WHY YOU MUST MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICE!

In this article I would like to address the youth and discuss the fact that "CHOICES DETERMINE CONSEQUENCES." In the last chapter of the Old Testament book of Joshua, he was giving the nation his final message. Joshua ends his address with what has become known as one of the most powerful and courageous testimonies in all of scripture. In his old and perhaps quavering voice, he shouted in verses 14-15,

"Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD. (15) And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."

He knew these people had the POWER OF CHOICE.

They could choose to serve the false gods, and the idols their ancestors worshipped.

They could choose to serve the gods of the Amorites, whom God had overthrown from the land.

They could choose to worship and serve the God of heaven who had given them their life and this great land.

FIRST: This was an INDIVIDUAL choice. The verse says: "Choose you …" Each and every one of you have made or will make thousands of choices. You have or will be making choices whether to:

*Obey or to disobey your parents.

*Obey or disobey your pastor.

*Obey God or not to obey God's Word,

*Go to school every day, or not to go to school and face the consequences.

*Commit to keep yourself pure until marriage, or not to keep yourself pure and pay the consequences that will scar you the rest of your life.

*Lie or tell the truth about a situation.

*Commit to being in the house of God each and every Sunday, or to come only when you feel like it.

*Live in harmony with your family, or to live in utter disharmony and anger all the time.

*Finish school and go onto college, or quit school and then go from job to job wondering why things are so hard for you.

*Accept God's gift of eternal life though faith in Jesus Christ to one day spend all eternity in Heaven, or to reject God's gift of eternal life and one day die and go to Hell.

It's up to you; you have the POWER OF CHOICE.

SECOND: This is an IMMEDIATE choice, "Choose you THIS DAY…" This is a choice you must make TODAY, not tomorrow or when you grow older. The decisions you make in your life TODAY will impact you in the days and the years to come. Remember this:

Life has Choices… 
Choices have Consequences… 
Make the RIGHT Choices.

You have to decide whether or not you believe that this book, the Bible, is the absolute and final authority, the very Word of God. Your decision will have a decided impact on the direction of your life. Let this thought sink into your mind:

"There is no such thing as a small decision. Every decision is vital for this reason–decisions determine other decisions. Little decisions affect big decisions later. And each decision affects destiny.

THIRD : This is an INTENT TO SERVEchoice. The reason for this decision is to choose whom you will serve. No man is without service to someone. You will either serve God or Satan. You can make the choice to practice righteousness or iniquity. The choice is actually in your hands. God did a wonderful thing when He placed within our hands the power of choice. We are free moral agents, who have the ability to make vital choices and exercise our intellect in matters that affect our immediate and eternal future. Remember this:

Life has Choices… 
Choices have Consequences… 
Make the RIGHT Choices.

But also realize this: when God gave us the ABILITY to choose, He also gave us the RESPONSIBILITY to make the right choice. Every privilege carried with it a responsibility. God has clearly laid out for us in the Bible right and wrong, life and death, Heaven and Hell.

God said, "Here is right and here is wrong. You choose what you are going to do."
God said, "Here is Heaven and here is Hell. You choose where you are going to go."
God said, "Here is peace and here is turmoil. You choose which you want in your life."

Now although you can make choices, you cannot determine the outcome of those choices. You cannot choose what takes place as a result of your decision. The consequences are already fixed.

Galatians 6:7 tells us, "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting." KJV. You can make the wrong choices, but you can't decide the outcome. The outcome is already fixed. You CAN decide to do your own thing, but you WILL reap what you have sown.

When the Law was given to the children of Israel, Moses said in Deuteronomy 11:26-28 these words: "I set God's Word before you, and it is both a BLESSING and a CURSE. It is a BLESSING if you make the right choice and choose to obey. This same Law is going to become a curse to you if you choose to disobey." As your MINISTER, I can't make the right choices for you, nor can your best friend make the right choices for you.

We can tell you the TRUTH. We can point you into the RIGHT DIRECTION. We can protest when we see you making the wrong decisions, but if you decide to do it anyway, we really can't stop you.

All we can say is, "Go ahead, but you'll be sorry." The consequences of the wrong decision are fixed, AND WHAT YOU WANT IS NOT WHAT YOU'RE GOING TO GET.

You have the awesome POWER OF CHOICE, and YOU are responsible. You hold your destiny in your hands.

*The choices people make today are going to decide whether they go to Heaven or Hell.

*The choices you make today will decide what your life will be like five, ten, or even twenty years from now.

*The choices you make today will determine whether you will reap the BLESSINGS from God or the CURSES of the world.

GOOD CHOICES are paid for in advance. Before Daniel ever got to Babylon and was ever tempted by sin, he had already determined he was going to do right. In Daniel 1:8 we read,"But Daniel PURPOSED in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank…"

*It takes Character to make the right choices when the wrong choices are more convenient.

*It takes Character to make the right choices when the wrong choices are more popular.

*It takes Character to make the right choices when the wrong choices are more prosperous.

*It takes Character to make the right choices when the wrong choices are more enjoyable.

RIGHT CHOICES must always be paid for in advance, before you enjoy the results of your right decision. Victory in the Christian life and the power of God are paid for in advance by making the right choices when the wrong choices are available.

BAD CHOICES are paid for AFTER they are experienced. This is like the use of CREDIT CARDS as they do in the USA. You whip those things out like there is no tomorrow. You buy and you spend. You enjoy all the freedom, until one day in the mail there arrives this itemized list and with it a bill. Not only is there a bill for all you owe, also there is this 14% interest tacked on to the final balance. Now you must pay the price for all that enjoyment. That's a very clear picture of making wrong choices.

Wrong choices are always paid for after they are experienced.
Many people who make wrong choices are deceived by the devil into thinking that there is no price at all, until the decision has already been made and experienced, and it is too late to change.

Remember there is a time of sowing, and there is always a time of reaping. Someone said,

1. You always reap exactly what you sow; you cannot expect to sow one thing and reap a crop of something entirely different.
2. You always reap later than you sow; the sowing may seem to be innocent and innocuous, but those seeds sown will come up after a while.
3. You always reap more than you sow; one tiny seed may multiply itself may times over in the future.

There is always a day of reckoning where the wrong choices will be paid for with interest. Please listen, "NO MATTER WHAT STAGE OF LIFE YOU ARE CURRENTLY IN, TODAY YOU ARE LAYING THE FOUNDATION UPON WHICH  YOU MUST LATER LIVE.

*David made the wrong choice, and it cost him trouble in his family.

*Jonah had his own way, but he paid for it in the belly of the whale.

*Lot had the convenience of "Easy Street" in Sodom, but he lost everything that he had a little later.

*The prodigal son had worldly pleasure for a short season, but he paid for it in the hog pen.

God has placed in your hands the POWER OF CHOICE.

It costs something to make the right choice, whereas it costs more to make the wrong choice.
Right choices are paid for in advance.
Wrong choices are paid for after they are experienced.

It will cost you a little now to obey, but it will cost you a whole lot later to disobey. The choice is yours. You can pay now, or you can pay later. You hold your destiny in your hands.

Over the years I have watched many teenagers make choices, some made the right choices and they reaped blessings. On the other hand there were others who made the wrong choices and reaped curses and destruction in their lives.

Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes 12:1 these words, "Remember now thy CREATOR in the days of thy YOUTH, while the evil day come not, nor the years draw nigh when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them." Then King Solomon draws all this to a conclusion in 12:13-14 when he says, "Fear God" (that implies faith); "Keep His commandments" (that implies obedience to God's commandments which are found in the Word of God). Now notice the verse concludes with: "This is the whole duty of man." The whole duty of man is to believe God and obey His Word.

As we consider our lives and the ministry which the Lord has entrusted to us, it is wise, I believe, that we consider the seeds we are sowing. If we want a blessed, fruitful tomorrow, we are well advised to sow wisely today. Every choice we make has a consequence.

Instead of dealing with consequences when the harvest comes in, we would do well to deal with our choices in the season of sowing. The day of reckoning is always preceded by the day of reasoning. If we will yield ourselves to scriptural authority in the time of reasoning, we will be well served in the time of reckoning.

Choices! Choices! Choices! They are unending! There are decisions to be made every day. Take thought in these choices. Use godly wisdom rather than the rules of expediency. The consequences will be forthcoming based on how the choices are handled. Make the right choices today in anticipation of happy consequences tomorrow! THE CHOICES OF TODAY DETERMINE YOUR CONSEQUENCES, either BLESSINGS or CURSES.

I don't know the choices you want to choose right now, that business startup, that education? That job? That marriage partner?  All I know is that when you connect to the owner of the mental faculty you will always have the better choice.

David never lost any battle because he always enquired of the Lord before making any choice.

1Sa 23:2 "Therefore David enquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go and smite these Philistines? And the LORD said unto David, Go, and smite the Philistines, and save Keilah."

1Sa 23:4 "Then David enquired of the LORD yet again. And the LORD answered him and said, Arise, go down to Keilah; for I will deliver the Philistines into thine hand."

2Sa 2:1 "And it came to pass after this, that David enquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah? And the LORD said unto him, Go up. And David said, Whither shall I go up? And he said, Unto Hebron."

You need to always inquire from the Lord to acquire your heritage.

Keep soaring and be blessed with multiple wisdom from heaven to make the right choices.

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Clique Africa Employability Training Workshop and Internship Placement. APPLY

The issue of graduate unemployment in Nigeria has become a national concern as the unemployed youths tend to be more anxious, depressed and unhappy with their attendant sleeplessness than those with jobs. Studies have shown that there is wide chasm between graduate turnout and graduate employment and there appears to be wide chasm between the required skill set needed in today's work environment and that which most graduate leave school with. This picture is more worrisome especially when statistic shows that in Nigeria over 8million unemployed youth are readily applying for jobs where less than 500,000 are needed and amongst the 500,000 only 50,000 has the required skills, knowledge and personal attribute needed to meet the challenging needs of employers, a growing economy and the society at large; hence the need for a consistent employability skill training which takes into account the limited skills an average job seeker or even business owners possess and needs to get a job, retain a job or expand their businesses.

Employability skills are not specific to one particular occupation or industry - they are skill set required for working in today's changing environment and into the future. Because business and industry now require a broader range of personal and skills; Clique Africa has develop eighteen different modules that would help learners meet the demands of modern day business and workplace challenges. This program is expected to train twenty-five young people from different works of live in the eighteen different skills, boost their confidence, make them employable and post learners to different organization to work as a full-time employee, Internship or as Volunteer for up to six month and get paid(Stipends) in the process.

OBJECTIVE

To enhance the academic, personal and professional development of learners to meet the changing needs of employers, economy and the society.

To provide information that would assist in building learners understanding of industries and workplace expectation.

To give learners hands on workplace experience by placing them on internship that would enable them meet the economic and social "demands "challenges of 21st century.

TARGET PARTICIPATE

• Graduate, Student, Jobseekers, Entrepreneurs and Intrapreneurs between the ages of 18-35

INFORMATION

Telephone

+234-8095575972

Email

ep@cliqueafrica.com

Website

http://www.cliqueafrica.com

 Apply Here: http://www.cliqueafrica.com/employabilityprogram.php

• From 2014-09-01 to 2014-09-05‎

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Delaying Sex After Marriage, Greatest Rewards.

With the upward trend of cohabitation as a trial marriage, couples who wait to have sex until marriage are quickly becoming a minority in western countries. 

The general consensus is that exploration of sexual compatibility before the lifelong commitment would lead to a better marriage and by not doing one's marriage will be adversely impacted. If such belief were true, does it mean saving sex for marriage would lead to a worse marriage? 

A study in the American Psychological Association's Journal of Family Psychology indicates that waiting after marriage not only does not harm a relationship, it actually provides many benefits. 

 A statistical analysis showed the following benefits enjoyed by couples who waited until marriage compared to those who started having sex in the early part of their relationship 

Relationship stability was rated 22 percent higher. Relationship satisfaction was rated 20 percent higher Sexual quality of the relationship was rated 15 percent better, Communication was rated 12 percent better. 

The longer participants waited to be sexual, the more stable and satisfying their relationships were once they were married. Gender had a relatively small influence on the dependent variables. 

For the other dependent variables, the participants who waited to be sexual until after marriage had significantly higher levels of communication and sexual quality compared to the other two sexual timing groups. So even for couples who didn't wait until marriage, the benefits of delaying sexual involvement in their relationship still can be felt, although they were about half as strong. 

"Most research on the topic is focused on individuals' experiences and not the timing within a relationship," said lead study author Dean Busby. 

 "There's more to a relationship than sex, but we did find that those who waited longer were happier with the sexual aspect of their relationship," 

Busby added. "I think it's because they've learned to talk and have the skills to work with issues that come up." 

Sociologist Mark Regnerus of the University of Texas at Austin, who was not involved with this research, read the study and shared his take on the findings. 

 "Couples who hit the honeymoon too early – that is, prioritize sex promptly at the outset of a relationship – often find their relationships underdeveloped when it comes to the qualities that make relationships stable and spouses reliable and trustworthy," 

said Regnerus, author of Premarital Sex in America: How Young Americans Meet, Mate, and Think about Marrying*, a book forthcoming from Oxford University Press. 

Because religious belief often plays a role for couples who choose to wait, Busby and his co-authors controlled for the influence of religious involvement in their analysis. Busby concludes, 

"With the sample in this study it is clear that the longer a couple waited to become sexually involved the better their sexual quality, relationship communication, relationship satisfaction, and perceived relationship stability was in marriage, even when controlling fora variety of other variables such as the number of sexual partners, education, religiosity, and relationship length." 

The result of this study should give one more reason to delay sex until marriage, since it benefits people who do so, regardless of religiosity.

References:

1. Brigham Young University. "Couples who delay having sex get benefits later, study suggests." EurekAlert. (accessed April 12, 2014). 

2. Dean M. Busby, Jason S. Carroll, and Brian J. Willoughby. "Compatibility or Restraint? The Effects of Sexual Timing on Marriage Relationships," Journal of Family Psychology 24, no. 6 (2010): 766–774. doi:10.1037/a0021690

Curled From: ‎www.premaritalsex.info

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Separating The Business From You. By Strive Masiyiwa

When most entrepreneurs start their businesses, they are usually very small, and even informal. They work hard, usually with the support of family and friends, without any proper salary structures, or regular payments. Sometimes when they borrow money, they are forced to secure such loans using personal assets, like their home.

This is common around the world.

It can also create serious problems for you, if there is a downturn in the economy, or if something goes wrong.
I once went through a very painful experience, when one of my businesses, was forced into bankruptcy. Some of my creditors took me to court, and were given orders to attach the assets of the business, as well as my own personal assets, including our family home, and car. They were all auctioned. It was a bitter, learning experience, which I would not wish on anyone....
So what do you do?

To begin with, do not operate your business informally. Register it properly, as a "limited liability" company, with the assistance of a lawyer. Make sure you purchase a of copy of your country's company code. Every self respecting business person, should have a copy of their country's company code.
Under that company code, your business is a "legal personality", separate from you. Make sure you fully understand what that means. And please don't bombard me, with questions about it; its your homework.
Since we first talked about it, you should be working with a Book keeper, who helps you with your accounting records. And if you are bigger, hire a full time accountant.
You should have a lawyer that you meet regularly, at least once a month, to talk things over.

Always, always, always.... Know your rights, under the law. And do not be afraid to enforce them, even when dealing with a government department.
Make sure you have a relationship with a professional lawyer, who makes time for you, and enjoys business matters, rather than criminal law.
With your book keeper, sit down and agree how much salary, every person gets. With the assistance of your legal advisor, draw up a simple contract of employment for everyone, including yourself, and your relatives, that are employed in the business.

Be modest in what you pay yourself, and do not exceed it.
.... It does not matter how small your business, or social enterprise is: do it, otherwise you will never grow into a big organisation.
Think of your business, like a it were a "person", quite separate from you. Starting a business, and growing it, is rather like having a child, and raising it to adulthood. It goes through exactly the same phases:
there is a baby phase, an infant phase, school going phase, adolescent phase, young vibrant adult, and mature phase. The successful entrepreneur, is one who ultimately understands each phase, and helps the business to grow into a healthy, and independent adult, who can also take care of its parents.

Finally, be sure that you meet your obligations as a citizen. Pay your taxes, both corporate and personal. It does not matter, that some of the biggest guys that you know don't pay taxes: shame on them... You are better than that, because you are a "nation builder".

End.

Author : Strive Masiyiwa

Regards,

Nonye Okolie,

Life is Transient
"Non nobis solum nati sumus"
(Not for ourselves alone are we born)

Have you visited Stone Origin Network's blog today?
An online Transformation Hub for young people.

Visit: www.stoneorigin.net
TWITTER: @stoneorigin
PHONE NUMBER: 08086134637
BB PIN: 24D33E8F
Skype: nonyesweetness
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/stoneoriginnetwork

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EVENT: Dare To Dream Conference 2014

We are delighted about the 2nd Dare To Dream Conference for Secondary School students at the Panland Conference Hall, km 32 Badagry Expressway, Lagos on the 14th May, 2014.

The knowledge, expertise and active engagement that will be shared will greatly contribute to the depth and breadth of this important event. We believe that young people should be guided and encouraged to believe in their dreams and that the realization of their dreams will play a role in the individual and economic development of our nation.

The following young dynamic people will be speaking at the conference to our over 200 participants from 30 secondary schools in Lagos and Ogun States.

Aameenah Yunus-Ali: Project Director for United for Kids Foundation.

Victor Anyanwu: Medical Practitioner and Social Media Strategist.

Tomi Odunsi: Singer, Actress and Model.

Daniel Ajumobi: Intrepreneur and Motivational Speaker.

Omobolanle Olowu: Entrepreneur and Fashionista.

Pheel: Song writer, Musician, Contestant at The Glo X Factor show.

It is our goal to inspire young people in our nation to Dare To Dream. We believe that this conference will serve as a nurturing ground for the development of future leaders and ideas.

Theme: Inspiring Future Leaders

Venue: Panland Conference Hall, km 32 Badagry Express Way, Lagos, Nigeria.

Date: 14-05-14

Time: 10am

This event is FREE.

NextGen Africa as a young initiative is open to partnership/sponsorship contribution towards this event and the development of young people in Nigeria. Every gift/donation will be appreciated. 

For enquiry Contact:   

Joshua Alade   
Creative Director     
‎NextGen Africa   
Joshalade@gmail.com         

08086055213

Every Child Counts, Every Dream Matters!!!

Every Child Counts, Every Dream Matters!!!

Life is Transient
"Non nobis solum nati sumus"
(Not for ourselves alone are we born)

Have you visited Stone Origin Network's blog today?
An online Transformation Hub for young people.

Visit: www.stoneorigin.net
TWITTER: @stoneorigin
PHONE NUMBER: 08086134637
BB PIN: 24D33E8F
Skype: nonyesweetness
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/stoneoriginnetwork

Thank You.

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