LIFE TEACHINGS

 Ten Steps to Happiness

1. Treat others as you would have them treat you:
Treat other people in the manner that you want them to treat you. This is a hallmark of Christianity. Be kind to people, even when they are unkind to you. That way, you set an example for them, you become a representative of the Christian faith.  "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you" - Jesus, as quoted in Matthew 7:12 (NIV)

2. Help people:
In Matthew 25:34-40, Jesus tells us that we are to give food to those who are hungry, give clothes to people who need them, provide shelter for people who have none, visit people who are sick, and give comfort to people who are in prison.

3. Don't worry:
Do your best. Deal with life's problems. But don't worry. Instead, have faith in Jesus that all things will work out in the way they need to work out. "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?" - Jesus, as quoted in Matthew 6:27 (NIV)

4. Read the Bible:
If you read the Bible for about 10 to 20 minutes a day, you can finish the four Gospels - the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John - in one month. The four Gospels describe the life and teachings of Jesus, the Son of God.

5. Give thanks and be joyful:
"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)

6. PRAy

"This, then, is how you should pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.' "
- Jesus, explaining how people should pray, as quoted in Matthew 6:9-13 (NIV)

7. FORGIVE YOUR ENEMIES:
"For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins."
- Jesus, as quoted in Matthew 6:14-15 (NIV)

8. BE CAREFUL ABOUT WHAT YOU SAY:
"But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned."
- Jesus, as quoted in Matthew 12:36-37 (NIV)

9. KNOW THE WORD OF GOD:
If you read the four Gospels - Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, you will see many examples of how Christians should act.  "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock."
- Jesus, as quoted in Matthew 7:24 (NIV)

10. ENCOURAGE OTHERS: 

If you have found peace and salvation in the Bible, share it with others - tell people, write a letter, or create a Web site. Encourage others to read the Bible. Encourage family members and friends to attend church with you. Consider giving Bibles as gifts to others.

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."- Jesus, as quoted in Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV)

 Fighting Poverty in our Communities

The number one enemy in our communities currently is poverty. Poverty is destroying our communities daily. We have problems of high crime rate and sicknesses because of poverty. As believers we need to work hard to ensure that we fight poverty everyday. There is a saying that it is better to teach a man to fish than to give him fish everyday. Our communities are finding it difficult to fish because there are no job opportunities available. We will like to appeal to you to starting blessing others. You can bless a person with any thing you are having. In this issue we will talk about blessing others as a way of removing the curses but it is also a way of receiving more blessings.

We have a bible study on breaking of curses a week ago and God revealed a lot of wisdom for us. We decided to share that information in this issue. This issue will open your eyes and teach you how to tap into your blessings without much effort. Peter Maurin once wrote these words:

 “In the first centuries of Christianity the poor were fed, clothed, and sheltered at a personal sacrifice. The Pagans said about the Christians: "See how they love each other."

Today the poor are fed, clothed, and sheltered by the politicians at the expense of the taxpayers. And because the poor are no longer fed, clothed, and sheltered at a personal sacrifice but at the expense of taxpayers. Pagans say about Christians:  "See how they pass the buck."”

Let’s stop passing the buck and playing a blaming game. Lets stand-up and fight poverty and help those who really need our help. Start helping in your communities with anything.

 Life Scripture

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

- 2 Chronicles 7: 14 (KJV)

 Prayer