The PurposeDriven Lady Magazine Issue2

THE

September/October 2016

The Purpose Driven Lady Magazine

PURPOSE DRIVEN Lady ISSUE #2 | SEP / OCT 2016

DIARY OF A PURPOSE DRIVEN LADY

CROSS IT & MOVE ON

NOTHING COMPARES

BY JUMOKE EKONG

ENJOY YOUR MARRIAGE, DON’T ENDURE IT.

God’s intention for your marriage is that you enjoy it and not endure it.

LET’S TALK STARTING

A FOOD

BUSINESS

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September/October 2016

The Purpose Driven Lady Magazine

September/October 2016

Early bird £300 pp pays in full Full price £400pp from 1st October 2016

Early bird £300 pp pays in full

Full price £400pp from 1st October 2016

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The Purpose Driven Lady Magazine

Purpose Driven Lady is a movement in which busy working women are encouraged to take action to find their place, position and purpose so that they create their reality and live their best life.

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September/October 2016

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I am who God says I am. I am a blessing to my world and all I lay my hands upon to do prospers. I am blessed.

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The Purpose Driven Lady Magazine

September/October 2016

Letter from the

Editor Inspirational Poems, Purpose Driven 3Ms, Daily Confessions & a sprinkle of Bible scriptures throughout the pages and introducing Diary of a Purpose Driven Lady, Lets Talk Challenge & Back to School.

I trust God that as you read each article, it will minister Grace to you

In closing, my heart desire is that this issue stirs and motivate you to find your place, position and purpose. Like it is always said, “Remember if God gave you s we enter the BER months, the the vision, He will make the provision�. weather will begin to change He will make a Way. (here in the UK), the sun will go into hiding for a bit, the flowers The journey continues for Purpose Driven will begin to fade away and the air will Lady Magazine, here is to Bigger, Better, Bolder & Beautiful. smell of cold.

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Welcome to the September/October Issue SO UNTIL NEXT ISSUE BE BOLD & of The Purpose Driven Lady Magazine. COURAGEOUS, REMEMBER IT IS I hope you enjoyed reading the maiden POSSIBLE AND YES YOU CAN. edition.

Should you have any questions and I am grateful for the opportunity to share suggestions, please send them to the second issue with you and would like to info@thepurposedrivenlady.com specially thank The Purpose Driven Lady Magazine contributors for their creative To living In Purpose, writing, thank you for giving.

Omowunmi aka Toks In this issue, we are addressing Lets Talk P.S: Share this magazine to your friends Starting A Food Business, Relationships and family so that together we are creating & Marriages, Purpose Discovery, our reality and living our best life NOW. 6

CONTENT

9 Let’s Talk Starting A Food Business

The Big Picture 12-13 Diary of a Purpose Driven Lady 14-16 Cross it & Move on 22 Let’s Talk Challenge 26 Nothing Compares 27 Enjoy your Marraige Don’t Endure it 28-29

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LOVE

by Victoria Wya

It’s in Your make-up Purposefully Created for Service 30-33 Purpose Discovery with Modupe 35-36 If Not for the Grace of God 37 Maximising Single Hood 38-39

24-25 What Shoe size Do You Wear?

September/October 2016

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Featured Contributors Morenike Asaju

Modupe LanreAkinsiun

Victoria Wya

Oluwadunsi Ogunsumi

Jumoke Ekong

Tayo Olumakin

Jumoke Poku

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Deby Okoh

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Let’s Talk Starting

A Food Business Do you desire to start a food business?

Do you have an amazing recipe or idea that your family and friends love?

Would you like to put your amazing homemade food product on the shelves and make money from it?

If you want to develop your recipe that receives lots of awards from family and friends into a product suitable for sale, you are in the right place! If you are ready to go from recipe to retail you have come to the right place! With an amazing homemade finished food product suitable for sale you can: •

Have Financial freedom

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Have Time Freedom

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Enjoy success

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Enjoy recognition

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Live your dream Be branded

Wouldn’t that be awesome? There has never been a better time to start a food business that will generate an income that will meet your needs. Food is a product that will constantly have a huge demand.

Starting a food business is both challenging and exciting. It is one business that will always have a demand. However, the ability to cook good food is not a guarantee of commercial success.

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nowing how to cook and starting a business are two different things but knowing how to cook is a good place to start. While making food products for retail sale may appear relatively straightforward a lot more is involved that will require significant investment in skills, facilities and specialist technical support. Maybe you are wondering what processes are involved, how am I going to start, where am I going to start from, and what am I going to do? I am going to share with you four steps to starting a food business including a checklist for starting up.

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Identify your product: The first step is to identify what type of food item you will produce. Form a realistic and clear picture of what you can feasibly sell to make money. Answer important questions like what will be the product name, description of product, scale and type of production, launch date, price and even distribution. One of the key ingredients to successful food product is quality, never compromise on quality. Consumers today are more conscious of what they eat so it is very important that quality raw materials are used in the food manufacturing process. Let your food product be a solution to a problem, this is fundamental when identifying your product.

Identify your niche: It is important to review products within the market place to have a good idea of what is happening in the food industry, especially if you are intending to make a product suitable for retail sale. Several entrepreneurs assume that they know what their customers want without even asking them; this always

results in a lot of costly mistakes later on.

Determine what product the consumer will purchase and continue to purchase.

It is very important to understand your niche and their requirement in order to be able to meet their need, as long as you understand your niche’s need the path to success is clearer and more defined.

Identify your production process: Before you can make food for retail sale, you need to understand food hygiene regulations and general food safety regulations. These regulations guide in making safe and quality food. It is vital that food produced for human consumption is safe to consume. Risk assessment should be carried out on raw materials, equipment, process and packaging to ensure that your homemade food product stands a great chance of success and be among the new products that are launched and make profit continuously. The following are key areas that must be understood as they help get your business off to a good start:

Hygiene Preservation and Safety Labelling Packaging 10

Steps to Success...

Shelf-life

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The importance of understanding your product, what it can or cannot contain, processing and preservation methods cannot be overemphasized.

Product launch – Time to Get It on the Shelves: This is an important step as the product is now ready for sale. The process of getting to launch your homemade food product is an exciting journey from recipe to retail. Areas that would have been completed include a food safety management programme, quality checks, several focus groups, taste panel sessions and product testing. Preparing for retail sale is important and one of the best ways to implement this is to carry out a product demonstration. Show your product(s) to your specific audience and ask for feedback before you start selling it.

Checklist for starting up •

Have you registered your premises?

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Do the design and construction of premises meet legal requirement?

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Are you aware of the main General Food Law Requirements?

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Do you keep written records of all the suppliers that provide you with food or any food ingredients?

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Have you put food safety management procedures in place and are you keeping up-to-date records of these?

your

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Do you and your staff understand the principles of good food hygiene?

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Have you considered health and safety and fire safety arrangements?

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Have you registered as self-employed?

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Do you need to register for VAT?

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Are you keeping records of all your business income and expenses?

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Are you keeping records of your employees’ pay and do you know how to pay their tax and National Insurance contributions?

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Do you describe food and drink accurately?

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Do you need to apply for a licence to sell alcohol, for entertainment, for selling hot food and drink late at night, or selling food on the street?

In conclusion starting a food business requires careful planning, support and professional help to ensure success and eliminate frustrations. And if you would like support with this, please send an email to info@forkandspoonbook.com and we can schedule a complimentary strategy phone session. So get inspired to take action, go to www.letstalkstartingafoodbusiness. blogspot.co.uk for free advice and tips on how to start your own food business.

Connect with us Fork and Spoon/Facebook Omowunmi – Toks Olunloyo/Facebook info@forkandspoonbook.com www.forkandspoonbook.com www.letstalkstartingafoodbusiness. blogspot.co.uk Omowunmi Olunloyo Author of the Forthcoming Book: Fork & Spoon: 7 Key Elements Of Food Product Development From Concept To Launch Remain Elevated, Omowunmi aka Toks

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THE BIG

PICTURE my Christian faith as I knew it towards purpose and destiny and for which I am eternally grateful to God for. Brief history, prior to this day, I was saved but doing nothing. I did not even go to service on Sunday morning; I played lawn tennis with my friends!

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28.

On a lovely August evening a number of years ago, I had to return back to school after a brief stay in Lagos, Nigeria and it was getting really late. I personally prefer not to travel at night if I can avoid it but it was not the case in this situation. I had an early morning test the next day in school and so I was compelled to go back to school. I got to the bus park rather late, and got into a bus quite hesitantly and getting upset by the minute about the whole incident. I met a man on the bus who turned out to be one of my pastor and mentor who shaped and influenced 12

On that one hour thirty-minute journey to my next stop, I learnt about the Holy Spirit, Righteousness and Praying in the Spirit, etc. I got to my stop and found out we were going to the same place – my school. I was happy to have a familiar face around as the park was empty and dark and there was no taxi in sight. But this man did not look worried but was praying in the spirit under his breath. As if on cue, less than 10 minutes later, a private car came by and offered us a ride, by this time we were about 10 people all waiting for transportation. He refused to pick anyone else but this man and myself and dropped us off at my school gate. He was a serving commissioner in the state! Long story short, I took this man to the church event he came for and met his contact who happened to be a new friend I was discussing with about God a few weeks earlier where I went to watch movies with my friends. It felt like a setup but it was God! He got me to school safely and though I did not know that at that time, He wanted to settle my Christian faith once and for all.

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My experience reminded me of the story of Joseph and his brothers. They did not realize it at that point but they later understood it in the end. If only they were patient, they would have seen the bigger picture of God’s plan in the whole episode:

· Joseph was sent to preserve the Israelites: · Judah began the tribe where our Messiah came from, and from who we are saved; · Levi birth the Levites and Moses, who delivered the Israelites from Egypt. The list goes on.

At some point in our lives, we may be at a crossroad or hit an all-time low and cannot see the light at the end of the tunnel (or as someone put it - “I am Nigerian, (living in Nigeria). Don’t tell me there’s Light at the end of the tunnel, I just feel it is disrespectful, One, we don’t have tunnels here. Two, we don’t have (constant) light too. You can say something like there would be Jollof at the end of the (wedding) reception. That to me is the Nigerian definition of Hope.”) Lol! But on a more serious note, at such time

September/October 2016

you need to look inward and remember….

Remember where you are coming from, remember how you got to where you are, not because of anything special that you did but God’s grace that lifted you and placed you high above, in spite of your faults and inadequacies. And if for any reason, you cannot remember anything God has done for you, go to scriptures and remember the victories of Sarah, remember Moses, David, Samson, Joshua, Paul, Abigail just to mention a few. Do this, and then open your mouth in thanksgiving. If He did it before for one, He can do it again for all! Halleluyah! He is not a respecter of persons! The scriptures say ‘after you have done all – after you have prayed, fasted, sowed your seeds, walked in love, and basically done everything you can do, Stand!”

Stand in the knowledge that God loves you unconditionally – nothing you do or say can make God love you more and nothing you can do can make Him love you less.

God’s thoughts towards you are thoughts of good and not of evil to give you an expected end – a hope and a future.”

There is always a bigger picture and no matter what happens, God’s got your back!

Morenike Asaju

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September/October 2016

Diary of a Purpose Driven Lady

With Modupe Lanre-Akinsiun

I woke up this morning and while I was going about my morning tasks, I stepped out and saw my help was awake and doing laundry already. Of course we greeted and I asked her to see me for a quick chat.

I asked her about a complaint my mum had made to me about her and she explained her side of the story. I guided her on how to respond to and manage adults.

She thanked me and I also thanked her for being of help to the kids and I.

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et’s call her Faith. She’s been with me for a few months and she is the second best help I have ever had.

I’ve seen her give my mum an attitude and so when mumsy complained, I knew there must have been something. Faith joined my family after my last help left. She was an amazing lady too and we all miss her since she left a few months ago.

Why am I writing all of these? Domestic help has been a growing menace in our society lately especially for younger married women.

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I got married relatively young, was 25+ at the time. Got pregnant with twins within a few months. The earlier trimester was bumpy and so I needed help. A live-in one at that. When the babies came, I got one more.

Within 6+years, I’ve lost count but I may have had up to 15-20 people work with me! Sometimes, it feels like their plan is to kill. Lol. Some stole, lied, mal-treated my kids, another was psycho and brought her boyfriend home with the plan of sleeping over! Rotfl.

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September/October 2016

All these never made me change my mind from engaging ‘livein’ help because that was what I needed with the family, career and ministry I was building at the time.

communication isn’t clear either in how it is spoken or heard. If you give instructions, have you ensured you spoke clearly? If yes, then good.

In 2014, my husband and I chose to rest in God and not be anxious about getting any help when the last one left. At this time, the twins now had a younger brother.

Husband helped so much all through my journey.

God asked me if I truly know the heart of my help, if I’ve been through their journey in life, if they have my kind of exposure etc. If they don’t, I shouldn’t expect them to always be 100% clear on my instructions! To think your maid or baby’s nanny should always get things that you say and do things the same way you do them is saying to yourself that you are on the same level! This isn’t about class definition but about empathy!

We prayed about it and cast our cares and we took responsibility for chores in the house. Some days we cared less if house was scattered or not. I spoke to my friend and she gave good counsel, step up your budget for your help. I’d been used to 15k-20k (Nigeria Currency) kinda budget.

Since foolishness is doing the same thing and expecting a different result, I chose change. I increased to 25k. My last help came and was like from heaven! Worked and loved the kids. She got an OND cert and had a son. I gave her things if and when I had and paid her son’s fees as led

by God to do. It wasn’t the money that changed the situation, God did.

With all my accolades on my last help, she wasn’t perfect. We argued sometimes and I remember how I will call her agent to speak to her since she was a bit older than me.

One day, God reached out to me. This experience changed how I see domestic help totally. Arguments happen when

But can you control how the other person listens or hears? I don’t think so.

Why? We hear things not with our ears primarily. We hear with our heart, eyes, past experiences, exposure etc

Don’t get tired of instilling good instructions and behaviour in them.

It took them 15-30yrs of imbibing attitudes & information to be where they are, help them get better and not bitter!

Also, you live in a 5bedroom duplex (you know what I mean) and this person cleans the whole house and still takes care of your children all in one day! How? Can you? Will you?

You ask your maid how one fly died on your windowsill, how’s she supposed to know?

Can we please treat people the way we 15

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want to be treated? I’m not saying buy them everything you buy for yourself but love begets love. Will you love them and give them a good reason to serve you better? Don’t add to their bitter experience in life. Help them get better instead!

Grace in the name of Jesus.

To every woman who raises her help, I celebrate you! To every help struggling to understand their mistresses and masters, I ask God for wisdom, favour and strength for you today in Jesus Name.

May God help us and strengthen us in Jesus Name. There is a rest for God’s people, ensure you get into that rest (Hebrews 4)

Cast your cares. Ask God to send Help to you but first receive, enjoy and rest in the help you have in the Holy Spirit. Lovingly ask your husband to help you out when overwhelmed. Learn to choose your battles My last help has gone to continue life, with your domestic help. If it isn’t a matter gone to a catering school and I’m glad I of life and death, let it go, if you say your am a part of her journey. She’s visiting the help is demonic, how did you hire them? family this weekend and is in touch with How come you couldn’t sense it before my mum and I! they came in?

To every woman who desires to get better,

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God bless our homes!

Dupe

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September/October 2016

Back to School Tips

Source: http://tinyurl.com/j6frl4f 17

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Source: http://tinyurl.com/j6frl4f

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Let’s Talk Blogging 101

JOIN Let’s Talk Blogging 101 TODAY!

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LOVE

by Victoria Wya

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September/October 2016

A thing that is so sweet Or a feeling that works a treat?

That warmth the embraces your heart And says all is well despite the troubles of the earth A peace despite the mist of a storm A confidence that only Him can install A radiance that exhumes and brightens the face And the hope that through Him one can finish the race A place that He’s our footstool when we stumble That’s why He’s not a man and not allow us to crumble With open arms He forgives our trespasses As long as we humbly bow before him regrettably That’s only a loving God who can cleanse our hearts Transforming from dirt to be clear as white as snow Only grace, mercy, favour and wholeness one cannot describe God our Jehovah, Shalom, Rophe, Nissi and Omnipresent That’s why I’m always so much overwhelmed by His presence Cos in Him I am complete, whole and sanctified Now that’s what I call love

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I function under the auction of the Holy Spirit and I know all things.

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Cross It & Move On

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hen I started using pens in my primary school, and I made a mistake, I would try hard to erase it. Sometimes I use chalk, but it later reappears. So I began to use saliva, it worked only to leave holes in my book.

and laugh at me”, I protested.

“Trying to erase it will make more people know about your mess, and the stigma is for life” Have you made a mistake, cross it and move on?

My teachers then used to beat me for being outrageously dirty. But all I tried to do was cover my errors. One day, a kind-hearted teacher who loves me so much called me aside.

“Dear, anytime you make a mistake, just cross it and move on. Trying to erase it would only damage your book”.

“But, I don’t want people to see my mistake

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That is, take your mistakes to the Cross of Calvary, at the feet of Jesus, leave it there and move on.

Don’t try to create more irredeemable errors by trying within your power to erase it.

Cross it & Move On. Oluwadunsi Ogunsumi

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I am like the city set on a hill, I cannot be hidden. I am the light of the world.

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WHAT SHOE SIZE DO YOU WEAR? “MARRIAGE is like a shoe. When you wear oversize, be ready to drag it along through out life, and when you wear under-size be ready to feel the pains through out life.” One thing about marriage is that you don’t drop your shoe or remove it at any point, no matter how painful or how stressful it is. That is why I thought it necessary to write you this letter.

Dear Singles, When you are ready to buy your own shoe please take note of these three things: PHYSICAL APPEARANCE: Do not look for the beautiful ones, the nice ones or the cheap ones.

Look for the one that is your size. Not every handsome, wealthy or intelligent guy is for you, not every beautiful woman is for you. Look for the one that is meant for you, the one that aligns with your values and belief, the one who you meet at your life’s journey. It is important to know where you’re going in life before you think of getting a wife.

POSITION: All sizes of shoes are not placed in the same place.

There is a place for court shoes, laced up shoes, sport footwear, snickers etc. We have Children sizes, young people’s sizes and the adult sizes.

Know where to get your own shoe. Your size cannot be everywhere my brother; your type cannot be everywhere my sister. You cannot be a Christian, and be looking for a wife material at a club. Your wife or husband can’t just be everywhere. Stick to your values and therein you shall find someone like you, but when your values are not defined anyone can just match you. Discover yourself and define your values 26

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In this kind of shoe purchasing enterprise, you are not permitted to try the shoe before you buy. This is why it is important to seek guidance and counseling, from people who have bought shoes before or are into the business of directing people to the right shoes (Pastors and Relationship coaches).

-How much (His/Her interest)

And most importantly to avoid much time wasting time, simply consult the SHOE MANUFACTURER to tell you your size (GOD ALMIGHTY).

Dear one, remember many are dragging their foot and they would hardly reach their destinies, many are feeling endless pains and wish they could pull off the shoes but no way!!! I have seen people with beautiful shoes and when they show you their foot, you will see scars. Beloved, it is not about the physical, it is the size, you can’t know the size from afar so come close, build a relationship first but remember ‘you are not permitted to try it before you buy it’.

“You do not prepare wedding; you prepare marriage.”

for for

Ladies these days get so motivated when they attend wedding and they will quickly want to say yes to that guy.

Wait!!! It is not just the wedding oh. The wedding is just one day. After the wedding WHAT NEXT? Finally, it is not something you rush to the market and just pick a shoe because you like or can purchase it.

Ask questions -Where is this shoe made from?

(Background) -What’s the size (Values)

-How long will it last (His/Her Character) -Who made it? (Is she/He of the same faith? This is compatibility) -Will it match me? (This is whether he/she loves you and will accept you the way you are)

And for those who have purchased the wrong shoes, you can still make it your size again if you’d consult the Manufacturer and let Him have His way in your marriage.

God bless us all.

Friends/Followers of Great Dreams Radio

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September/October 2016

LET’S TALK CHALLENGE Let me see how fast you are...

THIS IS A small CHALLENGE 4 INTELLIGENT BRAINS: The name of a country is hiding in the consecutive letters within a sentence.

For example, FRANCE is hiding in, the sentence “The runners who lived at the top of the cliff ran centuries ago”. (clifF RAN CEenturies).

Find the name of the country hiding in the consecutive letters within these sentences.

1.

You all must pay it back, or each of you will be in trouble.

2.

Was Doctor Dolittle’s favorite animal a glib yak?

3.

A true optimist will never let hope rush away.

4.

How often can a daydream come true?

5.

Is there a health spa in this hotel?

6.

They are going in diametrically opposite directions.

7.

Is the county fair a nice place to visit?

8.

The foot with which I lead is my left one.

9.

He owns a ranch in Arizona.

10. The foods we deny ourselves are usually tasty.

Send your correct answers to info@thepurposedrivenlady.com to win a complimentary free gift.

Answers will be revealed in next issue.

Happy thinking!

Source: Shared as received.

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Nothing Compares

by Jumoke Ekong When a beggar becomes a prince It’s a miracle When blind eyes are open And lame feet receive power to run It’s a miracle When unseen chains are broken But no miracle compares to The miracle of salvation When sinner becomes saint....

Outcast becomes son Spirits are reborn Welcome to the kingdom That has no end

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September/October 2016

Enjoy your

marriage,

don’t Endure it.

God’s intention for your marriage is that you enjoy it and not endure it. One of God’s reasons for creating marriage is for positive companionship, which is meant to be an enjoyable companionship not an endurable companionship. The bible says in Genesis 2:18 The LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”

A

helpmeet will encourage & support her man given to her by God. She is meant to enjoy what she does in the relationship. It is important for you to know that as a woman and a helpmeet to your man that God did not create you above or below your man; you are made to complement your man.

In my experience of counselling married women, I have observed that women who have challenges in marriage think of themselves as inferior to their companion.

They think of themselves as incapable, as 30

someone who have nothing to offer to their relationship. There is a famous saying that no one can make you inferior without your permission! Everything that God created is good that means you are made good.

The bible says in Proverbs 14:1 “Every wise woman builds her house: but the foolish pluck it down with her hands”.

A wise woman chooses to be wise. She has the right priorities for her life; she is disciplined; her family, relationship and territory prospers. As women, we have a tremendous opportunity to build families

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that will be to the glory of God and make positive massive impact. It is your choice to be wise, build and to enjoy building your home. The importance of being wise cannot be overemphasized; it will help in building your home and enjoying the process all the way.

The key factor to enjoying your marriage is to create an altar for God in your home. Commune with God daily about your marriage, confess His word about your marriage, practice His word regarding your marriage, stay positive, and don’t give up! Always remember that He created marriage to be enjoyed.

Ephesians 5:31 say, “A man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh”. Husband and wife are to live as one, united in love for God and for one another, modelling the love Christ has for His bride, the Church.

by Tayo Olumakin

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It’s in Your Make-up Purposefully Created for Service

I am God’s masterpiece, not an after thought I am born to serve, rule and take dominion I am co-creator with God, multiplying, increasing and replenishing the earth.

I emulate Christ, the servant king

I

am so excited sharing with you how purposefully you were created. I came to the realisation of my purpose as woman some time ago and my life has never being the same. This revelation was born out of my frustration on the male specie, don’t even get me started! In our current world, women no longer stay 32

at home, we have a career, give birth to children, run the home including cleaning, and laundry the list is endless.

Most typical day could start as early as 4am; I assume it starts with fellowship with God our father for grace and strength.

You get the children ready for school, serve breakfast, pack their bags, check

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homework books, sign off that consent form for that activity or lunch time club, write in their contact book, then you all head for the car (all the while screaming and shouting on them to run along), drop them off in school. Yes! Now you can breathe and step into the career mode. At work you are a different person; you are in your professional mode, you are confident and productive. Then comes 5pm, you rush through closing hour’s traffic to get the kids from after school club, catching up on each other’s day on your way (this is essential otherwise you will have no clue what your children are like outside of home plus you build rapport with them

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from the early stage). When you get back home then the multi- tasking starts and you just keep changing the cap, from cook, to mother, teacher, cleaner, nurse, wife and companion and so on.

What an exhausting task for one person amidst the whole family. The woman carries on non-stop while other members enjoy the fruit of it, so you are bound to get frustrated sometimes, and you are within your right to be.

Nonetheless, ask yourself this question, why are you naturally inclined to carry on functioning in all of those roles and in that capacity?

The answer is in your make-up; what were you created for? According to Rick

God created all that was required for man to enjoy a good life on earth, He looked at everything He created and He said it was good. He placed man in the garden of Eden to tend and care for it (Gen2: 15).

Warren, “What on earth are you here for?” to answer this question let us go back to the very beginning. The book of Genesis chapter 1 described the enormous work of creation of God and chapter 2 verses 1 & 2 recorded that “So the creation of the heavens and the earth and everything in them was completed. On the seventh day God had finished his work of creation, so he rested from all his work” (NLT).

Question: Was creation truly completed?

Answer: Yes & No God created all that was required for man to enjoy a good life on earth, He looked at everything He created and He said it was good. He placed man in the garden of Eden to tend and care for it (Gen2: 15). However,

between verse 15 to 17 God saw that though man had everything he required on earth with fellowship and presence of God Himself but there was a deeper need within the soul of man that was lacking and God saw that “it is not good for man to be alone”(18a). Wow! Everything within the plan of God and creation was good up until this time, something was missing and without this very thing God cannot enjoy the fellowship He desires with man (Rev 4:11) neither can man enjoy full and satisfying fellowship with the Father.

God, who is all knowing, knew the answer to this; He thought of you, He knew that with your existence the need would be met. God already created you within man

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(YES- creation was complete); no wonder man could not enjoy himself because you were within him trying to find expression.

However, this knowledge was only known to God but he needed man to identify his very own need.

Need according to Oxford dictionary is to “require something because it is essential or very important rather than just desirable.” In other words, it is a necessity and indispensable. Without a need, help is not required; there is no obligation for anything to be done about it. Man has to identify his need within himself otherwise

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the provision of that thing would not be valuable to him and he is not obliged to count it as worth anything. Here comes the testing, God had to bring man to question why he feels the way he feels by giving him a challenge. So God brought the animals to Adam to see what he would call them.

Adam stood up to the task, he completed the assignment and God approved of his work, whatever Adam called each living creature that was its name. But for Adam there was not found a companion suitable to him. Adam saw that every living creature was created male and female, they

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all had companions suitable to them, just like them with slightly different features.

Adam longed for the same; he identified his need for a suitable being just like him.

To be suitable is to be ‘right or appropriate for a particular person, purpose, or situation’. Therefore, for Adam, a suitable companion was needed to meet a purpose, need for help and companionship.

Hence, God went back to work (NOcreation was not complete) to create His masterpiece, wow! What an excellent work, the grand finale of all.

He purposefully created you to provide help to meet man’s need. Wow! You are a help meet girl, you are here on an assignment, you are driven to achieve goals no wonder you can multi-task. You enable man’s vision to succeed; God says to man, teach your children the law and statue, you get to work by setting routines for the children to enable them to learn the laws and statue of the Lord. God says to man take dominion, you create the avenue for him to go out dominate and conquer. The husband of the proverbs 31 woman sat to judge in the gates because he has entrusted his affairs in her hands, therefore he has no worries about how the servants are getting on with their work, or the children with their school.

You were created not to hinder him but to help him all his life (Prov 31:12).

However, if you cannot do all things or function in all capacity, you can ask for help; you can jointly support each other to lessen each other’s burden or employ help as needed. Proverbs 31 woman had servants to delegate duties to but you know the need and how it should be met.

Nevertheless, walk with the full awareness of your purpose, you are purposefully created to serve as a woman, daughter, mother, wife, sibling, professional, friend and colleague just like Jesus Christ, the servant King. He came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45). So when you sometimes feel frustrated about been the only person amidst your household or work place who doesn’t get a chance to take a breath, remember you are emulating Christ. Oftentimes serving adequately might be impinged by difficult situations and circumstances, your effort might go unnoticed or unappreciated.

Don’t complain; grace is available to you.

Remember to count it all joy as a servant of the Lord, work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people (Col 3:23).

You are doing a great job, meeting need, and serving without expecting anything back and ultimately fulfilling purpose.

Jumoke Poku

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September/October 2016

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your request be made known to God Phil 4:6

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September/October 2016

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Purpose Discovery with

Modupe

Topic: Just Before You Quit...!

Bible Reference: Phil 2:13

T

his is a message for someone out there who thinks he or she has come to the end, someone to whom futile efforts seem to be the order of the day, someone who thinks no one ever noticed their contribution, someone who feel so insignificant and feels tired after such a long run...

The word that came to me to you today is to LOOK BEYOND YOURSELF! There is just one more person who needs to hear your voice, be encouraged by you, listen to your song, read your book, attend your seminar, be raised by you, see you smile so they can remember it is not over for them.

The reason why we think of quitting is when we think we have failed in our own efforts. “At least, I have tried...” is what you hear some say. By the way, I am not speaking to those, who need to shed off unnecessary weight in order to focus on more rewarding ventures but to those who are sure of what it is they should be doing right now but feel so overwhelmed to take a step and just want to throw in the towel!

A lot of time, we experience this burn out and we feel like dropping everything but please, just before you quit...

Remember, that in those seemingly unsuccessful attempts, a better you is emerging! I remember a book I once read (Sometimes We Win and other times We...

Learn). It is not the achievement of our goals that really counts but the person we become.

When we look to ourselves, we may feel small and inadequate especially since we know our struggles and areas of developments but if we look unto Jesus, we see Grace. In fact, I have since realised that God is the one ALL THE WHILE AT WORK IN ME...TO WILL AND DO of His good pleasure (Phil 2:13), also faithful is He that has CALLED you, who also will DO it (1Thess 5:24). He calls, yet He is the one who does it!

A lot of times we think the little results we see are a product of our efforts, if we only we understand that there is nothing that we have that we did not receive including our little successes. It’s been Him all along!

You are only a vessel.

Friends, this race of purpose is not about you! It is not YOUR purpose; it is HIS purpose for you! He’s got things figured out and all you have to do is to rely on Him and reach out to Him. 37

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Just before you quit, remember those to whom you have been called! Of course, God will raise someone else to be a blessing to him or her but really, do you want to be replaced? I bet not. Let us run with patience, perseverance (Heb 12:1).

September/October 2016

Email: iamanelevatedwoman@gmail.com Till we meet, live on purpose!

Modupe Lanre-Akinsiun

Just before you quit, remember it is easier Purpose Discovery with Modupe is a to stop than to start. It usually takes more weekly broadcast of messages that would inspire people to live life purposefully. energy and effort. Would you rather...

I present before you today STOP and CONTINUE but I will recommend that you continue for the end is usually better than the beginning (Eccl 7:8). Except you have reached the end, please do not quit!

Remember, no one who puts his hands on the plough and looks back is fit for the kingdom...

To stay fit and prevent burnout, fan the flame of His presence through:

This message would be shared on social medial platforms to reach as many people as possible too.

Modupe is a passionate teacher of the God’s word especially as it relates to Purpose and living life optimally. She is an internationally certified Human Resources professional with a passion for building capacity in people, Modupe is also a certified John Maxwell leadership coach, speaker and trainer. She is married with 3 kids and resides in Lagos with her family.

1. Spirit filled prayers 2. Undiluted worship 3. Study of the word 4. Fellowship with other people of like mind and other relevant materials that can stir you up Stay Fit! Even if you fall and have fallen, get back up again! The world needs you!

If you need help with any of the above, kindly reach out to Modupe on Phone: (08062419353 – Whatsapp), Instagram: @modupelanreakinsiun,

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Who am I? and more importantly, “why am I here?”

Growing up in a nice and loving atmosphere Learning to know life as it comes, no definite future Some good, some bad but erstwhile manageable But then, what the heck, “such is life”!

I’ve been told Going through rough times and valleys lows

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IF NOT FOR THE

GRACE OF GOD And constantly been told it’s the Lord’s doing “Why?” I ask, “is God so unfair and unjust?”

“Why do bad things happen? Especially to good people, Don’t question God, they all say, we’re but mere mortals Getting to know God in a new way, being born again After committing my life to him anew, new joys follow I see that all I’ve been told had been false or halftruths I couldn’t blame them though, my teachers knew no better “Ignorance!”, I sigh “is a major course of error and pain” Thinking about all I’ve been through thus far And unconsciously appreciating God for all He’s done As I finally saw that all these setbacks not caused by me Were always moving me forward as the Lord wills And making me a much better person after all I know who I am, God’s property, His handiwork Created in His original blueprint and design And destined to bring Him honor, glory and praise And I can’t help myself as I wonder in amazement But saying out loud “If Not For The Grace Of God”

Morenike Asaju

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September/October 2016

MAXIMISING SINGLEHOOD:

Enjoying your life as a Spinster – Part 1

In my single days, I did a lot of things for myself, which I am glad I did, for they are my saving grace in marriage now. I will share a few of them with you.

The clock is ticking; time is wheezing by real fast.

Last night you were 21, you wake up this morning to find out you’re now 28! Where in the world did all the time go? Where did your twenties go? All the while you had thought time and age was on your side, only for you to discover you are not as young as you used to be!

This can be daunting, especially when you look back and realize you haven’t actually achieved much. So WHAT have you been doing all these while? Time to do a quick reality check! You don’t have to wait until you get married to do some things. Often I’ve heard young girls say, “When I get married, I’d travel around the world with my husband” or “When I get married, I’d be able to serve God well” …. Really?

What happens to you BEFORE you get married?

If you are not satisfied as a single woman, you can never be satisfied as a married woman. Marriage is NOT the beginning of life; it is the continuation of it – two people coming together to harness their potential, working in synergy.

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In my single days, I did a lot of things for myself, which I am glad I did, for they are my saving grace in marriage now. I will share a few of them with you.

1. Build a long lasting deep relationship with God! Yes, I started with this because it is the foundation for any good believer who wants to excel. Being single accords you all the time you need to pray, fast and study the Word of God as you like. How, you ask? Because you don’t have anyone clamoring for your attention. Incidentally Paul mentioned this in his letter to the Corinthians.

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God. In marriage, it is these prayers you have sown in times past that will help carry you. There is no exhaustive list of what you can pray for and about. Pray to discover your purpose, both for yourself and your future husband. Enjoy the presence of the Lord and the fellowship of other believers.

The time will come when it is these prayers you’ve sown that will pull you through in marriage.

Do the work of ministry God has placed in your hands and do it diligently, “I don’t have a ministry”, I hear you say. Well, that’s erroneous. EVERYONE has a purpose in life and fulfilling that in itself is a ministry.

Do it with joy and fulfillment and you are 1st Corinthians 7 verse 28: But if you do well on your way to meeting with the man/ marry, you have not sinned; and if a virgin woman that’ll join you on this journey. marries, she has not sinned. But those who marry will face many troubles in this life, Deby Okoh and I want to spare you this. NIV Verse 32-34: I would like you to be free from concern. An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord’s affairs —how he can please the Lord. 33 But a married man is concerned about the affairs of this world—how he can please his wife— 34 and his interests are divided. An unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the Lord’s affairs: Her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit. But a married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world—how she can please her husband. NIV Take time to pray for yourself, for your future, for your future husband and children. Spend time with the word of

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And the Lord will make you the head and not the tail; you shall be above only, and not be beneath Deut. 28:13

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September/October 2016

coach@thepurposedrivenlady.com

coach@thepurposedrivenlady.com

coach@thepurposedrivenlady.com

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September/October 2016

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Purpose Driven Lady

3Ms

Music Movie Meditation

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Movie 45

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September/October 2016

How do we explain the impossible?

MIRACLES from HEAVEN Miracles from Heaven is a 2016 American Christian drama film directed by Patricia Riggen and written by Randy Brown. It is based on Miracles from Heaven by Christy Beam, which recounts the true story of her young daughter who had a near-death experience and was later cured of an incurable disease.

The film stars Jennifer Garner, Kylie Rogers, Martin Henderson, John Carroll Lynch, Eugenio Derbez and Queen Latifah. Principal photography began in Atlanta, Georgia in July 2015. The film was released on March 16, 2016 by Columbia Pictures.

Plot

gastroenterologist, Dr. Nurko.

Set in Burleson, Texas, in 2011, the film centers on a 10-year-old girl named Anna Beam (Kylie Rogers), daughter of Christy Beam (Jennifer Garner). Anna is suffering from a pseudo-obstruction motility disorder and is unable to eat, using feeding tubes for nutrition. Upon checking at the local hospital, they find no signs of illness but say it’s “acid reflux” or “lactose intolerance”, but Christy is not convinced by this. Hoping to discover what is the cause of her disease, Christy and Anna travel to Boston despite not having an appointment with the pediatric

When she is subsequently examined at Boston Children’s Hospital, evidence of the chronic illness is found. She goes through extensive treatment. During this ordeal, Anna and her mother befriend a local Massachusetts resident named Angela, as well as Ben and his sick daughter, Haley.

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One day, Anna falls into the hollow of a three-story tree and she has near-death experience. Anna is miraculously healed of her disease, because she had fallen and hit her head just right. At church, Christy shares the story of how God miraculously healed her through love.

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As Christy finishes her speech, one of the congregation protests, stating that she does not believe Christy. Ben, who traveled from Boston upon hearing the story about Anna, believes her and tells her that his daughter Haley died peacefully because Anna gave her faith earlier when in the hospital.

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Courtney Fansler as Adelynn Beam, the youngest Beam daughter

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Zach Sale as Dr. Blyth, the first doctor to listen to Christy about her sick daughter

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Kelly Collins Lintz as Emmy, a family friend of the Beams

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John Carroll Lynch as Reverend Scott, the Senior Pastor of the Beam family’s church

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Brandon Spink as Billy Snyder, a friend of Anna

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Hannah Alligood as Haley, a sick cancer patient who becomes friends with Anna

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Wayne Pere as Ben, Haley’s father

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Bruce Altman as Dr. Burgi, Anna’s doctor who is the head of the pediatric division at the hospital in Texas

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Suehyla El-Attar as a receptionist at the Boston Children’s hospital

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The Beam family makes a cameo at the end of the film before the credits.

Cast •

Jennifer Garner as Christy Beam, Anna’s mother[4]

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Kylie Rogers as Anna Beam[5]

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Martin Henderson as Dr. Kevin Beam, Christy’s husband and Anna’s father[6]

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Eugenio Derbez as Dr. Nurko, a pediatric gastroenterologist who is Anna’s doctor at the Boston Children’s Hospital.[7]

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Queen Latifah as Angela, a waitress who befriends Anna and her family at the hospital[8]

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Brighton Sharbino as Abbie Beam, the oldest Beam daughter

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miracles_from_ Heaven_(film)

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Music

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In my life you’re all that matters In my eyes the only truth I see When my hopes and dreams have shattered You’re the one that’s there for me When I found you I was blessed And I will never leave you, I need you Chorus: Imagine me without you I’d be lost and so confused I wouldn’t last a day, I’d be afraid Without you there to see me through Imagine me without you Lord, you know it’s just impossible Because of you, it’s all brand new My life is now worthwhile I can’t imagine me without you When you caught me I was falling You’re love lifted me back on my feet It was like you heard my calling And you rush to set me free When I found you I was blessed And I will never leave you, I need you Chorus When I found you I was blessed And I will never leave you, I need you oh Chorus I can’t imagine me without you Lyrics taken from http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/j/jaci_velasquez/imagine_me_ without_you.htm

by Jaci Velasquez

As long as stars shine down from heaven And the rivers run into the sea Til the end of time forever You’re the only love I’ll need

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Imagine Me Without You

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Meditation

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“His delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night.”

Psalm 1:2 “I understand more than all my teachers, because I meditate on your instructions.”

Psalm119:19 Christian meditation isn’t passive rest, it’s actively practicing the presence of God, whether that’s focusing on Scripture, or who God is.

Christian Meditation Christian meditation is simply thinking about the things of God Rick Warren, in The Purpose Driven Life, describes meditation this way: “Meditation is focused thinking. It takes serious effort. You select a verse and reflect on it over and over in your mind . . . if you know how to worry; you already know how to meditate”.

He also says “No other habit can do more to transform your life and make you more like Jesus than daily reflection on Scripture . . . If you look up all the times God speaks about

meditation in the Bible, you will amazed at the benefits He has promised to those who take the time to reflect on His Word throughout the day”.

In Satisfy Your Soul, Bruce Demarest writes, “A quieted heart is our best preparation for all this work of God . . . Meditation refocuses us from ourselves and from the world so that we reflect on God’s Word, His nature, His abilities, and His works . . . So we prayerfully ponder, muse, and ‘chew’ the words of Scripture . . . The goal is simply to permit the Holy Spirit to activate the life-giving Word of God”.

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What should Christians meditate on?

“Whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything, worthy of praise, dwell on these things.” Philippians 4:8 The purpose of Christian meditation is deeper communion with the living God The most important aspects of your life are your walk with God and your friendship with Him. You communicate with God spirit to spirit.

Meditation helps you to develop your spirit and prepares the way for communication with God. When you still and quiet your

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soul you find it easier to connect with God, it’s easier to hear Him. I usually start with prayer. First I thank God, and then I repent of any sin and ask the Holy Spirit to lead me as I meditate.

Aids to Christian meditation •

A quiet unhurried atmosphere

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A relaxed mind and body

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Discipline - it helps to set aside a regular time

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Perseverance

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September/October 2016

When you first start to meditate you’ll probably find you’re distracted by everyday things. Don’t focus on the distractions, learn to let them go. If you stop being bothered about them they’ll begin to fade away.

Easy ways to include Christian meditation in your day.

There are natural times during the day when you can easily give your mind to God’s Word in meditation: •

Train yourself to think about God’s word at the start of the day.

•

Use part of your lunch break to stop and think on the things of God.

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Make sure that God’s Word is the last thing that occupies your mind before you go to sleep.

Where do YOUR thoughts dwell most often?

together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.

What are you growing in your life’s garden?

What harmonies are being created as you go through your day?

I hope this has inspired you to meditate.

Meditation really will help you to draw closer to God and become more and more aware of His presence with you.

The effort of finding a specific time each day to focus on God’s Word is well worth the rewards.

Fix your thoughts on what is true, and You could start by meditating on who you honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, are in Christ. and admirable. Think about things that are http://www.christianlifecoaching.co.uk/christianexcellent and worthy of praise. Philippians Source: meditation.html 4:8 Time spent dwelling on thoughts of God, who He is, what He’s done, who you are in Him… lead to much TREASURE ♥ The Message version put it this way…

Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work 53

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My Daily Confession Say this with me every day as you start your day to create your reality.

Father, I thank you for another opportunity to come boldly before your throne to give thanks and praise to your holy name. I am a new creation in Christ Jesus, full of divine nature and supernatural abilities. I am born of God and I am the temple of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit of God lives in me. I am redeemed from every curse by the blood of Jesus. I am the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. Jesus paid the price for my redemption so I stand fast in the liberty I have received as a child of God. I am no longer bound with the yoke of slavery. I am free because he who the Son sets free is free indeed.

I have abundant life. Greater is He that lives in me than he that lives in the world. I am not confused in life because the Spirit of God directs my path.

I have an anointing from the Holy One and I know all things. Today is my receiving day. I expect the favour of God everywhere I go. Every land I tread upon I possess. All things are working together for my good today. I have the blessing. Lines are falling to me in pleasant places. I bind every demon that wants to harass me today. I saturate every atmosphere I am in with the presence of God. This is the day that the Lord has made I will rejoice and be glad in it. I am the redeemed of the Lord whatever I say is so, I have said it and it is so Now in Jesus Name.

Complied by Omowunmi Olunloyo

Source: https://myspiritualbreakfast.com/2014/08/08/you-say-but-god-says/

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