LESSON FROM A VEGETABLE VENDOR.

Today, I strolled through the market, seeking to buy some essentials. A woman’s stall of fresh vegetables caught my eye. From a distance, the woman looked up from her work and smiled at me, as if she recognized me. I approached the stall, picked up two small assortments of vegetables, and we began to haggle over the price, trying to stay within my budget. After some negotiation, I found the price too high and decided to leave without buying. Later, after purchasing other items, I decided to return to her stall for the vegetables I had previously priced.

As I approached the stall again, she spotted me, recognized me, and smiled warmly. “Welcome back!” she said. Her smile and words provided me with a sense of relief. I told her, “Your price is not fair, and there are others that are cheaper.” She explained why her prices were set that way, and I ended up buying the vegetables. She appreciated my return, which meant a lot to me

While the vegetable seller’s price was not the lowest, her genuine smile and personal touch made the transaction feel more like a friendly exchange than a mere business deal. Her smile left a lasting impression. She didn’t take my initial leaving personal, she didn’t insult or abuse me for leaving and didn’t take my return for granted, unlike some other traders.

ADVICE TO BUSINESS OWNERS

She taught me a valuable lesson: despite inflation and economic challenges, we should not let these issues affect our emotions.

We are in a country (Nigeria) where the economy has taken a harsh turn. Market prices are shocking, traders are angry and many people are burdened by recent financial struggles.

In a country facing economic difficulties, your smile and words can become a beacon of hope and solidarity, reminding everyone that compassion can bridge even the toughest times. Bitterness or anger towards clients or customers will not make you richer; it will only make you less appealing, as my husband always says. A smile and a helping hand can make a significant difference.
In the business realm, the way we communicate with our customers can influence their perceptions. Your aggressive words or anger toward them can be detrimental, not only damaging relationships but also harming the long-term success of your business.

(Proverbs 15:1 A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.) https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=bible.kingjamesbiblelite

Remember, we need one another to grow our businesses. Our price may not be the most favourable, but our words can encourage people to return.

EFFECT OF BITTERNESS AND ANGER

I recently read that chronic bitterness and anger can contribute to health issues such as anxiety, depression, and high blood pressure. So, don’t let business challenges or economic crises affect your well-being.https://dailypastor.com/the-danger-of-bitterness/

Written and illustrated by Omolola Funmilayo Edokpayi

The post HOW TO RELATE WITH YOUR CUSTOMERS DURING ECONOMIC CRISES (1). first appeared on ArtPreachiate.

The post HOW TO RELATE WITH YOUR CUSTOMERS DURING ECONOMIC CRISES (1). appeared first on ArtPreachiate.

Influencing children is an essential aspect of parenting, as this can be a powerful way to instil values and principles. Here are some strategies to influence their lives positively along with relevant scripture:

1. LEAD BY EXAMPLE: Dear parent, your actions speak louder than words. Therefore, live your life in a way that your children can see and emulate.
   Be a role model. Children learn by observing their parents. Therefore demonstrate the qualities and behaviors you wish to instill in them.

Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

Also (Matthew 5:16) Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

2. TEACH THROUGH STORIES: Share biblical stories and parables with your children, Discuss its teachings and help them know how to apply the lessons in their lives.

_Deuteronomy 6:6-7 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.
_
“( _2 Timothy 3:16 ) All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

3. PRAY TOGETHER: Pray with your children regularly, both individually and as a family, inviting God’s presence and guidance into your lives. Also, teach them how to pray, and let them know the purpose of bringing their joys, issues, and requests before God daily. This will give you peace and help them in the future.

Philippians 4:6: Be careful for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”

Matthew 19:14: But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.

4. SHOW UNCONDITIONAL LOVE: Demonstrate love, acceptance, and forgiveness toward your children, just as our Heavenly Father loves us. Do not compare them or show favouritism among them.

1 Corinthians 13:4-5 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

5. MEMORIZE THE SCRIPTURE: Encourage your children to memorize verses from the Bible that symbolize important principles and values. Also, connect the scriptural teachings to real-life situations.

” Psalms 119:11: Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

6. ENGAGE IN OPEN COMMUNICATION: Create an environment where your children feel comfortable expressing their thoughts. Listen attentively, show empathy, encourage them to ask you questions and be ready to provide guidance and wisdom when needed.

Read Proverbs 18:13: He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.

7. PROVIDE GUIDANCE AND CORRECTION: As a parent, you need to offer loving guidance and correction when needed, using biblical principles as a basis to instil discipline and moral instruction.

Ephesians 6:4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

8. ENCOURAGE COMPASSION: Teach your children the importance of kindness and compassion as a family. Involve them in community service projects and encourage unity among them.

According to 1 Peter 4:10 1: As every man hath received the gift, even s,o minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

And lastly, Give your children quality education and be available when they need you.

Remember, as parents, your ultimate trust and reliance on raising and influencing our children should be in God. Seek His guidance and wisdom as you influence their lives. Furthermore, incorporating scriptural guidance into your parenting approach will help you to influence them in ways that nurture their spiritual growth, moral development, and relationship with God.

Written and illustrated by Edokpayi Omolola. F

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A Day of Thick Darkness
A Day of Gloominess
A Day of Clouds
A Day of Calamity
A Day of Mourning
A Day of Destruction
A Day of No Escape for the Wicked

So, make an alarm and tell others that there is a Day of the Lord. Let everyone tremble because the Day of the LORD is at hand (Joel 2:1-12, 30-31).

A Day of Earthquakes, but the LORD will be the hope of His people and the strength of the children of Israel (Joel 3: 14-16).

A Day of Stumbling for the proud and all those who do wickedly.
A Day of Burning, where neither root nor branch will be left.
But unto you who fear the LORD, your name shall be saved (Malachi 4:1-2).

Turn back to the Lord and repent. The Day of the Lord is around the corner. It’s at hand, so be alert. Let us not be caught unprepared in Jesus’ name.

Question: When is the Day of the Lord? Will it occur before or after the Rapture has taken place?

The post HOW THE DAY OF THE LORD WILL LOOK LIKE. first appeared on ArtPreachiate.

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As a Christian, here are 15 important things you need to focus on in this new month.

1. GOD: You should strive to spend quality time in worship, prayer, and studying the scriptures. Seek God’s guidance, wisdom, and strength in the new month. Meditate on God’s word and allow it to shape your thoughts and actions. Also, reflect on personal spiritual growth.

(Colossians 3:16) Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

2. ATTENDING CHURCH SERVICES: Strive to participate in corporate worship. Do not neglect the fellowship of the brethren as this can grow your faith and encourage one another.

(Hebrews 10:25) Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another.

3. PRACTICING LOVE AND KINDNESS: Strive to follow Christ’s example by showing love, kindness, and compassion to humanity. Look for opportunities to help the needy, lend a listening ear, and share God’s word. Furthermore, use your skills to benefit others.

(Colossians 3:14) And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

4. SEEKING HOLINESS: Strive to live a life that honours God in all areas (your thoughts, words, actions, and relationships). Rely on the Holy Spirit’s power to help you overcome sin and pursue righteousness with peace.

(Colossians 3:8) But now ye also put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.

In addition, there are other things you may want to consider focusing on. These things cannot be neglected in our lives, but we need to seek first the kingdom of God. (Matthew 6:33)

8. GOAL SETTING: Take some time to reflect on your goals for the month. Identify what you want to achieve and break it down into actionable steps. Also, rely on God’s power to help you.

9. PRIORITIZATION: Consider the important tasks and prioritize them accordingly. Focus on the high-impact tasks that align with your goals.

10. TIME MANAGEMENT: Cultivate a schedule to effectively utilize your time. Allocate specific time for different tasks to ensure you stay organized and productive.

(Ecclesiastes 3:1) To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven.

11. PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT: Invest in your personal growth by reading books, taking online courses, or attending programs related to your interests or career. Seek opportunities to enhance your skills or knowledge. You can also take on projects to further your career development.

12. HEALTH AND FITNESS: Make conscious efforts to take care of your physical and mental health. Set time for exercise, sleep, practice mindfulness, and eat a balanced diet. Prioritize self-care activities that help reduce stress and engage in activities that bring you joy.

13. RELATIONSHIPS: Nurture your relationships with family, friends, and loved ones. Plan activities or quality time together to maintain strong connections.

14. FINANCIAL PLANNING: Review your financial situation and develop a budget for the month ahead. Set savings goals, track your expenses, and make necessary adjustments.

15. EVALUATION: Take time to reflect on your progress at the end of each week or month. Examine what worked well and what could be improved, and make necessary adjustments for the next month.

Remember, personal circumstances and priorities may differ, but every day is an opportunity to grow. Let these areas listed above guide and motivate you. But in all your doings, acknowledge God. Happy New Month.

The post 15 Crucial Areas to Focus on for a Successful New Month. first appeared on ArtPreachiate.

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I have read and heard about the false accusations, the mockery, the lashes, the shame, the pain, and the death yet we still call the Friday a good one. Despite the suffering, I wonder why today is called Good Friday! Are you also in that shoe? Okay, let’s read.

This Friday is called “GOOD” because of:

1. The redemption and salvation it brought to mankind: Jesus’ crucifixion and death on Good Friday fulfilled the purpose of His coming to earth. Through His sacrificial death, He paid the price for the sins of humanity, thereby offering redemption and salvation.
   • John. 3:16 For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
2. The forgiveness of our sins: Through Jesus’ suffering, we were granted the opportunity to receive forgiveness for our sins. Jesus willingly endured the punishment for sins, granting every one of us access to the Father.
   • (Isaiah 53:5). But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
3. The reconciliation of man with God: On Good Friday, the suffering of Jesus Christ reconciled humanity with God, restoring the broken relationship caused by sin. Through Jesus, we can now have a personal and intimate relationship with the Father.
   • (Romans 5:10). For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
4. The heavenly access: Jesus’ suffering and death unlocked the way for believers to have direct access to God’s presence. Through Jesus’ sacrifice, believers can now approach God with confidence and commune with Him.
   • (Hebrews 10:19) Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,
5. The victory over death: Although Jesus suffered and died on Good Friday, His resurrection on Easter Sunday demonstrated his victory over sin and death. Through his resurrection, all who accept Jesus Christ untill death have the hope of eternal life.
   • (John 11:25-26).
     • Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
     • And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?

All these Bible verses emphasize the profound purpose behind Jesus’ suffering and why Good Friday is called “Good.”

In conclusion, Good Friday is called “good” because it holds great significance and hope for all who believe in Jesus Christ as Lord.

If you have any other or more reasons why this Friday is called “good”, you can drop it in the comment section. You can also read more from https://www.crosswalk.com/special-coverage/easter/why-is-it-called-good-friday.html

By Omolola F. Edokpayi.

The post 5 Reasons why Good Friday is called Good despite Jesus’ suffering. first appeared on ArtPreachiate.

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