David’s Camp Magazine
Showing the way, the truth, and the life...John 14:6
TIME WITH ONE OF U.S. ICONIC GOSPEL MUSICIAN/ARTISTE
Tomi Favored PAGE 6
DO YOU REMEMBER?
PAGE 2
BEWARE OF NEGATIVE PROPHECY
PAGE 12
ROADBLOCK OR CHANCE PAGE 10
MENTAL HEALTH PAGE 4
WHY YOU MAY NOT MAKE IT TO THE END! PAGE 5 HEALTH TALK PAGE 3
Quiz 10 causes of conflicts in PAGE11
marriages and causes of PAGE 8 adultery
issued in the UK
Free | February/ March 2018
Letter From THE Oluwole David
EDITOR
a prolific writer, an ardent Bible student, an author and has compassion for the liberation of souls that are yet to know about the faithfulness and goodness of God.
Do You Remember? G
enesis 41:8-9... “In the morning his mind was troubled, so he sent for all the magicians and wise men of Egypt. Pharaoh told them his dreams, but no one could interpret them for him. Then the chief cupbearer spoke to Pharaoh, ‘I remember a promise I failed to keep.’” (God’s Word translation)
How He lifted you when the storms of life left you in a dunghill? From my walk in life, I have noticed people generally easily forget favours. They forget how good other people have been to them. Instead, they remember vividly the bad side and totally forget the good side.
There were times in the past when God did something miraculous for you. You were in dilemma; you were lost; you were lonely; you were single; you were helpless; you were very poor in health; you were lying in bed and the report of the blood test was very bad; your child was causing you sorrow; you didn’t know where to turn for help; you were at crossroad; you’ve just been disappointed by a man you thought loved you as you loved him; you’ve just been jilted and you knew you can’t survive the agonising pain in your heart; you’re an item of ridicule; you’ve just escaped a possibly ghastly motor accident; the mockers wouldn’t stop discussing your story and you wondered if you’ll ever know happiness again.
My question to you is, “Have you forgotten so quickly what God has done for you to see this new year? I want you to please reminisce and give Him quality thanksgiving for...” if the LORD had not been on our side when people attacked us, they would have swallowed us alive when their anger flared against us; the flood would have engulfed us, the torrent would have swept over us, the raging waters would have swept us away. Praise be to the LORD, who has not let us be torn by their teeth.” (Psalm 124:2-6)
These were the possible state of mind of the chief cupbearer the morning of his dream in Genesis 40 Joseph came to his rescue at the lowest point of his life. He helped interpret his dream and encouraged him to trust being reinstated back to his position in the palace. In return, all Joseph requested was in Genesis 40:14...”But when all goes well with you, remember me and show me kindness; mention me to Pharaoh and get me out of this prison.” (NIV) All God requested from you when He came to your rescue was in Deuteronomy 8:7-11... “The Lord your God is bringing you into a good land—a land with rivers and pools of water. Water flows out of the ground in the valleys and hills. It is a land with wheat and barley, grapevines, fig trees, and pomegranates. It is a land with olive oil and honey. There you will have plenty of food and everything you need. It is a land where the rocks are iron. You can dig copper out of the hills. You will have all you want to eat. Then you will praise the Lord your God for the good land he has given you. Be careful. Don’t forget the Lord your God! Be careful to obey the commands, laws, and rules that I give you today.” Now, let’s take Joseph as God and the chief cupbearer as you. Have you forgotten how God helped you when there was no one to help you? How He showed you mercy when you didn’t deserve any? 2
David’s Camp Magazine
www.davidscamp.org
Just like the chief Cupbearer that forgot Joseph in the prison for another few years, you might have forgotten God’s goodness. But thank God, the chief cupbearer remembered his fault and retraced his step. Friends, juggle your memory and remember God’s faithfulness to you. Would you want to give Him a show of appreciation? Let’s go ahead and appreciate our Lord God, the faithful One of Israel. Thank you Jesus!
Editors Olamide Ajayi Bose Oluwole-David
Contributing Writers Oluwole David Dr. Margaret Rutherford Eniola Israel Pastor Olamide Ajayi Bose Oluwole-David Ima Nkanta
Published by David’s Camp Limited, davidscamp.org@mail.com www.davidscamp.org
Designed and printed by shalomwales int’l 07806781603, myprints@mail.com
Showing the way the truth and the Life...john 14:6
- Rachael Eniola Israel
- A qualified public health practitioner
T
HEALTH TALK
he kidneys are two beanshaped organs, each about the size of a fist. They are located just below the rib cage, one on each side of the spine. Every day, the two kidneys filter about 120 to 150 quarts of blood to produce about 1 to 2 quarts of urine, composed of wastes and extra fluid. Kidneys are vital to your overall health, so it’s important to look after them. Below are five simple lifestyle steps that can help you keep them in good shape.
Regular Exercises Being too heavy raises your blood pressure, which is bad for your kidneys. Try to keep yourself at a healthy weight by keeping active and not overeating. Your body mass index (BMI) is a helpful measure of whether you’re a healthy weight. To work out your BMI, use this healthy weight calculator. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderateintensity exercise, such as walking, cycling or swimming, etc. every day.
Stay hydrated Drinking plenty of fluid will help your kidneys function properly. It is recommended to drink 2 litres of water a day; your urine should be straw-coloured. If it’s any darker that may be a sign of dehydration.
FUNCTIONS OF THE KIDNEYS • remove waste products from the body • remove drugs from the body • balance the body’s fluids • release hormones that regulate blood pressure • produce an active form of vitamin D that promotes strong, healthy bones • control the production of red blood cells In conclusion, health is wealth, prevention is key. Be responsible for your health. The launch of Grassroot Health Initiative, a charity organization registered in the UK was held on the 16th of December, 2017. The charity organization is focused on promoting healthy living through awareness campaign by reaching out to people of different races and backgrounds at the grassroot level especially among Black Minority Ethnic (BME) groups in churches, mosques, primary, secondary and tertiary institutions in the rural/urban community across the globe. The charity organization is headed by the FOUNDER/CEO, Rachael Eniola Israel and is supported by a board of trustees made up of seasoned professionals within the field of health. The Chief Executive Officer who is a health consultant who holds both a B.Sc and M.Sc degree in Public Health and
Eat healthily A balanced diet ensures you get all the minerals and vitamins your body needs. Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables and grains, such as wholewheat pasta, bread and rice. Don’t eat too much salty or fatty food. Watch your blood pressure Have your blood pressure checked regularly. Raised blood pressure has no symptoms, but it can increase your risk of kidney and heart problems. A simple, quick and painless blood pressure check is available free of charge at your GP surgery and many high street pharmacies. Don’t smoke or drink too much alcohol Try to stop smoking completely and limit yourself to two small drinks a day for a man and one small drink a day for a woman. Smoking and drinking too much alcohol raise your blood pressure. High blood pressure is one of the most common causes of kidney disease.
LOOKING AFTER YOUR KIDNEY
Health Promotion from a UK university and have acquired many years of experience working in various capacities within the NHS, is passionate about the importance of promoting a healthy lifestyle. The launching was graced by guests from different walks of life and profession. As the charity forges ahead in the course of creating the relevant health awareness on various health-related matters, the projects of the charity for 2018 include the following: 1. High blood pressure Campaign and Free Blood pressure Check at St. Jude’s Church of England, London 2. Sexual Health Awareness Campaign in various Secondary Schools within the Lagos metropolis, Nigeria during the month of February 3. High Blood Pressure Awareness Campaign and Free Blood Pressure Check in strategic locations in Lagos, Nigeria. 4. Diabetes Awareness Campaign and Free Blood Sugar test in strategic locations in Lagos, Nigeria. Below are some of the moments captured through the photographer’s lens. You can contact us via: Tel: 07723511133 Email: grassroothealthinitiative@yahoo.com Or follow us social media Twitter: @healthgrassroot Facebook: @grassroothealthinitiative Instagram: @grassroothealthinitiative
David’s Camp Magazine
www.davidscamp.org
3
MENTAL HEALTH
IF “HAVING IT ALL TOGETHER” IS INTIMIDATING, THINK AGAIN. MAYBE IT’S ABOUT RISK. BY DR. MARGARET RUTHERFORD
Y
ou hear it all the time. “She’s got it all together.” “I don’t know how he pulls everything off that he does. His life is awesome.” “I could never handle all the things that you do – and you don’t even seem to think about it. You just do it.” What is it about “having it all together” that’s such an admirable goal? It seems to infer that if you show that you’re struggling, or having a bad day, or having a bad year, that you’re living an inferior life. That you’re failing. Or better yet, that you lack some basic trait that “all together” people have. Bloggers or writers, like Michelle at Rubber Shoes In Hell, or Jenny Lawson at The Bloggess poke fun at life, and make us laugh at their self-described absurdities and chaos. Yet I hear people say, “I couldn’t open up like that. She’s talking about what’s real all right. But how does she get everything done? She lives life, and she writes.” We can turn anything into something intimidating. If you’ve read my posts for a while, or have seen me as therapist, you know I like to tell stories. So here’s one for you. Several years ago, I was generously offered inclusion in a Masters class in musical theatre by the instructor, Amy Herzberg, who had directed me in a musical a few months before. My classmates would be people who were getting their MFA, Masters of Fine Arts. All had a bunch of experience on the stage. Let’s simply say I didn’t have much. And they were more than twenty years my junior. I went to the class, met everyone, and was immediately intimidated. They were very friendly, but all talked about this show
and that show… I talked about what I had done in college (that would’ve been that twenty-year mark again…) and one local production. We got our assignments and I hightailed it out of there, thinking, “I’m not so sure about this.” I went to one more class, but called Amy the following Monday morning. “I don’t think this is for me. I’m so intimated by them.. my gosh, they’re so experienced. I don’t belong.” She started laughing. Guffawing actually. “Do you know what I do Sunday nights?,” she asked. “Nope.” “I have all the graduate students over to my house for dinner. Do you know what they were talking about last night?” I said nothing. “They were talking about how in-ti-mida-ting you are!!!” “What! Me??? Why???” She went on, laughing. I had a Ph.D. blah blah blah. I couldn’t miss the irony. So I took the class, learned a bunch, met some great people, and had a marvelous time. Idealization. It’s a crazy thing. And we do it all the time to one another. We see things in someone else that we admire, and immediately project our own fantasies about what it must be like to be that person. Think of your favorite movie star or local celeb. How do you idealize them? But how do any of us realize we’re idealizing others? That we’re being intimidated by those around us? How do you recognize when you’re allowing perfectlooking posts on social media to get to you? Please remember my story. You have no idea how others are perceiving you. Michael Yapko, an international expert on depression, will say that none of us has
the right to believe you “know” what others think of you. It’s your depression that’s whispering constant negative things about yourself in your ear. “Nobody would care about what I have to say.” “I’m a screw-up.” “I could never do that.” There is one thing that “intimidating” people do. They risk. So many of us shy away from any risk at all. So you don’t try. You stay safe. Let’s go back to my story. When I think rationally, all of my former classmates were risking coming into a Masters program. Being evaluated. Striving to learn more about what they wanted to do. But I wasn’t thinking about that at the time. No, of course not. I was busy comparing myself to them. They saw me as taking a risk as well. I was getting out of my safe world of being a therapist, and coming back into another world, a world where I was far more insecure. Maybe that’s what was intimidating. Risking feeling insecure. Risking a more public profile. Risking flubbing up in front of others. You can begin taking a risk. It doesn’t have to be huge. But you can know that you did something differently than normal. You could speak to the person in the grocery story line that was behind you. You could get out your paints from when you painted years before, and set up your easel. You could walk in a gym and ask for a tour. Small risks. They add up. They give you confidence. Someone watching you might even think, “I could never do that.”
Continued on page 5 4
David’s Camp Magazine
www.davidscamp.org
Showing the way the truth and the Life...john 14:6
WHY YOU MAY NOT MAKE IT TO THE END! If this title startles you, just hold your breath and let it out. Stay calm and let’s move on. I don’t intend to hound you, but to help you. Not everyone who goes on a race finishes it up. This is typical of a Christian journey. I came into the Lord in a circumstance I can describe as divine arrangement. That was Saturday August 26, 1989. I happened to be a cub-reporter under apprenticeship with the defunct Lagos News tabloid owned by former Lagos State governor, Lateef Jakande. As it were, most journalists on the desk were Muslims by religion. Then a church invited the newspaper to cover her youth conference. The news editor had me to go cover the occasion since my middle name, Joshua, indicated I was a Christian. I did. And it turned out to be an invitation I will never forget in my journey of life and faith. It was there Christ saved me. The details are reserved for another time. But since then, my life took a dramatic spiritual turn, with fervency and burning desire to know and follow the Lord. I was at Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ) studying journalism then. I automatically became a member of the Christian fellowship of the institution. There, I met two fervent believers who loved me and were eager to mentor me and nurse my new found love for God to grow. I enjoyed their company, and learned all I could from them. Kind enough, we all went into journalism practice. This common ground drew us closer through the years. These two friends of mine were practically my counsellors, I wouldn’t take any decision without input from them. I cherished them. Then, I noticed one of my two friends, the closest, was beginning to tack - a sudden reversal of his cherished avowal and fervency. He was growing more interest in material success to the detriment of his faith. And journalism practice opened some more corridors for him to work with and for some top politicians at the centre. Nothing is wrong with this. But what alarmed me, and is still alarming me is that my very close friend was now beginning to speak his new found mentors language. And the light of faith and fire he once exhibited turned dim. Oh my friend! I wept, but weeping cannot help.
no doubt that he will one day beat a rebound. But it isn’t that easy, except by God’s help. I haven’t given up on him, I still intercede for him. But the other friend has still hung tight to his faith, his fervency has grown in leaps and bounds. Praise God! He has kept the faith, and is keeping on firing on. The challenges of life, notwithstanding. He has preferred to take Christ and to bid farewell to the world and its attractive offerings. Lately, he told me he has given up on our other friend. And I wept again. “Why would you do that?” I asked, his reply was because our friend, doesn’t see anything good about his once cherished faith anymore. Mmmh! My heart bled in pain. But why did my other friend backslide and never ever able to return to faith again? The love for materialism. When the Scripture warns that we should not love the world, the lust of the flesh and the pride of life, we think is not for today’s believers. The devil is actually using our double-interest to deceive us into the world totally. If you play double, like my friend did, you lose grace. Once this happens, the devil seizes on the moment; creating more avenues for you to deny your faith more till darkness that once couldn’t comprehend the light in you, now overwhelms and extinguishes your light. Dear reader, duplicity - playing double standard, involvement with God and also with the world - is dangerous. It has potential to kill your faith. If you must make it to the end of your journey of faith, kill your friendship with the world or it will kill your faith. James 4:4 warns that friendship with the world is inviting judgment from God. Beware! As the year draws to an end and 2018 begins, do a quick check and delete those influencers who can potentially be used by the devil to kill the light of your salvation. Even Christ never gave himself to men because he knew that the thoughts in men’s hearts were but evil. Your faith is much more precious and is of a great value than any gold in the world. Is the opportunity in business, work, politics, media opening doors for the killing of your zeal, fervency and commitment to intimate relationship with your Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ? Make a choice now! It is so easy to drift away from the shore of faith to the wide blue sea of materialistic world, but extremely difficult to return. Why? You will be sailing so easy on the soft current of compromise and indulgence, than want to return.
My friend has become so involved in political musings, his faith has not only been drowned in the quagmire of the political turf, he has lost interest in the faith he once helped build in me.
Determine to make it to the end, victoriously. Stay on the firing line, nevertheless!
Today, he would prefer to give listening ears to seducing spirits of spiritualists in the monk’s hood than the gospel he once preached and defended. My friend has given up his journey of faith. I have
Ima Nkanta, Eternal House of Glory, Uyo, Nigeria.
-with love from Pastor & Editor, Quest Inspirational magazine.
David’s Camp Magazine
www.davidscamp.org
5
Tomi Favored one of U.S. iconic gospel musician/artiste
1. Tomi Favored! How do you come about that name? Is it your real name or stage name? My legal married name is Adetomi Aleshinloye. My “stage” name is Tomi Favored but most people do know me as Tomi Favored. Long story shortened, a few years ago I was in a state of fear and confusion about my life, about God, and everything around me was uncertain. At that incredibly low period in my life, God spoke to me in a way I could understand. A man of God whom I’d never met before and who I didn’t even follow thereafter told me I was “Favored” by God. I didn’t understand at the time but he said it would soon become clear. Shortly thereafter, I had a revelation that God loved me so much and the favor was great. To explain it, I’ll use the same example I saw: If God was like the King of a nation like England and He is having a very important meeting with many great leaders of countries and I, like a small child jumped into the room in a silly way asking for His attention as my Daddy because I wanted to talk to him, instead of Him asking me to wait or asking someone to take me out until He concludes this great meeting, He would actually ask the dignitaries to please excuse Him for a moment because He wants to attend to his daughter! So that revelation, at a time in my life when I felt worthless...was so revolutionizing because God showed me He loved me and I was His own child who should never run away from Him. I am Favored. Hence the name.
2. How do you find yourself doing gospel music? What triggers this sold—out soul of yours to Jesus? My life is about Jesus. Every Christian’s life is about Jesus. But for me, because I know all my faults and my need for Jesus Christ, I am so grateful for His mercies towards me. So everyday my music, my words, everything I write or say, I try to make it about Him. I want His name glorified. I want every gift, everything I am to praise Him. Because Jesus saved me. His blood is the only reason I can enter heaven someday. The Bible says to whom much is given, much is required. I once had a dream in which God spoke to me saying only 3 statements. “I love you. I have forgiven you.
6
David’s Camp Magazine
www.davidscamp.org
» Star Influence of our Time
Showing the way the truth and the Life...john 14:6 I will not send you to hell.” Those words...are literally what it means to be saved for me. The fact that God loves me, has forgiven all my faults; past, present and future, and hell will never again be my portion because of Christ’s finished work on the cross of Calvary to which I can neither add nor take anything away from... when that awareness of the eternal extent of salvation and grace hits a person, you realize how much you’ve been given by God and how in the larger scheme of things, only what is done for Him in gratitude will be of any eternal value. Besides, I endeavor to always retain that fundamental Christian worldview that takes God’s Word seriously. You see, I live in eager expectation of the imminent return of Christ in Rapture or my imminent departure in sleep to go be in His presence through transport of death. Because of this worldview, I have to be sold out because at whatever time I end up before our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I want to hear Him say: “Well done good and faithful servant.” I understand that entering into His rest was done by Him alone in His sacrifice for me and us all. That part is not of works lest any should boast. But my faith with good works is what will determine done for serving.
if I hear Him say well
3. Let’s talk about your family. Tell us about your maestro, amazing, holyghost-filled saxophonist husband? Glory to God! I’ve been blessed to be a wife and mother. I have an amazing husband who is a music minister and incredible saxophonist. Then I’m mom to our incredible 3 year old son Isaac and just-turned 2 year old daughter Bella. My life is blessed being wife to Seyi Alesh because he really loves God. He’s a man of integrity and good character. He serves God wholeheartedly and is hardworking. He’s a loving, kind, faithful man who helps me everyday in growing closer to God and fulfilling purpose; even as I am the helpmeet ordained by God to support his personal vision and that of our family as a whole.
4. What’s your profession aside of music? And how do you juggle profession, music and family lives to ensure none is suffering? Outside of music, I’m a nurse. I work full time (60 hours a week) taking care of intensive care patients in their homes on ventilators and with wounds or other long-term care and management needs. It isn’t always easy to juggle working full time with family life and music. For the most part, handling it involves being willing to lose some sleep, not rest as much as I would like to, getting lots of help from my very-supportive husband and being dutifully responsible with my time. No time can be lost. I need to be accomplishing things with any little time I have. And God continues giving grace so I’m grateful. When I’m at work, I’m doing my job faithfully and using any down time I have to stay connected with people virtually with my phone, etc. When I get off work, I utilize my time en route to make videos or calls, when I get home, we spend time with the children and try to get them to bed early so I can spend uninterrupted time with my spouse. Especially on nights when I don’t have my recording sessions for my releases or choir rehearsal and mid-week services at church. Weekends, I cook in bulk and clean for the week so in my long work-week absences, my tasks have still been done. Lastly, it helps that we also have an aunt who helps us babysit the children and has been a wonderful support.
5. Here in the U.K, Christians are prosecuted and persecuted for sharing the gospel at places of work. How’s it taken in the States if you share Jesus with patients or colleagues at work? In my home-healthcare line of work, there are rules as to how to relate with the families and patients I’m assigned to. Obviously, one is not supposed to be bullying in your approach or infringe the patient’s rights in any way. But the good part is that being in a position of consistent care of patients and their families as I am, when they get to know me, and understand my faith, my driving force for my excellence at work, and my integrity, they open up and actually inquire about my life. When they have gotten to trust me because of my faithfulness and we build the rapport based on consistency of working with them, they give me the opportunity to share my faith with them. For me, It really hasn’t happened overnight; and it is never based on a random employee to customer interaction. It’s always more of a friendship and trust-based interaction over time. But I share Jesus through giving my music away freely to them, sending links to interesting messages I have listened to, answering questions based on my faith, etc. I know overall, that things are getting harder when it comes to sharingJesus Christ in our world, especially in places of work but it is still very possible. I also think the U.K. Has progressed much further in its anti-Jesus agenda than the United States...which is why Bible believing Christians here like me are trying to be more vocal in matters of legislation and elected political officials so as to preserve those rights to share our faith as long as possible. Continued on page 9 David’s Camp Magazine
www.davidscamp.org
7
Marriage
RELATIONSHIP
10 CAUSES OF CONFLICTS IN MARRIAGES AND CAUSES OF ADULTERY
This is by no means encouraging the act of committing adultery but rather to help us to be watchful and plan our defenses to overcome when we see traces of such in our marriage. God has ordained marriage to be a lifetime union between the couple and the bed MUST BE UNDEFILED- Hebrews 13:4 “Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whore mongers and adulterers God will judge”. 1. DISCOURAGEMENT - To discourage is to tend to stop/deter/make somebody less optimistic. In a marital union we need to be very careful because we can easily affect our spouses COURAGE and INTEREST in the relationship and where this occur a partner will react negatively as defined. We need to always check ourselves as we keep the sanctity of the union.
2. DISCONTENTMENT - This is when disaffection sets in and a spouse begins to crave for something better. This is a situation that may be so difficult to see on the outward but it has ushered a deep unhappiness and dissatisfaction into the heart. There are times that the husband provides everything that could make the wife happy but deep down in her she was DISCONTENTED. A case was said of a wife of a Chief executive who the husband caught having sex with their driver, what else could have gone wrong except DISCONTENTMENT. This is where couple need to deal with their hearts and be open to one another to share there DISCONTENTMENT with one another. And also prayerful bring their thoughts to the obedience of the word of God when deeply within them this begin to set in. 3. DIFFERENCES - Distinguishing features,Disagreements,Argumen ts. Divergence of opinions etc. This is very common in a marital relationship. The couple must understand how to deal with this. Love does not prevent the reality of the occurrences of such, So there is a need to understand how to settle their differences and where they cannot then bring ELDERS to look into it for them and resolve it - Bringing a 3rd party should be in serious cases not in every differences because this in itself can be annoying at times. 4. DISAFFECTION -To make dissatisfied: to make somebody dissatisfied with somebody or something, Couples should be very observant of one another because a lot of issues could cause disaffection. Being observant will help them to quickly see that the affection that the partner has towards the other is no longer there though he or she may not complain. There is nothing wrong in asking your partner if you are doing well enough to his or her affection. In food,sex,social life,dressing, relationship etc. 5. DISAGREEMENT - Differences of views of opinion, Not agreeing, Disputations are all very common in a marriage relationship. Where your spouse disagrees with you ,You only need to harmonize issues rather than quarreling. You only need to take time to explain issues well to one another,allow peace to reign and ruminate over your partner view points. Since you are ONE-OF-ANOTHER you must understand that you cannot always AGREE. Scriptures said CAN TWO PEOPLE WALK TOGETHER EXCEPT THEY BE AGREE ?? AMOS 3:3 Meaning that in your disagreement we must COME TO AN AGREEMENT. And to come to agreement means we must take thing very easy. 6. DISCOMFORT - Causing lack of comfort,an embarrassment or UNEASE-something that makes somebody feel physically or mentally uncomfortable. When couple experienced this there is need to voice it out to your partner. An example i once saw on this was a wife who ran away from the husband and refused to explain pre8
David’s Camp Magazine
www.davidscamp.org
cisely what made her to flee. Later in counselling she complained that her husband manhood (Penis)is too big and it causes her a lot of discomfort during sexual times that she detested her husband asking for sex because for her it is a painful experience. They were both counselled and advised to use lubrication during sexual times and the man to take it easy and that gradually she will adjust to it. There are countless issues that could cause DISCOMFORT but with openness and understanding there will be solution. 7. DISCORD - Lack of agreement: disagreement or strife between people, or incompatibility or conflict between things or situations. This is where the ELDERS are required to help resolve the discord. It is important for couples to have access to Pastors,Elders,Experienced counselors who can mediate over their discord. 8. DISPARITY - Unlikeness: dissimilarity or incongruity. This is often the case after a long time or prolonged differences. Disparity sets in and couple begin to resent one another. At this stage there is need for a new wine in their relationship. And where both of them wants to keep to the WILL OF GOD in marriage as “FOR BETTER FOR WORSE TILL DEATH DO PARTS”-Then the challenge falls on them both to WORK OUT THEIR DIFFERENCES. They both need to resolve their disparity,Forgive themselves and move on. 9. DISPASSIONATE - This is absence of PASSION. Passion is 90% predictor of reasons for what we do in life. When there is no longer passion. LOVE TURNS SOUR. But with God all things are possible. If only the couple will still abide by the will of God they can renew their passion for one another. i always counsel that before it degenerates to this level and even after, the couple should allow the word of God to BREAK THEIR FALLOW GROUND. 10. DISTRACTION - Something that diverts attention: something that interferes with concentration or takes attention away from something else. This could be anything. but the couple must be very careful not to allow distraction. At times humanly we always believe the grass is greener at the other side but i always say THE DEVIL YOU KNOW IS ALWAYS BETTER THAN THE ANGEL YOU HAVE NEVER MET. I once was counselling a lady to make up with her husband who was willing to be reconciled with her despite their differences but she refused vehemently. Unknown to us that she has decided to pack it up and join another man overseas but she later became a loser at both ends because the man overseas is just a Casanova who is not ready for marriage but only interested in toying with her. The husband remarries and she up till now could not. * THEREFORE THERE IS NEED FOR US TO TAKE HEED OF OUR SPIRIT WHEN IT COMES TO MARITAL ISSUES. Malachi 2:15 “And did not he make one? Yet had he the residue of the spirit. And wherefore one? That he might seek a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife (or in other word husband) of his/her youth”. * MARRIAGE IS SAID TO BE A UNION OF 2 GOOD FORGIVERS- THERE WILL ALWAYS BE OFFENCES -Matthew 18:7 “Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!” *MAY THE LORD BLESS HIS WORD IN OUR HEARTS. (c)Teaching Outline of Reverend Edward Koye- Ladele.
Showing the way the truth and the Life...john 14:6 Continued from page 7
6. Do you think we are in a generation where lots of Christians are ashamed of the gospel as against Romans 1:16? Absolutely. I do believe some Christians are ashamed of sharing what they know for fear of being looked at as awkward, fundamentalist or extreme. It is sadly unfortunate because more often than not, those who have lax moral standards and even antiChristian beliefs are not as inhibited in their expressions. I also think however, that the deeper issue in our generation has to do with 1 Timothy 4:1 where the Spirit of God says in latter days, many will depart from the faith giving heed to seduction. It isn’t only that Christians are ashamed due to the popular culture, but that some who have called themselves Christians in the body have departed from the faith and the fundamental doctrines of the Word of God. Their liberalism and deliberate misinterpretation of the Word of God has led them down paths of apostasy and they no longer endure sound doctrine. Rather than being uncompromising with the truths of God’s Word, many have watered it down to cater to popular culture even when it is contrary to righteousness. As such, over time, it has become more difficult to maintain faith or even share it when popular culture and the church have become blended like the church of Pergamos in Revelation. As a great bible Expositor I love listening to, Chuck Missler puts it, “there is a coming war between Christian versus Christian.�
7. You’re a great piano player. How has your musical instrument dexterity helped your singing? How many albums have you released? It’s been a blessing to play the keys. I think it certainly gives me a bit of an expanded range of creativity as opposed to a singer who doesn’t play an instrument. It allows one to communicate musical or creative ideas to others more quickly. Something that’s an advantage when you need to work with a band or music team, or even when trying to produce songs. It helps my singing because when I happen to play notes or sounds foreign to my vocal chords, they tend to want to replicate those notes and thereby inspire me to practice a bit more. I listen to someone like Jonathan Butler whose singing has become so akin to the sounds of his guitarplaying. It’s evidence of someone who has played so much, his voice has become like his instrument and he
makes melodies a regular singer unaccustomed to those tones in a guitar won’t. Nevertheless, it is all to the glory of God, and based on gifts God has given each individual. We choose to develop them further or not. Thus far, I have 2 albums. My debut “I Am Tomi Favored� and the sophomore album “YHWH� released this past October.
8. Many young gospel artistes out there want to “blowâ€? and get famous overnight. What prices have you paid before getting to this stage in ministry? I’m not sure if I’ve really gotten to any great stage in ministry yet to be honest. đ&#x;˜‚ I have so much more that I want to accomplish. I’m not making millions or even thousands. And I certainly have not “blownâ€? yet. As for prices I’ve paid...I think I’m still paying them. And will continue to pay them as long as I can. For me the “priceâ€? is committing myself entirely to my work as best I can. I try to rehearse when I can, I am always writing songs, going to church rehearsals and ministering with every opportunity given. Many times I have to pay for babysitting so I can go minister and may never receive anything in return. But I know I’m serving God and I feel that I should continue doing it because I believe it pleases God in my own case. Not everyone may be called to do that. And that’s ok. But I am. I started releasing a single per week sometime at the end of August this year and it costs money. I don’t have sponsors and it all comes from the hard work of my husband and I paying the financial and time prices of being able to give Into God’s work. I also don’t always sell my music. Of the albums I’ve done and singles I consistently release, most of it has been made available to people freely so we certainly aren’t making much profit from it. Nevertheless as I said before, those “pricesâ€? are what I feel led to pay to the best of my ability to share the gospel. I’m not a pastor. I don’t stand on a pulpit to preach to people. I work a lot so I don’t have much extra time to go evangelizing outside. But I’m a musician and a songwriter. So my way of spreading the gospel is through my music which is why I do it fervently.
9. Anything cooking in the studio for all lovers of your music all over the world? Should we be eager for the next thing from Tomi Favored? Oh yes! Praise God. As I mentioned earlier, I started something called Tomi Favored’s continuous weekly single releases the end of August 2017. I basically release a song a week and will continue doing so as long as God gives me grace financially and creatively. I write many songs. And I love music. It’s my gift. And only putting out a few songs a year personally was a thing of frustration for me which when I expressed it to my husband, agreed that I could release a song a week. No one else I know is doing that but also, it allows the grace God has given to continue flowing David’s Camp Magazine
www.davidscamp.org
9
Roadblock Or Chance
- BY PASTOR OLUMIDE AJAYI A Certified leadership development and entrepreneurship Expert Once you dwell in the damaging aspects of life and equate your failings to another’s successes, you are on your way to depression and discouragement. Haven’t you heard that a positive mental attitude will better your outlook? Well, that’s not a cliche, it’s more than fact, it’s life in its realest form. Although, you might find it hard to see the silver lining once the dark clouds loom but you can still learn how to retrain your thoughts for better outcomes in your life. Take a Good Look At You Live for yourself. Once you perpetually attempt to be the person other people wish you to be, you cheat yourself out of individuality and your own aspirations. Take a long hard look at what you wish out of life and design your daily routine to include at least one or two elements that cause you
to get your goals closer. Comprehend that even if you can’t control outside conditions, you are able to control your response to them. If you are currently working in a dead-end job with a boss who’s degrading, make a conscious effort to tell yourself that his poor behaviour may make you upset only if you permit it. Leave your work at the office, mentally switch to a different line of thoughts which restrict the feelings or thoughts of your boss’s behaviour getting at you. Meaning; once you step outside after a stressful day’s work, tell yourself that you have all day to deal with the troubles and mentally switch gears by thinking something favourable or planning your future vacation, even if it’s months away. If you don’t slow down and rethink, once constantly pressed to finish tasks, you would be prone to developing a damaging mental attitude which would ultimately render you ineffective at work and at home as well.
Do New Things I have learnt to always attempt new things and dare new areas. So to encourage positive mental attitude, you may need to allow for something fresh in your life. Fresh relationships, fresh books, fresh holidays, fresh visions, fresh language, fresh career or job. To some of you, your fresh may be to quit your job and follow your passion because life is not only about profit, It’s also about passion. Whilst profit may give you temporary relieve, passion would furnish you with eternal release and satisfaction so find your passion and then follow it until it has become profit spinner. Make it a habit to exterminate roadblocks (Negative mental attitude) and breed new grounds for positive mental attitude (Change) Never forget that you wouldn’t be here forever, and that time is your major resource. You can use it to create roadblocks or use it to build castles of change. I’d advise you choose the latter.
consistently to bless people. We make it available on all outlets we have access to for as cheaply as possible and free on the ones that allow it. So yes, those who know Tomi Favored Music can expect the weekly single releases to continue and probably quarterly in the year, there will be albums also released. Hubby Seyi Alesh and I will also be planning my next BOW (Bringing Our Worship) concert for next October since this last one was such a blessing to many and a success to God’s glory.
10. Your final word to lovers of God and your music all over the world, pieces of advice to young and upcoming gospel musicians out there. How can you be contacted for concerts and programs? Love Jesus with everything you are and have. Jesus Christ is Lord of all and the only way by which man can be saved. He created us all. Serve Him faithfully and He will bless you. God is not unjust. Know this and remain steadfast and unmovable in your faith in Jesus Christ even if the world changes and trends come and go. Be wise. Make good decisions. Work hard, be faithful and trustworthy in your work. Be dependable. Most of all, do what God calls you to do and not just what you feel like. There is a difference between activity and purpose. There are many exits on a freeway but probably only one correct one if you have a specific destination in mind on your route. I can be reached via almost any social media platforms. Facebook, Instagram, twitter, etc. my handles are @tomifavored or Tomi Favored Music. I’m on YouTube. I upload videos and folks can watch 2017 full BOW (Bring Our Worship) concert. I have a blog on Weebly.com, and any google/internet search of Tomi Favored will direct folks to other platforms I’m on. My music is available on iTunes, Apple Music, pandora, amazon, notjustok, etc.... kindly just search for me. God bless you! 10
David’s Camp Magazine
www.davidscamp.org
Showing the way the truth and the Life...john 14:6
Quiz of the Edition
QUIZ
- BY BOSE OLUWOLE-DAVID Can you answer these without opening your Bible, as a Christian? Lets have fun together 1. Who prayed for Saul’s eyes to be opened? A) Titus B) Timothy C) Ananias D) Barnabas 2. Where did Paul spend 3 years in preparing for ministry? A) South America B) Indonesia C) Arabia D) Liberia 3. Who is the mother of King Solomon? A) Bethsaida B) Bathsheba C) Deborah D) Diana 4. Jesus told the disciples in the garden of Gethsemane, “you can’t even watch with me for _____ A) 10 hours B) 1 hour C) 2 hours D) 7 hours 5. _______ is a cousin to Jesus Christ. A) Jeremiah B) John the baptist C) Saul of Tarsus D) Daniel 6. _________ is the uncle of Queen Esther A) Mordecai B) Moses C) Shadrach D) Haman 10.” If I perish, I perish.” Who said it? A) Jesus
B) Peter C) Esther D) Portiphar 11. “O thou Son of David, have mercy on me.” Who made this statement? A) The Samaria woman B) Blind Bartimaeus C) Mad man of Gadara D) The woman with the issue of blood 12. The lame man by the pool of Bethesda was there for ______ till Jesus healed him. A) 14 years B) 38 years C) 21 years D) 3years 13. An Hebrew immigrant in Babylon that became influential during the reigns of different Kings was _________ A) Absalom B) Sanballat C) Mary D) Daniel 14. His master performed 14 miracles; he performed 28 miracles. Who is he? A) Elisha B) Judah C) Elijah D) Micah 13. The only recorded God’s servant to get a free ride in the belly of a fish in the Bible was ________ A) Peter B) Jonah C) Hannah D) Elijah Each question carries Grace... Be honest to give your answers!
David’s Camp Magazine
www.davidscamp.org
11
How to deal with oppositions Nehemiah 4: ‘Now when Sanballat heard that we were building the wall, he was angry and greatly enraged, and he jeered at the Jews. And he said in the presence of his brothers and of the army of Samaria, “What are these feeble Jews doing? Will they restore it for themselves? Will they sacrifice? Will they finish up in a day? Will they revive the stones out of the heaps of rubbish, and burned ones at that?” Tobiah the Ammonite was beside him, and he said, “yes, what they are building—if a fox goes up on it he will break down their stone wall!’ Friend, there are still ‘sanballats’ today. When they hear about your dream/project/business ideas…They get angry. Enemies are happy as long as you are not trying to do anything extra ordinary, but as soon as you decide to move higher then they feel threatened. And just when you’re saying at least ‘he’ is the only one that doesn’t believe in me. Another person joins. Another obstacle arises. Another reason to believe you can’t do it. Having others to support Sanballat is required in order to make their claim authentic. Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem were regional governors serving under the king of Persia. Their negative reports of you may look so valid, after all those that are angry with your destiny could be very important people.
‘well I ‘already prayed and that’s it…’ well the enemies don’t stop. So why should you? Persistence in prayer and guarding your project/plans. In addition to praying you also post a guard. What does that mean? You guard ‘your door’. Stop giving out information. Any slight thing, some are on social media giving progress report of themselves! Stop it! The enemies are not happy. You don’t need to impress anyone. Don’t count your chicken before they are hatched. Post a guard! With all the threats, Nehemiah completed the project in 52 days! Friend, don’t let the enemy shatter your dream. You might be small but your GOD is great! Let others spend time on social media pulling folks down, creating a non-sustainable impression of themselves; but you pray, work with your heart and guard your door. Keep those consistent and your testimonies are here to stay. You are blessed beyond curses… Ref: Neh. 4-6, Rom. 8:31-32, 2 Tim. 2:24–25
So what did Nehemiah do? Step 1: Nehemiah prayed: ‘Hear us, our God, for we are despised. Turn their insults back on their own heads. Give them over as plunder in a land of captivity. 5 Do not cover up their guilt or blot out their sins from your sight, for they have thrown insults in the face of[b] the builders’ - When people ridicule your ideas/ dreams or you as a person. Don’t face them. Don’t argue with them. Pray to God!
Joshua Tosh is a worship leader, music producer, speaker and writer. He currently leads the Young Adults Ministry of RCCG Open Heavens Christian Centre Middlesex, England UK.
Step 2: ‘So we rebuilt the wall till all of it reached half its height, for the people worked with all their heart.’ - What is the dream or vision that God gave you? You got to work with all your heart. Not ‘hot’ today ‘cold’ tomorrow. Let it be your passion. Let the burden drive you. Work with all your heart! When you do those two, then the enemy will possibly react: In Verse 7 & 8: ‘…when Sanballat, Tobiah… heard that the repairs to Jerusalem’s walls had gone ahead and that the gaps were being closed, they were very angry. They all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and stir up trouble against it.’ - As if talk is not enough. Now they wanted to fight Nehemiah and his supporters. Some folks are okay as long as you’re not progressing in life. As long as you remain in the same place year after year. But once they get to know you have a bigger dream, then fight breaks out! Step 3: In verse 9: ‘Nehemiah ‘…prayed to God and posted a guard day and night to meet this threat…’ – Friend, we can’t just say
Quote of the Edition “Most times, you need to endure the blow of shame before you enjoy the show of fame.”