The Purpose Driven Lady Magazine

THE

The Purpose Driven Lady Magazine

January/February 2017

PURPOSE DRIVEN Lady ISSUE #4 | JAN/FEB 2017

NUTRITION FOR HARSH SEASONS DO YOU EAT MORE WHEN YOU’RE FEELING STRESSED?

KEYS TO A SUCCESSFUL MARRIAGE

DIARY OF A PURPOSE DRIVEN LADY WITH BUKOLA ORAGBADE

MAXIMISING SINGLEHOOD: ENJOYING YOUR LIFE AS A SPINSTER – PART 2

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In this Issue

Purpose Driven Lady is a movement in which busy working women are encouraged to take action to find their purpose, position and purpose so that they create their reality and live their best life.

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January/February 2017

In this Issue

January/February 2017

But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth Exodus 9:16

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Let’s Talk Blogging 101

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January/February 2017

JOIN Let’s Talk Blogging 101 TODAY!

Let’s Talk Blogging 101

JOIN Let’s Talk Blogging 101 TODAY!

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Please join us for

our Sunday

(10am)

& Friday (7.30pm)

Service and experience Worship, Healing, Love, Word and Grace.

For more information please visit www.kingswordlondon.org Join us online at http://www.kinswordlondon.org/live-streaming/ http://www.kingswordlondon.org/audiolivestream/ Tel: 07907980762 Email: hello@kingwordlondon.org KingsWord International Church London raising a supernatural army

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January/February 2017

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Letter Editor

from

the

Welcome to 2017.

The Purpose Driven Lady Magazine

is back, bigger, bolder and beautiful than ever; and everyone here at PDL headquarters are excited about Issue 4.

In 2016, The Purpose Driven Lady Magazine was birthed; the love the magazine has received is overwhelming and the feedback amazing. I will like to appreciate all PDL contributors who believed in the vision and have supported with their finances, prayers and awesome articles/poems, my world is richer because I have you in it.

In this issue, The Purpose Driven Lady

Also in this issue we bring to you an exclusive interview with an amazing Purpose Driven woman, wife and mother Deby Okoh, she shares what purpose means to her, how she is living in purpose and what her ultimate dreams for life is.

As we progress in 2017, I want to encourage you to live in purpose, make conscious decision to be the very best version of yourself. Always remember you are not in competition with anyone.

You are created uniquely, you are special, and you are one of a kind.

The journey has started in 2017 for Purpose Driven Lady Magazine; here is to Clarity, Confidence and Courage.

SO UNTIL NEXT ISSUE REMAIN AMAZING BOLD & COURAGEOUS, REMEMBER IT IS POSSIBLE AND YES YOU CAN. Should you have any questions and suggestions, please send them to info@thepurposedrivenlady.com To living In Purpose,

Omowunmi aka Toks P.S: Share this magazine to your friends and family so that together we are creating our reality and living our best life NOW.

Magazine talks about nutrition for harsh seasons, giving life to your dreams, friendship; the series on maximising singlehood comes to an end with the last three factors being discussed with an opportunity of mentoring if needed, from poems to the diary of a Purpose Driven Lady, I choose to trust God that your life will be transformed by the renewal of your mind.

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content 10

Nutrition for harsh season

13 22

Giving life to your dream

16 Your first assignment

18

So in Love

27

19 Diary of a purpose driven lady

22 Friendship As a woman, sometimes life happens, you get to a place where you are busy with everything it seems you don’t have enough time.

You begin to isolate people that have been part of your life, you go through storms and you don’t want anyone around. You think you don’t need anybody, There is no power in a car key on its own, the car engine has no power on its own, it will not come to life without the key being put into the car ignition. In other words, you cannot drive a car without igniting the car with the key. Though you have access to the car keys, if you do not use it, you cannot drive the car and use it as a mode of transportation.

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22 Maximizing singlehood

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Featured Contributors

Esosa Ikolo

Magaret Akanni

Tomike Ogunleye

Olabisi Oluyele Adebiyi

Deby Okoh

Tayo Olumakin

Bukola Oragbade

Ms Sia Amara

Jumoke Badmus

Jumoke Poku

Omolara Akinlere

Marcia Batten

Shola Ezeokoli

Nike Duro- Ishola

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Do you eat more when you’re feeling stressed?

Do you eat to feel better (to calm and soothe yourself when you’re sad, mad, bored or anxious)?

Nutrition For

Imagine you’ve had an argument and right now you are upset. A friend asks what’s wrong. How do you respond?

Harsh

Seasons

•

Tell your friend what happened and have a long, comforting talk about it. or

•

Tell your friend, “Everything’s fine” and head to the freezer for the ice cream.

B

ut can that ice cream really help you feel better? When you are at your weakest point emotionally, feeling depressed, lonely, anxious, exhausted or bored; the strongest cravings for food may happen. You may turn to food for comfort — consciously or unconsciously. Emotional eating often leads to eating too much, especially too much of high-calorie, sweet, fatty foods.

What is emotional eating?

Emotional eating or depending on food to feel better when emotional is eating as a way to suppress or soothe negative

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emotions, such as stress, anger, fear, boredom, sadness and loneliness. Both major life events and the hassles of daily life can trigger negative emotions.

Examples of triggers include: • Unemployment •

Debts

•

Health concerns

•

Relationship conflicts

•

Work stress

•

Exhaustion

Although some people actually eat less in the face of strong e m o t i o n s , if you’re in emotional distress

The Purpose Driven Lady Magazine

you may turn to impulsive or binge eating — you may rapidly eat whatever’s convenient, without even enjoying it.

“

In fact, your emotions may become so tied to your eating habits that you automatically reach for a treat whenever you’re angry or stressed without stopping to think about what you’re doing.

Food also serves as a distraction. If you’re worried about an upcoming event or stewing over a conflict, for instance, you may focus on eating comfort food instead of dealing with the painful situation.

Whatever emotions drive you t o

January/February 2017

overeat, the end result is often the same.

The emotions return, and you may also now bear the additional burden of guilt about setting back your weight-loss goal. This can also lead to an unhealthy cycle — your emotions trigger you to overeat, you feel bad, and you overeat again.

“Comfort” Foods We all have our own comfort foods.

Interestingly, they may vary according to moods and gender. One study found that happy people seem to want to eat things like pizza, while sad people prefer ice cream and cookies. Bored people crave salty, crunchy things, like chips. Researchers also found that guys seem to prefer hot, homemade comfort meals, like steaks and casseroles.

Girls go for chocolate and ice cream.

In one study of American preferences, “males preferred warm, hearty, mealrelated comfort foods (such as steak, casseroles, and soup), while females instead preferred comfort foods that were more snack related (such as chocolate and ice cream). Further studies suggest that consumption of comfort food is triggered in men by positive emotions, and by negative ones in women.

Research shows that high-fat foods, like ice cream, may activate certain chemicals in the body that create a sense of contentment and fulfillment.

This almost addictive quality may actually make you reach for these foods again when feeling upset. Typical

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comfort foods includes: bag of chips, ice cream, chocolate, cookies, Pies, Fish and chips, Puddings, Roast meat Emotional eating can affect weight, health, and overall well-being. But understanding what drives emotional eating can help you take steps to change it.

Questions to Ask Yourself You can also ask yourself these questions about your eating: I crave specific food Do I feel a loss of control around food?

I need to eat something right away Something inside keeps pushing me towards foods My body is tense or shaky and I need to eat Food will calm me down My hunger is often paired with an upsetting emotion.

As we approach winter leaving autumn behind, things begin to fall and mature the dry weather usually causes an itchy throat, a dry nose, chapped lips, rough skin, hair loss and dry stools.

We need to eat to promote the production of body fluids and their lubricating effects throughout the body. The body needs extra fluids to counteract the dry environment. In winter, living things slow down to save

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energy while some animals hibernate.

It is also the season where humans conserve energy and build strength as a prelude to spring. Since a person’s appetite tends to increase over winter when they have a lower metabolic rate, absorbed nutrients from foods can be stored more easily. Eating good food during hard times can be challenging Connect with us Fork and Spoon/Facebook Omowunmi – Toks Olunloyo/Facebook info@forkandspoonbook.com www.forkandspoonbook.com www.letstalkstartingafoodbusiness. blogspot.co.uk

Omowunmi Olunloyo

Author of the Book: Fork & Spoon: 7 Key Elements Of Food Product Development From Concept To Launch

The Purpose Driven Lady Magazine

To dream is to have a strongly desired vision or purpose. It is that which you’ve always wanted to do, have or become in life. One of my favourite sayings is: ‘Dream it, Believe it, See it, Plan and Live it’ and in order to turn your dreams into reality you need to make them breathe and by that, here is what I mean.

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Dream it: unlike so many other things in life, having a dream is the easiest thing to do because you are the creator of your dreams and so, are at liberty to make it big or small. I tend to equate a life without dreams to someone chasing after shadows. I personally derive a lot of inspiration from my dreams; they in fact, play a major role when I am down. Dreams give me hope for my future reminding me that my current challenge is temporary.

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Believe it: there is no point in having a dream that you do not believe in because if you as the creator of the dream don’t believe it, why should anyone else? Believing is about seeing possibilities no matter the size. It is very difficult to aspire to be somebody say “a footballer” and then when asked about it, you can’t even articulate why you want to be one. So for you to live your dream, you need to start believing in it 100%.

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that I am in need of more time to write as an author, blogger and guest writer.

Plan it: I see this as the father of the aforementioned. To plan you need three main things- pen, paper and your mind. It requires you to spend regular quality time to sit down to think about the breadth of your dreams and what options are available to you to achieve them. I have practiced planning my dream from an early age without realizing it.

See it: this is closely linked with believing in your dream and is one of my favourites. Great achievers always tell that before they started living their dreams, they could ‘see’ it’. You need to get passed the mindset of just ‘having a dream’ and move into seeing it because there is power in visualising one’s dream.

As a teenage girl, as soon as I realised certain things that interested me in life, or that I was passionate about, my dreaming knew no bounds. I sometimes would dream about how I’d like it to be enacted and paint different pictures of my dreams in my mind’s eye.

I recall how sometimes when I told friends about my dreams, they’d call me crazy either because they sounded ridiculous or were just too many to keep up with. But I didn’t care and carried on visualising my dreams. One of my dreams was to become a writer and even when I knew nothing about how to write a page let alone a book, I’d play over topics and titles for articles and books I’d like to write; I also see myself autographing my books at book reviews. Today, I enjoy writing so much

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In hindsight, I now realise that not only did it help me remember my dreams which were in their numbers, it is also a biblical thing going by the scripture that says, ‘write the vision and make it plain…’

January/February 2017

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Writing your dream also helps you think more about it and makes you commit to it and that is a powerful thing.

Planning may also require you to speak to people who I refer to as ‘vision helpers’.

Let’s be realistic, your dreams is always bigger than you and you do need help from others to make it a reality by God’s grace (be it ideas, resources or support) to take your dream from the ‘Dream it’ mode to the ‘Live it’ mode. From my experience, when you do the above and begin speaking with your vision helpers, the process is smoother and quicker.

When you plan, break down your dreams into smaller chunks or tasks and give deadlines to it. As you do this, it opens up possibilities and available options to you, helping you see what ways you can reach your dreams. So for instance if you are looking to own your dream house, some practical steps you might want to take may include and is not limited to: getting a good job that can pay for the house, having a good credit history, cutting down on excess spending, saving for the initial deposit and visiting a mortgage advisor for guidance (it is in no particular order).

Live it: when you’ve done all of the above, the one thing left to do is enjoy living your dream. There is a sense of fulfillment and joy one gets after doing all you could possibly do to achieve your dream and because you have carefully planned it to this point, you’ll find that as you live it, it helps to direct and keep you focused especially if you are straying from it.

So whatever your dream, do not let anything or anybody stop you from achieving it including yourself; so instead of sitting on the couch day in, day out watching that television series which won’t add value to your life, I encourage you to get started and get working on your dream so that when the time comes, you would be prepared to run with it, to embrace opportunities and live the life you so desire.

Esosa Ikolo

www.esosaikolo.wordpress.com

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Your First

Assignment

G

od’s design for every home defers however, there is an assignment that is required to be accomplished. The influence of the home and how it affects the society cannot be overemphasized.

The general saying is that the society is a reflection of the family/home.

In the account of Luke 2 the assignment for the family of Mary & Joseph was to deliver a messiah, nurture and guide him into his destiny. Mary had to be a mummy, teach and guide Jesus towards his purpose on earth.

As a woman, God has given you and I the ability to maintain the home. No matter what other role you occupy, charity begins at home is the pathway to creating success in the family and society at large. This includes ministering to your husband and your

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children according to the word of God so that they can excel in life.

When Mary gave birth she wrapped baby Jesus in clothes and baby Jesus was laid in a manger. She ensured the basic need of her baby was met and he was protected. This became an identity for all who went to see Jesus.vs 2. Can I ask you a question?

What are you wrapping your children in: games, latest technology, clothes?

Are you training them to be dependent or independent in the way they should go so that when they grow up, they will not depart from it Colossians 3:23.

What words are you wrapping them in? When people see your children can they be identified by the teaching you have given them. Who is wrapping your children as a mother?

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The way you are wrapping them will show them forth to the world as kings and queens or otherwise? Are you wrapping them with the dictates of the world or in the way of the Lord?

Mothers, God is depending on you to do the best you can to raise your children right. Wrap them in love, cover and protect them with your words. Rightfully divide the word of God to them in a way they will understand. Nurture selfconfidence in them so they can love and accept themselves for who they are and be the best version of themselves. Let your children know what God expects from them from at an early age. Explain the reasons you do what you do in your home, your values should be very clear to your children. The first pulpit as a woman is your home. It is very important to minister to the needs of your household.

“

always a second chance with God. His mercies are new every morning. Start today to make it right.

Don’t say your children are too young; take them to church from the time they are in the womb. No matter your position in the church, you are accountable to God for your children and your household. Acts 20:7, Heb 10:25, Deut 6:4-8.

Observe the tradition of God given through the Bible and not the society.

Encourage them to give and be involved in a department where they can use their skills and develop their gifting. This has many benefits.

As ministers, you have a mandate on your life in ensuring that your children walk in God’s way all the time. I pray the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you now and always in Jesus Name.

Margaret Akanni

Mothers, God is depending on you to do the best you can to raise your children right. Wrap them in love, cover and protect them with your words.

“

Lets look at Mary in the bible, it is recorded that her family went to observe the Passover and 12 years on, the family is still consistent and inline with God .She is still committed and obedient to the law of God. Think about it, are you committed to the things of God? Are you still moving according to the master plan? If you are not there is

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He’s Elideas, He’s Elshaddai, He’s God of all flesh, God of all times & season, He’s looking for someone To show Himself strong in Songs “unsung” Books never “written” Waiting on You & I To storm planet earth Just wondering this day If You are ready to push His His His His His His

So In

Love

love reaches to the heavens faithfulness to the skies dwelling place.... lovely tender mercies.... forever thoughts towards us...good meeting place.... more than halfway

Goodness and mercy hunting me down All the days of my life....

How can I have a better yesterday?

My path shining brighter and brighter Until the full day....

Why won’t I rejoice in Him? Crazy about you Jesus...

You love me sooooo

Tomike Ogunleye

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Diary of a

Purpose

Driven Lady

W i t h

Bukola Oragbade

I

t’s 11:40pm. My head finally gets to hit the pillow and as I said, “Thank you Holy Spirit for today”, a question came to mind, was today a Mary or Martha day?

Luke 10:41-42(NLT) But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! 42 There is only one thing worth being concern about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Well, we woke up late earlier that day and had to rush through getting the children ready for school. I put my 6-year-old daughter’s hair in a bun, while she was eating breakfast and hubby was wearing her shoes for her at the same time. My 9-year-old asked the same question at the door that he asks every day, ‘Mummy, can I walk to school by myself?’ And he got the same answer

he gets every day. NO! (The school is a 3-minute walk from the house) This would all have been easier if my 18-month-old had still been in bed, but there she was, clinging to my side and calling me Daddy. I have been trying to get her to say mummy since she started talking! Sigh Finally, they were gone. Breakfast.

What will I have for breakfast? I have been trying to go on a “low carb” diet.

How hard can that be? The little bulge after my third baby is taking its time to budge! No bread, no rice, no fried plantain (seriously, my favourite carb too?) Today was just not the day! I had my bread and egg without blinking...lol

I had prayer time for 30mins with hubby, off to library to prepare for an exam, gym then home. We all know what happens

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when Momma gets home? Everyone wants a piece of her! Finally, they are in bed and I’m picking up this and that, sweeping here and there, wondering why hubby is fixated on the Presidential debate and not noticing the hard work I’m putting in (who sent me right?)

Finally, in bed and I jumped up remembering the clothes I wanted to put in the washing machine...ugh!!rushed down and back to bed…that was when

the thought began, a Mary or Martha day?

We all remember the story of how Mary sat learning at the feet of Jesus or in the time and age, I could call it doing “Spiritual stuff” i.e. Reading or studying the word, meditating, praying etc.

Well that’s the summary of MY day, yours might be similar, simpler, or more complicated but two important things to note is that whatever season of life

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you are in is never void of the ‘busyness’ that comes with that season and there is wisdom available for every season of life.

Don’t feel bad about the season you’re in. Guilt will not take you anywhere; find a way to incorporate prayer time, study time & meditation in the season you are in.

Today I spent sometime while in the library walking around and speaking the word of God under my breath, over some areas of my life.

I’ll like to share some wisdom I’ve used over the years, and I believe as you yield to the Holy Spirit, He’ll give you the specific one for your season in life.

I used to spend my break time at work taking a walk and praying in the spirit (looking back now, I’m sure many people tagged me weird!) Well, I’ll rather be Weird Mary sitting at His feet than Confused Martha jisting away with my colleagues!

One of my greatest assets is my iPhone and earpiece, not because it hooks me up to Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Google but because it unhooks me from my surrounding when needed! Did you know that the bible app could read the bible to you? You can listen to the bible on the train to work, while cooking, cleaning and at the hairdressers, oh yes you can!

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1

.

Find people in the same season as you are, two is better than one the bible says, (Ecclesiastes 4:9) When I was looking for a job, I spoke to someone in that same season of life. We made plans and started meeting on Face Time, Monday to Friday for an hour praying, casting our cares & worries on God. Ask questions, seek knowledge. I read this quote somewhere, ‘It’s best if you don’t have all the answers’ Where you are now, many have been and passed through! There is no need to re-invent the wheel, learn from the experience of others.

2

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Ask the Holy Spirit for Wisdom: What works for me will certainly not work for you, but the Holy Spirit will give you insight into ways you can reduce the busyness and incorporate study, prayer and meditation into your life. There are days I have had to order food from a caterer, hired someone to clean the house and the one I love most is disposables, plates, spoons etc Just eat and bin! Praise the Lord for that…lol

My kids have a fair share of their chores; we tend to forget how old we were when we started chores. My 9-year-old takes the bin out, hoovers and supervises his little sister (He loves the supervisory role best…lol) Someone once said that if you chase perfection, you set yourself up for disappointment! Some days, the wisdom might be, leave it all alone and go to bed!

Give yourself a break; focus on the main thing, be a Mary in a Martha’s world.

3

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Don’t give up: Some days you get it right, and someday you don’t! Some days you planned to pray for an hour and the best you did was mutter, thank you Jesus, as you dragged your body to bed! God is not a Chief Whip, waiting for you to fail. He yearns to fellowship with you more than you know, the days you read a verse and the days you read 5 chapters; He is still crazy about you.

God’s love for you, is not based on what you do but on what He has done, don’t take the pressure that comes with living in a Martha’s world, His grace is available for you today Embrace it!

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January/February 2017

You think you don’t need anybody, you make mistakes and you naturally withdraw into yourself to ‘deal with the mistake’. You begin to internalise absolutely everything.

A

s a woman, sometimes life happens, you get to a place where you are busy with everything it seems you don’t have enough time. You begin to isolate people that have been part of your life, you go through storms and you don’t want anyone around.

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If you are like me, I sometimes think of my ability to keep and process things about me like a part of the movie ‘The Mask’ which I watched a while ago.

The mask character swallowed a band of dynamites ready to explode and belched out smoke.

You can also in the same manner swallow a dynamite of hurt and disappointment and belch out a smoke of ‘I can handle it’. But the reality is different, can you really handle it? Be honest can you?

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The truth is you can’t always handle it. You can’t always have the ability to detonate all the craziness that life throws your way… you need help. I need help.

That’s where the Grace of God comes in. The Grace of God supplies all that is needed, and one very amazing thing the Grace of God supplies is friendship.

A friend is defined by the dictionary as “ a person with whom one has a bond of mutual affection, typically one exclusive of sexual or family relations.

The Bible defines friendship in Proverbs and the Songs of Solomon below.

Pro_17:17 A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

Pro_27:9 Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man’s friend by hearty counsel.

Son_5:16 His mouth is most sweet: yea, he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem.

You most definitely need someone who would pray with you and for you in your life. If you have people like that around you and you don’t have such affection towards them, then simply pray about it. If you don’t have anyone who is doing such in your life at the moment, don’t fret. Just pray and God would send you help.

If you have a friend but you are not acting like a true friend to that person, you may want to think about what your action is doing to such a person and pray for help to change and be a better friend. I encourage you to receive the help of friendship at every opportunity you have. It’s such a relief to have such a person in your life.

To friendships,

Olabisi Oluyele Adebiyi

A friend is in your life to help you. I think of a friend as a helpmeet that we cannot marry. I understand that no one can really know how you feel except you however you can receive help in a friend who would be there to hold your hand through your most difficult situation. Or just to listen to you rant about your challenges and then smile and say absolutely nothing.

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Maximizing

SINGLE HOOD: Enjoying your life as a Spinster

We’ve talked about your relationship with God, improving and discovering yourself as well as money matters. Now, let’s talk about our last few points (not exhaustive though).

etc with others, then forget getting married. No matter how tight fisted you are, you must learn to be helpful.

Marriage requires that you spend time with someone who demands your time by reason of that love you profess. If you do not invest time and resources in your marriage, it will fail 100%! So what better time to get prepared than when you are single? Before children come tugging at you, learn to share yourself with others. You will be glad you did.

Spend time with family, friends and help others!

This is a vital way to learn to be unselfish in marriage.

Helping others helps you give of yourself selflessly. Life is richer when you meet people’s needs. You feel fulfilled. Marriage is sometimes selfish but oftentimes unselfish. If you are not able to share your time, space, money

Have fun! No point looking everywhere for that “knight in shining armour”. The Bible promises that he will find you Proverbs 18:22. So go out with your friends, travel around if you can afford to, attend seminars, concerts, go watch movies at the cinemas, read books etc.

Just have fun! Learn to enjoy your own company. No man completes you, only

Hey! We started these journey two issues ago. I hope it’s been a blessing so far. This is the 3rd and concluding part in these series. You can read up the 1st and 2nd part in Issue 2 and 3 of The Purpose Driven Lady Magazine.

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January/February 2017

complements you. What happens if you have a military man for a husband? Or a pilot? How will you cope when your husband’s work takes him away often? Will you ask him not to go? This will not become a problem if you have learned to enjoy your own company. So learn to maximize the alone times.

I understand that sometimes you feel lonely; do you know married people feel lonely too? Don’t get caught up in the myth that when your spouse comes, they’ll forever be at your beck and call.

Not always possible! So learn to enjoy your own company and the company of your friends.

Learn and appreciate your sexuality! Sexuality is the state of being sexual and having sexual appeal, which every woman is endowed with.

Unfortunately a lot of women recognize they are sexual but do not know how to manage it. Lots of single ladies even in our churches find nothing wrong in how they dress immodestly. I saw a fashion tip somewhere that said “Show skin strategically. Looking classy and sexy involves knowing what to bare.

Choose one body part to show off...if it’s the cleavage, don’t show your legs, and if it’s your legs, stay covered on top”.

Funny enough, even Christian ladies embrace this tip and throw caution to the wind.

How sad! Nothing is meant to be shown off simply because you are appreciating your sexuality! Stay covered up and dress modestly, please. Learn and appreciate your sexuality but by all means keep it in check! Whilst it is good to know what to expect in marriage, you need to also learn to understand your body and how it functions sexually. A lot of singles have no clue. I’ve asked some ladies and they don’t even know when they ovulate, talk less of what happens when they do! Know the different part of your body and what happens with it. I once knew this young

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Stay covered up and dress modestly, please.

Learn and appreciate your sexuality but by all means keep it in check!

guy in church who liked hugging the sisters all in the name of being friendly.

He gives half-side hugs but always makes sure his chest brushes their breasts! I discovered this after I’d been a victim and kept my distance. Sadly, I’m not sure any other “sister” noticed.

How can you as a big-breasted woman give frontal hug to a guy, or a number of guys in a day? Then when you get home, you wonder why your breasts are tingling and you feel “somehow”.

You will feel somehow!!! That’s how God has designed it. Read books on sex and sexual matters, but I must caution that you read them under counsel and accountability. We don’t want to ignite those flames unguarded, but want to know how to recognize and quench it when needed.

Lastly, watch and pray!

There’s no over-emphasizing the place of prayer but you must also keep your eyes open. And do not compromise for any reason! There are certain standards you must maintain while seeking a godly

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spouse. He must be a born-again, must fear God, must be focused and he must have a vision! Do not for any reason - whether time, money or pressure – compromise on these qualities.

The above list is not exhaustive, but they are things I practiced while I was single and have helped me a lot. I want to believe that any single lady who spends time doing these will not just be WAITING for the RIGHT man but will end up BEING the RIGHT woman for that RIGHT man. ... And remember - For in just a very little while “He who is coming will come and will not delay” Hebrews 10:37 Was this helpful? Need mentoring? Then send me an email on dee@outlook.com Blessings!

Deby Okoh

The Purpose Driven Lady Magazine

January/February 2017

Keys to a

successful marriage

T

here is no power in a car key on its own, the car engine has no power on its own, it will not come to life without the key being put into the car ignition. In other words, you cannot drive a car without igniting the car with the key. Though you have access to the car keys, if you do not use it, you cannot drive the car and use it as a mode of transportation.

Jesus said in Matthew 16:19 “And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven” NLT.

There is no power in a car key on its own, the car engine has no power on its own, it will not come to life without the key being put into the car ignition.

“And that’s not all. You will have complete and free access to God’s kingdom, keys to open any and every door: no more barriers between heaven and earth. A yes on earth is a yes in heaven. A no on earth is a no in heaven” MSG. Oh what a privilege!

What does a key signify? A key signifies authority, access and privilege and God has given us the keys of the kingdom, Glory Halleluyah. I will like to share 2 keys (2Ps) to a successful marriage with you.

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1. Prayer: Having legal possession of the keys to a car is evidence that you have the right to the car, the same way Jesus has given you the keys to His Kingdom, you have the right to come before God in prayer for His perfect will to be done in your marriage.

The problem is that you sometimes forget where you put the keys to your car, or you misplace the keys, then you go through marriage having a different experience because you forget to use your key of prayer. It appears that when challenges come, prayer is forgotten; other avenues are looked at for help until it becomes desperate then all roads leads to prayer. It should not be so.

2. Patience (waiting): A lot of people hate waiting, the world is saying its injustice to wait, and the world’s culture is built on not waiting for e.g. there is drive through in the fast food stores to avoid waiting, there is fast delivery

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for postage, and technology is also indicating that its injustice to wait, speed is at our finger tips. However, God’s Word encourages to wait. Psalm 27:14 “I’m sure now I’ll see God’s goodness in the exuberant earth. Stay with God! Take heart. Don’t quit. I’ll say it again: Stay with God”. MSG “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord”. NIV I don’t know what you are trusting God for in your marriage, be it financial freedom, be it love and harmony to dwell in your home, it could be for your spouse to rise up to his responsibilities as a man, or for your children to succeed.

God is able to do; He is willing to, as long as you have invited Him in; wait on God, He does not fail. Finally while waiting thank God, give Him praise and watch Him open doors unto you.

Wait on God!

Tayo Olumakin

The Purpose Driven Lady Magazine

January/February 2017

Interview with a

Purpose Driven Lady Please tell us a bit about yourself?

Who are you? What do you do?

My name is Deby Okoh. I am an International Education/ Career/Recruitment consultant by profession. What I do? I work in the Education management industry and I’m your one stop shop for everything that pertains to education and career counselling at all levels. I’m also a

mom, wife, writer/blogger, poet, worship leader/singer, scriptwriter, relationship counsellor and mentor. Sounds like a lot of things but they are really all intertwined.

What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?

I’m actually quite shy! I would rather be in the background running things than be in the forefront leading!

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What is a typical day like for you?

My typical day? Not sure I have one but I would usually not miss out doing these - Spend time praying, read my bible, do my mom duties (I always make sure I cook for my children and pack their school lunch when I’m home), go to work, do like a ‘gazillion’ number of things in between (which could include writing, reading, counselling etc) and go home. I don’t really have a typical day because I’m not your regular 9-5 worker.

What does purpose mean to you? Do you know your purpose?

What is your purpose?

Purpose is functioning in the place where you have been originally designed to function, that gives you satisfaction and fulfillment and ultimately brings glory to God. That, for me, means touching lives in any and every regard. It doesn’t necessarily have to be grand or popular - just reaching out to people, one life at a time. Yes I know my purpose, I am a Helps person. Helps is my ministry.

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January/February 2017

Could you please share how you are using your purpose? Do you have any regrets?

I serve using my gifts. See, I love to write so one of the ways I serve is by writing for this awesome magazine - PDL. I also function in an interdenominational global women’s ministry “THYPRECIOUSJEWELS”.

Of my many passions, I am committed to seeing young women live their lives for God, maximizing their single hood and ultimately having godly marriages. So I serve by coordinating the Singles arm and working with mature singles. I have garnered lots of single friends through that forum. I even have more singles as friends than married, imagine that!

I also speak and mentor young adults. I teach them in a leadership and personality development class on Thursdays, twice a month. I do this in a few schools. I also serve in the music department of my church. So you see, it’s about touching lives, one person at a time and fulfilling purpose!

The Purpose Driven Lady Magazine

Do I have regrets? I have desires, dreams, aspirations, and visions but never regrets.

For every time I fail, I dust myself back up and forge ahead. I’d like to rename myself HOPE because I always keep hope alive. As long as I live and my life is in Christ, I have hope that I’ll do better and be better.

My path is as a shining light and I shine brighter and brighter.

How has your relationship with God played a role in your success so far?

God is my life. If I don’t have God, I don’t have life. His love for me is truly amazing! I can’t ever forget how he picked me up from the backside, brought me out of poverty, sickness, low self-esteem, hurt and shame.

God has really been good to me. I don’t even think it’s an option living without Him. He has brought me this far and it’s a no-brainer for me no turning back. God equals success.

He didn’t just ‘play a role’, HE MADE ME HAPPEN.

January/February 2017

What quote do you live by?

Keep hope alive.

Be yourself no matter what.

What is the ultimate dream/goal for you?

My ultimate goal is doing what God wants me to do at every point in time. It may sound so spiritual and lack lustre, but that’s the truth.

However, if I were to say what I really would love to do, it’s to have a food kitchen where the poor and less privileged can come for free meals, everyday!

Breakfast, lunch and dinner without fail.

How did you get started with wanting to help others?

The truth is I love to help people. I told you I’m more comfortable being behind the scenes, and that’s because I have discovered my purpose, I recognised that “Helps” is my ministry. I’m more likely to organise events, put things in place and sit back to enjoy seeing people get blessed by it! I don’t even mind if nobody acknowledges me. So every

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time an opportunity arises, I offer my services. I’ve got very strong organisational and administrative skills and I’m always happy to help. I open my mouth and tons of ideas/ information just rush out. I guess that’s why consulting comes naturally to me.

Please tell us about your programme (if you have any).

What do women gain from it?

I am not the visioner of this ministry but I serve here wholeheartedly.

THYPRECIOUSJEWELS is an online women’s ministry.

It’s interdenominational and geared towards enriching women’s lives spiritually and physically. We hold meetings and prayer conferences in different parts of the world and teach the undiluted word of God. We encourage women to stand in the gap for their homes, children and husbands.

For singles, we counsel, advise and support as they make decisions about their future. We pray, support, equip, inform and correct by God’s grace.

You can find us on Facebook and all other social media

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January/February 2017

as THYPRECIOUSJEWELS. Please visit our blog www. thypreciousjewels.org/ JEWELS.

What should we expect to see from you in the future?

Hmmm, that’s a deep question. All I can say is watch this space.

In closing what 3 things would you encourage women to do more of?

PRAY: Don’t ever underestimate the place of prayer. The reason women get into trouble a whole lot more is because of seeking solutions in all the wrong places.

Instead of talking problem take it to the Lord in prayer.

- HAVE A SENSE OF SELF WORTH: Realise there is more to you than being a fine face. Be confident of yourself without being haughty. God has placed too much in you for you to only spend your life dreaming about your wedding day and being a Mrs. Marriage

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is NOT the ultimate goal in life. Be complete before you get married and even more complete (If there’s anything like that) after marriage. Don’t live a life of “I marry, I born, I raise children and then I die”.

Have a sense of purpose.

- ENCOURAGE AND SUPPORT OTHER WOMEN: Don’t spend your life being jealous of your sister when you can encourage and support her. If you have ideas that haven’t been birthed yet and someone else is already running with theirs, then by all means prayerfully collaborate. Remember you reap what you sow.

Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?

Don’t be moved by what you see/read/hear especially on social media. There is so much false information out there, it’s alarming. Get into the word of God for yourself. If you don’t know Jesus, you don’t know real love. Perfect love casts out all fears (1st John 4:18).

Come to Him as you are, faults, imperfections and all.

As the days are evil and the times get darker, the only way to stay up is with Jesus.

Embrace His love, wisdom and directions and you will be more than fine :)

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My Lord, My Help The Light of my life: He is...

My illumination, my enlightenment, My progress, my development; His word blazes a trail, piercing the darkness And foggy depths, His Word lights the candle of my spirit; And I see Him again: Oh, so much more clearly, He shines on me and shines through me, And I reflect the light that He is.

The salvation of my soul: He is...

My eternal hope, the Rock of my life, The Great Rescuer; He saved me, pulling me out of the quagmire Of sin, sickness and utter hopelessness, And established me on the rock of His Word; And I know: That He’ll save me every time I call, He saved me and He’ll save me,

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And I can tell the world About His saving grace.

The strength of my life: He is...

My sufficiency, my All-in-all, My Divine Enabler; His Strength is there for me, Made perfect in my weakness, Come what may, I draw strength from His Word And emerge victorious; And I soar: On eagles wings, He renews my strength And I have the power to conquer, And I win every battle I face.

The Lord is my light, salvation and strength, Of whom shall I be afraid?

Shola Ezeokoli

Follow me on facebook: facebook.com/ shola.shade Instagram: sholashade1 Twitter: @sholashade1

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January/February 2017

condemnation. His reaction remains the same as the first time you went to Him: HE IS WAITING FOR US TO COME TO HIS LOVING HANDS OF ABUNDANCE. You have been forgiven ALL your lawless deeds, you are eternally loved!

Your acceptance and consciousness of how much you are loved is the secret to godliness and dwelling forever in your Father’s presence where nothing is missing, broken, lacking or incomplete.

I

t recently dawned on me that the story of the Prodigal Son isn’t just a story of repentance/redemption. It is also relevant to the Christian life.

The second son trusted in his own ability and went astray. He lost EVERYTHING. Eventually, when he decided to return home, the Bible records that while “he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him” - Luke 15:11-32.

So when next you say/do/think the wrong thing, remind yourself “YOU HAVE BEEN FORGIVEN, YOU ARE LOVED”! That way, like the Prodigal Son, you will latch on to your Father’s mercy and grace. Then the past will be behind you, and you will experience victory over sin, lack and anything that life might have thrown your way!!!

His love never fails, never gives up on you.... Because He has loved YOU with an everlasting love!

He loves you, so do I!!

Olajumoke Badmus

As born-again Christians, sometimes you make decisions based on your intelligence/ability. While you may not lose everything, the end results wouldn’t be commensurate to what you would have gotten if you had taken the Godoption.

Whenever that happens, God’s reaction isn’t to say ‘Not again! You this child!

I told you so!’ or any such words of

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January/February 2017

Living

Spring Then Adam named his wife Eve*, because she would be the mother of all who live (Gen 3:20 NLT) ‘The storm will pass, the spring will come, after every storm the sun will shine again. What a beautiful and inspiring phrase for the start of the year’. A new year always feels like a fresh start; you reflect on the past year and always want to do something different to achieve different results. It’s always a great place to start afresh but you often don’t have to wait for a new year to enjoy God’s bliss. Whenever life comes with its own tornado and storms, you can be assured that God promises you His calm and grace.

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Adam and Eve faced the very first storm of life in the Garden of Eden.

They had only just started enjoying the blessing of God and here comes this huge storm whisking it all away in the blink of an eye. At the bite of the tree of the knowledge of good & evil, they lost it all, the beautiful garden, their home and the sweet presence of the most high God. What can compare to such a storm? Think about it, they were the only human that existed, no father or mother to go back to for solace; all they had was each other. However, there are great lessons to learn, especially from Adam. Let’s go back to the very beginning.

January/February 2017

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Adam was first created before the woman; he had it all, his work, his home and relationship with God. He was doing really well; he was excelling in all he did, he named all the animals of the earth, every name he called them so they are even to this day, in summary he was a high achiever. Then comes the woman, beautiful and gracious, a helpmeet to him. By a single act of disobedience with her, he lost all he already had before she came into his life, hence his groaning to God that the woman you gave me made me eat of the tree.

Adam could have chosen to reject her, call her names or treat her inappropriately he could have chosen to remain bitter. Nevertheless, after the storm and the consequences of their action Adam resorted to a new start, he looked at his wife Eve not for what she had caused them to lose but for who God had made her to be; a blessing and a helpmeet complimentary to his life.

At that point Adam named his wife Eve meaning life spring because from her new life will spring forth giving them a new start and a new beginning.

every step to overcome the storm, for His blessing is on those who patiently endure testing (James 1:12), afterward He will crown you with a living spring to restore your soul. Don’t give up; look up to God alone for help. He saves. He delivers. He restores. He is able.

There are several seasons of life, winter with its ferociously cold air and icy snow, summer with its scorching heat, autumn is ever so dark, but don’t forget spring is around the corner with the blooming flowers, blue skies, tweeting birds in the mornings, and it’s never too hot or too cold; spring is always just right. You are a living spring; let the life of God come forth in you.

God’s blessing always.

Jummy Poku

You might have every reason to give up on that situation, the odds might seem to be against you and it might seem like it’s not worth it. It might be dark and gloomy now, you might be over spent and destitute, your relationships might be turbulent, and all forms of storms might rise against you. Look unto God the author of life who gives grace in

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January/February 2017

Powerof Love in an

The

Unsettled World God alone is the source of love (1 John 4:7-8); he “poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us” (Rom 5:5). God’s love then awakens a response to all who accepts it. God’s love is shown through believers to humanity (John 15:1-11).

We have the assurance that we have passed from death to life because we love others (1 John 3:14). My relationship with so many young people has exposed me to the tensions and debates that engulf their actions and perception about life and God. Personally, I have learnt more about love from children than I have learnt with adults. The innocence of children and young people often compels me in my private moments to re-assess my definition of love, both from a biblical perspective and from a practical life’s perspective.

From a spiritual perspective, which I hold very dearly and uncompromisingly, I strongly believe that once we have received God’s love as his children, he expects us to love. In fact, “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love” (1 John 4:8).

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Jude, a foremost apostle of our Lord Jesus Christ urges Christians to keep themselves in God’s love (v.21). But do these biblical injunctions correlate with the practical demonstration of love in our current society? It has now become really challenging to receive and give love in this end time due to the avalanche of issues going on in our world, many of which border around finances, social crisis, self-awareness, poverty and technological advances. As children of God, seeking the help of the Holy Spirit to help love people regardless of their religious or denominational affiliation is so important. One thing is clear, things are changing, and perilous times are here.

It is by seeking the help of the Holy Spirit to work in you that you can truly embrace that ageless biblical injunction, to love our neighbor as ourselves. Love is never truly expressed verbally without a corresponding set of action to back it up like forgiving, reaching out to people in need, encouraging people going through challenges and praying for In fact, no one power to love a fellow people thathas arethe facing rejection. human being without the help of the Holy

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with skype calls and other video based communication avenues. Texting via WhatsApp and Facebook messenger has now increased as well.

In fact, research shows that the sick recover faster when family and friends can create more time to visit and be there than merely calling or texting them.

During one of my trip to South Africa, I met a wonderful Christian couple that engages with helping less privileged South Africans to be integrated back to the society; amazing job they are doing.

The South African government decided to make them citizens on grounds of their phenomenal contribution to societal development. That is the influence of love in an unsettle world unfortunately some people are still selfish which could be due to ignorance or oversight. You and I must rise up to show the God kind of love to all and be examples for all to see.

Love is not only expressed in giving money. Spending quality time with friend and family can also show love. It is one of the love languages. Technology can be an issue when it is used inappropriately.

In this present dispensation, social media can create gaps between friends and families if not managed properly by eliminating face-to-face contacts

It is my desire to see a new wave of love everywhere, in our churches, schools, academic and business establishments.

Please be the love shining so brightly in your generation, giving to your loved ones, spending quality times with people that matter, helping your neighbour, giving a smile, perhaps a compliment, be a listening ear to someone.

I close with the words of I Corinthians 13:13 “ And now abideth faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love�

Omolara Akerele

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The Fulfillment Of The Great Promise “And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people.

Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams; your young men will see visions.

Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days. Joel 2:28-29

I believe “those days” that God was referring to is already here. God is still pouring out His Spirit on all people. He is still in the habit of communicating with His children. God still speaks today, He has not stopped. So I ask you are you listening for and to God? Do you want to communicate with God? Do you want to be filled with the Holy Spirit anew? I hope you do!

In the book of Acts chapter two, it was such a beautiful experience when God poured out His Spirit. In the times of the Old Testament, God communicated mostly through His audible voice, signs and the prophets. Right now you and I can commune with God in spirit and in truth by His grace. This is part of the abundant life package that Jesus came to give (having life and have it more abundantly).

John 4:23 NKJV says it all with the emphasis on the word “now”. “The hour has come and is now when the true worshipers will worship the heavenly Father in spirit and in truth.” When you accept Jesus as your Lord and personal Saviour, you become a new creation that is born again. The spirit of man is saved and fellowship with God is restored.

Glory Halleluyah.

The gift of the Holy Spirit is free to all new

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creation in Christ Jesus, meaning you ask, believe and you will receive it. You are filled with the Holy Spirit as He gives you complete utterance to speak in tongues this is a different language from the one you normally speak. The words just flow. You can pray to God to receive baptism of the Holy Spirit when you accept Jesus as the Lord and Saviour or men/women of God can lead you to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Speaking in tongues is not a joking matter, it is a heavenly language. Only God understand what you are saying. The enemy has no clue, it like God taking to God if you know what I mean. Of course you have to align yourselves to hear from God. The more time you make to spend with God to dig deep in His word, praying and worshiping Him…. the more you recognise His voice and His leading in your lives.

God is still in the habit of communicating with His children and pouring out His Spirit on all flesh with gifts. You can either participate in it and truly have abundant life or stand by the sideline and watch others live it. The Choice is yours. So, what do you choose today? I encourage you to choose wisely.

God bless you.

Ms Sia Amara Author: How to have abundant life.

Available on Amazon.com & createspace.com

January/February 2017

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Faith Faith

From to

P a r t

What is FAITH? Faith is an unshakeable conviction, a trust, a certainty, a deep-rooted belief about something that you have no evidence in the natural realm to conclude what you sense in your spirit.

Let me explain: Genesis 6 tells that the earth had become evil and corrupt and it repented the Lord that he had created mankind.

But Noah found favour in the eyes of the Lord. God instructs Noah to build an ark to save himself and his family from the impending flood that was going to destroy the earth. Noah was also instructed to bring two of every animal kind and enter in the ark, after a period of time he would replenish the earth with humanity. Noah begins to build the ark based on what God said.

Noah has no physical evidence for rain, in fact before this time rain had never been seen in the earth. The earth was watered with mist coming up from the earth, but never rain from the clouds.

Noah is asked to believe in something

1

that he has never seen before and has never h a p p e n e d before.

Look at Abraham, one of my favourite character in scripture, from Genesis 12. At the age of 75 God tells him to take his wife and family and leave the Ur of the Chaldees.

Abraham leaves the land of his fathers, his religion and all that was familiar to him based on a word from God. He has no instruction of exactly where he’s to go, all he knows is that God is leading and He is following the daily instructions of Jehovah.

1 Cor 2:9 “But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the human heart conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him” (NRSV)

This did not come from natural human understanding based on the five senses which is based on logic, what you see, hear, taste etc, but from the realm of spirit, it is a sense of the spirit.

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Faith and Belief Often in scripture we see faith and belief (believe) together in the same chapter and or the same verse.

Mark 11:21-23 ‘Then Peter remembered and said to him, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree that you cursed has withered.” Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God. Truly I tell you, if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and if you do not doubt in your heart, but believe that what you say will come to pass, it will be done for you.’ (NRSV) Romans 10:8-9 “But what does it say? “The word is near you, on your lips and in your heart (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); 9 because[a] if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (NRSV)

Faith (Pisteos) and belief (Pisteuses) from the Greek comes from the same root word: faith (noun) and believe (verb). I have faith therefore I believe.

Faith is the substance of things not seen, it is the evidence, it is the confidence of and surety of the thing. Now I have it – the Faith - I can do the work of faith; by calling, acting and doing.

It is said you cannot believe without faith, but once you have faith you must believe. You must put your faith to work and ACT, or your faith is dead.

Romans 10:14 “But how are they to call (take action) on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they

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to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him?”

(NRSV) It is the word preached that releases faith and then the ability to believe (verb) to call, to go, to act, to do.

Belief is what drives us to carry out everyday tasks, drives us to carry out feats of extraordinary endeavours and to complete our ambitions/desires.

It is our feeling and thinking of what is permissible in our minds, spirit and subconscious. All feats of endeavours must first be achieved in the arena of belief.

I believe that I can do the London Marathon’ without the concept first being accepted as a belief it is impossible to achieve. Belief then is the first stage for the accomplishment of any action: it is the accomplishment of the action first in the mind and spirit. This can be either human faith or God kind of faith.

Marcia Batten

January/February 2017

The Purpose Driven Lady Magazine

TheFather’s

Love

for me

There’s a love that knows no bounds There’s a love whose depth cannot be explained There’s a love that passes all understanding There’s a love that can’t be compared There’s a love who knows no bounds There’s a love deeper, higher, stronger than any physical connection There’s a love that lasts forever There’s a love that seeks to be found There’s a love without which one can’t truly love other There’s a love bigger than your wildest imagination There’s a love that yearns to be accepted There’s a love without which one can never be complete For this love completes This This This This This This This This This

love satisfies every craving of the heart love gives all and holds backs nothing love not only speaks but does loves gives and gives without asking for favours in return love forgives love forgets love surprises love makes all things new love, The Father’s love for me

Nike Duro-Ishola

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Purpose Driven Lady

3Ms

Music Movie Meditation

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January/February 2017

Movie

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January/February 2017

Temptation:

Confessions of a Marriage Counselor

Temptation: Confessions of a Marriage Counselor is a 2013 romance drama film produced, written, and directed by Tyler Perry. The film is adapted from Perry’s play The Marriage Counselor, with several changes. This is the thirteenth film by Perry. It was released on March 29, 2013.

entrepreneur who wants to invest in Janice’s business, attempts to seduce Judith as they work late on matchmaking surveys. When Harley questions the absence of sex in the surveys, Judith says she does not believe in premarital sex. Harley says Judith’s sex life is boring.

Judith, now questioning her sex life with Brice, tries to improve it. He rejects her.

Plot

Judith changes her hair and makeup for her birthday. Brice fails to notice the change or remember her birthday. At work, Judith receives flowers that she believes are from Brice. Harley appears and notes her change in appearance -the flowers are actually from him. Harley claims he is willing to do anything to be near her. At home, Judith leaves a cupcake with a candle in it on the counter. Realizing his mistake, Brice dances and sings in a cowboy outfit for her. The two make up.

Judith (Jurnee Smollett-Bell) is a therapist who works at a matchmaking agency owned by Janice (Vanessa L. Williams) and is married to Brice (Lance Gross), whom Judith has known since she was six. Judith and Brice attend church with her mother, Miss Sarah (Ella Joyce), a devout Christian. Brice, a pharmacist, meets another employee, Melinda (Brandy Norwood). Melinda reveals she is on the run from an abusive boyfriend.

Judith is dissatisfied with her job and anxious to start her own marriage counselling business, but Brice tells her to wait until they are more financially stable. Brice refuses to confront the men who catcall Judith on their way home from dinner.

Judith meets Harley (Robbie Jones) at work. Harley, a wealthy Internet

Janice sends Judith to New Orleans with Harley to finalize a deal with shareholders, telling her to flirt with Harley, but also to be careful. Judith’s co-worker, Ava (Kim Kardashian), gives Judith a makeover. In New Orleans, Judith and Harley complete the business deal and go dancing and sightseeing. On the way home, Harley seduces Judith in his private jet. He takes her home and meets Miss Sarah.

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Unhappy with Brice’s inattentiveness, Judith sneaks out to meet Harley. He demands that she leave Brice and offers to help with her business.

Judith leaves Janice’s business, and the two have a falling out.

Brice discovers Judith is having an affair and heads to Harley’s party. Brice drags Judith outside and begs her to return to him, but Judith chooses to stay with Harley. Judith returns to the apartment she shared with Brice to pick up a laptop and becomes surrounded by her mother and church members’ prayer circle. Sarah grabs Judith, trying to prevent her from leaving. Harley knocks Sarah down and forces Judith to leave. At Harley’s, Judith is outraged by his treatment of her mother.

Harley beats her.

Brice has dinner with Melinda. She reveals she contracted HIV from her ex, who is revealed to be Harley. Brice breaks into Harley’s place with Melinda and finds Judith in the bathroom. Brice beats Harley until stopped by Melinda.

As Harley regains consciousness, he calls out to Melinda, whose real name is Karen. They leave him.

In the present, Judith is HIV-positive. Brice does not contract HIV. The two chat at the pharmacy run by Brice. Brice’s second wife and son visit him at work. Judith leaves to meet her mother at church.

Cast •

Jurnee Smollett-Bell as Judith

•

Lance Gross as Brice

•

Kim Kardashian as Ava

•

Vanessa L. Williams as Janice

•

Robbie Jones as Harley

•

Brandy Norwood as Melinda/Karen

•

Renée Taylor as Ms. Waco Chapman

•

Ella Joyce as Sarah

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temptation:_Confessions_of_a_Marriage_Counselor

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January/February 2017

Music

49 | In This Issue

Love You Forever

by Tasha Cobbs Your goodness, your mercy, and your kindness towards me Your love is so amazing it brings me to my knees Oh, gonna love you forever [2x] It’s a real simple song Oh, gonna love you forever [2x] Lord, you’re like the river that never runs dry My heart is your temple living inside Lord, you are the air I breathe to keep me alive Lord, I need you close please stay around [repeat] You won’t ever give up on me And all that I have will never be Enough to show you how much I love you Lord, I’m gonna try, try, try, try, try, try Lord, you’re like the river that never runs dry My heart is your temple living inside Lord, you are the air I breathe to keep me alive Lord, I need you close please stay around [repeat] You wont ever give up on me And all that I have will never be Enough to show you how much I love you Oh, gonna love you forever

Lyrics taken from http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/tashacobbs/loveyouforever.html

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January/February 2017

Meditation

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8

January/February 2017

The Purpose Driven Lady Magazine

Christian Meditation Tips

Motherhood is not easy, and at times it feels like the to-dolist just keeps on getting longer every single day – making it difficult for us to experience true joy and peace that can be found in God, our children as well as the Gospel. “A mother’s work is unending”, the old proverb goes.

There is much joy to found in the process of raising our kids, but it is so often the case that this joy is laced with frustrations and exhaustion.

The importance of the faith is never lost on Christian mothers, but they often struggle to set aside quality, quiet time to meditate about God and His Word. How can it be quiet, with four hyperactive kids in the house?

With grocery shopping and countless household chores to do, soccer practice in the afternoon, etc, is it possible to still find God amidst all this craziness?

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for Busy Mothers Part 2

The pressures of motherhood can make us feel that we have to put aside spiritual growth until a different season of life.

But it shouldn’t be this way. The very challenges of motherhood are, in truth, God’s tools to draw us to the riches of His kingdom and to spur spiritual growth in our lives. Here are the remaining 4 Christian meditation tips that all busy mothers will find immensely helpful.

4. Grasp some unique moments to pray Even in the midst of our fast-paced lives, we can still get one or two moments to pray. I usually murmur some words to God while walking to the grocery.

There are a few such moments when it is possible to consciously turn our thoughts to God. The times when you wash the laundry, the dishes, weed the garden, fold the laundry or iron cloths are examples of opportune moments when we can sing a hymn, pray or think about the mercies of God. Don’t let them pass by!

January/February 2017

The Purpose Driven Lady Magazine

5.

Be kind to yourself

Don’t beat yourself when you are too tired to read the Bible, or when you fail to complete your meditation sessions.

The super mom’ tag is just a myth. At the end of the day, we are only human.

When you are overwhelmed by fatigue, and you can barely see the stairs due to sleepy eyes, don’t feel guilty or inadequate. Our God is full of mercies, which renew us from time to time. In 2 Corinthians 12:8-9, Paul talks about God’s grace being sufficient, and that His “power is made perfect in weakness”.

How comforting!

6.

Memorize scripture

David talked about hiding God’s word in his heart so that he may not sin. In Proverbs, we are repeatedly admonished to “tie God’s word around our necks”.

As a busy mother, learn to memorize bible verses. Remember your favorite scriptures and rehearse them during the tired moments when your heart feels weary. There are sometimes when you are a bit sedentary, such as when nursing your baby. Instead of flipping through your smartphone, remember and recite some verses. You can even reach for the bible and read a verse or two.

7.

of allowing God’s Word to dwell richly in us (Colossians 3:16). Even if you read only a single verse and say one sincere prayer, you will all feel encouraged and recharged. A family that prays together stays together.

8.

Pin a few bible verses on the kitchen counter In the morning, after reading the Bible, note the verse (s) down and pin it on the kitchen counter or on the freezer. If you have other “high traffic” areas in the house, pin the verses too. It is a great way of continually reminding yourself of God’s presence within your house, and to refocus your thoughts even amidst all the chores that you are doing.

Finally, remember that God wants to fellowship with us wherever we may be.

Isn’t God Omnipresent? He is always working to ensure that you see His glory throughout the day and night. So even when you are so busy, God is right there with you. You don’t have to wait for the perfect’ moment. Right where you are, in the midst of all the commotion, acknowledge God and think of Him. The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out Proverbs 20:5

Focus on family devotions

As a family, it is very important to set times during which you will read the Scriptures and pray together.

Remember Jesus has promised to be there when two or three are gathered in His name. Family devotions are one way

Source: http://www.thechristianmeditator.com/8christian-meditation-tips-for-busy-mothers/

Say this with me every day as you start your day to create your reality

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The Purpose Driven Lady Magazine

YOU SAY

GOD SAYS

BIBLE VERSES

I can't ďŹ gure it out.

I will direct your steps.

Proverbs 3:5-6

I'm too tired.

I will give you rest.

Mathew 11:28-30

It's impossible.

All things are possible.

Luke 18:27

Nobody Loves me.

I love you.

John 3:16

I can't forgive myself.

I forgive you.

Romans 8:1

It's not worth it.

It will be worth it.

Romans 8:28

I'm not smart enough.

I will give you wisdom.

1 Corinthians 1:30

I'm not able.

I am able.

II Corinthians 9:8

I can't go on.

My grace is sufďŹ cient.

II Corinthians 12:9

I can't do it.

You can do all things.

Philippiians 4:13

I can't manage.

I will supply all your needs.

Philippiians 4:19

I'm afraid

I have not given you fear.

II Timothy 1:7

Source: https://myspiritualbreakfast.com/2014/08/08/you-say-but-god-says/

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