As we step into this new year, let us recognize that it is not just a calendar shift but a divine invitation to something greater. The year is loaded with four major things, that are all part of God’s perfect plan for us. Each of these elements plays a vital role in shaping our journey and drawing us closer to God’s perfect plan. Let’s uncover these four treasures together and learn how to embrace them with unwavering faith.

1. OPPORTUNITIES

The year is loaded with countless opportunities. Whether in your career, ministry, relationship or personal journey. Opportunities will arise, but they are reserved for those who are prepared and ready to embrace them. Preparation is crucial because these opportunities can come at any time. It may come early, mid-year, or even as late as December. You know what will happen if you lack the necessary skills, wisdom, or qualifications to seize them? To avoid missing out, start preparing now. Whether it’s acquiring a certificate, learning a new skill, or growing personally, take action today.
Some opportunities do not require elaborate preparations. Sometimes, it’s simply about cultivating discipline, gaining a basic skill, or devoting time to prayer. Prayer can be transformative, opening doors you never imagined. Praying for divine guidance or connections can lead you to individuals or networks that will help shape your future. The beauty of divine timing is that the people who will influence your life may not yet be in your life, but you could meet them this year and their impact could be profound.
Opportunities often present themselves in unexpected ways. A minor change could lead to a breakthrough. For instance, relocation or a new career path may feel daunting at the start of the year, but with intentional preparation, prayer, and the right people, by the end of the year, you could find yourself in a much better place.

2. BLESSING

The year is loaded with blessings. Every day is a gift from God, and this year is not exempted. Expect God’s favour to rest upon you in unexpected ways, whether through answered prayers, restored relationships, new beginnings, or financial provision. His blessings extend beyond material wealth, they also include peace, joy, wisdom, and His abiding presence.
Stay anchored in His love and embrace these blessings with a heart full of gratitude. Recognizing and accepting them sets a positive tone for the year. https://www.christianity.com/wiki/christian-life/discover-the-million-little-miracles-hidden-in-your-everyday-life.html

James 1:17 reminds us that every perfect gift comes from above.

3. LESSONS

The year ahead is filled with experiences, both good and challenging. These experiences will offer valuable lessons and It is essential to remain open to learning. Each encounter, whether pleasant or difficult, holds the potential to shape you for the future.
Be attentive to what life is teaching you. Be open to lessons because people and events that cross your path this year will teach you something. Every experience is an opportunity for growth. Proverbs 1:5 tells us, “Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance.”

4. CHALLENGES

The year is loaded with challenges. I know many people will not like this. Challenges are inevitable but serve an important purpose. They often refine us, strengthen our faith, and push us to depend on God more fully. James 1:2-4 reminds us to embrace trials with joy, for they produce perseverance and maturity.
In the face of challenges, God will strengthen your faith and build resilience. Just as gold is refined through fire, you will emerge stronger and more refined. https://www.christianity.com/videos/video-answers/thriving-in-the-midst-of-trials.html Embrace each challenge knowing that God is using it to grow you and bring you closer to Him.
Growth often requires discomfort, and this year may stretch you in ways you didn’t anticipate. While this path of growth may be uncomfortable, it is necessary. Through personal reflection, spiritual disciplines, and new experiences, expect to evolve and mature. Trust that God is using each moment to prepare you for the next.
Moreover, God is ready to equip you with everything you need to thrive. Strength for trials, wisdom for decisions, and peace to guide you. His faithfulness is unchanging, and His presence is constant. As we walk in His will, we can rest assured that He will never leave us nor forsake us.

In Conclusion, as we enter this new year, let us embrace the opportunities, recognize God’s blessings, learn from every experience, and face the challenges with unwavering faith. If we trust God and lean on His Word, we can navigate the year with purpose, gratitude, and assurance. Stay prepared, pray diligently https://www.oshawkins.com/sermons/new-years-day-crossing-over…into-a-new-year/, and remain faithful. This year is filled with possibilities, and how you respond will shape your journey toward a successful fulfilment.

Written and illustrated by Omolola F. Edokpayi

The post IS THE YEAR LOADED? first appeared on ArtPreachiate.

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Life’s challenges and past mistakes may sometimes feel burdensome, leaving you questioning your value, purpose, and even your place in God’s plan. Perhaps you’ve made choices you regret, experienced broken relationships, or been hurt by the consequences of others’ actions. Yet, God’s Word offers hope: your worth is not determined by your past but by His unchanging love for you. His purpose for your life remains valid, no matter how far you may have strayed. How do you move beyond the guilt, heal from the shame, and rediscover the woman God created you to be? This article explores practical steps to reclaim your identity, rebuild your faith, and shine as the virtuous, valuable woman God sees in you.

Rediscovering your worth after making mistakes is a journey of grace, forgiveness, and identity in Christ.

Here are practical steps to help you.

1. Acknowledge Your Mistakes

God does not define you by your mistakes. Acknowledge them but refuse to live under guilt.

Romans 8:1: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

2. Repent and Seek God’s Forgiveness

Confess your sins to God sincerely, knowing He is always ready to forgive.

1 John 1:9: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

3. Embrace God’s Love and Grace

Your worth is not based on your actions but on God’s unconditional love for you.

Romans 5:8: “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

4. Renew Your Mind with God’s Truth

Replace lies about your unworthiness with God’s word.

2 Corinthians 5:17: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”

5. Discover Your Identity in Christ

Always remember and have the consciousness that you are a child of God, chosen and loved.

1 Peter 2:9: “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvellous light.”

6. Learn from Your Mistakes and Move Forward

Mistakes are growth opportunities. Trust God to turn them into testimonies.

Romans 8:28: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”

7. Focus on Your Purpose

Rediscovering your worth involves walking in the purpose God created you for.

Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

HERE ARE ANSWERS TO THE QUESTIONS GOING THROUGH YOUR MIND

YES; YOU CAN:

Yes, you can still be trusted and tested. God can still count on you.
Yes, both God and men can still search you out.
Yes, you can still be a shoulder for others to lean on.
You can still be a woman of value, virtue, and good reputation. Men can still rely on you and confidently say they trust you without hesitation.

You can still guide children and young girls, helping them find their path.
Yes, can still trust yourself and take pride in the gifts God has given you.
You can love unconditionally, free from the shadows of your past.
Yes, you can still marry the man you will always thank God for, without complaints or regrets.
You can still have a home and marriage that others admire and aspire to emulate.
Women, wives, mothers, and even mothers-in-law can still look up to you and pray to live a life modelled after yours. Many ladies can still find hope and inspiration in the life you live.
Yes, you can still be a beacon of light, a woman of faith, and an instrument of God’s glory.

Yes, God can still be your priority and everything you need.
Your heart can still be a dwelling place for God, a home where He resides and reigns supreme.
You can shine your light and share the good news of God with others.

In all, you need to make up your mind and follow Christ.https://proverbs31.org/read/devotions/full-post/2023/08/21/jesus-can-heal-that-too

RELEVANT BIBLE TO HOLD ON TO.

1. 2 Corinthians 5:17 – New Creation in Christ
   “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”
   Encouragement to let go of the past and embrace your new identity in Christ.
2. Psalm 37:23-24 – God Upholds the Righteous
   “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholds him with his hand.”
   A reminder that God remains faithful and will guide and restore you.
3. Isaiah 41:10 – God’s Assurance
   “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
4. Matthew 5:14-16 – Be the Light of the World
   “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.”
   A call to shine brightly and inspire others through your life.
5. Titus 2:3-5 – Guidance for Women
   “Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live… to teach what is good. Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husband so that no one will malign the word of God.”
6. Philippians 4:13 – Strength Through Christ
   “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
7. Ephesians 2:10 – Created for Good Works
   “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”

Written and Illustrated by Omolola Edokpayi F.

The post HOW TO REDISCOVER YOUR WORTH AND GOD’S PURPOSE (1). first appeared on ArtPreachiate.

The post HOW TO REDISCOVER YOUR WORTH AND GOD’S PURPOSE (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?

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Fathers are often seen as the breadwinners and providers in the family, however, their role goes beyond just being a provider.

What are the other things a father can do?

1. DECISION MAKING: They should play an important role in the upbringing and education of their children, involved in making decisions regarding their children’s education and well-being.
2. INSTILLING DISCIPLINE AND MORAL VALUES: They should teach their children the principle of right and wrong and help shape their character.
3. They are expected to be involved in their children’s social and emotional development, spending quality time with them, engaging in activities, playing games, and providing emotional support.
4. BE A ROLE MODEL: They must be a role model to their children, teaching them about responsibility, respect, and hard work.
5. They should also play a significant role in the spiritual development of their children by leading the family in religious activities, such as praying together or attending religious services. Also, they must strive to pass down their faith and beliefs to their children, ensuring they have a strong spiritual foundation.

In conclusion, fathers are essential members of the family unit. They are not only providers but also play vital roles in the education, discipline, emotional support, and spiritual development of their children.

What happens when you neglect your role as a father? Another person will fill the vacuum.

Then who else can be a father?

Written by Omolola Funmilayo Edokpayi

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