LEAVING AND CLEAVING

Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. Genesis 2:24

The objective God has in bringing a man and a woman together can captured in two very important words: Leave and cleave.

The King James Version say "Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh."

The word "cleave" means to glue or to cling. So to leave and cleave is to sever and bond, to loosen and secure, or to depart from and attach to.

A successful marriage begins with leaving. In effect, you leave all other relationships.

The closest relationship outside of marriage is specified in Genesis 2:2.4, implying that if it is necessary to leave your father and mother, then certainly all lesser ties must be broken, changed, or left behind.

This doesn't mean that when you get married, you are no longer a son or a daughter or a sibling.

But what it does mean is that you have a new, primary responsibility, and that is to your spouse.

You must still honour your mother and father, but leaving has taken place.

Leaving implies giving other relationships a lesser degree of importance. You still can have friends, but your best friend should be your spouse.

Having members of the opposite sex as friends can be problematic at best, and potentially, destructive at worse.

Most adultery happens through close contact and relationship, not mere sexual attraction. So be very careful. Your best friend should be your husband or your wife.

In Malachi 2:14, God said of the relationship between a husband and his wife, "Yet she is your companion and your wife by covenant."

The word "companion" used here means someone united with another in thoughts, goals, plans, and efforts.

Are you united with your spouse in this way?

Prayer: Bring all marriages before God, and ask Him to bless them with peace, joy, and prosperity.

Scriptural Reading: Genesis 2:24

Why I Don't Tell My Children About Santa, Hmmm !

It's not that I have something against the friendly, old guy with the red suit and reindeer. I like his belly laugh and think it's cute that he has a perpetual twinkle in his eyes. Even so, my husband and I have decided to ban Santa from the Christmas activities at our house. 

Before I get to the whys of our decision not to include Santa at Christmas, let me get this off my chest. Santa is not a doctrinal issue. Santa isn't even an issue that defines good parents or good Christians. Lots of people I know who love the Lord and love their kids tell their children about Santa. And to my knowledge no one has been scarred for life by the fairy tale of Santa and his eight tiny reindeer. 

I'd just like to start a conversation about the reasons why I've decided the story of Santa is best untold to the little ears on my watch. Here are the reasons we've opted not to tell our children about Santa. 

• We want them to understand what happened in the manger as clearly as possible.  

Noel Piper wrote a great blog about her own decision not to tell her children about Santa. Her logic helped me crystallize my own reasons for leaving Santa out of our Christmas conversations. She writes: 

"We want our children to understand God as fully as they are able at whatever age they are. So we try to avoid anything that would delay or distort that understanding. It seems to us that celebrating with a mixture of Santa andmanger will postpone a child's clear understanding of what the real truth of God is. It's very difficult for a young child to pick through a marble cake of part-truth and part imagination to find the crumbs of reality." 

• Santa has some God-like characteristics.

"He sees you when you are sleeping. He knows when you're awake." In other words, Santa is omnipresent and omniscient—he sees everything and knows everything. In reality, these are characteristics reserved only for God. 

When pressed about our reasons for not teaching our kids about Santa, my wise husband usually says something like this: 

"We don't think they can understand the difference when we say, there is an Easter bunny who brings you presents if you're good, but he's not real. There is a tooth fairy who knows when you are sleeping and brings you money if you lose a tooth, but she's not real. There is a Santa who brings you gifts if you are good, but he's not real. And there is a Jesus who is always watching you and wants to give you good things, but He is real." 

It just seems plain ole' confusing to ascribe attributes of God to fictional characters and then have to explain the difference between those characters and a living God some day. 

• Santa is soft on sin.  

No one actually gets a lump of coal for Christmas. It doesn't matter how bad my children behave, there will always be gifts under the tree. I think it might be confusing to them to hear that Santa is keeping a list of their rights and wrongs, but there won't really be any consequences for their sin. Also, that long list of naughties and niceties doesn't really speak much to the gift of grace. Especially since Santa always checks the list twice. 

• We want our kids to know where presents come from.  

Our gifts are already under the tree. Our kids know that we bought them, we wrapped them, and we can't wait to give them to them! They understand that those gifts cost money out of our pockets. It's not that I want to hold over their heads the financial sacrifices that come with giving gifts to them, but I do want them to be grateful, both to us as their parents, and to God who provides us with jobs so we can have money to buy gifts. Santa has a whole city full of elves making gifts all year long. Those gifts don't cost anybody anything. I think that makes them easier to disregard and be ungrateful for. 

• Because of the baby in the manger.  

The most important reason we have opted not to include Santa in our Christmas is because it isn't about him. It's about Immanuel—God with us! I know there are many other good things that creep into our holiday celebrations such as time with family, good food, and gifts, but I don't want anything to distract my kids from the wonder of the King who came to earth to die for their sins. It's not worth taking the risk of allowing a fella as jovial and generous as Santa to do just that. 

What about you? What will you do to keep your family focused on Jesus this Christmas?

Source:charismamag.com

ECHOING IN ETERNITY

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. 2 Corinthians 5:10

In the film, Gladiator, Maximus Decimus Meridius, leading his troops into battle, declared, "What we do in life echoes in eternity."

That is a true statement. What we do in life echoes in eternity. We act as though everything that can be done must be done during our life on earth, and we must do all that we can with our time, abilities, and resources.

There is a great element of truth to that, because we certainly don't want to waste our lives.

And when life is cut short or hindered by a disability or an illness, when a child—or a young man or a young woman dies, it is a big loss.

Each life should be lived to the full to the glory of God. But there are people who live wicked lives, who do nothing with what God has given them and opposed God in every way—even doing damage with their lives.

Those who live godless and selfish lives are considered blessed in our present society.

The end now justifies the means. They say to themselves, 'let's eat and drink, tomorrow we die."

Why do we think that way? Because we think all that will happen will happen in this life, and then it is over.

But that is not what the Bible teaches. The Bible teaches that life goes on, and God will judge our every action.

We must remember that death is not the end of life but a continuation of it in eternity.

We will appear before the judgment seat of God, and each of us will be rewarded according to our works.

Whatever sacrifices you are making for God's kingdom will be made up to you.

God will not be your debtor. I am completely confident that on that final day, you will recognize that it was worth it all.

Prayer: Lord, help me to live for eternity.

Scriptural Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:1-11

Prayer for new week

There shall be no more afflictions, there shall be no tragedy. You shall not die young; the God of Heaven will give you long life, prosperity, and good days to enjoy His blessings in your life in Jesus mighty name. 

Receive supernatural favour to accomplish what you've started.  May you and your household experience angelic visitation in Jesus name, 

Happy New Week from us ASB-World.

JUST MOVING AWAY

Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?" John 11:25-26

Everyone is immortal. Everyone lives forever. Whether you are a Christian or an agnostic or an atheist, you live forever.

Every Buddhist, every Hindu, and every Muslim lives forever. Every person lives forever. We won't stop existing. But the question is, where will we live forever?

Let's say that I bought you a one-way plane ticket and told you, "I am going to send you off on a journey next week."

You get excited and start packing your bags. But before you get excited, the thing you need to be asking me is, "What is the destination for this one-way plane fare?"

If the destination is Siberia, don't be too excited. But if the destination is Los Angeles, then get excited.

In the same way, the issue is not whether we will live forever as much as it is where we will live forever. And according to the Bible, there are only two options: heaven or hell.

When you put your faith in Jesus Christ, you go to heaven. And in a sense, you don't die. Jesus said. I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die".

I am not in denial. I understand that the body breaks down and sometimes shuts down quickly—unexpectedly, even. I understand that when we die, we are placed in a grave. But I know that in another sense, we don't die.

General MacArthur, in his famous televised speech in April 1951, stated, "Old soldiers never die; they just fade away."

Well, we could also say, "Old Christians never die; they just move away." And where do they move? They move away to heaven.

Prayer: Because of my faith in you, O Lord, I know I have passed from death to life.

Scriptural Reading: John 11:25-26

MOVE WITH COMPASSION

For out of much affliction and anguish of heart 1 wrote to you, with many tears, not that you should be grieved, but that you might know the love which I have so abundantly for you. 2 Corinthians 2:4

Even before Titanic arrived on the big screen in 1997, people have been fascinated by its story, perhaps because there is so much to it.

Clearly, many mistakes were made that led to its sinking. Although it was called the unsinkable ship, it sank. And it sank relatively easily.
We know that 1,500 people perished in an icy grave. We know there were not enough lifeboats on board.

We know that many of them went out half-full, some with only four or five people when they had the capacity to carry at least 60.

But one of the greatest tragedies about the Titanic is the fact that while there was room in the lifeboats, no one went back to save anyone else. They had rowed out a distance from the sinking vessel because they were afraid of its suction.

Survivors said they could hear the screams of the people as the Titanic finally disappeared below the surface.

Here were people in lifeboats that had room. They could have rowed back and pulled others in. Yet they did nothing about it.

They waited for about an hour, and then they went back. By then, they were only able to save a handful of people. They waited until it was too late.

Right now, there is a lost world around us. People are going down, and we have room in our lifeboat. Do we care enough to go and pull them on board?

Do we care enough to do something for them?

Prayer: Lord, touch my heart to touch the world with the good news of Your Kingdom.

Scriptural Reading: 2 Corinthians 2:1-11

Have you wondered why someone hates you without cause?

"I always hated your guts," a woman laughingly told me after church one night. "It wasn't anything you did, I just couldn't stand who you are." She said this with a smile, and I was stunned. I hardly knew this women and had no idea that she hated me. To this day I've wondered why she felt compelled to tell me.

This reminded me of when I had a line of girls standing in front of me to ask for my forgiveness. The pastor had preached how we needed to forgive one another and encouraged the listeners to ask for forgiveness if they were offended with someone. This young lady asked me to forgive her because she was jealous of me.

Their were several girls after her to tell me the same thing. Again, I had no idea that I was inciting jealousy. I never thought of myself as outstanding or beautiful. I was just trying to make it through college working 20 to 30 hours a week.

To this day I don't know why I inspire women to hate me. Women that hate me have actually helped me work hard at being free from offense. Since so many women have asked me for forgiveness, I've never felt the urgency to do that to someone else. If I have a problem with someone, I usually take care of it by praying.

If I feel the person is causing physical harm or that the offense is serious, then I try to talk to that person privately. I would rather have innocence and a pure heart towards someone than be a stumbling block for them. I've learned that God places a premium priority on how we relate to our brothers or sisters in the faith or people who we are close to. The first act of strife between Adam and Eve affects us today. And the first murder between two brothers because of envy, competition, pride and jealousy, opened the door to more darkness in mankind.

We see the long-term affects of hate in 1 John 2:9-11:

"Whoever says he is in the light but hates his brother is in darkness even until now. Whoever loves his brother lives in the light, and in him there is no cause for stumbling. But whoever hates his brother is in darkness, and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes."

When you hate the people that are close to you, you open yourself to darkness and confusion. Love removes any stumbling block in you. The benefits of loving your brother or sister are:

* You walk in the light. You have nothing to hide and you have a transparent life.
* You will not stumble or make a mistake or a blunder.
* You will know where you're going.

Hating your brother or sister is too costly. Forgive your brother or sister over and over again. Learn to love them unconditionally and you'll enjoy a life full of the light of God. And another takeaway here is to never feel compelled to go ask someone for forgiveness. I don't see one Scripture in the Bible that states you have to go ask for forgiveness.

I see Scriptures about confessing your sin to one another, but not a verse that you need to go tell someone that they offended you. Colossians 3:13 states, "Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive."

Did I have to forgive that woman who told me she hated me? No because I had nothing against her. I hold no grudge against that woman and I hope for the best for her. The girls that formed in the line in front of me became good friends that are still in my life today.

Leilani Haywood

Today is 12-12-14, If it had not been the Lord who was on our side

Psalm 124 .1-8

1 If it had not been the Lord who was on our side, now may Israel say;

2 If it had not been the Lord who was on our side, when men rose up against us:

3 Then they had swallowed us up quick, when their wrath was kindled against us:

4 Then the waters had overwhelmed us, the stream had gone over our soul:

5 Then the proud waters had gone over our soul.

6 Blessed be the Lord, who hath not given us as a prey to their teeth.

7 Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers: the snare is broken, and we are escaped.

8 Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

Happy 12-12-14 from ASB World to all our fans.

THE MESSAGE PROCLAIMED

How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? 

And how shall they hear without a preacher?

And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!" Romans 10:14-15

From the original Greek, we could translate the final question in Romans 10:14 as, "How shall they hear without one preaching?"

The Phillips translation puts it this way, "How can they hear unless someone proclaims Him?"

Therefore, we see the emphasis is not on a preacher, but on preaching. We may think the work of evangelism is only for those who are called to be evangelists.

Granted, there are people in the church whom God has raised up to be evangelists, and certainly evangelism is not limited to those who preach to hundreds or thousands at a time.

I have seen many individual believers who obviously have this gift. While it is true that some are called to be evangelists, it is also true that every Christian is called to evangelize.

Many times, however, we avoid sharing our faith, deciding instead to just live it out, be a good witness, and leave the preaching to others.

Yet in 1 Corinthians 1:21, it says, "For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe."

This does not mean that we need to scream and yell and wave a Bible to get the point across.

What it does mean is that we are to recognize the primary way God has chosen to reach the lost through the proclamation of the gospel by people.

God has chosen the agency of His proclaimed Word to bring people to salvation.

Prayer: Lord, empower me to spread the good news of Your kingdom everywhere I go.

Scriptural Reading: Romans: 10:5-17

Relationship: Why You Need to Man Up and Show Her Some Affection

It's not uncommon to find couples that are dating to be holding hands, hugging or even just being

close.

I can remember many times walking down the mall walkway and seeing young couples all over each other, or even being out at dinner with my wife and seeing couples that are just having a little too much fun. We've all seen those couples.

What I failed to recognize as I looked at these couples was my relationship with my wife. At that point, we had been married for about four years and we just didn't act that way anymore. The chase was over. The mystery was fading and I figured our relationship was fine with or without me trying to hold her hand or put my arm around her.

It was true that some of the mystery was gone, but it was wrong of me to think that our relationship didn't need some kind of affection anymore. Hear me out.

Practical Experiences

Think back with me for a few moments to when you were dating your wife. How often would you hold her hand while driving? How often would you move closer to her when you were at the movie theater? How often would you put you arm around her when sitting next to each other? I can honestly say I did all of these things while I was dating my wife. What about you?

But what about more recently?

As I mentioned above, it was about four years into our marriage that I stopped doing many of these affectionate things to my wife. Our marriage was already crumbling, so why would I want to do something nice for her? Why would I want to hold her hand if she didn't do certain things for me? Why would I want to pull her in close?

I was looking at love in all the wrong ways. I was looking at myself and my needs rather than her and her needs. I decided to make some changes and here are a few reasons why:

1. She's waiting for you to make a move. I've learned from my wife that there is no limit on how much affection I can show her. In a sense, her cup is always going dry and needs filling up. Even after a few years of marriage, even if there has been some turmoil in the marriage, she still wants you to make a move. So make it!

2. Your hand is better in her hand than in your lap. When I realized her need for affection, I started to pay attention to it a lot more. A quick example is when we're driving in the car together. There were many times when I would think about holding her hand or resting my hand on her leg, but I wouldn't make the move. I've come to learn that my hand does much better in hers than just sitting on my own lap.

3. You may not have another chance. Just like I mentioned the issues of "time and routine" in a recent post, I'll bring up the point again here. Time can play funny games with us and make us think that we have plenty of it. But if we look at time in a more mature way, we'll come to realize that it's short and it's not always guaranteed. You may not have another chance to make the move and hold her hand or put your arm around her. So as I said, make your move.

What's Holding You Back?

It's a simple, yet necessary question to ask after stating some obvious points in the paragraphs above. What's holding you back? What's keeping you from "making moves" on your wife again? What's halting your desire to show affection again?

I once had a long discussion with a couple that was experiencing this kind of issue. They had been married for 15-plus years and the relationship was bruised and battered at this point. But in all of that, the wife's request always stuck out to me. All she wanted was for him to show affection to her in public. She wanted him to embrace her around friends, to hold her hand when they walked into a crowded area or just put his arm around her when other friends were nearby. It might sound strange, but it was her cry and call for affection. It was the type of love that she needed from him, and he wouldn't do it. He just couldn't understand why he would need to do that type of action for her. We didn't accomplish a lot that night.

But now that you understand that mindset and idea, here are a few ideas I've come up with on what might be holding you back. Consider each point carefully and see if they are the things impacting your marriage.

• Your peers around you. I believe there is some confusion when it comes to what is manly these days. It doesn't consist of what you look like or how well you are dressed. Instead, I feel there is great manliness expressed in how well a man treats his woman. When men are around other men, it can be hard to embrace your wife in an affectionate way and still feel like a man. I think that's a lie our culture feeds us these days. I like to believe that embracing my wife around my friends is one of the strongest moves I can make in front of them. Don't be intimidated, but rather set that standard. Show off to everyone that you're proud of your wife and that no matter where you are, she deserves to be treated well.
• Your selfishness. It will blind your affectionate actions to your wife instantly. As soon as you feel the push to embrace her, you'll automatically think about your needs and at what level she is meeting them. If you can assess quickly and find her to be up to par, then you might make a move. But if you find it to be the other way around, you clam up in selfishness and pull back on any type of move. Instead, try to behave in a way that once you make a move, you open the door for her to have a desire to make a similar move for you later. Set the standard men; don't wait for it.
• Your fear. There were many times I held back just out of useless fear. I'd know what she would want, but I wouldn't do it. What if she didn't like it? What if she pushed away from me? What if I do it this time and she expects it again? Right? I think I hit the nail on the head with that last one. Fear will keep you from showing affection that first time, but embracing or pushing past that fear will yield returned rewards that will make you want to do it again. Make a move and discover it for yourself!

Simple Ways to Take Action

With all of that said, or if you just scrolled down to this last section, my encouragement to you is to man up and show her some affection. Here are only a few examples for you to consider. Add some of your examples in the comments:

• The next time you go for a drive together, go for it and hold her hand.
• The next time you are at the movies or church, go for it and put your arm around her (pull her close).
• The next time you are in a crowded area, keep her close as you guide and protect her.
• The next time you are having a dispute, grab her hand and ask her to pray with you.

Source: charismamag.com

Prayer for new week

God will do a quick work in your life. He will grant you supernatural speed for unusual

accomplishments. As the year winds to an end, expect doors of opportunities to be opened to you.
Your testimony has started in Jesus name.

Happy New Week from us ASB-World. 

YOU ARE NOT GOD'S ADVISER

For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has become His counselor? Romans 11:34

Jesus had dropped a bombshell on the disciples. The Bible tells us, "From that time Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day" (Matthew 16:21).

Can you imagine how shocking this would have been? Look at the details in this verse. Jesus had alluded to these things previously, but now He spelled them out plainly.

In the original language, the word Jesus used for "killed" speaks of a violent death. Imagine what the disciples must have been thinking.

Whoa! What? Lord, what are you talking about? Being killed? How could that ever be a part of any plan?

So Peter decided to straighten Jesus out. The Bible tells us, "Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, 'Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!' "

But Jesus shot back and said, "Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men".

Peter was trying to give God counsel. Have you ever done that? I know that I have—on many occasions.

We inform God of our plans and then ask Him to bless them. We start telling God what to do. It has been said that you can't stop a bird from flying over your head, but you can stop it from building a nest in your hair.

While we can't stop a thought from knocking on the door of our imagination, we don't have to invite it in and make it our house guest.

As Peter learned, there are things we think that we should not say. You can't be God's adviser.

You can't tell God what to do. We must all submit to God's will, it is not our will but His will that will be done. Wisdom belongs to Him alone.

Prayer: Lord, You are my counselor. Teach me Your ways and direct my path.

Scriptural Reading: Romans 11:33-36

How to Talk to Teens Who Don’t Care About School

When your high-school junior or senior is on the verge of dropping out, what can you do?

David and his wife are struggling with their 17-year-old daughter. Her attitude is, "I don't care about school." She'd rather be hanging out with her friends.

Well, Dad, before exploding, I urge parents to look hard at the reasons behind the behavior. Maybe the child is over committed; maybe she's depressed or has a learning disorder. It could be some family situation that's distracting her—or a boyfriend. It could be substance abuse.

With David's daughter, it was a lack of interest. He decided to take away some of her privileges until she shows herself responsible enough to earn them back.

From there, a father has several options. One approach is to take responsibility for his child's education upon himself. That means checking with the school every day, calling teachers, driving her to and fro and sticking to his guns until she graduates. That's high-maintenance for you, dad, but it may the only way for her to get that diploma.

Or, you can put it completely on her shoulders, and introduce her to the real world.

Say something like this: "I love you, honey, and I want to provide for you. And I can provide for you because I do at least an average job at work. But since you're not doing at least an average job at school, it might be time for you to make your own way in the world. Or if you want to live here, you can get a job, pay room and board, and pay for your telephone, transportation and cable TV."

Often, this shot of reality will motivate a child to apply herself at school. If it doesn't, then you need to set that deadline for her to start paying her own way.

Whatever approach you take, dad, make sure you sit down with your teenager and talk. Talk about her needs and goals and your expectations. If you can, help her see into the future even just a year or two and she may realize that sticking it out will give her more options later on.

And stay calm, dad. Remember that your job is to be helpful and love her through this without being mean-spirited or imposing guilt.

Source: charismamag.com

How to Make a New Year's Resolution You'll Actually Keep

Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass. - Psalm 37:5

Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established. - Proverbs 16:3

Don't set yourself up for failure in 2015. Learn how to make totally achievable goals in the New Year.

As 2015 approaches, you’re probably setting some self-improvement goals for the New Year.

Unfortunately, we all know these resolutions have a very high failure rate, with only eight percent of folks successfully achieving them.

The biggest reason resolutions and health goals fail is that we set unrealistic expectations for ourselves.

When goals are too ambitious, they can become overwhelming and we become easily discouraged.

If you want to lose 100 pounds in a year, but have only lost seven by Valentine’s Day, you may give up altogether because of the lack of motivation and progress.

Another obstacle to achieving success may be overly restrictive goals -- basically anything that includes always or never.

When we feel restricted, we are more tempted to cheat and eat for reasons other than hunger. Sure, it’s possible to totally avoid refined sugar, but without a replacement of some sort you’re setting yourself up for failure.

Tips for Setting Goals and Obtaining Them:

You may have heard of the SMART method of goal-setting, making goals specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-bound, but that is only the beginning.

Also remember to assess your starting point, put your goals in writing, make them positive and set milestones. Here’s how:

Specific:

Writing a book may be a realistic goal -- if you make it specific. Without any direction, you may get stuck before you begin or you may start and stop, changing course repeatedly. If you fail to plan, you’re planning to fail.

Measurable:

Goals that are measurable (or quantifiable) and achievable can be counted, seen, identified, etc.

If your goal is about "feeling better,” you will need to figure out a rating mechanism like the Outcome Rating Scale, which helps you evaluate your quality of life, to keep track and recognize progress.

Attainable:

If you aren't a regular runner already, running a marathon within a year may be extremely difficult. There is little benefit in setting a goal that will only frustrate or disappoint you.

You may need to focus on milestones within a larger goal instead, like running a mile, then a 5K, then a 10K, then a half marathon and finally a full one.

Relevant:

What goals are most meaningful to you? If exercise is encouraged by your doctor, but you are not personally motivated to exercise, you aren't likely to follow through. Make sure you prioritize your goals by what’s important to you.

Time-bound:

Professionally, goals are broken down into steps that need to be taken each quarterly.

Is your due date the end of the year or will you make it more immediate?

This “deadline” can help make or break your goal; again, it may be most advisable to break up a larger goal into smaller pieces with incremental due dates.

Assessed:

Now that you have a good idea of what your goal is, it’s important to assess your starting point. When people set out to achieve a goal, rarely do they start from scratch.

You’re likely to find something that you are already doing at least occasionally that is beneficial to your new goal. These things can be maximized as one of your first steps.

Written:

People tend to achieve 80 percent of the goals they write down. And even though writing it down doesn't make you more likely to stick to your resolution, it does make it more visible and not easily forgotten.

You may want to make a checklist, a vision board or a timeline to help you stay on task. Just don’t file it away; keep it in plain sight.

Positive:

Even if you don't believe in "the secret" of the law of attraction, positive language is encouraging, forward-focused and much more motivating than negative language.

Use "I will" rather than "I won't.” For example, rather than making your goal to "stop smoking," make it "to be smoke free by 2016.”

Milestones:

You’ll be more likely to stick with your resolutions if they are broken down into smaller tasks throughout the year.

For important and personal goals, I would suggest breaking the goal down into more noticeable milestones than quarterly steps.

If your goal is weight loss, the steps do not all have to be a specific number of pounds lost; instead, the goal may be learning healthier recipes.

The more milestones you include, the more positive reinforcement you’ll receive along the way that will encourage further action.

Philippians 4:8

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

You are blessed and highly favoured!

ORUKO OLORUN ( God's names in yoruba language)

Oluwa, (Lord)

Oluwa wa, (Our Lord)

Olorun, (God)
Olorun wa, (Our God)
Oluwa awon oluwa, (The Lord of Lords)
Olorun awon olorun,
Kabiyeesi, (The King)
Oba awon oba,( King of Kings)
Olodumare,( The Almighty)
Arugbo ojo,(Ancient of days)
Olorun agbalagba,( Ancient of days)
Adagba ma paaro oye,(Unchanging God)
Olorun ti o yipada, (Unchanging God)
Olorun kan lailai,( The only God)
Ikan lana,(Same yesterday)
Ikan loni, (Same today)
Ikan lola, (Same tomorrow)
Okan titi aye ainipekun, ( The same forever)
Oba ti mbe nibi gbogbo nigba gbogbo,( the ubiquitous God)
Metalokan,( The trinity)
Olorun Baba,(God the Father)
Olorun Omo,(God the son)
Olorun Emi Mimo, (God the Holy spirit)
Olorun Abrahamu, (God of Abraham)
Olorun Isaki, (God of Isaac)
Olorun Jakobu, (God of Jacob)
Olorun owu,(The jealous God)
Olorun ti kii s'enia ti yio paro, (God that is not man that could change)
Alewilese, (He that can Speak and Act)
Aleselewi, (He that can Act and Speak)
Owibee sebee, (He that Speaks and Acts)
Awimayehun, ( He who Speaks and does not change His words)
Asoromaye, (He who prophesize and comes to past)
Onimajemu,( Covenant keeping God)
Olulana,(The wonderful way maker)
Olorun oro (Word), (The God of spoken work)
Oba to ti o gbe oro Re ga ju Oruko Re lo, (The God who exalts his word more that his name)
Olutoju wa, (Our Keeper)
Onibuore,(God whose barn is full of blessing)
Afunni ma s’iregun,(The God who blesses without asking for reward)
Adanimagbagbe, (The creator who never forgets the created)
Oyigiyigi, (Great and Mighty)
Alakoso orun at’aye, (The God of heaven)
Atogbojule,(Dependable God)
Alagbawi eda,(Defender)
Alagbada ina, (He that covers Himself with fire branded robe)
Alawotele oorun,(He whose underwear is Sun)
Asorodayo,(The god who give joy)
Oba t'o mu 'banuje tan,(God who puts end to sorrow)
Ogbeja k'eru o ba onija,(God who fights for the defenseless)
Jagunjagun ode orun,(The great warrior of heaven)
Olowogbogboro,(God whose hand is long enough to reach at any length)
Olorun awon omo ogun,(The great warrior)
Aduro tini bi akoni eleru,(The faithful God)
Eru jeje l'eti okun pupa,( The Most powerful by the red sea)
Oba t'o mu iji dake roro,(God who commands the storm, peace be still)
Alaabo,(Our keeper)
Oluso,(Our guard)
Olupamo,(Our keeper)
Oludande,(Our deliverer)
Olugbala,(Our saviour)
Olutusile,(God of freedom)
Oludariji,(Our forgiver)
Oba t'o se'gun agbara ese, (God who delivers from hold of sin)
Oba t'o san gbogbo 'gbese wa,(God who pays the price for our sins)
Olorun ajinde,(The resurrected Lord)
Olutunu,(Our comforter)
Olufe okan wa,(My lover)
Oba t'o yan wa fe,(God who has predestined us)
Olusegun,(The conqueror)
Ajasegun, (The conqueror
Gbanigbani ni'jo ogun le,(Our defense in time of war)
Ogbagba ti ngb'ara adugbo,( The Protector)
Oba t'o pin okun pupa n'iya,( God who parted the red sea)
Olorun t'o mu Jodani sa niwaju awon omo Re, (God who parted the river Jordan)
Oba t'o bi odi Jeriko wo,(God who fell down the walls of Jericho)
Olorun t'o kolu Egipiti l'ara awon akobi re,(God who killed the first born of the Egyptians)
Oba t'o ju gbogbo orisa lo,(The almighty God)
Olorun t'o tobi ju gbogbo aye lo,(Greater than all the earth)
Oba t'o da monamona fun ojo, The God who created lightening for the rain)
Aimope ani oje,
Oba to j'ewe at'egbo lo,
Oba to ni owa t'owa,(The God who commands)
Oba t'oni olo, t'olo, (The God who commands)
Oba t'oni k'owa, t'owa, (The God who commands)
Oba t'oni k'omasi, ti o si si mo,(The God who can close a door and no man can open)
Oba t'ao ri, sugbon t'ari ise owo Re,(The unseen God but we can feel his impact)
Olorun t'o n gbo adura, (God who hears prayers)
Oba t'o n dahun adura, (Prayer answering God)
Olorun t'ape t'o n je,(The God that you can call and he will answer)
Oba t'o n dahun adura pelu ina,(God that answered by fire)
Eleda,(Creator)
Akoda aye,(The first among all things)
Aseda orun,(He established the heavens)
Oba t'o fi'di aye s'ole s'ori omi,( He who established the earth on waters)
Oba t'o mo wa (The Potter),
Oba t'o mo wa ( He that knoweth us),
Oba t'o mo ohun gbogbo,(The all knowing God)
Olorun t'o le se ohun gbogbo,(God who can do all things)
Oba ti ohun gbogbo nbe n'ikawo Re,(God who has the whole world in his hands)
Oba to joko soke orun to f'ile aye se itise Re,(He makes the heaven his seat and the earth his foot stool)
Oba ti ntu won ka nibi ti won nti da'na iro,(He who causes confusion in the camp of the enemy)
Atererekariaye,(He spreads out across the earth)
Eletigb'aroye,(The great hear that hears all over the world)
Alatilehin,(Our succor)
Alaanu,(Merciful God)
Oba ti aanu Re duro lailai,(God whose mercies endureth for ever)
Oba alade alafia,(The Prince of peace)
Oloore ofe,(The gracious god)
Olorun ife,(The God of Love)
Olorun ayo,(The God that gives Joy)
Olutunu,(Comforter)
Olubukun,(The blessed God)
Onise iyanu,(Miracle worker)
Onise ara,(Wonderful)
Onise nla,(Great God)
Mimo, Mimo, Mimo,(Holy! Holy! Holy)
Oba t'o ninu mimo,(Righteous God)
Oba alaya funfun,(Immaculate God)
Ologo meta, (The Trinity
Olotito,(The Truthful)
Olododo,(The Truthful)
Iye,(Resurrection)
Aduro gboingboin lehin asotito,(Defender of the Truthful)
Imole ninu okunkun aye,(The light in darkness)
Alagbara l'orun ati l'aye,(Mighty in heaven and on the earth)
Oba ti nyoni kuro ninu ofin aye,(God who rescues from the dungeon)
Atofarati,(Our defense)
Atogbokanle,(The trustworthy God)
Atofokante,(Our Confidant)
Adunbarin,(Worthy to walk with)
Adunbalo, (Worthy to follow)
Adunkepe,(God you can call on)
Apata ayeraye,(The rock of ages)
Atobiju,(The Almighty)
Atofarati bi oke,(Our support and defense)
Apata wa,(Our rock of Ages)
Odi wa,(Our shield)
Alabarin aye wa, (Our companion)
Olupese,(Our provider)
Olugbega,(The lifter of our head)
Oluranlowo,(Our help)
Ireti wa,(Our hope)
Olu aye,(God on earth)
Olu orun,(God in heaven)
Oba ti gbobo oba nt'owo Re gb'ase,(Kings from whom kings take directives)
Adakedajo, (He who Judges silently)
Adajo ma fi t'enikan se,(The just Judge)
Oba ti kii s'ojusaju,(The just God)
Oba t'enikan o le pe l'ejo,(The king that can not be judged)
Oba aseyiowu,(Unquestionable God)
Oba tii s'agan d'olomo,(The god who opens the womb of the barren)
Abiyamo ode orun,(The great mother of heaven)
Atorise,(God who can turn bad situation to good)
As'oloriburuku d'olorire,(God who can remove the inadequacies from ones life)
Arinu r'ode,(God who sees the visible an the invisible,)
Olumoranokan eda, (He who sees the intent of the heart of man)

Oludamoran (The Great adviser)
Baba wa,(Abba father)
Ore wa,(Our friend)
Ibi isadi wa,((Our refugee)
Aabo wa,(our protector)
Oluwosan,(the healer)
Asoku d'alaye,(He who brings the dead to life)
Olorun alaaye,(God of the living)
Oba ti n p'ojo iku da,(God who can change appointment with death)
Oba ti emi gbogbo enia wa l'owo Re,( He who has the keys to our existence)
Oba ti nti t'enikan o lesi,(He who shuts and no one can open)
Oba ti nsi t'enikan o leti,(He who opens and no one can close)
Awamaridi,(Unsearchable God)
Eleruniyin,
Abetilukara bi ajere,(God who is all ears)
Aiku,(Living God)
Aisa,(Faithful)
Oba ti ki sun, ti ki togbe (The king that neither sleeps nor slumbers)
Oba onise nla,(The great worker of good)
Onigbonwo wa, (Our sponsor)
Olorun pipe,(Perfect God)
Olorun rere,(Good God)
Akiri s'ore,(He who goes about doing good)
As'ore kiiri, ,(He who goes about doing good)
Gbongbo idile Jesse,(The root of the tribe of Jesse)
Oba t'o f'oro da ile aye,(He that created all things by his spoken word)
Oba to ti wa k'aye o towa,(He who was in existence before creation)
Oba ti o ma wa nigba t'aye o ni si mo,(He who will remain at the end of all things)
Oloruko nla,(The great name)
Ologojulo,(The glorious God)
Emi ni ti nje Emi ni,(I am the I am)
Oba t'oni gbogbo ope,(He who deserves all praise)
Olorun t'oni gbogbo iyin, ,(He who deserves all honour)
Oba ti ko ni pin ogo Re pel’enikankan,(God that does not share his glory with any man)
Oba t'o ti wa, t'o si wa, ti o si ma wa lailai, (The God that was, that is and that will remain for ever)
Ibere ati opin,(The Alpha and omega)
OBA AKIKITAN,(Eternity will not be enough to praise and honour you, O Lord) By Haykins

Recipe: Crispy Crunchy Apple Crumble

By popular demand a crumble appears at all of our big family dinners. The fruits can change with the seasons rhubarb and strawberries may appear in the spring, peaches and blueberries in the summer, pears and cranberries in fall or winter. The apple spans all seasons and it’s the one that’s requested most of all.

FOR THE FILLING
4 pounds apples (8 or 9, assorted varieties), peeled, cored, and cut into ½-inch slices
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon finely grated fresh ginger
2 tablespoons quick-cooking tapioca or all-purpose flour
⅛ teaspoon kosher salt 

FOR THE CRUMBLE TOPPING
1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 ¼ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1 ¼ cups firmly packed dark brown sugar
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
12 tablespoons (1 ½ sticks) unsalted cold butter, cut into small cubes

Set a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat the oven to 375°F.

FOR THE FILLING
Place the apples in a large mixing bowl. Add the granulated sugar, lemon juice, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, tapioca, and 1/8 teaspoon of salt and gently toss to combine. Spoon the filling into an ungreased 9-inch round, 2-inch-deep pie dish or an 11-inch oval, 2-inch-deep pie dish.

FOR THE CRUMBLE TOPPING
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the 1 ¼ cups flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/8 teaspoon of salt. Add the butter and, working with your fingertips, a fork, or a pastry blender, combine the mixture until the crumbs are pea-size.

Spoon the topping evenly, but thickly, over the fruit filling.

Place the baking pan on a baking sheet or sheet of foil (this will catch any spills) on the middle rack of the oven. Bake until the fruit is bubbling and the top is nicely browned, about 1 hour. To ensure even baking, rotate the baking dish halfway through. (If the top begins to get too brown, cover it with a sheet of foil.)

Serve warm.

Prayer For New Week and Happy New Month.

As the year moves to an end, this last month shall be your best  month. The glory of the latter is always greater. You will experience supernatural favour and unprecedented speed in Jesus name. As you step out this week, remember that God is not limited by your situation. 

Dare to trust Him, He will cause the lines to fall for you in pleasant places. It is your set time of favour in Jesus name. God will use you as a vessel for His glory. As you continue to fix your eyes on Jesus, His grace will be evident in every area of your life. Yes, The Lord will perfect all that concerns you in Jesus name.

Happy New Week/Month from us ASB-World.