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Mastering Three Degrees: An Exploration of My Academic Success

December 21, 2022 - By Sarah Luma

Embarking on the journey of studying anything, be it at home or in a classroom, comes with its challenges. Academic success is measurable and predictable based on what we do.

For me, opting to study law as well as learn French and Korean languages were significant choices. Interestingly, growing up with the English language was effortless, as I heard it spoken by my parents and friends regularly.

Irrespective of the subject, there are key steps to bear in mind before diving into your study path.

In spite of my unwavering dedication and continual striving for personal growth, I attribute my academic achievements to the grace of God. I firmly believe that without His guidance and divine provision, I would not have attained the level of success I have.

While I don’t view myself as exceptionally intelligent, I acknowledge that I am empowered by the Holy Spirit, much like any other believer in Christ.

These approaches have guided me throughout my pursuit of Bachelor’s and three Master’s degrees both in Cameroon and abroad.

Method 1: Consistency and repetition.

I’ve noticed that comprehending content becomes easier for me when I read it more than once. Do you find the same to be true for you?

Because of this, I dedicate significant time to revisiting my notes after each lesson. During classes, I focus on writing down as much as I can.

When I get back home, I engage in studying my notes in conjunction with the textbook or materials provided by the teacher.

I frequently create additional summaries on a separate sheet of paper. This approach helps me break down each section into its simplest form, enhancing my understanding.

My end of year certificate to confirm academic success

Method 2: Engage in academic success discussions.

Maintaining an open mind and fostering communication with others is my approach.

I believe that those willing to participate in discussions tend to grasp concepts more swiftly. This academic success technique involves conversing with my peers about our studies, which significantly accelerates my understanding.

Whenever possible, I seize the opportunity to interact with friends or engage in one-on-one sessions.

During these times, I make a point to pose inquiries and articulate my own interpretations. Expressing my viewpoints and seeking clarification without hesitation is my practice.

I’ve noticed that repetition aids memory retention. I often find that speaking about a topic more than once helps me remember it better.

A playful memory technique my friends and I employed during law school involved weaving case names into casual conversations.

Connecting these cases to real-life scenarios that paralleled or resembled them made recall easier. Sometimes, these lighthearted comments proved quite handy when answering exam questions.

Method 3: Watching videos or listening to audios.

I hold a firm belief in the power of audio-visual learning. Personally, I find it exceptionally effective to grasp concepts when I watch videos.

While I occasionally listen to audio files, I’m inclined to think that they notably enhance language studies. These tools can greatly contribute to success if you can maintain your focus.

You might call me old-fashioned, and I’d embrace that title: I tend to take notes while watching videos.

This practice allows me to better connect with the speaker and the content. It might sound like multitasking, but for me, this method significantly enhances my understanding.

In wrapping up, whether it involves frequent reading, revisiting discussions with teachers and friends, or engaging with video and audio resources, I believe that each individual possesses a unique learning capacity that can guarantee their academic success.

Among my friends, some could listen just once and remember what the teacher said.

This experience has led me to recommend discovering the approach that resonates most with you and consistently employing it.

For those whose study methods align with mine, you’re well aware of the dedication and hard work it entails.

Happy Studies

Please let me know how you study in the comment section.

There is no limit to what and when to study. I was surprised to read an article about an alumnus with three Masters Degrees and a Ph.D. still studying. There is no end to education. Age is not a limitation.

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Types of people to avoid in these last days.

November 22, 2022 - By Sarah Luma

In these current times, we are traversing a pivotal epoch. The company we keep, those who harmonize with our purpose, remains of paramount importance. However, we are entrusted with the task of discerning those who should truly be part of our inner circles. A lot of people who cross our paths are fated to share our journey, and although it presents challenges, wisdom dictates the essential need to maintain a certain distance from specific individuals.

While it carries a serious note, the conscious decision to steer clear of certain connections becomes a crucial choice. Our overall well-being and spiritual voyage hinge on this choice.

This blog deeply explores a subject that resonates with the revered Apostle Paul. His guidance to Timothy, and consequently to us, holds immense significance. A comprehensive list of individuals comes to light, encouraging us to exercise caution in the selection of our companions.

People standing and smiling

What to expect in this post

The enumeration might astound you with its length, revealing the array of personalities that Paul cautioned against. Yet, within this assemblage, lies a poignant reminder of our shared responsibility to exercise caution.

This compendium serves as a mirror, inviting introspection and the discernment of traits in both ourselves and others. As we embark on this introspective journey, it becomes evident that now is the opportune moment for transformation. The heralded return of our Lord Jesus necessitates a readiness that extends beyond the surface. It impels us to embrace change, cast aside negative attributes, and recalibrate our lives to honor the essence of our faith.

In embracing this evaluation, we invite a transformative shift, not merely for our own selves, but to enhance our interconnectedness with God and with one another. As we heed the counsel set forth, we find ourselves aligning with a profound call to elevate our existence and emerge as beacons of righteousness in these hard times.

Bible examples

Timothy 3: 1-2

But understand this, that in the last days will come (set in) perilous times of great stress and trouble [hard to deal with and hard to bear].

For people will be lovers of self and [utterly] self-centered, lovers of money and aroused by an inordinate [greedy] desire for wealth, proud and arrogant and contemptuous boasters. They will be abusive (blasphemous, scoffing), disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy and profane.

Lovers of themselves: an intense and selfish desire to get more money.

Self-centered: preoccupied with oneself and one’s affairs.

Lovers of money: having a hunger for money beyond God.

Lovers of wealth: desperate for possessions and fame.

Proud: having or showing a high or excessively high opinion of oneself or one’s importance.

Arrogant: having or revealing an exaggerated sense of one’s own importance or abilities.

Boaster: talk with excessive pride and self-satisfaction about one’s achievements, possessions, or abilities.

Abusive: extremely offensive and insulting.

Disobedient to parents: refusing to obey rules or someone in authority.

Unholy: sinful, wicked, unnatural and potentially harmful.

Profane:(of a person or their behaviour) not respectful of religious practice; irreverent.

People to be careful with.

2 Timothy 2:3-4

[They will be] without natural [human] affection (callous and inhuman), relentless (admitting of no truce or appeasement); [they will be] slanderers (false accusers, troublemakers), intemperate and loose in morals and conduct, uncontrolled and fierce, haters of good.

[They will be] treacherous [betrayers], rash, [and] inflated with self-conceit. [They will be] lovers of sensual pleasures and vain amusements more than and rather than lovers of God.

Lack of natural human affection: lack of fondness, tenderness, and liking, especially when nonsexual.

Relentless: harsh or inflexible.

Slanderer: a person who slanders someone (= damages their reputation by making a false spoken statement about them)

Intemperate: having or showing a lack of self-control; immoderate.

Loose of morals: they don’t have a strong moral code.

Which kind of people to also avoid?

Uncontrolled: not showing emotion; having one’s feelings under control.

Fierce: having or displaying an intense or ferocious aggressiveness.

Haters of good: a person who greatly dislikes a specified person or thing.

Treacherous: guilty of or involving betrayal or deception.

Rash: acting or done without careful consideration of the possible consequences; impetuous.

Self-conceit: undue pride in oneself.

Sensual pleasures: relating to or involving gratification of the senses and physical, especially sexual, pleasure.

Vain amusement: the feeling of being entertained by irrelevant things.

We are called to be lovers of God in everything we do.

Which other kinds of relationships should we be cautious of?

2 Timothy 5-9

For [although] they hold a form of piety (true religion), they deny and reject and are strangers to the power of it [their conduct belies the genuineness of their profession]. Avoid [all] such people [turn away from them].

For among them are those who worm their way into homes and captivate silly and weak-natured and spiritually dwarfed women, loaded down with [the burden of their] sins [and easily] swayed and led away by various evil desires and seductive impulses.

[These weak women will listen to anybody who will teach them]; they are forever inquiring and getting information, but are never able to arrive at a recognition and knowledge of the Truth.

Why should we avoid these kinds of people?

2 Timothy 3: 8-9

Now just as Jannes and Jambres were hostile to and resisted Moses, so these men also are hostile to and oppose the Truth. They have depraved and distorted minds, and are reprobate and counterfeit, and to be rejected as far as the faith is concerned.

But they will not get very far, for their rash folly will become obvious to everybody, as was that of those [magicians mentioned].

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Commitment: A Journey Guided by the Holy Spirit

November 5, 2022 - By Sarah Luma

Maintaining commitment in today’s generation often seems like a distant aspiration. While many individuals enthusiastically embark on new endeavors, only a minority display the readiness and determination to sustain their efforts over the long term.

Consider the scenario of gym memberships, which see a surge in January as people declare their intentions for weight loss as part of their new year resolutions. Yet, come June, a significant 50% of these new members have already disengaged. This trend highlights a critical six-month threshold that frequently marks the point of faltering commitment.

The question then arises: How can we expect to achieve excellence if we struggle to uphold dedication to a single pursuit for at least a year? A considerable number of individuals lack structured routines, and some even advocate for going with the flow rather than adhering to consistent plans.

Living without a plan is like planting without watering.

What does the Bible say about commitment?

In the Bible, God serves as a remarkable example of commitment through the alignment of His words and actions. In this era, we are summoned to follow this example.

However, this sense of dedication shouldn’t be confined solely to our relationship with God; it’s equally imperative that we extend this commitment to our interactions with fellow humans. In the workplace, unwavering commitment should persist, irrespective of our emotional state. Likewise, in the realm of education, our studies demand our full and conscious engagement.

“Pray as if it depends on God and study as if it depends on you.” Prophet T.B Joshua.

Here are a few verses for contemplation, offering insight into the process of reconstructing a life marked by unwavering commitment. The teachings of Apostle Paul frequently emphasize this concept, not only as a reflection of his own journey towards fulfilling his destiny but also as an inspiring directive for all of us.

Feel free to use these verses as a foundation for your meditation on cultivating a life driven by steadfast dedication.

Where is a commitment from?

1 Kings 8: 61

And may your hearts be fully committed to the LORD our God, to live by his decrees and obey his commands, as at this time.”

Does commitment help in hard times?

2 Timothy 1:12

That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day.

Two wedding rings symbolizing a marriage commitment

What is the benefit of dedication?

2 Timothy 2:15

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.

Can we fulfill our purpose without devotedness?

2 Timothy 4:7

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

What can you devote yourself to doing?

Acts 2:42

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

Does being committed have a reward?

Galatians 6:9

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

What should we commit to?

Psalms 37:5

Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will do this.

The relevance of faithfulness cannot be excluded from anything we do. God expects us to be attentive to him and do what he has appointed us to do.

The fulfillment of our callings is inherently intertwined with our reliance on the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Genuine allegiance and achievement spring forth when we immerse ourselves in the divine power to overcome any challenge.

Personally, I’ve integrated this principle into my life through earnest prayer. I dedicate time to deliberate contemplation of my aspirations. Often, I outline the foreseeable pros and cons, conducting a thorough assessment. Subsequently, I weigh these factors while attuning myself to the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Furthermore, I engage in a consistent practice of recalling the underlying reasons behind my actions. For instance, the inception of my blog was an inspired directive from God. Yet, there are moments when inertia sets in, making it tempting to bypass article writing. During these times, I draw strength from the awareness that this blog serves as a conduit of encouragement to individuals in various corners of the world, a calling bestowed upon me by the Holy Spirit. This realization propels me forward, reminding me that this endeavor transcends personal gratification. It’s a vessel of blessing for others. As a result, I am resolute in dedicating both time and resources to its enhancement.

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How to quickly recover from grief using Ruth’s method

October 1, 2022 - By Sarah Luma

To recover from brokenness is possible, but how you do it defines success.

All broken wooden colored pencils can still be used to color if they are sharpened. They can color as bright as they were initially before they broke. No one is condemned after a bad break; spare yourself the blame game and decide to shine again. Everything we do in life is a choice.

Nowadays, some ladies have become depressed, victimized, and hopeless for years. Those situations erupt after experiencing a breakup from an engaged boyfriend, going through a divorce, or the death of their husbands. They either blame themselves most of the time, their former partners, or at extreme God. Amazingly, Godly women are different.

However, alluding to Daniel, Job, and Joseph in scripture, it is not unrealistic to conclude there are a lot of things we might not fully understand why and how. Yet we must keep our faith deliberately by trusting God and remaining hopeful.

Trusting God is by adopting the deliberate positive, patient attitude that God is with you. Consequently, you will experience God’s goodness with a testimony of victory. King Solomon made a vital confession in Proverbs 4:8, “I am confidently certain I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living” . This has become a far-fetched reality for many women these days. Now is the best time to start confessing God’s word regardless of past events.

Quoting the short widow phase of Ruth’s life leading to her marriage with Boaz is an example worth emulating. It is possible to date again. The subsequent decisions could be paramount to help you recover fast.

1. To recover, decide to listen to your heart, not popular opinion.

Ruth was from Moab, but she decided to follow Naomi to Israel. (Ruth 1:18) “When Naomi realized that Ruth was determined to go with her, she stopped urging her.” There must be that inner determination to heal from your past. Even if it means changing your geographical location.

In verse 16, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God”. Strangely, in verse 17, she was willing to die for what she believed. She affirmed her devotion to Naomi by abandoning her country, home, family, and gods.

…These are difficult things to give up, but she was willing to pursue a new start. Yes, you, too, can begin again.

Referring to Moses, Jonah, and Abraham, it is not extraordinary to say God always calls us out of a place of comfort to a place of extra comfort. All of which require a strict process of obedience. Even though the Holy Spirit is present to help us, it is not automatic. He directs our willing hearts to act in response to God’s word.

2. Decide to present yourself with decency and dignity.

Ruth dressed appropriately before meeting with Boaz on the threshing floor.

(Ruth 3:3) “Wash, put on perfume, and get dressed in your best clothes. Then go down threshing floor, but don’t let him know you are there until he has finished eating and drinking”.

It is not godly to permit frustration and pain to stop you from smiling and dressing responsibly.

It is extreme to say how you dress is how you feel, but it cannot be denied! To recover can include changing your closet.

Nowadays, it is almost natural to see everyone dressed in black at funerals. This color is mostly considered as a mourning color. What you wear reflects your self-esteem and worth.

If you don’t like how you are addressed, check how you dress.

How should you dress?

How you look transmits a message of your pain or state of mind. Choose to reflect the joy in how you look. This should be a daily decision irrespective of how you feel or your experiences. Dressing is an imperative reason God made clothes for Adam and Eve (Gen 2:21).

I jokingly say looking good is good business. When I dress and mix many colors, it affects my mood. Generally, the brightness of my to-match outfits makes me smile happily and unconsciously. I am yet to meet someone who didn’t admire my dressing style. I don’t wear current fashion clothing, but I consider myself fashionable. Although I buy simple and sometimes cheap clothes, I feel great and confident when I mix them. How about you?

3. To recover, decide to build your career.

Despite the pain of the loss, Ruth was hardworking. (Ruth 2:2) And Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, “let me go to the fields and pick up the leftover grain behind anyone in whose eyes I find favor.”

Growing professionally is a recovery step and opens more opportunities for a future spouse. It enables you to become financially independent and builds self-confidence before you date again.

Many ladies have lost passion for advancing their careers because of the unfortunate situation, or at least others may appear to be growing, yet, there is still inner non-satisfaction about their career excellence. So you must choose to enjoy your professional journey and use your God-given skills to help and empower yourself and someone in need.

Godly women know their identity is in Christ. With or without a partner, they can excel in their spiritual and career purposes.

4. To recover, decide to be kind to everyone.

Ruth’s decision to remain kind to Naomi was what built her excellent reputation around Israel and led to Boaz blessing her when he asked about her.

(Ruth 2:11-12) “Boaz replied, I’ve been told all about what you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband- how you left your father and mother and your homeland and came to live with a people you didn’t know before. May you be richly rewarded by the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge”.

People will always associate you with your past, so do not be offended if they address you using it. On the contrary, your present generous gestures will be the grounds for your future reward from God and in man’s eyes.

Be deliberately honest in the way you treat people. People will never forget and quote your sacrifices even if they do not tell you outrightly.

Even though Naomi and Ruth were widows, Naomi changed her name to bitterness but Ruth did not change her name. Ruth 1:20, “Don’t call me Naomi,” she told them. “Call me Mara, because the Almighty has made my life very bitter.” Sadly no one will fully understand your pain, even with similar experiences. Refuse to be bitter and to blame God.

Choose to remain optimistic about yourself as a virtuous woman and trust God to be the channel through which He can use to fulfill His purpose.

Remarrying is possible. It happened for Ruth, so it can happen to you too. Ruth bore Obed the father of Jesse, and the father of David (Ruth 4:22). I believe, Ruth’s decision to pursue life with God is what made her become the grandmother of a great king – David.

You are valuable to God. Thus, I encourage you from today to decide to follow your heart, mold your career, be consistently generous and uphold a high decent physical outlook at all times.

More christ-centered articles on Godly women: Single and whole

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Quotes

September 29, 2022 - By Sarah Luma

We all need encouragement. Sometimes, a few words-quotes uplift our hearts.

2 Thesalonians 3:16

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.

2 Corinthian 13: 11

Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.

Philippians 4: 6-7

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Purpose quotes

1 Peter 2:9

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

Acts 13: 36

Now when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his ancestors and his body decayed.

Ecclesiatiacs 3:1

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.

Proverbs 19:21

Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.

2 Corinthians 4:16

So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.

2 Corinthians 5:17

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

Ezekiel 28:15

You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created till unrighteousness was found in you.

Regret quotes

Acts 20: 24

However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.

Ecclesiastes 1:14

I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind.

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Godly Women: 3 Ways to Cultivate Christ-Centered Living

September 12, 2022 - By Sarah Luma

Do you consider yourself a godly woman or do you know godly women?

The 20th century perspective of a successful woman is a lady who has a white-collar job or business owner, is married, has a child or children, owns a car(s), has a house(s), and huge savings account, to list a few.

A Christ-believing, godly woman shouldn’t limit herself to these social opinions. It is not a sin to have possessions to be married, but they are not the definition of success.

Does this mean success is only what we possess? Definitely ‘NOT.’ True success is God’s peace.

Self-condemnation and alienation have become usual for women who have experienced broken relationships.

This is because they think the societal walls of success are too high for them to scale over.

There is hope for you, Sister. Christ’s definition of success supersedes public opinion. You can thrive with a successful mindset. This is if you ask the Holy Spirit to direct your heart as you study the Bible.

The highest life achievement you will make is to be able to pray and live by God’s will.

Bible definition of success

It will surprise you that the word SUCCESS is mentioned only once in the Bible.

“Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” Joshua 1:8.

It is astonishing that God considers those who have had success as those who read the Bible. He also values those who decide to live their lives following Christ’s example.

Here are three ways you can live a life that would be successful in the Lord’s eyes!

1. Christ’s success for godly women is speaking the word of God

People can know what your life state is based on what you say.

“A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of” Luke 6:45.

You have the power to change your life from what you confess and affirm. Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. Prov 18:21.

I advise you to choose your words wisely despite how hurt you feel. Speak about what you want to see in your life.

I recall standing in front of my mirror and sometimes kneeling at the edge of my bed in deep pain, though in the sobbing and tears, I always heard the still inner voice of the Holy Spirit reminding me about scriptures I had meditated on.

Whenever I declared those scriptures out loud to my hearing, I felt internal peace, and it built my self-confidence again with God and men.

It is hard! Yes, it is difficult not to curse the person who hurt you. Especially those people who condemn you for not having everything they possess. However, spiritual maturity as a godly woman is desiring to be successful according to God’s standard. It is that robust lady who will choose to bless herself daily. She does this with scriptures and sincerely blesses the person who hurt her.

2. Christ’s success for godly women is meditating on the word of God.

True success is knowing what God said in His manual about you. The only way to digest this manual is to devote time with undivided attention to commit to understanding what God wrote in the Bible.

“All Scripture is God-breathed [given by divine inspiration] and is profitable for instruction, for conviction [of sin], for correction [of error and restoration to obedience], for training in righteousness [learning to live in conformity to God’s will, both publicly and privately—behaving honorably with personal integrity and moral courage];so that the man of God may be complete and proficient, outfitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Tim 3:16-17

Since I started watching at least two or more gospel messages on YouTube from people I regard as servants of God almost every day and listening to scriptural gospel music, for many years now, my life has been full of joy, peace, and rest in everything I do. I am free from the pain of the past hurt.

I encourage you to form the habit of deliberately changing your mind with scriptures daily, and to reject the general view that success is based on what you have achieved.

“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:2.

Meditating means repeating the verses in your heart while praying for the Holy Spirit to help you understand what it is.

3. Christ’s success for godly women is observing the word of God.

Who is your example of life? Why are you doing what you are doing?

What you do is a direct reflection of what you know and believe.

There is no dispute; action speaks louder than words.

“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does”. James 1:22-25.

Practice the word as Ephesians 5:1 says

“Be, therefore, imitators of God, as beloved children.”

Before I do anything, I ask myself, “If Jesus were here now, would he be comfortable doing what I want to do”? I urge you to examine yourself in the Lord.

Apostle Paul emphasized in 1 Corinthians 11:1, “Imitate me as I imitate Christ.”

I urge you again to find a Pastor or mentor and consistently engage in a Bible-based fellowship.

Invest in this with prayers and devotion. The word success is mentioned only three times in Deuteronomy 2 regarding possession.

“The Horims also dwelt in Seir before time; but the children of Esau succeeded them,…unto the land of his possession, which the LORD gave unto them” Deut 2:12.

What is success?

Success is having an intimate, personal relationship with God and not just an external accumulation of things.

It should be noted that marriage, a good job, cars, and houses are not bad. God created them as by-products for us to accomplish our purpose, but they are not in themselves what qualifies a person or a godly woman as successful.

Sister, the secret of Christ’s success is speaking, studying, and practicing the word of God.

All godly women must forgive those who hurt them and refuse to bear offenses. Also, holy women are obedient to God above everyone else. We do it because we love him, and he loves us.

Click here to read 84 Bible verses about godly women.

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Christian Single Status: 3 Ways to Maintain It

September 3, 2022 - By Sarah Luma

God, our creator, knows our purpose, and everything we need to excel in life is in the Bible. The word of God helps us to define our identity. Irrespective of whether we have a Christian single status or a married one.

Like God, our spirits are eternal, and in light of eternity, it is essential to note that there will be no marriage in heaven. Matthew 22:30, “For in the resurrected state neither do [men] marry nor are [women] given in marriage, but they are like the angels in heaven.”

With this in mind, we must be careful to refrain from defining ourselves through our marital status here on earth.

Mathew 19: 7-12, “They said to him, “Why then did Moses command one to give a certificate of divorce and to send her away?”He said to them, “Because of your hardness of heart Moses allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so. And I say to you: whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery.”

The disciples said to him, “If such is the case of a man with his wife, it is better not to marry.” But he said to them, “Not everyone can receive this saying, but only those to whom it is given. For there are eunuchs who have been so from birth, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Let the one who is able to receive this receive it.”

Before the broken engagement, before losing a spouse or divorce….God destined, blessed, and loved us as His daughters and sons with unconditional love. Our relationship status with God doesn’t change when someone leaves or fails to enter our lives. If we have forgotten, now is a perfect time to remind ourselves of who we are in Christ. Let’s look at these points to help us remember our identity in Christ as singles:

A. God loves you unconditionally in your single status

True love is a person, and this person is God. No one can stop God from loving us. What a blessing!

I John 4:16 “So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.” We must believe that we already have His love.

Only God can fulfill our deepest needs, and He died to make us free and whole in every area of our lives. No human has the responsibility to define us. 1 Corinthians 7:23- 24 “You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of human beings.Brothers and sisters, each person, as responsible to God, should remain in the situation they were in when God called them.

1 John 4:10 tells us, “In this is love, not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” We cannot do anything to earn such love. Love is a gift of grace. We have the identity of love.

We must not condemn ourselves because of the rejection or the death of a loved one; but instead, we must start loving ourselves just as God loves us.

A great way to rekindle love and appreciation for ourselves is to write love verses and post them on our laptops, room walls, kitchen lockers, and even fridge doors. Speaking love verses and songs loud in front of the mirror daily to combat opposite thoughts helps us place our minds on higher things like the Word of God.

When we begin to fill our lives with the word of God through reading the Bible, watching sermons, spending time with God, and meditating on His love, we become more spiritually vibrant. Focusing on Christ will help us remember our true identity in Christ, with or without a partner.

B. You are destined for a purpose

God predestined and ordained us before our mother’s womb. Surprise!!!…. We are not accidents. God knows everything about us. 1 Corinthians 7: 17 “Nevertheless, each person should live as a believer in whatever situation the Lord has assigned to them, just as God has called them. This is the rule I lay down in all the churches.”

Like David said in Psalm 139:16, “Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” Oh, yes! This is precisely who we are.

God said in Genesis 1:26, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness….”

This reflects His desire and design to imprint His nature on us, and everyone possesses these attributes. The Bible contains God’s promises towards us, but we must believe that we have His identity from DNA.

We must hold fast to knowing that He has a specific purpose for us. Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Believing is a firm conviction that our lives have a defined purpose. We will be accountable to God for how we accomplish His purposes in our lives, whether in singleness or in marriage. Our temporal earthly status of marriage or singleness is not our core identity.

Can you fulfil your purpose without marrying?

Jesus and Paul did not marry, yet they fulfilled their purposes.

Our Lord Jesus Christ completed his purpose when he said in John 19:30, “… It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.”

On the other hand, Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Tim 4:7 “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” Before he died, he advised people to be single like him. 1 Corinthians 7: 6-7 I say this as a concession, not as a command.I wish that all of you were as I am. But each of you has your own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that. Now to the unmarried and the widows I say: It is good for them to stay unmarried, as I do. But if they cannot control themselves, they should marry, for it is better to marry than to burn with passion.

What to do to maintain your Christian single status

Whether you recognize it or not, God loves us, and He has a prosperous future for us. Choose in this season of grief and hurt to remain faithful to God by loving God, loving yourself, focusing on your purpose, and even loving people who have hurt you. Love them by praying for them.

Luke 6:27 commands us to “bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”

The human mind is forgetful sometimes, but God gave us all a retrospective mind. We should invest time in reminding ourselves consistently about God’s love for us and how purposeful we are. God never created anything worthless. We will always be valuable to God.

Benefits of having a Christian single status

1 Corinthians 7: 23-25, “I would like you to be free from concern. An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord’s affairs—how he can please the Lord. But a married man is concerned about the affairs of this world—how he can please his wife— and his interests are divided. An unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the Lord’s affairs: Her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit. But a married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world—how she can please her husband.I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but that you may live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord.

Christ’s definition and identity of us exceed any earthly relationship we can ever cultivate. We can be single and peaceful. Having a Christian single status doesn’t mean we are not whole. God considers us complete in Christ.

Remember that marriage is not an identity, but a characteristic of our whole being. It is a gift for some. While marriage is an institution that can help us fulfill our purposes in God, we can also fulfill our purposes for God in and through our Christian single status.

Do you want to read more faith-building articles? Click here.

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71 Obedience Verses To Learn Wisdom

August 23, 2022 - By Sarah Luma

Obedience is listed several times in the Bible. Almost everyone has a different definition of this word. Below is a comprehensive list of 71 verses about the subject and short summaries of what to learn from them.

1. Obedience is a product of love. It results in us abiding with God. John 14:23

2. We have to obey our parents. Proverbs 6:20

3. God uplifts those who obey him. Deuteronomy 28:1

4. We will live long and prosper if we obey God. Deuteronomy 5:23.

5. Obedience makes me do the word of God. James 1:22

6. Discipline is a product of obedience. Proverbs 10:17

7. We are chosen to be obedient. John 15:16

8. God rewards obedience and faithfulness. 1 Corinthians 15:58

9. Obedience enables us to know God’s will. Romans 12:2

10. Obedience is living without a heart condemnation. 1 John 3:21-22

11. We are righteous because of Jesus’ obedience. Romans 5:19

What does obedience mean to you?

12. Obedience to God’s will makes us prosper. 1 Kings 2:3

13. Submitting or obeying God is the only way to resist the devil. James 4:7

14. Prosperity and success come from obediently meditating on the word of God. Joshua 1:8

15. No obedience results in a curse on our blessings. Malachi 2:2

16. Let’s obey our authorities because we love God. Romans 13:1

17. Obeying God is proof of serving him. Romans 12:11.

18. Obedience means daily controlling ourselves to honor God. Luke 9:23.

19. Obeying God is to love God, ourselves, and our neighbors. Luke 10:27

20. Obedience is being led by the Holy Spirit. Romans 8:14

21. The Holy Spirit is given only to those who obey God. Acts 5:30

22. It is acknowledging that Jesus is Lord and glorifying God. Philippians 2:11

23. It is offering ourselves as living sacrifices to worship God. Romans 12:1

24. Obedience is being absolutely dependent on God. It results in joy. Romans 15:32

25. Obedience brings blessings and takes away fear. Psalm 128:1

Who should we obey?

26. It obeys the Holy Spirit and refuses to do what my flesh wants. Galatians 5:17

27. Obedience is learning from the Holy Spirit. Psalms 143:10

28. Obedient desires will result in eternal life. 1 John 2:17

29. Obedience is believing in eternal life. John 3: 36

30. Obedience to God makes us servants of God. Galatians 1:10

31. It opens the door for Christ to abide with us. Revelations 3:20

32. It means choosing to obey God every time. Psalms 119:60

33. Conformity will make us evangelize and spread the gospel of Christ. Mark 16:15

34. It is following the word of God. Ezekiel 20:19

35. It makes God establish our steps.

Psalms 37:23

36. Jesus obeyed God and died for us. Thus, it means we die to ourselves. Philippians 2:2-8

37. Discipline is keeping God’s word in my heart. Proverbs 4:20-21

38. It makes us God’s treasured possession. Exodus 19:5.

39. If we listen to God, he prevents illnesses from attacking us. Exodus 15:26.

40. It means following the steps of Christ. 1 Peter 2:21.

41. Conformity of the word brings blessings. James 1:25

42. It brings wisdom and conviction. Romans 14:5

43. Jesus becomes our salvation and gift of eternal life if we obey him. Hebrew 5:9

44. It makes God come closer to us. Zacharia 1:3

45. It brings wisdom and understanding. Proverbs 4:5

What is obedience?

46. Obedience prolongs our lives. Proverbs 4:10

47. Conformity is doing what God has entrusted me to do. Luke 12:48

48. It is maintaining my saltiness. Mathew 5:13

49. Meekness brings godliness now and ensures eternal life. 1 Timothy 4:8

50. It is following God’s commands. Leviticus 22:31

51. It brings eternal life. Ezekiel 18:21

52. Obedience makes us praise God with gratitude for his salvation. Jonah 2:9.

53. It brings the rest of God. Hebrew 4:11

54. Obedience makes us free from punishment. Psalms 68:6

55. It led us to God’s protection and guardianship. Provers 2:8

56. Obedience is daily honoring God’s word. Job 23:12

57. It is submitting to the will of God. Mark 14:36

58. Meekness is keeping the word of God. Deuteronomy 6:17

59. It makes God’s favorites. Acts 10:34-35

60. It is following God’s word as it is. Deuteronomy 4:2

When should we obey?

61. Constant obedience will bring God’s blessings to our children and us. Deuteronomy 3:29

62. Submissiveness preserves our children and gives us longer lives. Deuteronomy 4:40.

63. It makes us rever God. Deuteronomy 8:6

64. Holy respect will make God provide food for us. Leviticus 26:3-4

65. It makes our generation to be blessed. Genesis 26: 4-5.

66. It makes us abide by God’s word and have communion regularly. Acts 2:42

67. It makes us great in the kingdom of heaven. Mathew 5:19

68. Submissiveness gives us access to the eternal Kingdom of Christ. 2 Peter 1: 10-11

69. It relies on God’s word. Ezekiel 12:28

70. It focuses on the word of God. Numbers 15:39

71. Submission is receiving from God. Exodus 24:12

There are some points that are repeated, and I had to use synonyms to define the subject keyword. Several of them have similar points. The entire Bible summarizes the benefits we enjoy from obeying God. We cannot express our love for him and not do what his word says.

It’s impossible to be a Christian and not reflect our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ’s actions. We cannot obey if we keep offenses, can’t forgive others, or are not patient with ourselves and with God.

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3 Steps on How to be free from offenses

August 15, 2022 - By Sarah Luma

Harboring offenses towards one’s parent(s), friend(s), ex-husband, boyfriend, engaged partner, or colleagues, just to name a few, is a negative way of life. Agreeably, they have wronged us either knowingly or unknowingly. Holding their error against them in our hearts is like drinking poison and expecting other people to die.

The definition of offenses is annoyance or resentment brought about by a perceived insult to or disregard for oneself or one’s standards or principles. This describes the behavior of millions of people these days.

It is not abnormal to say, people who remain offended are people who do not know their identity as forgiven children of God.

Jesus never promised us a trouble-free life, absent from hurt or insults. Instead, He encouraged a non-revengeful attitude towards the person who hurt us and guaranteed peace in Him.

John 16:33 says, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

How to live free from offenses

The following steps are practical actions to guarantee an offense-free life.

A. Pray and trust God to avenge and vindicate you

Acknowledging that offenses are inevitable if we live with people and recognizing that God is aware and knows how to reward/judge everyone who mistreats us is a substantial reason not to remain offended.

Scripture does not mention we will not be offended, but it discourages us from staying offended despite the gravity of the situation. Eph 4:26 “Be angry but do not sin”

For example, in Luke 17:1-3, Jesus said to the disciples, “It is impossible that no offenses should come, but woe to him through whom they do come! It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.

The good news is that; God has promised to avenge and punish the person who offended you, so staying offended is ignoring and disobeying God.

When I was offended at my ex, I was always bitter and could not pray. I grieved the Holy Spirit by continuously rehearsing the painful thoughts in my mind. I could not concentrate whenever I studied the Bible. Therefore, I realized it is impossible to serve God wholeheartedly with a heart full of offenses.

B. Choose not to offend others, too.

You will cut someone else who didn’t wound you until you heal. “My breath is offensive to my wife, And I am loathsome to my own brothers.” Job 19:17. Start by admitting you are offended and pray to God for a new heart is the first step.

Staying offended for a long time makes you bitter towards others and unappreciative of life. With time, it becomes a barrier to one’s relationship with God and him/herself.

I became bitter toward my ex, family, and friends when I was offended. Sadly, I blamed my ex and decided to isolate myself. As a result, I became contentious, argumentative, and defensive unnecessarily. However, when I discovered my relationship with God was broken, I quickly repented, prayed, apologized, and made conscious efforts to rebuild my relationships.

Since I removed the offenses from my heart, God has granted me unspeakable joy, peace, and mercy with other people. I haven’t forgotten the pain, but I have chosen not to allow it to control my emotions and life or cause me to mistreat others.

You can choose not to be angry and decide to ignore an offense committed against you. Prov 19:11 stipulates, “A man’s discretion makes him slow to anger, And it is his glory to overlook a transgression.”

Deliberately decide like Paul not to be offended despite your life’s hardships. “Giving no cause for offense in anything, so that the ministry will not be discredited. Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; in beatings, imprisonments and riots…” 2 Corin 6: 3-10.

C. Accept Jesus as the sacrifice for your offenses

It is purposeless to remain offended when God predestined Jesus to die and bear all our offenses.

Rom 9:33. Just as it is written, “Behold, I lay in Zion a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense, and he who believes in him will not be disappointed.

The only duty we have when offended is to believe in Jesus.

In other words, keeping offenses is being disobedient to the word of God according to 1Pet 2:8. And “a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense.”They stumble, being disobedient to the word, to which they also were appointed.

Going through life, it is impossible to predict all circumstances, but like Jesus, we need to purpose in our hearts not to remain offended consciously.

Therefore, decide daily to pray and act according to Rom 12:17-19 “Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.

If your heart is hurting, love is the only solution. Proverbs 10:12 “Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.”

Also, institute self barriers not to offend others based on your pain, and lastly, believe in the work of the cross that Jesus became our sin and died for every situation we will ever experience.

Click here to read a list of Bible verses regarding bearing offenses.

To read more on other spiritual topics like joy, forgiveness, smiling, and patience, just to name a few, click here.

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Forgiveness: A Four-Step Path After a Relationship Ends

July 29, 2022 - By Sarah Luma

Darkness cannot dispel darkness; only light has that power. Unforgiving corrodes the heart of its holder. While it’s unpredictable whether someone may inflict pain upon you, your response after being hurt can be your choice. The most constructive response is forgiveness.

Persisting in an emotionally unforgiving state following a separation from a husband, fiancé, or family members is akin to leading a dual existence. It entails fixating on past wounds while inhabiting the current moment, and this endeavor holds no value. Each day arrives with its own divine grace; fretting over the past or the future yields no genuine healing.

Amazingly, our forgiveness from God is tangled in the forgiveness we generously give to others who have hurt us. Matthew 6:14-15, “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins”.

All of us have encountered hurtful relationships at some point, yet forgiveness is a conscious decision to halt the inner strife that nurtures bitterness. Imperfection is universal, extending to both you and me. Pardoning a former partner is a mature Christian attribute that can be achieved through the following actions.

1. Choose forgiveness every day

Each day, and often multiple times a day, individuals may intentionally or unintentionally cause us pain. However, Jesus advises us to embrace a forgiving mindset towards everyone.

It is our duty to have a constant merciful and forgiving heart towards people who have hurt us, just like God does for us every time we disobey Him. (Daniel 9:9)

It is ungodly to hold unforgiveness in our hearts towards others. Micah 7:18 “who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy.”

So watch yourselves. “If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.” Luke 17:3-4

Strangely, forgiveness is supposed to be given unmeasurably. Matthew 18: 21-22 “Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times? “Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.”

We have the debt to forgive everyone

There are cases where the person doesn’t repent, at least not to your knowledge; forgive them.

Forgiveness doesn’t always mean the relationship will be repaired, but it means you free yourself from the bondage of that hurt and can still relate kindly with that person.

When I was hurt by a broken marriage relationship, I disconnected the person from all social media and contacts. I even relocated to another city and avoided him altogether. For a few months, I wept profusely daily, but I healed only after I started praying for him. I organized a face-to-face meeting years later. After this talk, I noticed all the hatred and bitterness had left my heart. We did not reunite, but I am glad I told him outrightly that I forgave him, and he was open to telling me why he acted that way.

2. Give forgiveness by praying for the person who hurt you

As Christians, praying is a vital part of our relationship with God, but when we are harbouring unforgiveness, God cannot hear our prayers.

And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” Mark 11:25

You can never hate someone whom you pray for. Matthew 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you”.

True forgiveness implies refusing to curse or hate that person who hurt you but deciding to bless and help and be kind to them when and if you can.

“Get rid of all bitterness, passion, and anger. No more shouting or insults, no more hateful feelings of any sort. Instead, be kind and tender-hearted to one another, and forgive one another, as God has forgiven you through Christ”. Ephesians 4:31-32

How does healing come?

Lasting healing from the pain of the past can only come through prayers. Whether your ex admits his wrongs or not, pray for yourself and for him. “So then, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you will be healed. The prayer of a good person has a powerful effect”. James 5:16

As surprising as it may seem, we ought to, like Jesus, pray for forgiveness and wish the best for the person who hurt us. This sometimes means assuming they are ignorant even though you know they might have deliberately hurt you. Jesus said, “Forgive them, Father! They don’t know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34

The hurtful situation will not change whether we forgive the person or not. On the contrary, like Stephen, forgiveness is a generous prayer we are obliged to make as true Christians despite the circumstances. Acts 7:59-60 “While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep.”

3. Choose forgiveness without condemnation.

It is easy to despise the person who hurt you, but it is ungodly to judge and condemn them.

Luke 6:37 “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven”.

I recall rejecting any hateful and bitter thoughts about my ex every time they popped up in my mind. Firstly, I read forgiveness scriptures and invested hours reading the Bible and gospel books and watching gospel messages on how to deal with unforgiveness from a Godly perspective. Later on, I wrote sticky notes on forgiveness and pasted them on places I could often see, like on my laptop and bathroom wall. Finally, I prayed for him every time I felt that anger to curse him.

4. Decide to be mature

Forgiveness is only for mature Christians.

As much as your ex’s actions could have been hurtful, it takes two to tangle. There is a possibility being humans as we all are, you contributed in a tiny way, both knowingly and unknowingly. Therefore, forgiveness is taking responsibility for your own actions and refusing to blame the person entirely for the breakup of the relationship.

I affirmed I had fully healed and forgiven him when I narrated my experience to others and did not weep profusely. Also, when I spoke to him and did not feel any animosity or resentment. I noticed all the revengeful and hateful emotions were gone whenever I chatted with him as a friend. Keeping friendly communication with boundaries properly defined is what I did for a few years until I noticed he considered me a mistress. I had to break the communication on all my social media platforms not because we were enemies, but because I knew it was right for him to focus on his new wife. Truthfully, I can never refuse to greet him if we meet again physically someday, but I clearly told him the reason for my distance.

Forgiving them doesn’t mean they will reciprocate, but do it for your freedom to maintain a peaceful relationship with God.

We need to be generous in forgiving those who mistreated us on a consistent basis, even as we pray for them. The best way is to decide not to be vengeful or harbor negative emotions towards them.

The Bible has a list of forgiveness verses, which I recommend you invest time meditating on.

Finally, because our Christian journey is an endless process, you can find more faith-building encouragements here.

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