Saturday, May 15, 2010

Money or Idea?

 Money or Idea?

No doubt whatever we want to do or become in life money is a major factor that readily comes to mind.  Even the Bible rightly recognises money as answer to all issues.  
In this write-up we are looking at the role of money in attaining any goal.  To set up a business for instance, there has been this argument as to which comes first - money or idea?   And whenever money is given priority, many ideas have rested in the bellies of those who have them because once the do a mental budget of how it much it will cost them to actualise their ideas and they discover that they cannot afford such monies.  

On the other hand, some people have argued that an idea - a 'bankable one for that matter' is more to be preferred because it is argued that whenever an idea is bright enough there will always be somebody somewhere who will be willing to sponsor or support it to execution.  

Either way, there are uncertainties.  Many bankable ideas die because nobody would come up financially  to make them come to light.  It is equally true that many ideas die before they were born simply because the owner cannot fathom where the money will come from to execute them so they don't waste time exploring it to the point of being 'bankable'.

What is the way forward?  If you have an idea, follow it through to a 'bankable' point.  Document it and continue to explore for whoever will be willing to fund it.  Make thorough research as to who can support it. But most often all such efforts will still not yield desired result.  When this happens, what to do is to turn yourself to the sponsor of your own idea by coming up with a lesser idea that will generate the required income for you to sponsor the bigger idea.  

This is the story of Tomimia who developed Topsy Tail as a business venture.  She needed N5,000 to patent her product but could not raise it.  An idea occurred to her to write a book but she had difficulty choosing a topic that would be best-selling.  Finally she remembered she once kissed a young guy who once dated her and that the guy complimented her so well such that she wondered what was so special about kissing.   She finally decided to write a book on the 'funny' subject of 'kissing' and submitted it to a publishing house which not only accepted her manuscript but paid her $7,500 advance ever before it was published. And when published the book became an instant best-seller!  With the $7,500 she paid $5000 to patent her pet project. The project later became so successful that she retired early from her paid employment with IBM to attend to it full time.(Story on pp 95-102 of "Start Small and Finish Big" by Fred DeLuca)"
The bottom line is that if you have an idea and you don't have the money to execute it, while you are looking for people who will support it, develop a lesser idea that will generate the funds.  Either way, one will click.  Good morning.



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Friday, May 14, 2010

Operating Joint Account


Operating Joint Account





Should  a couple hold joint account?  

Surely there's nothing wrong with it as the two persons ought to have 'melted' to become one.  And it should be what should be aimed at as our marital relationships grow older and older.   

However, at the initial stage of relationship, I will always caution against it.  The reason is simple.  Everyone wants to maintain a level of flexibility and control over their earnings and would want to do certain things without a 'board resolution'.  Joint Account removes this flexibility and makes everything so legalistic that it becomes a problem instead of a solution.

Secondly, even though couples are one, it is not all the time that one person agrees with the spending nature of  the other.  Spendings on extended members of the family always pose challenges to couples as one person may favour while the other disfavours the quantum of money that goes to that segment of the larger family.  Where there's disagreement, it breads misunderstanding such that the couple's relationship may be in trouble.

The greatest challenge is that it is easier to enter into the bond of Joint Account but very difficult to opt out in case one party does not like it again.  It brings about family disintegration. 

What is to be done?  Don't enter into Joint Account relationship without a full (democratic) understanding that either party can terminate the relationship at any point in time if he or she discovers it is not workable.  Let this be thoroughly understood form Day 1 and do not hesitate to apply the rule when the need arises.  Flexibility is the sole of a successful management of Joint Account relationship.   It should be sufficient for one party to call the other and say "let's separate accounts' without creating a bad blood.  How many people is matured to accept this request on a platter of gold?  My recommendation is that couples should not rush to operate joint account.  

How do you manage your own life in this direction?  Nothing to hide for I should be preaching what I practice.  This is the way we manage ours.  My wife and I are on the latter part of our 3rd decade in a successful relationship.  We thank God for the grace. It was only last year that I decided voluntarily to make my spouse signatory to all my accounts. I know her enough now.  Even if anything happens to me and she takes over all I have, she deserves it and I have nothing to lose whereas I am joyful I am married not to an angel but to someone who has good conscience!  Not only that, I know her spending nature such that I know I am safe in her hands.    Also it makes life easy for my entire family should anything happens - all she needs do is to carry on as if nothing has happened.   This of course will make life easy for her and our children.  

To further expand this, at a stage, I am seriously contemplating introducing all my children that have attained the age of 21 and above as co-signatories to my account.  I've no fear doing this because they've been brought up not to be greedy for gain.  Also, it will be done such that no one person can singularly operate the account without the knowledge of the other.  This way I am envisaging that life should be smooth even if both mum and dad, for one reason or the other cannot operate my accounts.  By the time we are old and gone, our children should be able to smoothly manage our estate without let.

So talking about Joint Account, it is good but it should be handled with care and full understanding of its benefits and implications which all who adopt it must be privy to.  Good morning.






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Thursday, May 13, 2010

There's Hope for Nigeria

There's Hope for Nigeria


God loves Nigeria! And God willing, Nigeria will survive and emerge as a world leader one day.  And it will not be too long to happen. God willing, it will be during my lifetime.  Indeed, I will be a partaker in the benefits to follow.  


I am happy that Nigerians are now beginning to talk about issues, real and tenable issues.  Up to 5 years ago, many people got so frustrated that they felt that the injustice in Nigeria would only be addressed if through disintegration.  I am happy today that paradigm has shifted because we seem to be understanding better.  Our three tiers of Government are now respecting one another's constitutional responsibilities and at the same time are partnering together instead of working against one another.  


The good man, Late ex-President Umar Yar Adua set the ball rolling by giving us correct interpretation of what 'the rule of law' means in his actions throughout his stay in power.  Amiable President Jonathan Goodluck is an enlightened mind and is steering the course of the nation in the right direction. 






 What has bothered my mind most was the dehuminising level Niger Delta issue got to.  Some corrupt leaders were talking about Resource Control when they were busy looting the little that came to the Niger Delta region - thank God they have now been exposed and silenced.  I first stepped my feet on the soil of Niger Delta sometime in 1989 or so, Warri to be precise.  My first reaction was that of grave disappointment because I could not see any sign of development in that popular city.  I asked myself questions prominent amongst which was what if oil dries up today, won't Warri be worse than it was before oil exploration began years back?

But today, I am happy to see noticeable progress of development.  But the greatest recovery is yet to be experienced.  With the Federal Government now focusing on 'wholistic' development, let me hope that Niger Delta as a whole will soon become an enviable part of Nigeria. Justice is right here.  Nobody would have thought that Niger Delta could produce a Vice President that could metamorphosed into Presidency.  So in a miraculous way, God ensured that, without fighting, the so-called minority has access to power without the three major tribes feeling any opposition.   I pray it will be the turn of our Igbo brother who currently feels marginalised as far as Presidency is concerned to produce Nigeria's President one day.  It will happen also during my lifetime. Amen.  And there will be no need for 'Biafrian' or whatever seccessionist organisation. 

Above all, I have faith in Nigeria.  I invite you to join your own faith with mine, that Nigeria SHALL be better and we shall be all the better for it.

Good morning. 




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Tuesday, May 11, 2010

You Are The Head

Truly, I've always believed we are heads and that without necessarily competing opportunities are abound everywhere for us to exercise our headship wherever we find ourselves.

Students who are scoring less than 'A' is attaining less than their God-ordained point. Graduates who found no jobs to do are not exercising dominion.  Marriages that crumble are scoring below God's expectation for marital institution.  Working for employers, no matter how fat the pay is  an indication of something that went wrong somewhere otherwise retiring at 60 or extending one's age so as to leave a little above the official retirement age happen because something went wrong somewhere.  Those who live in dominion retire far earlier to be on their own.

What do you do to be the head that God has made you to be?  Ask God for revelations. discover your talent,  develop it to the point that the whole world will be ready to pay for it. Hit your gold mine and retire when your bones are still strong enough to enjoy the fruit of your labours.  Good morning.



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Monday, May 10, 2010

During A Period of Isolation

During a Period of Isolation



Whoever we are we are, whatever our heights in life, we are bound to have periods when things would appear not to be working out  for us.  A period when we are deserted.  A period when our heart bleeds.  A period when all the people who should understand and stay to console us will not only deny us but consider us foolish.  A period when nothing would seem to be working.  A period when it would appear as if we are complete fools.  A period when no amount of efforts put into our endeavours, everything will appear not working out.  A period when people will withdraw from us, and confidants mock us.  A period when we will even doubt whether God is still with us.  And everything we do appear to result in 'mistakes'.

What do we do when such periods come?  Cling to God who is the only One that can strengthen us.   More importantly, it is a a passing phase.  It will surely be over some day. 

What not to do?  Begrudge anybody!    

What will be the outcome?  Of course at the end of every tunnel, there's bound to be a light.  God will turn things around for good.  All our losses will be restored and at the point of celebrations, all those who once saw nothing good in us will join us to celebrate.  Once there's life, therefore, there's hope! Good morning.


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Saturday, May 8, 2010

Adieu Ex-President, Yar'Adua; Welcome President Jonathan Goodluck



Adieu Ex-President, Yar'Adua;  
Welcome President Jonathan Goodluck



The accusation then was that President Olusegun Obasanjo imposed President Yar'Adua on Nigerians.  Yet my personal opinion then was that we have two problems.  Amongst all those who were anxious to become the President of Nigeria, none of them was good enough for us because of their antecedents which rightly portrayed them as either outrightly unserious or absolutely corrupt.  Many of them were so corrupt that they were jittery at the mere mention of their 'police' - young, amiable but daring Ribadu!


Then the chess game went on.  Manipulations upon manipulations. Finally we had the choice of President Umar Yar Adua!  Judging by the performance of his late brother, and his very love for Nigeria before he was untimely terminated, everybody expected him to continue the good works of his late brother.  True to type Umar produced fruit after the likes of his late brother.

Unfortunately, his health disturbed him so much that his visions were so clear and his love for Nigeria not doubted.  He demonstrated that he had confidence in Nigeria and Nigerians reciprocated his good gestures.  Niger Delta issue had become something we thought could not be resolved by any Nigeria President but this loving but unfortunately ailing guy, dared it.  He sought advice; got the good ones and made use of them.  The reaction of the militants proved that they were truly aggrieved and not criminally-minded anyway if only they would have someone who would treat them like his children.  Yar Adua did and they laid down their arms - quickly and voluntarily.  If only this, whereas there are many other things which our late President mapped out but could not do, President Yar'Adua has demonstrated his love for Nigeria beyond any reasonable doubts.

 Presidents Jonathan Goodluck' and Umar Yar-Adua were a good pair to work together. Both men are even-headed, focused and truly love Nigeria.  So it is a good succession plan put in place by a man we all accept with mixed feelings - President Olusegun Obasanjo.  To me, whatever sins he might have committed has been washed away by his 'do-or-die' approach to Yar Adua becoming the President of Nigeria.   This man, Obasanjo  has his many flaws (including his 3rd-term temptation) as a human being but he truly loves Nigeria!

 It is even now easier for Dr. Goodluck Jonathan to smoothly implement Yar'Adua's visions because he has everything it takes to do so genuinely. I therefore welcome him to the Presidential Seat. And wish him good succcess.  Good morning. 




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Friday, May 7, 2010

The Leader and His Followers




The Leader and His Followers



If a leader must succeed, be should be the type of person that is sensitive to the feelings of his followers.  He has to be wiling to take to good advice and adapt them to his situation. 

However, we have situations where some leaders become too important in their own eyes that they do not consider their followers important anymore.  It does not take long before such readers begin to read discontentment in the faces of his followers and if sensitive, he will arrest the situation but if not, he eventually loses his seat.

However the dilemma of many leaders is that many followers will want to dictate the tune!  They offer advice but the cast such advice in stone for the leader to accept without editing!  If one is truly a visionary leader, it will not take long before one will be at collision course with the source of such (GOOD OR BAD) advisor.  A leader ought to have his own idea on any issue he is dealing with. The purpose of the advice from others is to compare and contrast such ideas being offered with his own and see whether there is need to blend, adapt, panel beat, polish or embed some new discoveries into his own already perceived ideas or better still to validate his own stand or disproof them altogether. 

One of Nigeria’s President once advised his newly appointed Advisers that they should consider their job done at the point of giving ideas or suggestions but never be so certain of the superiority of their own ideas over the President’s final decision on the matter.  He sounded arrogant be he stated the obvious.  Because some advisers can be really something else. One fact that must be realized is that a leader is accountable for his actions.  He should be able to defend his decisions based upon his own judgment.  Even if a leader is wrong going wrong, all his loyal followers can do is to advise him on the right way – not to impose his correction upon his leader.  Once that advice is given, he, like an agent in a contractual transaction, drops out and the leader is allowed the freedom to decide as he deems fit. 

If you are a follower, a deputy, please limit yourself to your ‘advisory’ role. Your leader will be glad to have you around him.    Good morning.








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Thursday, May 6, 2010

Fight Only Battles You Can Win!




Fight Only Battles You Can Win!




“A real leader needs to know which case should go to court.  You should not bother fighting certain things in court.  I personally know people who have committed crimes against my church and me.  I even have evidence to that effect, but I have decided not to fight them legally.  Why is this?  I know when I will not win a fight” – Dag Heward-Mills (Leading Difficult People p. 25)

Life is full of many battles.  Battle to come to life, gain knowledge, battle to be gainfully employed and create wealth,  battle to marry and successfully manage the relationship, battle to right-parent, battle to retire into prosperity, battle to overcome sickness, battle to overcome spiritual attacks.  Everything is just battle, battle battle!!!  All these battles wear man out fast.  They look older than their ages.  They are physically and mentally abused by all sorts of battles.

However, in the midst of these battles, there are the avoidable and the inevitable ones. There are worthwhile battles and foolish battles. 

Some worthless battles are battles against God, battles against one’s parents, battles against one’s place of origin.  I’ve seen two most foolish battles people engage in.  They are the imaginary battles against one’s human or spiritual enemies that often leads their fighters to the path of suspicion.  The battle against spiritual enemies can be such a futile battle such that one fights it in the physical as well as in one’s dreams.  So during the day one is restless and at night he is sleepless!  It’s a foolish and un-winnable battle!  I have also seen the folly in fighting polygamy-induced battles.  And this is very common in Africa because of the culture that encourages that type of marriage.   A polygamous home becomes a battlefield (physical/spiritual); Because of hatred and suspicion, many promising lives have been cut short and many destinies truncated.  It is most foolish to engage in such battles because no one wins them.

The worthwhile battles that ought to be fought to a standstill are: battles against ignorance which is fought through education; battle against poverty which education with preparedness to work hard and prayers to God can resolve; battle to love people as oneself is a battle that must be fought within and without so that one would see something good in another person and help to build rather than destroy one another.  The battle to excel in one’s chosen career, the battle to fear the Lord and work in His admonition, the battle to invest in once future.  All these battles are worthwhile battles that every reasonable person should be willing to fight.

What battles are you fighting: the worthwhile or the foolish ones?   Good morning












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Wednesday, May 5, 2010

The Better Side of Lagos




The Better Side of Lagos

  

Is the writer particularly biased about Lagos?  Far from it!  He will for ever remain grateful to the land of opportunities called Lagos!  It’s nice to relocate but the memory of good Lagos lingers!!!  He does  not think he would have attained the level of success he achieved in Lagos if he had stayed elsewhere because Lagos offered him the various opportunities he enjoyed particularly in his education, career and the level of spiritual exposure he experienced.

The only two unfriendly friends he never liked in Lagos are: the heat and the mosquitoes both of which render Lagos expensive to her dwellers otherwise, Lagos is a haven for any serious-minded person. 

How can this expensiveness be removed or drastically reduced?  It is simple, let the Government provide steady power supply.  The poor man’s fan, or the rich man’s air-conditioners will drive away both the mosquitoes and the heat! 

Let the greedy landlords destroy all the shops blocking widows, doors, and all forms air passages and replace them with trees.  Let it be legislated (and the law enforced)  that every compound must plant at least two trees, one in the frontage and the other at the rear of their houses!  With these people will sleep well and become more useful to themselves wherever they live. Another thing to look at is the need to reverse the trend of unjustifiable transport fares currently being charged all over Lagos! Security is no longer a threat in Lagos – thank God for Governor Fashola’s able leadership in this direction!

If all these suggestions are attained, no place in Nigeria will offer more ample opportunities for people to become wealthy than Lagos . 

What is more if you come to Lagos as a pauper, you can return home prosperous just a few years after.  If you are prepared to work, you will always find something suitable for your own level – and you will be rewarded financially for Lagosians are willing to pay the price for your services!  If you want to educate yourself, you will find whatever level of institution suitable for your level.  You want to marry?  Waoh!  Lagos offers you better varieties than you will find elsewhere.  You want to learn a trade? There’s no trade centre you will not find in Lagos.  If you want to become a criminal as well, Lagos is the best place for you to attain it and get quickly caught and sentenced to appropriate level of punishment commensurate with your crime.  I can assure you that with the likes of Governor Fashola in power, it will not be long at all before you are caught.

If you have a clear vision of the direction you want your life to follow, then, Lagos is the most appropriate place to actualize it.  However, if you must attain your God-ordained destiny in Lagos, your children's school, your own school, your church, your hospital, and your place of work should be as close to your residence as possible.    If you have all these around you, you will be able to save something for the rainy day and become stress-free! 


Above all, before you retire either from paid employment or self-employment, no matter the level of your wealth, please ensure you build yourself a home in your village where you will spend your retirement after you have expired.  After your expiration in Lagos, deliberately and voluntarily relocate out of her to create room for the young ones!  Good morning.










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Saturday, May 1, 2010

stop press

Apologies for inability to update daily energiser. i am out of internet range. updates will commence on or before Monday. May 3. Happy May Day.May your labours never be in vain.

Monday, April 26, 2010

Transforming Your Husband

Transforming Your Husband


Wives, men are very easy to tame!  But you need to apply wisdom.  To tame a man, all you need do is never to challenge his authority.  If you do, no matter how good you are as a wife, it will be very difficult for you to win him over to your side.   

What are his authorities? Let him know always that he is the HEAD of the family and that his say is final, even though the 'say' may be what you induce him to say!  Let him know that you love him.  Don't always engage him in arguments.   Men consider this as a direct challenge on their authority.  Make suggestions and ask him to give it a thought.  One of the fundamental mistake women make that pitch them against their husbands is that they want the answer now-now or they want to see their commands carried out by the men without editing.  If you do this you will not enjoy your husband.  

One other habit that particularly switches me off (and am sure it also does so to other men) is for my wife to affect my flow of thought whether I am talking to someone or am on the phone!  Some women have different ways of doing this. As you speak, they oppose what you are saying at the background but loud enough to cause you distractions and to confuse your thinking.  Some will pinch you below your belt as you speak.  Some will tap you while some have the habit of pressing your leg.  Some go as far as hissing and sighing!
Wise wives, I must tell you, we men hate these attitudes! They make us feel inferior.  They make us feel inadequate. They make us feel less than men!  They appear subtle but they are capable of giving us raised bp. We, men hate them like plague.   
Another irritating thing that make us unhappy with women is when they play Oliver Twist without appreciating us for what we've done already!  Yoruba has a saying that "A child that appreciates yesterday's gesture stands the chance of being blessed again".  Many women consider what is yet to be done more than appreciate that which is already accomplished.  This is a vexation of the spirit to the men fold.  Thank us first and then make more demands!!! 


What does the Bible say about this?    1 Peter. 3:2 responds thus  " In the same way, you wives must accept the authority of your husbands. Then, even if some refuse to obey the Good News, your godly lives will speak to them without any words. They will be won over 2 by observing your pure and reverent lives. 1st Peter 3:2.   Wise wives, why not try this approach?  Good morning.




.

The Three Important Factors A Student or Worker Must Know

The Three Important Success Factors  



 a Student or Worker Must Know



Whether you are a student or worker you are required to study to understand and be able to pass your examinations or better still do well on your job.

If you understand the three critical success factors I am about to release to you, you will succeed in your studies or successfully analyse the details of your projects and get expected results.
What are these critical success factor? Whether you are being lectured in the classroom, in the church or you are at any seminar or reading voluminous materials on any subject, the three thing you need to know are the fact that lecturer, pastor author cannot do more than three things. These are: define your subject, explain it and finally illustrate it. If you have these three keys and you know when your teacher or author switches from one stage to another, you are on the way to true understanding that will fetch you the knowledge you require to excel in what you are studying about.

Therefore, it is advisable that you adopt the idea of being able to know where you are at any point in your studies or reading. Good morning.













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Saturday, April 24, 2010

The Three Important Critical Success

The Three Important Critical Success

Factors in Life







If anyone is truly desirous of success, three important factors must be present in his or her life. These factors are the God factor, the ideas factor and the money factor.



We may continuously debate whether God exists or not. We may continue to argue out the best ways to Him. But one thing that is clear is that God Almighty is the greatest and most important factor in the fulfillment of our destinies. Why? We may have all the brilliant ideas in this world. We may have all the money required to execute them. Without our being alive (permitted by God) everything will go down the drain. Unless He allows all our permutations to be as predicted, all the efforts will result in failure. What happens to a farmer, for instance, who did all the whether forecasts, went ahead and plant his crops in the expectation that it would rain and it fails to rain? What happens to a student who has read very well and a few days to his examination, he goes mad? That is why we need to consult God in everything we do so that we will not invest in failed projects.

 
The Idea factor. Ideas rules the world. Ideas produce goods and services required to generate wealth. The difference between a fool and a wise person is simply that the former fails to generate ideas that are treasured by others while the latter does so. The latter is rewarded both in financial as well as recognition terms but the fool has nothing appreciable to offer. The wise solves other people’s problems to generate income and fame for himself while a fool runs away from responsibilities. If anyone is craving for lasting wealth that adds no sorrow, let him generate workable ideas that will solve human problems and he will instantly become a good success.
 
The Money factor. Money answers to everything – good or bad. Many good ideas are languishing in the belies of their originators because there’s no money to execute them. Therefore even though ideas usually precedes the requirements for money to execute them, for any such idea to succeed, money must be involved. It can be through personal savings or through loans, we need money to process our ideas to fruition.


In all these three critical success factors are vital to our success. Good morning.




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Friday, April 23, 2010

Me and Lagos again!

Me and Lagos again!

I have written about Lagos in the past.  And I intended keeping quiet, if possible permanently.  Unfortunately, Lagos has provoked me again into writing about her. 

First, it became compulsory that we must visit Lagos because of two important appointments.  However, even though we knew the dates for our the two appointments, we were unable to decide when to go. Unfortunately, one fell on a Saturday while the other was on the following Monday.  We toyed with going on a Thursday so we could complete preparations for some things required for the Monday appointment.  The Saturday appointment was a wedding.  We thought that both events could be conveniently accommodated if we left on Thursday, and in a relaxed manner too!  The worry that went into our heads were more than the journey we had planned to Lagos. 

Finally, for the fears of our two friends Lagos 'mosquitoes and the heat' after studying the weather very well, we finally decided to leave our base on Saturday morning targeting so we could drive straight into the wedding.  Everything was smooth until we got to Ibafo.  It was like children playing in the sand just as cars, lorries, trailers, etc gathered on the road.  We thought it was s small matter but it dawned on us later that we were in for a big trouble.  We had spent less than one hour to Ibafo but we finally got to Lagos at 1.20pm.!
There was a fire outbreak involving two tankers and two other vehicles at Ibafo!  We missed the social event.  The back pain I last suffered two years ago sprung up again.  I am still nursing it!

On getting to Lagos, because it rained a day or two before, our sleep on Saturday night was cool.  We curtailed the mosquitoes with Baygon.  By Sunday evening, the ground was already drying up so and there was no propspect of another rain to cool the environment.  So it all started getting hot.  We endured that night.

On Monday, we left home at 5.27 am for a 6.30 appointment.  Fortunately we made it.  But it required a follow up visit by Thursday so, we must spend three nights waiting.  Another appointment was also scheduled, against our will, for Friday.  So we must remain in Lagos.  The longer we stayed the hotter it became and the more informed about our presence in town were the mosquitoes.  All the nets, the inseticides failed.  We were soaked in the heat and the mosquitoes defied any form of harrassment.  Neither did the combination of smoke-based mosquito killers and baygon kill nor even drive them away.  They were determined to bite us at all costs and they did to their hearts content.  The heat of course kept us awake for them to deal with us with our eyes wide opened.  The following morning, it was not difficult for us to prove how well they fed as our bedsheets, pillows, etc evidenced the volume of blood they had drained from our bodies with their 'straights' or 'syringes'.  That was how we spent a whole week in Lagos. Then I sent my car for servicing, experimented with public transport.  I paid N100 from Ikotun to Isolo, a 10-minute journey! 

That was not enough out generator too became angry. It packed up.  We took it for repairs and it was fixed.  But in the evening, when we switched it on, it protested by ensuring that its output burnt my computer, internet power packs.  This was the last straw that broke the carmel's back.  I lost touch with my over 400m people with whom I share "Daily Energiser" every morning!   That's why daily energiser suddenly went off the net!  Painful but I just looked on.

Now Daily Energiser is back to you. I am full of apologies.  I missed you my good friends both contacted by e-mail or through Twitter, Facebook, Google Reader, Google Buzz, My space, etc.  I will never forget Lagos and how she has tried to severe our relationship. I am now back to base so God willing Daily Energiser will come to you as usual. Good morning.   Lagosians, happy stay oh!





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Saturday, April 17, 2010

Is There Destiny?



Is there Destiny?

“This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, but he will be a joy to many others. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him. 35 As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul.”


Jesus was destined to save the human race, as many as will believe in him.  Yet it is obvious that not everybody will believe in him.  For this singular reason, the destiny of Jesus has divided human race into two major parts – those who believe in him who are called believers and those who do not who are referred to as unbelievers. 

Jesus therefore caused many to fall while he remained joy to many others.  As for opposition, Jesus did not have serious opposition until he started exhibiting traits of his ministry – as at the age of 12 when he already knew so much as to be raising questions as he studied the word of God with the high priests.  People marvelled at his level of his wisdom at that age.  Then when he started his ministry, he started right in his own place but he was rejected. He was so fiercely opposed that he was taken to the edge of the mountain upon which his town was formed so they could push him down the cliff to his early grave.  Consistently they rejected him from all angles until he was nailed on the Cross!  Interestingly those who opposed him the most were High Priests, the Scribes, the Religious Teachers or better still those who should accept and encourage him.  Judas Iscariot got ‘suicide’ as his reward for opposing him whereas Peter got salvation for supporting him!   The soldiers’ corrupt nature were exposed as they took bribe to torture and finally nailed him. Therefore the thoughts (evil or good) of many people’s hearts were revealed through him.

But in all, his purpose for mankind was the focus – salvation! God has destined you to succeed. But you will face distractions.  People will oppose you.  People will want to target your life. But never be distracted.  Lean upon God and your good destiny shall be fulfilled in Jesus name.  Good morning. 

Friday, April 16, 2010

Take Lessons from Elders


Take Lessons from Elders


45 When they couldn’t find him, they went back to Jerusalem to search for him there. 46 Three days later they finally discovered him in the Temple, sitting among the religious teachers, listening to them and asking questions. 47 All who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers.

Of the 8 stages of life except biological marriage/parenting, (i.e. birth, education, career, retirement, death and history), Jesus Christ, the epitome of Christian faith demonstrated, how we should manage our lives. 

His pregnancy, did not follow the normal human reproduction approach but a mixture of human/spiritual.  Logically, to a carnal mind, this is illogical and indeed unscientific as well as leading to controversy-generation between believers and non-believers.  So as far as the secular law is concerned, Jesus Christ is an adopted child to Joseph his father so this contradicts the norm in normal relationship. 

He was born lowly, in a manger.  Ordinarily if he were the son of a President, nobody would give the excuse that there was no lodging place for him to be born!  However, in spite of this below-the-standard, delivery approach, he became great, so this tells us that circumstances of our birth should never determine the height we can get to in life.

As far as education is concerned, even though he is all-knowing God and at the same time a physical son of Joseph, he submitted himself to theological training from elders who had been there before him in the physical!  In other words, He is the essence of theology. but still gave himself to be tutored about himself!  He never despised a little beginning.  He understood that Wisdom, Knowledge and Understanding go together to ensure a successful ministry and from his childhood he applied himself to study such that by age 12, he was already knowledgeable to the point that people marvelled. 

 In career, even though he knew his ministry and purpose for humanity which is salvation, he gave himself to learning carpentry under the watchful eyes of his Carpenter father Joseph.  He subjected himself to the training.  Another lesson to us on the need to balance our spiritual and secular activities and to be prepared to bear responsibilities.

Though he did not marry, his teachings generally never contradicted God’s will for marital institution and in parenting, he became to all children more than their parents could be – a healer, a lover, a guide, their defender, advocate, playmate, and someone who enjoyed the company of children more than people who brought them forth biologically.

In retirement as symbolised by his resurrection after death and now sitting on the right hand of His Father till his second coming, he proved himself accomplished. He retired at the age of 33 years yet he fully accomplished his mission.  While many of us are altering our ages today not wanting to leave our paid employment, Jesus Christ prepared himself for 30 years, ministered full-time for only 3 and a half years, finished his assignment and left the scene gracefully. 

As for death, of course physically death could not hold him captive.  He conquered it physically by reason of his resurrection. That singular act is the most important life-wire of Christianity, and where many other religions fall below the mark. 

History.  History is all about leaving a legacy – good or bad. We all know what Jesus has left behind as a legacy – salvation – for those who believe in him.  That message of salvation is what divides the world into two parallel groups: believers and unbelievers today and his impact upon humanity is widening by per second.

Now Jesus therefore is a good example of knowledge, hardwork, accomplishments, humility, good success and everything good.  He laid examples for us all to follow even whether we believe in him or not

One of such good examples is the fact that a child MUST OF NECESSITY COOPERATE WITH HIS OR HER PARENTS, if he must succeed. Jesus co-operated with Mary and Joseph and his extended family.  Even after looking for him for three days (one would ask logically speaking  how can caring parents leave their children behind?). That’s logic. So let’s leave it for psychologists to determine.

Jesus’ story also showed clearly how parents should respect the views of their children.  When he told them “don’t you know I must be about my Father’s business” Mary and Joseph did not shout him down, neither did they apply the ‘rod’ which is today’s evidence of effective parenting!  Jesus and Mary were at the wedding where wine got finished.  Mary consulted him, yet he was only a child!  What’s the matter with a child’s opinion in this matter?.  Jesus recognised that his time had not come but for her mother not to be put to shame, and to prove a point that with his cooperation with his own heavenly Father, miracle could happen, there and then he performed his first miracle!

When children fight their parents today, particularly children raised in Christian homes or parents curse or claim they ‘disown’ their children, I wonder whether they both know Christ!  It should not be heard of that that ever happen in any Christian home but it is happening not only at home but right in our churches – penticostal, orthodox, liberal or charismatic!

Let’s go back to the basics and follow Jesus’ example precept by precept and the world will become a better place to live in!  Good morning.