by Mark Ibigbami GreatMark | Jun 15, 2017 | Uncategorized |
How often does life mock you? You thought you are a man or woman of faith yet you are easily plunged into thoughts of hopelessness and impossibilities when faced with difficult situations? Oh, you wonder how you know so much and yet you find yourself in this kind of situation?
Oftentimes, you lose respect for yourself, frustrated and humiliated because life mocks you sometimes? Yes, life mocks, sometimes! You may fail at a business, disappointed of an expectation, or beaten by life’s realities. Even though it maybe very painful, yet, you don’t have a reason to give in. The closest to the morning is the darkest part of the night. Therefore, you should know that no matter how dark the sky maybe, there will always be a silver lining. Hold on your joy comes in the morning.
Does a relationship or a situation cause you so much anxiety? Perhaps you’re at the verge of giving up on a situation that has subjected you to much internal struggles. If no good can come out of it, then God will not allow it. I will tell you this, accepting the sovereignty of God will equip you with a deep knowledge that GOD IS IN CONTROL and that HE IS ABLE to reverse the adverse!
When we believe in the sovereignty of God, we can overcome every humanly induced trial because we realize that they are divinely permitted and supernaturally orchestrated. God orchestrates them in such a way that the things that could have paralyzed us only motivate us. This knowledge sets us free from internal struggles, fear and hopelessness.
Shannon Alder said, “Your dignity can be mocked, abused, compromised, toyed with, lowered and even badmouthed, but it can never be taken from you. You have the power today to reset your boundaries, restore your image, start fresh with renewed values and rebuild what has happened to you in the past.” ― Shannon L. Alder
Become Hopeful. Loving God beget Goodness. You’re winning! Yes, we are winning!
“THE PRESENT IS THE KEY TO THE PAST; BUT THE PAST IS NOT THE PRESENT.”
GreatMark
by Mark Ibigbami GreatMark | Jun 14, 2017 | Uncategorized |
Yes, let’s share our thoughts on issues of concerns to you.
Are you trapped in fear, feeling of loneliness, or you are wondering if life is truly worth living? Are you currently in a hurting relationship, or you at the verge of giving up on a situation that has subjected you to much internal struggles? You can talk to us about your concerns. Click the link to share your concerns: https://yeswearewinning.com/contact-mark/
YesWeAreWinning (YWAW) blog:
We seek to communicate the Gospel on social media in a way that is meaningful to both Christians and non-Christians. We inspire hope and motivate people by fueling them with exciting new ideas, positive mindsets, and winning attitudes that will empower them to tackle even the toughest life challenges, and live victoriously.
IF FIVE SPARROWS ARE SOLD FOR TWO PENNIES, WHAT ARE YOU WORTH?
by Mark Ibigbami GreatMark | Jun 12, 2017 | Uncategorized |
“Someone must be hurt, if it ever becomes necessary to bear pains, weather strong wind, or withstand trials or opposition, let it be adults not children...My father is dead, but his arrows are yet soaring in the wind…” These were the words of Bishop T.D Jakes on the issue of child abuse.
As we mark the World Day Against Child Labour today, I called to remembrance the various sad stories of child abuse in Nigeria as well as other part of the world. According to UNICEF, six out of ten children in Nigeria experience emotional, physical or sexual abuse before the age of 18, with half experiencing physical violence.[4][7]
The World Day Against Child Labour is an International Labour Organization (ILO) sanctioned holiday first launched in 2002 aiming to raise awareness and activism to prevent child labour. It was spurred by ratifications of ILO Convention No. 138[1] on the minimum age for employment and ILO Convention No. 182[2] on the worst forms of child labour. The World Day Against Child Labour, which is held every year on June 12, is intended to foster the worldwide movement against child labour in any of its forms.
King David, in his Psalms compared children to arrows. He said, “Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one’s youth.” Psalm 127: 4. Children are living epistles that should stand as evidence to the future that the past made some level of contribution. There are many children of great potentials whose destinies have been compromised and their lives cut short by reasons of abuse and assaults from foolish parents, wicked guardians or senseless individuals.
Although, child abuse is a punishable crime in Nigeria, yet the rate of abuse and sexual assaults has not ceased to be on the increase. Child sexual abuse in Nigeria is an offence under several sections of chapter 21 of the country’s criminal code.[1][2] The age of consent is 18.[3]. One of the traditional means of socialization of children is through trading. However, the introduction of young girls into street trading increases the vulnerabilities of the girls to sexual harassment. Sexual abuse of young girls in Nigeria is linked child labour.
To further explain how children are arrows, Bishop T.D Jakes noted , “Whatever happens, happens. I can accept the fate before me. I was my Father’s arrow and my mother’s heart. My father is dead, but his arrows are yet soaring in the wind. You will never know him; he is gone. However, my brother, my sister, and I are flying, soaring, scientific proof that he was, and through us, continues to be .
So don’t worry about me, I am an arrow shot. If I don’t succeed, I have had the greatest riches known to man. I have had opportunity to test the limits of my destiny. Whether preferred or rejected, let the record show: I am here. Oh, God, let me hit my target! But if I miss and plummet on the ground, then at least I can say, “I have been shot!””
“It is for arrows of this generation that we must pray – they who are being aimed at the streets and drugs and perversion. It is not all of them, but some of them have been broken in the quiver! I write to every empty-eyed child I have ever seen sit at my desk with trembling lips struggling to tell the unmentionable secret. To the trembling voice of every caller who spoke into a telephone a secret they could not keep and could not tell, I write.
I write to every husband who holds a woman every night, a child lost in space, a rosebud crushed before you met her, a broken arrow shaking in the quiver. To those ladies who hides behind the silk dresses and leather purses a terrible secret that make-up cant seem to cover and log showers will not wash. Some people call them abused children. Some call them victimized. Some call them statistics. I call them broken arrows.”
Records have shown that about eight million children of school age are out of school in Nigeria. For the sake of the intrinsic potential that lies in the heart of every child, their fundamental rights must be protected and upheld in every society. As arrows, children go where their parent aim them. Therefore, parents, as well as governments, and individual must be responsible enough to place their children in the kind of bow that will accelerate their success and emotional well-being.
To every child, or adult who have been abandoned, or abused or currently being assaulted, be strong and take solace in the fact that God will always fight for the cause of innocent and helpless children. He withdraws His favour from those who oppress and maltreat others. He fights for the fatherless. Therefore, run to God and put you trust in Him always. Look up, He will come and save you. You are winning! Yes, we are winning!
GreatMark
Reference:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Day_Against_Child_Labour
- Read more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2012/05/child-abuse-the-story-of-the-nigerian-child/
- T.D Jakes: “The Broken Arrows”. Hope for Every Moments devotionals
by Mark Ibigbami GreatMark | Jun 8, 2017 | Uncategorized |
June 8 of every year is the World Oceans Day. It is a global day of ocean celebration and collaboration for a better future.
2017 Theme: “Our oceans, our future”
The oceans cover about two-thirds of the surface of the Earth and are the very foundations of life. They generate most of the oxygen we breathe, absorb a large share of carbon dioxide emissions, provide food and nutrients and regulate climate. They are important economically for countries that rely on tourism, fishing and other marine resources for income and serve as the backbone of international trade.
Unfortunately, human pressures, including over-exploitation, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, destructive fishing, as well as unsustainable aquaculture practices, marine pollution, habitat destruction, alien species, climate change and ocean acidification are taking a significant toll on the world’s oceans and seas.
Peace and security are also critical to the full enjoyment of the benefits that can be derived from the oceans and for their sustainable development. As has been remarked by the Secretary-General: “There will be no development without security and no security without development.”
This year’s theme for the Day is “Our oceans, our future” and is connected to the Ocean Conference taking place from 5 to 9 June at United Nations headquarters in New York.
Why celebrate World Oceans Day?
- To remind everyone of the major role the oceans have in everyday life. They are the lungs of our planet, providing most of the oxygen we breathe.
- To inform the public of the impact of human actions on the ocean.
- To develop a worldwide movement of citizens for the ocean.
- To mobilize and unite the world’s population on a project for the sustainable management of the world’s oceans. They are a major source of food and medicines and a critical part of the biosphere.
- To celebrate together the beauty, the wealth and the promise of the ocean.
As in previous years since 2014, the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea is recognizing on 8 June the winners of the Annual World Oceans Day Oceanic Photo Competition in an event at United Nations Headquarters.
Get committed to helping the ocean today by filling out this form: http://ouroceansourfuture.org/p/index.html
Cleanups help establish stronger connections in your community and nearby natural water sources. To participate in the clean up excercise to keep our Oceans clean, please follow this guide: http://www.worldoceansday.org/_literature_196752/Aquatic_Cleanup_Guide
When we keep our community clean, then we can be sure of living healthy lives. Yes, we are winning!
Let’s celebrate our Ocean, it is God’s gift to us. https://youtu.be/2p3nNOWMy9A
https://backup.yeswearewinning.com/2017/03/11/climate-of-the-times/
Reference: http://www.un.org/en/events/oceansday/
by Mark Ibigbami GreatMark | Jun 8, 2017 | Uncategorized |
Escape of some kind is usually the most tempting solution to our problems. In fact, it can become a habit. Sometimes, instead of facing our fears with courage, we seek for a way of escape because we are afraid to take risk. To achieve success in life, you have to first overcome the fear of the unknown by inculcating the truth. Accepting that there is no victory without battle prepares your mind for the worst that may happen.
Though,the biblical Hagar, Sarah’s maid servant’s biggest challenge was not self- inflicted. Her greatest problem was bought on by the choices of Abraham and Sarah, yet she chose the escape route when the going was tough.
Sometimes, God operates to make our escape attempts fail because escape is only a temporary solution. God’s desires is for us to face our problems with His help. The scriptures says, “For God has not given us a spirit of timidity,but of power, love, and self-control.” 2 Timothy 1:7.
We experience His help most clearly in and through our conflicts and difficulties, not away from them. So, don’t try to use Hagar’s approach, rather, face your fears! Don’t go down into the valley because of the mountain before you. Instead, climb the mountain or go around it.
Giving up on your dreams or aspiration, abandoning a life of devotion, compromising the right standard, or retorting to self pity are easy routes of escape from your problems. Dear friends, life is full of challenges, and it is only those who put their trust in God that will survive the hard times.
The only way to escape fear is to trample it beneath your feet. So don’t chicken out in despair, face your fears! With God’s help you will win! You’re winning! Yes, we are winning!
WHAT DO YOU FEAR?
GreatMark
