LEAN ON ME

Dear readers, I have promised to always share thoughts that will bless you at any time. In this post, I picked up the lyrics of "Lean on Me" by Bill Withers and added some comments that will help us to know we always need someone to lean on. Kindly read, share with friends, and leave your comments. Sometimes in our lives We all have pain, we all have sorrow But if we are wise We know that there's always tomorrow PERSONAL NOTE: ● We can’t be self-sufficient, God has positioned people around us to lean on. ● We can’t be strong all our lives, there will be times when we'll be weak and need someone to lean on to regain our strength. ‘Iron sharpeneth Iron. ● Everyone has issues, problems, and pains. No one should ever feel their issues are more than their neighbor's. ● Frowning doesn't take away your worries or pain. A little smile is therapeutic for you. ● The Bible says joy cometh in the morning after weeping has lasted for a night. Psalm 30:5. Being alive is an opportunity to see brighter and better days. Lean on me when you're not strong And I'll be your friend, I'll help you carry on For it won't be long 'Til I'm gonna need somebody to lean on PERSONAL NOTE: ● We must give our shoulders to friends when they are in need. ● A friend in need is truly a friend indeed. We should carry each other’s burden and put smiles on people’s faces. ● Your friend won’t lean on you forever, it’s just for a moment. Learn to receive friends when they need to lean on you. Please, swallow your pride If I have things you need to borrow For no one can fill those of your needs That you won't let show PERSONAL NOTE: ● It doesn’t cost you anything to ask for help when you need to. ● Don’t allow your pride to deprive you of receiving help. ● You can’t have all you need, you still need people around you to help you. ● If you don’t ask for help, it certainly means you don’t need help, which is a big lie. ● When we cry for help at the time we need to, it saves us from unnecessary pain. ● God has positioned people that will meet your needs around you, all you need is to ask. ● Don’t take people for granted when you need help, extortion will only deprive you of getting further help from them. You just call on me, brother, when you need a hand We all need somebody to lean on I just might have a problem that you'll understand We all need somebody to lean on PERSONAL NOTE: ● We are all human. The difference between us is our DNA, genotype, parents, color, or background. It doesn't change the fact that we are brothers and sisters (we are one family) ● No matter how wealthy or healthy you are, you will always need somebody to lean on. ● We all have problems that someone else could understand better. Sharing it with the person will bring solutions when you learn to lean on people. If there is a load You have to bear that you can't carry I'm right up the road, I'll share your load If you just call me PERSONAL NOTE: ● When you carry your burdens alone, it weighs you down. ● Don’t be proud and feel you can do all things alone. Yes, I know the Bible says I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. But the Bible also says to comfort one another. God knows there are moments when we will need someone around us to cheer us up and move on with life. ● We even get discouraged at times with life and all we need is someone to lean on and tell us the future is bright. Remain blessed. AYODEJI ANIFOWOSE Twitter: @gfatherghusband Instagram: @gfather_ghusband, @ayodeji.anifowose Facebook: www.facebook.com/greatfathergreathusband, www.facebook.com/ayodeji.anifowose E-mail: ayollc.company@gmail.com www.ayodejianifowose.com

5 REGRETS WE ALWAYS HAVE ON THE DEATH BED

Hello, readers. I stumbled on some interesting lessons about life and I discovered that we can leave this world without regrets if we do things right. At 3:54 pm on the 31st of December 2011, Bronnie Ware, a nurse who worked for years nursing the dying, revealed the top five regrets people have on their deathbed. I've written them in this post and will attach my notes on each point. 1. "I wish I'd had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me". This was the most common regret of all. When people look back and realize that their life is almost over, it is easy to see how many dreams went unfulfilled. Most people have not honoured even half of their dreams and died knowing that it was due to choices they made, or did not make. It is very important to try and honour at least some of your dreams along the way. From the moment that you lose your health, it is too late. Health brings a freedom very few realize until they no longer have it. PERSONAL NOTE: ● The worst thing you can ever do to yourself is to live your life the way people expect you to live. ● The fact that people will talk should not stop you from living your best life. ● Live your life the way you want, remembering you can never undo what you have done. Think and act wisely, because you have just one life to live. 2. "I wish I didn't work so hard". This came from every male patient that she nursed. They missed their children's youth and their partner's companionship. Some women also spoke of this regret. However, as most were from an older generation, many of the female patients had not been breadwinners. All of the men deeply regretted spending so much of their lives on the treadmill of a work existence. By simplifying your lifestyle and making conscious choices along the way, it is possible to reduce your expenses and need for more money. Also, by creating space in your life, you become happier and open to new opportunities that suit your new lifestyle. PERSONAL NOTE: ● Working hard is not working smart. If you spend your whole life building an organization or company without spending time with your family, you can’t enjoy your old age. ● No matter how hard you work for an organization, it can never take the place of your family or love you like your family. Which is your priority? Work or family (wife/husband and children)? ● Spend your time wisely. 3. "I wish I'd had the courage to express my feelings". Many people suppressed their feelings to keep peace with others. As a result, they settled for a mediocre existence and never became who they were truly capable of becoming. Many developed illnesses relating to the bitterness and resentment they harbored. We cannot control the reactions of others. Although people may initially react when you change and start speaking honestly, it eventually raises the relationship to a whole new and healthier level. Either that or it releases the unhealthy relationships from your life. Either way, you win. PERSONAL NOTES: ● Expressing your feelings will not kill you, it helps you stay out of worries. ● Try to speak when you are in love, angry, upset, or even in need. ● Learn how to speak politely. Hiding or keeping your feelings can cause several illnesses. Express yourself! 4. "I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends". Often, people don't realize the importance of old friends until their dying weeks and it is not always possible to track them down. Many had become so caught up in their own lives that they had let golden friendships slip by over the years. There were many deep regrets about not giving friendships the time and effort that they deserved. Everyone misses their friends when they are dying. It is common for anyone with a busy lifestyle to let friendships slip. But when you are faced with death, the physical details of life fall away. People want to get their finances in order as much as possible. But it is not money or status that holds the true importance for them. They want to get things for the benefit of those they love. However, they become too ill and weary to ever manage this task. It all comes down to love and relationships in the end. That is all that remains in the final weeks. Love and relationships. PERSONAL NOTES: ● We were created for each other, not to live in isolation. ● We need to keep our friends, spend time with them, and also care for them. ● Don’t ever joke with friendship because every friend comes to fulfill a purpose in your life. Discover it and don’t chase them away. 5. "I wish that I had let myself be happier". Surprisingly, this is a common one. Many do not realize that happiness is a choice until the end. They had stayed stuck in old patterns and habits. The so-called 'comfort' of familiarity overflowed into their emotions, as well as their physical lives. Fear of change had them pretending to others and themselves that they were content. When deep within, they longed to laugh heartily and be silly. When you are on your deathbed, what others think of you will not matter. How wonderful it'd be to be able to let go and smile again, long before death comes knocking. PERSONAL NOTES: ● Let’s get things right; we all have issues. But some of us try to take the worries out of our minds and remain happy. ● Be happy, it’s a sign of good living. ● No one is ugly, it's only people who refuse to smile or be happy that appear ugly. ● Happiness or smiles brighten your day and make your heart free from all worries or burdens. ● Don’t kill yourself before your time. It costs nothing to smile or be happy. But it is expensive to frown or be sad.

31 DAYS JOURNEY ON PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE

DAY 1
The journey of a thousand miles, begins with a single step. Start working on your goals today, as each day will bring you close to your goal in life.

DAY 2
Every successful man today, walked through the process of preparing for a great future. What are you doing to prepare for your desired future?

DAY 3
The gifts of a man maketh way for him to sit before kings and not ordinary men. Discover your gift, it will make you stand out.

DAY 4
John Mason said; "The person who never changes his opinion, never corrects his mistakes. The facts is, the road to success is always under construction" Don't stop working on yourself, no matter how difficult it is.

DAY 5
Dr. A.P.I Abdul Kalam said; "Creativity leads to thinking, thinking provides knowledge. Knowledge makes you great." Prepare to learn new things on a daily basis, you are not yet at your best..

DAY 6
One thing you can never choose in life, is the parent that gave birth to you and the family you were born into. This is because God has a purpose for everything, don't complain but discover the purpose.

DAY 7
While preparing for the future, building a solid foundation is very important. Your foundation will determine how far you can go in life.

DAY 8
Until you discover your purpose on earth, you can never be successful in life. Discover your purpose and you will have a glorious future.

DAY 9
There's a lot of gift in you, yet to be discovered. Check yourself, what are the things you have passions for? Your job will never make way for you, but your gift will make way for you. So all you need now is DISCOVERY.

DAY 10
Your Gender or disability should not be a reason for your failure. Rather maximize every opportunity in your gender or disability and you will be successful in life.

DAY 11
Your background should not be your reason for failure, except you choose to fail. Your background should not put your back on the ground.



DAY 12
As you prepare for a  great future, be careful of the kind of seed you sow, you will surely reap it in the nearest future. Everyone no matter your age, position, sex or ethnic will reap whatever has been sown.

DAY 13
What you eat has a lot of effect on you. Try to read labels on everything entering your mouth and watch what you eat, they count while preparing for the future too.

DAY 14
Bill Gates said; "Don't compare yourself with anyone in this world.... If you do so, you are insulting yourself". Let me inform you that you are the best of your kind.

DAY 15
Robert said; "Don't let negative and toxic people rent space in your head, raise the rent and kick them out". Learn to forgive, unforgiveness kills you gradually .

DAY 16
"He that walketh with wise shall be wise but the companions of fools shall be destroyed". Review your friend list, to know who should be there and those not supposed to be there.

DAY 17
Refuse to follow anyone, who is not going anywhere in life. They will only join you to their expected number of persons to influence negatively in life.

DAY 18
Show me your friend and I will tell you who you are and where you will be in the future. Stop hanging around with people that will never add any positive value to your life.

DAY 19
John Mason said; "Sometimes a single conversation with the right person can be more valuable than many years of study".  Don't waste your time (life) on conversation, that won't add positive values to your life.

DAY 20
Charles Bukowski said; "The problem with the world is that intelligent people are full of doubts, while the stupid ones are full of confidence".  Be bold enough to let people know what you stand for in life.

DAY 21
John Mason said; "You are certain to get the worst end of the bargain when you exchange ideas with the wrong person". Be careful of those you share your ideas, vision and goals with.

DAY 22
Which is good; to die with your potentials and be like every other human beings on the surface of the earth OR Discover, maximize and utilize all your God given potentials to die empty, to be outstanding and even make it to heaven. The choice is yours.

DAY 23
Don't ever say anything is impossible, Audrey Hepburn said; "Nothing is impossible. the word itself says I'm Possible!.

DAY 24
To be successful in life, you must be able to provide solutions to problems in your community, society and country. Are you the problem to be solved or the solution to the identified problems? Check yourself.

DAY 25
Don't be pushed by your problems, be led by your dreams. Let your dream to become successful lead you to your promise land and make you think big.  Don't let your problems push you to frustration.

DAY 26
Michelangelo said; "The greatest danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it". As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he. Endeavour to think big .

DAY 27
Robert Kiyosaki said; "Many people believe in God, but their actions show that they do not trust God".  Without God you are nothing, let that sink into your brain. Trust God with your life, don't worry He's not a man that He will betray or fail you.

DAY 28
Will Smith (From the Pursuit of Happiness Film) said; "Don't let someone tell you that you can't do something, not even me, you got a dream, you gotta protect it. When people can't do something themselves, they are gonna tell you that you can't do it. You want something, go get it. Period!".

DAY 29
"Challenges are designed to process you like fire purifies gold, walk through the challenges to bring out your best as negatives are castoff" - Anonymous. Stop complaining about challenges facing you, face them and be victorious.

DAY 30
Maximize every opportunity to build your dreams, if you don't, someone else will hire you to build theirs. Spend time to continually building your desired future...... Prepare for it.

DAY 31
Say to yourself; I AM TOO POSITIVE TO BE DOUBTFUL, TOO OPTIMISTIC TO BE FEARFUL, TOO DETERMINED TO BE DEFEATED AND TOO LOADED TO BE STRANDED. I AM THE BEST.

ANIFOWOSE AYODEJI

LOVE BRINGS JOY - PART 2

Hello friends, I hope we enjoyed the first part of this topic. Thank God for another opportunity to write the second series of LOVE BRINGS JOY. Going back to our bible text, Love is so powerful that it brings Joy. John 15:9-14 (King James Version) says: “ 9. As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you, continue ye in my love. 10. If ye keep my commandment, ye shall abide in my love, even as I have kept my father's commandments, and abide in His love. 11. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. 12. This is my commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you. 13. Greater love hath to man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. 14. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you”. Can you gauge or quantify the love God has for you? I guess you'll say NO. But even though we can't quantify His love, we know that He loves us so much. Much more than we deserve. He gave His only begotten son to die for our sins. I laugh when I hear unbelievers say they are in love. If you are not a true Christian, you can't love genuinely. Did you say why not? The reason is God is love and for you to know love, you need to know the author and the source of love. It's impossible to know the depth of love if you don't have a relationship with the author of love. The Bible says "Greater love hath no man than this, for a man to lay down His life for his friend". If you love someone, you should be able to lay down your life for the person just as Jesus laid down His life for our sins. Why do human beings often show little or no love to others but expect more love from people? Why is it difficult for us to admit our fault but find it very easy to condemn others when they do something wrong? We need to love people like Christ. And even when they do wrong, we correct in love instead of judging them harshly. Don't forget you were once a sinner worse than the people you are condemning, Jesus never gave up on you till you were saved. We shouldn't give up on anyone or become experts in condemning sinners. You are not better than the sinners in the world, God's grace and mercy is the difference. When we love people who are difficult to love genuinely, it leads to joy. Perhaps through your loving character, patience, non-judgmental attitude, and gentle corrections/advice, a difficult person might realize his/her mistakes and change for the better. Love brings joy, and everyone responds to love. We all understand the language of love and we respond to it. Back in my university days, there was a lady most people thought was difficult to get along with. I however decided to be nice to her, and guess what? She responded to my language of love. This probably means that no one around her showed genuine love for her to respond nicely. When you speak the language of love, you will surely get a wonderful response. If not for the love Jesus has for us, some of the things we do as Christians warrant great punishment or even a death sentence. But God forgives and loves us when we ask for forgiveness. Why then do we find it difficult to forgive when people offend us? Most times I hear people say "You don't know how that act of betrayal or insult made me feel". Do you also know how Jesus feels when we sin, or how other people feel when you offend or betray them? You can live a better life if only you do away with bitterness, wickedness, hatred, jealousy, and greed. Sometimes it is extremely difficult to show love to someone who hurt you deeply but the truth is you need Jesus to help you. He alone can give you the grace to live a life free from bitterness and unforgiveness. As I conclude the Love Brings Joy series, I urge you to always speak the language of love to everyone you meet daily. Also, don't forget to always leave smiles on their faces as well. I love you all. For those who have questions, are struggling, or need a counselor to speak to or pray with, please feel free to send an email to one4nation@yahoo.com. You will get responses to your mail within 72 hours at the most. N.B. One of the ways you can show love to someone is by sharing this blog post with friends. You can do so via Social media platforms. You can also leave comments. You never know, someone's life could be touched by your comment, and in the long run, it'll put a smile on their faces. Let's keep soaring high, living holy, and praying for fellow believers, as we await the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. With Love from your brother, friend, colleague, and son. Ayodeji Anifowose.

LOVE BRINGS JOY

While I was thinking of JESUS and what He came to do on earth, I discovered everything about our lives in Christ is Love, which brings Joy. John 15:9-14 (King James Version) says: “ 9. As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you, continue ye in my love. 10. If ye keep my commandment, ye shall abide in my love, even as I have kept my father's commandments, and abide in His love. 11. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. 12. This is my commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you. 13. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. 14. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.” Jesus loves us because God the Father showed Him a greater love too. The love Jesus has for us flows from above and reaches us on earth. This simply means you can't give what you don't have. If you are not a true believer, you can't love the way Christ wants you to. Just about two days to my 2013 birthday anniversary (1st of September), I got a cake from “Cakes and Cream”. It was a birthday gift from my sister. When the cake arrived, I was so excited. My excitement was not just about the cake. Her act of love made me extremely happy. This takes me to the topic "Love brings Joy". Verse 11 of the above scripture says "These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full ". Which means the absence of love results in the absence of Joy. Why do we kill ourselves with so much hatred and look so old at a tender age? Do you know that bitterness of the heart results in several health issues? If you want the Joy of the Lord to remain in you, you must let the love of Christ also remain in you. When I was very young, my parents told me to always love people and never permit bitterness in my heart, no matter what happens to me. It never made sense then, but while growing up, I understood that loving people makes you feel good. When you love or you are loved, you feel good and that's the joy Jesus promised will remain with us, even to the overflowing. What do you stand to gain by hating your fellow sister or brother? Do you have any value added to your life by doing that? Will your hatred or bitterness of heart bring more souls to God's kingdom or make you feel better? Count the number of people you have ever hated, has your hatred made you become a better person in life? You will be shocked that I'm asking so many questions. But let us tell ourselves the truth which will make us free as we were told in the scriptures. I have learned my lessons, researched a lot, and discovered that hatred and lack of love only endanger one’s life. Where will you be, if Jesus never forgave all your sins? We need to learn to forgive others, no matter what they have done so that our heavenly father can forgive us all our trespasses. Even as I celebrate my birthday today, I want to tell you all that I love you so much. For those I have offended in the past, please forgive me so we can do better things together soon and even make heaven. For those that offended me and are still feeling guilty, I have forgiven you long ago, because I love you so much. I don't know how many more years I have on earth or when the rapture will take place. If you can't remember anything I have ever told you all my life, please don't forget this; "There's no future without Jesus and He is the best thing that ever happened to me". I'm not preaching, but telling you the whole truth. This might be my last post or write-up before my personal rapture or the general rapture takes place. Dear friend, please don't joke with your salvation and evangelism. If Jesus tarries, expect the next series of LOVE BRINGS JOY. With so much passion, friends, families, and loved ones, I love you and I will always do. Thanks for all these years. Your brother, friend, colleague, son, and love.

THE REAL FUTURE

To actualize your dream in life, you must have a clear vision of your real future. “When you are not sure of what you want, you might end up achieving nothing in life”. Let me start with a significant example: Pastor E. A Adeboye has specific goals and a clear vision for life. He knows what he saw as the future of The Redeemed Christian Church of God, which is gradually coming to reality. No matter how wise we can be, God has the real picture of our desired future. Human beings might have an adulterated version of the real future. This means we need God to fulfill destiny. My question is: Are you in right standing with God? I'm not trying to preach, but you can’t sustain or live without your source. “Until you have a clear vision for your future, you might be wandering about the whole world aimlessly without achieving something tangible in life”. Remember that every day that goes by brings us closer to the grave. You might not want to listen to this, but that’s the whole truth. Another important fact is to understand God’s time; HOW TO UNDERSTAND GOD’S TIMING 1. You need to follow instructions and directions. When you rush or go before your time, the rest of the story might be too dangerous. 2. Preparation is the key to timing. "God will never give you what you are not prepared for”. God prepared Joseph, David, Esther, and Jesus in the Bible for their manifestation. If you waste the time for preparation, it might delay the actualization of your desire. Learn to tarry in the school of preparation (waiting period). As humans, we only know of the past, we are positively sure of the present and we don’t even have an idea or assurance of the future. We need to have foresight for that future to be sure. HOW WE SEE BEYOND THE PRESENT 1. Fix your mind on the great future. 2. Lean on God for support and never believe you are capable. 3. Know that God can never be wrong, we can be wrong or confused about life. 4. Be sensitive enough to hear from God. The world is tired of hearing stories of the future that are not manifested. STEPS TO THE MANIFESTATION OF THE REAL FUTURE 1. Believe in the real future 2. Packing and branding - The desired future is the real future, the career or the vision must meet up with the personality. 3. Separate yourself from anything that can stop the manifestation. Sam Adeyemi said “Anything that cuts you short of your thinking is cutting you short of your destiny”. 4. Endeavour to be the best in all you do, or wherever you find yourself. 5. Follow processes and stages. Don’t jump the process. “If you can’t fly, run. If you can’t run, walk. If you can’t walk, then crawl. And if you can’t crawl, just make sure you are moving”. 6. To fully achieve your desired future, you need to learn to maintain and sustain the picture of the real future. 7. Don’t stop growing. Don’t stop where you are but keep moving forward. Yesterday’s success or achievement cannot carry you for life. Read more books, and don’t stop thinking (ideas can never finish). 8. Add SPICES to the real future. Spices is an acronym for: S- Study P- Plan more I- Interact (with the right and positive people) C- Consult (professionals & wise people) E- Eradicate wrong attitude (your career, qualification, or intelligence might take you to the top, but your attitude will sustain you there) S- Seek God's face continually. Not once or twice, but always. 9. Continuously evaluate your plans and vision after execution. Get a progress report, it helps you to improve in the near future. 10. Engage in internal and external branding of yourself and your personality. “You are a product of what you watch, read, and hear daily”. Listen, watch, and read things or materials that would positively increase your value and personal skills. Go ahead and achieve that future you have always desired. AYODEJI ANIFOWOSE.