The Importance of Spiritual Parenting

Spiritual parenting is not just about teaching your children about God; it’s about modeling a lifestyle that reflects your faith. When you prioritize your relationship with God, your children will be more likely to do the same. Here are some reasons why spiritual parenting is so important:

• Sets a positive example: When you model godly behavior, your children will be more likely to follow your example.

• Provides a sense of purpose: Helping your children understand their purpose in life can give them direction and motivation.

• Fosters a sense of community: Connecting with other believers can provide a sense of belonging and support.

Creating a Godly Home Environment

Creating a godly home environment is crucial for raising godly children. Here are some tips to help you get started:

• Establish a regular family devotional time: Set aside time each day to read the Bible, pray, and discuss spiritual topics.

• Display Christian values: Decorate your home with Bible verses, Christian artwork, and other reminders of your faith.

• Prioritize church attendance: Regularly attending church can help your children develop a sense of community and accountability.

Modeling Godly Behavior

As a parent, you are your child’s most significant role model. Here are some ways to model godly behavior:

• Practice what you preach: Make sure your actions align with your words.

• Show kindness and compassion: Treat others with kindness and respect, even when it’s difficult.

• Be honest and transparent: Admit when you’re wrong and be willing to apologize.

Teaching Children to Pray

Teaching your children to pray is an essential part of their spiritual development. Here are some tips to help you get started:

• Start with simple prayers: Begin with short, simple prayers that your child can understand.

• Make prayer a habit: Encourage your child to pray regularly, such as before meals or bedtime.

• Be patient and encouraging: Don’t worry if your child struggles to pray at first. Be patient and encouraging, and remember that it’s a process.

Encouraging Bible Study

Encouraging your child to study the Bible can help them develop a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Here are some tips to help you get started:

• Make it fun: Use games, puzzles, and other interactive activities to make Bible study enjoyable.

• Use a children’s Bible: Choose a Bible that’s written for children and includes illustrations and explanations.

• Be consistent: Establish a regular Bible study routine and stick to it.

Real-Life Examples

But don’t just take our word for it! Here are some real-life examples of how spiritual parenting has impacted families:

• A family’s journey to faith: One family’s decision to prioritize their faith led to a deeper sense of purpose and connection.

• A child’s prayer answered: A child’s prayer for healing was answered, strengthening their faith and trust in God.

Conclusion

Raising godly children requires intentional effort and dedication, but the rewards are well worth it. By creating a godly home environment, modeling godly behavior, teaching children to pray, and encouraging Bible study, you can help your children develop a strong spiritual foundation that will last a lifetime.

Key Takeaways:

• Spiritual parenting is crucial for raising godly children.

• Creating a godly home environment can help your children develop a sense of purpose and community.

• Modeling godly behavior is essential for teaching your children about God.

• Teaching children to pray and encouraging Bible study can help them develop a deeper understanding of God’s Word.

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The Science Behind Worship Music

Research has shown that listening to music can have a profound impact on our brain chemistry, releasing endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin, which can improve our mood, reduce stress, and even alleviate symptoms of depression. But what makes worship music so unique? The answer lies in its ability to connect us with something greater than ourselves, fostering a sense of community, comfort, and spiritual connection.

The Benefits of Worship Music

So, what are the benefits of worship music, and how can it transform your life? Here are just a few examples:

• Reduces Stress and Anxiety: Worship music has been shown to reduce cortisol levels, heart rate, and blood pressure, making it an effective tool for managing stress and anxiety.

• Improves Mental Health: The uplifting and inspiring lyrics of worship music can help improve mental health by promoting positive thinking, self-esteem, and emotional regulation.

• Fosters Spiritual Growth: Worship music provides a powerful way to connect with God, fostering spiritual growth, and deepening our faith.

How to Harness the Power of Worship Music

So, how can you harness the power of worship music to transform your life? Here are some practical tips:

• Create a Worship Playlist: Make a playlist of your favorite worship songs and listen to it regularly, especially during times of stress or anxiety.

• Attend Worship Services: Attend worship services or concerts to experience the power of worship music in a community setting.

• Sing Along: Sing along to worship songs, even if you don’t feel like it. The act of singing can release endorphins and improve your mood.

• Reflect on the Lyrics: Take time to reflect on the lyrics of worship songs, allowing the message to sink deep into your heart and mind.

Real-Life Examples

But don’t just take our word for it! Here are some real-life examples of how worship music has transformed lives:

• Overcoming Depression: Sarah, a young mother, struggled with depression after the birth of her child. But after discovering worship music, she found comfort and hope in the lyrics, which helped her overcome her depression.

• Finding Peace: John, a busy entrepreneur, found himself struggling with anxiety and stress. But after attending a worship concert, he felt a sense of peace and calm wash over him, which has stayed with him ever since.

Conclusion

The healing power of worship music is a real and tangible force that can transform your life. By harnessing the power of music, you can reduce stress and anxiety, improve mental health, and foster spiritual growth. So, go ahead, create a worship playlist, attend a worship service, and sing along to your favorite worship songs. Your mind, body, and spirit will thank you!

Key Takeaways:

• Worship music has the power to transform your life by reducing stress and anxiety, improving mental health, and fostering spiritual growth.

• The science behind worship music reveals its ability to connect us with something greater than ourselves, releasing endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin.

• Practical tips for harnessing the power of worship music include creating a worship playlist, attending worship services, singing along, and reflecting on the lyrics.

• Real-life examples demonstrate the transformative power of worship music in overcoming depression, finding peace, and improving overall well-being.

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The Power of Faith in Overcoming Adversity

Faith is not just a feeling or a philosophy – it’s a powerful force that can help us overcome even the most daunting challenges. When we face trials and tribulations, our faith can be the difference between defeat and victory. Here are some ways that faith can help us overcome adversity:

• Trust in God’s plan: When we trust in God’s plan, we can rest assured that He is working everything out for our good.

• Find strength in community: Surrounding ourselves with people of faith can provide us with the support and encouragement we need to persevere.

• Focus on the present moment: Rather than getting bogged down in worries about the future or regrets about the past, faith helps us focus on the present moment and find peace in the midst of chaos.

Inspiring Stories of Faith

Here are some inspiring stories of faith that will encourage and motivate you:

• The story of Job: Job’s story is one of the most famous in the Bible. Despite facing unimaginable trials and tribulations, Job refused to give up on his faith. Instead, he chose to trust in God’s plan and wait patiently for His deliverance.

• The story of Daniel: Daniel’s faith was tested when he was thrown into a den of lions for refusing to worship the king’s idols. But instead of giving up, Daniel trusted in God’s power and was miraculously delivered.

Learning to Trust in God’s Plan

Trusting in God’s plan is not always easy, especially when we’re facing trials and tribulations. But it’s essential for building a strong and resilient faith. Here are some tips for learning to trust in God’s plan:

• Read and meditate on scripture: Reading and meditating on scripture can help us develop a deeper understanding of God’s character and plan.

• Pray and seek guidance: Praying and seeking guidance from God can help us discern His will and trust in His plan.

• Surround yourself with people of faith: Surrounding ourselves with people of faith can provide us with the support and encouragement we need to trust in God’s plan.

Finding Strength in Community

Finding strength in community is essential for building a strong and resilient faith. Here are some ways to find strength in community:

• Join a church or small group: Joining a church or small group can provide us with a sense of belonging and support.

• Attend faith-based events: Attending faith-based events can provide us with opportunities to connect with others who share our faith.

• Seek out mentors and role models: Seeking out mentors and role models can provide us with guidance and encouragement as we navigate the ups and downs of life.

Conclusion

Faith is the anchor that holds us steady in the midst of storms. When trials and tribulations come our way, it’s easy to feel like we’re losing our grip on faith. But with the right mindset and support, we can overcome even the most daunting challenges. Remember to trust in God’s plan, find strength in community, and focus on the present moment.

Key Takeaways:

• Faith is the foundation upon which we build our lives.

• Trusting in God’s plan is essential for building a strong and resilient faith.

• Finding strength in community can provide us with the support and encouragement we need to persevere.

• Focusing on the present moment can help us find peace in the midst of chaos.

• Inspiring stories of faith can encourage and motivate us to hold on to our faith, even in the toughest of times.

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Understanding Biblical Context

To truly understand the Bible, it’s essential to consider the historical, cultural, and literary context in which it was written. This includes:

• Historical context: Understanding the time period, location, and events that shaped the writing of the Bible.

• Cultural context: Recognizing the cultural and social norms that influenced the authors and their writing.

• Literary context: Identifying the literary devices, genres, and styles used in the Bible.

Interpreting Scripture

Interpreting scripture requires a thoughtful and intentional approach. Here are some tips to help you get started:

• Read the Bible in its entirety: Don’t just focus on individual verses or passages. Read the Bible from cover to cover to gain a deeper understanding of its overall message.

• Use biblical commentaries and study resources: Take advantage of commentaries, study Bibles, and online resources to gain insights from scholars and experts.

• Consider different translations: Compare different translations of the Bible to gain a more nuanced understanding of the text.

Applying Biblical Principles

The Bible is not just a historical or literary text – it’s a guide for living. Here are some ways to apply biblical principles to your life:

• Reflect on your values and priorities: Consider how the Bible’s teachings on love, compassion, and forgiveness can shape your values and priorities.

• Seek guidance for decision-making: Use the Bible as a guide for making decisions, seeking wisdom and discernment in times of uncertainty.

• Cultivate a sense of gratitude and wonder: Let the Bible’s stories and teachings inspire a sense of awe and gratitude for the world around you.

The Importance of Historical Context

Understanding the historical context of the Bible is crucial for interpreting its meaning. Consider the following:

• The ancient Near Eastern world: The Bible was written in a world vastly different from our own. Understanding the cultural, social, and historical context of this world can help you better understand the Bible’s teachings.

• The role of archaeology: Archaeological discoveries have shed new light on the Bible’s historical context, confirming the accuracy of many of its accounts.

Literary Devices in the Bible

The Bible is a literary masterpiece, employing a range of devices to convey its message. Here are some examples:

• Metaphor and simile: The Bible uses metaphor and simile to describe God, Jesus, and the human condition.

• Allegory and symbolism: The Bible employs allegory and symbolism to convey deeper truths and spiritual realities.

• Poetry and song: The Bible contains many poetic and musical passages, expressing the emotions and experiences of its authors.

Conclusion

Unlocking the secrets of the Bible requires patience, persistence, and a willingness to learn. By understanding biblical context, interpreting scripture, and applying biblical principles, you can discover the hidden treasures of this incredible book. Remember to consider historical context, literary devices, and the importance of reflection and application.

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding biblical context is essential for interpreting the Bible’s meaning.

• Interpreting scripture requires a thoughtful and intentional approach.

• Applying biblical principles can shape your values, priorities, and decision-making.

• The Bible is a literary masterpiece, employing a range of devices to convey its message.

• Unlocking the secrets of the Bible requires patience, persistence, and a willingness to learn.

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In response to this pressing need, Eternity Gospel Radio, Limbe, has launched the “Equip Children” initiative, a platform dedicated to supporting the education and well-being of these vulnerable children. This laudable effort aims to bridge the gap between privilege and underprivilege, ensuring that every child has an equal opportunity to succeed.

The Plight of Less Privileged Children

The statistics are staggering. According to UNESCO, approximately 258 million children and youth are out of school globally, with the majority being girls and children from disadvantaged backgrounds. In Cameroon, the situation is equally dire, with many children forced to abandon their educational pursuits due to financial constraints.

The consequences of inaction are far-reaching. Without access to quality education, these children are more likely to be trapped in a cycle of poverty, exploitation, and social exclusion. Their future prospects are severely limited, and their potential for growth and development is stifled.

The “Equip Children” Initiative: A Call to Action

In recognition of this pressing need, Eternity Gospel Radio, Limbe, is appealing to friends, partners, brothers, and sisters to join forces in supporting the “Equip Children” initiative. This platform seeks to provide essential educational resources to less privileged children, empowering them to attend school with dignity and confidence.

The initiative has identified a significant number of children in and around Limbe who require assistance with school fees, books, uniforms, shoes, school bags, pens, pencils, and other educational materials. Your generous support can help bridge this gap and bring hope to these deserving children.

How You Can Help

The “Equip Children” initiative invites you to be part of this worthy cause through your hearty donations. Your contribution can take various forms:

* **Financial Support:** Donate via Mobile Money (682796589/677631417) or Orange Money (699999665).
* **Material Donations:** Provide educational resources such as books, uniforms, shoes, school bags, pens, pencils, and other essential materials.
* **Volunteer Your Time:** Join the team on the designated distribution day to help hand over gifts to the children.

Distribution Day: A Celebration of Hope

The “Equip Children” initiative has programmed a special day for the distribution of gifts to the less privileged children. This event promises to be a celebration of hope and generosity, as the community comes together to empower the future generation.

* **Date & Time:** Saturday, 31st August 2024 at 11:00 a.m.
* **Venue:** Conference Hall, Eternity Gospel Radio, Bota – Limbe.

Conclusion

The “Equip Children” initiative is a testament to the power of collective action and the impact that can be achieved when individuals and organizations come together to support a worthy cause. By joining this effort, you can help create a brighter future for less privileged children in Limbe and beyond.

As Maurice WELABI NGUEMAKO Esq., founder of Eternity Gospel Radio, aptly puts it, “Giving is Love; love is sacrificial.” Your contribution, no matter how small, can make a significant difference in the life of a child.

Let us join forces to empower the future generation and create a world where every child has access to quality education, regardless of their background or financial situation.

**Contact Information:**

For more information, please call 678227228/682796589/675031017 or visit www.eternitygospelradio.org

Together, we can make a difference and equip less privileged children for a brighter tomorrow.

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The Benefits of Prayer

Prayer has numerous benefits, including:

• Reduced stress and anxiety: Prayer has been shown to decrease stress hormones and promote relaxation.

• Improved mental health: Prayer can help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety.

• Increased gratitude: Prayer helps us focus on the good things in life, cultivating gratitude and positivity.

• Deeper relationships: Prayer can strengthen our relationships with others, fostering empathy and understanding.

• Spiritual growth: Prayer helps us connect with God, leading to spiritual growth and a deeper understanding of ourselves.

Types of Prayer

There are various types of prayer, including:

• Adoration: Praising and worshiping God for who He is.

• Confession: Acknowledging and seeking forgiveness for our sins.

• Thanksgiving: Expressing gratitude for God’s blessings and provision.

• Supplication: Asking God for specific needs or desires.

• Intercession: Praying for others, seeking God’s intervention in their lives.

Tips for Effective Prayer

To make the most of your prayer time, consider the following tips:

• Create a prayer routine: Set aside a specific time and place for prayer each day.

• Be honest and authentic: Share your true thoughts and feelings with God.

• Use scripture: Incorporate Bible verses into your prayers, using God’s Word to guide your requests.

• Listen as well as speak: Take time to listen for God’s response, seeking guidance and wisdom.

• Pray with others: Join with friends, family, or a prayer group to experience the power of collective prayer.

Creating a Prayer Routine

Establishing a consistent prayer routine can help you stay connected with God and make prayer a habitual part of your daily life. Consider the following:

• Start small: Begin with short, manageable prayer sessions, gradually increasing the duration as you become more comfortable.

• Choose a quiet space: Find a quiet, distraction-free area where you can focus on your prayers.

• Use a prayer journal: Record your prayers, reflecting on your progress and growth over time.

Overcoming Prayer Barriers

Sometimes, prayer can feel daunting or uncomfortable. To overcome common prayer barriers, try the following:

• Don’t worry about words: Focus on the content of your prayer, rather than the words themselves.

• Let go of expectations: Release any preconceived notions about how prayer should feel or sound.

• Seek guidance: Consult with a spiritual leader or prayer mentor for support and guidance.

Conclusion

Prayer is a powerful tool that can transform your life and deepen your relationship with God. By understanding the benefits, types, and tips for effective prayer, you can cultivate a strong and meaningful prayer practice. Remember to create a prayer routine, be honest and authentic, and listen for God’s response. Don’t be afraid to overcome prayer barriers and seek guidance when needed.

Key Takeaways:

• Prayer has numerous benefits, including reduced stress and anxiety, improved mental health, and increased gratitude.

• There are various types of prayer, including adoration, confession, thanksgiving, supplication, and intercession.

• To make the most of your prayer time, create a routine, be honest and authentic, use scripture, listen as well as speak, and pray with others.

• Establishing a consistent prayer routine can help you stay connected with God and make prayer a habitual part of your daily life.

• Don’t be afraid to overcome prayer barriers and seek guidance when needed.

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Understanding the Nature of Hope

Hope is a complex and multifaceted concept that can be understood in different ways. At its core, hope is the expectation of a positive outcome or a better future. It’s the spark that ignites our motivation, drives us to take action, and gives us the strength to persevere.

According to psychologist Charles Snyder, hope is composed of three main components:

1. Goals: Having clear and achievable goals gives us direction and purpose.

2. Pathways: Identifying the steps needed to achieve our goals helps us create a plan and take action.

3. Agency: Believing in our ability to make a difference and take control of our lives empowers us to make positive changes.

The Importance of Self-Care

Taking care of ourselves is essential for maintaining hope. When we’re physically, emotionally, and mentally exhausted, it’s challenging to muster the energy to hope for a better future. Self-care is not a luxury; it’s a necessity.

Here are some self-care practices that can help you cultivate hope:

• Mindfulness: Practice mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga to calm your mind and reduce stress.

• Exercise: Engage in physical activity that brings you joy, such as walking, running, or dancing.

• Journaling: Write down your thoughts, feelings, and gratitudes to process your emotions and reflect on your experiences.

• Sleep: Prioritize getting enough sleep to help your body and mind recharge.

Building a Support Network

Surrounding ourselves with positive and supportive people can help us stay hopeful, even in the darkest times. Building a support network of friends, family, or a therapist can provide us with:

• Emotional support: Having someone to talk to and share our feelings with can help us feel heard and understood.

• Practical help: Receiving assistance with daily tasks or errands can alleviate some of the burden and give us more time to focus on our well-being.

• New perspectives: Hearing different viewpoints and ideas can help us see things from a new angle and find creative solutions to our problems.

Finding Hope in the Darkest Times

When faced with adversity, it’s natural to feel hopeless. However, it’s in these moments that we need to dig deep and find the strength to hope. Here are some strategies to help you find hope in the darkest times:

• Reframe your thinking: Challenge negative thoughts and reframe them in a more positive light.

• Focus on the present: Instead of worrying about the future or dwelling on the past, focus on what you can control in the present moment.

• Celebrate small wins: Acknowledge and celebrate small victories, even if they seem insignificant.

• Practice gratitude: Reflect on the things you’re thankful for, no matter how small they may seem.

Conclusion

Finding hope in the darkest times requires effort, patience, and perseverance. By understanding the nature of hope, prioritizing self-care, building a support network, and using practical strategies to cultivate hope, we can overcome adversity and emerge stronger and more resilient.

Key Takeaways:

• Hope is a complex and multifaceted concept that can be understood in different ways.

• Self-care is essential for maintaining hope and includes practices such as mindfulness, exercise, journaling, and sleep.

• Building a support network of positive and supportive people can provide emotional support, practical help, and new perspectives.

• Finding hope in the darkest times requires reframing negative thoughts, focusing on the present, celebrating small wins, and practicing gratitude.

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What is peace?

Peace is having mental, emotional and physical harmony. Peace is knowing that God cares about what is in our heart.

Peace is knowing that God has given each one of us unique gifts that we can use to help other people.

The peace that comes from knowing God.

Ever felt that peace in your heart that can come from knowing that no matter what this world throws at you, God is in control? The peace that comes from knowing that nothing can ever separate you from God’s love and nothing can ever separate you from God’s peace.

The peace that comes from knowing that no matter what this world throws at you, God is in control. The peace that comes from knowing that nothing can ever separate you from God’s love and nothing can ever separate you from God’s peace.

Why knowing God brings peace to your life.

Knowing God brings peace to your life.

One of God’s greatest gifts is knowing Him, His ways, and His purpose for your life. There’s no doubt that God exists: He has given us His Word, the Bible, which clearly shows His existence and His power.

He also calls us to fellowship with Him and to call upon Him in prayer.

But knowing God doesn’t mean we sit back and do nothing. He wants us to trust Him, obey Him, and love Him. In doing that, we are brought into an intimate relationship with our Father. And as we do, He gives us peace.

How knowing God brings peace to your heart.

Our world is full of stress, anxiety, and fear. It seems as though we can never be at peace; there is always trouble and turmoil around us.

But God made peace possible for us through His Son Jesus. Through Him, God sent peace to our hearts and to our world.

In John 14:27, Jesus promised His disciples that “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you.” The peace that Jesus gives is a peace that surpasses all understanding. It is a peace that comes from knowing that we are loved and forgiven by God.

When we allow Jesus to be our peace, we can find rest and assurance in the midst of all the chaos in our lives. We can know that God is in control, and that He is working out His purposes for us. We can be content in Him, even when things are difficult.

When we experience the peace of Jesus, we can share that peace with others. We can be a source of comfort and hope to those around us, especially in times of trial. We can show them that there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and that God is with them in their darkest moments.

What is the peace of Jesus like?

The peace of Jesus is a peace that surpasses all understanding. It is a peace that comes from knowing that we are loved and forgiven by God.

Ways God can bring peace to your life.

Here are 5 ways God can bring you peace in your life.

1. God’s peace is within you.

Isaiah 26:3 says, “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.”

God’s peace passes all understanding, and God’s peace does not rely on external circumstances, situations, or people. When you “let the peace of God rule in your hearts,” you’ll experience a deep and abiding sense of comfort and tranquility.

2. He will never leave you or forsake you.

Hebrews 13:5 says, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Sometimes, we can get so focused on our circumstances, our problems, and our struggles that we lose sight of what God has promised. In the midst of life, God’s presence, provision, and protection remain constant.

3. He will give you supernatural grace in times of trouble.

Hebrews 4:16 says, “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

When you find yourself in difficult circumstances, you need supernatural grace to help you endure. God’s peace will provide you with supernatural grace so that you’ll have the strength to endure.

4. God’s peace will guard your heart.

Hebrew 4:13 says, “Therefore let us fear if, while a promise remains of entering His rest, any one of you may seem to have come short of it.”

God’s peace is supernatural, supernatural strength that manifests itself in times of trouble. God’s peace will protect you from bitterness, resentment, and unforgiveness. God’s peace will give you supernatural grace to help you endure. God’s peace guards your heart.

5. God’s peace will enable you to be content.

Philippians 4:11 says, “I have learned in whatever state I am to be content.”

When you have God’s peace, you will be content in any circumstance. You will not be swayed by the opinions of others, the latest trends, or the latest gadgets. You will find contentment in Christ alone.

Conclusion

So, how do you find the Peace of God? By knowing God and trusting in Him. Trusting Him does not mean that you resign yourself to whatever happens. On the contrary, trusting God means that you know God is in control. Knowing God does not mean having a perfect knowledge of His ways and motives. But it means knowing He is in control and believing Him even when you cannot see His reasons. Through knowing Him, we have peace.

Wandji Nguemako

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A grandiose graduation ceremony

The ceremony kicked off with several items, notably: the ceremonial opening, the presentation of the colours, singing of the US national anthem, address by the keynote speaker, address of the Principal, address of Salutatorian, address of Valedictorian. The grand moment came for the handing over of certificates. I watched in awe as the names of the graduating students were called out one by one, and they marched unto the platform in turns, to receive their individual certificates from the hands of the Principal, Janelle Hatch-Miller.

 I could perceive the Principal, Janelle Hatch-Miller congratulating each graduating student, as she handed over their certificate with a handshake, a smile and even with a pat on the back. It was as if she was saying to each student, “Congratulations, well done, you are great…” It was indeed a great day for the graduating students, as they were about stepping into another phase of their lives. They had every reason to celebrate, having gone through a lot of hardship during the various classes over the years.

The above scenario is  undoubtedly replicated regularly in our daily lives worldwide, when people witness either job appointments, promotions, success in examinations or the winning of an election. These are all moments of joy and celebration of triumph over stress, temptations and other negative forces.

As I reflected over the graduation ceremony, my mind was drawn to what transpired between Jesus Christ and His disciples as narrated in the gospel of Luke 10:1-24. In this Bible passage, we are told amongst other things that, Jesus appointed seventy-two disciples, and sent them two by two to go before Him into every city and place where He Himself was to go. Jesus gave these seventy-two a specific assignment saying, amongst other things,

“Go your way; behold, I send you out as lambs among wolves. Carry neither money bag, knapsack, nor sandals; and greet no one along the road…And heal the sick there, and say to them, ‘The Kingdom of God has come near you.’ ”

The joy of a job well done.

The Bible further tells us (v.17) that, the seventy-two returned from their mission with joy, saying to Jesus, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name.” What good report of a successful mission trip by the seventy-two disciples ! The Bible says that they returned with joy! Indeed, there was every reason humanly speaking for them to be full of great joy at the result of their expedition. We can imagine that by the grace of God, they had fought and overcome the demon of fear and intimidation, the demon of incomprehension and rejection, the demon of hunger and thirst, the demon of stress, the demon of sickness in the people, the demon of unbelief, and what have you? In brief, they reaped a huge harvest from the mission field in the name of Jesus Christ.

In that Bible passage, Jesus Christ Himself was overwhelmed with joy and exclaimed that, He saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven! He went on to give the disciples the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy..(v. 18, 19). What Jesus said next is of great significance and interest to us here. He said, “Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the Spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” (v.20).

Achievements or accomplishments in life are indeed worth celebrating. It is normal to organize ceremonies to celebrate these achievements or accomplishments when they come; however, what matters is the manner and magnitude of such celebrations. These may differ from one culture to another. In some cultures, huge feasts are organized at very high costs to celebrate for instance, success at an examination, a job appointment, the winning of a contest or a contract, the buying of a house or a car, a marriage, the birth of a child, you name it. Many people even incur very huge debts just to engage in these celebrations.

The true joy to celebrate 

It is good for us to go ahead and celebrate our life achievements or accomplishments, just like the disciples did theirs in Luke 10 recounted hereinabove. Jesus was extremely happy about all these, but He however went ahead and cautioned the disciples saying, “Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the Spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”(Luke 10:20). By this statement, Jesus Christ was driving home the point, which holds very strongly till date in our lives today that, the greatest achievement or accomplishment for every man or woman, boy or girl, is to have your name written in heaven ! Your educational degrees, top jobs, huge businesses, massive mansions, fat bank accounts, acknowledgments or decorations, marriages, children etc, have their places in your life, but they are of secondary importance !

In the Book of Revelation Chapter 20, Apostle John gives us a picture of what will happen to those whose names will not be found written in heaven, as revealed to him by God:

“Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it…And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books…And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.” (Revelation 20:11, 12,15). N.B.: This would not be a good experience at all; the lake of fire will be a place of perpetual torment: Matt. 13:41-42, 50;Luke 16:23-24.

On the contrary, there would be everlasting joy for those whose names will be found written in heaven, in the Book of Life: they shall be richly rewarded, they shall be blessed, and shall have the right to the tree of life, and shall enter through the gates into the holy city of heaven, where God will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying (Rev. 21, 22). Indescribable joy and fulfilment in heaven awaits those whose names will be written in heaven.

My friend, let me ask you this question: is your name written in heaven, in the Book of Life? If not, hurry up before it is too late. Call on Jesus Christ now to be your Lord and Saviour. Tell Him you love Him, and desire to follow in His footsteps of obedience, love, humility, honesty, servanthood and faithfulness to God all the way. 

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*By Maurice WELABI NGUEMAKO.

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Are there many books everywhere, but few people to read them ? I have often heard the complaint that generally, people don’t love to read books. There is the argument that people prefer to spend hours either watching TV, chatting or talking on the phone, working on their computers or complaining of socio-economic problems, than reading books. Is this a true assertion? What do you think about this?

A pastor friend I met the other day offered a different opinion. He stated that people do read books, but only books that are relevant to their immediate needs ! He said for instance, if people are in financial problems, they read books on how to generate and manage finances; If they have marital problems, they read books on marriage, etc. Again, is this a true assertion? What is your opinion on all of these ?

Some people seem to have a different attitude about books. Let us consider this story. There was this young man, whose father gave him a Bible as his wedding gift. As it is the case with some of us, this son took the Bible home, placed it on his bookshelf, and forgot about it. Indeed, he never touched the Bible, not to talk of reading it.
About a year or two later, this son called his father and begged for money. The father, on his part, asked the son twice whether he had been reading the Bible that he, the father, offered him on the day of his wedding. The son answered in the affirmative on each occasion. As noted earlier, the son never read this Bible.

When the son said he had been reading the Bible, the father answered that if he had been reading that Bible, then he, the son, would not be complaining of poverty so soon, and begging for money. The father then asked the son to go and open the Bible again, and to report back what he found inside. The father actually insisted on this.
The son then reluctantly, brought down the Bible from the shelf where it had been lying all the while; he wiped the dust off the Bible and opened it. Guess what? He found several US dollar notes lined inside the pages of the Bible ! These amounted to a very huge amount, which was capable of sustaining the son and his wife for about five (5) Years. Unknown to this son, the father had secretly inserted this money in the pages of the Bible for the son. So, who says there is no money in the Bible? We are speaking literally. Indeed, the good news is that, not only is money found in the Bible, but everything we need in life is found in the Bible – the most important Book ever (This is for another story).

It has been said that, “if you open a book, you open a new world…Books are packed with knowledge, insights into a happy life, life lessons…helpful advice.”(Anonymous). If this were not so, then why do people spend millions of hours writing books, and equally spend millions of dollars publishing them? Further, if this were not true, then why would people and institutions spend billions of dollars establishing schools, libraries and bookstores? And then, answer this question: if the things we need in life were not found in books, then why would my brother and myself have our homes and offices practically filled with books dealing with various areas of life? If this were not so, why would individuals and institutions invest heavily in books?

There are worthwhile secrets in life that you need, that can only be found in books !Books can impact and transform your life; books can inspire you to higher heights; books can give you some new learning, and much more. Go on, get to the books, read them, understand them, learn the lessons, and most importantly, put the lessons you learn into practice relentlessly. Hope to see you at the top !

What do you think about this article? Make your comments known. Most importantly, if you love it, share it with others. Thank you.

By Maurice WELABI NGUEMAKO

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