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In this series on WHAT TO CHANGE THIS YEAR to foster growth and development, I have discussed A change of Raiment, A change of Mind, and A change of Attitudes over the past three days. Today, I will conclude the series with a focus on A Change of Strategy.

In Genesis 1:1-31, the same God who created every living being and declared them good also created man, calling him very good (v. 31). This signifies that God made deliberate and strategic progress in His creation.

You cannot continue doing the same thing in the same way and expect different results. No! It’s essential to pause, consider your way (Haggai 1:7), evaluate your approach and identify areas that need improvement. Adjustments must be made to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

Strategy is a plan of action designed to achieve a long-term goal, improving productivity and outcomes. The value of fresh strategies lies in their ability to adapt to changing circumstances, allowing for better results. Regular strategic moves foster innovation and creativity. God, for instance, didn’t repeat His initial method when creating Eve for Adam; He changed His approach and created a more wondrous being.

Brethren, what worked last year can work even more beautifully this year if you are open to applying new strategies. By utilizing innovative strategies, divine inspiration, and modern technologies, you can achieve better results in a more efficient manner, yielding greater comfort and productivity.

Dear friends, in our fast-paced world, new strategies are key to gaining a competitive advantage, sparking innovation, and fostering growth. They help individuals and organizations face challenges and seize opportunities that may not have been possible with outdated methods. Embracing new strategies allows you to stay ahead, improve efficiency, and reach long-term success.

Keep glowing! HAPPY SUNDAY

Read on the previous topics:
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Pst. Joshua Afolabi

Attitude is everything, as suggested by the title of the book authored by Jeff Keller. Obviously ATTITUDE determines your ALTITUDE.

Attitude refers to a person’s settled way of thinking or feeling about someone or something, typically reflected in their behavior. It encompasses beliefs, feelings, and dispositions that guide how a person reacts to situations or interacts with others. A positive or constructive attitude can significantly influence a person’s growth, mental well-being, and relationships. In this piece, I will discuss three types of attitudes that must be adopted for growth and development to take place.

1. CAN-DO ATTITUDE
   A positive attitude helps individuals face challenges with resilience and perseverance. According to Philippians 4:13, the Apostle Paul says, “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” A “can-do” attitude, therefore, helps individuals overcome difficulties by relying on strength beyond themselves. Dear reader, you can do all things if only you can BELIEVE IN YOURSELF!

2.GROWTH-ORIENTED ATTITUDE
This attitude promotes self-discipline and focus toward goals and responsibilities, leading to personal development. People with a growth-oriented attitude are more likely to remain committed to improving themselves in whatever they do, constantly striving for excellence. According to God’s word, your eye must be single (Matthew 6:22) by staying focused on your goals and striving to achieve them through self-discipline.

3. CHRIST-CENTERED ATTITUDE
   A Christ-centered attitude, rooted in faith, encourages spiritual maturity and development. A positive attitude toward God and His Word leads to deeper understanding, peace, and a more fulfilling life. Romans 12:2 reminds us: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” This passage emphasizes that adopting a renewed, positive attitude in alignment with God’s teachings leads to transformation and growth.

Dear friends, POSITIVE ATTITUDE is the foundation for holistic personal growth. Until you develop this, you will continue to dwell at the base of the success ladder thinking you can’t do what God has already given you the capacity to do.

Someone shared an interesting insight about “the mathematics of life’ that caught my attention. By assigning numbers 1-26 to the English alphabet, he summed up the equivalent numbers representing words such as:

L+U+C+K
12 + 21 + 3 + 11 = 47%

M+O+N+E+Y
13 + 15 + 14 + 5 + 25 = 72%

K+N+O+W+L+E+D+G+E
11 + 14 + 15 + 23 + 12 + 5 + 4 + 7 + 5 = 96%

H+A+R+D+W+O+R+K
8 + 1 + 18 + 4 + 23 + 15 + 18 + 11 = 98%

None of these add up to 100%; so none of these isn’t what you really need about everything you desire in life.

Then what makes 100%?

Of course, ATTITUDE…(Try this sum)

A+T+T+I+T+U+D+E = 1 + 20 + 20 + 9 + 20 + 21 + 4 + 5 = 100%

It is, therefore, OUR ATTITUDE toward life and work that makes OUR life 100% successful because every problem has a solution, only if we change our attitude for the better. ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING

Let’s therefore change our ATTITUDE toward life and the things we do this year 2025; and sooner than later, we will realize that we can do all things through CHRIST, who gives us strength.

See you at the top

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Pst. Joshua Afolabi

Yesterday, I discussed A Change of Raiment. Another crucial change necessary for transformation in your life this year is the renewal of your mind. Your mind is the element within you that allows you to think or feel. Do you know that as a man thinks in his heart, so is he (Proverbs 23:7)? This is why it’s essential to think creatively and correctly this year. You need a positive mindset to succeed in life.

Great minds are successful people. However, no man can be as great as the one who possesses the Mind of Christ. When we talk about the Mind of Christ, we refer to a renewed and transformed mind that is not conformed to this world (Romans 12:2).

The Mind of Christ thinks and displays humility, which is essential for the grace of God to flow. The Scripture says that Jesus humbled Himself to the point of death (Philippians 2:8), and later, God graciously exalted Him to the highest place (Philippians 2:9-11). Yesterday, I told you that anyone who wears the garment of iniquity will be resisted by Satan. But if you wear a proud look, it’s God Himself who will resist you (James 4:6). You need a positive change of mind!

“But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

Humility is the key that unlocks the door to God’s grace, however, I want you to get more clarity about this virtue:
Humility is the display of meekness in the areas of your strength. It should not be confused with being shallow-minded. No! To succeed in life, you must be high-minded (of high intellectual or moral value). It takes critical thinking and a high level of mindset to be creative and innovative.

Brethren, do not be shallow-minded, but remain humble whenever you are highly placed by God to ensure the continuous flow of His grace into your life.

Shalom!

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Pst. Joshua Afolabi

The only constant in life is change. One significant change that must happen in order for necessary transformations to take place in your life this year is the change of your garment.

Upon Joshua the high priest, there was a garment of unrighteousness and iniquity, which allowed Satan to have a hold on him(Zechariah 3:1-3). But by God’s intervention, this garment was replaced with one of righteousness, and Satan lost his grip over Joshua’s life.

As a child of God, you too are considered a high priest (1 Peter 2:9), and you need a change of raiment. The garment of reproach, humiliation, sin, and unrighteousness must be stripped off so that you can wear one of glory, dignity, and honor. Without this transformation, the devil will continue to harass you, resist you, and attack you, hindering you from exercising your priesthood roles and receiving your full blessings.Today, God will also help you and the devil will lose his grip over your life permanently in Jesus name.

“Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him hastily out of the dungeon; and he shaved himself, and changed his raiment, and came in unto Pharaoh” (Genesis 41:14).

From the physical perspective, your physical outlook sends a lot of messages to your benefactors. Before Joseph appeared before Pharaoh in the palace, he had to change his appearance. He shaved and put off the garment of shame that connected him to his imprisonment.

Brethren, this is also true in our spiritual lives. God expects us to put off our old sinful nature and put on Christ and His righteousness (Colossians 2:11) before He can pour out His blessings on us. There’s no doubt -God can do marvelous things in unexpected ways, but He will not pour new wine into old wineskins (Luke 5:37-39).

Beloved, do not let the enemy keep you trapped in your past. Decide today to put on Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17) and become a new creation; able to command the blessings of God.

Be in Christ and remain blessed.

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Pst. Joshua Afolabi

DIVINE FLUSHING

Matthew 15:13
But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up.

THINGS THAT MUST BE FLUSHED OUT OF YOUR LIFE THIS 2024

1. Evil marks
   (Revelation 12:11; Galatians 6:17
   From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus).
2. Evil chemicals/waves (poisons)
3. Evil growth causing blockage
4. Evil seeds/worms/germs causing strange movement.
5. Evil implantation
   These must be flushed out because they hinder normal growth and deter progress. DEALING WITH EVIL PLANTS

Evil plants are unwanted plants growing in the environment of the plant of righteousness (Isaiah 61:3). Agriculturists call these plants weeds. From the scriptural perspective, they are referred to as tares whose seeds are sown by the enemy of righteousness (Matthew 13:23).

Failure to eradicate them

1. Harbour pests and diseases
2. Compete with God’s plants for light, space, water and nutrients.
3. Reduce yields and economic values.

Dealing with them include:

1. Prevent the seed to be sown by spiritual alertness (1 Peter 5:8; Matthew 26:41)
2. Uproot it
3. Uproot it earlier enough before producing fruits/seeds.
4. Chemical eradication by the anointing of the Spirit.(Isaiah 10:27)
5. Cast it into the fire (Deuteronomy 4:24; Hebrews 12:29
   For our God is a consuming fire). PRAYERS
6. Let’s thank God our deliverer and sanctifier
7. Use the blood of Jesus to purge your spirit, soul and body
8. Use the anointing of the Spirit to purge your spirit, soul and body
9. Use the fire of God to purge your spirit, soul and body
10. Remove evil marks, destroy evil seeds/poison, uproot evil plants and ask God to make you whole.

NO CARRY OVER OF ANYTHING CALLED EVIL IN OUR LIVES TO THE NEW YEAR IN JESUS NAME.

Financial freedom is the ability to make choices about how you want to live your life, free from the constraints of financial worries. Achieving this freedom requires careful planning and discipline, but it can ultimately lead to a more fulfilling and stress-free life.

One way to work toward financial freedom is by wisely allocating your income into different categories of expenses. A common recommendation is to allocate 50% of your income to needs, 30% to wants, and 20% to savings. “Needs” include essential expenses such as rent, utilities, and groceries. “Wants” refer to non-essential expenses such as entertainment, parties, and hobbies. “Savings” are funds set aside for future expenses or emergencies. In essence, achieving financial freedom is possible with SMART goals and the 50/30/20 rule.

For salary earners, it’s crucial to plan ahead and manage your spending wisely, especially during the festive season, to ensure you have enough funds to cover your expenses until your next paycheck (probably ending of January, 2025). This may involve budgeting carefully and reducing discretionary spending. Never spend beyond your earnings. As much as possible, avoid unnecessary expenditures and unimportant journeys.

Building an emergency fund is also important to cover unexpected expenses and help prevent reliance on anticipated income. Most importantly, follow Warren Buffett’s advice: “Do not save what is left after spending, but spend what is left after saving.” Please exercise financial prudence (Proverbs 21:20).

In conclusion, achieving financial freedom requires planning and discipline, but it leads to a more fulfilling, stress-free life. By allocating your income wisely and planning ahead, you can reach your financial goals and live the life you desire.

You will NEVER be stranded financially, in Jesus’ Name.

DO ENJOY A SWEET SATURDAY

@ afo4Jesus

The company we keep greatly influences our lives as it determines what accompanies us. The relationships we nurture have far-reaching effects on our personal growth and success.

Knowingly or unknowingly, we interact with others in various ways—whether through personal meetings, social media, or the books we read. Even the life of an author whose books we read can have a significant impact on our own. Therefore, there’s a need to thoroughly examine which of these media is beneficial to us or not.

The excess of this examination is to distance yourself from people who hinder your progress, success and growth. Like Jonah, who had to be cast into the sea for the storm to subside, or Lot, whom Abraham separated from to move forward, sometimes disconnection is necessary for growth. Not everyone is aligned with the direction God has planned for you. Hence, be mindful of surrounding yourself with people who lack passion and purpose.

Are you still unsure who these negative influences might be? Let me outline some of them for you:

1. WHEELBARROW PEOPLE : These individuals lack impetus and are energy drainers. They always expect you to do everything for them, without considering your own well-being. They believe it’s your sole responsibility to solve their problems. The worst part is, after you’ve put in the effort, they still require more without giving anything back. Limit your interactions with them.
2. MOSQUITO PEOPLE : These people seek to drain you emotionally, mentally, or physically without adding any value to your life. They are self-interested, offering nothing useful in return. These individuals are takers who never give anything valuable back. They constantly ask for help and support but never offer anything beneficial in return. They drain your resources and leave you feeling empty and exhausted. The worst is that; Mosquito people sing your praise only when they can benefit from you, but turn against you or even infect you once their needs are met. Their nature is parasitic. Please avoid them.
3. SCAFFOLDING PEOPLE: These individuals help you only to gain control over your life and assist you to climb higher. But because they’ve helped you in the past, they think they have the right to dictate your future. They don’t want you to shine independently but prefer you to stay under their influence permanently. It’s important to recognize when it’s time to separate from these people like Laban (Jacob’s uncle in the Bible), or your growth will be stunted and your star will grow dim under them. Be cautious and distance yourself from these individuals.
4. CROCODILE PEOPLE : Crocodile people are deceptive and insincere. They get close to you with hidden agendas, seeking to gather information about you to use against you later. They feign empathy, only to later turn it into an attack. These individuals are backstabbers and gossipers. They pretend to be your friend but undermine you behind your back. They thrive on creating drama and spreading negativity. It’s best to keep these unfriendly friends at arm’s length.
5. CHAMELEON PEOPLE : These are envious and competitive individuals who pretend to support you while secretly monitoring your progress. They harbor jealousy and will sabotage your efforts if they see you succeeding. Chameleon people neither celebrate your victories nor offer constructive support. They amplify your mistakes and look for opportunities to undermine you. Please distance yourself from them
6. CROWD PEOPLE : These individuals are followers who also go along with the crowd, even if it means displaying disloyalty or compromising their own values and beliefs. They lack the courage to stand up for what they believe in and often pressure you to conform to their ways. Stay away from them.
7. NAYSAYER PEOPLE: Naysayers are the dream killers of your life. They are the ‘Herods’ who try to destroy your dreams. Just like Joseph’s brothers in the Bible, they can’t appreciate your ambitions and will never support them. They’ll tell you why your dreams are impossible and focus only on your failures. They drain your hope and kill your passion. Mind you, they will never encourage or motivate you to succeed. Avoid them at all costs.
8. SHIPWRECKERS : These are the people who are headed in the opposite direction of God’s plan. If you stay in the same “ship”—whether in partner ship , friend ship , court ship or other forms of relation ships —it can lead to disastrous consequences. Their presence will cause turmoil in your life. Just as Jonah had to be thrown overboard to calm the storm, you must separate from those who are taking you off course.
   ” So they took up Jonah, and cast him forth into the sea: and the sea ceased from her raging” (Jonah 1:15). Note those who want to shipwreck your life in this year 2024, and throw them out without further delay. They are unfit to cross with you to 2025.

Dear reader, the take-home message is that; it’s your responsibility to assess the relationships around you with a view to determining which one is beneficial and which is not. Your life can only move in the right direction once you begin to surround yourself with positive, purpose-driven people and cut ties with negative influences. Doing so removes the obstacles hindering your progress. I see you moving on rapidly from now into the new year and beyond in Jesus name.

ENJOY A FAVOURABLE FRIDAY

@ afo4Jesus

*TURNING YOUR PAIN INTO GAIN*

It’s no longer news that Ademola Lookman, the 27-year-old Super Eagles winger, is the 2024 CAF Men’s Player of the Year.

In his speech, Lookman shared the valuable lessons he learned from a public failure four years ago during a ceremony in Marrakech, Morocco, on Monday, December 16, 2024.

He reflected on his missed penalty attempt while playing for Fulham in November 2020. In that English Premier League match against West Ham United, he had the opportunity to secure a point for Fulham but failed to convert a Panenka penalty, which was easily saved by Lukasz Fabianski, resulting in a 1-0 defeat for Fulham. The incident led to ridicule on social media, and Fulham’s manager, Scott Parker, publicly criticized him.

Lookman remarked: “Just over four years ago I failed in front of the world. Fast forward four years, I’m the best player in Africa,” after receiving the award.

The great lesson from this story is: NEVER GIVE UP. No child learns to walk, run, or even fly without first experiencing failure.

What we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory that will be revealed to us later (Romans 8:18).

So, don’t give up! Even when you fail, it’s not the end. Don’t let your failures break your wings. The key is this: *turn your pain into the power of your gain and continue to fight.*

Your sun will surely rise!

ENJOY A WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY

@ *afo4Jesus*

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