicians who keep stealing the wealth of Nigeria day in, day out?

If a loving God exists, why will He allow flood, earthquakes, tornadoes, thunder, lightning and other disasters to wreck havoc, pain and trauma to struggling individuals and families who barely have enough to eat?

If a loving God exists, why does He seem unconcerned with the slow and steady spread of gay rights all over the world, at the risk of destroying the sanctity of the marriage institution?

If a loving God exists, why does He allow pain, diseases, unemployment, poverty, misery, divorce, heartbreaks, death, abortion, murder, injustice, exploitation, oppression and corruption to pervade the earth?

Lee Strobel, an atheist turned Christian – in his book, The Case for Faith, gives a succinct answer to these questions. Hear him:

“The answer to suffering is not an answer at all. It’s the Answerer. It’s Jesus himself. It’s not a bunch of words. It’s the Word. It’s not a tightly woven philosophical argument. It’s a person. The person. The answer to suffering cannot just be an abstract idea, because this isn’t an abstract issue; it’s a personal issue. It requires a personal response. The answer must be someone, not just something, because the issue involves someone – God, where are you?

“Jesus is there, sitting beside us in the lowest places of our lives. Are we broken? He was broken, like bread, for us. Are we despised? He was despised and rejected of men. Do we cry out that we can’t take any more? He was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. Do people betray us? He was sold out himself.

“Are our tenderest  relationships broken? He too loved and was rejected. Do people turn from us? They hid their faces from him as from a leper. Does he descend into all of our hells? Yes, he does. From the depths of a Nazi death camp, Corrie ten Boom wrote: ‘No matter how deep our darkness, He is deeper still.’ He not only rose from the dead, He changed the meaning of death and therefore of all the little deaths – the sufferings that anticipate death and make up parts of it."

He is mocked in the Nigeria, sneered at in Soweto, outlawed in Saudi Arabia and enslaved in Sudan. He is the One we love to hate, yet to us He has chosen to return love. Every tear we shed becomes His tear. He may not wipe them away yet, but He will… Someday!

If you do not have a relationship with Him, this is an opportunity. Yesterday is a cancelled cheque, tomorrow is but only a promissory note. Today, the door of grace is still open. Jesus wants to give your life a meaning. Confess your sins and ask Him into your life. He loves you and always will.

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Why It Pays Not To Mind Your Own Business

If you’re broke and want to make money, this is for you. If you need to make more money to boost your income, you’ll find this indispensable. But if you’re satisfied with your status quo and you think you don’t have any reason to worry about anything, then you’re my number one target. Listen up; there is fire on the mountain! Someone is after you and yours; and now is the time to turn the table.

The greatest thinkers and influencers of our world are individuals who realized, at some point in the course of their lives, that their purpose of existence is more than mere survival. For them, life is more than clothes, shelter and food. Deep reflections, spiritual conversations and consistent study are some of the virtues that produced the timeless insights that have spurred these unique men and women to a higher level of living: living for others.

How many times have you been told to “mind your own business”? Well, I receive such counsel very often – directly or indirectly. And I have discovered that, more often than not, such admonitions come from people who do not practice what they preach. In the context of this discourse, the call to mind your business is the call to be complacent, indifferent, ‘contented’, ‘satisfied’ and maintain status quo. Here are reasons why you should step up your game and NOT just mind your own business only.

First, you need to know that there are people who are being paid to “mind you”. There are folks whose life purpose and career is to sit on your case till they legally milk you dry and make you feel bad about yourself. When they are done, they are gone; and if you bounce back, they are back. So the cycle continues.

In today’s capitalist-driven economy, you are conditioned to pay all kinds of bills (during your working years and even when retired) to everyone, excluding yourself. And this is not just monetary. If you don’t turn the table quickly, you might die unhappy and unfulfilled. So why not observe your environment, discover the needs that can be met and create clear expectations around the product or service you choose to offer.

Second, your life is a responsibility – make it count. You have a unique skill, talent and virtue. Use it to complement others in your sphere of influence. You need to learn how to profit with your knowledge. The One who gave you life will surely ask for His Return on Investment, someday. So, be sure to, first, mind your own business well, followed by others’, while your breathe lasts.

Third, you were created to work. It’s in your DNA. Work brings fulfillment. Minding other people’s business, with the right motive, gives unspeakable joy. It elevates you spiritually, mentally, emotionally and financially. As a young person, seek to “work to learn, not just to earn” – for this opens you up to endless opportunities which are often blinded to other workers who only look forward to pay day. Working in a field where your passion lies, regardless of the remuneration, refines your perspective and world view. It guarantees your successful transition from a bloody employee to an inimitable employer.

Finally, when you think of people and events around you and how to contribute your quota to problem-solving, your mind is stimulated and put to work. There is little or no time for frivolities and bad blood. You now have a reason to live and let live. What a glorious way to live your life!

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Retaining Your Healing and Resisting the Devil

Ignorance is costly. It has cost many their happiness, jobs, marriage, properties, rights, health, money and even their lives. Indeed, we live in a world that is fast passing away; and the earlier we realized our authority as believers, the more assured we are of victory over the enemy of our souls. “In this world you will have tribulations”, Jesus counselled, “but be of good cheer for I have overcome the world”. Despite this re-assuring statement of Christ and many other biblical promises, why do many still find it difficult to get healed and/or retain their healing? 

Today, I’ll be sharing Bro. Kenneth Hagin’s experience on this subject. Be rest assured that his experiences have biblical justifications. I have practiced them in my own life and experienced similar results. If you have been battling issues regarding your health, divorce, marriage, relationships, finance, job, career, ministry, etc, the following insights from this man of faith will be of immense help to you.

“Often we realize that certain trials in our lives are the work of the enemy, and we cry out to God to rebuke him and alter circumstances for us. However, God’s Word tells us to rebuke the enemy ourselves. In James 4:7, we are told, “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” The authority over the devil is ours. The responsibility is ours. We’ve got to depend on the Spirit of God to know when demons are present and to know how to deal with them. We’re helpless without both the Spirit and the Word. Don’t just be a Word person without the Spirit, and don’t just be a Spirit person without the Word. Many try to act on the Word of God without the Spirit of God. You’ve got to have both of them. The Spirit and the Word agree.

“You don’t need to deal with a spirit in every case of healing. But if you have to, the Lord will show you. You’ll only defeat the devil when you’ve got a foundation of God’s Word and you act upon it. Many got their healing from big meetings, crusades or encounters but after two weeks, their healing was gone. Why did they lose it? Because they didn’t know their authority. They didn’t know how to hold onto what they had, so they didn’t try to exercise authority themselves; or if they said anything, they said the wrong thing.

 “You can be released from oppression to your body and your mind. You can exercise spiritual authority over others as long as they are in your presence. You can take authority over all unseen forces. If you learn how to exercise spiritual authority like this, it will work in your home as well. I’ve heard of women who exercised their spiritual authority when their unsaved husbands came home arguing and fighting. The women had learned how to quietly and calmly rebuke the evil spirits behind the situation and claim authority over them – and the situation changed.

“I learned how to do this many years ago when some of my relatives would get extremely angry. I simply took authority over the situation. They knew when I did it, because they looked at me with a startled expression – and they straightened out immediately. I wasn’t exercising authority over their will, however, but over the spirit that made them act the way they did.

“Conditions exist because we permit them to. Of course, we’re always going to have spiritual babies, and we ought to carry them on our faith, but some of us ought to grow up enough to be able to help look after the babies and not leave it up to the pastor to do everything. Matthew 18:18 says, “Whatsoever things ye refuse to be permitted on earth will be refused to be permitted in heaven.” Exercise your authority, now!”

In summary, to be qualified to get healed, retain your healing and resist the devil over every area of your life, you need to be: Born-again; Get grounded in the Word of God; Learn to walk in Spirit; and then consistently Exercise your Authority! However, if need be, don’t hesitate to seek help from men and women of God. Remember, exercising your authority and living in constant dominion and victory is not a ‘sometime’ thing, it’s an ‘all-time’ thing. God bless you!

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Finding Your Place In This World: BEHIND THE SCENES

"For many, every day is the same. And when each day is the same as the next, it is because people fail to recognize the good things that happen in their lives every day the sun rises. God delights in working through our everyday life and experiences. He has an important place in His plan for us even if we are behind the scenes and out of the spotlight. No matter whom you are or where your daily journey takes you, when you stay available for His service He will show what He can do with a yielded LIFE.”

Finding your place in this world is a very significant part of our existence. While some yearn to be in the spotlight, others crave to strut their stuff behind the scenes. It’s not your position that matters, it’s your impact. There’s a beauty behind the scene that many have not discovered. It’s the glory of the ancients, the joy of the ages. Many of the leading lights today once had their humble beginning behind the scenes. Some emerged from the bush to the palace; others, from the prison to the government house.

“Samuel served the Lord by helping Eli the priest…” 1Sam.3:1. This is a very significant portion of the Scriptures that challenges the regular conventional concept of (kingdom) service. Truth is, you don’t have to be in the spotlight all the time. Helping the “priest”, doing the background work and staying behind the scene is as important as “being the priest” himself. And like Samuel who eventually stepped into prominence when his time came, you've got to be patient. You won’t be ‘there’ for long. Just keep working and doing what you know how to do best. Don’t be carried away by the fact that you are not the one getting the applause and accolades. It’s only a matter of time. It is turn by turn.

Having said that, it is important to state that not everyone craves the spotlight. You’ve got to know yourself. While some will eventually step into prominence, the fulfillment of others lie in pulling the strings behind the scene. The bottomline is: check your motives. Why do you do what you do? You don’t have to be in the spotlight to be proud; you might as well be an arrogant behind-the-scene worker. Your driving force is key. Get it right.

Over time, I have realized that whatever I do – either in the secular or kingdom setting, I am ultimately working for God. He is my Number One Master. Therefore, I must be contented with my role (on stage or behind the scene) and play my part well. As long as my service is unto Lord, position is irrelevant to my attitude and performance. What is paramount is faithfulness, humility and doing what I have to do, for Him, with gladness of heart. So help me God!

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SAVE, SPEND, SAVE: The Triplets You Need To Adopt

I once asked my best friend, “How do you make your money?” In one breathe, she fired back, “By spending it!” I paused for a moment. “Really?” I thought to myself. I’ve never heard anyone put it that way. Anyways, it sounded cool but also caused a stir within me until I later discovered that my friend is actually not only a ‘big spender’ but also a ‘big saver’. For her, savings was not only a culture, but a lifestyle. Afterall, you can only spend what you have (saved). And as a matter of fact, I'm aware she doesn't earn big salary, her pay is just modest. So I was fully persuaded that she must be doing something ‘extra’.

Having said that, you’ll agree with me that the concept of saving and spending is as old as mankind. Despite this, many a people still struggle with their ‘inability’ to start and sustain a savings plan. And trust me, that ‘inability’ means different things to different people. In the course of my work, yours sincerely has had the priviledge of interacting with a diverse range of people from all walks of life. The avalanche of excuses presented by prospects who find it hard to ‘save’ is mind-boggling. These ‘inabilities’ range from the superstitious to the mundane; from the commonsensical to the absurd. Nevertheless, I have chanced upon a number of folks whose knowledge and attitude towards financial matters is remarkable. Whichever side of the fence you belong, the 3 triplets presented here are up for adoption. And they’ll surely guarantee your transition to a safe and secure financial future.

Triplet No. 1: Invest in yourself.

The best commodity you can spend money on is your mind, for “an investment in knowledge, pays the best interest”, says Benjamin Franklin. Your breakthrough from financial struggles begins the moment you acknowledge your lack of and need for financial education. As I stated in an earlier article, there is no substitute for the acquisition of knowledge. Learning is a life-long adventure. No shortcuts. But if you are satisfied with your status quo then don’t bother sweating the small stuff. If not, then the next question is: “How do I begin?” The answer is: Start. 

Begin by asking yourself and writing down 10 honest questions – about your life, attitude, spending habits, etc that you want to change and improve. Then seek help. Read financial materials, articles, journals, blogs and books. Hang out with people who can help you. Remember, two poor people cannot help each other. Stop asking people for money, rather ask them how they make and grow theirs. “Formal education will make you a living; self education will make you a fortune.”

Triplet No. 2: Start a reliable restrictive savings plan.

“How many millionaires do you know who have become wealthy by investing in savings accounts? I rest my case,” declared Robert G. Allen. I admit, that’s a harball. You and I know that everyone needs a savings account as a reliable place for emergency fund. However, Robert G. Allen’s point is this: a savings account will only give you minimal gains given the extremely low interest rates. The alternative is a restrictive savings. And this is not the same as the ‘cooperative’ savings, ‘esusu’, ‘ajo’ that obtains in most working environments today.

What then is a  reliable restrictive savings plan? It is a pay-yourself-scheme, designed for every working class to become adequately conscious of the need to have for themselves a compulsory, regular and protective savings out of their income. It is operated by a reputable financial institution that is registered with the federal government. Such plans helps you to cultivate regular savings culture during your working years, assists to mop fund to set up personal business or investment in real estate, assists in planning for a comfortable retirement, a legal means to reduce tax burden and provides solid income protection for the family in the event of the unexpected. For more details, please call or inbox the author on 08034421195.

Triplet No. 3: Give back.

“Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.” It’s not how much you make that matters, it’s how much you give.

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Sam Adel’

25BB383A

sammieadeleke@yahoo.com

A Dialogue To Remember

“I can tell if two people are in love,” quips Jarod Kintz, “how they hold each other’s hands, and how thick their sanitation gloves are”. Well, fair enough, if you ask me. But isn’t there much more to love than hand-holding and joint sanitation work? And is this even really an appropriate time to talk about love? Let’s face it people: why does the world seem to reek from so much hate and injustice? The answer isn’t far-fetched. While ‘men’ slept, ‘facts’ gradually lost its priceless virtue of being sacred and ‘truth’ metamorphosed into a relative term.

Pray, what more can be said of the controversial discharge and acquittal of Major Al-Mustapha by the Court of Appeal? A man, who a lower court, had earlier convicted and sentenced to death by hanging for the murder of Kudirat Abiola – wife of M.K.O Abiola – acclaimed winner of Nigeria’s1993 Presidential Elections. And how angry and resolved are we to protest the recent passage of the Senate bill which grants official appendage to an already rampant practice of marrying underage girls. The new law says a girl no longer needs to attain 18 years of age to be married any more. As long as she consents to any marriage proposal, even if she is 18 months old, the intending couple has a free rite of passage.

As I brooded over these abnormalities that pervades our clime, I received an interesting ‘love dialogue’ from a friend which lifted my spirit. You know, often times, it is necessary to take a break from reality to peep into the world of the ideal, for “darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.”

Here you go.

Boy:  Do you have a boyfriend?
Girl:  Nope. I don't want to have a boyfriend.

Boy:  Gen. 2:18, The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”
Girl:  But I don't love you.

Boy:  1 John 4:8, "Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love."
Girl:  And how do I know you mean those words?

Boy:  Matthew 12:34b, "For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks."
Girl:  But how can I be sure that you're loyal and honest?

Boy:  Mark 13:31, "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away."
Girl:  But why me? There are a lot of girls out there.

Boy:  Proverbs 31:29, "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."
Girl:  But what is in me that you like?

Boy:  Song of Solomon 4:7, "You are altogether beautiful, my darling; there is no flaw in you."
Girl:  But I'm not all that beautiful...you're exaggerating.

Boy:  Proverbs 31:30, "Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised."
Girl:  What happens if I say yes?

Boy:  Genesis 2:24, "Therefore man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh."
Girl:  How come you know the scriptures this much?

Boy:  Joshua 1:8, "This book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous and you will have good success."
Girl:  Wooow! I can see you really love God.
Boy:  Psalm 34:8, "Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him.
Girl:  Hmmm…OK, please give me time to think about it.

Boy: Philippians 4:8, "Finally brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."
Girl:  Awwww I love you already!
Boy:  Revelation 22:21b, "Amen!”

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