The Real Super Heroes

Super heroes interest people. I grew up reading comic books, although I don't have much time to read them now a days I still like comic books, especially the ones that display well built and masculine super heroes who save lives and do all sorts of spectacular things.
From Thor of Marvel comics, to Superman of DC comics, and Slain and Rogue Trooper of 2000 A.D we see them fight off villains, save the planet, help people and do fascinating things; like Spider man's amazing ability to leap over sky scrapers and swing from one building to the other with the use of his spider webs.
Comic book heroes have fascinated some of us so much, the characters are being made into films which are turning out to be screen successes.
But we all know it is not the real world, it's pure make believe. The world of comic book characters are not real but heroes are real.
There are heroes in every day life who are probably not being acknowledged or recognized, not that many of them want to be.
The father who does his best to juggle his marriage, his career, his faith and still find time to bond with his child or children is a hero in my opinion. The single woman who single handedly raised her children, built a business and contributes to her community is a hero in my view.
The carers and support workers, who inconvenience themselves and endure a lot on the job to make life easy for those who have special needs are heroes in my opinion.
The surgeon who spent  the greater part of his youth studying hard, getting an education and acquiring skills to solve rare and delicate medical conditions so that patients can have a chance at life is a hero. Don't you think so?
The every day hero may not be charming and spectacular, they may not leap over sky scrapers or fly in the air, they may not have capes that distinguish them or special costumes and gadgets, but by virtue of their sacrifice and their contribution to humanity, they are heroes. They may not be applauded regularly, they may not be in the lime light, they may not have what it takes to make albums that sell in millions and they may not win Nobel prizes but they are heroes all the same. Do you recognize them, do you appreciate them?
My parents are heroes. For giving me their time, being there for me, supporting me, raising me from childhood and appreciating me for who I am, I consider them heroes and they deserve my respect.
The ability to sacrifice for the greater good or benefit of another person or people instead of self is what makes an individual a hero.
For this reason, Jesus Christ is the greatest hero of all time! He is the 'crown prince of heroes', He is a superhero!
A hero who identifies with the vulnerability and weaknesses of  humanity, a hero who taught, provided, guided and loved humanity, a hero who is divine yet human, a hero who confers glory on His followers a hero who made the greatest sacrifice!
A hero who shed His blood! That is heroism at it's peak!

Whose Instruction Do You Follow?

Life is a journey.
Since life is a journey, we will need direction.
Proper direction ensures we get to our desired destination.
Within directions, you will find instructions. If you dissect directions you will find instructions in them.
Instructions are important. For anything to function effectively and last it's expected lifetime we must follow the instructions that come with it. So how well we journey through life will determine how well we have followed instructions that are meant for our welfare.
Where and who do you receive instructions from?
From God or satan, parents or siblings, mentors and religious leaders or any one who seems to have results?
Do you receive instructions from just anyone or is it proven and tested people?
Man's instructions for you are often tarnished by preconceived ideas they have of you, the way they see you, and the situations they see around you. Man's instruction for you is often based on their personal evaluation of you which is often wrong in the first place.
God is the only one who has the right perspective of you and sees you the right way!
God is the most reliable source to receive instruction from! He knows you better than you know yourself, He created you and He loves you. And He hasn't left you without instruction in this journey of life.
'The Lord knows the way through the wilderness, all you have to do is to follow'
God's instructions have been wrapped in a Book called the Bible. You will do well to start digging out these instructions, there are instructions for every areas of life in the Bible.

Whose Word Do You Listen To?

We have to be careful who we listen to.
History attests to the fact that the advise people, co-operations and even entire kingdoms have taken have either made them or marred them.
You may be one advice away from making a decision that will determine where you spend your eternity.
You may be one counsel away from making a decision that will bring you either success or failure.
You might be one one word away from choosing the right life partner.
The question is, who do you listen to?

It is a fact that the people we choose to listen to will determine the decisions we make and the decisions we make will determine our destiny. 

Our destiny is simply the outcome of our decisions.

The only thing that is pre-destined is the outcome of our decisions. 

That's why it is so important for us to make the right decisions so that we will turn out the right way and get the right results. 

Since no one has it all when it comes to all the wisdom, knowledge and understanding needed in life, we feel obligated to to seek advice and counsel.
All the way from ancient times even kings sought advice.

They had personal advisors and groups of 'wise men' who were made up of magicians, sorcerers, astrologers, experienced statemen, anyone who had something to offer and could help give them the strategic advantage.
The good Book says "there is a way that seems right to a man but the end thereof is destruction"

Are you seeking counsel from the right sources in life?
Who do you listen to?

Who are you paying attention to?
Are your advisers your dream killers without your realizing it?
It's sad when people mistakenly turn to their enemies for advice without even realizing it.
Knowing what's is in the heart of man can be difficult, that is why we have to be careful who we listen to.

The creator in His wisdom understands what man's experiences are and He hasn't left us without help.
Within man is an internal guidance system called our conscience. 

Within us is an internal compass called our intuition. 

Within us is an internal sensor called our perception. 

You will hardly go wrong if you follow them.

Most important of all is the Spirit of God which God releases into those who are saved and have accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior, the Holy Spirit is our exclusive privilege. 

He comforts, guides, encourages, teaches, reminds and counsels. 

He supplies knowledge and wisdom, and gives direction and help.
He is one person you should listen to.

There are opportunities all around!

There are opportunities all around you, there are opportunities all around us.
The question is, do you see them, do you notice them?
At times, opportunities may not appear as opportunities, they may come in the form of some set back or disadvantage, but it is an opportunity never the less.
The ability to see an opportunity for what it is, having the ability to foresee or being discerning is key!

It is a wonderful quality to be able to recognize opportunities.
I like the way Henry Ford put it. "Opportunities sometimes come disguised in the form of hard work"

"There is no substitute for hard work in the school of success"

I have heard it said before, that 'success is not about working hard but working smart'. 

 I have come to realize that even in the process of 'working smart' you will find yourself 'working hard'. 

There is no escaping working hard before succeeding, let's face it.

One man's disadvantage can be your opportunity. 

That may be your opportunity to show love, care, compassion or kindness to the disadvantaged individual.
Another man's poverty may be your opportunity to give.
Your riches may be your opportunity to assist a less fortunate person or better other people's lives.
There are opportunities all around us to serve, give, love, communicate and  fight for what is right.

Each day is a gift and opportunity from God to do right, think right, live right, forgive or serve people. 

Do you see each day of your life for what it really is?
Today is your opportunity to succeed, move in the right direction, take steps towards your success, your destiny and be who you should be.

King David in Bible times woke up one day a shepherd boy, but recognized a God given opportunity to serve his nation by fighting. 

He seized the opportunity courageously and it launched him into prominence and history!
Do you recognize the opportunities in each day of your life?
What do you want to do with your life? 

Today can be that day you start moving in the direction of becoming what the desire is.

 The opportunity is there. 

Time is an opportunity that has been given to every man. 

How do you spend your time?
Do you realize our opportunities are hidden in our moments?
For those who are destiny conscious, for those who have a dream and a vision, there is always something to do.
Change your perspective and your will see your opportunities.
Peace be!

JESUS, IN THIS 21ST CENTURY CONTEMPORARY TIMES

The Lord Jesus Christ is without doubt the most important man in human history. My reasons for coming to such a bold conclusion is numerous, for one there is no one who worked as many miracles as Jesus. The subject of miracles have been and will always be fascinating. The sacrifice of Jesus is unparalleled and not human, He is also the only spiritual leader who rose from the dead, knew His position in the after life and offered His followers a hope of what He has prepared for them beyond this world. It is also debatable and I stand to be corrected that there is no spiritual leader whose leadership, inspiration and wisdom has lasted as long as Jesus's has and will last as long.
 Jesus is a very interesting individual and I try to imagine how he would live in these contemporary times, I wonder how he would apply His God inspired wisdom in this information age, how his understanding which baffled the teachers of the law at the age of twelve would play out in the educational sector, and how he would teach about the Kingdom of God in these technological times, which illustrations and terms would He use for His parables in our time?
How will the wisdom of Jesus measure up and His personality and nature of His being shine through in this this modern, competitive, fast paced, business and commerce dispensation?
In Bible times, agriculture was one of the key illustration used to marshal the points of Jesus for the parables of Jesus because it was an agricultural age and dispensation.Our age is a technological and information age, an 'internet' age. How would Jesus use the internet to spread the gospel of the Kingdom? He would most likely use the tools at His disposal to advance the Kingdom of God. He would definitely use microphones to amplify his voice so that as many people as possible can hear Him whenever multitudes gathered to him to hear God's teachings and wisdom from His lips. How will Jesus dress in our times? He was a young man, I can imagine Him in a pair of jeans and ankle boots, I can imagine Him in t-shirts, sandals in summer, shorts when its hot, caps, hats and long sleeved shirts.Would he go for jewelry, perhaps. I can imagine a wedding band on his finger if he chose to get married. What kind of girl will he marry? Definitely a virtuous woman, or a woman or a lady who has been under his watch and His influence for sometime. Jesus was merciful and forgiving, He might marry a lady who doesn't have the most decent past but who is now reformed.
 I don't know if he would necessarily go for designers clothes or labels (He might) but I know He will exercise moderation and decency when it comes to dressing up. I can't imagine Jesus Christ wearing His pair of jeans trousers pulled down just slightly above his bum so that his inner pants can show. I wonder if He would wear perfumes, He probably will but He might be careful which brands He would go for. He will probably support other ministries financially and perhaps by endorsements and He might use their platforms to spread insights on the Kingdom of God as a guest minister in those churches.
If I was a Pastor, I will invite Jesus to my church to preach. That is one man I will gladly share my pulpit with.
 What would he teach if He is on earth today? He will probably be consistent with His message of the Kingdom of God and He would reveal to us the need to repent of our sins and turn from our wicked or wrong ways but I don't and can't see Him being unnecessarily controversial or critical. His ministry would very likely pay taxes as we see Him do, even miraculously in the new testament. What would His voice sound like? I can imagine His voice being very clear and His communication style very easy to understand. I can imagine Him teaching passionately and with authority.What kind of temptation would Jesus face? Every kind of temptation we face today is the kind of temptation He will face because 'he was tempted on all points as we are tempted' He would not be exempted from the temptation of anger, impatience, and fear but we know He would not fall victim to any temptation. He might have to battle with pornography and sexual temptation as every young man do today, after all 'he was tempted in all points as we are tempted' but unlike most young men in today's world He would not fall victim to those sins. As a young man myself, I would want Jesus to be my friend, it would be a privilege to have a friend that wise, that influential and so sacrificial.
Of course, Jesus would regularly make the headline news and will probably be a favourite of soft sell papers, journals, and the dailies.You can imagine Jesus would be popular!
I can imagine the likes of Hello and OK magazines interviewing Him a number of times. Ellen Degeneres might want to interview Him. His impact will be undeniable although He may not always want to be seen. I can imagine a very introverted side of Jesus, a private man who probably treasures His private times and moments, after all He has the characteristics of a lamb, He is the gentle lamb of God. I can also imagine a part of Jesus that is extroverted when it comes to the gospel and preaching, I can imagine Him speaking out when it comes to hypocrites on the pulpit, after all He does have some characteristics of a lion, He is the Lion of the tribe of Judah.
What kind of music would He listen to? Will Jays Z, John Legend, R. Kelly,or Michael Jackson's kind of music appeal to Him, I really don't know I know but I do know He would definitely like gospel music, worship music for sure. I can imagine Him having CD and DVD collections of hymns and spiritual songs. He might be an Aled Jones fan. Perhaps he might like animation, cartoons and comic books. He might appreciate the creativity that has gone into such and the extent of  human talent and potential.
I can imagine channels like ITV and the BBC interviewing Him and asking loads of questions, I can imagine Him on talk shows and late night shows. I visualize him going Oprah Winfrey's talk show and Oprah being baffled by His wisdom.
He might look into publishing a book or books. Books that become best sellers in the country where they are published.
I wonder what career path Jesus would follow if He was on earth in our generation. I can't imagine Jesus being a lawyer, though I can imagine many intelligent lawyers trying to debate Him. I can imagine Jesus taking to a vocation or profession that involves direct contact with people, I can visualize Him taking to the medical profession where He would have time and access to healing people and caring for them. Jesus would probably be anything from a support worker, a carer, a medical doctor or a nurse. He could also be a teacher so as to impact on the leaders of tomorrow and impart godly wisdom to young children in either secondary schools or primary schools. I can also 'see' Jesus working as a staff in a nursery where He can carry babies, heal them, show affection to them and be a blessing to the parents and guardians of the children. He would probably be a nurse over being the doctor of a hospital simply because he would be more directly involved with patients than doctors are. Irrespective of whatever vocation or career path Jesus chooses, that would be secondary to His primary assignment of saving souls and preaching about the Kingdom.
I can imagine Jesus in our time being a very well informed young man who can persuade and debate on about any issue of life, what a pleasant person He will be to talk to. Because of His knowledge of agriculture who knows if he would want to be a farmer? I doubt it. But it's easy to assume He would go round visiting farmers and being a blessing to them and probably blessing their land and farm crops.
What hobbies would Jesus have in today's 21st century modern age? He would definitely like fishing as a relaxation sport or hobby, I can imagine a JESUS who wold join a fishing club where HE goes fishing with friends and has some of the most miraculous catch of fish either in size or quantity. I see Him using such sessions to teach and lecture about the Kingdom.
He will very likely have a good appetite! He will like all sorts of nice food and probably drink non alcoholic wine, He will very likely be adventurous with food and he will enjoy being invited by partners and friends for lunch or dinner. He will enjoy being visited or visiting others.
How would He transport/move around today? He would probably own a very nice car. Perhaps just one good, nice car, which can be debated that the virgin donkey He rode on into Jerusalem represents. I don't know if Jesus would own an array of cars today, but as a young man He might have a interest in cars. I don't think He will own a fleet of cars. He could ride in taxis, take the train and tube if need be and even walk when He has to. After all walking was the major way He moved around in Bible times.
As a single young man, there will be many ladies who desire to marry Him, especially in the christian circles. Who wouldn't want a competent and miracle working husband? He will very likely have multitudinal followings on twitter that the likes of lady Gaga and Beyonce would envy, and His facebook page will attract many likes. I can imagine Him being a very friendly young man who gets on with children, he would probably serve in the children's church or the children's ministry of a church, he would be a blessings to the children, carrying them and blessing them. I would definitely want Jesus to carry my son and befriend him. Would He carry His Bible about in public? Probably not, because He was the Word in flesh, He was a living, walking, talking Bible. But I don't see Him  being ashamed of the gospel. He'll probably take one with Him when He is going to church on Sunday or have one handed to Him whenever He is in church like we see Him do in the temple according to the Bible.
 As one of the followers of Jesus and a young man myself, understanding how he would live and compose Himself in these times is necessary, not just to me but every one who is a sincere follower of my Lord so that we can do what He would want us to do and live how He will want us to live and conduct ourselves the way He will want us to conduct ourselves.

THE BOKO HARAM MENACE

As a Nigerian I am concerned about the situation of things in my country Nigeria. I should be, and every responsible Nigerian should be concerned. The situation of things in Nigeria calls for concern.
Unemployment is massively high at the moment, the education sector is a shadow of what it used to be, we have not made the most of our tourism potential, we don't have stable power supply yet, the level of poverty is still huge, opportunities for the Nigerian youth is limited in many ways and worst of all security is not in place.
The level of insecurity in the country is high and my reasons for typing this is not far fetched.
Anyone who has been reading the papers and listening to the news will know Nigeria has not been a stranger in the last few years when it comes to disturbing world events.
Sometimes I don't know if I should weep for Nigeria, get angry on her behalf or just give up hope that things will be get better for my country. I can only hope against hope that things will get better for her as I have no other country I can call my own and I have family in Nigeria.
It's sad and unfortunate that the President of my country has not shown real leadership since the abduction of 273 girls in Borno State Nigeria by Islamic extremists (Boko Haram) but has been more concerned about a forthcoming election that is not even sure to hold. The world has eyes on Nigeria over this matter. 
It's about time President Goodluck Jonathan shows more remorse and true leadership over this matter. This is not the time to play politics, use lame diplomacy, or give excuses about the situation of things in the country. This is the time our commander in chief should rise up, demonstrate firm and true leadership, get our girls back, comfort Nigerians as a true political father should and rekindle the faith of Nigerians in the country which is at an all time low at the moment. He should paint a picture in our minds of the great potential the country and it's future has.
Boko Haram has become a menace and a disgrace to Nigeria and Nigerians! That diabolical and satanically motivated sect has become a plague and a blight on the country. The nation has the power, the resources and the military to get rid of them. That's why it baffles me that the President has not used the military might and intelligence he has around him to get rid of these cowards who are picking on innocent, vulnerable Nigerians, more recently innocent young girls who were going about their business trying to get an education.
How can some so called extremists be so depraved and archaic in this modern day and age?The kidnap of these young girls has become a global issue. This is not the type of rubbish Nigeria should be in the news for. Nigeria is a beautiful country that has enormous potential, man power, natural resources, lots of brilliant citizens, world class brains, and great weather and land for agriculture.
Nigeria has successful individuals world wide who have made an impact in various fields of life. But with this Boko Haram plague and menace troubling the country, all those qualities will hardly be considered or seen by the international community.
The leader of Boko Haram even had the audacity to send a video defying the nation, threatening and belittling the nation and scaring us by telling us that they will marry and sell of our daughters. What kind of distorted mindset do these charlatans have?
There is nothing that inspires like true leadership! Nigerians need true leadership!
This is the time for our President to swing into action, let him inspire us by his action, let his care for the nation revive our hopes. This is one of the many things Nigerians want to see and thirst for.
The Boko Haram threat reminds me of the Biblical Goliath and the nation of Israel. All the men of war in Israel had been rendered powerless on the battle front by fear as a result of Goliath's threat, Goliath's size and Goliath's battle history. In the same manner Boko Haram is using the fear strategy to hold a nation captive, they have maimed and destroyed lives, brought tears to many families, they have the bombs and the machine guns and they have been using them without mercy, they have probably become the Presidents greatest nightmare, just like Goliath became a forty day nightmare to King Saul. But hope came in the form of the shepherd boy for the nation of Israel, David the shepherd boy was the answer to Israel's prayers.
David being the answer to ridding the nation of Israel of their threat is symbolic of the most unlikely person or methods being the answer to national issues.
Boko Haram boasted that they have more sophisticated weaponry than the whole of Nigeria. Just the same way Goliath trusted in his armour and weapons. 
"Some trust in chariots, others in horses but we will remember the name of the Lord"
Perhaps the answer to the Boko Haram menace Nigeria is facing is not in our President or government, who knows? After all God's ways is different from ours.Whatever, whoever and wherever the answer may be, I hope it manifests soon. I hope our 'shepherd boy' will come with the solution we need. I hope our anointed one or anointed ones will come with the solution we need and rid Nigeria of this shame!
May God answer the prayer of Nigerians. Peace be upon Nigeria

THE NEXT BIG THING!

Imagine what it would be like if you had the power to see into the future,if you had the power to foresee events, if you had the power to predict the future. Wouldn't that be great?
You would know what to do to avoid costly mistakes, because you would see those mistakes before they happen. People would seek you out for your gift and ability and even be willing to pay you huge sums of money for the 'service' and help you can render them.
Of course, with such an ability you would be rich! You will know the winning ticket to buy for the lottery, the winning numbers to pick for that money giving quiz show and the government and other external agencies and bodies will seek your guidance in finding out how to solve future problems and how to avoid them.
Fortune 500 companies will seek you out to receive clarity about the future, so as to position themselves for relevance in the ever competitive business and financial world.
There is something about the human race that feels a need to know the future. Perhaps it's because of the fear of the future many people feel, or the insecurity that comes about as a result of our limitations as a people. Many people feel uncertain about the future, some fear facing the future, and many feel powerless when it comes to the issue of the future.
Perhaps this is part of the reason mediums and psychics make a fortune out of many.This is the reason many who claim to be 'prophets' and seers also make a good living. I believe there are true prophets or seers who have an ability to see into the future of a nation or an individual, depending on the revelations by God's Spirit given to them. I also believe such true prophets are perhaps in the minority in numbers.
With an ability to see the future, a technology company, a business investor and innovators would know what to do next to be above their competition and what the next big thing will be.
Hmmnn, the next big thing.
I believe proper positioning is one of the keys to success. There are people who are not the smartest of people, the shrewdest of business men or the most educated individuals but by some good fortune of being positioned at the right place at the right time they have found themselves at the top.Such positioning is what we christians call divine direction or divine guidance.
If only man could see into the future.
There was a time young men who pursued a career in football were not taken seriously, it was young men who were school drop outs, young men who were seen as less bright and not having a future that were relegated to football careers.But today all that has changed, football is one of the highest money generating sports in the world! If only some parents had foresight back then, perhaps their talented boys would have benefit from football being the next big thing if  their parents supported them when they showed an interest in it back then or had the privilege of being signed up by club sides.
Who knew microsoft would be the next big thing in the area of software and computing when it was starting off in a garage by a relatively unknown boy who was seen as a geek?
Who knew the impact and influence google would make as a company to the information age we are in when two young men came together to start it or the reach and success facebook would attain when Mark Zuckerberg started it as a social means of keeping in touch with his peers from University?
Who knows what the next big thing will be or who the next big 'thing' will be so we can invest in it, in him or her now before the world knows it.
I guess we never know.
That's why we are human, we have our limitations and our vision is limited when it comes to these matters.
Only God knows what and who the next big thing will be. And we need His strategies and direction
The best we can do is to be nice to one another, be sensitive and observant.
Like we say in Nigeria, "shine your eye"