WHO ARE YOU? Winning The Battle of Identity Crisis

WHO ARE YOU? - Winning the Battle of Identity Crisis.

Identity crisis is more widespread than most people are aware. Everyone is a potential victim of identity crisis. Forget the idea that identity crisis is an adolescent problem. We are all exposed to this crippling force from childhood to adulthood.

Imagine a little kid who throws off his more or less expensive toy to fight over  the more or less expensive toy of the other kid. He or she fighting through identity crisis even though he may not know what it is just yet. Does our tendency to fight over toys stop at childhood? No! Rather it increases with age and stage in life.

The adolescent who finds himself or herself constantly at loggerheads with parents and authorities is being overwhelmed by the vast discoveries of life and trying  to answer the question of "who am I?  Yes, Psychologists may tell us that such traits are normal of adolescent years but if that was true, why would two children raised by the same parents behave differently at the same age and stage in life such Cain and Abel or Esau and Jacob did? I do not agree that it's a temperament problem either because no matter our temperament we are responsible for the choices we make.

Do adults have identity crises? Oh yes! Adults often suffer from what I call "reverse identity crisis". When we are young we want badly to grow up and use our freedom but when we become old we wish we were young again. Have you not seen or heard of  people taken loans to alter their bodies just to look younger? If that is not identity crisis what would you call it?

Even the idea of superiority complex among colleagues, business competitors and government of nations is still a clash of sense of identities

Due to this widespread nature of identity crises and particularly because it is difficult to identity in adults, our world has become badly plagued by this destructive disease. The disease manifests itself in form of regrets, depression, anxiety and panic disorders, fear, sleeplessness, hopelessness, inferiority, vulnerability, gullibility, doubt, unbelief, separation, divorce, loneliness, shame, malice, jealousy, comparison and competition complex, hate, ungratefulness, wars and suicide thoughts and behaviours among others.

If you please you can call it another world war. But there's the good news: We can win this war if we are willing and ready to fight.

KNOW WHO YOU ARE AND WHO YOU ARE NOT

The first step towards victory over identity crisis is to know who you are and who you are not. John shows us how to do that

This is John's story. One day, the Jews sent some people from Jerusalem to ask John: Who art thou? This was a time when the Jews were desperate for a Messiah. John answered the delegates: 'I am not the Christ'. They were not satisfied with his response so they asked him suggestively: Are you Elijah? (They remembered that God was sending them a man in the spirit of Elijah). Again John responded: 'I am not'. They were resilient: Are you The Prophet? He answered 'No'. Then who are you, they insisted. Give us an answer for those who delegates us - what do you say of yourself? He said with confidence and clarity:  "I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias

This dialogue continues with our generation today.

Everyday you wake up, life will ask you to identify yourself: "who are you"? The people we live and work with are indirectly asking us to identify us when they taunt, push, pressure or label us. But the big question is "what are you saying to them? How do you identify yourself.

I found a way in John's approach and it consists of two keys:

1. Know who you are and who you are not.

There are two sides to winning the battle of identity crisis. The first is to know who you are and the second is to know who you are not. Both sides are important. It is not enough to know who you are, you also need to know who you are not. John did not only know who he was he also knew who he was not. He did not give in to the pressure of position or honour when they asked him suggestively 'are you Elijah'?

If you don't know the clear difference between who you are and who you are not, you will fall victim of the many suggestive and  appealing labels and orientations invading our world. In your attempt to look good to others you  could either end up a copy cat on the stage or a displaced rag at the back of the stage. Either way is a misplacement

2. Look in the word daily to know the difference

The second key in John's approach is to look in the mirror of the word.

Earlier, I established in this series that every man has four names in his life time: the name God gave us before we were born, name our parents gave us when we were born, the name we gave ourselves in the course of life and the name the world gives us after we are dead and gone.

Before John was born God gave him a name. John obviously read the scriptures for he knew what "the prophet Elias has said" about him. Luke recorded the discussion that ensued between the Angel of the Lord and John's father -Zechariah

But the angel said to him: "Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John. He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born. He will bring back many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous--to make ready a people prepared for the Lord." Luke.1:13-16.

Although many of us are not aware, each of us has this divine identity card template filled out for us before we were born. If we do not want to be misplaced, displaced or replaced we must look consistently hard and long into the word daily.

Just as we use the mirror daily we are to look into the mirror of the word daily to see ourselves the way God sees us and to answer correctly when asked: "who are you"?

Why is this important and necessary?

If you don't know the right answer every answer looks like it. If you don't know who you are, you will be deceived to believe that you are anyone else and you may spend the rest of your days trying to be someone that you were never meant to be. The only place to find your true identity is the word of God. The only way to ensure we live our identity fully according to the word of God is to not be a 'a forgetful hearer' but a 'doer' of the word.

Take this winning key with you wherever you go: "know who you are and who you are not by looking into the word of God consistently.

From the series: WHAT IS YOUR NAME? By Peter Okaka. Freshwater Christian House in Kitchener-Waterloo Ontario

NAMES, BRANDS AND IDENTITY THEFT

TheBETTERLife Post
Week of March 9-14, 2015

NAMES, BRANDS AND IDENTITY THEFT

How was your weekend? I hope you enjoyed a good church service yesterday and you are refreshed and recharged for the new week :)

In this week's edition of THE BETTER LIFE POST, I am sharing with you my thoughts on how to make your life count and avoid identity theft in a world where everyone seems to be all about names and brands.

Let me say right off the hub that NAME is important and brand is good.

When we meet a person for the first time the first question we ask them is "what is your name?

When a child is born, well wishers will usually ask the parents for the child's name.

When we receive an email or some memo, the first thing we do is check the name of the sender or the person giving the instruction.

We validate the authenticity of a contract by checking   the signing authorities.

We buy certain brands because of the name and seal of authenticity.

If you are a follower of Christ like me, you know that the real power and authority in prayer is the powerful name of Jesus
At the mention of the name Jesus, angels in heaven bow and demons in hell tremble.

You see, without a name a lot will go wrong with our everyday life. Your name is your proof of identity, staff of authority, seal of authenticity and access to divine prosperity.

That is why most people have a strong desire to make name for themselves. And that desire is not new. It has been there since the early days of humans on earth when the existing world leaders gathered together and declared: "Let us make a name for ourselves" Gen 11:4

Today, the search for a name manifests itself in various ways. The crave for money, power and popularity is really just a search for a name. We want to be known as the richest, the most powerful and the most popular.

But we know that not every name carries true identity. Not all names commands authority. Not every name is valid and we cannot pray to God in just about any name. In our search for a name we could have our identity stolen. Therefore, the first question to ask ourselves is: which name defines me most accurately? How might I answer my name so that I do not loose my identity?

ONLY ONE IS REAL

Everyone uses four names in his life time.

Before you were born, God gave you a name. When you were born, your parents gave you a name. In the course of your life, you give yourself a name. After you are dead or gone, the world will give you a name.

But only one of these is your real name and that is the name God gave you before you were born. That is the same name that Life is asking you to answer before you leave this earth.

After our parents have named and Christened us,

After we have had our chance to tell the world what we wished to be called,

After we have lived and our lifeless bodies lie restfully and motionless in a casket unable to say our name,

After eulogies from families and friends tell families and friends who they think we were,

After the world has immortalized us and given us names in the list of honour and world heroes,

There, really, is only one question that God would ask each of us: did you answer the name I gave you or did you give yourself some another name? Did you fulfil the purpose for which I created you or did you follow the trend of the world to a destination of your choice?

YOUR REAL NAME IS TIED TO YOUR PURPOSE.

"And she shall bring forth a son and you shall call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins" (Matt 1:21)

The only thing that defines us most accurately is God's intended purpose for our lives. God, the creator names everyone by the very purpose for what he created them. He said: "before I formed you in your mothers womb I ordained you" (Jeremiah 1:5). In other words, I gave you a name and designation in line with my purpose for your life.

The only thing that defines us most accurately is God's intended purpose for our lives. If you want to know God's ultimate purpose for your life, find out what he calls you. If you know what he calls you, you can tell what he wants you to do. God, the creator names everyone by the very purpose for what he created them.

Therefore, no matter the name our parents called us, no matter what we call ourselves and no matter what the world calls us in the end, it is what God calls us that matters.

Remember, there is no fulfilment without purpose. A fulfilled life is one that achieves its intended purpose. Just as salt becomes waste if it looses taste so a life becomes waste of it looses purpose. Each o us was sent to the world to fulfil a purpose. We did not get here by accident, no matter the circumstances surrounding our birth.

Yes, our parents may name us by the prevailing circumstances surrounding our birth but circumstances don't define us. We may name ourselves by what we have done, doing or hope to do but accomplishment don't define us. The world may name us by the contributions we have made but our contribution will not always match the solution we were meant to provide.

GOD HAS A NAME FOR YOU.

God has purpose-driven names for all followers of Christ. God calls us LIGHT in a dark world. He calls us SALT in a bitter world. He calls us FISHERS of men in world of satanic predators. He calls us SAVIOURS to sinners who may be our friends, families, colleagues, neighbours and strangers. In God's eyes, we are in the world as AMBASSADORS of Christ. Everything else such as business, relationship, career, health, money, position are added wages and benefits to help us be effective ambassadors of Christ. Choose to the cake and not just the icing.

If you have not received the Lord Jesus as your saviour, I invite you to receive the greatest gift of all: LIFE in Christ. This life is better than all others. To receive the life of Christ, simply say with your mouth that Jesus is lord and sincerely believe in your heart that he died for your sins and that God raised him from the dead. That's it, you are saved. Now look for a bible church around you and live the rest of your life fulfilling Gods purpose for you.

Till next week, choose to live better this week by answering the name that God called you. Enjoy!

From the series: WHAT IS YOUR NAME? By Peter Okaka. Freshwater Christian House in Kitchener-Waterloo Ontario.

BROKEN HEART - THE #1 ENEMY TO GOOD HEALTH

TheBETTERLife Post 

Week of February 23-28, 2015 

BROKEN HEART - THE #1 ENEMY TO GOOD HEALTH

The secret to a healthy body and soul is a STRONG SPIRIT. The strength of the spirit will determine if a sick person will get well or get worse and if a healthy person will stay healthy or fall sick. 

"The spirit of a man will sustain him in his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?" Proverbs 18:14

Many do not realize that the wound of the spirit is a more serious matter than the wound of the body. It is and should not be taken lightly because sickness and wellness depend upon it. 

For example, a strong spirit  sustains a person in times of sickness and gets him out of bed quicker but a broken spirit dries up the bones and ties the person to his sick bed for much longer. Yes, every sickness may not be caused by a broken spirit but a broken spirit will ensure that sickness does not go away. 

It is the spirit of a man controls the wellness of his body. 

As a result of this important link between the strength of our spirit and our wellness, our ultimate health goal should be STRENGTH in the inner man which is by the Spirit of might. It is a wise health choice to do everything needed to remain strong in spirit at all times. 

Yes, I said at all times because there will be times when we feel helpless and unwilling to put back the pieces of a broken heart particularly those times when the wound of the spirit is proving hard to heal: 

- Times when you want to laugh but you have to cry because your heart bleeds uncontrollably. 

- Times when the pains of regret and guilt refuse to go away and you wish helplessly that you could turn back the hand of the clock and do it all over again. 

- Times when the departure of a loved one leaves a hole in our hearts that are impossible to fill. 

But by far the most severe and incurable wound of the spirit [and everyone must dread and avoid this] is the wound of the spirit that results from the LOSS of TIME and LIFE. This is when a person gets to the end of the road of life and realizes that he has travelled the wrong path all along; that he missed the perfect plan of God for his life because he chose to follow his own path that seemed good at first but eventually led to eternal death. Apart from this kind of broken heart, all other wounds of the spirit can be healed by strengthening the inner man and keeping the spirit strong:

1. CHOOSE JOY. Joy is a characteristic of a strong spirit. It is triggered from within by the willpower and has nothing to do with the prevailing circumstances.  Anyone can be happy when things go well but only the believer can be truly joyful because only God has key the wellspring of joy that flows from within our spirit.

Yes, triggering the flow of joy from within may require a harder priming in some cases than others but choosing to be joyful is possible when we cooperate with the Holy Spirit that resides within us as believers. 

Choose today to be joyful always and ask the Holy Spirit our Comforter to help you. "A joyful heart is good medicine, But a broken spirit dries up the bones" Proverbs 17:22. 

2. CHOOSE LOVE. 

Nothing ruins a person's health like bitterness, resentment and unforgiveness. Yes, insensitive and cruel people are all around us and there are legitimate offences and disappointments that emanate from them. However, if your health is important to you, you will choose rather to love and forgive than to hold a grudge. Not only because failure to love and forgive  would mean disobedience to God who owns your breathe but also because prolonged bitterness is a suicide pill that only fools are willing to swallow to their death. 

Choose today to love all men as much as possible and forgive everyone who has wronged you so that your prayers will not be hindered. Jesus taught us "When you stand to pray, forgive. If you forgive others when they sin against you your Heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins" Mark 11:25, Matt. 6:14-15. 

3. CHOOSE FAITH. 

Fear opens the door to sickness and diseases but faith closes the door and raises strong barrier to sickness and diseases. When we loose confidence we loose health because confidence is a characteristic of a strong spirit. But how do people build or break down inner confidence?  

The simple answer lies in PEOPLE and GOD. 

Most of the things that rob us of joy and love surround people and God - not satan per se for the devil is powerless without the cooperation of man. We are either joyful and loving or hating and revenging because of what we know/feel that people and God did or did not do. 

Choose today to believe and fear not. No matter what happens, be like the wise one who will not "cast away his inner confidence of great reward" because of disappointments in people and God. Wise people know that although humans are sometimes fallible and the ways of God are most times unfathomable, there are yet people who are reliable and God is forever dependable. Darkness and disappointment may come but the man who puts his trust in God will never be broken even if all men fail. 

Why? Because though we can't figure it all out right now we know that it is impossible for God to lie 

"For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts" Isaiah 55:9

It may not make sense now but for sure, it will make sense in the end. Bye and bye we will understand why God did what his did and did not do what he did not do. 

Till then, keep the faith. Trust God always and enjoy good health while the time ticks and the end of days draws closer. 

#PeterOkaka, #TheBETTERLife #FreshwaterChristianHouse, #churchfamily, #dominion,

LIVE BEYOND THE 5 SENSES

TheBETTERLife Post
Week of February 15-21, 2015

LIVE BEYOND THE  5 SENSES

There is more to life than eyes can see, more than ears can hear and more than mind can comprehend. To live strictly in the realm of our 5 physical senses is to live in absolute confinement and forfeit our ultimate fulfilment.

Our greatest quest in life should not be to merely attain to what is or what has been but rather to see the invisible, hear the unspeakable, know unfathomable and bring to light the unimaginable for therein lies our ultimate fulfilment.

And the good news is: ANYONE CAN

Anyone can master the invisible and do the impossible and it begins by seeing, hearing and relating the One who rules the invisible realm: "The HOLY SPIRIT". When we let him, The Holy Spirit will live in us and guide us through the rough waters of life until we get to the very depths of ultimate realities and rise up to the height of ultimate possibilities.

The Holy Spirit is not a cosmic force but a real Being in the class of God who is representing God on earth today. He came into the world to take over the work of redemption from Jesus Christ. He does his work in and through everyone who believes in two ways that are mutually exclusive:
1. He empowers us, on the one hand, with his GIFTS that make us powerful and fearful - such gifts as discernment, wisdom and uncommon knowledge.
2. He tempers us on the other hand, with his FRUIT [Character] that makes us gracious and loving. Such as as kindness, love and meekness.

Without the Holy Spirit we are at risk of either being victimized by the dark forces of this world or being manipulated by them to initiate and perpetuate evil in the world.

May I ask you very personally - How do you live?

- Are you living in restriction to the 5 senses or have  you received the Holy Spirit who is all knowing?

- Do you live from day to day attempting to figure out your way through life's maze solely on the basis of prevailing circumstances and popular opinion or are you actively walking with the One who commands the unseen world and overpowers the forces of darkness with Light?

- What is the strength of your inner man? How much does it take to freak and break you up into pieces? What impact would you make in this world?

Only the Holy Spirit can help you answer these vital questions. He is willing and ready to help everyone who is willing and ready. If you are that category, the Spirit can visit you as soon as today to start putting things right. All you have to do is receive Jesus into your life and the Spirit will be right inside of you.

Once in you, and by your commitment to horsing in your walk with him, He releases his power to work in you and through you to your world. With this power, you can see beyond eyes can look, hear beyond ears can listen, understand beyond mind can reason and accomplish more than man can ask or imagine.

I'm asking you today to choose to live beyond your 5 senses and let the Holy Spirit help you in your journey to a life of fulfilment.

You can learn more about the empowerment of the Holy Spirit by worshiping with us at Freshwater Christian House in Kitchener- Waterloo.
Time is 10:00am Sundays.

Be blessed abundantly this week and beyond.

#PeterOkaka, #TheBETTERLife #FreshwaterChristianHouse, #churchfamily, #dominion,

RE•SCRIPTING YOUR STORY

TheBETTERLife Post
Week of February 09-14, 2015

RE•SCRIPTING YOUR STORY

The stories of our lives are simply the accounts of the events and experiences that are peculiar to us. The outcomes of our lives are determined by how much those events and experiences have influenced us.

Since life is full of a wide range of events and experiences, there is equally a wide range of people and outcomes in our world.

The good, bad and ugly people we come across on daily basis at home, school, work, mall, on the street and on the road, are otherwise normal people who have been so shaped by the good, bad and ugly events and experiences that they have come across. A good life is built upon a good experiences and a bad life is built upon bad experiences.

But there is GOOD NEWS:

We do not have to resign to fate and be victims of bad and ugly events and circumstances of life. God can and does OVERWRITES the events and experiences of our lives with greater experiences. One great experience with God can RESCRIPT 5 decades of previous bad and ugly experiences. Even an entire life time of woes can still be turned around on a death bed with a single encounter with God. No situation is ever too late as long as the individual can breathe and is willing to turn to God.

Yes, God RE-SCRIPTS stories.

He has re-scripted beautiful stories for many. He can re-script yours. He does this by giving us impactful experiences as we grow in our relationship and intimacy with him. And that's why he gave us the CHURCH FAMILY

In the church family we grow into beautiful and blessed people who are capable of living above life's circumstances through proven spiritual principles of the WORD, WORD and PRAYER. The word is the way to God, worship is the presence of God and prayer is communion with God.
There is no better place to enjoy this 3-in-one package than the church family where God's people gather to encounter God the Father.

Do you have a nagging past? Are you suffering from guilt and condemnation? Have you suffered abuse, neglect and victimization? Are you overwhelmed by the current events and situations around you? Are you traumatized by the growing unrest, wars and evil in our world, there is a SAFE HAVEN and that is the family of God - THE CHURCH.

The time is coming and is upon us when people will run to God for life. Ten men will say to a member of the family of God "please take me to your God" Don't delay. Find and take your place in the family of God while you may. If you are already in God's family, fall in love with God afresh this week and watch him rescript your story.

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty Whose power no foe can withstand. [Psalm 91:1] Amp

As for me, my whole being will follow hard after God and cling closely to Him as  His right hand continues to uphold me. Psalm 63:8

Enjoy your week and remember to join us for an encounter with God though the word, worship and prayer next Sunday at Freshwater Christian House.

#PeterOkaka, #TheBETTERLife #FreshwaterChristianHouse, #churchfamily, #dominion,

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST TEMPTATION?

TheBETTERLife Post
Week of January 19-24, 2015

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST TEMPTATION?

Everyone gets tempted. If you are not being tempted right now you will be tempted in the days ahead. Not only that, your biggest temptation will be difficult for you to resist. Reason is simple: Temptation is never detestable or unattractive. Real temptation is a subtle evil with a strong appeal. Call it a "desirable evil" if you please. The power of temptation lies in the fact that they are often blended with the necessities of life. For example - sleep, food, money, rights, self-esteem, expectations and standards.

Think of sleep. Sleep by itself is not evil; it is essential for a healthy mind and body but sleep can also kill if one falls to the temptation to sleep at the wrong time and place. Many lives have been lost to the temptation to sleep either on the wheel while driving or with the wrong people at the wrong places. Another common temptation is a sense of right. It is essential to know and fight for our rights but if we fall to the temptation of allowing our sense of right and entitlement to run wild, we can become victims of resentment, separation, divorce, suicides, murder and wars. How? Uncontrolled sense of right will usually build mountains of unrealistic expectations and fights that lead to resentment, strife, sickness, separation, divorce and wars.

Need I say that every temptation comes from the devil and not from God? God may test our strength from time to time in order to build us up but God will never tempt anyone because temptation is evil in intent. But knowing that temptation is ill-intended is not enough to overcome it. We need God's help. Without this, no one can truly overcome any temptation that is wrapped with life's essentials or things we consider important or normal and needed for a happy life.

The question is what is your biggest temptation? By "biggest" I mean "one that has power to break you". Yes, if you have a relationship with God through Christ, God will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you can bear but that is by PROVIDING A WAY OF ESCAPE for you. Do you know what that way of escape is? Do you know how to find and use it? The word of God has answers: PRAY AND PREPARE

A. PRAY.
When we pray we see temptation for what it is: Satanic strategies designed to trick and trap us away from divine protection and provision. That is why God tells us to "Give no place to the devil"(Ephesians 4:27) but to resist him. The only way to effectively resist the devil is to pray on the basis of the word by the help of the Holy Spirit. This is what Jesus did. After fasting and praying for extended period, Jesus became hungry and Satan came with food. Does food appeal to a man who has not eaten after 40 days? But Jesus was still able to dismiss satan and overcome his temptation with the word because he had prayed. Without prayer we become "IGNORANT" of the strategies of the devil.

This was why Jesus warned his disciples: "Get up and pray so that you fall not fall into temptation"/ Luke 22:46. They did not get it. Like most people today, they thought that all they needed to overcome any temptation was "willpower". Jesus repeated the warning 3 times and 3 times they fail to heed. To help Peter, Jesus prayed for him. When temptation came, Peter was terribly sifted because he did not pray but he survived because Jesus prayed for him. Not much was heard about the others after that. So, prayer is the key to overcoming temptation not willpower.

B. PREPARE.
In addition to praying ahead we also need to prepare to overcome temptation in three ways:
1. Avoid temptation. Isn't it easier to "give no place to the devil than to cast him out"? It is far better to refuse to open your door to smoke than trying to get the smoke out of the room after the fact.

2. Protect yourself. Put on every piece of the personal protective equipment (PPE) that God has provided for all his children. The bible calls our PPE "the Whole Amour of God" Ephesians 6:10-18.
Belt of truth - refuse to believe anything but what God says in his word.
Breastplate of righteousness - protect your heart from evil suggestion by pleading the blood of Christ.
Shoes of Peace - let Christ form in your heart by feeding on the word and telling others about him. This will make you stable and peaceful even in tough times.
Shield of faith - choose to live by faith in God through the leading of the Spirit rather than by common sense. It's a fight of faith anyway. No one can see, feel or touch the devil who is behind all evils as opposed to physical fight.
Helmet of salvation - saturate your mind and heart with the work of Christ's atonement
Sword of the Spirit - seek revelations from Gods word and learn to use it against evil thoughts and occurrences.
Pray in spirit - learn the language of the Spirit and use it to instruct your angels and confuse the devil.

3.  Stay in the protected zone.
Stay in the safe zone by submitting to the higher power. Psalm 91. The easiest way to become a victim of temptation is to fly solo or be the lord of your life. Learn to submit to God's authority and to human authorities. Join a local bible-believing church and be committed. This will build an hedge of protection around you and your loved ones.

#PeterOkaka, #TheBETTERLife #FreshwaterChristianHouse, #Fastingandpraying, #newyear, #dominion,

GET CLOSE TO DAD

TheBETTERLife Post 

Week of January 12-17 2015

On what basis do we pray?

On what basis do we ask God for blessings? 

I believe it is on the basis of father-child relationship. Outside this relationship prayer is nothing but an art of begging. Prayer is not meant to be begging but an exclusive right of God's children to ask for what they need. Since there is no such thing as right or privilege without a relationship, our relationship with God then becomes our basis for prayer.  If you saw someone on the street asking
 a total stranger for favour you would say he is begging for alms. Prayer without a relationship is the same. If God is not our father, praying to him is like begging and beggars do not get more than crumbs that fall from the children's table. I didn't say that, God did. 

One day, one woman came begging Jesus to heal her child. Our merciful Jesus looked at her and said : "first let the children eat all they want, it is not right to give the food that is for children to dogs" Jesus was saying in essence "On what basis are you praying to me or asking me for that favour?" Jesus continued, "it is not right to give to dogs the food that is meant for children" Mark 7:26-27

Jesus's response is hard for some to grasp. But Jesus was not being unkind  to the woman at all. How could the one who went about doing good and ultimately giving his life to save the whole world be unkind? Jesus helped her anyway. But by his response, Jesus was simply letting the woman know that the blessings of God are for God's children only. And of course the woman could become a child if she so wish. 

Without a father-child relationship you have no right to pray. Simple. If you choose to pray regardless, the most you would get are crumbs. Does that mean a sinner who is not a child of God cannot pray? 

Yes and no. Yes, if she is asking for mercy and no if she is asking for blessing. The only valid prayer a person who is not a child of God can pray is the prayer for mercy. "Lord God, have mercy and save me" If  she or he  refuses to take this route, that person's prayer might actually be an abomination before God. 

Proverbs 28:9

He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.

Proverbs 15:8

The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight

John 9:31 We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly person who does his will. 

Do you know God as Father? 

Technically God is the father of the whole world but not everyone is living in the will of God. Living outside the will of God in any area make us prodigal children. In that sense, though everyone is a child of God by origin everyone is not a child by rights. If we are not children by rights then we are not entitled to the rights and provisions reserved for children who live in God's will. 

Is God your father? If yes are you close to him? 

Effective prayer is based on effective relationship. Relationship gives us the  right and privilege to boldly come to God and confidently pray like Jesus  taught us to pray:

“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven...."Matthew 6:9-13

Would you like the right and privilege to pray the "Lord's Prayer" with boldness and confidence like all of God's children do? Then you need to get right with God and get close to God. 

1. GET RIGHT WITH GOD

If God is not yet your father, making him your father is easy. Humbly come before God in your innermost being and pray something like this: "Lord God, I believe in my heart and confess with my mouth that Jesus is your son who came to save me from sin and all the consequences of sin. Save me and make me your child". Rom 10:9 Done. If you prayed that from your heart, you are in the family. The children rights and privileges are now yours. Find a bible -believing church and plug in for a chance to grow in your walk with God. 

2. GET CLOSE TO GOD

Whether you are new or old in God's family your relationship will only grow by your faithfulness along these five lines: effective communication, regular meetings, valuing the relationship, expressing love through giving and asking for forgiveness. 

1. Effective communication. We fellowship and commune with God through prayer of asking and listening on the basis of God's word. Make this a daily habit and your relationship with God will grow. 

2. Regular meetings. Out of sight is out of mind and out of mind is out of life. In addition to private prayers and bible studies, we grow in God-consciousness and godliness when we fellowship with other children of God in a local church. Besides this growth benefit, being an active part of a local church gives us a spiritual covering that outsiders do not have. 

3. Value the relationship. We demonstrate our value for our relationship with God through HONOUR. Give God the first place in your life by prioritizing your time and work to acknowledge him. No father bonds with a child that disregards and refuses to acknowledge him. 

4. Express your love through giving 

Honour God with your wealth. Prodigal children have a sense of entitlement and they squander their wealth but wise children honour their father by using their resources to promote the work of God. Why not? All that we have came from God our father in the first place. Our right to ask God to give us our daily bread is based on our wise use of what he has already blessed us with. Two ways to do this is tithe and offering. (Ref: Mal 3:10, Matt 6:33. Luke 6:38)

5. Ask forgiveness 

Sometimes we err as children. When this happens it is good to not assume we are automatically forgiven without asking. That would amount to taking God's love and grace for granted. If we fall, we need to return, confess and forsake with a desire and commitment to sin no more. God is faithful and just to forgive all our sins and restore our relationship to good standing. 

I pray that your prayers this week will ascend to the throne of grace as the prayers of a beloved child. May the lord grant the desires of your heart. 

#PastorPeterOkaka, #TheBETTERLife #FreshwaterChristianHouse, #Fastingandpraying, #newyear, #dominion,

PRAYER WORKS, PRAY!

TheBETTERLife Post
Week of January 5-10, 2015

PRAYER WORKS, PRAY!

Prayer works. I know this by experience and by simple observation. Children pray. Parents pray. Presidents pray. Prisoners pray. Employers pray. Employees pray. Christians pray and non-Christians pray. Need more proof? God himself says pray works: "You will call on me and come and pray to me and I will listen to you", "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know (Jeremiah 29:12, 33:3) People who have prayed, have and can testify t this. "I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. They looked to Him and were radiant, And their faces were not ashamed. This poor man cried out, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles". (Psalm 34:4-6). If that's does not convince you, nothing will.

Not only does prayer work, it works beyond human imagination. "Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us”. (Ephesians 3:20). When combined with fasting, prayer can change the unchangeable and achieve the impossible(Matt 17:21; Isaiah 58:8-14. My prayer for us all this year is that God will exceed our prayer expectations and imagination in Jesus' name.

However, prayer will only work powerfully for those who pray diligently. At the very least, the person who does not ask will not get. Yes, God in his mercy can intervene even before a person prays but that is exception rather than the rule. If you don't pray, there will be no prayer to answer. "You have not because you ask not. (James 4:3) Jesus confirmed this when he said. "Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete". (John 16:24).

Our goal this month is to receive from God through prayer and fasting. Fasting makes prayer a powerful combo. Therefore, invite your friends and family to church in the next four weeks, as we focus on the purpose, power and practice of prayer. Meanwhile, I bow my knees to God our Father through our Lord Jesus Christ, that He may grant you answers to your earnest prayers according the riches of his glory; and above all strengthen you by his Spirit in your inner being until Christ dwells in your heart richly. Join us. Let us pray!

#PastorPeterOkaka, #TheBETTERLife, #FreshwaterChristianHouse, #Fastingandpraying, #newyear, #dominion,

PRAY AND FAST

TheBETTERLife Post
Week of December 29, 2014-January 3, 2015

It is true that how we finish is more important than how we start. But sometimes if we start out on the wrong side we may never get to the finish line. For this reason, it is important that we start well by inquiring from the Lord who knows the end from the beginning. One of the best ways to do this is through prayer and fasting.

Prayer is the official communication means between man and God. When combined with fasting, prayer properly positions us to receive signals and direction in the form of ideas, insights, concepts and discernment from God.

Why bother to ask God?

Because most of us have plans for tomorrow. Yet, none of us knows tomorrow. What appears to us to be the right way and the right plan at first can lead to disaster in the end. But if we commit our ways to the Lord God and trust in him; if we acknowledge him in all our ways and do not lean on our own understanding or plan, he will direct our steps. No one will argue that prayer of inquiry is better than a prayer of rescue because many are the plans in a man;s heart but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails.

That is why our loving Father God who knows the end from the beginning declares to all: "Call to me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things that you do not know. For I know the plans that I have for you. They are plans for good and not disaster, to give you a future and a hope".

So, before we set out to do anything we have planned for the coming months in new year, let us heed God's call. Let us inquire from the Lord and trust him with all our hearts to lead us. We are free to make our plans but let us not rely on what we know. Rather let us acknowledge God and ask him to direct our paths in the new year. With God leading, we believe that 2015 shall go down in history as our year of undeniable DOMINION.

#PastorPeterOkaka, #TheBETTERLife, #FreshwaterChristianHouse, #Fastingandpraying, #newyear, #dominion

FOLLOW YOUR HEART? IT DEPENDS...

TheBETTERLife Post
Week of December 22-27, 2014

FOLLOW YOUR HEART?  It Depends...

"Just follow your heart” is a common advice we give to friends and people we know without thinking of what might be resident in their hearts.

Following our hearts is only as good as what lies in our hearts.
~ Adolf Hitler followed his heart and he brought war and death to the world.
~ Martin Luther King Jr. followed his heart and he brought life and freedom to the world
~ Judas Iscariot followed his heart and ended up with suicide.

For our hearts to lead us in the right direction, we must first put the right stuff in there.

So next time you want to advice a friend to follow their heart, it might be good to first ask them “what’s in your heart”? Or more appropriately: “who lives in your heart”?. And before you follow your own heart, ask yourself the same question. There is a way that appears to be right to a person but in the end it leads to death.

But God has a better way - The JESUS WAY.

Jesus does not just know the way to go, he is The WAY!

On JESUS WAY, there is no night, darkness or confusion corners because Jesus is the LIGHT - a lamp for our feet by night and light on our paths by day!

On JESUS WAY you do not need directional signs because Jesus will not just show you the way, he will walk with you and lead you along.

As the good shepherd, he feeds, guides and shield us. When he leads, we do not lack because he makes us to lie down in fresh tender, green pastures.
~ He leads us beside the still and restful waters.
~ He refreshes and restores our souls.
~ He leads us in the paths of righteousness just to honour his name.

Yes, though we may walk through the scary and sunless valleys of the shadow of death, we will fear no evil. Why? The Almighty is with us.
~ His rod and staff is there to protect and guide us, and that brings comfort!
~ When the enemy comes our way, Jesus rises to the task and spreads a red carpet for us to have a feast while the enemy watches in frustration and afar off.
~ He honours us by anointing our heads with oil while his angels fill our cups with overflowing blessings.

Following this shepherd guarantees that only goodness, mercy, and unfailing love shall follow us all the days of our lives.

This is why we have made a covenant to follow this shepherd and live in his house forever.

JESUS WAY is the big WHY of Christmas. So choose to follow the JESUS WAY this Christmas and always

Merry Christmas!

#PastorPeterOkaka, #FreshwaterChristianHouse
#TheBetterLife
#JESUS, #Christmas, #life, #reflections

IS TRUTH RELATIVE?

TheBETTERLife Post
Week of December 15-20, 2014

Some have informed us that there is no such thing as truth and that if truth does exists, it cannot be known. Others asserted that everything is true and nothing is true, insisting that truth is whatever the individual chooses to call truth and that 'what is true for one is not necessarily true for another' Does that sound familiar?

Well, if you carefully listen to the argument you would realize that much of the confusion lies in information overload. In our technologically advanced Information Age, there appears to be too much to browse and too many options to choose from. As a result many have become confused about the truth.

THE WAY I SEE IT

In nature, some things are similar while others are opposite. Opposite things are usually easy to distinguish but not so easy with similar things. In both cases however, we do have  common grounds.

First, similar things are not the same things. For example, in some of our nocturnal cities, midnight may look exactly like midday. It's as bright and busy as noonday. But no one will argue that midnight - no matter how bright and busy - is not the same as midday.

Second, similar things may be identical in looks but opposite in composition.
Some identical twins are difficult to distinguish. Again, you'll agree that no matter how identical such twins may look, they are different people. Often, they are different in gender, temperament and other important compositional make up.

Third, whatever is true must  of necessity be constant or eternal in nature. It must be affected by variable conditions. Making truth the reference from which all others take their bearings.

From these we may simply conclude that:

1. TRUTH does exist and can be known. Just because we don't know which one is true does not mean that none is true or that all is true.

2. TRUTH is not relative. For anything to be relative it must take its bearing from a constant. Whatever that constant is must also be the truth. Therefore, truth cannot be relative to itself.

The only one that meets all these conditions is JESUS.

JESUS declared and demonstrated that he is the TRUTH. "I am the way the TRUTH and life" he said. Some may sound like the TRUTH but are not the same as TRUTH. Some may act like the TRUTH but they are in fact lies.

JESUS demonstrated by his birth, death, resurrection, Holy Spirit as well as his promised return, that he is the TRUTH that was, is and ever will be. Some may claim deity but none transcends time and change like JESUS.

To know JESUS is to know the truth and to know the truth is to look intently and reverently into the WORD of God.

May this be for you a week of discoveries and blessings! In Jesus' name.

#PastorPeterOkaka, #FreshwaterChristianHouse
#TheBetterLife
#JESUS, #Christmas, #life, #reflections

DEATH DONUTS ~ THE UNIDENTIFIED KILLER [5]

~ DEATH DONUTS ~ THE UNIDENTIFIED KILLER [5]
[the case of the good life and the better life]

DEATH DONUTS are the delicious and desirable sweet things we eat, see, hear, think and do regardless of our conscience alarm that these are not good for us. Death donuts may be pleasant to see and sweet to taste at first but in the end they will cause chaos, confusion, disaster and death.

Death donuts have been sold and served by the Serpent Restaurant since the days of Adam and Eve and is still here today. With one hand the Waiters serve death donuts and with the other hand they flag a sign: "did your father say you should not eat death donuts? Don't mind your mom, death donuts won’t kill you right away"
While the foolish son takes, eats and pays the high price, the wise son walks away free remembering what The Father said:

 "My son, obey your father’s commands, and don’t neglect your mother’s instruction. Keep their words always in your heart. Tie them around your neck. When you walk, their counsel will lead you. When you sleep, they will protect you. When you wake up, they will advise you.

 For their command is a lampand their instruction a light; their corrective discipline is the way to life. It will keep you from the immoral woman, from the smooth tongue of a promiscuous woman.

 Don’t lust for her beauty. Don’t let her coy glances seduce you. For a prostitute will bring you to poverty, but sleeping with another man’s wife will cost you your life.

 Can a man scoop a flame into his lapand not have his clothes catch on fire? Can he walk on hot coals and not blister his feet? So it is with the man who sleeps with another man’s wife. He who embraces her will not go unpunished”. (Proverbs 6:20-29) nlt

Think and Talk about It:
1. Can anyone live on a meal of sugars and not suffer health problems?
2. In ways are we commonly tempted to eat, see, think and do things that we know are bad for us?
3. How can we arm ourselves to make good choices on the day of temptation?

#PeterOkaka
Freshwater Christian House - KW -ON
#Sacrificeandstrategies, November 2014
#theBETTERlife © 2014 -

~ Thief Guard ~ THE UNIDENTIFIED KILLER [3]

TheBETTERLife Post
November 26, 2014

THE UNIDENTIFIED KILLER [3]
[the case of the good life and the better life]

Who is looking after your valuables?

THIEF GUARDS do not come as thieves but as good-nature guards who would look after your valuables and guarantee your safety. They convince you with their credentials of competence and oil of eloquence to leave your goods in their care but they are actually after your valuables.

Judas Iscariot was a competent and caring companion of Christ the Messiah - competent enough to be appointed a disciple and caring enough to be put in charge of the welfare treasury. But Judas knew more than a thing or two about money and people. While entrusted with the responsibility of looking after the treasury, Judas was pulling strings of politics and power. He was negotiating and sealing deals at the back door. His mission was not just to rob his master but to kill him. He did it with a kiss on his master's face.

No matter your argument there are still Judas Iscariots with us today. We need to be wise and strategic. Good news is if they repent Christ's arms are wide open to receive them but if they don't repent the field of Akeldama is waiting for them.

Who is your trusted guard? Who is looking after your valuables? Who promised to protect your precious? Who has the key to your heart, your house and your hot tub? - where your money, children, privacy and future lies? Sometimes the Guard is the thief you need to watch. We cannot eradicate thief guards but we can protect ourselves and mitigate their effects with the word of God and divine strategies..

Think and Talk about It:
1. What are the common signs that a buddy or cherished companion could be a thief?
2. What should be our first response when we discover that our trusted keepers are the killers?
3. How might we protect our valuables and future of those coming after us?

#PeterOkaka

#FreshwaterChristianHouse - KW -ON

#Sacrificeandstrategies, November 2014

#theBETTERlife © 2014 -

THE UNIDENTIFIED KILLER [2]

TheBETTERLife Post
November 25, 2014

THE UNIDENTIFIED KILLER [2]
[the case of the good life and the better life]

Who among your ‘good friends is the EVIL ONE?

EVIL FRIENDS do not come as enemies but as good friends. They come with open arms to hug but tied underneath their arms are deadly explosives. They smile when we face them and stab when we back them. They say the nicest words that twinkle our ears but in their words are lies and emptiness that leave their victims helpless, hopeless and busted in the end. Evil friends were there yesterday, they are here today and they will be there tomorrow. They can be anywhere at home, school, work, church or community.

The advice of Jonadab, the evil friend of Amnon which led to the rape of innocent Tamar and the death of Amnon and eventual collapse of David’s family is a case in point that history will never forget (Read full account 2 Samuel 13). As it is in all cases with evil friends, their “love” quickly turns to hate once they have accomplished their objectives; they usually survive and live on after their victim’s tragedy. Does this sound familiar or does it amaze you?

Truth is, once-upon-a-time evil friends can change their ways after encountering God and become authentic friends with proofs. When this happens, we are to forgive them, accept them and love them as if they never erred. But if they would not change, we must identify, quarantine and treat them as evil friends with explosives under their arms. We must sacrifice their friendship on the altar of our destinies before they murder our future. Is there a ‘good friend’ that you need to disconnect with in order that you might connect with better friends?

Each of us has an evil friend. The one who cares nothing about our good and progress; and yet the ones to whom we run to hug and report our progress.

Think about it and share your thoughts:
1. What are the traits of evil friends?
2. How might we identify evil friends among our authentic friends?
3. What practical steps can we take to safely salvage the situation of an evil friendship?

#PeterOkaka

#FreshwaterChristianHouse - KW -ON

#Sacrificeandstrategies, November 2014

#theBETTERlife © 2014 -

DRIFTING or SAILING?

There are two main ways to do this LIFE VOYAGE: by sailing or by drifting.

Life is like a mighty ocean with vast fluidity and endless possibilities.

Unlike the rail tracks or land routes, the ocean of life does not impose many boundaries and restrictions - either from above, below or sideways. This leaves the man or woman in the boat to choose to sail purposely or to drift aimlessly.

Whichever option you chooses, one thing is certain: your final DESTINATION will tell.

While we may be free to choose to drift through life, we are not free to choose the destination our drifting course will take us.

On the other hand, if we choose to sail purposely with a map, a compass (GPS) and communication devices that can connect us to the Control Tower, there will be no wind or storm powerful enough to stop us until we get to our final destination.

So, are you drifting or sailing? I pray that you will choose to sail and as you do, you will get to your desired destination and finish your life voyage well - in JESUS name.

Have a blessed day!

#PeterOkaka

#FreshwaterChristianHouse

THE ONE WHO GOT HIRED BY THE KING

The KING has a Special Recruitment Program and the KING is God.

God selects people in every GENERATION to be his Special Assistants and Ambassadors on FOREIGN (earth's) affairs.

No, God does not select by colour, age, gender, nationality, luck, profile or popularity - It takes more than brains and a degree from Harvard or Princeton to work for the KING of kings.

THIS IS HOW GOD RECRUITS

Once, God sent Samuel to recruit a Special Assistant for him in the nation of Israel. Samuel put out a job ad and all screened candidates were invited for interview.

"When they arrived, Samuel took one look at Eliab and thought, “Surely this is the Lord’s anointed!” But the Lord said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:6-7) NLT

The same thing happened for all the seven candidates that were interviewed by Samuel that day. None of them met the KING's qualification.

In one last attempt, Samuel asked if there was anyone else who's not been interviewed. It turned out there was one left out during the screening and selection process. His name was David Jesse

DAVID WAS BROUGHT IN

And the Lord said, “This is the one; anoint him.” 1Samuel 16:12

DAVID did not have a tall resume.

DAVID was a reddish skinned young man- the type you'd ignore in a beauty contest but he had a positive attitude.

DAVID was the errand boy for the Big boys at home

DAVID was not qualified to sit with special guests at the family table.

DAVID was the one left to feed the livestock - or should we say house chores when the rest went to party and movie theatres.

YET DAVID GOT THE JOB

After David was selected, he got his first job in the King's Palace as musician
And that was re beginning of David's ascent to the throne.

Why did David get the job he did not apply for and literally not qualified for?

DAVID had a GREAT HEART for God and people.  His internal affairs was in order.

"I have FOUND David my servant; with my holy oil have I anointed him: With whom my hand shall be established: mine arm also shall strengthen him" Psalm 89:20-21

The ONE who gets the KING's job could be any one from any nation - white or black, male or female, bond or free, beautiful or ugly, educated or illiterate. But THAT ONE must have a great HEART for GOD and GOD's PURPOSE on earth.

Continued ....

#PeterOkaka

#GetRightWithGod

#FOOTSTEPSofGREATNESS

#Freshwater Christian House

WHY SOME DON'T GET THE KING'S JOB

I know by experience that interviewing candidates and making hiring decisions can be an intense dilemma not only for the candidate but also for the Recruiter.

I'd been in situations where "I knew" that the perfect-looking-perfect-sounding candidate would not get the job. At first, I could not easily describe the reason for refusal other than "chemistry" or "best fit".

Of course, I know now that there is more to rejection of candidates than "physical chemistry" and "team fit".

No, its not colour, age, gender, nationality, luck or the profile on resume. Only the incompetent and ill-hearted Recruiters would reject the best candidate on such grounds.

Rejection of "perfect candidates" happens and it's really more about the "internal affairs" of the candidate in relation to the job.

By Internal affairs, I mean the things going on in the life and mind of the candidate which she/he is desperately trying to hide from the Recruiter.

For reasons that the seasoned Recruiter can't fully explain, he just knows that the candidate is:

> Lying though she/he appears to be saying the truth.

> anxious and desperate about something she/he is afraid you would find out

> re-emphasizing and exaggerating the obvious while avoiding the question asked - a sign there's something under sleeves

> not interested in the job but in money to pay bills

> plus other possibilities.

Are there things going on in your life that might be standing in your way of living the life of your dream? The first step to taking care of them is taking care of your internal affairs.

#PeterOkaka

WOULD THE KING HIRE YOU?

WOULD THE KING HIRE YOU?

Every generation has key leaders - outstanding people who command the attention, admiration and emulation of their generation and generations after them by the positive impact they make.

These leaders could be selected to lead in business, politics, religion, education, family, communities, nations and the world.

As Athletes compete for prizes and politicians campaign for positions, so each of us strives to attain these celebrated "leadership positions".

Our striving begins from the day we are born and continues till the day we die.

We want to stand out and be heard in business, politics, religion, family, communities, nations and ultimately rule the world.

We want to stand out and be heard in our respective fields of endeavour and ultimately rule the world.

In our quest to become "the chosen leaders" in our generation, we may employ various strategies and tactics:

> Criticize those in position of leadership and authority or look for ways to support them.
> Compete with those who seem to be rising out of obscurity and emerging into leadership positions in their various fields or compliment them.
> Identify those we consider to be bad examples in our world and beat them or join them.

Yet, there are those who stand out in every generation without a fight.

> They mysteriously rise from obscurity through obstacles and oppositions to emerge trans-generational leaders.

> They emerge as to become our Role Models and Change Agents who creat the social, economical and spiritual atmosphere of our societies.

> They build  old waste places and transform our culture.

> They see opportunities and dangers ahead and mobilizes their people to maximize the opportunities and avoid the dangers.

> They lay foundations for future generations to build upon their successes and achievement.

> They literarily determine how the rest of the world live, work and relate with man and God.

Without these generational change agents, our world will be far less than what it is today.

BUT HOW DO THESE LEADERS EMERGE?

Who is the KING? How does the KING hire generational leaders and change agents?

Continued.....

#PeterOkaka

#GetRightWithGod

#FOOTSTEPSofGREATNESS

#Freshwater Christian House

GET RIGHT WITH GOD

GET RIGHT WITH GOD

The MOST IMPORTANT THINGS in life are often overlooked and taken for granted:

> the air we breathe, friends and family who love us, the future that is yet to come, our hearts that beats daily, the day we'll die or depart this world, the value we are adding to others and most importantly --- our relationship with GOD

In contrast, the least important things in life are often overvalued and given the most attention ---

> the colour of our skin and how we look, enemies and other people who don't like us, today's seasonal pleasure, the day we were born, the reputation we try to protect with career, clothes, social connection, position, power and unfortunately --- our approval of certain evils just because they are popularly accepted.

In my study of TRULY GREAT MEN, I have discovered that TRUE GREATNESS is impossible without first putting the MOST IMPORTANT THINGS in their proper places.

CHARACTER is more important than charisma.

INTEGRITY is more important than intelligence

DEPENDABILITY is more important than people skills

IMPACT is more important than influence

FORGIVENESS is more important than justice

LOVE is more important than hate

WHO you are is more important than what you have.

VISION is more important than sight

FULFILMENT of purpose is more important than enjoyment of seasonal pleasures

LIFE, ETERNAL LIFE is more important than death- eternal death.

A major step towards a great life is getting our PRIORITIES right.

THE TOPMOST IMPORTANT CHOICE you will ever make in your priority list is to BE RIGHT WITH GOD. You start this process by responding to God's love for you through JESUS CHRIST.

GOD, not man has the FINAL WORD on every matter in life including LIFE itself

Continued---

Have a blessed day.

#PeterOkaka

#GetRightWithGod

#FOOTSTEPSofGREATNESS

#Freshwater Christian Houseu

DO GOOD TO PEOPLE ANYWAY

#FootstepsofGREATNESS [5d]

SECOND, DO GOOD ANYWAY & CLING TO GOD

I call this the rule of GODLINESS.

The most important thing to keep in mind when doing good is that your reward will not necessarily come from the people you once helped.

Truth is, some people that you've helped will get up and forget you. But if you are in God's plan for your life and have allowed godliness to direct your actions, you good deeds will produce good harvest. God can raise up total strangers as Angels to reward you.

PERHAPS the hardest group of people to deal with are those who will not only refuse to help you but are determined to hurt you for no reason.

This is what happened in the case of Joseph.

Joseph's envious brothers sold him off to slavery. His only crime was that he had a BIG PLAN. As a result, Joseph faced several mistreatment, humiliation and even unjust jail term.

But Joseph survived.

He did more than survive; he thrived and became a prime minister in the same land he suffered injustice.

In the end, those who sold Joseph into slavery became slaves who relied on Joseph for survival. But as is characteristic of great people, Joseph remained godly. He said to his brothers "you meant it for evil but God turned it around for good"

That's the point:

If you mean to do good for others and they turn around to do you evil, God will always turn it around for your good.

So, don't worry about people users, make big plans and be godly. Never repay evil with evil. Instead conquer evil with godliness.

In conclusion,

ONE KIND WORD for those who may have been hurt by people and have resolved to hurt other people in return.

Did you know that one of the reasons many people remain small is because they have ill intentions towards others no matter how justified they may feel?

Having ill intentions towards people will force you to not only withhold your hand from helping people but to also keep them grounded.

Truth is, the person you are determined to ground may not rise and you wouldn't either. A wise man said "to keep a man on the ground you would have to stay there with him"

LIFE is an association and the goal of every association is to help each other rise to greatness and not to keep each other grounded.

That's why the bible says two are better than one because when one falls the other can help him to rise.

So whatever you would that men do to you do so to them. Your actions are your seeds waiting for a harvest
People will sooner or later reap whatever they sow unless they repent.

The was the path the Great men and women ahead of us walked. If we walk the same path it will lead us to GREATNESS.

The End

Have a blessed weekend

#PeterOkaka