Copyright c 2009 by Apostle Dr. Mark Omonze
110%: Charting Your Way To Greatness By Apostle Mark Omonze
ISBN: 975-36526-0-5 Unless otherwise indicated all scriptures from the king James version of the Bible. GW - God’s Word Translation NKJV - New King James Version NIV - New International Version Published by Green Pastures And Prestige Media 24 Egbe Isolo Road, Oke- Afa, Lagos. To contact: Apostle Mark Omonze E-mail: mark_omonze@yahoo.com Www.markomonzeministries.tvheaven.org +234 803 308 4546 +234 805 348 1844 i
Foreword
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ark Omonze, in this book pours out his heart and through this book teaches a very clear bibical prinicple in a fresh new way, it echoes of the times of Jesus and the words of Jesus as he walked the earth. The promise of greatness to some of us in this world seems like a distant concept but Dr. Mark Omonze in this book helps us to understand a pathway to greatness. The concept of going the extra mile is beautifully unfolded in this book not only as our response to Christ's command but also as the true avenue to true greatness. Jesus said it if you want to be great you need to learn to be a servant of all. Mark challenges us to really go the extra mile not just for the reward but for the blessing of obedience. He also introduces us to the concept of “It is not enough to render quality service you must render timely service.� How I pray that as you read this book there would stir in you a fresh desire to go the extra mile in your pursuit of greatness and offer a kingly and timely service for the King of Kings. Olusola Osinoiki Josh Publications ii
Introduction
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his book is about helping mankind to fulfil the inborn desire in all of us for greatness, fulfilment and prosperity.
True greatness, fulfilment and properity can never be achieved apart from performing the the will of God and doing the works for which we are created. We are created to impact our world positively by becoming a blessing to our fellowman. This was the covenant God made with Abraham in the book of genesis chapter 12. This is the foundation for the blessing of God and the promise of greatness. Though many of us try to fulfil the will of God for our lives we encounter many frustrations along the way that create negative attitudes that hinder us in the way. this book is about dealing with those attitudes and creating winning attitudes We are all created by God to fulfill a significant purpose in this life , we are also created to enjoy all the good things that life has to offer. It is no big revelation that only a few people get to fulfil their purpose and only a few get to enjoy the good things in life . The way it is seen is that God has favoured some people above others. What we don't quickly see is that those that appear to be blessed by God did not get to the position of blessing by accident. As Peter said on the book of acts 10:3435. iii
"In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. 35 But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. NKJV We see then that a man's relationship with God and his works in righteousness is what takes him to that place of blessing This book is about getting to that place of fulfiling our destiny. It is about understanding the pathway to a rewarding life both here and hereafter. Who we become and what we achieve or how great we become is about how we well we run the race not about gifted we are . God wants to reward our every effort but not all works are rewarded , Cain's work was not rewarded but Abel's work was. Knowing how to work and be rewared is why I have written this book.no matter your age gender and current beliefs this book will be an immense blessing to you. All the principles and concepts in this book apply in all areas of living; spiritual ,psychological, social and material . I pray that God will inspire in you the knowledge of your own path to greatness and fulfilment . have a blessed reading. - Mark Omonze
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DEDICATION My wife - Antonia and all my friends, family, sons, daughters and partners in ministry.
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Table Of CONTENT Foreward
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Introduction
iii
Chapter One
The Extra Mile Principle
1 - 14
Chapter Two
Time Is More Than Money
15 - 21
Chapter Three
From Purpose To Practice
22 - 36
Chapter Four
Drive and Passion
37 - 44
Chapter Five
Migration Principle
45 - 54
Chapter Six
You Don’t Have to Do It But Do it Anyway55 - 60 Chapter Seven
We Need Christ, We Need God vi
61 - 66
Chapter One The Extra Mile Principle Matt 5:41 And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. KJV These are the words of the master Himself, the greatest achiever of all time, the one who has never failed. The one whom even death could not stop the one whose works still abide even after two thousand years. Christ Jesus our Lord. When I first encountered this verse of scripture, I did not at the time realize that I was reading one of the most powerful success principles in existence. To understand the above scripture better you need to see the verses that 1
follow. Matt 5:42-47 42 Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away. 43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.(this is normal human behavior) 44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;(in other words do the unexpected) 45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? (You don't get anything for being normal) 47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?(you cannot be special by doing what others do) KJV (emphasis and words in brackets mine) 2
It is easy to see that the Lord is working on getting us to move out of the ordinary lifestyle that everyone is used to. It is easy for any normal human to love and to do good to those we perceive to be good to us ; even the evil minded can do that but it takes a really strong person, an extraordinary person to care about someone who has cheated or tried to hurt them in time past. Two questions immediately strike my mind when I look in this scripture passage; “what reward have you”? and “what do ye more than others” ? It would seem to me that true rewards in life accrue to people who do more than what others would do normally . Think on the questions for a minute…… ….what do ye more than others? …..what do ye more than others? What are you doing that stretches beyond the effort others are putting in? What are you doing that no one else is doing? What makes you so special? ……….What reward have ye? ……….What reward have ye? What is your current achievement? What has been the result of your effort? What have you gained from your actions? 3
Its amazing how much people complain about not getting much attention, appreciation, reward , recognition even love. When their input at work, in relationships and at spiritual worship; leaves much to be desired. A lot of people like to reap where they did sow and even when they did sow; they sowed so little compared to their expected harvest. This passage of scripture teaches a very simple lesson If you want extra give extra. No matter what area of life you can think of from your spiritual life to social life, to economic life. This understanding led me to coin what i call the extra mile principle. The extra mile principle is simply states that. To be extraordinary in life, you must go, give and perform beyond the normal expectations of life, people and yourself. No one stands out by doing just what other people are already doing; no one goes far by keeping to the acceptable limits of man. Great inventors and accomplished men and women are those who realize that there is always more that can be done. They are the ones who believe that there is no limit, not even the sky. What you need to ask yourself is what am I doing more than others? If I am only doing what other people are doing do I have a right to expect more from life than what everyone 4
else gets? It is not too hard to see that those who make impact on this world are those who work harder and smarter than others are used to working. 1.1
Why some never give beyond the expected.
There is a mental trap that holds over 80% of mankind in bondage. I call it survival mentality. Survival mentality simply is that part of our thought process that makes us struggle for mere existence. It is that part of us that that just wants to get through another day. Survival mentality is good in that it helps us hold on and helps us to keep on living but it does not propel us to do more than just survive. Survival mentality is what makes a man hold on to a job for so many years with a meager salary or a job he does not love because he is too afraid to lose his little means of sustenance . Then he finds out when he is too old and retired that he could have had a better life if he had just fought harder, taken calculated risks and moved for excellence. This is the reason why many hold onto a relationship that is unfulfilling just because they fear loneliness. It is the reason why many would not answer the call of God into the ministry because they have no confidence in God's ability to provide for them. You can't afford to wait for time to elude you before you begin to reach out for your dreams. You see 80% of 5
mankind fights for survival 15% look for a better life and 5% fight for excellence. Let me put it this way 80% just work for enough to survive and feed their family, 15% work to have some more of the leisure's of life, 5% work to have all things that life has to offer. At the end of the day the 5% rule the 15%, who in turn control the 80% who end up making sure that the 5% enjoy all the luxuries of life while the 80% keep slaving for crumbs. 1.2
You must seek excellence
You must never strive to have just enough. To do this would be to be short sighted and selfish and disasterous. It means you have not taken into account the need to affect the world you live in, nor the possible eventualities and emergencies of life with all of its unexpected demands on you. One can never have enough knowledge, skills, money, friends, happiness, resources e.t.c. A man that has gotten enough is a man that has stopped making progress. You cannot afford to be that person. Therefore do not work just for working sake work to improve your standard of living and if what you do today does not improve who you are and how you live then go work at something that will. Set a standard for yourself and be willing to work your way from the bottom to the top. 6
There are two types of people in this world; those who accept whatever life offers them and those who demand from life whatever they want and insist on getting just that. The first set of people is mediocres. They are always victims of circumstances. You recognize them from the way they talk and they put the blame for where they are in life on everything and everyone but themselves. When they pass their exams they lay claim to the success when they fail they say the lecturer failed them. They blame their background for their poverty and the government for everything else. They forget that given the same conditions, there are others who strive for the top and succeed. The second set of people do not succumb to circumstances but rather work to change their lot; exercising their faith and applying all at their disposal to becoming the agents of change in their lives. Two examples of this contrast would be Adam who had everything but lost it because he passed the responsibility of his failure on to his wife and God (Genesis 3; 1-17). King David who rose from nothing to become king because he refused to succumb to the normal fears of men and took charge of his destiny by fighting for greatness (1 Samuel 17;26-58). It is never a good thing to “leave things as they are�. You must realize that it can always get better
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Phil 3:13-14 Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. NIV (emphasis mine) It is good to be content in life. Contentment is a frame of mind that keeps you calm in your pursuit of success but it is not a ticket to easy town. Contentment is making the best of every situation. To be a great achiever you must go beyond the realm of contentment; that is why you will see that great men (by this I mean male and female) never seem satisfied with what they have got or what they have done. You must be motivated to strive for more; to make an unusual mark in your generation To excel in life you must first exceed all expectations. This is the extra mile principle this is giving a 110%. You must exceed everyone's expectations; you must exceed even your own expectations. You must keep pushing and pressing for greater things and greater heights. You must push yourself beyond known limits. To do this you must observe the following laws: 8
THE LAW OF DILIGENCE Prov 10:4 He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich. KJV Prov 12:24 The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.KJV Prov 22:29 Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men. KJV(emphasis mine) Diligence simply means persistent effort at a given task. It means putting forth all you have and pressing to the accomplishment of a given task. Some would call it “hard work” but I prefer the term “good work.” It is not a good idea for you to persist in a work that is not fruitful. Some people “work hard” all their life and never go beyond a certain level of achievement. The diligent not only works, he researches his work because the term diligence also means carefulness and attentiveness to observe the rule of contract or expectation of law. Some people work without paying attention to the details of 9
what is going on in their environment whether it is clean or not whether the people they have to work with are happy or frustrated. This vital key of paying attention to detail was the major step in the success story of Joseph ;he paid close attention to the needs of the people around him and found a way to meet those needs I also believe that his attention to details helped him in the effective running of Potipher’s household . The diligent man or woman as a rule must always be attentive to details Diligence is the way to riches and reigning. This is the way to make it to the top. THE LAW OF FAITHFULNESS Prov 28:20 A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.KJV To be faithful means a lot of things:First it is to be unwavering in belief. You must have a strong belief in an expected outcome of anything you choose to engage in. you cannot allow anything including yourself talk you out of an expected result. You must realize that even God says all things are possible to him that believes. 10
Mark 9:23 (KJV) Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. Things are not impossible for you because everyone say it is so, things become impossible to you when you say it is impossible. I discovered that there is no barrier that can stop any man that has faith, especially faith in God and the Lord Jesus Christ. When the children of Israel left Egypt they encountered what they thought was a great barrier; the Red sea. They stopped moving because of their perceived obstacle. But God showed them their mistake in stopping. He ordered them to go forward and when they did, they saw the red sea part before them. The only barrier in front you is you; when you stand still at the time you ought to be moving forward.
So long as you keep moving forward, all barriers will eventually give way before you in Jesus name. The Lord promised that the gates of hell shall not prevail against you. 11
Man has broken the sound barrier, the sea barrier, man has climbed the highest mountains we have broken the atmospheric barrier and gravity barrier and moved into outer space. The sky is no longer the limit; barriers are being broken every day. Make up your mind to start breaking barriers today. Faithfulness also means to be consistently loyal. One of the greatest requirements of a good employee is loyalty and consistency. To work with a man like Donald Trump, one of the largest real estate developers in the world, you will go through the test of loyalty. If you cannot be committed to your given task to the point of fighting for its accomplishment to the point of excellence you cannot go far in his books and in life. You must be conscientious to achieving results in any duty you take to. You must be loyal to those with whom you have friendships or business You must be committed to being the best always. A lot of people fail exams because they only aim to pass the exam. They give just enough to pass the exam. The man that gives 110% aims for the highest score so when he misses the target, he still lands in the region of excellence. You must always aim high and always shoot for the stars. You are meant to be above only. 12
Deut. 28:13 And the Lord shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the Lord thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them: (KJV) (emphasis mine) Faithfulness will win you favours and bring you blessings like the text Prov. 28:20 above says. Faithfulness generates connections in the high places. No one wants to do business with an inconsistent and disloyal person. Everybody enjoys rewards but not everyone is willing to do what it takes to be rewarded. Great rewards accrue to those who do beyond what is expected of them. When one does his required duty he has no right to expect accolades, but when by taking the initiative one performs beyond expectations then certainly there is reward Luke 17:10 10 So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, we are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do. KJV
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1 Cor 9:17-18 If I preach voluntarily, I have a reward; if not voluntarily, I am simply discharging the trust committed to me. 18 What then is my reward?NIV emphasis mine Reward is different from payment .; payment is what you get for doing what you are told , a reward is what you get when you perform beyond expectations. Do not be one of those people who only pray when they are told to who only fast at prescribed times, who only read what they are told to read, who tithe 10% and beyond that give no more. Take the initiative, go the extra mile in your spiritual life. Go the extra mile in your social life, go the extra mile for your family and friends, go the extra mile in church, go the extra mile at work and in business ,go the extra mile in your studies, go the extra mile always. that is where the true reward is. Give 110%
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Chapter Two Time Is More Than Money Gen 4:2-3 ‌Cain worked the soil. 3 In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the LORD. NIV (emphasis mine) Cain worked but it took time for the fruits to appear Time is the most precious commodity at man's disposal. Time determines everything that defines a man life. It takes time to work. It takes time to sell. It takes time to think. It takes time to make money. Every achievement of man is measured against time but time is not measured against anything. Time is the highest and most precious currency. 15
Anyone who has no regard for time cannot be a success. Great men are people who use time wisely. They are time conscious people; they are people who set tasks to be achieved within the smallest time. The man that takes ten days to do a ten hour job is a guaranteed failure. He has robbed himself of other precious achievement opportunity by investing too much time on one project. Don't be that man or woman. It is not enough to render quality service you must render timely service. No one knows with accuracy how much time we have to live on the earth. It is important therefore that our time here is spent making the best possible impact and achievements. Eccl 3:1 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: NIV No matter what goals you have in life, there is time for each specific activity. Each activity has its own specially 16
allotted time. Never think you don't have time, there is always time for everything. A great man knows how to set time frames for all his activities and all his goals. You must learn how to apportion time to certain tasks. Learning to run with time should be a vital part of you. You must set your priorities in proper order and apportion time to each priority accordingly. Never spend time on inconsequential things. Life is full of problems. Problems consume more of our time than solutions consume. However learning to spend more time on solutions than problems is what great achievers have learnt to do
Every problem has an amount of time and attention it deserves. Great achievers know how to use experts to solve problems that they can't figure out rather than waste time trying to solve it on their own. It makes no sense that you spend so much time trying to fix your car yourself when you have no clue as to what is wrong with it. When you 17
can hire an auto repair mechanic and save yourself the time and face other tasks. Every situation you face today someone else has faced it already. Drawing knowledge from the experience of others through apprenticeship, study, counsel and friendships is one of the great investments you can make with your time. Time spent learning is never wasted time, however too much learning can be bad. If you spend most of your life in school and never come out to practice, the knowledge you acquired becomes wasted. 2.1
WATCH WHAT YOU DO WITH YOUR TIME.
Prov 20:13 Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread.KJV Sleep is important. You need to take good time to rest your body but when there is work to be done make sure you are not caught asleep on the job. One of the follies in life is someone who values sleep over work. Sleep can be a very terrible time- thief. To be successful you must learn to push yourself as far as 18
possible while taking into account the need for adequate rest.As the bible says there is a time for everything. Sleeping also speaks of being passive, lazy and a lack of passion for work. For you to succeed you must have a drive for work and achievement. The best sales persons and negotiators are a people of passion. Rom 12:11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor serving the Lord NIV (emphasis mine) Laziness is a curse; it is a mindset of one unwilling to work. It is a robber of time and productivity and encourages excuses for failure. Prov 20:4 The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing.KJV Prov 26:13-16 The sluggard says, "There is a lion in the road,a fierce lion roaming the streets!" As a door turns on its hinges,so a sluggard turns on his bed. 19
The sluggard buries his hand in the dish; he is too lazy to bring it back to his mouth. The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who answer discreetly. NIV 2.2
There is no excuse for failure.
Never allow yourself to have “reasons� why you cannot do something or the other. As you will only be making excuses. Excuses are simply lies that give you an escape route from responsibility. Adam lost the Garden of Eden not only because he disobeyed God but also because he shirked his responsibility by blaming Eve for his actions. If he had confessed his sin God is faithful and just to forgive 1 John 1; 9. Laziness is caused by a spirit of irresponsibility 2 Thess 3:7-10 For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone's food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to 20
make ourselves a model for you to follow. For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: "If a man will not work, he shall not eat." NIV (emphasis mine) Develop a great passion for performance and productivity, resist mediocrity. Consider it a woe if you can work but you don't work. Don't be a burden or liability on others. Understand that a little extra you give takes you higher. Strive to perform beyond normal expectations. Give 110% always and you will be rewarded.
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Chapter Three From Purpose To Practice Prov 29:18 Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.KJV
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o every purpose there is a vision; a strategy for actualisation of that purpose. The difference between great achievers and low achievers can be seen at this point. Most people work hard all their life but they only work on what they are instructed. They don't think, dream or plan. This can easily be seen in the life of Joseph and his brothers. Joseph's brothers were content to lead their father's sheep. That was what life offered them, that was all they knew and that was how they lived even after they had children and grown old. They were waiting for an inheritance. Joseph on the other hand dared to dream of life beyond what was offered him given his 22
background; He refused to settle for what life offered to him at that point. He dared to dream and his dream found a way to take him to his high place in destiny. Where most people fail in life is in the realm of vision and planning. Many people have visions of grandeur but lack practical strategies for actualisation. Most wars are won not necessarily on the strength of fire power but on the accuracy of strategy. Wisdom will always win over strength anyday. 1 Chron 12:32 the children of Issachar who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, their chiefs were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their command; NKJV (emphasis mine) It is obvious that the great leaders in life are the ones who give time to planning, people who study strategy and the workings of things they intend to be involved in. Great generals are those who understand that every war is won a battle at a time. Therefore time spent developing strategy 23
is crucial to victory. Josh 1:8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.NKJV (emphasis mine) Notice God told Joshua to meditate (ponder, think, use imagination, plan) day and night (not once in a while); this principle ensures that you will be able to do and know how to do the work according to the laid down plan and the result is that your success is guaranteed. You need to begin to devote time to exercising your mind. You need to put yourself in problem solving mode.
3. 1
Break it down
When you have a great lifelong dream understand that to achieve that dream, it must be broken down into a series of small goals or tasks set within certain time frames. We 24
have 24 hours in a day and our life is lived an hour at time, no one lives in a week or a month at a time. Knowing this it is wise to breakdown the big vision into small daily and possibly hourly achieveable tasks and small projects that when put together become the sum total of the whole. Every house is built a block at a time wood a board at a time and so on. The process of building a house has so many phases to it; The acquiring the land for the house phase,The drawing of the plan phase, the foundation laying phase, the wall raising phase e.t.c the comletion of each phase is a success on its own. It takes the total of these little success to make the huge success. It is amazing how so many people want to achieve instant success and wonder why they don't make it. Rome they say was not built in a day. The key is to build a little at a time Proverbs 28:22 (KJV) He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him. Matt 6:34-7:1 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. NIV 25
There are three major questions you need to ask your self if you want to be a success in life. I) What do I want to do or to be? What is your dream? What do you want in life? Adam Smith defines a man riches as the degree in which he can afford to enjoy the necessities, conveniences and amusements of life. How rich do you want to be? Make up your mind and go for it. Jer 29:11-12 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. NIV What are you designed by God to be and to do? What problem are you created to solve? Great men are great problem solvers. The more people you solve problems for the richer you become. Every service rendered by men is a solution to a problem. People will always pay when a service is rendered to them. For example Taxi drivers and bus drivers solve transportation problems, comedians and actors take care of entertainment. There is something that you are good at or can you be good at that will solve a need in the life of others that thing, whatsoever it is, is the key to your success and greatness pursue it with all that is within you. 26
II)
What do I have now that has a relevance to my future? What resources are at your disposal, how much knowledge do you have about the issues that affect your life? Many people never bother to acquire knowledge about the issues that are relevant to the achievement of their dreams or even the daily issues of life Prov 8:10-12 Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold. For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it. I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions.KJV Prov 24:3-4 Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established: And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.KJV (emphasis mine)
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Know this everything you want in your future will be drawn to you by what you have at the present time. Mark 6:35-44 By this time it was late in the day, so his disciples came to him. "This is a remote place," they said, "and it's already very late. Send the people away so they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat." But he answered, "You give them something to eat." They said to him, "That would take eight months of a man's wages! Are we to go and spend that much on bread and give it to them to eat?" "How many loaves do you have?" he asked. "Go and see." When they found out, they said, "Five-and two fish." Then Jesus directed them to have all the people sit down in groups on the green grass. So they sat down in groups of hundreds and fifties. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to 28
heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to set before the people. He also divided the two fish among them all. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish. The number of the men who had eaten was five thousand. NIV (emphasis mine) 2 Kings 4:1-7 Now there cried a certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets unto Elisha, saying, Thy servant my husband is dead; and thou knowest that thy servant did fear the LORD: and the creditor is come to take unto him my two sons to be bondmen. And Elisha said unto her, What shall I do for thee? tell me, what hast thou in the house? And she said, Thine handmaid hath not any thing in the house, save a pot of oil. Then he said, Go, borrow thee vessels abroad of all thy neighbours, even empty vessels; borrow not a few. And when thou art come in, thou shalt shut the door upon thee and upon thy sons, and shalt pour out 29
into all those vessels, and thou shalt set aside that which is full. So she went from him, and shut the door upon her and upon her sons, who brought the vessels to her; and she poured out. And it came to pass, when the vessels were full, that she said unto her son, Bring me yet a vessel. And he said unto her, There is not a vessel more. And the oil stayed. Then she came and told the man of God. And he said, Go, sell the oil, and pay thy debt, and live thou and thy children of the rest. KJV emphasis mine) Every miracle of multiplication was preceeded by the question what do you have . if you wish to see increase you must necesarily acknowlede what you have on ground . note that zero multiplied by a hundred million still equals to zero . simple math Everything you have today can be used to bring in the things you long for in the future.
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Know what you have, appreciate what you have. Great men are those who have learnt how to take “nothing” and make it into “something”. They take “little” and turn it into “much “. The woman in the passage above called the pot of oil “nothing” but the same oil became her livelihood. In Mark 6;33-35 Jesus told his disciples to find out what they have and with the little they had, he produced enough to take care for five thousand. Many great companies today started small with little capital and built over time. Now many of them have staff strength of thousands of people. III) How do I achieve my dreams? Start your journey by learning, Go to school, Read books, Become an apprentice. Every dream you have, someone else has had before you and someone else has achieved it before now. Ask relevant questions from relevant people Make inquiries all the time from your mentors, your 31
clients, sponsors and anyone who has ever gone through the same road you are taking or about to take and have overcome. Don't be afraid of rejection, persist. Anyone who makes inquiries will always find their way in the maze of life. 3.2
Be ready for challenges
Prayerful preparations prevent poor performance someone once said. Challenges and obstacles, trial, and tribulations are a part of life, to be dismayed at them is to throw away your opportunities. Every testimony is attached to a test, every obstacle to a miracle. 1 Cor 10:13 No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. NIV (emphasis mine) Don't waste your time asking, "Why is this happening to me?" The question is why not to you? What makes you more special than those it has happened to? It has happened to many others before you. The important thing is face up to your trials and obstacles learn from them and 32
master them. God wants us to face challenges. James 1:12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him (emphasis mine) NKJV They make us stronger, wiser and more secure James 1:2-5 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. NKJV Don't get sucked into the shortcut syndrome, a lot of times shortcuts turn out to be dead ends. Exodus 13:17 When Pharaoh had allowed the people to go, God did not lead them by way of the Philistines' land, although that was a shorter route; for God considered that, on tasting war, the people might feel regret and go back to Egypt. MLB emphasis mine 33
The road may be long but is better to be on the long route and on a sure path than a short cut full of unnecessary risks. Act on what you learn. James 1:22-25 (KJV) But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. (emphasis mine)
There is no point learning and wishing but never acting. Practice is the major key to achievement. Practice, practice and keep practicing. You may fail but 34
keep at it and one day you will get the hang of it and then you will be in control . The success stories of this life are never about people who got it right the first time but about people who kept at it until they got it right. Take Abraham Lincon for instance he ran for elections over thirty times and failed to secure a seat in congress, as governor, as mayor but he did become president because he was relentless in his effort. He never let his past failures deter him from his goals. If you don't fail you will never learn to succeed. The major problem facing those who fail in life is not the failure itself but the refusal to rise again after the fall. Proverbs 24:16 (KJV) For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief. Do not give up on life because you failed, get up and move on. You have a right to make mistakes and the priviledge to correct them. 35
People who change jobs or business each time they fail will not go far in life because they keep starting again and never going forward they keep moving to new things and making new mistakes but never gain from the benefit of their past mistakes. Mistakes form the foundation for solid success and excellence. Thomas Eddison the inventor of the lightbulb made over nine hundred attempts at creating the lightbulb but failed but once he got it he kept getting it . when he was asked how many times he failed he answered . “not once, I only learnt the over nine hundred ways it will not work�. Keep practicing and you will succeed.
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Chapter Four Drive And Passion Romans 4:17-18 (GW) as Scripture says: "I have made you a father of many nations." Abraham believed when he stood in the presence of the God who gives life to dead people and calls into existence things that don't even exist. When there was nothing left to hope for, Abraham still hoped and believed. As a result, he became a father of many nations, as he had been told: "That is how many descendants you will have."
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ife is not always as you and I would want it to be. There are all kinds of situations and circumstances that we have to face that carry with them a lot of discouragements.
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The hundred and ten percent man is the one that is not deterred by opposing circumstances. He knows that after he has exhausted all the options he could as well create new ones.
Great men are men of drive and passion. They are self motivated. A man that cannot encourage himself cannot go far in life. God's hand is always out to help the man who will in the face of all odds maintain his stand. Ephes. 6:13-14 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. [14] Stand therefore‌.KJV People who crave encouragement from others are mediocre, never be a mediocre. Don't be one who waits for things to change; purpose to be the one who changes things. 38
4.1
Be inspired always.
Keep yourself positive by keeping before you the glory and the benefit you will obtain by arriving at your destination rather than spending time lamenting over the hazards of your journey to destiny. Think of where you are going to and not what you are going through. If you keep thinking on what you are going through you will slow down and eventually stop dead on your tracks. The journey of Christ through life on earth was froth with troubles but he kept his eyes on the prize Hebrews 12:1-2) Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, [2] Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the 39
throne of God.KJV Hebrews 12:2 (GW) We must focus on Jesus, the source and goal of our faith. He saw the joy ahead of him, so he endured death on the cross and ignored the disgrace it brought him. Then he received the highest position in heaven, the one next to the throne of God. (Emphasis mine) Let the example of others inspire you. You are not the first person to do the job you are doing neither are you the first to run a business. The troubles and struggles you now face many others have faced before you. Let their testimony inspire and propel you to give your best and even beyond your best. Take your eyes and ears off the people who discourage you. They are merely distractions thrown your way by the enemy. Hebrews 12:3 (GW) Think about Jesus, who endured opposition from sinners, so that you don't become tired and give up. Emphasis mine Hebrews 6:11-12 (GW) We want each of you to prove that you're working hard so that you will remain confident until the end. [12] Then, instead of being lazy, you will 40
imitate those who are receiving the promises through faith and patience. Emphasis mine Archbishop Benson Idahosa said "aspire to perspire to acquire, do not retire only "refire" that you may acquire what you perspired for". Keep yourself inspired never loose hope, for hope is simply positive expectation for the future. 4.2
Let the word of God motivate you
Joshua 1:8 (KJV) This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. (Emphasis mine) Romans 15:4 (KJV) For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. The word of God is not only the greatest source of motivation and inspiration; it is the master blueprint that 41
contains the instructions for overcoming all of life's struggles. Over and above that, it is the power that can change any situation. Isaiah 55:10-11 (GW) "Rain and snow come down from the sky. They do not go back again until they water the earth. They make it sprout and grow so that it produces seed for farmers and food for people to eat. [11] My word, which comes from my mouth, is like the rain and snow. It will not come back to me without results. It will accomplish whatever I want and achieve whatever I send it to do." (Emphasis mine) Have a picture of your goal and reward always before you, run the race thinking of the reward. The joy set before you will drive you to achievement. 1 Cor. 9:24 (GW) Don't you realize that everyone who runs in a race runs to win, but only one runner gets the prize? Run like them, so that you can win. (Emphasis mine) Do it for God, do it for you. Don't ever wait for the appreciation of others and never do anything because you 42
want man's praise; to do that would be to set yourself up for great disappointments. You can't please everyone. Your work is yours to do alone but the result of the work belongs to all. This is the truth of life. Adam Smith the father of economics and the author of the book wealth of the nations discovered that while a man labours to improve his lot in life through work and business he ultimately and even unintentionally contributes to the development and productivity of the world around him. The bible puts it this way: Galatians 6:2-5 (KJV) Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For every man shall bear his own burden. (Emphasis mine) When you do become an achiever people will see the value of your work. But on your way up don't be perturbed 43
by criticisms, learn from them. Don't get carried away by praises of men, it is said that pride goes before a fall. Encourage yourself and follow the voice of your spirit man (inner man). Remember failure is not an option so fight to win. Give it 110%
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Chapter Five Migration Principle And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.
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romotion is an obvious result of motion. Promotion comes to those on the go as you can see the word promotion is composed of two root words pro and motion; pro meaning for, and motion, this would mean for the motion, because of the motion or the result of motion. We could also say promotion is forward motion. You cannot stay on one spot and hope to get a better experience than you've always had. If you do today what you did yesterday you will likely get the same as what you have always gotten. When God wanted to bless abram he gave an instruction 45
which would change his life forever. Genesis 12;1 :1 Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will show thee And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing
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And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed
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So Abram departed, as the LORD had spoken unto him; and Lot went with him: and Abram was seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran
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Abram had to migrate from where he was to where he ought to be. In order for him to be made, he had to move. He had to change location he had to depart from what he was used to, his past, his experiences. He moved from place to place and very soon, when he had gone in and out of Egypt and the bible told us he came out a rich man. Genesis 13
:1 And Abram went up out of Egypt, he, and his wife, 46
and all that he had, and Lot with him, into the south :2 And Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold Migration principle simply states. In order for you to get to where you wish to go, you must first leave where you are now .
If you remain where you are;doing the same things you've always done you will likely remain in the same experience you 've always had and remain at the level you've always been. 5.1 The law of change I do understand that there are many people out there who are satisfied with going to the same office day in day out ‌‌.year in year out but the people who really make it in life are those who know when to move . Job14;14 If a man die, shall he live again? all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come. 47
If you spend all the days of your appointed time waiting you will die and not see change. Those who accept whatever life offers never make impact nor progress. Those who place a demand on life are the ones that make the difference. Its like the story of the prodigal son. The younger one placed a demand on his father and got his inheritance. Though he squandared it on riotuos living he made a turn around came back and inherited his father's honour ( the ring given to him ) his elder brother had great possesions and potentials never lived beyond what he was given, never moved and never made progress. His life remained in the same old rut and he ended a bitter old man because he never had the guts to move or change in his life . Great visioners are men and women of change; they are people who initiate change.
It's a simple rule that when we change something about ourselves we change a lot in our experiences . some of the things or happenings that people chalk up to bad luck are sometimes results of our ignorance and foolishness. I know of ladies that could never keep a date or a relationship simply because they expect the guy to do all 48
the talking and make all the moves on a date while they sit like statues ‌totally expressionless. There is no such thing as effortless impact you have to give something to get something. The statement nothing goes for nothing is as true as it gets, even in serving God. You receive Christ freely and offer yourself in return. You can't just receive |Christ then become a passive christian. You put great effort into the christian walk . how much you put into it determines your harvest as the good book says whatsoever a man sows that shall he reap.give a hundred and ten percent and your harvest increases exponetially. Sitting and waiting is a stance of idleness. When we wait on the Lord it does not speak of waiting as in passive stance of idleness but waiting as in active standing service like a waiter in the restaurant would wait on the guest at the table; taking orders and making deliveries. Understand that there is a time to sit and plan; but that does not qualify as waiting in this context. Things change when you change. If you want to change your lot in life you must be willing to migrate in several 49
ways Mental migration Romans 12;1 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. You must be willing to change you attitude. A little attitude change can change your altitude. The philips translation of the passage above says do not let the world squeeze you into its own mould. You don't have to be a product of your environment. You may have been born in a poor neighbourhood but you don't have to die there . You can change where you end up in life by thinking differently. The very foundation principle of christianity teaches us the salvation is the direct result of a change of attitude and thought; we call it repentance. The text says be transformed by the renewing of your mind. This means you can change your story, change your status, change your life by changing your mind. The greatest hindrance to progress and greatness in life is a wrong mind set. To have a mind set is to have a developed attitude, thought pattern, or a belief once formed that leaves no room for change. Its usually the 50
result of repeated teachings ,experiences , culture and religion. The problem with this is that if what you believe in is a lie, you are trapped in the consequence of that lie for as long as the mind set remains . the greatest enemy of man is not the devil though he is a real enemy . I know some would disagree, but the greatest enemy of man is a mind that refuses knowledge . Hosea 4;6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.
Knowledge is the key to mental revolution. Metal revolution is the key to change of situation. Like I said earlier most of what we call bad luck is usually the result of a bad mindset. As he thinketh so he is ‌.Proverbs 23:7 a major key I discovered is that victims of abuse usually suffer repeatedly so long as they cower in 51
fear before their oppressor but when they become aggressive in fighting back, the phenomenom ceases from their experiences. Just like poverty is a mindset not a lack. When a poor man determines to improve on himself and thinks differently and does not give up, his fortunes have a way of changing for the better. Knowing this you need to change the way you see yourself. You must always be ready to change or improve on what you know when what you know does not help you or improve you .
You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free. If what know does not set you free. Know then that you either do not know it well enough or what you think you know is not the truth. Its time to change. Physical migration (Location, Location, Location) Sometimes we can be hindered by where we are. Jesus said to his disciples in Matthew 10;23 “if they persecute you in one city flee to the next�. In other words don't sit in a location that does not favour you. When you are in the right place the evidence is you experience favour. He had 52
said before that “in any house that you are welcome stay there�. Check your business location , your work place , where you live . who you are with? Do you enjoy favour ? if not, work on it and if the situation persists then it's time to migrate .move without hesitation. There is nothing like being in the right pace at the right time. It has been the difference for some in meeting the right people. Some people did not meet their spouse in the city that they lived and worked for so many years but found their spouse when they moved to or visited another city. When what you are looking for is not where your are presently, change where you are. Your experiences may never change because you refuse to move from where you are. Change may not be comfortable but till you get all that you seek in life you will need to move because not all things are meant to come to you . Sometimes you have to go to them. If you don't, not even prayer will change your situation. It boils down to what you are willing to do or to let go of in order to get what you want. Don't hold on to a place that it is not fruitful to you. Even the farmers have to shift their activities to another field when the need arises as do shepherds who know that you must keep seeking new grazing ground for their flock, to stay in one place would mean to let the flock die. Many people are praying and dying when the answer to their problem may simply be in moving to another place. I had a pastor friend who in ten years struggled with his 53
ministry and wallowed in poverty in one city yet in one year in another city built five churches and lived in affluence. it is not so difficult to know when an environment is no longer right. Follow through on the checklist Are you Welcome there? Are you fruitful there? Are you favoured there ? Are you growing there? Have you found what you are looking for there? If you answer no to majority of thses questions you need to rethink your stay in such a place . It is important to note that stagnant waters eventually stink so also the life of one who refuses to grow, to change, to move forward in life so in the words of God to moses when the people where stuck between the Red sea and the Egyptian army .. “tell the people that they GO FORWARD�
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Chapter Six
You Don't Have To Do It But Do It Anyway.
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or you to go far in life you will need the involvement of others. You will need help. God has provided fellow human beings on earth not just as people fighting for their own existence but for your success as well . Quoting Adam Smith he says “no one can acquire wealth just from his labour. He must of a nessecity depend on the labour of others therefore a mans wealth ultimately becomes proportional to the amount of the labours of others that he can aquire.� There are two ways you can tap into the labour of others; one you can pay for it, that is you hire labour or two you 55
get it as a favour. Favour is usually the product of relationships. 6.1
You need friends.
Smart and successful people are people who develop great frienships. Proverbs 11:30 (KJV) The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.
You don't have to make friends with everyone but do it anyway . You will have enemies inevitably but do your best to make them as few as possible. Seek settlement with your adversary where possible. The enemy you are keeping today may be the only one with the help you need tomorow so what happens when you get to your tomorrow and your enemy today is the one in charge of approving the job you desperately need? 56
Hebrews 12:14 (KJV) Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Many people are missing out on their miracles because they are not at peace with the instruments of their promotion and breakthrough. God must use men to bless you. You cannot choose the instrument that God will use neither can you know them before hand that is why it is better and safer to be in good terms with all if you can. There may be many people beneath your “status” but go “out of your way” to show respect. Luke 6:31 (KJV) And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. Understand that you sow and show respect in order to get respect. Without respect you will not go very far in life. You need respect in order to command the favour and service of others. Sure with money you will get service but you will get much better service with respect and money. With all the money in the world you can still be denied some form of service when you have no respect .
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6.2
Be courteous this is a sure door opener.
Proverbs 15:1 (GW) A gentle answer turns away rage, but a harsh word stirs up anger. 1 Peter 3:8 (KJV) Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: To be courteous is to be humble and when you are humble you will be promoted. Pride however is the downfall of the prideful. Show kindness, mercy and favour at every opportunity and without discrimination. 6.3
Be a giver
Luke 6:30-38 (KJV) Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again. And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them. And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same. And if ye lend to 58
them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. Emphasis mine There is a saying that “givers never lack� but that is not nessesarily true. What is true however is that there is provision that givers will recieve multiples of whatever they give. This principle works in the positive as well as in the negative. If you are friendly you will gain friends if you are unfriendly you will loose friends. If you are rude you will 59
reap the same in abundance. If you are generous it will come back to you in greater measures. It is interesting to note that companies that are involved in national charities also recieve national contracts with ease. I heard about a man that did a contract for an oil company. Though broke at the time he, forewent his profit of N200,000. Later the company had a contract with a profit of N20,000,000. Guess who they thought of first to award the contract? You guessed right, the man who forewent his profit. He got the contract uncontested. Never underestimate the power of good business, good relationships, good partnerships and good friendships. Donald Trump one of the largest Real Estate Developers and business men in the United States and indeed the world, declares that he has gotten thus far by surrounding himself with smart people. These people know how to get things done and entered into partnerships that have have been relevant in his building his many great and very profitable building projects and his many great business ventures. Whatever you have to do within legal and moral limits to build powerful relationships do it 110%.
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Chapter Seven We Need Christ, We Need God. Ps 14:1 The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good. NIV Ps 111:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise. NIV There are many people who would like to believe that all it takes in life to succeed is work hard and work smart. But I learnt early that it is not always so. 61
Eccl 9:11 I have seen something else under the sun: The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong, nor does food come to the wise or wealth to the brilliant or favor to the learned; but time and chance happen to them all. NIV “Time and chance happen to them all� ; There are factors in life beyond human control; the weather for instance has worked against the success of many people. Imagine if you will the victims of hurricane katrina . rebuilding life after such a disaster is not always easy. that is one out of millions of inexplicable situations that occur in the life of man. The point I am trying to make is that wether we like it or not we need God. We need to acknowledge the existence of a superior power.
Any counsel that discourages faith in God is foolishess of the highest order.
Mankind has from the dawn of time prayed and seen amazing answers to prayer. If what you do must work out 62
it must of a neccesity pass through the blessing of the Almighty. Prov 16:3 Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. NIV It is I mportant that we include God in all our plans , he alone knows the end from the beginning. He alone can gurantee succcess. Mark 6:47-51 And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he(Jesus) alone on the land. And he(jesus) saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he (Jesus) cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them. But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out: For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid. 63
And he (Jesus) went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered.(emphasis mine) KJV Without the Lord you will have no shield against the contrary winds of life. The winds that work against you, make you toil and see little or no results. It is not wise to set sail without Jesus Christ in your ship. Anything could happen. But you can see from the passage above that when the Lord Jesus comes into your boat the contrary winds will cease. You need to have Christ in your life . You see we all have sinned and fall short of the glory (excellence, brilliance and favour) of God. Sin is something all mankind wrestles with sin comes with corruption and the ultimate destruction of all we hold dear, an example is alchoholism;imagine how many alchoholists and drug abusers lost their jobs, homes, money to these vices , think about this. Christ is the answer to sin. He took the punishment that was due to us and obtained in its stead the favour of God, that means instead of us getting judgement from God we 64
get complete access to God's help and all the host of heaven as we walk through life and its challenges, more importantly we enter into a special relationship with the creator of all that exists. Day by day multitudes are meeting with Christ Jesus and gaining new life and recovering everything they lost . You can gain this special access to God by asking Christ Jesus into your heart confessing Him as your Lord and savior and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the Dead and you shall be saved. You dont need to wait you can ask the Lord Jesus into your heart right now and move into a new life in God's favour . when you do this look for a bible believing church in your area and begin to learn how Christ can help you not only to recover all but to move into a life of greatness . in his famous word in. John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
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