BEWARE OF WRONG MOTIVES

But Peter replied, "May your money be destroyed with you for thinking God's gift can be bought! You can have no part in this, for your heart is not right with God." - Acts 8:20-21

In the book of Acts, we read about a man named Simon, who was a sorcerer, an occultist. He had a lot of people under his influence when the apostle Philip came along, preaching the gospel in Samaria.

As people were coming to faith and miracles were being performed, Simon realized that he had to change his racket.

So we read in Acts 8:13 that Simon himself believed and was baptized. He followed Philip everywhere and was astonished by the great miracles he saw.

When the apostles heard what was happening in Samaria, they sent Peter and John there. And so Simon approached the apostles and offered them money because he saw God's power working through them and wanted to buy it.

But Peter told him, "May your money be destroyed with you for thinking God's gift can be bought! You can have no part in this, for your heart is not right with God.

Repent of your wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive your evil thoughts, for I can see that you are full of bitter jealousy and are held captive by sin" (Acts 8:20-23).

Simon showed by his actions that he never was a believer. Yes, he was baptized. (And if you are a Christian, you ought to be baptized.) But just because someone is baptized doesn't necessarily mean he or she is a Christian.

This shows us that people can be in a godly place, around godly people, and not have it affect them in the right way.

As it has been said, the same sun that softens the wax hardens the clay. The grace of Jesus Christ, if it does not convert a person, plunges him or her into deeper darkness.

The purpose of our Christian call is not for grabbing material possessions but service to the Kingdom of God. So check your motives!

Prayer: Lord, create in me a clean heart.

Scriptural Reading: Acts 8:20-9-25

Prayer for new week

Your name will no longer be on the waiting list for miracles. It is your turn to gain the attention of

The Almighty God. God will relief you of every burden you have been carrying since time immemorial. The person who will help you will not give up on you in Jesus Name!

Anything you lay your hands on shall prosper. Everyone you meet shall favor you, cos this is your week of divine favor and visitation. The Lord shall revive you and everything about your life. Joy, peace and good health shall be yours and every member of your family in Jesus name. 

Happy New Week from us ASB-World. 

AVAILABILITY

I am the Lord; that is my name! I will not give my glory to anyone else, nor share my praise with carved idols. - Isaiah 42:8

What kind of person does God seek to use? What qualifications is He looking for in someone? Is it a towering intellect?

Is it natural leadership ability? Could God ever use someone who is a bit shy by nature? Does this person have to be very talented or handsome or beautiful?

The answer to all of these questions is clearly no. It seems as though God goes out of His way sometimes to choose the most unexpected people to use.

If I had to choose one passage of Scripture that I think best summarizes my life as a Christian, it would be 1 Corinthians 1:26-29, where the apostle Paul wrote, "Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world's eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called you.

Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise.

And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. God chose things despised by the world; things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important. As a result, no one can ever boast in the presence of God."

There is not a person who had less promise to achieve anything with his life than me. I was literally the last person picked for the team for whatever sport it was.

I never was academically strong. I always underwhelmed in most areas of my life. So when the Lord chose me to serve Him, it was very clear that it was His doing—not mine.

This is because God will not give His glory to another. As I have said before, God is not looking for ability as much as availability. Are you available to Him?

Prayer: Lord, here I am, use me.

Scriptural Reading: Isaiah 42:6-9

Health: 15 Things Amazing Things You Didn’t Know Toothpaste Could Do

FOR BEAUTY:
Toothpaste contains many useful ingredients that can be soothing and healing to the skin. For this reason, you’ll be able to use toothpaste to help you with the following issues:

1. Pimples. Reduce redness and the size of your pimples with a dab of toothpaste. Let it sit overnight, then rinse away in the morning for a noticeable difference.

2. Brittle fingernails. Since our nails are made of the same enamel as teeth, toothpaste can do a lot to help them. Simply give your nails a good scrub with some toothpaste for cleaner, shinier, stronger nails. You’ll also get that dirt out from underneath them in no time!

3. Fly-away hair. A gel toothpaste is largely made with the same ingredients as basic hair gels, so you’ll be able to substitute easily here. Just use a little dab and apply like a hair gel when needed.

FIRST AID:
Beyond beauty care, you’ll also find helpful ways to use toothpaste in that first aid kit. Keep a small tube tucked inside your kit for these emergencies:

4. Bites, sores, and blisters. Apply toothpaste to areas of skin irritation to reduce itching, swelling, and irritation. Toothpaste will dry them up quickly and help them heal faster.

5. Burns. For minor burns with no open sores, a quick toothpaste application can give you instant relief. The cooling properties get to work right away, relieving that painful sting. In the long-term, toothpaste will keep the burn from becoming a painful, oozing blister.

6. Bruises. For large bruises that take forever to fade, use a little toothpaste and a wide-tooth comb. Apply the toothpaste and gently comb the bruise in one direction to break up the blood clotting beneath the skin. Toothpaste helps with circulation and fights off the inflammation.

FASHION:
Our clothing and accessories can also benefit from many of the ingredients found in the average tube of toothpaste. Give these a try:

7. Jewelry cleaner. Before you pay for someone else to clean it, rub toothpaste onto your silver jewelry and leave it overnight, the wipe it clean with a soft cloth. Give a light scrubbing to your diamonds to see them sparkle again, just be sure to rinse thoroughly. Avoid using toothpaste on pearls.

8. Show care. Scuffed or dirty shoes can look new again with a little toothpaste. Apply it directly to the dull, dirty, or scuffed parts of the shoe, scrub with a brush, and wipe them clean. Ta-da!

9. Clothing stains. Tough stains will disappear with a little toothpaste and some brisk scrubbing. Squeeze it right on the stain and rub until it disappears, then wash as normal. If using whitening toothpaste, be advised that this can have a bleaching effect on some colors and fabrics.

HOUSEHOLD:
Toothpaste can save you money around the house by helping with some very basic tasks:

10. Computer cleaner. Scrub away fingerprints from your keyboard with a white, baking soda-based toothpaste. Follow up with a damp cloth and your keys are good as new!

11. Iron cleaner. Take away the “crusties” from the bottom of your clothes iron with a quick toothpaste rinse. Just be sure to remove all the toothpaste before you start ironing again.

12. Baby bottles. To freshen up baby bottles and remove that sour-milk smell, put some toothpaste on your bottle scrubber and give them a quick wash. Always rinse them very well afterwards.

13. Piano keys. Like computer keys, piano keys get grubby with repeated use from the dirt, oil, and grime on our fingertips. Use a damp cloth and some toothpaste to rub down the keys, then wipe them clean with a dry cloth.

14. Crayon stains. Undo your kids’ damage to the walls with a damp cloth and some toothpaste. Rub it in gentle circles and watch the crayon fade away.

15. Odor removal. After cooking with “stinky” foods in the kitchen (fish, garlic, onions, etc.), getting the smell out of the skin is a challenge. Wash your hands thoroughly with water and toothpaste for a quick and easy remedy.

Health: What The Shape And Size Of Your Finger Nails Says About You

Throughout the centuries there were different ways that could supposedly determine someone’s personality by just one look.

These theories and beliefs often connect certain body parts with the characteristics of a person. Some presume that the size and the shape of the nails can determine the personality.
There is even science called phrenology dedicated to analysing the character features based on the measuring of the skull in the past and it was believed that the proximity of someone’s eyes is a sign of an artistic talent. The current trends are focused on the shape of the nails.
Initially, it started in Asia and since then, it also spread in the west. In principle, everything depends on you and how deeply you read, how much do You really believe in these things, because no matter how precise it is, it is still fun.
Here is the reading according to the photo above. Find your shape and number and read what kind of a personality are you.


nails-forms
1. Vertical long nail – mild temper, precise, creative. These people are generally getting on well with everyone.

2. Wide nails – sincere, without absurdities, short tempered, theoreticians. These people always speak the truth, no matter what and they often give advices to other people.

3 and 4. Round or egg shaped – These people are relaxed, unique, positive and reasonable. They live with their own rhythm and they do not allow small things to destroy their lives, which means they have many long-term friends.

5. Square shape – They are leaders, strong, skillful and brave. Tey are often very serious and people see them as leaders, but they also have a soft side which is reserved only for their close ones.



6 and 7. Triangle or invert nails – smart, perfectionists, innovative, original. It is possible that these people are geniouses and think faster than the others. Usually other people are fascinated by them.

8. Almond shape – True, sincere, friendly, beautiful. These people are very kind although they are standing firmly on the ground when that is necessary, people enjoy their company and love te way they solve problems. source: beextrahealthynow

9. Sword shape – inspirative, productive, visionaries, focused. They are focused on longterm aims and see the “wider picture”, they influence people by reqarding and their positive way.

what do you think now, free free to comment.....

Life is hard work

Grace is available but if God planned for all to just have everything without doing anything, He would be unjust....

That means that He will just take the people who claim that they love and believe in Him and put them in a separate country ...where all that they need to do is just wake up and have everything without doing nothing.

Life is hard work.
It's not for the weak minded. It's not for the faint hearted .Being a born again Christian does not exclude us from the common challenges that come to man. God expects us to stand up and face them like men! Like supernatural men! people who carry something extra!

I read through the scripture in Isaiah
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. (Isaiah 43:2 ESV)

We love to quote this scripture, maybe if we actually read through carefully, we can understand that the provision of God is that of sustainence through these difficult situations.

Waters mean it's a huge depth and large volume.its big enough top physically drown you. God didn't say that you will bypass the water , neither did He say that a boat will carry you sisters....when you PASS THROUGH....YOU WILL ACTUALLY PASS , BUT IT'S THROUGH not when you sink in....

When you WALK THROUGH THE FIRE...walking in fire means that the heat and the flames are there...or else it won't be a fire! See that again, it's THROUGH!!!!! It will be very hot.

God has told us in these scriptures that He knew that these things are designed to destroy, but for is the power to destroy has been taken off of them....it's like putting a lion in a zoo after the sharp strong teeth have been removed, it's roaring , but it's pangs are gone.

You can't afford to be feeble...NOW, DON'T PANIC

What exactly would make God say something repeatedly?

Why does He lay emphasis on a particular thing again and again.

“Moses my servant is dead. Get ready! Cross the Jordan River! Lead these people into the land which I am ready to hand over to them. No one will be able to resist you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not abandon you or leave you alone. Be strong and brave! You must lead these people in the conquest of this land that I solemnly promised their ancestors I would hand over to them. Make sure you are very strong and brave! Carefully obey all the law my servant Moses charged you to keep! Do not swerve from it to the right or to the left, so that you may be successful in all you do. This law scroll must not leave your lips! You must memorize it day and night so you can carefully obey all that is written in it. Then you will prosper and be successful. I repeat, be strong and brave! Don’t be afraid and don’t panic, for I, the Lord your God, am with you in all you do.” (Joshua 1:2, 5-9 NET)

God says
Be strong and brave
Be strong and brave
Don't be afraid, Don't panic!

I was wondering what God saw or planned..... This is my conclusion...

Strong....that means something will challenge your strength
Be brave.....that means that something will questions your boldness and your reserve
Don't be afraid...that means something will try and make your knees go weak with fear.
Don't panic....that means that something will hope to get you running helter-skelter in confusion.

This day,

We need to remember these.....

The pangs are already taken care of
There is no running away from what is ahead.
We know the result before the exams....God says we are going through. That means the minute we started was the minute the end became nearer.
Whilst you are going through , DONT PANIC, BE BRAVE,
Again, DONT PANIC, BE BRAVE. BE STRONG AND BRAVE....

The only thing standing between you and your testimony is you agreeing that YOU REALLY DONT HAVE ANYTHING TO LOSE... God has got your back and your front, even your sides....

At least, God said it repeatedly, just to get your attention.....He knows that the situation will look scary, yet, He says ....DONT GET SCARED......breathe in and out and say it slowly.......ITS GOING TO BE ALRIGHT....I have God working in me and brining me out of this seemingly scary situation. I don't fret and I don't panic, Halleluyah.
I forge ahead, I get results, I refuse to be a weakling.

By sis Bola.

PRACTICING THE PRESENCE OF GOD

Enoch walked with God. Genesis 5:24

The true test of a person's spiritual life and character is not what he does in the extraordinary moments of life, but what he does during the daily grind of everyday life when there is nothing tremendous or exciting happening.

In the 1600s, there was a monk named Brother Lawrence who was a dishwasher in his monastery.

He made a profound discovery that is true for every believer in the workplace today.

"For me the time of activity does not differ from the time of prayer, and in the noise and clatter of my kitchen, while several persons are calling together, calling for as many different things, I possess God in as great tranquility as when upon my knees at the blessed Sacrament."

You see, he found no urgency for retreats, because in the common task he met the same God to love and worship as he did in the stillness of his closet. It is this kind of life that Jesus desires for each one of us.

Enoch was also a man that practiced the presence of God. The Bible does not give a detailed account of his life. All we know about him is that "He walked with God."

In fact, it says in Genesis 5:22 that Enoch walked with God 300 years! Wow! That is faithfulness! What does it mean to practice the presence of God daily?

It means we are constantly talking to our Heavenly Father about the issues in our day. It means praying about things as they come up.

It means stopping at a red light and praying for the person God brings to mind. It means singing a song in your car while you are sitting in traffic. That is practicing the presence of God.

Prayer Point: Thank the Lord for His ever abiding presence.

Scriptural Reading: Genesis 5:18-24