BIBLE BIZ SUCCESS

      The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage but everyone who is hasty comes surely to poverty. Prov21:5

      Do not love sleep or you will grow poor; stay awake and you will have food to spare. Prov 20:13

      Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. Prov 19:21

      One who is slack in his work /business is brother to one who destroys. Prov 18:9

      In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps. Prov 16:9

      Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. Prov 16:3

      Plans fail for lack of counsel but with many advisers they succeed. Prov 15:22

      All hard work brings a profit but mere talk leads only to poverty. Prov 14:23

      Dishonest money dwindles away but he who gathers money little by little makes it grow. Prov13:11

      Diligent hands will rule but laziness ends in slave labor. Prov 12:24

      He who works his land will have abundant food but he who chases fantasies lacks judgment. Prov 12:17

      Lazy hands make a man poor but diligent hands bring wealth. Prov 10:4

      The Lord abhors dishonest scales but accurate weights are his delight. Prov 11:1

      From the fruit of his lips a man is filled with good things as surely as the work of his hands rewards him. Prov 12:14

      Honest scales and balances are from the Lord; all the weight in the bag is of his making. Prov 16:11

      The labourers’ appetite works for him; his hunger drives him on. Prov 16:26

      Of what use is money in the hand of a fool, since he has no desire to get wisdom? Prov 17:16

      Laziness brings on deep sleep and the shiftless man goes hungry. Prov 19:15

      Differing weight and differing measures, the Lord detest them both. Prov20:10

      The Lord detests differing weight and dishonest scales do not please him. Prov 20:23

      There is no wisdom no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord. Prov 21:30

      Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve before kings; he will not serve before obscure men. Prov 22:29

      He who works his hands will have abundant food but the one who chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty. Prov 28:19

      A man can do anything better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work. This too, I see is from the hand of God. For without him, who can eat or find enjoyment? Ecc2:24-25

      If a man is lazy the rafter sag; if his hands are idle the house leaks. Ecc9:18

      Cast your bread upon the water for after many days you will find it again. Ecc11:1

      Sow your seed in the morning and at evening let not your hands be idle for you do not know which will do equally well. Ecc10:6

      He who is generous will be blessed for he gives some of his food to the poor. Prov 22:9

      He who gives to the poor will lack nothing but he who closes his eyes to them receives many curses. Prov28:27

      Give to everyone who asks you and if anyone takes what belong to you, do not demand it back. Luke 6:30

      Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows this he will also reap. Gal 6:7

THE SCRIPTURE AND I

THE BIBLE AND DRESSING

INTRODUCTION :

When man had his dwelling in the Garden of Eden, he was without any form of clothing or covering for his body. The glory of his creation was enough covering for him. It was in this state of being that Adam and Eve carried on their activities in the garden without being conscious of their nakedness.

However, when man sinned, the glory departed and their eyes were opened to the realization of their nakedness they sew fig leaves to cover their nakedness. God slew an animal and clothed them with its skin. The fig leaves only cover their genitals but the animal skin covered them more properly. God is interested in our dressing.

WHAT IS DRESSING?

·              Dressing is to adorn one’s body with an apparel or garment

·              It is to bring forth what is inward in the heart to the view of the world by one’s outward look

·              It is to look presentable for life’s occasion showing forth the glory of one’s essence

·              It is to show forth the spiritual state of a person by physical presentation of body adornment like clothing

WHY IS DRESSING NECESSARY?

·        We dress to cover  our nakedness Gen 3:7,21

·        We need to dress to cover one another’s shame Gen 3: 7, 9:28

·        We have to dress to preserve our honour and human dignity Gen3:21

·        We dress to keep our bodies warm James 2: 15 – 16

·        Like food and shelter clothes are one of our basic human needs matt6:1-32

BIBLICAL DRESS CODE

·        A man  should not put on a woman’s clothing Deu 22:5 and a woman should not put on a man’s clothing

·        A man should not keep long hair like women 1Cor 11:14 though some keep it for ritual and ceremonial purpose

·        Women should adorn themselves in modest apparel 1 Tim 2:9, Phil 4:5 .Clothes that are not flamboyant and garish

·        Women should adorn themselves with sobriety 1Tim 2:9-11, Pt 3:2-5. She should not be provocative, suggestive and outrageous in what she put on

·        When a woman covers her head in the fellowship it becomes an act of submission to man’s authority and worship to honour God 1 Cor 11:4-7 , 1 Cor 10:31

·        Women should keep their hair as long as they could maintain it. It is their honour and glory 1Cor11:14-15, Col 3:17

UNBIBLICAL DRESS CODES OF TODAY

v     Wearing of pants or britches or trousers by women deut22:5 in Bible day’s men and women wore robes but they were different types. Under the man’s robes was a pairs of pants reaching to the knee. Woman wore none. Whenever a man was to do a hard or laborious task. He will pull up his gown and tuck it into the pants. This is what the bible calls girding up your loins John 13:4 , Judge 3:16

v     Cross dressing or so called unisex wears. In the bible days women wore lighter and shorter

v     Wearing of short tight skirt 1 Tim 2:9 the word modest in Greek means Katastole,a long flowing garment, not a short tight skirt

v     Wearing of min –skirt and revealing dresses Isa 47:1-3. When the tight is not properly covered, God looks at it as nakedness

v     Tight clothes that shows the provocations of the body outline. This is a sign of not being shamefaced. 1 Tim2:9 leading men into lust matt 5:28

v     Wearing flashy, sensual and worldly fashion. 1John 2:15-17, Rom 12:2, 1Cor 7:31

v     Whenever we dress with the sole aim of pleasing God Rom8:8 indecent painting (make –up) of the face and the adorning of all parts of the body with excessive jewelries and attachment Isa3:16-22

v     Christians who are dirty and irritable in their dressing are abusing their ambassador –hood 11Cor 5:20

v           Young men with unbuttoned shirt and pulled down trousers exposing what should be covered

v           Tattoo and body piercing Lev19:28 , 1Cor10:31, 1Cor6:19-20 , Ex 21:5-6

DANGERS OF IMPROPER DRESING

·        Improper and worldly dressing would make a person become an enemy of God Roms 8:7, 4:4

·        It could easily lure another into sexual sin inviting God’s wrath Lk17:1-2

·        It defiles the body which is the temple of God 1 Cor 3:16 -17

·        It could incure the curse of God upon an offender Isa 3:16-22, 24

·        It could shut a person out of God’s blessing

·        Crossing dressing is an abomination. Abomination has repercussion

·        One can loose the presence of God and the fellowship through improper dressing Exo 19:9-11 

AFFAIRS MATTER

I DATED MARRIED WOMEN BEFORE I GOT MARRIED NOW MY WIFE FLIRTS AROUND!

When Paul, fondly called by his friends was in secondary school, he was the cynosure of all eyes. Handsome very dark complexioned with beautiful dentition, he smiled a lot and that endeared him to so many hearts.

His admirers were mostly women, especially those married and good looking. They were ready to offer all that he wanted just to have him. His first date was a woman who stayed in the same neighbourhood with him. Kate, a mother, slim and beautiful was married to a Sailor who was seldom at home. He was on duty in the ship for almost all the months in a year. But the good thing was when John was on leave, he stayed at home for six months.

One of the months that John was out in the ship, Kate was with her two children Helen and Kingsley. Helen was four years old while Kingsley was two years old. She wasn’t working but she had a supermarket in Aba where she stayed. Her husband made everything she needed available .She had three sleek cars, but one thing was lacking in her life. She needed the company of her husband. She missed him dearly and she needed another person to fill up the vacuum that was when she saw Paul who was about sitting for his West African School Certificate Examination. Paul was always passing through her street to school every morning until one day something happened that brought two of them together. Kate who was yet to perfect her driving skill was trying to drive one of the cars out of her compound she found that very difficult. But Paul went to her rescue

Hello, please may I help you?

“Oh thank you very much. You came to my rescue, she came out of the car sweating profusely.

Paul drove the car out and even helped her to warm other cars. “Madam, the battery light is on”

“What does that mean?”

“It means the alternator may not be charging fully. You need to inform a technician to look at it”.

“Thank you very much. I don’t know when you will be less busy to help me get a technician”

“I am very busy this period. I have started my examination, do you mind waiting?”

“I wouldn’t mind”. She looked at Paul again and again with admiration in her eyes, she said something that other women have been telling him.” You are handsome Paul. You look to big to be in secondary school.

How old are you?

“I’m 22 ‘Ma’!

“Please remove ma”, I’m just in the mood this morning to be addressed that way, Paul. I prefer to be called Katy. Just call me Katy alright. My name is Kate but my friends call me Katy. Do you mind if I call you Polo?”

“No I don’t mind”

Alright, Polo, I will see you when you are through with your exams. Just feel free to come to my house. The flat on the first floor. Come either in the morning or late in the evening. I’m always in my shop in the afternoon”. When Paul was about walking away, Kate called him back “wait let me give you some cash for a cab”

Kate went upstairs to her room and came down with some money for Paul for a taxi.” Just have this .I don’t want you to be late for your exams. I have already delayed you”. Paul went away smiling .He admired Kate too. Although married with two children, he wouldn’t mind being her friend. ”Just a mere friend but if that will lead to a more sizzling relationship I wouldn’t mind” he soliloquized.

When Paul was through with his examination, he stopped over at Kate house to check her up.

They gradually started a relationship that turned out to be sizzling in deed. He took the car for repair and from that time, Paul became a regular visitor. Kate’s children become fond of him. He was most often playing with the children, taking them out on picnic, driving them to school and bringing them back home. He became so attached to Kate and her children and they all love to see him daily.

A day came when Paul drove them to their friend’s birthday party and brought them back late. Kate wasn’t happy about that and she spoke to Paul angrily. ”Why did you bring them back late? It ‘s late now check your time”

“Paul apologized and with a sulky face dropped her car key on the table and headed for the staircase .That was when Kate pursued him and held him. She looked right into his eyes and saw nothing but passion. An incident took place right in the staircase which kicked off a sizzling after between them.

HEALTH FOCUS

THE SHOCKING TRUTH ABOUT FEMALE IMPOTENCE

For women suffering from female impotence, attempt to find joy in sex can be harrowing disappointing and often painful. Although everybody talks about male impotence, defined as the ability to enjoy sex or adequately perform sexual intercourse, impotence appears to be more common among women.

According to a recent university of Chicago study one in three women has a significant lack of interest in sex. This means that tens o f millions of women are suffering in silence, with explosive and potentially devastating effects on relationship and marriage. Until recently, impotent women were ignores while men benefited from dozen of treatment and medications such as Viagra. The issue female impotency as only recently been addressed and found to be just as treatable.

In prior generations, sex was thought of as something a woman did to please her mate and to make babies, certainly not for her gratification. If she did not like having sex, it was just as well because she wasn’t expected to. For many black women, that belief holds true even today. “There are a lot of women who have sex but absolutely do not enjoy it.” Says Dr. Ken Taylor an obstetrician and gynecologist based in Atlanta. They go through their whole lives having sex just to please a man, and never experience any pleasure themselves.

The idea that women are not entitled to sexual pleasure stems from early lessons about sexuality, according to Dr. Debra George, a Log. Angeles based psychologist and licensed marriage/family therapist. She believes the sexual revolution passed by most black women, who learned a lot of unrealistic old fashion notions about sex from their mothers. ‘’We had to wait until something happened before we were told anything “, says Dr. George, who is pleased to see more women embracing their sexually in a responsible manner. “The younger generation is being raised without the old misconception, she explains, “they are being educated about sex sooner and more comprehensively”

Despite this gradual change in attitude, there are several psychological and physical barriers preventing women from having sex.

PSYCHOLOGICAL

For some women the thought of taking their clothes off in front of someone else is enough to render them incapable of performing. “Sex is about self-confidence” says Dr. George who encourages women to appreciate their bodies regardless of shape or size. “You have sex when you feel good about yourself and about the person you are with and it seem that the world is great and wonderful place” adds Dr. Taylor, performing anxiety is another obstacle. Some of us are so analytical even we in the rapture of sex and passion, we’re wondering whether were doing it right “says Dr.George you need to loose yourself in the moment”.

Dr. George blames sexual trauma for a lot of female impotency cases. “Physical or emotional abuse during childhood has a profound effect on sexuality later in life” She says citing instances of date rape or extreme pressure to have sex among teenagers. “A bad experience early in the dating process can turn a woman off later on”.

Female impotence can put strain on a relationship especially when her mate thinks he isn’t doing this job. ‘’Men feel like it’s their fault because they can’t bring the woman to orgasm” Says Dr. George, “They take it personally”, Afraid of a negative reaction, many women choose to lie about their sexual enjoyment rather than making suggestions. Over time, women become a source of anger and hatred.

STRESS is another factor.  “You don’t have sex when you’ve got too many other things to worry about and competing for your attention, “say Dr. Taylor, women who are busy working 14-hours in a day and they are usually too exhausted to have sex when they come home. “You have to make time for intimacy.” he says

PHYSICAL

Pain experienced during sex can cause by a variety of factors. Under-developed sexual organs or other abnormalities that occur during sexual development often result in extreme sensitivity or no physical response altogether. Injuries to the vaginal area can also dull sensation. Drugs prescribed for certain ailments can affect sexual organs. Antihistamines taken to counteract allergies can cause vaginal dryness which often results in painful intercourse. Diabetic and heart medications produce a similar reaction.

For years, women who lost that loving feeling after menopause simply accepted it as part of the change”. When women reach menopause, the level of the hormone estrogen and progesterone go down, “explains Dr. Taylor”. The drop in hormones causes a lack of libido and pump intercourse.

Certain types of surgery also cause impotence. When most hysterectomies are performed, surgeons remove the cervix as well as the rest of the uterus to prevent cervical cancer. In many women, the cervix is sensitive and adds to sexual pleasure. Super cervical hysteric tomies a practice more common in Europe remove the uterus but leave the cervix intact.

TREATMENT

To heighten physical sensation and alleviation dryness topically creams and lubricants are readily available. If the impotence is caused by caused de3creaseed blood flow, drugs such as Viagra may help. In women, the drug works by increasing blood flow in the vagina and clitoris – the female counter part to a penis. This translates into greater sensitivity to stimulation and more virginal lubrication which in turn means more comfortable sex. While women can receive prescriptions the Food and Drug Admiration (FDA) has only approved the use of Viagra for men. Various studies are underway to determine the drugs effect on postmenopausal women in England and the drug’s manufacturer will soon study Viagra in older American women FDA approval may not occur until after the year 2001.

The loss of desire many postmenopausal women feel can be easily corrected with hormones replacement therapy, testosterone in particular. Testosterone is the trick that motivates women to have a libido “ says Dr. Taylor who points to the astounding result his post menopause patients report after taking small doses of testosterone “They feel like they’re 30years old again” he says.

To prevent occurrences gynecological exam every year “A detailed exam gives you a lot of information as to what’s going on internally” she says.

• Get a complete gynecological exam every year
• Visit your physician to take care of any unchecked health problems that may be causing your sexual dysfunction, such as hypertension, hear disease or diabetes
• Do a mental inventory of the baggage you’ve been carrying. Ask yourself the following questions: where did I learn about sex? If the answers are in appropriate or incomplete then find someone you can talk to or find a book that provides the appropriate information, “she advises”. To resolve any psychological issues begin by redefining sex and what it means to you.

“We need to expand our notion of sex and what it entails,” says Dr. George “Sex is not just the orgasm. It has to be a complete, comprehensive type of love making. “She stresses the importance of foreplay. “Foreplay is anything that comes before the actual act of having sex that brings you closer and explores your intimate boundaries, “says, it begins when you’re out to dinner. You’re looking at each other trying to make a connection. Talking and sharing when your clothes are still on………all of that is foreplay”.

Dr. George encourages women to replace negative images into feelings and fostering partnership with your mate”. She stresses, stop looking at sex as a means to an end”. Don’t concentrate on the orgasm, says Dr. George. She recommends focusing on the beginnings of sexual arousal and the actual penetration.

Most importantly, relax. “We need to stop being so uptight, because that’s what engenders all the fear and anxiety” says Dr. George. “Sex is the one thing you should do with absolute freedom”.

WONDERFUL JESUS!

SOLUTION IN PRAYER AND FASTING

I had a very strange problem and I was told that the solution lies in prayer and fasting. This I found very difficult to do and the problem persisted for 12years. Then I decided to do the prayer and fasting. Miraculously, the problem vanished and God has delivered me . Praise the Lord!

DELIVERED FROM ARMED ROBBERS

I thank God for sparing my life from the hands of armed bandits who attacked me during an official trip to Makurdi from the eastern part of the country. The car and other vital documents stolen during the operation were recovered by t

he police. Praise God!

DELIVERANCE FROM STRANGE SICKNESS

I had a strange sickness for four years . Recently on a Sunday, the Pasto r gave me some prayer points which I prayed at home, I passed out several strange objects which were dark and looked like stones. I thank God because there is no more sickness. Praise God!

                                   Peter

GOD BLESS ME FINANCIALLY

I bless the name of the Lord for its love, kindness, protection and mercy upon my life and family. I received a phone call from my former place of work that I had some money to collect. I went and collected the money to pay my school fees.

 When I got to school, a colleague of mine called me and asked if I had paid my school fees. He put his hand into his pocket and gave me an amount which I didn’t expect to the glory of God, I was able to pay my school fees at once and still had some money left. Praise the Lord!

                                                        Lawrence

DIABETES GONE

I was critically ill and went to the hospital for examination .A test was conducted and the Doctor said I had diabetes . Drugs were prescribed and I bought and used them but all to no avail. I was thereafter advised to go for deliverance and I did. During the programme, God delivered me and I have been healed completely. Praise the Lord!

                          Christiana