Every Man’s Hack To Finding Balance: How Personal Time Impacts Your Marriage and Career

We've all been there or probably still there: caught between deadline pressures at work and a spouse who misses quality time together. They may even argue that we were more around at the early days of the marriage than now but how do we sincerely express that we’re having a hard time finding a balance between building a successful career and being the ever loving husband? It’s exhausting! Meanwhile, you are getting out of shape too because your fitness class keeps getting pushed to "next week." Personal time often feels like a luxury many men can't afford and they are constantly experiencing burnout. But here's the truth I was able to learn very early in marriage: making time for yourself isn't selfish, it is in fact essential for both your marriage and career success. I decided to share these life hacks that have helped me win in marriage and career. I hope this helps you find the balance you need to excel in your career and marriage too. Cheers! Why Will Your Personal Time Cost You More? When was the last time you did something just for you? If you're struggling to remember, you're not alone. Recent studies suggest that over 60% of professionals feel guilty about taking personal time, viewing it as a detriment to their productivity or relationships. However, this is not true! As someone who values productivity myself, I can tell you for a fact that your choice to incorporate personal time can either make or mar you. Think of personal time like recharging your phone or PC. You wouldn't expect your gadgets to run indefinitely without power, so why expect that from yourself? Impact of Personal Time on Marriage Your relationship with your spouse can suffer in subtle ways when you don't prioritize personal time and these two major categories detail the experience of many men who struggle with finding a balance. The Overflow Effect - Your work stress often spills into home life because you do not have personal time to decompress. - Your wife becomes an emotional dumping ground rather than a companion - Conversations between the both of you revolve around complaints rather than connections The Dependency Trap - You begin to rely solely on your spouse for emotional fulfillment and that creates unhealthy pressure for her. - You loss your individual identity outside work and that breeds resentment - Your shared experiences become less meaningful because you don't have personal stories to bring to the table Effect of Personal Time on Career Surprisingly, you would later find out that the personal time you have been skipping to take on more work can hinder rather than help your career growth. You’ll experience; - Decreased creativity and problem-solving abilities - Higher risk of burnout and reduced productivity - Limited perspective due to lack of diverse experiences - Diminished emotional intelligence from constant work focus 4 Proven Life Hacks: Practical Steps to Reclaim Your Time & Find Balance 1. Start Small Don't aim for dramatic changes immediately, it won’t happen in a day or a week either. Begin with 15-30 minutes of dedicated personal time daily. Maybe it's reading a book during lunch instead of answering emails, or taking a morning walk before diving into family responsibilities. Make sure you have time to pause, reflect and refresh. 2. Schedule Like It's Non-Negotiable You have not had control of your personal time because you are yet to set and prioritize your boundaries. You can no longer continue to say “yes” to everything. Block out personal time in your calendar and treat it with the same importance as you would a client meeting. Your family and work colleagues will also need an update so make sure to communicate these boundaries clearly. 3. Quality Over Quantity The corporate world typically thrives on quantity e.g the number of hours you spend at work and you are probably used to that by now. However, to make your personal time count, you must learn to choose quality over quantity! Choose activities that truly rejuvenate you, focus on being fully present rather than multitasking and vary your activities to engage different parts of your personality. 4. Create Win-Win Scenarios The aim of finding balance is to ensure you can win in both afterall. We don’t want your career or spouse to suffer at the expense of your newly created personal time so it’s okay to create win-win scenarios as you grow. Look for opportunities where personal time can benefit multiple areas. You can join a professional networking group that aligns with your interests, take up a hobby that can become a family activity or use exercise time to listen to industry podcasts Making It Work: Activities You Should Add to Your To-Do List This Week For Your Marriage: - Share your personal time goals with your spouse - Encourage them to pursue their own interests - Use personal growth as conversation starters rather than a work scenario. - Plan activities that allow both together time and alone time. Ask them to join you in the planning. . For Your Career: - Set clear boundaries around work hours. Work stops when work closes. - Use personal experiences to enhance workplace creativity - Join an hobby group - Develop skills during your free time that complement your career The Benefits of Personal Time For Men When you prioritize personal time, you'll likely notice: - More energy for both work and family - Fresh perspectives on problems - Increased patience in challenging situations - Better emotional intelligence - Stronger sense of identity It's Okay To Have “Me-Time”! Remember, personal time isn't a selfish indulgence, it's an investment into your relationships and career success. Start by identifying one area where you can create time for yourself this week. Maybe it's waking up 30 minutes earlier for meditation, or blocking out your lunch hour for a hobby. Make sure to take the first step this week! The key is consistency over perfection. You might miss a day or need to adjust your schedule, but keep returning to the practice of prioritizing personal time. Your marriage, career, and most importantly, your well-being will thank you for it. By making personal time a non-negotiable part of your routine, you're not just improving your own life: you're setting an example for your spouse, colleagues, and anyone else watching you navigate the delicate balance of modern life. To read more valuable tips that will improve your life as a man, check www.ayodejianifowose.com

Thanksgiving 2024: 6 Ways Dads Can Create A Beautiful Experience with their Family This Thanksgiving

When the crisp November air settles in and the leaves paint the streets in warm hues of amber and rust, you just know it’s Thanksgiving and the holidays are here! As a dad myself, I wrote this article for every modern father; hoping it convinces you to spend Thanksgiving this year as a moment of reflection, connection, and deep appreciation for the gift of the beautiful family you have been blessed with. Cheers ! 6 Heartwarming Ways Dads Can Create An Unforgettable Thanksgiving This Year Thanksgiving is more than just a hearty variety of meal. It's an opportunity for fathers to connect deeply with their families, create lasting memories, and show their love in meaningful unforgettable ways. As the family's anchor, you have a unique responsibility of transforming a regular holiday into an extraordinary experience of love, gratitude, and togetherness. Here are 6 tips to help you prepare: 1. Make it a Meaningful Gratitude Tradition Thanksgiving lies in appreciation, and dads can maximize this to create a powerful gratitude tradition. Consider implementing a family gratitude practice that goes beyond the dinner table: - Create a "Gratitude Wall" where family members can pin notes about what they're thankful for throughout the week leading up to Thanksgiving - Prepare a special gratitude journal where each family member writes a heartfelt message - Use dinnertime as a moment for each family member to share their most meaningful moment of the year This practice not only creates a beautiful family moment but also teaches children the importance of gratitude and expressing appreciation. 2. Be Involved and Involve Everyone in Meal Preparation Decide to change your Thanksgiving cooking this year into a bonding experience. It no longer has to be a chore, transform meal preparations into a fun, collaborative family activity that everyone including yourself is involved in; - Assign age-appropriate cooking tasks to children - Create a family recipe station where older kids can learn family traditions - Make cooking a playful experience with music, friendly competitions, and storytelling - Share family cooking stories and heritage while preparing the meal together By making cooking a shared experience, dads can create memories that last far beyond the holiday meal. 3. Create A No-Screen Time For The Holiday It’s harder to maintain true connection at the table or anywhere else if everyone has their neck deep into their phones or devices. Making this year’s Thanksgiving a special one requires intentional effort. Dads can lead by example by creating a dedicated time where no one uses or touches their phones: - Establish a "no phones at the table" rule - Organize family games that encourage interaction - Plan outdoor activities like a family walk or backyard football game - Create storytelling sessions where family members share memories and experiences Children will never forget these moments of undivided attention, even your spouse would relish the moment. 4. Develop a Family Giving Back Tradition Thanksgiving is beyond personal gratitude, it often involves community and compassion too. Dads can help their families develop a sense of social responsibility by: - Volunteering together at a local food bank or community center - Preparing care packages for homeless shelters - Organizing a family donation drive for local charities - Discussing the importance of community support and empathy This approach teaches children valuable lessons about gratitude, privilege, and social responsibility. 5. Capture and Preserve Family Memories Make sure no moment goes extinct this Thanksgiving! Capture and record moments of family love, fun and connection: - Create a video montage of the day's highlights - Take family photos - Create a Thanksgiving folder on your Google Drive - Encourage every member of the family to contribute their perspectives and memories These preserved memories become precious treasures that family members will cherish for years to come. 6. Plan Intentional Private Moments While family time is crucial, individual connections matter equally. Dads can create special moments with each family member: - Schedule short, intentional conversations - Plan small activities with individual children - Listen actively and show genuine interest in their spouse - Express personal appreciation for each family member's unique qualities These individual moments of connection strengthen family bonds and make each person feel truly valued. Thanksgiving Most Important Recipe The most important "ingredient" in any Thanksgiving celebration is not the food on the table, but the love, laughter, and connection shared between family members. By being present, creative, and genuine, modern fathers can transform Thanksgiving from a simple holiday meal into a beautiful family experience. This Thanksgiving, approach the holiday with intentionality and genuine love as you make efforts to transform a traditional celebration into memories that will be remembered for a long time.

The Successful Boss & Husband: The Corporate Gentleman's Guide to Keeping Your Marriage Strong

As a high-powered executive climbing the corporate ladder, you know all too well the demands of a career-focused lifestyle. Long hours, constant travel, and a never-ending stream of business obligations can take a serious toll on even the strongest of marriages. However, maintaining a healthy, thriving relationship with your spouse is not only important for your personal fulfilment - it can also pay dividends in your professional life. Studies show that employees who have a strong support system at home are often more engaged, productive, and resilient in the workplace. So how can busy working professionals like yourself nurture the marital bonds while also achieving success in your career as a corporate executive? Here are seven essential tips for striking the right work-marriage balance: 1. Prioritize Quality Time Together It's all too easy to get swept up in the unending demands of the corporate sector, but intentionally carving out quality time with your spouse is equally important. Whether it's a weekly date night, a weekend getaway, or simply an uninterrupted hour of conversation each evening, making your marriage a priority demonstrates your commitment and communicates to your spouse that they are a major part of your life you never want to miss out on. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2. Communicate Openly and Honestly Effective communication is the bedrock of any strong relationship. Be proactive about checking in with your spouse, sharing your feelings, and working through conflicts in a healthy manner. There will always be rocky moments but never be afraid of being vulnerable or opening up your struggles to her. This will also strengthen the intimacy between you because they know you consider them a safe space. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3. Divide Household Responsibilities The demands of running a household can be a major source of stress, especially for dual-career couples. Have an open discussion with your spouse about handling chores, childcare, and other domestic duties in a way that feels fair and manageable for both of you. If you can afford it, try outsourcing every major household chore that could demand your time. This will help prevent undue pressure and resentment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4. Maintain Intimacy Physical and emotional intimacy are essential for keeping the spark alive in your marriage. Make time for lovemaking, affectionate gestures, and quality conversations. Your job will naturally try to force you both into a passionless routine but you have to be intentional about keeping the spark alive in your marriage. This may sometimes require you to schedule it into your calendars. Never compromise on small acts of romance and sensuality as they can go a long way in sustaining your marriage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5. Align on Financial Goals Money is one of the biggest sources of marital conflict. Have practical discussions about your financial situation, spending habits, saving goals, and plans for the future. Getting on the same page can prevent a lot of stress and arguments down the line. . . . . . . . 6. Celebrate Small Wins In the midst of high-pressure careers, it's easy to get caught up in the pursuit of big achievements. But don't forget to celebrate the little victories, both personally and as a couple. Appreciating the small moments can help you stay grounded and grateful. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7. Seek Support When Needed Don't be afraid to lean on family, friends, or even professionals when you're struggling to balance work and marriage. Having an objective sounding board or outlet for stress can make all the difference. Marriage counselling, in particular, can be hugely beneficial for couples navigating challenges. The corporate executive life is undoubtedly demanding, but with the right strategies and mindset, you can absolutely have it all - a thriving marriage and a successful career. By prioritizing your relationship, communicating effectively, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance, you can be the successful boss and husband: poised, powerful, and perfectly paired.

5 Fun Activities Every Dad Needs To Try Out For A Stronger Father-Child Bond

The bond between a father and his child is a very special one that needs to be nurtured and cherished. Those moments of laughter, discovery and quiet connection are the heartbeat of fatherhood and the foundation on which healthy relationships are built. However, as a Dad with busy work schedules - competing priorities between career, marriage, friends and other interests, it can be quite a hassle trying to consistently carve out quality time to nurture that father-child relationship. Starting this week, make it a point to clear out your schedules for family time- focus on activities that will strengthen your bond with your little ones. Not only will these experiences create beautiful memories they'll forever cherish, it’ll also help support your child's social, emotional and cognitive development in meaningful ways. Here are five fun, exciting activities to try this weekend: 1. Outdoor Adventures Getting out in nature is one of the best ways to connect with your kids. You can plan a hiking adventure at a local park or nature preserve for just you and them. This would serve as a great opportunity to encourage your children to use their senses to observe the world around them. For example, try asking questions about the colors of the leaves, the sounds of the birds, the textures of the tree bark. Don't forget to go with a picnic lunch for meal breaks you can enjoy together in designated spots for rest, gists and more play time. You can also turn your backyard into a mini outdoor oasis. Pitch a tent and go camping in the safety of your own home. Roast marshmallows over the grill, stargaze, and tell bedtime stories. This low-key staycation allows you to slow down and be fully present with your children. . .. . . . . . 2. Arts and Crafts Experimenting with art projects and hands-on crafts is a wonderful way to build your child's creativity while strengthening your bond. Set up a dedicated art station with paper, markers, crayons, glue, scissors and other kid-friendly supplies. You can decide to draw pictures, make greeting cards for mummy, or construct sculptures out of modeling clay.It’s even more fun when you allow them to chip in one or two ideas they would like to recreate. For a special keepsake, have your children make personalized gifts for extended family members, like homemade picture frames or refrigerator magnets. The process of designing and creating something meaningful will fill them with pride. And you'll end up with a tangible reminder of your quality time together. . . . . . . 3. Cooking Getting your kids involved in the kitchen can be both educational and enjoyable. Bake cookies, decorate cupcakes, or prepare a healthy meal together. Narrate each step of the process and let your children take turns measuring ingredients, mixing batters, and decorating the finished products. Not only does this nurture and encourage their culinary skills, it also provides opportunities to talk, laugh and bond. You can even let them be the "chef" and have you follow their lead. Watching their confidence grow as they direct the cooking process is going to be so much fun for everyone. . . . . . . 4. Drama Show Encourage your children's theatrical side by planning and acting out a living room performance. Gather props, costumes and a simple stage setup, then let your children showcase their singing, dancing or comedic talents. You can even get in on the action by joining them in a family talent show. To make it memorable, record the performances on your phone so you can replay the memories later. Your kids will beam with pride seeing themselves in the cute little shows, and you'll also treasure those videos for years to come. . . . . . . . . 5. Physical Activity Physical play is essential for a child's development, and it's a fantastic way to bond with your children. You can decide to spend an afternoon tossing a ball back and forth, racing each other in the backyard, or attempting an obstacle course you've created together. This gets their bodies moving and allows you to be silly, playful and fully engaged. You can also introduce new sports or activities that you can learn as a team. Try flying a kite, riding bikes, or playing frisbee at the park. The most important thing is finding ways to be active, have fun, and create shared experiences that nurture your father-child connection. No matter the activities you eventually settle for, the most important thing is being present, patient and engaged. Make sure to put away your gadgets, silence notifications, and resist the urge to multitask. This dedicated one-on-one time will show your children that they have your undivided attention and that you cherish these moments together. As you strengthen your bond through these exciting experiences, you'll witness your children's confidence, creativity and sense of security blossom. They will also navigate adulthood with priceless memories that will last a lifetime.

Fatherhood and Future CEOs: How Modern Dads Shape Tomorrow's Business Leader

Fatherhood and Future CEOs: How Modern Dads Shape Tomorrow's Business Leader Anyone who isn't a newbie to the corporate sector would agree that innovation, leadership strategy, and technical skills continue to dominate conversations, serving as a powerful force quietly molding the future of business: Fatherhood. Modern fathers play an essential role in developing the next generation of business leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators. Beyond executive boardrooms and quarterly reports, the wisdom and core values taught by fathers at home create lasting impacts that will shape the future of workplace culture, business ethics, and leadership development. Here are 6 crucial ways father figures influence the business world and contribute to building a stronger future for corporate leadership: 1. Instilling Core Values That Define Ethical Leadership In an era where profit margins often overshadow empathy and “people first" approaches, ethical business leadership has become increasingly crucial. Fathers hold a unique position in teaching their children fundamental values like integrity, personal responsibility, emotional intelligence, and mutual respect as qualities essential for sustainable leadership practices. When fathers demonstrate ethical behavior and accountability at home, they establish the foundation for future business leaders who will prioritize principled decision-making over short-term gains. Consider how a father's emphasis on fairness and transparency in daily interactions shapes future leaders. This influence creates individuals who understand that authentic success extends beyond financial metrics to include ethical business practices and stakeholder respect. By cultivating these qualities, fathers are developing future executives who will champion ethical leadership and corporate integrity. 2. Developing Resilience and Adaptability Skills The modern business environment constantly evolves, making resilience a critical leadership skill. Fathers serve as primary role models in teaching resilience by demonstrating effective ways to handle setbacks, embrace organizational change, and persevere through professional challenges. Whether showing their children how to recover from failures or encouraging persistence through difficulties, fathers exemplify the importance of mental toughness and adaptability. Leaders who learned resilience early are better equipped to navigate market disruptions and uncertainties with strategic thinking and emotional stability. Fathers who emphasize resilient leadership raise children who readily adapt to workplace demands, contributing to more agile and future-ready organizations. 3. Fostering Innovation Through Natural Curiosity Business innovation starts with curiosity, and fathers can nurture this quality by encouraging exploration, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving. Fathers who promote a growth mindset help their children view challenges as opportunities for learning and innovation. This foundation of curiosity and innovative thinking proves invaluable in modern business, where creative solutions drive sustainable growth. By cultivating natural curiosity, fathers influence the development of future entrepreneurs and business innovators who will transform the corporate landscape. 4. Demonstrating Effective Work-Life Integration As organizations increasingly prioritize employee well-being and work-life balance, fathers play a vital role in modeling these values at home. Fathers who actively balance career success with family time, personal health, and clear boundaries demonstrate to their children that professional achievement includes maintaining overall well-being. This balanced leadership approach helps children understand that executive success encompasses both career accomplishments and personal fulfillment. These future leaders are more likely to champion workplace wellness initiatives and create corporate cultures that prevent burnout. 5. Encouraging Workplace Diversity and Inclusion Fathers who educate their children about respecting and valuing diversity prepare them to become inclusive business leaders in our global economy. By exposing their children to diverse perspectives, cultures, and ideas, fathers help develop appreciation for the innovation that diversity brings. This foundation of inclusive leadership is crucial for creating equitable workplaces where all employees thrive. Future executives who grow up understanding diversity's value are more likely to implement inclusive business practices, foster collaborative environments, and lead with cultural intelligence. Fathers who emphasize inclusivity help build organizations that embrace diversity as a competitive advantage. 6. Building Purpose-Driven Leadership Exceptional business leaders focus beyond profit margins to create positive social impact. Fathers can instill this sense of purpose by encouraging community service, social responsibility, and big-picture thinking. Fathers who demonstrate generosity and compassion inspire future leaders who will prioritize stakeholder value and sustainable business practices. Children who are raised to understand corporate social responsibility become business leaders motivated beyond financial metrics. They drive positive change, develop sustainable business models, and create meaningful impact. Fathers who nurture this purpose-oriented mindset contribute to a future of conscious capitalism. Fathers Are Leaving A Lasting Legacy In Business Leadership And It Begins With Me "As a father to my four amazing daughters, one of my greatest responsibilities is helping them understand how the business world continuously evolves. Change remains constant, and I'm committed to ensuring they develop the leadership skills needed to thrive in tomorrow's business landscape." A father's influence extends far beyond family life, encompassing roles as mentor, role model, and leadership guide for the next generation. The leadership qualities, business ethics, and professional skills that fathers impart shape not only their children's success but the future of corporate leadership. Fathers are the architects of tomorrow's business leaders, instilling the right values for a more ethical, resilient, inclusive, and purpose-driven business ecosystem. In our increasingly connected business world, fatherhood's impact on leadership development remains profound. By instilling qualities like business ethics, leadership resilience, innovative thinking, work-life balance, diversity appreciation, and purposeful leadership, fathers raise not just successful individuals but contribute to a more sustainable and equitable business future. As we recognize fathers' contributions to leadership development, we must acknowledge their vital role in shaping a business world that values both profit and purpose, people and progress, innovation and integrity. Fathers, your impact on future business leadership is immeasurable, and your role in creating a better corporate future is undeniable.

GOD IS STILL AT WORK

GOD IS STILL AT WORK After writing the previous post, I thought I was done with this topic but God still has a lot for us. One of my friends pointed out one of the many reasons God doesn’t want us to see the process of His work. She said Adam would have been instructing and correcting God on Eve’s configuration or creation. Yes, I agree. If we see what God is doing concerning our future, there is a possibility that we will interrupt it and tell God what He should do to make it better based on our human knowledge and experience. If the doctors allow you to see the process of what happens when they are operating on you, it will have a negative impact on you or you might end up telling them how to do the job. Before I wrote this post, my wife was worried that her application for leave at work would be declined. I told her not to worry herself over any issue that is not bigger than God, but leave it to God to finish the work. As I write now, she called to inform me it has been approved. We usually get ourselves unnecessarily worried over the things God is already working on. People of God, you don’t need hypertension, depression, or high blood pressure over that issue you are facing. Always take it to the Lord in prayer and let Him finish the work. Let me share two mind-blowing testimonies with you. Several years ago, I discovered that I had an internal growth like cancer. I went to God in prayer several times. My mom also joined me in prayer. Then I forgot about the issue because I had taken it to God in prayer, and had not gotten any instruction from Him to do any other thing. Years later, while leading a worship session in a church in Ejigbo, Lagos Nigeria, West Africa, the growth disappeared. I never bothered myself about it because I was confident I took it to the Lord and would hear from Him if I needed to do anything. Here's the second testimony; I had an ongoing project and needed more money to complete it. Since I knew that the project was dependent on God, I chose not to worry. On the day I would need the money, God told me to leave the house for an unknown destination. I also didn’t know what I would be doing there. I got to the location and I heard someone call “Pastor Dee”. I asked myself who it could be and discovered it was a woman. She said: "I was looking for your bank to deposit this money God asked me to give you". When I counted the money, it was the exact amount I needed. The process of the two miracles doesn’t make normal sense, but the end product remains the fact that God did the miracle and that’s all I need. Some people died of worry and not the actual problem or issue they were facing. People of God, relax. If you want things to happen for you automatically like it’s happening for others, how will your testimony be unique? Allow God to finish the work He has already started. He is more than enough and that means He wouldn’t need your help to finish the work. All you need to do is the exact thing He asked you to do. The reason God is taking you on that route to your desired future is to make your story and testimony a unique one. Your season of testimony is around the corner. I see God giving you rest on every side in October 2019, in Jesus' name. With love, 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

GOD AT WORK

In my 35 years of life, I have had the opportunity to travel to different places. I noticed that when there’s ongoing construction, the company blocks off the building premises (hiding the view) for various purposes, including security. Also when a woman is pregnant, she doesn’t have the full details of how the baby looks until the day of delivery. I also discovered that when a surgical operation is ongoing, the patient might not be able to see what the doctors are doing even if he is awake. When God was forming Eve, He had to put Adam to sleep because he might have fainted if he had seen how God formed Eve. When we focus on the process, we might lose our faith and give up easily. The process might look rough, scary, terrible, or even dangerous but guess what? That won’t determine the result when God is at work. When God is working out our future, our job is to remain in His will, increase our faith, and continue fellowship with God. We don’t need to worry about the process, it’s none of our business, all we need is to focus on what God is bringing our way. You might have been expecting a miracle from God and it looks as if nothing is happening. But when God is at work, He doesn’t make noise. Neither does He send you WhatsApp or Facebook updates. No way! If God has made you that promise, relax, He’s working on it. You will rejoice when the wait is over. I’m talking to myself and every other person out there. Let’s allow God to finish His work on the future He’s preparing for us. The Bible says “Be anxious for nothing”. So relax, cool down, be patient, and keep praising God till He brings His promises to pass concerning you. Have a fruitful week and Happy new month of October 2019.

TAKE MY LIFE

After accepting the life of Christ as far back as November 1998, I started as a zealous brother in the Lord. I led Bible study for Scripture Union Nigeria in my secondary school. I discovered I had issues with pride, so I asked the Lord to take away my pride. But He said; “Son, you have to give up your pride.” As believers, we struggle with a lot of things in life that we shouldn’t. Accepting the life of Christ Jesus means we are saying to the Lord, “Take my life and all its components (ego, career, personality, influence, status, qualification, experience)”. If that was our confession and we meant it, giving our entire life to Christ shouldn't be a big deal. I remember the words of a songwriter that goes; “My life is not my own, to you I belong, I give myself to you”. The life that we claim ownership of is not ours. It belongs to God. The fact that He gave us free will doesn’t permit us to play Him in paying tithes, giving offerings, fasting, praying, meditating on His word, soul-winning, and lots more. I thought to myself some years ago, that if God decides to take someone's life back, nothing will happen. The best anyone can do is organize a befitting funeral service. Nobody can take God to court. So to get an assurance of eternity, why not peacefully live your life for Him? I will take us into my favorite song, Take My Life and Let it Be: Take my life and let it be Consecrated, Lord, to Thee. Take my moments and my days, Let them flow in endless praise. This means accepting the life of Jesus Christ should make you dedicate your entire life to a higher purpose of living for God. Being consecrated to God simply means you have dedicated your life to holy living. Consecration comes from the word “sacred”, which means dedicated or set apart for service or worship, devoted exclusively to one service or use. When you are consecrated to God, He takes your moments and days. Consecration to God leads you to so many other things that you might have struggled with but it becomes easy. Jesus shows a perfect example in Hebrews 10:18-22. When God takes your moments and your days, your mouth will always be filled with endless praise. Praise is a function of being in God’s will. When you say Lord, take my life, you are saying Lord, I’m ready to be obedient to you. Let’s take a look at someone who asked God to take his life - Abraham. God gave Abraham an instruction in Genesis 12:1 to leave his father’s house and go to a place He would show him. Abraham followed God blindly. He wasn’t careful like most of us, asking questions like; “Is it a fertile land? How is the topography? Hope it’s not a desert. Lord, the vision is for an appointed time, can’t You just wait for a while? God, are you the one talking to me or is it the devil?” Usually, we start asking funny questions only when He gives us instructions we are not comfortable with. At the end of it, after Abraham obeyed God blindly, he was rewarded in Genesis 12: 2-3. This means there is a reward for every act of obedience. God gave Abraham another instruction in Genesis 17: 9-15, and he also obeyed without leaving anything out. I must confess that it was a difficult instruction. Circumcision is naturally painful, talk more of doing it at an old age like Abraham, but he obeyed. After his act of obedience, he was rewarded in Genesis 17: 5-8. God gave yet another instruction to Abraham in Genesis 22:1-13 to offer the son He gave to him in his old age. He didn’t hesitate to obey God and he got the reward in Genesis 22:15-18. Living for God means giving all to Him. Your moments, days, money, resources, and everything you can think of. I have come to discover that the more you give to God, the more you live for Him. To be continued… 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

REST! REST!! REST!!!

Recently, I had an opportunity to go on a compulsory 3-day rest. No Facebook, Twitter, Emails, WhatsApp, BBM, SMS, call or Viber! But come to think of it, the woman close to my heart made me go on the compulsory rest and I’m now feeling like I unilaterally decided on my own. Funny me! Some things came to my mind before, during, and after the rest which I will share with us in this article. It is good to be hardworking. However, we need to continually apply wisdom as we work diligently, regardless of whether we are an employee or self-employed. Everyone who has ever worked with me in any area can testify that I can be a hardened workaholic. I enjoy working, being busy, and achieving good results in all that I do. This automatically requires my diligence and hard work. To God be the glory, I don’t fall sick, use drugs, or get admitted to a hospital if I rest when I’m supposed to. Note that the words ‘REST’ and ‘SLEEP’ are different. Rest means a period of inactivity or relaxation, while sleep is a naturally recurring state of mind characterized by altered consciousness and relatively inhibited sensory activity. It is the inhibition of nearly all voluntary muscles and reduced interactions with surroundings. (Source: Wikipedia) Many of us, even the older generations, have been victims of inadequate rest. If we take a random poll, some people will confess how inadequate rest has affected them. What does rest do for us or in us? It helps us to retain a state of increased calmness, or otherwise reduce levels of pain, anxiety, stress, or anger. It decreases muscle tension, lowers blood pressure, and slows heart and breath rates amongst other health benefits. I’m sure some of you will be surprised to realize all these health benefits of rest. Guess what happened when I went on the compulsory 3-day rest. I didn’t die because I didn’t work. And none of the work I was doing stopped. Church services never stopped because I was away, and I didn't develop ear problems from not using my phone for days like I used to. Try to take some rest. The only way to maintain a car or mechanical equipment is proper servicing. Likewise, human beings need maintenance which takes the form of rest. “If you fail to rest, you might be laid to rest while the rest of us will do the rest of the work and still achieve the best results”. If your absence will affect the workflow or activities wherever you work, or have a role to play, then you have failed. A good and successful leader reproduces himself or herself so their absence doesn't prevent work from being done. The Bible says I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. But don't tempt God because He's our healer. Since God promised me perfect health and told me to rest when I should, I can't remember the last time I used Paracetamol or Vitamin C. When I'm tired, I drink a lot of water, eat enough vegetables and fruits, and rest. Even God who is our Creator and maker worked for 6 days and rested on the 7th day. Wow! The one who gives us strength also took time to rest after working. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it. Exodus 20:11 KJV And on the seventh day, God ended his work which he had made, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.3 And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made. Genesis 2:2-3 KJV If He who you draw strength from rested on the 7th day after working full time for 6 days, then who are you not to rest? Rest! Rest!! Rest!!! It will help you give out a better output and maintain good, healthy habits. If you don't take a break now, you might break down. Rest now, do not wait till you are forced to rest. 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

WHEN THE FOUNDATION IS DESTROYED………

As a young child, growing up made me understand the importance of having a good foundation in all one does. For example, in solving a particular mathematical equation, you won't get the right answer if you approach it wrongly. So also with life. For instance, if a pregnant woman refuses to attend an ante-natal and do the necessary things, the baby might not come out fine. The same applies to a child whose parents refuse to bring him up with good morals. That child might end up bringing shame to the family. Not just the parents, but relatives, the entire community, the child's school, his friends, his country, and even the world at large will be affected. It pays to have the right foundation and bring up a child in the right way. The result is always glorious, wonderful, and of course, leads to a successful future. During the recent FIFA World Cup final in New Zealand, something significant happened. The match between Nigeria's (our dear country) U-20 team and Brazil (my favorite football team), on the 1st of June 2015, had the two coaches put a lot of effort into training, just to win the match. The Nigerian technical team kept an eye on the heart of the midfield. Manchester United’s Andreas Pereira and Atletico Paranaense’s Marcos Guilherme pitched their camps and fired ammunition at the Nigerian defense. While Real Madrid's Jean Carlos and Fluminense little magician, Kennedy, sniffed around for mistakes from the backline and duly exerted justice. After so much training and preparations against all odds, the Brazilian team defeated the Nigerian team by 4 - 2. This might have shocked the Nigerian team. Well, were we surprised? What do you expect from a team with a faulty foundation? They were supposed to be U-20, but they are over 20 years old. Some of them are in their 30s. But they reduce their ages to the 'football age' just to fit into the under-20 team. What a shame and a wrong foundation. To millions of Nigerians, Brazilian Futebol is likened to the Coca-Cola drink, which is the most popular and most consumed soft drink in this part of the world. There is a joke around here, which goes thus: A maid was asked by her master to fetch a bottle of mineral (non-alcoholic beverage) from the refrigerator. The maid opened the refrigerator, but there was no bottle of Coca-Cola inside. She saw 7UP, Sprite, Pepsi, Malt, Bitter Lemon, etcetera. She went back to her master and told him there was no mineral. The master eventually discovered that as far as the maid was concerned, the only drink she knew as mineral was Coca-Cola. This is because almost every Nigerian knows and maybe drinks Coca-Cola. You either drink it or you don’t. The same goes for Brazilian Futebol here. No Nigerian football enthusiast can claim to not know or have heard of legends like Garrincha and Socrates of blessed memory. Or living legends like Pele, Zico, Zagalo, Romario, Carlos Alberto Torres, Dunga, and then Rolando (the enigma), Ronaldinho, Taffarel, Adriano, Kaka, Lucio, Pato, Robinho, and of course, Thiago Silva and the other special boys of Brazil like Neymar, David Luis, Ramires, Oscar, Paulinho, Hulk, Lucas, Marcelo of the Fillipe Scolari 2014 FIFA World cup finals experience. There are a host of other world-class Brazilian footballers playing in Europe and Asia. The impact of Brazilian footballers is still massively felt in Ukraine, Russia, and the Far- East. Professional football clubs in Europe are still vying for the signatures of young talented Brazilian-made footballers. It is on record that for the past five years, Brazil has contributed the largest number of footballers, playing for clubs involved in the European Champions League. Brazil is the land where futebol is played as if it were a dance. Brazil is the only nation that has qualified for every World Cup since it began in 1930. What is called ‘tiki-taka’ in Spain, is nothing but a refurbished form of the Brazilian ‘jogo bonito’ or the ‘samba’ beautiful futebol. The current FIFA ranking does not matter to us, because no other nation in the world is branded by the beautiful game of football, except Brazil. Not even Germany. While we agree that sports in Nigeria have witnessed some degree of decline, bordering on systemic failure, following the near collapse of the infrastructure that once made Nigeria a force within the African Continent and the Commonwealth, the Nigeria Brazil Sports School sees the current situation in Nigeria as a half-filled cup. As a solution provider, Nigeria-Brazil Futebol Academy (NBFA) wishes to be part of the solution and not part of the problems facing sports development in Nigeria presently. We are very optimistic. We believe that we can, and we will, Deo-volente, originate innovative and creative strategies that would rejuvenate grassroots sports development in Nigeria. We are determined to groom the next generation of young, sublime, disciplined athletes, coaches, administrators, managers, technical officials, and sports scientists. Let’s build the right foundation in football, as YOU join the Nigeria-Brazil Futebol Academy (NBFA) this August 2015. It's a two-week training for the U-20, U-17, and U-13 in a residential football camp. Check the Nigeria-Brazil Football Academy – (NBFA) Facebook page for details. We are solution providers and we believe we will provide the next generation of genuine age-grade players for our beloved country. We are part of the change. Let’s do it together. Viva Nigeria. 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

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Matthew 6:33

A time will come in life where we need to ask ourselves this question: what exactly am I looking for in life? In our churches these days, you will hardly find 30% of worshippers in the church who truly love God and are not in church for selfish reasons. Many are Christians not because they love Him, but because they understand that without Him they can’t be what they want to be in life. That’s why many people run after the miracles of God, and not the God of miracles. This means they are looking for miracles and not God. I got to a certain point in my journey with God and asked myself why I wanted to follow Jesus and not the devil. Is it because of those things He promised to give me if I seek righteousness? Sincerely answer these questions; why are you following Jesus Christ? Why are you in church? Many are in church today, because they need connections with big business partners, since lots of them are in church. Some are in church because they want to marry a godly brother or sister. This means we are focusing on the wrong thing. The bible says; “seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness". It doesn’t say we should make those things He has promised us our focus while seeking His Kingdom and righteousness. All He is saying is seek His kingdom and righteousness, having trust in Him that He has taken care of your tomorrow and needs. Matthew 6:34. Having faith in God is one level, and trusting Him is another. When the four Hebrew guys were thrown into the fire, they said our God will deliver us. That’s faith. They went further to say even if He doesn’t deliver us, we won’t bow to other gods. That’s trust. When we go around chasing what we want, we end up missing what we need. Until we learn to truly focus on Kingdom business, we will miss out on what we need. But seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness Matthew 6:33a So what are you looking for? 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

Don’t Sleep Until February 15th 2015!

It’s a season of heightened emotions in Nigeria, both as a result of Valentine’s Day and the 2015 Presidential Elections. The purpose of this post is to address the latter. 14 parties are contesting in the Presidential Elections. Over the past weeks, we have seen various moves and tactics by the various parties to undermine the stances of their opponents either by attacking policies or individual candidates. However, the fallout from what was previously perceived by many neutrals as an excellent political move by the APC happened. APC's adoption of a senior pastor in RCCG as its Vice-Presidential candidate is fast becoming a glaring sign of desperation on the part of APC to rule Nigeria at all costs. Pastor E. A Adeboye is the most loved clergyman in Nigeria, (a feat he attributes to God). The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) is a mission with the largest members in Nigeria and a teeming presence on Twitter (@rccgworldwide and @rccghq). Picking a Senior Pastor from RCCG is a brilliant move. But the church via its Twitter pages and the official Facebook page of Pastor E.A Adeboye has stated clearly that it remains a mission and not a political body, and as such, does not endorse any individual or party for any election in Nigeria or elsewhere. Having clearly stated this, it beats my imagination that some people claiming to be senior Pastors in RCCG have been going around northern states in Nigeria (Niger State and Sokoto State), meeting with some pastors in secondary schools with false information purportedly from the General Overseer of RCCG to tell all pastors to embrace change; the one from APC. The umbrella body of Christians in Nigeria which are CAN (Christian Association of Nigeria) and PFN (Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria) and the Provincial Pastors of RCCG in these regions have said that this information has not gotten to them yet. There is an appropriate channel through which such information would be passed across and not through hush meetings and gatherings in secondary school compounds and living rooms. Having seen that Pastor E. A Adeboye and RCCG will not be dragged into political waters, and the church's leaders have resolved to stand firmly neutral while encouraging its members to exercise their civic rights and be responsible citizens by voting. This makes me wonder; Is APC getting desperate? I know that whoever is going around spreading messages that Pastor E. A Adeboye wants people to embrace APC is a fraud. Such a person is not a pastor from RCCG, let alone a senior one. Such a person can only be a mole planted by unscrupulous people to cause unnecessary tension in the nation. Such persons do not represent Pastor E. A Adeboye or RCCG. The only change Daddy G.O will ask anyone to embrace is not one from any political party, but the one brought about by accepting the life of JESUS CHRIST and LIVING HOLY. Let no one be deceived. It is your right to vote for whoever you choose. Be responsible, go get your Permanent Voters’ Card (PVC) and vote! Don’t be caught sleeping, because while you sleep, some people are planning things. Stay awake and watch your side!

WHEN I AM GONE.

Gone. Cold body. Eyes closed. Lifeless. Six feet under. And in a lonely world. That's death. One truth we tend to run away from is that one day we shall all leave this world and all our works shall be revealed and tested. Whenever I have an opportunity to visit the family of someone who has passed on, I try to check the little comments people say concerning the fellow who just passed on. Then I ask myself, what will people write about me when I am gone? You might hear comments like: "Thank God he’s dead. His own was too much. I just hate him, he’s too zealous. With his greed now what is he taking away?" Or people say: "I wish he was still around, he was a great man. He was so hardworking, kind, loving, a genuine believer and he put smiles on the faces of people around him". "He lived a good life and his life is a positive lesson for us. How I wish he was still alive. Maybe God will look at his good deeds and bring him back. He gave to the poor and needy, he fed the hungry, he was a true child of God and he will forever live in our hearts". I tell people these days: “I am not living a holy life because of you or because I love you. But because of three things; love for God, fear of God, and Heaven.” Most of us live our lives as if we won’t die. Some of us are so wicked, cruel, deceitful, and unfaithful and we forget we will surely give an account one day. My father does not like me saying this but it is the truth. I might not live long here on earth, but one thing I have begged God for is fulfillment of purpose. Life is not just about wealth, position, fun, and others, but about the fulfillment of purpose. When I pray for a group of people, I frequently say: “Peradventure death will not allow us to see each other next time, help us to make it to heaven”. So many people hardly say amen. However, you cannot live forever. One day, personal or general rapture will catch up with you. In the last six months, I have heard about the death of loved ones, which got me so emotional, especially for a close friend of mine. We are like flowers that fade quickly; here today, gone tomorrow. A wave tossed in the ocean, a vapour in the wind (from the lyrics of Casting Crown's Who am I) So live a good life. Many of us want our names mentioned in the Guinness Book of Records, Times Magazine, Ovation, Most Influential Man or Woman, Richest Man or Woman, and it’s all good but the real question is "Is your name in this book of life?’’ As I write this last paragraph, tears run down my eyes. I remember my special friend who has gone to be with the Lord and I also live daily looking unto Jesus so I will meet with Him on the last day. When you are gone, what will people say about you? Where will you spend eternity? Death will surely come at the appointed time and we shall all give account of our lives. So live prepared and ready. Romans 12:2. If you will miss anything, don’t miss heaven, the kingdom of God is at hand. When I, Ayodeji Samson Oluwadamilare Oke Anifowose, am gone, what will you say about me? Feel free to drop your comments.

WAIT!!!

Over time, I have discovered that many Christians have changed their approach in the way they make their requests known to God. Whenever I say a prayer like "Father, I thank you for the prayers you answered and those you chose not to answer, it doesn’t change the fact that you are God", so many people look at me like an outcast or alien. Maybe we have forgotten He is the Almighty God who can do as he likes, and not one creature can question Him. He is God over everything on earth and in the heavens, and He remains unquestionable. There are certain prayers we say that are very wrong and we need to ask for forgiveness. An example is: “God if you don't answer me this year, I will never follow you again”. Who will lose if you choose not to follow God? Let’s stop deceiving ourselves, He is a sovereign God and nothing is impossible for Him to do. Therefore we should always ask for His mercy to receive all we desire. Most of the things we pray for are wants, not needs at the moment. Because God loves us, He won’t necessarily give us everything we want so we don’t kill ourselves. He has a perfect plan for our future and knows all we need at every moment or season of our lives. He knows how and when to deliver all these needs to us without problems. Proverbs 10:22 says “The blessings of the Lord maketh rich and He adds no sorrow with it”. He will never leave His children who are living a holy life (pursuing righteousness according to Matthew 6:33) stranded because He has wonderful plans for each one of us. Just wait on Him. Why do you need to wait on God? Most times, what we desire at a particular time might not be what God wants for us. And as a loving Father, He won’t give us until the appropriate time. It took me 7 years to write my first book. I had planned to publish it several times, but God didn't allow me because it was not yet time. Waiting on the Lord is a good deal, it enables you to get the best after waiting for that period. "But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint’’ Isaiah 40:31 ESV When you (a believing Christian) desire to have your spouse or children at a specific time and they are not forthcoming, it doesn't mean God is wicked, bad, slow, or unfaithful. He is loving. When we finally get what we want, we will be glad indeed. I was ill some years ago. I prayed and begged God to keep me alive even when the doctors said I would not live long. If God had decided to take me away then, there is nothing anybody could have done to God but honor and revere Him as Almighty God. It is good to desire good things, but God has a perfect timing for us to get them. There is a perfect time to get married, have your children, have your home not just a house, and have your car or jet as you desire. Just keep believing and trusting in the Lord for the miracle. He has done it before and He can do it again. Stop the habit of threatening God when praying. Whether He decides to give you what you need or not, He is still God. We need to always seek His mercies in all we do so we can obtain favor. Decide from today to always talk to God with respect while you make your requests. Remain blessed as you wait on God for the change you need in your life. 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

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU DO NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO?

A time comes in the life of every man when he'll be totally confused and unsure of what to do. Whether to move forward, backward, to the left, to the right, or remain at the spot will seem unclear. When you are faced with the battles of life and nothing seems to make sense, what do you do? You have tried everything humanly possible but nothing seems to work positively for you. Solutions to problems came easily before, but suddenly you have become someone who does not know how to handle issues and you are completely perplexed. So what do you do? In Luke 5:1-11, Simon was a very good fisherman. He was experienced, tutored, and full of knowledge. There came a time when it seemed as if he had never caught a single fish in his life. The question is what did he do? Let me share my personal experience. I graduated from a university where I was one of the student pastors. I was busy with the things of God and my academics at the same time. I was doing pretty well to the extent that I created time to teach my colleagues. When I graduated from the university, I went home expecting a call when my results were ready, to clear me for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). Then I got the news that broke my heart. I was informed that I failed eight courses and the results of five courses were missing. This was a few months from when we were supposed to go for NYSC. I was at a breaking point. What do I do when I don’t know what to do? If I had retaken all the courses, the results wouldn't have been ready before my batch left for NYSC. At that point, some people were already giving me the option of forging results to pave the way for me to leave. How would I have explained that a student pastor was involved in such a criminal act? What would Jesus do? I was sincerely confused and had almost taken that advice, but thank God for the Holy Spirit. I remember Jesus promised us when He was ascending into heaven, that the Holy Spirit would teach us all things. John 14:26. One of the things to do when you don’t know what to do is to “HOLD UNTO JESUS AND HIS WORD” In Luke 5:1-11, Jesus said in verse 4b; “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a draught” and in verse 5c Simon said; “Nevertheless at thy word, I will let down the net”. At the end of the day, Simon had a net-breaking harvest by holding unto Jesus and His word. When I was perplexed, I also held unto the word of God which is Jesus (John 1:1). Romans 8:37 says ‘’No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us’’. Without any effort from me, all thirteen courses were released to the glory of God. This happened because I held unto His word even when it didn’t make sense and I was able to go for NYSC. The Bible says in Mark 13:31 ‘’Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away’’. Hold unto God’s word. I know there is a scripture for every situation you are going through. It might sound stupid, senseless, and unreasonable, but just hold unto Jesus and His words which remain forever (1 Peter 1:25). Finally, no matter the circumstances or how turbulent the storm might be, just KEEP YOUR EYES FOCUSED ON JESUS who is the Author and Finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). Peter almost sank into the sea because he wasn’t looking unto Jesus at a point (Matthew 14:22-32). This will also help you get the message God is sending to you through that mess, storm, situation, or circumstance. When you fall in the journey of life, there are four things you must do to get the message; 1. Check your back to know what made you fall. 2. Check the floor to know what you lost in the process of falling. 3. Look to your front to know how far you still need to go. 4. Then look up to Heaven and let GOD know you need Him in the RACE so He can give you GRACE to run the RACE. No matter what you face in life, hold unto Jesus, His words, and keep your eyes focused on Him till your change comes Job 14:14. God bless you and have a great week ahead. 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

WHAT IS YOUR NAME? PART 2

In the first part of this topic, we discussed some important facts about the names we bear and our identity in Christ Jesus. Before I go further, please note that no one can have a better revelation of the mystery behind your name than God. Reading from Jeremiah chapter 1 verse 6, Jeremiah denied his name and identity which God specifically told him in verse 7. “But the Lord said unto me, say not, I am a child: for thou shall go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shall speak”. Verse 8 continues; “Be not afraid of their faces for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the Lord.” God didn't allow Jeremiah to rename himself, He was already ordained as a Prophet from his mother’s womb. This means that before you were conceived, God had ordained you for a particular mission attached to the name He gave you. This is what determines your future. No wonder so many Nigerians change their names after accepting the life of Jesus Christ. Many of them bear names that give them up to an oracle, a demon, a principality, or a name from the kingdom of darkness. So most of them who are not saved end up failing and wallowing in several kinds of bondages. You need to ask God to reveal every mystery behind your name to you. This will help you know more about who God calls you, your purpose, and your identity. Many of us might not know one of the major reasons Solomon failed. In 2 Samuel 12:25, when Solomon was conceived, God called him Jedidiah (Beloved of the Lord). But his mother, after she found peace because she lost a child, named him Solomon which means peace. While meditating on this, I discovered a link between Jedidiah (beloved of the Lord) and Jesus. In Matthew 17:5, God also refers to Jesus as His beloved son. They were both sons of David. I don’t want to preach a sermon here, I can do that on the pulpit. But the truth is you need to stick to whatever name God has given to you! Ask your parents why they gave you the name you bear and know your identity in Christ Jesus. If there is a need after revelation, change your name. Finally, follow God’s plan and purpose for your life. Solomon did a lot of things against the Lord who called him His beloved. But he was called Peace. They are both good names, but God knew what He was doing before giving him that name. You can’t be wiser than God. Upcoming parents, in particular, ensure you ask God for the names of your children because it determines their future, purpose, and calling in life. Solomon managed to have 700 wives and 300 concubines who eventually turned his heart away from Almighty God. There’s an adage in Yoruba that says “Any river that forgets or abandons its source will dry up”. As a child of God, our default identity is in 1 Peter 2:9, but we need to recognize, accept, and walk in this identity as we live our lives according to God’s will and standards. Matthew 6:33. In conclusion, your name might be a reason for your present location in life, but your life can be transformed when you accept the life of Christ and change the name to what God desires for you. As you have read this article, I pray the Lord will reveal to you all you need to know about your name, purpose, and calling in Jesus' name. Amen! 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

WHAT IS YOUR NAME?

Sometimes ago, I asked myself what’s so important about names and why can't I bear any name without fear. Then I discovered that the name you bear defines you, and determines a lot about you, including your destiny. When we talk about names, identity is implied. For example, when you see a Nike product, you don’t need to ask for the designer that made it. In Jeremiah 1:5-10, the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah. God made him realize He had given him a name even before he was formed in his mother’s womb. Jeremiah, however, wanted to reject it, saying in verse 6 ‘For I am a child Lord’. This is someone God had ordained as a prophet unto nations right from the womb. God even went ahead to state Jeremiah’s mission statement attached to his name in verse 10. For every name, there is a mission statement attached, which determines your future. Hence, if you do not accept your name or identity, you can never make it in life or even get to your desired future. Many of us are busy running our lives on a different course that God has not ordained for us. This makes us waste and get frustrated trying to discover and achieve purpose on our own. If you fail to accept who and what God says you are, you will never discover or achieve purpose in life. Jesus Christ’s birth was already foreseen by the prophet Isaiah and His mission was stated in Isaiah 9:6-8. He accepted his name, walked in the purpose God had for Him, and finally achieved it by being our Saviour. If Jesus didn’t accept His name, in whose name will every knee bow and confess? Outside the other things God has called us to be, who we are in Christ Jesus is seen in 1 Peter 2:9. Do not help God by changing your identity. Accept it and walk in God’s purpose for your life so you can be an overcomer. Note this; “Your name /identity determines your greatness in life”. Henceforth, if you want to experience overflowing greatness, accept God’s identity, name, and purpose for your life. Growing up, I struggled with the fact that God called me for a purpose and gave me a name. But until I chose to accept it and walk in the purpose I was busy wasting time. You can also adjust things in your life, accept who God says you are, and be determined to walk in your purpose. Now check your life and the name your parents gave you. Then ask them why they gave you that name. This will lead you to the next step. For example, how can a child bearing the name Ichabod, meaning the glory has departed from Israel (1 Samuel 4:20), achieve purpose in life? How can you achieve purpose when your glory has departed? For some of us, our parents gave us a God-inspired name but we ended up changing it to something different. Please, by all means, don’t change your destiny. Many of us don’t know the major reason why Solomon failed as a King. The next part of this topic will reveal this to us. Prayer: Father, reveal every mystery behind my name to me. 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

WHILE AM WAITING...........................

God has destined that mankind would depend on Him no matter their title or status. Unfortunately, some people doubt the existence of God, while others think He is too slow. They then resolve to frustration, anxiety, and suicide when they have to wait. Everyone desires that things happen fast. But only the spiritually sensitive understand the virtue embedded in waiting on God. Job said; “If a man dies, shall he live again? All the days of my appointed time will I wait till my change come". Job 14:14. This means that change is paramount for every individual. The question now is how many people can wait for the change to come. Some people assume God is too slow, especially when they are expecting the manifestation of His promises concerning them. But the good news is that when you align yourself with God and understand His ways, you enjoy peace and maximize the waiting period. In the gospel, this happened to Mary and Martha while they were waiting for Jesus to come and heal their brother, Lazarus. When Jesus eventually showed up, they accused him of taking too long. John 11:1-46. Meanwhile, waiting is a tool for development. The bible recorded that Noah, Abraham, Moses, Joseph, David, Daniel, Jesus, Paul, and others waited on God. They were not disappointed and they fulfilled destiny in grand style. Jesus for instance, was here as the Messiah. But for the first 30 years of His life, He was without identity. It was also recorded that He was only a lay reader in the temple (Luke 4:16). But when He turned 30, the plan of His destiny unfolded. The Holy Ghost descended on Him and equipped Him for accomplishments. “And Jesus returned in the power of the Holy Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of Him through all the region round about". Luke 4:14. Jesus was born of the Spirit. However, He could not do miracles nor excel in His ministry until He was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, then anointed and equipped. “And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness... and Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of Him through all the region round about”. Luke 4:1, 14. Thus Jesus had to wait until He was equipped to fulfill His destiny. During that period, He was always in the temple listening to teachings and asking questions. This shows that our Saviour Jesus waited until the Holy Spirit was released unto Him without measure. And when Jesus Christ passed the waiting test His destiny was completely unfolded and He found what was written concerning Him (destiny). Until you have fully maximized the waiting test you may not be qualified for the next level. “The spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the broken hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; (Verse 1) To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; (Verse 2) To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified”. (Verse 3) Isaiah 61:1-3 Think about Moses. He had to wait for 40 years before his destiny unfolded. During this time, his character was refined. We can remember how he killed a man and hid his body before he fled and later had an encounter with God. Check the books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, and Joshua. The question now is; How do you perceive the waiting time? Do you see it as a time off to be equipped for the next level you so desire or as a punishment? What is that change you crave for? Is it a good job, marriage partner, fruit of the womb, admission into a higher institution, or financial breakthrough? It is not enough to say I am waiting on God. It is very important to maximize the time by engaging in positive things that will make you qualified. For instance, as a young boy who was awaiting admission into the higher institution, I engaged in learning computer hardware engineering. When I eventually gained admission into the university, I had no regrets. I was already a guru in computer engineering. I repaired and serviced the computers in most of the departments in the school. I even lectured some of my lecturers and had a school where fellow students and indigenes learned computer skills. This fetched me a lot of money and made me employ some of my mates to work for me. As a parent in waiting, what are you doing to get yourself equipped for those children you believe God for? Have you learned all you need to know concerning bringing up well-behaved and cultured children that God will entrust you with? Have you trained yourself to be a praying and caring parent? If yours is a marriage partner, and you have been asking God for a God-fearing, caring, and faithful partner, have you checked yourself? Do you have some of these attributes, if not all? Remember that likes beget likes. Can a brother or sister pray to be married to somebody like you? Or are you the type that people try to avoid because of your brash attitude? My friend, please work on yourself so that even when your desire comes you won’t lose it and start asking God for a second chance. And if yours is a good job, have you worked on your character? Can you say ‘Yes, there’s nobody I can’t work with’ Because people have different attitudes and you need to learn how to work with them. Do you have a team spirit? My friends, get prepared. While waiting for that financial breakthrough, can you boldly say God can entrust me with His wealth? Because as a believer, you must see yourself as somebody who must give account. God doesn’t waste resources. He gives to people who will spend wisely and rightly. Is giving difficult for you? Read this article on giving on my blog. It will help you. Waiting builds intimacy and dependency on God. It also makes you focus on yourself as it provokes reflection, which makes you strategize on how to become a better person. Wait expectantly; your change is near. A song titled While I'm Waiting by John Waller of Fireproof movie goes thus: I'm waiting, I'm waiting on You Lord And I am hopeful, I'm waiting on You Lord Though it is painful, but patiently I will wait. My comment: While waiting, we are hopeful of getting what we need as soon as the wait is over and we've learned to be extremely patient. Ask Abraham and Moses. And I will move ahead bold and confident Taking every step in obedience My comment: Until you choose to completely obey, your waiting period might not end or not be worth it. You are walking confidently and boldly in obedience, believing that your waiting will be fruitful. While I'm waiting, I will serve You While I'm waiting, I will worship, while I'm waiting I will not faint I'll be running the race even while I wait My comment: While waiting, you should take time to serve, honour, and worship God. The road isn’t easy while running the race, but you will not faint because your strength comes from God alone. I'm waiting, I'm waiting on You Lord And I am peaceful, I'm waiting on You Lord, Though it's not easy, no, but faithfully I will wait Yes, I will wait My comment: Because you are waiting on the Lord and walking confidently in obedience to His instructions, it brings you peace of mind that you'll have a better tomorrow. But you have to be faithful to the end. Ask Joseph about his experience in Potiphar’s house. So many of us have missed God’s blessings for our lives by not maximizing our waiting period in obedience to His word, being faithful to the end, worshiping and serving God. Don’t misuse your waiting period. You will not get anything valuable from the wait or probably prolong it. Ask Gehazi who could not wait patiently to take over from his master Elijah. He wasted all his years of waiting with the singular action of greed. 2 Kings 4:12 -30. What have you been learning from your waiting period? Wait, learn and your expectations will not be cut short. As I want you all to know, I am also waiting on the Lord in some areas of my life. It's not easy, and not funny, but worth it. 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

GIVING: THE PAIN AND THE GAIN

Many times, some of us feel we are probably doing God or the recipient a favor when we give. But first, we need to understand the meaning and purpose of giving. My dictionary says it is disposing of property, materials, money, love, time, counsel, and other things to meet a need. When we give, we shouldn’t expect to get anything in return, knowing that anyone who gives always receives back. Read Matthew 20:35. The Bible says it is more blessed to give than to receive. When we give, we do ourselves a big favor. Why? An opportunity to give is an opportunity to sow. Without sowing, there is no reaping or harvest. This takes me to our essence of living. The way we live is solely determined by the way we give. If you don’t agree with my last statement, take a look at the people in your environment, community, or society. Identify the givers and people who do not give, and then compare their lives. You will agree with me that "the way you live is a function of the way you give’’. Which simply means if you want to live well, give well. If you want to live big, give in a big way. If you have been giving and you are not living well, check two things; your motive and the ground which you have sown. Endeavor to sow on fertile ground! Like a good friend of mine said recently, if you are suffering, always check your offering. If things are tight for you, check your tithe. Now, let’s talk about giving to God. The God we give to is the giver of all we possess including our lives. So why do most of us find it difficult to give back to the giver when we need to? We endanger our lives by withholding what we are meant to give to God. Hardship and suffering come our way when we refuse to give God what He deserves. As a young man, I learned how to give from my parents and teachers in school. Every time I refused to give my offering or tithe to God, I suffered for it. Malachi 3:10 says we should bring our tithe into God’s house, so he can open the windows of heaven unto us and rebuke devourers for our sake. If we refuse to bring it, it simply means He will close the windows of Heaven unto us and devourers will have access to our lives which is dangerous. #NothingButTheTruth. One period I refused to pay my tithe, I paid dearly for it and it was painful. Come to think of it, what you earn can’t even be enough for you. So why not give out of it to have more than enough? You'll even enjoy good health, unmerited favor, blessings without sorrows, etc. The Bible says "But seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you" Matthew 6:33. This means obey God’s instructions first and all the things you know you need, including the ones you don’t know you need, and the ones you don't deserve or ask for, will be given to you. God is moved by our obedience to instructions. Not our emotions after disobedience to His instructions. When we refuse to give God what He deserves and we see the repercussions, we end up crying to God thinking the tears will move Him. What moves God is our willingness to obey all His instructions, not just part. I would love to explain more about tithe. I think I will need to write another article or a second part of this write-up. The truth is for our good, pay your tithe and give your offering regularly to God with a joyful and cheerful heart. 2 Corinthians 9:7. According to my definition of giving, it’s not just about money, it is about meeting a need. We must give, so we can be blessed. Don’t get it twisted, we have been called to be blessed and not to be rich. Riches are a part of the blessing, not the blessing as a whole. God is not interested in our money or materials. He gave us all we have, which means He has more. But He wants us to obey the law of harvest, which says "A seed must be sown before you can reap or harvest”. Every opportunity to give is an opportunity to sow and be blessed. Help yourself by looking out for opportunities to give. So you can continuously increase, flourish, and be blessed. When it comes to giving to fellow human beings, we always complain that so many people get money from us through falsified means including those we trust. The truth is “Givers won’t stop flourishing and receivers will never stop lacking”. Those who receive through falsified means will never be satisfied and will always lack. Now, we must decide to give or help others to increase, remain blessed, and flourish always. "God blesses a vessel and not a container”. Why? The container only retains God’s blessing, not ready to bless or give others. God invested so much in us so that we can be a blessing. A vessel is ready to bless or give others at every opportunity. Let us bear this in mind; giving might be painful. Which means “when giving is painful, the harvest also becomes gainful”. A certain woman in 2 Kings 4:1-7 gave all she had to Elisha, a man of God. It is painful to give all you have to someone when you have no hope of getting another one. When we read through the story, we discover that after she gave painfully, the harvest was gainful. Something happened to me in 1999. I had some amount of money with me and I was so hungry. A lady asked me for the exact amount I had so she could eat. I told her I needed to check if I had that amount. The money was in my pocket and I was hungry too. You can imagine how painful this was. I got an instruction to give her, which I did. She was very happy and left. To my surprise, not up to 12 hours later, I had over 100 folds in return. You can see that if I had refused to give what I had, I wouldn't have been able to sow, talk more of harvesting, or be blessed, knowing that the cash I had wasn't enough for me. Like I said earlier, giving is about meeting needs. Some people around you need your smile, please give it. It will do a lot. Someone needs your time, counsel, or even material possessions. Don’t hesitate to give them when asked, or if you discover the need. Remember, you reap whatever you sow. If I need a phone, I will give a phone out. If I need money, I will give out money. I give out whatever I want to receive but in another proportion. The truth is you can determine what you give or sow, but you can never determine the harvest or what you reap. Ask farmers. In Matthew 14:17-21, if the young boy that had 5 loaves of bread and 2 fishes had been greedy by withholding what he had, he would have missed the opportunity to be a vessel used to feed over 5,000 people. There were also 12 baskets of remnants. The boy knew what he gave, but didn't know how big the harvest would be. In conclusion, let’s do ourselves a favor by giving and not just receiving. The receiver’s hand will always be beneath to receive. While the giver’s hand will remain at the top to always have what to give. In all of this, remember “You reap what you sow, not where you sow”. Let’s give to God and fellow human beings. Make sure you are meeting a need everywhere you go or find yourself. Givers never lack! Kindly share this post with your friends on every social media platform you are on. 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

AFTER FASTING WHAT NEXT?

In Matthew 17:21, Christ told us to fast and pray as we expect miraculous things by faith. The Redeemed Christian Church of God under the leadership of Pastor E. A Adeboye just finished 100 days of fasting. Other Bible-believing churches like Winners Chapel, Mountain of Fire, and Miracles Ministries amongst others also observe some periods of fasting and prayers. After fasting, another thing I have come to discover in a nation like Nigeria is that we Christians also pray fervently. This reminds me of something I saw on a television station. It showed how we pray at our various churches, using The Redeemed Christian Church of God as a case study. This shows how much we love God and believe in Him, either sincerely or not. This is my point; it is good to fast and pray. But after fasting, what next? Do we start feasting all through, remembering that the devil is still like a roaring lion seeking whom to devour either directly or indirectly? I'm not saying it is wrong to feast. I even lost my appetite for food after the 100 days of fasting. We should feast, but we must be aware that there are certain steps we need to take to bring all we have prayed for into manifestation. For example, if a youth who believes God for a job just sits at home, saying all help comes from the Lord, without checking the internet for vacancies, and keeps lamenting that the internet is corrupt so he would like to guard his heart diligently. Such a person will remain jobless and redundant because he has refused to take some needed steps to get the job he has been praying for. The Bible says faith without works is dead. In the same way, fasting and praying without taking the necessary steps is assisting the devil to carry out some evil mission in our lives. May the devil never have his way in our lives in Jesus' name. We are praying for good governance and that God should influence government policies to benefit the masses and not just some selected wealthy men. We want good governance but real Christians have refused to contest to be voted into government positions at all levels. Why do we deceive ourselves? We watch the news to criticize the government and what the leaders do. By the way, who is the government? We are the government. Without us, there would be no government or nation called Nigeria. The Bible says righteousness exalts a nation. Righteousness can only exalt a nation when the righteous lead and not the unrighteous. It is never written in the Holy Bible that it is a sin for a genuine believer to contest for political positions. But we must be an example of believers in our character, manners, conversation, and every other thing we do. Let there be a big difference between when an unbeliever leads and when a genuine believer rules our nation. I have been emphasizing genuine believers because not all so-called believers are genuine. The only way to prove you are genuine is through your conduct, that’s all. As the Lord helps us, if you are led to contest for any position as a genuine believer, please go and do just that, believing that God will back you up. We cannot all be Pastors, Ministers of God, Managing Directors, Chief Executive Officers, etc. Some of us need to still lead in the capacity of President, Vice President, Senate President, Speaker, Minister, Governor, Commissioner, Local Government Area Chairman, and Councillor amongst others. We are not limited by what we don’t have, but by not knowing how to use what we have. When we accept the life of Jesus Christ, we are promoted to sit in heavenly places with Jesus. This simply means every genuine believer is a potential leader. This gives us access to spiritual blessings, the gifts and fruit of the spirit to help us lead right. An unbeliever needs to consult an oracle or smaller gods to get answers to some situations but a believer already has the gift and the fruit of the Spirit which makes him discern, direct well, prophesy, see visions, etc. I see a new Nigeria where our swearing-in ceremony will become an impartation service. Where governors, ministers, and commissioners serve in the ushering department, sanitation department, music department, and so on in their various Bible-believing churches. I see a new Nigeria where anytime a leader in the government at any level is visiting the hospital, patients will be discharged, due to the healing power God bestowed upon them. Yes, we need Christian leaders, but are we ready to take up the challenge? We keep coming up with excuses like politics in Nigeria is corrupt and dirty. If they have not been doing it well, how will they do it well when you have refused to show them how to do it well? All I am saying is that let’s stop talking about change. Instead, be the change your country, nation, society, community, and home needs. If you don’t like the way the streets are always dirty, then you need to stop littering the ground. Find a refuse bin to dispose of dirt. I am saying it again emphatically, be the change you want around you. Start it and I promise you others will follow you. It’s just a matter of time. When you say a nation where you reside is bad or corrupt, you are indirectly describing yourself. So speak well about your country, believing that things will change, as you also contribute your quota. For everything you have prayed for, you need to take a step of faith too. If you need a job, check the internet for opportunities, and submit your Curriculum Vitae to different organizations, believing that God will work wonders. If you have a company and you have prayed to make more profit, you need to keep telling everyone around you about what you do. Someone around you might need your products or services. If you have prayed to God for a future partner, try to be nice and friendly, and become the kind of person you want to marry. The bottom line is, add works to your faith after fasting and praying. The reason most of us don’t see answers to our prayers is that we have turned God to a magician. When you play your part and leave God to do what He can do, it is called a miracle. But when you sit, waiting for God to do everything for you, you have certainly turned God to a magician. Unfortunately, He’s not a magician. He’s a Miracle Worker. Finally, we must not be carried away by feasting after fasting, knowing that we still have a lot of work ahead. The promised land is not too far. If we can do the necessary things we will surely get to our desired future. Let’s continue fasting, praying, feasting, and acting in faith for those things we believe God for. God bless me! God bless you! God bless Nigeria! God bless the church of God! God bless the whole world! 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