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  The observance of the  1st of January as the start of a new year  is a practice that has been followed by many cultures and societies around the world for centuries. However, the question arises:  Is it appropriate  to designate this date as the  beginning of a new year ? we will explore this topic from various perspectives, including the religious aspect of Christianity, specifically in relation to the birth of Jesus Christ and the biblical references that highlight the concept of a new beginning.The adoption of  January 1st as the New Year  can be traced back to the Roman calendar, which was in use during the time of the Roman Empire. The Roman calendar was heavily influenced by mythology and political events. For instance,  January  was named after Janus, the Roman god of beginnings and transitions. It was believed that Janus had the ability to see both the past and the future, making him a fitting representation for the beginning o...

Tithing , the act of giving a tenth of one's income or possessions, has been practiced by various religious communities for centuries. In Christian circles, the debate regarding the relevance of tithing in the modern era is ongoing. Is tithing still an essential component of the gospel message?   Tithing finds its roots in the biblical narrative, specifically in the Old Testament. It was established by God as a way for His people to financially support the Levitical priesthood, sustain the tabernacle, and care for the poor. Two prominent passages shed light on the idea of tithing : Genesis 14:18-20 : This passage tells the account of Abraham giving a tithe to Melchizedek, the priest of the Most High God. Many interpret this as an endorsement of tithing , implying its pre-Mosaic Law origin.  Leviticus 27:30-32 : In this commandment, God instructs the Israelites to present a tithe of all their produce and animals to support the Levites and the priesthood. Failure to do so wa...

In a world where deception and dishonesty abound, it is crucial to develop discernment skills to identify those who take advantage of others. The term ' frauster ' refers to an individual who engages in fraudulent activities for personal gain. Thankfully, the Bible provides us with insights and wisdom to navigate these treacherous waters. By examining specific biblical references, we can better equip ourselves to detect and unmask the actions of a frauster . The Parable of the Wheat and the Tares ( Matthew 13:24-30 ) In this parable, Jesus provides an important lesson about the coexistence of good and evil in the world. Just as wheat and tares grow together, so do honest individuals and fraudsters operate side by side. Understanding this biblical wisdom helps to discern genuine individuals from those who attempt to deceive. The key lies in recognizing that not all who appear righteous are, in fact, sincere. The Sermon on the Mount ( Matthew 7:15-20 ) Jesus warns his disciple...

When the finish line is in sight and time of celebration is approaching , it can be tempting to give in to weariness and doubt. However, it is during these moments of exhaustion and uncertainty that we must press on, for our time of celebration is near. This sentiment is echoed throughout the scriptures, reminding us of the perseverance required to reach our goals and the rewards that await us at the end. In the book of Galatians, the Apostle Paul writes, " And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up" ( Galatians 6:9 ESV ). This verse serves as a powerful reminder that even when we feel tired or discouraged, we must not yield to despair. Rather, we must continue steadfastly in our efforts, knowing that our perseverance will eventually lead to the harvest of our labors. In Ecclesiastes 9:10 (NIV ), it is written, " Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might ." This verse teaches us the importance of g...

 Human beings are complex creatures, each with their unique perspectives, beliefs, and behaviours In our interactions with others, it is not uncommon to encounter situations where we feel the desire to change someone else. Whether it is a friend, family member, or colleague, we might find ourselves wanting to alter their attitudes, habits, or even their entire personality. But why do we have this inclination to change others rather than focusing on ourselves? the underlying reasons behind this tendency lies on the complexities of human behaviour One of the primary reasons people seek to change others is rooted in the illusion of control. Human beings have an innate desire to exert influence over their surroundings, including the people in their lives. By attempting to change others, individuals can believe they have power over their environment and can shape it according to their preferences. This sense of control can provide a temporary sense of security and stability in an ev...

  Many marriages are being scattered, divorce everywhere because some ladies are not really a  woman .Who is  truly a woman ?Having vagina, boobs, and hips doesn't make you a  woman .A  woman  is the one who feeds a man with encouragement and ideas,she is the one who helps a man to save and invest wisely, she does not run her mouth with sarcasm and insult just to prove a point, rather her words are gracious and can heal a broken heart .she is the one that knows when to talk and to keep Quiet. She doesn't leak secret. She is content with what she has, and not the one that sells her self for material things,she is a manager, a caretaker,a womb that can nature and birth destinies,she doesn't do trending things, but she is reserved and has a taste of a Queen, she doesn't look down on any man because of his present state of life and financial status, rather she encourages any man to get better.A woman is the one that does not just bears babies, but bear ideas an...

 In the quest for spiritual understanding, many individuals rely on various sources such as books, teachings, and qualifications to gain knowledge and Experience the Truth About God . While these resources are valuable, there is a unique and transformative aspect that can only be achieved through a personal encounter with the person and power of God . The Bible highlights the significance of personal encounters with God , surpassing any amount of reading, teaching, or qualifications. The pursuit of knowledge about God through reading, teaching, and qualifications is commendable, but it has its limitations. The Apostle Paul, a learned scholar himself, acknowledges this in his letter to the Corinthians: "Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up" ( 1 Corinthians 8:1 ). Paul emphasizes that knowledge alone can lead to pride and intellectualism, which may hinder a genuine understanding of God's truth . Jesus, during His earthly ministry, emphasized the importance of personal e...

 The concept of oneness is deeply rooted in various religious and spiritual traditions. In the Bible, the idea of unity and oneness is a recurring theme that emphasizes the interconnectedness of humanity and our relationship with the divine.  The book of Genesis teaches that all human beings are created in the image of God ( Genesis 1:27 ). This foundational belief suggests that there is a divine essence within each person, regardless of their race, ethnicity, or background. This common origin establishes a fundamental equality among all individuals and serves as a basis for recognizing our shared humanity.In the New Testament, Jesus articulates the greatest commandment, which encompasses the core teachings of the entire Bible. He states, " Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself'" ( Matthew 22:37-39 ). This commandment not only emphasizes our l...

 Embracing patience . Slow and steady, you will navigate through life's challenges and emerge victorious. The conventional path may not always be the best one. Sometimes, it's the road less traveled that leads to the most fulfilling destinations. One man explained his experience in a blocked expressway that reflects our journey in life, read on. I was few kilometres away from Ibadan in Nigeria and vehicles ahead started making u-turn. It was the 5th driver who offered to tell me "EXPRESS TI BLOCK " The express road is blocked" in a hurry. I pulled over and asked God what I should do. I was pacing to catch an appointment.  An old farmer emerged attempting to cross. I alighted and greeted him, grinning.  He knew about the accident that locked the traffic down. It was apparent I needed help and he was gracious to me.  Values are local! One good place to experience humanity is in the village.  Baba told me there's a way but it's dusty, long and rough. His con...

 Human wisdom, status, and education can sometimes lead to pride and derailment. It is important to seek personal revelation and understanding of Christ, as it brings clarity to our lives. The written word will provide insights and revelations when we have a genuine encounter with it. It is through this encounter that we find true wisdom and guidance. As it says in 2 Corinthians 3:6 , " the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life ." So, it is crucial to seek a personal relationship with Christ rather than relying solely on human wisdom and knowledge.  Apostle Paul, formerly known as Saul, was indeed a highly educated individual. He was well-versed in Jewish law and traditions, and he used his knowledge and influence to persecute early Christians. However, his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus was a transformative experience. In that moment, Paul realized the limitations of his human wisdom and education. He understood that his previous understanding of God and H...

  Recognizing your value and stop wasting time and potential in unappreciative environments, instead seek places where your talents can flourish.  Living in an environment where your worth is not recognized or being surrounded by individuals who harbor envy and possess a narrow perspective on life can be detrimental to your personal growth and potential. As stated in the Bible, if you enter a place seeking peace but are not welcomed, it is advisable to brush off the dust from your feet and depart, leaving them to their own folly. It is essential to progress towards a setting where your abilities and talents are valued and appreciated. By doing so, it is they who will ultimately be at a loss. Matthew 10:14 : " And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town."Luke 9:5: "And wherever they do not receive you, when you leave that town shake off the dust from your feet as a testimony against the...

 Should we fight for God or not?.I was deeply unsettled when the Lord spoke to me in a dream, conveying the message, "I have not sent you to pass judgment on others. Instead, demonstrate my love through your character, so that those who encounter you may experience my love and be drawn to me." This has led me to ponder the ethical implications of fighting for God . This question of whether we should fight for God is a complex and deeply philosophical one. It raises ethical concerns about the use of violence in defense of faith and challenges our understanding of religious teachings. According to the Bible, when Jesus was about to be arrested by the Pharisees, Peter, in a moment of zeal, drew his sword and cut off the ear of one of the servants ( Matthew : 25: 51 ). However, instead of praising Peter's act, Jesus rebuked him, saying, "Whosoever lives by the sword, shall also die by the sword" This statement highlights Jesus' emphasis on non-violence and the...

In life, we all stumble and make mistakes, we encounter shame, reproach,criticism and even disapproval from others. It's part of our journey, shaping us into who we are today. But what if I told you that your history, even with its falling, errors, and shame, holds the key to your future success ? your story is instrumental in paving the way for an everlasting celebration when you finally succeed . It's natural to feel discouraged when we make mistakes or encounter failures. However, it's crucial to recognize that these missteps are not obstacles but rather stepping stones towards our ultimate success . Just as Thomas Edison famously said, "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." Each mistake brings us closer to the right path, teaching us valuable lessons and building resilience. Proverbs 24:16 - "For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again." Shame can be a heavy burden to carry, often preventing us ...

Life is often compared to a race, with countless hurdles, twists, and turns along the way. Just like athletes competing for a prize , we all have goals and aspirations that drive us forward. However, in the journey towards our desired achievements, it's crucial to remember the wisdom found in the Bible: " But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus" ( Philippians 3:13-14, NIV). These words encourage us to focus on the future, to persevere, and to resist the urge to look back .keeping our eyes fixed on the prize while running the race of life, drawing inspiration from biblical references.In the Bible, we find the story of Lot's wife who, while fleeing from the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, disobeyed the angel's warning and turned to look back . As a consequence, she was turned into a pillar of salt ( Genesis 19:26). T...

In the pursuit of our goals and dreams, it is inevitable that we encounter skepticism, negativity, and rejection from others. However, it is important to remember that the opinions of others should not define our capabilities or determine the course of our lives. Belief is a potent force that has the ability to shape our lives and lead us to unimaginable heights. When we have unwavering faith in our abilities and the goals we strive for, we create an empowering mindset that propels us forward, even in the face of adversity. It is crucial to understand that our beliefs can determine our actions, and ultimately, our destiny .Rejection is an inevitable part of any journey towards success . It may come in the form of disapproving opinions, critical feedback, or even outright dismissal. However, rejection should not be viewed as a roadblock, but rather as a stepping stone on the path to greatness. Many accomplished individuals, from renowned artists to successful entrepreneurs, have fac...

There is a growing consensus that there is nothing like chance or luck in life, but rather everything that happens has already been predetermined by the creator. This view of predetermination argues that no matter how it may seem, all events are part of God's plan for our individual lives and when we make seemingly lucky decisions or choices, they have actually been made with divine wisdom. This idea can be seen in religious texts from different faiths including Christianity (Romans 8:28), Islam (Qur'an 3-140) and Judaism (Berakhot 4a). It also finds similarities to Eastern spiritual beliefs such as Taoism which postulates an underlying resonance between the universe and human existence known as 'wu-wei'. Thus while some people would see certain occurrences as mere coincidences based on their own limited perspective, those who trust in this ultimate source often believe them to be guided moments given so individuals might reach their true destiny paths. Because of th...

 A peaceful and successful marriage doesn't just happened, you must work for it to happen. Majority of people devote their time and energy to the success of their business, they never realised that even to succeed in marriage required more energy than what is given to business success. From my years of over four decades practical experience in this institution called marriage , I discovered, it is a training school where you keep on learning new things every time, you never graduate from it till one lives this earth. I discovered what was missing in majority of marriages that is bringing rancour, separation and divorce. That one thing which is the solid blocks for the foundation of a successful marriage is vision.People will never enter into business deal without setting their vision for the business but not their marriages . I came from a polygamous set up where I witnessed marriage abuse between my parent, the competition among wives , step brothers and sisters. From that y...

  One thing we must know and hold on to as we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ is that He is no more on the cross . Jesus Is Alive: Any picture that portrays Jesus Christ on the cross is not preaching the Gospel truth.  Jesus Christ died on the cross and rose up again because death has no power over Him. The Bible says in Romans 6:9, " knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him." So it is enough to have only empty cross that symbolizes Christianity instead of having Jesus Christ still hanging there. The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 15:14 , " And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith also is empty." No picture of Jesus or any other deity should be worshipped as an idol. Idolatry is prohibited in Deuteronomy 4:16, which states, " You shall not act corruptly and make for yourselves a carved image in the form of ANY figure." Such images include Jesus...

Have you ever gotten to a point in life where you start asking yourself if  there is God?. I have.  Let us be sincere, there is no perfect man on earth. There were times we've gotten to the tip of the cliff and it looks as if it is all over. Can you relate with that? Growing up as a Christian, I often felt worn down by the feeling of constantly waiting on God for everything. We  pray and it seemed like our prayers were never answered. Each year, nothing changed and the list of prayers just kept growing as requests from the last year continued to be added on. wondering what type of God gets enjoyment out of watching His beloved suffer, having to beg Him every single day for outcomes that He hardly ever provides?.I would plead and cry out, praying desperately during special services; asking why this was happening to me and begging for mercy even to asking for the forgiveness of my ancestors sins. sometimes I got so weary that I stopped altogether - not praying or caring abo...

 For us to move to the next level and be celebrated, there is always an obstacle or a mountain to subdue. There can never be a celebration without a battle that is won or an obstacle that you have overcome. David is a man that understand the principle of conquering a giant. In 1 Samuel 17:33-45 , he was faced with Goliath, David was not afraid like king Saul and his brothers but reminded himself of his past victories through the help of God. In order to overcome any giant-like challenges we face in life,it is important to remember past successes and remind ourselves of our capabilities. Just like David did when he faced Goliath with confidence, we need to think back to times when we've achieved something difficult in difficult circumstances and be reminded that the same strength and willpower that got us through before can help us conquer our current challenge. By focusing on your achievements rather than on the difficulty of the task ahead and visualizing yourself as successful ...

  Everyone is looking for a change in one way or the other. Some run to and fro in search of solution without a tangible result.The only one that has the ability to change time and season is God, Daniel 2:20-22 . To truly know this God that changes time and season and he himself remain thesame , you must know and believe the person of Jesus Christ. John 14:5-7 Jesus Christ is a figure who has changed the course of history. His teachings, actions, and life have had a profound impact on the world and continue to shape the lives of billions of people today.His teachings and his death and resurrection changes everything . Jesus’ teachings have had a tremendous impact on the world. His teachings of love, forgiveness, and mercy have been embraced by billions of people around the world. He taught that we should love our neighbors as ourselves, and that we should forgive those who wrong us. He also taught that we should be merciful to those in need. These teachings have been embr...

 When you have witnessed a practical demonstration of the miraculous power of God , apart from what you have read or know in the Bible. You can never doubt the word of God ,no matter the situation and circumstances you found yourself or whatever people may say or how they feel can't change your stand. With my little faith, God has through my hand brought back to life a woman declared death and prepared ready for mortuary by a great medical practitioner in a well-established government hospital in Lagos, Nigeria. With that incident, I can never doubt that the same God is still alive and He is still in the act of working miracles. I know the power that brought out Jesus Christ from the grave is still much alive now and is working on your behalf, and most especially is working on behalf of the nation called Nigeria. All dead virtues of the nation. Nigeria will come alive again. Nigeria will henceforth be known among the great nations of the world. No more backwardness in Jesus name...