We live in a hypercritical world in which every thing is criticised.People are critised for their names, age, colour,weight,religion,nationality,race,accent,dressing just to mention a few.Critics dont mind whether the trait being criticised is innate or cultivated, they just open their mouth and speak without thinking of the impact it has on their victims.Some criticsms are constructive though and are delivered with love.Others are destructive and meant to cause chaos and emotional harm.Wisdom has it that to be successful one must have thick skins capable of absorbing  and sorting criticisms.One must be strong enough to be himself otherwise critics will tear  him apart ,erasing the beauty of originality.Being yourself is beautiful and variety is the spice of life.The quite person must be strong enough not to turn into a talkative just because he said to be too quite.The extrovert must uphold his temperament and not cower under the criticsm of being too loquacios.We must all be bold and strong to be ourselves because God created us to differ and yet we are all in his perfect image.

 

 

PILLARS OF THE CHRISTIAN FAITH

There certain vital things that form the pillars of christianity.These include godliness, faith , love , prayer and the word.

Godliness is the foundation of all that has to do with God.Godliness is the same as holiness or righteousness.It includes upholding moral purity and the fear of God.Without this trait in our lives we can not count much in our walk with God.The holy God will only walk with Holy men.

Faith is next to godliness and this is what differentiates between christians.Why does one christian seem so prosperous ,rich and vitorious whiles another looks so feeble , weak and poor.The difference lies in their faith.Satan will bully u until u develop faith then he flees.A christian who knows how to operate in faith and authority is the one to watch.

Love is the cement that binds all virtues together as children of God.

By prayer we talk to God, the Most High and by His word we hear from Him.Its in prayer that faith is exercised and through the word power is given to the believer.As the physical body thrives on bread so our spirit feeds on the word of God.Thus man shall not live by bread alone but by every word of God.

 

 

THE ANOINTING

The anointing of the Holy Spirit and the power that goes with  it increases naturally as ones stays pure and holy after being baptized in the Holy Ghost.A person who relies on prayer to be anointed may have power for the moment but must soon go and pray again for refilling.Praying for power and anointing is good but must go along with pure living, else we oppose ourselves.However the annointing naturally flows into a life that is pure and undefiled.A cocnsistent life of godliness and purity creates an environment the Spirit of God simply loves and will move to occupy such holy vessels.That is why the prophets of God and all the mighty men God ever used were men who hated sin and lived pure.Apart from holy living the annointing and power also comes by lengthy and constant meditation on the word of God.There is power in the word of God and as one reads it he becomes empowered.Our spirits wax mighty and strong as we feed on the word of God and the anointing simply increases.Thus we must endeavor not just to read a few versus but chapters and even books at a sitting for the enduement of power.

 

ThOUGHTs, WORDS AND LIFE

The mind is every now and then bombarded with so many ideas and information which if not handled carefully could lead a person to loose focus and concentration.Our thoughts should not dwell on what we see around us but on what we want in life.We always reap what we sow, so that what we get in life is a reflection of our history of thoughts and words.To attain heights one one must first visualize what he wants in life and then think always and say those things that he desires.If present circumstances are not what you want ,then do not accept them in your mind and words.Dont belive or confess negative circumstances, despise them and connfess your vision.The scriptures enjoins us to walk by faith and not by sight.Though the things you want in life may not be readily at hand , live , think and speak as if those things were already there and soon they will become a reality.That is call those things that be not as though they were.This is the high road of faith that leads to the making of great men and women.This is how lives are transformed and visions are realized.

 

 

Dear Friend,

I bought a card for my god-daughter’s third birthday.  Her birthday falls on Valentine’s Day and the card jokingly said, “People born on Valentine’s Day are easier to love.”  It got me thinking – some people really are easier to love.  Why is that?  I think it is because some people are better at loving others.  Because they express love in healthy ways on a consistent basis, they also attract love into their lives.  It is a simple principle most of us have been taught repeatedly:  What you sow, you will also reap. 

So this week, I would like to serve as your loving reminder of what it means to love someone.  These are seven straightforward, at times difficult, but always effective strategies for loving others – and experiencing more love in return.  Saint Paul wrote them in the 13^th chapter of his first letter to the Corinthians.  We often hear the scripture recited at weddings.  This week, meditate on these words and find news ways to express love on a daily basis and strengthen your daily interaction with people you love – and even the ones you don’t! 

1. Love is patient.

People won’t always do what you want when you want them to.  Practice being patient – whether with your children, your significant other or the grocery cashier who takes too long to ring up your order.  Everything happens for a reason – and that includes the timing of when things happen.  Be patient and learn the lesson that comes in the process of enduring the wait. 

2. love is kind.

Every single day, choose to be kind.  Ask yourself each morning, “How could I be a blessing to someone today?”  Whether it is a kind word, a loving gesture or helping someone in need, seek ways to be kind daily.  Not only will it be a blessing to those you encounter, but it simply feels good to your soul. 

3. love does not envy.

There will always be someone who appears to have “more” or to be doing better.  Make a decision not to be envious of others, but in every circumstance of life to find a reason to thankful.  Jealousy poisons your attitude, builds resentment and can ruin relationships.  Rather than envying those who have something you would like to have, learn from them.  Even be inspired by them.  And simultaneously, choose to be content with what you have while you journey towards something better. 

4. love does not boast and is not proud.

Resist the temptation to boast about yourself, your accomplishments or your loved ones.  It often only makes others feel “less than,” which of course, is not an _expression of love.  Practice humility.  Allow your accomplishments to speak for themselves.  Others often notice your good work and deeds, even without you having to make a big deal of them.  In fact, it is far more attractive to simply “be” great than to convince others of your greatness. 

5. love is not rude or easily angered.

We’ve all had our moments when our behavior has been less than considerate.  But next time you feel the urge to be inconsiderate of others or to jump to conclusions, stop yourself.  Take a deep breath and ask, “What would be a more loving response to this situation?”  That doesn’t mean that you allow others to walk all over you.  You can speak the truth to people in a very matter of fact way, without being rude.  Be considerate of others feelings and be willing to give people the benefit of the doubt. 

6. love keeps no record of wrongs.

Have you ever known someone who remembered every mistake you ever made or everything you ever did wrong?  As you have grown and become a better person, all they can remember is the person you used to be.  It is very frustrating and you may even find yourself ready to distance yourself from that person.  Learn from the past behavior of others – and protect yourself accordingly, when necessary – but resist the temptation to continually bring up everything someone has done wrong.  Love others by encouraging them towards a better future, not defining them by their past. 

7. LOVE REJOICES IN THE TRUTH.

So often, it seems we are afraid of the truth.  When something is wrong, we pretend everything is OK.  Often both parties will pretend even when both parties know what the problem is.  One of the most important love skills you can learn is to be honest.  Refuse to live lies or to accept lies as truth.  Have truthful conversations with yourself and others.  It allows you to get to the core of issues faster.  It empowers others to trust you.  It relieves the stress of tiptoeing around the real issues.  Learn to speak the truth in a spirit of love and kindness, and your life will be richer.

 

Peace & Love,

By Emma F. Williams