ALTERNATIVES APPEAL TO FEELINGS

ALTERNATIVES APPEAL TO FEELINGS

Alternative is seeming the opposite of indispensable. While the fomer is about a noun " offering or expressing a choice," indispensable connotes that which is "not subject to being set aside or neglected. It is a thing or a person that is regarded as absolutely necessary and essential."  Even to a medicine that can cure an ailment, the alternative to its non availability is death. God forbid!

God made man to realize his limitations. No man can add a cubic to his lifespan. God can raise stones to serve his purpose in the land of the living. Donkey had spoken to human being before. Fish was used to bring forth money.  Fish had carried a man ashore from ragging waters. Water had been made a rammed  ground for people to walk upon. A bird was assigned to and brought food for God's servant during drought. There's always an alternative to anything, any place and any individual.

We must see life as filled with alternatives.  Leaders must see their lives as transient. Couples must enjoy themselves fully.  It should be noted that whatever you refuse to give or accept from your spouse may be gotten from an alternative. Ungodly as it sounds, sooths or serves, it is not the original nor be regarded as the best,  but an alternative.

Alternative can not always offer  originality in continuity of service. Hence, we must insist on the best and not the alternative. Your being indispensable should advise you to do your best and make needed sacrifices to keep any relationship you enter into to work. In marriage , finance, romantic sex dynamics, communication and related matters must be shared intimately.

Alternatives are outside,  no one is indispensable. That is the foundation of discretions and discrete lives. Let us learn from the indispensable God and be so close to each other and see the alternatives as inferior to the original. Sustain every relationship with sacrifice . You must realise that alternative is appealing to an individual who is not fulfilled. Be fulfilled in one another. Avoid alternatives.

@okbabarinde
Relationship Advisor for Maximum Output
Nov 11, 2015

5 Essential Lessons From The Life And Times Of Deacon Gamaliel Onosode

5 Essential Lessons From The Life And Times Of Deacon Gamaliel Onosode

October 2, 2015 Inspirational Stories
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When the news of the death of Deacon Gamaliel Offoritsenere Onosode filtered the media some days ago, Nigerians from all works of life cannot but pour in their condolences. There is no doubt the country has lost one of its greatest technocrats and seasoned administrators.

Different names were used to describe the impact Onosode made in Nigeria's public and private sector; boardroom Czar, Colossus etc. The fact is; Deacon Onosode is true to type and has set his mark on the sand of time and engraved his name among Nigeria greatest citizens that ever lived.

But how was he able to gain such kind of influence and affluence in his lifetime? Looking through his biography, one can easily spot five markers that set him apart from others. These markers are worthy lessons anyone aspiring to rise to prominence should learn.

1. He was raised with discipline and the fear of God

Of many things that contributed to his success, Onosode was always making reference to the strict family background he had. Not only was the background strict, it was also one that was filled with instructions about God. Little wonder why Deacon Onosode grew up as a devout Christian who was proud of his faith and preferred to be referred to as Deacon even in boardroom meetings.

I'm convinced that his appellation as 'Mr Integrity' didn't just come from discipline alone but also from the fear of God that ensues from understanding biblical principles. He took his faith to the public and private sector and has no stain. That's worthy of emulation! Here is what former President Goodluck Jonathan wrote about him:

In the difficult ter­rain of public service, Onosode excelled through dedication and selfless service, resulting in his immense contributions to the nation's development and economic growth. He operated ahead of his time by striving to introduce a controlled ap­proach to public finance, at a time when prudent management of resources was largely ignored in many public offices. He was a devout Christian whose ex­emplary life positively affected the lives of many Nigerians.
2. He was a man committed to excellence and growth

Onosode would not have risen to prominence if he had not been committed to excellence, growth and personal development. He was said to have 'operated ahead of his time'. This shows that even when the examples around him were not looking like what should be, he took a step further to break new frontiers and set a pace for others to follow. That's the power of vision! One would never be able to attain excellence unless one is being driven by a great vision. His commitment to excellence and growth brought him to the limelight and attracted patronage from all and sundry.

3. He did not follow crooked means to rise to prominence

We have had it several times that if you want to be successful in life and especially in a country like Nigeria, you may have to be dubious or fetish. Many people of his rank rose to prominence either by dubious or fetish means. Even with hard work, some still believes in some quarters that you may need to join occultic groups to aid your rise in life. Onosode's life has proven that those are not required for prominence in life. He proved with his life that biblical integrity, hard work and dedication are enough to rise to any height in life.

4. He was a man of many hats

Since success principles are universal, they are also replicable. Onosode replicated his successful life in virtually all his endeavour. He started a church (Good News Baptist Church) in his sitting room in Lagos on 1st February 1984. The church boasts of over 2000 members today, one that is well reckoned with in his Baptist denomination.

He served as Pro-Chancellor for quite a number of top universities and tertiary institutions in Nigeria. He was chairman board of directors for many private companies in Nigeria and was at a time the Presidential Candidate of the All Nigeria People's Party. He made his mark all around. Onosode also maintained his root with his native Urhobo community and sometimes dressed in his native attires to functions. He was once said to have delivered a poetic speech absolutely in Urhobo language to the amazement of his fellow kinsmen.

5. He lived long enough to fulfil his dreams

When you see Deacon Onosode even at his old age, he still looked fit and wears a countenance that is appealing. That must have been born out of a life of discipline that must have included proper diet, exercise and a good approach to life. It's not far-fetched to see people with growing wealth to begin to grow bellies. Old age is a gift from God, but human beings have responsibilities to keep fit too. He must have strived over the years to keep his body in good condition. Even at 82, he wasn't preparing to die as he told a close source he would be back soon in Nigeria from his trip abroad. But as God would have it, he was back home to go home.

The article '5 Essential Lessons From The Life And Times Of Deacon Gamaliel Onosode' appeared first on Temitope Akinola's Blog

GOOD SUCCESS OVERSHADOWS WEAKNESSES

GOOD SUCCESS OVERSHADOWS WEAKNESSES

Disabilities  and limitations are human. To be weak is temporary. To manifest weakness requires intentional effort so that such is overcomed.

Grace has been a divine solution to man's weaknesses. Knowledge is a remedy to weak points or areas. We all need the sufficiency of the  unhindered grace of God  that is powered by the Lord's fortitude given unto us to move forward.

Wether it is your weak points or your weaknesses, God can make you strong. Believe and confess that  " I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

We are all destined for success. Good success is a product of keeping to the word of God. Human factors,  administrative procedures and we ourselves can be instrumental to an experience of failure.  Success is equally not achieved based on energy or human capacity to make things work.  It is not he that planted,  not the specialist in irrigation that waters but ultimately, it is God who alone blesses and brings increase.

Success is possible. The road to success is not easy to navigate, but with hard work, drive and passion, it's possible to achieve it. The limiting thoughts are not good. Slothfulness will not help the matter.  Only the visionary and those that refuse to quit when failure is experienced in an experiment will end up with invention.

Mentors are pathfinders.  Guardians are good.  Leaders must be followed. Ideas of Spiritual Directors must not be jettisoned. Success is easily achieved when you follow the principles and the path of those who have succeeded before . Choose to follow those who are following the footsteps of Jesus Christ. Hold on to the WORD of God and his promises.  I see you succeeding in the name of Jesus Christ

You are a carrier of grace for success. You are destined for maximum output.

Rev Dr Kehinde Babarinde
@okbabarinde
Relationship Advisor for Maximum Output

DAILY DEVOTIONAL JULY 28

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Tuesday, July 28

Isaiah 48:12-19

GOD IS THE BEST TEACHER

"I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you…." Isaiah 48: 18, NIV

Teaching is considered to be one of the most effective methods of transferring knowledge and skills to the learner. Among the qualities of a good teacher is the ability to learn new things, as well as efficiency at passing it across to the learner(s) through the most appropriate methods.

Amazingly, in spite of the principles and dynamics of teaching, there is still the problem of the falling standard of education. The reasons are simple: most teachers are deficient in grace. Again, some teachers are themselves struggling with some difficult issues of life, while majority does not understand the real needs and abilities of their learners.

Today's passage clearly reveals God as the best teacher. In contrast to all human teachers, God has good content, and He uses the appropriate methods. He also has the infinite requisite knowledge about the abilities, backgrounds, as well as the inhibiting social factors that are faced by the individuals (the learners).

Therefore, you will do well to submit to God's instructions, because they are best for you. If you are a teacher, you need to learn the art of teaching from Him.    

Birthday Blessing:  Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding…. Proverbs 3:5-6

Read Bible Through Passage: Job 17, 18, 19, 20; Acts 24

He who rejects the teaching of the Lord will receive the troubles of the devil. - Femi Okunlola
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DEVOTIONAL JULY 26TH 2015

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Sunday, July 26

Micah 7:14-20

GOD DELIGHTS IN SHOWING CLEMENCY
… You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. Micah 7:18c, NIV

The God we serve is merciful. Israel was to come under God's judgment due to her many sins as stated by prophet Micah.However, in the closing verses of the last chapter of the book of Micah, the Lord is revealed as showing clemency to His people. 

Specifically, the Lord promised to shepherd His people and show them His wonders (Micah 7:14-15); punish the nations that have oppressed His people (Micah 7:16-17); pardon the sins and transgressions of His people and show them His mercy (verses 18, 20).

The fact is that all of us are alive today because of the mercy of God. Otherwise, many of us would have become history. This challenges us never to run away from God whenever we miss the mark. We have the assurance as written in the scripture that we have the Lord Jesus Christ as our advocate before the Father (1 John 2:1).

Christ is always pleading on our behalf before God the Father. What are those sins that are making you to run away from God? You don't need to run away from Him but run to Him. He will show you His great mercy today.

Birthday Blessing: For the revelation awaits an appointed time… and will not delay. Habakkuk 2:3

Read Bible Through Passage: Job 10, 11, 12, 13; Acts 22

God does not give up. He works to turn sorrow into joy and the tragedy of unfaithfulness into the triumph of love. - James Montgomery 
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How to Become a Great Manipulator By Robby McAlpine

I will freely admit, right up front, that this is difficult to write about, because when I see spiritual manipulation taking place, it really steams my shorts. I will try my best to be civil.

My preference is to focus on the techniques that are so regularly used to shape — or, more accurately, to manipulate — people's opinions, beliefs, and paradigms. I believe this is more productive in the long term, rather than devolving into finger-pointing accusations at specific individuals or groups.

Therefore, I now present the following, tongue firmly in cheek…
perchance, you have a desire to become better skilled in the art of manipulating people into accepting your own personal heresies, here's a few insider tips:
(clears throat)

First and foremost, it's vitally important to begin well: this is best achieved by mocking anyone who values theology, before introducing any of your questionable teachings.

It's basically a preemptive strike: If you're going to introduce a biblically-questionable concept, remember that the ones best equipped to recognize, react, and refute it are those who value theology (and perhaps have theological training). Therefore, it only makes sense to discredit them in the eyes, ears, hearts and minds of your audience, first.

This is best done by using humor, caricatures, and apocryphal anecdotal horror stories about heartless theological thuggery (throw in a reference to the overlords in The Hunger Games for the desired emotional impact — this will also establish your 'culturally relevant' credentials). At the same time, be careful to style yourself as "just a regular guy trying to follow Jesus".

Another powerful and effective tactic is the Straw Man Argument:
Create a caricature of people's beliefs that you disagree with and then "prove" why only knuckle-dragging neanderthals with the collective IQ of algae would believe like they do. Be sure to infer that pastors and theologians fit this caricature (make that clear). Use humor to disguise the misrepresentations and character assassination — if you can get them laughing, they're with you.

Appealing to the emotions also works like a charm:
1.You can get the audience "in your corner" by inviting them to feel empathy for you; once they identify with you sympathetically, herd mentality will police discourage anyone from voicing concerns.
2.By appealing to the emotions (tell lots of tear-jerking stories, at regular intervals), you can effectively get people to stop thinking, which will create the ideal passive environment.

You can also deepen this level of sympathetic identification with testimonials about how misunderstood and attacked you've been, and how this has really wounded you. Very effective as a preemptive strike: anyone who would dare to later voice a concern with your teaching will be seen as "attacking", and will be lynched by the sympathetic sheeple herd.

Keep your voice carefully modulated and use a relaxed words-per-minute pace. This gains trust and reinforces your "average guy" credibility. Disguise your more obviously unbiblical ideas by saying them way too fast. Move to your next point quickly (or divert attention with a heart-warming story).

This is especially important when using out-of-context Bible verses. Quote these verses (or the fragments that you like) in rapid-fire succession, and quickly move on, before anyone has time to notice (or — God forbid — look them up).

Above all, remember to sprinkle your presentation — casually but repeatedly — with comments containing loaded language (i.e. institutional church, pharisees, control, hierarchy, dead religion, hypocrites, etc.) so that people will quickly agree with you, out of fear of being labeled in the same way.

Finally, emphasize your personal journey into humility, grace, and love, love, love (as opposed to anyone who disagrees with you, who are obviously arrogant, power-hungry haters).
(NOTE: These are just the techniques. Feel free to create your own false teachings to apply them to. You can't expect me to do everything for you.)

Robby McAlpine is a veteran pastor, missionary, musician, and author. And by "veteran," of course, we mean he's had many experiences — the good, the bad, and the ugly — and lived to tell about it. Robby and Wendy have been married for 30 years and have three awesome children.
Robby holds a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies from Providence University College, and a Masters of Theological Studies from Tyndale Seminary. He is a regular contributor at ThinkTheology.org, ChurchLeaders.com, and WorshipLinks.us.
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How to Become a Great Manipulator - ChurchPlants

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