TITHING: TO PAY OR NOT TO PAY

In the religious world, there is a lot of controversies on the payment of tithes. Many religious leaders are of the opinion that if members fail to remit their tithes that they would not be blessed. The members, in fear and in submission to their leaders make efforts to pay their tithes offering. Both the pastors and members rely only on Malachi 3:10 (KJV) ‘Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it’. They make no further studies on why tithes were paid, to who they were paid, how they paid and if they should continue in these last days.

In this post, the Bible as our guide will give us an enlightenment on the payment of tithes touching salient points commonly ignored, conclusively, we’ll see if we should continue in tithing.

According to the Bible, Tithes is one tenth of all possessions, one tenth of everything, one tenth of all -Gen. 14:20, 28:22; II Chron. 31:5; Heb. 7:2.

HISTORY OF TITHING: Let’s see the history of tithing as seen in the Bible

A. The first record of tithe in the Bible is seen when it was given from Abraham to Melchizedek as confirmed in Gen.14:18-20. It was common in that era to share the spoils of war with rulers – I Sam. 8:10-18. Jacob also vowed to give a tenth of all his possessions to God –Gen. 25:20-22. This happened in the patriarchal dispensation and the people were not under any form of compulsory obligation to pay tithe to God. There would not have been any need for Jacob to use tithe as his vow to God if it was used as an already compulsory duty. Jacob on his return built an alter at HUZ which he renamed BETHEL and God renamed him ISRAEL. There is no record that Jacob fulfilled the tithe vow in his lifetime. This points to the fact that tithing was a secular practice and was not given at this time as a religious law.

B. Tithe became a religious law in the Mosaic dispensation. At this time, eleven tribes of Israel, were given all inheritance of the lands to labour on and fend for themselves while the other one tribe, the tribe of Levites was set aside by God to be priest unto him. The Levites were to remain in the temple and offer sacrifices to God on behalf of the other eleven. It is at this time that the Israelites were required to give tenths of their produce of the land and fruit trees, and of increase of herds and flocks – Lev. 27:30-32, Num.18:21-24, Deut. 14:28, 29; 26:12-15. This tithe was never paid with money. It was paid with land produce as already mentioned. If it difficult to convey the tithes to the venue where it was to be paid, those produce would be sold and the money used to buy substitute items at the venue.

HOW OFTEN WAS TITHE PAID?

* Tithe was paid at the end of every three years – Deut. 14:28; 26:12

* Another was paid yearly in festive celebration –Deut. 14:22-27; 12:5-7, 17-21

THOSE ENTITLED TO THE TITHES

The tithe paid by the eleven tribes were not only used by the Levites. It was used by the Levites to pay tithe of tithes to Aaron -Exo. 28:29, Lev. 8; Num. 3:8-16, 18:28-29. The tithes paid was also shared among the strangers, the fatherless and the widows Deut. 14:29, 26:12.

TAKE NOTES OF THE FOLLOWING POINTS

* Tithes were received by those who were priests and high priests and given by those who were descendants of Abraham but not of the priesthood. Gentiles whom we were, never paid tithes to God

* God does not only bless people on tithes giving. Mal. 3:10 was not for Christians but for those in the Mosaic dispensation. God pronounced blessings on Abraham before he gave tithes Gen. 12:1-3; 13:15-16. The christians receive the blessings of Abraham through faith Gal. 3:14; Phil..4:19

* It is true that Jesus did not come to abolish the old testament law but to fulfill it. But the old testament law was abolished as Jesus was nailed to the cross to bring us grace Matt.5:7; Eph.2:15-16; Col. 2:14; Rom. 10:4 the old law which contain tithe came to an end, the law of Moses was weaken before the fulfilment by Jesus Matt.5:18

* Tithes as mentioned in these two new testament scriptures Matt.23:23 and Luke 18:12 is for those in the dispensation of Moses

* When prophet Malachi was speaking concerning tithes, Christianity was not yet in existence hence he wasn’t talking to christians but to people under the law of Moses – Mal.1:1; Neh. 9:13-14. Christians are not under the old testament law – II Cor. 3:7-14; Heb. 8:6-13

* Christians are not to pay tithes because the priesthood has been changed from the Levites to Christ and all Christians are priests, serving God through Jesust Christ, the high priest Heb. 7:11-12; I Pet. 2:5; Heb.4:14

* Those who claim to be giving tithes are under the curse of law. “Galatians 3:10 (KJV) For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.” Many people in different religious groups pick out certain things from the book of law which is beneficial to them. It will only be right if we do all as were in the law of Moses, outside this, curse follows “Galatians 5:4 (KJV) Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.“

* Those who claim to be giving tithes are not actually giving tithes. This is so because they lack the knowledge on why tithes because a law, how it was paid, to whom it was given, the era at which it worked and the era the are at the moment. Hence they are not doing unto God but doing the work of men Rom. 16:17-18

* Christians are commanded by God in the law of Christ to give liberally as they have been prospered by God particularly on the first day of the week for the work of the church I Cor. 16:1-2; 8:12; 9:6-7. They are also to help in times of need Titus 3:4. We are to show kindness to whoever teaches us the word of God “Galatians 6:6 (KJV) Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.” And do good unto all men “Galatians 6:10 (KJV) As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.“

*We are to serve God wholeheartedly with the things he has blessed us with – Matt. 5:20; II Cor. 8:3-5

Feel free to share your opinion by giving me a feedback through your comments and endeavor to worship with The Church of Christ near you where you can be taught the undiluted word of God. Remain abundantly blessed!

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5 Amazing Benefits of Forgiveness

Forgiveness is a virtue everyone must have. God who created us wants us to be like Him by possessing the virtues of forgiveness. He desires that we forgive all who trespass against us.

“Matthew 6:15 (KJV) But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses”.

What is forgiveness? This is the act of granting pardon to an offender. It is the readiness or willingness to overlook the weakness of other. Forgiveness is simply letting go or trying to overlook one’s error.

Forgiveness loosen our grievances and brings newness to our friendship.

Although forgiveness is right and feels good, there are a number of things that hinder us from overlooking the errors of other people. Now let’s consider 3 reasons why many people refuse to forgive others:

1. Pride: Many people fail to forgive others because they are too high of themselves. Pride makes one see his or herself as someone who is perfect and void of sin. These set of people are very good at analysing one’s weak points. They expect people who go against them to prostate before them begging for forgiveness so that they brag about it. No matter how good you see yourself don’t let pride rule your life, you can fall at anytime. Proverbs 16:18 (KJV) Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

2. Canality: This is a situation where one is so full of his or herself. It means having a mind that is self centered and care less of God and others. It is an uncontrollable desires for worldly things. The bible clearly says we should flee from the lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes and lust of the world.

Repentance is very far from a carnal minded person. This being the case they have no willingness to overlook others weaknesses.

3. Satanic Manipulation: The devil at all point in time struggle to make more followers for himself. The devil at many times harden peoples heart from forgiving their debtors. We should have in mind that when the devil hardens our hearts, he is doing such to get us destroyed. We should not there let our minds be clouded by the devil. We should always remember that we are debtors to our God and fellow men. So if we fail to forgive those who sin against us, we will not also be forgiven.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD WE FORGIVE?

This is the question many of us usually ask. Sometimes when others offend us we revenge immediately telling them that ‘we are not Christ Jesus ‘. Peter, a disciple of Jesus once asked the master saying, how often shall someone offend me and I forgive? Is it seven times? From this question, I feel Peter had in mind that it’s so inhuman to revenge immediately one trespasses so he pushed further to say, ‘is it seven times?’

Let’s see what the master said in regards to how often we ought to forgive one another. “Matthew 18:22 (KJV) Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.” If you read down, Jesus Christ told a story of a man who had servants. These servants were owing him so he started to reckon them to pay him his debt. As he went asking them, they pleaded with their master to be patient with them and the master accepted. One of these servants whom the master took pity on also went to his own debtor to get his dues. Just as he pleaded with his master, his own servant also pleaded with him but he cared less and in spite of the constant plead by the servant, he hearken not but took him to the prison. When his master heard how he treated his own servant, he was disappointed in him, he handed him over to the tormentors to torment him until he paid what he owed. Jesus, in the concluding verse said “Matthew 18:35 (KJV) So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.

What I want you to know is, there is no possiblity of someone offending you seventy times seven times in a day. So there is no debt greater than us to forgive. Keeping our anger to the setting of the sun is dangerous and does not conform with this passage we just read.

5 BENEFITS OF FORGIVENESS

1. Forgiveness brings joy, peace and happiness to ones soul. Imagine how difficult it is if we have to pile up all offences of other people. This is going to make on so unstable, unhappy and sad. You will also experience trouble in your heart if you come in contact with that person. Possessing the heart of forgiveness brings you unlimited joy.

2. By forgiving one another you become free from bitterness of the soul and grudges. One who forgives always has less heart problem and attack but those who accumulate grudges, they are bound to face certain health issues. Don’t forget that a joyful heart is a medicine to the flesh. Forgiveness in the case acts as the blood vessels carry joy resulting in good health and longevity of life.

3. Forgiving our debtors enable us to get our forgiveness from God. God grants us pardon and mercy when we show mercy to others. Mark 11:25-26 (KJV) And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.
But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.

4. By forgiving one another we grant them second chance which enable them make amends and become more better persons. When our first parents fell from the Grace of God, the scriptures says God felt really bad for creating man. That was not His end for man, He gave us second chance by sending His only begotten son that through him we may be saved. We should do likewise with our fellow men.

5. It’s pertinent we forgive because it is one of the criteria for our prayers to be answered. “Matthew 5:23-24 (KJV) Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;
Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift”.

This gift can be a prayer or any other offering. Mark 11:25 (KJV) And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.

Forgive even when you the offender does not come to plead with you. Don’t always forget “To err is human and to forgive is divine”. We should always ask our heavenly father for the grace to do this.

THE IDEAL RELATIONSHIP WITHIN THE HOUSEHOLD

Human beings belong to different groups and association like family, church, school and society at large. In these different groups we share or have relationship together. In these also we are bounded by similar principles, ideas and believe. By the way we live our lives in these places we can be well accepted or be rejected.

A Christian’s relationship where he belong is supposed to be an ideal one. By ideal I mean a relationship that is flawless, having no defect and amazingly, perfect.

The family is the first unit of socialization. The members of the family include father, mother and their children. The extended family has the grandparents, aunt’s, uncle’s, cousins, nieces and nephews. All members of the family have their duties and responsibilities. The father is expected to provide his family with all necessities of life. He is also expected to be loving and respectful to his wife and to other members of the family. The mother is next to the father. She is expected to be submissive to her husband, accord him respect and support him to build the family Eph.5:22-23; vs 25 & 28. The mother is responsible for the overall nurturing and upbringing of the children since she spends more time with the children compared to the father. Both parent are to train their children morally, socially, educationally and all wise. They must equally be able to discipline the children when they ere. Proverbs 22:6 (KJV) Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Read: Prov. 7:1-3, 5:1-2; 22:15. Proverbs 13:24 (KJV) He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.

The children in the family have their duties to perform. They are to obey their parents in all things, love and respect them “Colossians 3:20 (KJV) Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord”. They also have to esteem their parents highly, run errands and portray the good image of the family they belong “Proverbs 22:1 (KJV) A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold”. The absence of filial honour and love is an outstanding factor fostering problems in many homes today.

If all the members of the family identify their responsibilities and do same, there will be absolute peace and tranquillity. This will thus be reflected in the larger human society. If the home is peaceful the community will be peaceful; the reverse is the case if the home is in pandemonium.

An ideal christian living is noted for peace, humility, unity, forgiveness, respect, love, selflessness and prayerfulness.

Parents are duty bound to live by examples. If the parents demonstrate hostility in conduct, the children will follow suit, if they are loving, same will be seen among the children. Lies, disrespect, and violence or inordinate behavior to each other before the children will tear the home apart, breed hatred and bring division.

Let’s build a strong family, church and society. Say no to disunity, to violence, to hatred, to selfishness, to dishonesty and all forms of vices!

THE ACCEPTABLE OFFERING

The Almighty God had never in time past and will never leave His people in ignorance. He is the giver of everything we have and also the receiver. He gives us light, He gives life, He gives us family, He brings blessings and equally, He gives us the grace to enjoy His divine Providences.

God teaches us how to give by giving us His Only Begotten Son, ‘Jesus Christ’ who is the greatest sacrifice. He expects everyone to have a giving spirit. He desires that all get the blessings associated with giving so, to spur up people to do so, He said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive – Acts 20:35″

The first case of giving from man to God is seen in Gen. 4: 1-7 – the offering rendered by Cain and Abel. These two were immensely blessed by God. Cain who was a gardener, a farmer, and a tiller of the ground had good harvest by the Grace of God. Abel who was a shepherd likewise was blessed by God. A time came when these two decided to render an offering unto God. Cain gave but his offering was unacceptable while the offering of Abel was accepted by God. God did not reject the offering by Cain because He hated him. It would not also have been a difficult thing for our God to accept both offerings. The reasons why the offering of Cain was rejected all emanate from ‘the heart’ the center point of the offering. The scriptures make clear that Cain didn’t do well as such his offering was rejected, ‘Genesis 4:7 (KJV) If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted?’. Read: Heb. 11:4, I John 3:12, Jude 1:11.

3 HINTS ON HOW WE CAN RENDER AN ACCEPTABLE OFFERING

The things we have in life is not because of how much we have laboured. It is not because we apply the best techniques and know that makes us successful in our businesses. It is God who giveth the grace. And we must remember Him. Deuteronomy 8:18 (KJV) But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.

God is faithful. He is always willing to accept our gifts and bless us bountifully but sometimes, we deny ourselves this blessings. Let see 3 hints we can adopt to render unto our God:

1. Give from a Willing Mind: To be willing is to exercise one’s independent choice, it is the expression of one’s personal intension, it is to agree to do something, it is also to be ready to do something. It is to do something, in this case, give unto God from one’s self will.

God does not want us to give to him out of compulsion. He doesn’t want His children to be levied or taxed. He does not want us to render unto Him grudgingly. This is why He said first, we must have a willing mind: 2 Corinthians 8:12 (KJV) “For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.” This is to say that the first and most important criteria for God to accept our offering is willingness on our part. Read: Exo. 35:5; 35:21-23; I Chron.28:9; Ezra 1:6; I Cor.9:17

2. PLAN WHAT TO GIVE: A plan is a set of intended actions, usually mutually related through which one expects to achieve a goal. To plan is to intend. Giving to God is not a child’s play. It something one must carefully consider. Our God is not a child who can be pacified with grains of rice. He deserves the very best from us. To succeed in rendering an acceptable offering we must plan taking into consideration the blessings He has blessed us with. When we plan to give to God, such plan will always remain in our hearts. 2 Corinthians 9:7 (KJV) Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

It is a popular saying that failure to plan is planning to fail. This is also applicable to giving to God. Take a look at your business, your achievements and your successes then decide on what to give unto God. Never make your giving to God an accident knowing good rewards await you if you give as directed by God

3. Give as you are Prospered: The scriptures recommends that we give as we have been prospered by God. Someone may look at others and back to his or herself and then feel that he has nothing but I want to tell you that everyone in this world is blessed with one thing or the other. You definitely have something with which you can give to God so stop that comparison. Take a look at the poor widow in the scriptures, she didn’t have much but based on how she gave, Jesus Christ said she gave the best gift –Mark 12:41-44. The Lord God who created us knows when we have and when we do not have. He is the one to reward us according to our deeds.

The point of emphasis is that as far as Christianity is concerned there should be no imposition of levy on any individual. It is wrong to impose a particular amount on the women, men and youth in the church. Such example is not found in the bible. Let’s read carefully through these verses: 2 Corinthians 8:12 (KJV) “For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.” Take note of the ending of the verse. It emphasizes that it must be according to what a man has. What if I am ask to give what I do not have and I get a loan to enable me pay, is it accepted by God?

1 Corinthians 16:2 (KJV) “Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.” Here it is indicated that we give as we have been prospered by God.

2 Corinthians 9:6 (KJV) “But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.” Here we see that even as our God does not place upon us a burden in giving, he knows when we do well and when we cheat on him. Cheating God in our Giving will deny us of our bountiful blessings. Use the hints provided and make this year count. Serve God wholeheartedly, give to God and use your resources to help humanity!

THE PLACE OF INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC IN WORSHIP

Beloved people of God, our good Godwho is not an author of confusion according to I Cor. 14:33 desired that we worship, praise and magnify Him in songs, but He never commanded that we praise Him with instruments. The children of Israel were the chosen people of God from the scriptures. As to a people there is no direct command seen where God asked his people to praise Him with instruments. Having seen the deliverance of the God, as they were able to pass through a dry passage in the Red Sea and witnessing their enemies destroyed in the same sea, they sang songs to praise God – Exo.15:1.

The use of instruments became predominant from the time that God choosed David to be of service to Him. David was one who took great delight in instrumental music. He did this for personal pleasure. The Bible records that at the time God took away his spirit from King Saul, he was further tormented by the devil and David usually played a part in calming that spirit by playing his instruments -I Sam. 16:23.

When God appointed David to lead Israel, David was still into the playing of his instruments and since he was loved & favoured by God, he was not punished when he brought this act into worship. In many passages of the Bible, David confirmed that HE brought in instrumental music –1 Chronicles 23:5 (KJV) “Moreover four thousand were porters; and four thousand praised the LORD with the instruments which I made, said David, to praise therewith”; II Chron. 5:1; 29:27; 7:6 – These, David said he made to praise God (Nehe. 12:36, Amos 6:5). Having introduced same, it came to be throughout Israel.

A time in the history of the Israelites came when they had more delight in instrumental music: the playing of harps, viols, trumpets, psalteries, cymbals, etc than in giving God the acceptable worship He deserves. God therefore rejected the use of Instruments in his worship. Read: Amos 5:1-23; Eze. 26:14. In verse 24 God asked that they returned to true religion which they have forgotten “Amos 5:24 (KJV) But let judgment run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream”.

This statement was made under the Law of Moses. As Christian, we are under the law of Christ. When Christ came into the world, he taught people how to Praise God the father. He also led by examples, I mean, his way of life. It is seen that Jesus taught his disciples a hymn which they sang to the glory of God – Matt. 26:30

Under this new testament, Christ, the disciples, apostles and early Christians offered praises to God. This was only ‘The fruits of the lips’. Hebrews 13:15 (KJV) By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.Ephesians 5:19 (KJV) Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Colossians 3:16 (KJV) Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

All the above mentioned passages support that christians are not supposed to bring instruments into God’s worship. Anyone who enjoys it is free to use it for any social event or personal pleasure, on this regard, there is no law. But we should not bring it into worship.

When christianity came to this part of the world, I’m talking about Nigeria specifically, according to my grandparents, the religion was not accompanied by instruments. As time goes on people wanted a more lively place of worship for self pleasure.

Don’t let ignorance ruined your effort in this christian race, pursue the truth, seek it and stand by it

THE IDEAL PURPOSES OF MIRACLES

What is a miracle? This is a sign or wonder performed by the power of God.

Those who performed miracles

Below are those according to the scriptures who had power to perform signs and wonders.

1. Jesus Christ: Christ during his ministry on earth, performed many miracles. John 12:47 emphatically expresses that He performed many miracles. He first turn water into wine in Cana of Galilee during a marriage feast -John 2:11. This particular miracle is not found in any other Bible passage aside this. Jesus made the blind to see Matt. 9:27-30, made the deaf to hear and dumb to speak Mark 7:32-35, caused the lame to walk and raised the dead – Matt. 11:5, John 11:43-44. Jesus performed these miracles for reasons. These were that He had compassion on them and the most important reason was to make them believe that He was the Promised Messiah – John 20:30-31

2. The Apostles: Before Christ ascended into heaven, he promised his disciples a comforter. He told them that they will also receive the power to perform wonders. Before he died, he allowed his disciples to go preaching the Gospel. Before they left he said, as you go’heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, and cast out demons’ he also added that they perform these miracles free of charge – Matt. 10:7-8, Luke 24:49. The disciples were asked by the master to wait at Jerusalem until they received the divine power of God to perform wonders – Acts 1:4-8

On the day of Pentecost, while Jesus had ascended, the Holy Spirit promised came upon the disciples and they were able to speak in different languages which the had not learnt and were filled with the power to perform miracles Acts 2:1-11, II Cor. 12:12, Acts 5:12. The Apostles did perform miracles.

3. Those laid hands on by the Apostles: There were certain men who received the power to perform miracles through laying of hands by the Apostles. These can be confirmed in Acts 6:1-6, 8:5 -6, 8:17-18, 19:1-6

Now what were the purposes of Miracles?

1. Miracles were performed to reveal the truth John 14:26, 16:13, Luke 12:11-12, I Thess.2:13

2. They were performed to verify the truth Mark 16:20, Hebs. 2:2-4, John 20:39-31, IITim. 3:16-17

3. They were to make people believe in God

4. They were performed on compassion for humanity

Thus the truth had been revealed and established by miraculous power, there is no further need for the exercise or use of that power.

Among many churches of christians there is a claim that miraculous powers such as healing of the sick, raising of the dead, speaking in tongues and other manifestations of the Holy Spirit continue with the people of God today. Each sect of believers today insists that they received this power directly from God and that there were called on different settings. All I can say is do not be deceived. The working of miracles, prophesy and speaking in tongues  were not to last for ever. In I Cor. 13:8-10 Paul did admonish that tongues, prophesy and working of wonders will fail when we receive that which is perfect, complete and full, that what abides forever is faith, hope and charity. The ‘perfect’ used here refers to the Bible. It is indeed full and complete. There is no blank space for further prophesy nor miracles to be within down .

What people do today in the name of miracles

Many seek to be very powerful today. It turning into competition as many church leaders are dividing from a group to establish theirs on the context of the fact that they are more powerful than the other. To guarantee this, many have seek and obtain demonic powers, done lots of sacrifices and have sold themselves to the devil. The major aim for this is to accumulate wealth -Phil. 2:21, 3:19 for themselves and to deceive people even the very elect -Matt. 24:11.

Today, many are charging others for the miracles they claim to perform.

Miracles performed today do not last. They happen but for a while after which the problem reoccurs

Today, miracles are pre-planned before execution.

There is a story of one popular ‘Man of God’ who claimed he could raise the dead. This man had made an arrangement with someone and paid the person to pretend to have died adding that he will be kept in a coffin and when the time comes for the actual performance of the miracle, he the pastor would pray and the man in the coffin would come forth having being raised from the death. Unfortunately, after he had set the people’s mind that he could raise the dead it was time for him to do so but as God would have it, the man who was paid to be in the coffin was indeed dead and thus could not be raised. The wife of the deceased had to tell the congregation their ordeals in the absence of the church and requested her husband from the pastor. I’m sure you’ve heard something similar to this story.

If indeed our most powerful men of God today are filled with the power of God to perform miracles, why do we still have corpses in the mortuary? Why are there so many lame, blind and sick all around us. Why is the barren still without a child? Why do we continue to remain in the state of want? Thinks about these things.

Today, there is a span of one’s powerful tenure. What do I mean? Today I am powerful next day my power fails.

Many homes are scattered and torn apart because of false prophesy and accusations by pastors. Love for humanity is no longer encouraged. They go as far as advising a child to kill his or her own parents adding that they bring misfortune to such child.

Let’s study the bible deeply to be able to discern that which is right and pleasing in God’s sight and to know what we are expected to do!

EARLY MENOPAUSE: SYMPTOMS AND HELP TIPS

What is menopause? According to the Oxford English Dictionary, it is a period in a woman’s life when menstruation becomes irregular and less frequent before eventually stopping altogether, usually accompanied by a range of unpleasant symptoms. It is a period where ovulation no longer occurs. Menopause can occur prematurely, that is, early menopause. Early menopause is when the final menstrual period occurs before the age of 40 in a woman.

CAUSES OF EARLY MENOPAUSE

Early menopause could be caused by infection such as mumps, genetic disorder, excessive and uncontrollable alcohol intake, smoking, exposure to toxic substances, exposure to high radiation and subsequent treatment of cancers.

SYMPTOMS OF MENOPAUSE

Following the above listed causes, one has to take note of possible symptoms. Below are some symptoms suggesting menopause:

1. Frequent virginal infections

2. Being extremely sweaty particularly at night

3. Fatigue and constant tiredness

4. Headaches

5. Decreased sex drive

6. Insomnia, that is, inability to sleep

7. Dryness of the Virgina and itching

8. Less production of oestrogen and breast tenderness

9. Poor concentration

10. Lack of ovulation, irregular periods and complete stoppage of menses

HELP TIPS ON MENOPAUSE

Below are some things you can possibly do to prevent premature menopause:

1. Get enough oestrogen releasing foods: You are expected to have good nutrition. Your meal should contain phytoestrogen, so eat soyabean. You can also take fish oil in capsules , or eat fishes like salmon and mackerel as oestrogen is well stored in them.

2. Eat well: Good nutrition is very essential for you as such do away will junk foods and foods high in sugar like cakes, cookies and the likes. Take out time to prepare a good meal of vegetables for your consumption. Take enough fruits like watermelon, tomatoes, grapes,and spinach. Avoid red meat and eat more of fish. Choose skim milk rather than whole milk, by this I mean do away with fatty foods.

3. Avoid smoking and drinking of alcohol

4. Drink enough water

5. Stay above early menopause by taking enough vitamins and supplements rich in calcium

6. Don’t take your health as something irrelevant, consult a physician once you observe changes in your body. Remember, health is wealth!

5 THINGS EVERY WOMAN WANTS

A woman is a very complicated creature. They cannot be easily understood except they are deeply studied. A woman, no matter how small or big she may be has lots of needs and desires yet there are many things that can make her happy if given which she wouldn’t say it out. Many rich men assume that once they give their women fat sums of money, beautiful houses to live in, expensive cars and infact all luxuries that to them, is enough. Many are of the opinion that all a woman needs is money, but I tell you, a real woman needs more than money. A real woman is not just satisfied because she is in wealth rather, she crave for the things money cannot compensate.

Let me briefly share with you 5 things every woman wants

1. TO BE LOVED: It is not enough to give women all luxuries and yet deny them true love. In the book of I Cor.13:1-3 we can see what love involves. The line I pick here is 1 Corinthians 13:3 (KJV). It reads thus “And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing”. This simply means even though I a man would give a woman all material possessions without love for the woman, something is lacking, such woman is not complete, her happiness is limited and deep down in the woman’s heart, there is a question constantly running through ‘does he really love me?’

Women wants men to show them genuine love. When a woman feels loved she relaxes and opens up to her man. When you don’t make her feel loved you have nothing more to expect from her than argument. To make a woman feel loved does not only involve ‘abundant sex’, it involves strong intimacy. If she feels unhappy for you to keep late night, go drunk, hang around with certain friends or even her experience during the day, to make her feel better you have to reassure her how much you love her and how better you respect her opinion.

2. ATTENTION: Attention in this regard does not mean a state of alertness in a standing position. Rather, it is an action or remark expressing concern for or interest in someone or something, especially of romantic interest. The women as well known are weaker vessels. The men, who are stronger are to pay attention to them and their needs at the right time. No matter how independent a woman may appear, she needs a support, she needs a shoulder to cry on, she needs someone she can rely on, she needs someone to encourage her when she is down, she needs someone to show interest and concern in her affairs. A man in love may not necessarily be a rich man but his woman is sure satisfied with the way he treats her.

3. SHE NEEDS A LISTENER: Women are talkative, especially when they are with their loved ones. If a man makes a woman feel loved, she opens up to her man anytime she is with him. She’ll tend to tell you everything that happened at work, along the road, in the house and even the last TV show she watched in your absence. She will also tell you the ugly things she experience while you weren’t there and how she wished you were there.

This woman really wants you to pay attention to her and participate fully in all this narrations. She wants you to express your ideas on the things that demands you speak up. She doesn’t need a dumb listener. In an aspect that demands you sympathize with her you have to do so genuinely. No woman wants to be silenced in the middle of her discussion. It is wrong to say, ‘please I don’t want to hear anything from you ‘, or ‘I am tired, I don’t need your opinion’. Is she in anyway some forms of trash?

Treat women with respect. Treat them right. Listen to them when they have something to say, seek your wife’s opinion before making any decision. If you say, ‘this woman does not have anything meaningful to say’, you mean she is foolish and you too are foolish because no wise man needs a foolish woman as a wife, therefore only a fool marries a fool.

4. SHE NEEDS TO BE APPRECIATED: Some men feel that there is nothing to appreciate a woman for. If you are one of such men I am telling you there are many reasons why men should appreciate their women. That you paid her dowry is not enough to deny her appreciation, what if she didn’t accept to marry you? Of all the handsome suitors she had, she choosed you. Tell a woman thank you after taking care of your stomach, tell her thank you for the idea she gives, tell her thank you making your home peaceful, tell her thank you for the children she bares, appreciate her for the little gifts she brings, tell her thank you for managing your finances, tell her thank you for being considerate and prudent, appreciate her after satisfying you sexually.

There are many ways you can appreciate a woman. You can verbally express your gratitude to them, you can gift them, you can celebrate their special days, you can take them out on vacations, you can also make them feel special.

5. THEY NEED SATISFACTION: Satisfaction is the fulfilments of one’s needs or desires. It is a known fact that women have lots of desires of which most involve money. A man who carefully watches a woman will figure out what a woman needs and will therefore make efforts to fulfill such needs. Do not wait for a woman to tell you how hungry she is before you get to know. Observe her countenance, ask her what she wants, surprise her with gifts and above all, make efforts to sexually satisfy your woman, don’t make her feel you aren’t man enough.