The Oscar Ajoku Blog: Daily Vitamin Devotional

DAILY VITAMIN  The Scripture teaches that as He was, so are we in this world (1 John 4:17). And from an acute study of His(Jesus) life, you'd realize that He was a  comforter. First, He proved this by bringing joy to the weary and hope to the lost by His words and deeds; and secondly He notioned that He would send another comforter of the same kind as He. So He was-and still is-a comforter to us. Well, what does this mean to us? If we are as He is, then it means that we were prepared to comfort others as He did. This is so because we were saved to save, forgiven to forgive and still are comforted to comfort one another. In fact, the reason why God gives others comfort is to enable us to give others in their time of need as well. So, what doea this mean now? Seek avenues to be a beacon of hope to others. Where encouragement is needed, be the one people can look up to. Where constructive criticism is needed, be genuine not just provocatively bizarre. To the fellow who can't find

DAILY VITAMIN  The only thing better than giving is giving; and the only assurance for getting is giving. Acts 20:35 says "It is more blessed to give than to receive". So it can be depicted from here that the more we grow in our capacity to give, the more we grow in our capacity to be blessed. And this we find expressed in Christ's own words in Luke 6:38, which says "Give and it shall be given unto you; good measures shaken together, pressed down, and running over will be put into your bosom". Other than that, giving on its own create a consciousness in us that we can never lack; because every gift is an investment that assures us that the future is bright. Why? Because a generous man devises generous things, and by generosity he shall stand (Isa 32:8)- and not fall. Furthermore, we don't have to wait for a holiday to be kind to someone, or to share a gift to somebody; every day is always a big excuse to give to someone, to love someone, and to show someone

DAILY VITAMIN  The literary elite, Paulo Coelho, wrote in his book, The Fifth Mountain, "The inevitable always happens. We need discipline and patience to overcome it. And hope. It isn't a question of placing hope in the future. It is a question of recreating our own past". As such, it is never too late to change your life. In fact, every moment you still have this sweet air shuttle through your nasal route is another chance to recreate your desire out of the shambles presently before you. Every time you twitch your eyes open to see the morning sun is you having another shot at life; and it is only pertinent you use it prudently. The difference maker between becoming a new person and the old person you have been is a choice. Thus, it is time to be bold enough to make that choice that would change your life, towards goodness. And when you do make that choice, don't be ashamed- because it is the right choice. Thousands of people have made the choice- if not even millio

DAILY VITAMIN  The beauty of fellowship with God is that you can go to Him as you are, seeking the help you need, and He will never cast you out empty-handed. It's a trait He can't just help but exhibit. Jesus said "If any man come to me, I will in no wise cast him away"(John 6:37). Regardless of your race, age, or even spiritual status, God has a prerogative to keep attending to you as long as you keep humbly seeking Him. So, it's never a long distance relationship with God. It's never one that would ever feel unfulfilling; rather it's one that always meets its purpose- which is transforming those engaged in it. So, listen up! You can live the best life possible here; you can relish in all the joy in the world; you can have a fulfilling destiny. All you have to do is become conscious of what you have with God- and in God, and simply ask. Jesus said "Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full&quo

DAILY VITAMIN  Sustenance begins from God. Whether it is the sustenance of the good health you presently enjoy, or the sustenance of your prosperity, life, joy and relationships; its primary source is-and comes from- God. This doesn't mean our every day efforts play no part at all, on the contrary they do, but believe me it doesn't even play a part more impactful than one-tenth of God's. As strong, wise, handsome and charismatic as David was, he didn't attribute any of the good feats he experienced to self- it doesn't mean he didn't do anything, for God's sake he slew Goliath, but he realized that it may have been his hand on the blade that brought down the giant, however there was a greater Hand on his; and so- he attributed it all to God. For all of his blessings sustained over time, he gave credit to God. He once said "I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me" (Ps 3:5). Thus, like David, get conscious of this truth to get t

DAILY VITAMIN  Someone once mused that "It is better to remain silent and be presumed a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt". Two things in life show what- and how much of it-we carry inside of us; and these are our Actions and Reactions. What we do and how we respond to situations either validate or invalidate all we say we are. And as creatures of a wise and perfect God, it would only be a taboo if we exercise folly routinally, or even at all. So, as hard as it may seem, when you have nothing impactful to say, just zip it. Truth is, no one wants to hear us talk when what we have to say adds nothing to their lives. This is because words are like seeds; and if a seed isn't bound to bear fruits, no one would want them sown on their field. Words are expensive and shouldn't be abused, so if it isn't wise, keep it until you have something wise to say. If it isn't impactful both for you and to the hearer, don't say it. The wrong use of the mouth

DAILY VITAMIN - Trading Your Time Advantageously  I hear a lot of young people tell each other to just make up their mind and do what they have to as it wouldn't matter ten years from now. Well, it's unfortunate how wrong they are, because it does matter. Time is the most important factor in this transient life. In his book what to do between birth and death, Charles Spezzano says that the phrase  spending your time isn't a metaphor, it is how life works. Everything we do in life we do with time and in time. If you were to build a house in 2020, before it costs you a million, it would first of all cost you two years. So everything we do and get in life is done and gotten in time. So, what are we supposed to do to maximally get the best out of life? Trade your life wisely. Effective time usage is a rudimentary key to absolute conquest in life. Remember, aiming at a bird for an hour won't put food on your table, taking your shot when you should does. The problem with

DAILY VITAMIN  One of the most difficult things than trying to get someone who has lost all hopes to believe in hope again is trying to get yourself to believe in hope when all things fall apart. In the midst of this sense of hopelessness, there is yet a bolster of hope made available for you and I; such that no matter how grievous our situations are, a possibility still remains that all things will be well again very soon. Some days back, i decided to ask God a question regarding my path in life, and as i waited that foggy morning for a response, He impressed upon me the need to open up my Bible- flinging it at once it opened up at Isaiah 41. He said 'read on'; and at the 13th verse, these ever hope giving words blew my mind away. In it, He said "For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee". That single verse stands as an insurance anytime anyday that no matter how bewildering life seems to you presently, you will al

DAILY VITAMIN - Be Self Motivated For some time now, I have been trying to get a group of kids to read more than they did a year ago, but despite my 165 days daily motivational speech to them, they chose to remain as they were. In fact they became less motivated than ever before, and more rebellious. One day I decided to put them up to a test, and having evaluated them, I publicly ranked them before their eyes, making them realize that if they didn't want to stay at the bottom, or drop to the bottom, they'd have to read harder in school to surpass the other. I have never loved this approach, but it is true that man is more motivated by competition than anything else. He only sees a need to curtail his bottlenecks when he seems challenged. You see, man has a survival instinct; and thus initiates his adrenaline pumps to get better whenever he feels threatened by another. Those kids proved it. However, i'll suggest a better way; which is self motivation. As I have said in t

DAILY VITAMIN  Nothing we get in life is really entirely the product of self effort. No matter how much we think it is, it isn't. This is because no man can receive anything unless it is given to him from above (John 3:27). So, it becomes malignant to simply believe that we are self sufficient. Paul says " our suffiency is not in ourselves, but.... of God" (2 Cor 3:5). Thus, we must never forget the authencity of the words 'Not by power, nor by might, but by the Spirit, says the Lord'. He is the difference maker in our lives. He is the reason why you yet have breath; the reason why everything you touch seems to work. You might contend against that, saying you worked your way up; true, i'm in no wise trying to take away your due credit, but the moment you truly realize the potency of those words 'Not by power nor by might', you'd appreciate the truth that the most influential force for your success is first the power upon you before even the power

DAILY VITAMIN  Miracles require the right atmosphere and a people eager for one to occur. In esssence, what this means is that what separates you from your miracle- which definitely would come from God- is you. Nothing hinders miracles from happening than self. That self doubt, that non-enthusiasm for a miracle, that murmuring and tireless complaints are what keeps it out from occurring in your own life. The irony about this is that a whole lot of us live like the 'diabetic'- starving and strained in the midst of plenty. We live in an environment abundant with miracles, yet we never get to hold on to any with our names on it. What's the problem? Atmosphere and our hunger for it. To live in the isle of miracles, we must always recreate its alluring presence. And how do we do this? First, by dwelling in habitual praise. Make praise- wholehearted worship-a lifestyle, and you'd never be eluded by miracles. Secondly, there must be an ever manifested aura of faith in and aro

DAILY VITAMIN  Life isn't really measured by how early or how late a man dies, but by how well he lived his time here. Life may not seem fair in the amount of time it accords to its various participants, but it is in the chances equivocally given to us all. Some may have numerous chances for a change of story, but we all have the needed chance to change a story- that is, we all have one chance at least to make an impact while we live. And believe me no one cares about how long or short you lived, the only thing history cares about is how well you did it. So yes, make your life count by living for something more than irrelevancies. Live for impact. Live to touch millions of hearts. Live to affect destinies in the present and generations in the future ahead. Live to change stories. Live to draw forth hope from the hapless. Live to leave your prints on the heart of someone in need of it, and then you would have sealed it on the sands of time. Like i said already, how long you live, o

DAILY VITAMIN - Becoming An Effective Leader Who is a leader to you? Is he someone who has a title on the lintel of his office door? Or someone who is recognized publicly as one in charge? Well, if that's what you thought prior to now, then you've been wrong for so long. You see, it's one thing to rule and another to lead. While the first is Positional, the other is based on the disposition displayed. While the first is centered on a title, the other is assessed by effectiveness. The right to lead must be earned. People should want to follow you for who you are, and not your title. You see, leadership is dynamic and impact oriented. It attracts those it affects. As long as you keep on breeding the leader in individuals, you'd be bound to lead. Leaders don't struggle for leadership positions, rather they create so much influence that they are called upon to lead. They know that position means little if influence is lacking. This is because they know that people on

DAILY VITAMIN  In our world today, it does not matter how beautiful we make our streets; if the minds of the people do not become beautiful, they will reduce the streets to the quality of their minds. There is nobody in this world that lacks the opportunity to succeed; we only have people who do not recognize their opportunities. We miss many miracles and wonderful opportunies because our decisions are influenced by just what our physical eyes can see, rather than focusing on what our eyes have seen. Therefore, do not easily brush aside those things you think are problems. Look critically at them; you might find out that tucked inside a problem is its inherent solution and a hidden opportunity to excel and create wealth. What you do not have in your pocket right now, you have in your heart. And if you have it in your heart, you are going to have it in your pocket. It is only a matter of time. "For as a man thinks in his heart, so is he". Only when you become a new and differ

DAILY VITAMIN  In addition to the subject of our discourse on the last note about how people would only listen to your words when they can assert its impact on them, people are only interested more in those who find interest in them. That is to say that people would only care to know about what you've got to say when they are sure and know you care about them. In fact, Dale Carnegie's most used quote suggests the same- "To be interesting, be interested". In advent of this, i want you to know that every relationship requires the meeting of the interest of both parties. Man may be predatory or parasitic in the approach to get what he wants, but no one wants to be treated that way. Everyone wants sort of a symbiotic association where their needs from that relationship are met as they meet the other's. Even God desires to be loved as much as He loves us, that's why the first and great commandment is to love the LORD thy God with all our heart, mind, and soul. In

DAILY VITAMIN  If God can't give you your desired blessing in the 'desert', then He can't give you at all; because that's what makes Him God- doing the unusuals. Based on this premise, i would say that if God can't give you your long awaited spouse even in the 'desert', then He can't give you at all. If He can't give you a job in the 'desert', then He can't give you at all. With God, place or time is not a limitation. John was in the desert yet it couldn't limit him from attaining fame and relevance. Jesus was four days late yet it didn't stop Him from getting Lazarus back to life. God has no limitations; and trust Him He won't let any affect His plan for your life. The Israelites were in the wilderness for two score years, yet it didn't take away their daily bread or sound health, because God was involved. Listen up! God is making Himself involved in your case; and even if you're in the desert of your life presen

DAILY VITAMIN  I have always wanted to leave something behind in life that could live longer than i can ever do- and i know i will. Isn't that what we call Legacy. Well, we could get legacy achieved from making great music, a great painting or perhaps even a great book. But with time, i have come to understand that, more than anything else, legacy is about living a great life. People remember, not for how long a man lived, but how he lived. Whatever constitutes your life determines how many people will live a life referenced from it; and whether it will be a label for great success or total failure. According to Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist, 'Everyone on the face of the earth has a treasure that lies waiting for them'. So, yes you can live a great life here; we were all created to- and it's our responsibility to ensure we keep walking right until we do. And know this: When it comes to living a great life, God is the judge, not men. Men aren't the best judges- l

DAILY VITAMIN  If a man is going to fall down the pecking order in life, you will know. If he's going to bump into a hitch and lose on confrontation, you will know. Every contingency, condition and circumstance have a reactor that initiates it; and even if that's not the man's fault, it always has an alibi that if not taken care of can keep that man in his ruined state. Just like diseases have symptoms, and protein bodies markers, every reaction has an action preceding it; and when it comes to one action that can lead to a possible reaction of a fall from the up side of life, it is Pride. And so if a man will fall from his present glory, with pride engulfing him, he should know it will occur. Solomon said "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall" (Pro 16:18 NIV). Being rich isn't a sin, being arrogant in it is. God wants us to enjoy the good things of life, but He doesn't want us becoming obsessed with them.... So obsessed that we le

DAILY VITAMIN  I happened to stumble upon the story of a stonecutter who learnt the hard way that before wishing you are anything more, the key to real progress and contentment is to be first grateful for what you are now. One day while delivering a slab to a merchant, on seeing all the goods in his store, he said "I wish I was a merchant and had such things". Immediately he had his wish. Having become a merchant, on another day, he saw a parade in front of his shop. It was the prince passing by in royal apparel. Then he said "I wish I was a prince". Instantly, he became a prince, until the day the heat of the sun beat down upon him. He said in response, "I wish I was the sun, greater than any man", and he did and was happy, at least not until a cloud came between him and the earth. Then he said "I wish I was the cloud". Again his wish was granted, and he rained down on the earth. He was happy until he flowed to a mountain, but the mount would n

DAILY VITAMIN  Honesty is not only a scriptural virtue but, like they say, the best policy in life. Now or later, anyone who indulges in any opposite entanglements will weave a web of deceit that will produce his own destruction. The Bible states that, "Be not deceived; God cannot be mocked: for whatsoever a man sows, that shall he also reap" (Gal 6:7). In situations like this when the web is already spurn, the only way to overcome it is to concentrate on truth and honesty, engaging in it wholeheartedly until you fight your way out of web of self damnation. Jesus taught us that "the truth will [always] set you free"....and that's why no matter who we are, without committing ourselves to honesty, we will always feel like we're living a facade of the life we seek. Every time we lie or cheat, it becomes easier to continue downhill - and the next temptation that comes will surely win against us big time as a result. It's easier to go downwards- you can roll

DAILY VITAMIN  Have you ever noticed sometimes how the prospect of achieving your aspirations seem so bleak with everything stale happening around you presently as you try to project its feasibility? Well, almost everybody who is-or will be-somebody has. Dreams are like seedlings. We put them in the ground and water them, not knowing if the earth will make a ruin of it, cease its growth and add to our loss, or the positive opposite. However, at more times than never, a pretty tree is borne eventually. So, what's the secret that made the tree come alive? Constant watering in the absence of hope. We may have had our doubts that propagation could occur seeing the cracked lines on the pastureless earth surrounding us, yet we keep watering the spot we laid it- not knowing if a shift on the earth's vault has occurred. With expectant anticipation, we just keep watering until its first sprout unto visible sight. Well, what do you think kept the planter going? Joblessness? No. Too much

DAILY VITAMIN  God is not called the God of comforts for nothing. Not only does He love us so much that He makes Himself a standby to assist us, He has given us the quickest way to engage Him into helping us. In James 5:13, He clearly says that every man in trouble can find a solution to his crisis in prayer. In verse 15, He also suggests that this action can even save the life of those with impaired health situations, and lift up those barred to be bedridden forever. To some, these words may not be enough to convince them that it could work, but notice what He said in John 14:14- whatever you ask in prayer in His name, He will do. And also in Proverbs 15:29; He promises to hear the prayers of His people. So you can always bank on praying to God to get you out of that unpleasant situation you are pinned down to. First John 5:14 gives us a boost in the assurance that we will not only be heard, but helped as well. Thus, take it all to Him in prayer. Take that addiction you're trying

DAILY VITAMIN - Knowing God Is A Gift  There is a God that open doors, and He is my God- your God. The heart of a king is in the hands of God, and He turns it towards whomever He wills. He rules on the earth as king, and let us live as princes, giving it even to the basest of men...men with nothing deserving of it. With words like these, how can I ever feel strangled in life. You see, the difference between me and the atheist is that while he thinks he is his own last line of defense, and so when he feels incapacitated, he gets depressed, despoiled, and dejected; but my-as well as your-last line of defense is God. And even when at times we feel incapacitated, which we will, we are confident that we got a God who's got us. The knowledge of a God who cares for you is enough to make a dark day seem bright. Knowing that a God who loves you more than your dad ever could exists makes you want to live more even when life gives you nothing to live for. It's your silver lining in the

DAILY VITAMIN  Everything in the word of God points to one man- Jesus. The whole Bible is centered on Him; and unless you understand this, there are certain things that may yet remain unexplored by you in Him, because as it is, no man fully gets what he has not fully comprehended. Let's take an instance of His similitude through the story of Joseph. Joseph was loved by His father, Jesus is loved by His. Joseph was hated by his brothers and sold by them, Jesus was hated by His own and sold by His familiar. Joseph was falsely accused by an entity of authority, Jesus was too. Joseph was thrown into the dungeon, Jesus was placed in the grave. Joseph was brought out of prison, Jesus resurrected. Joseph was placed on the throne, Jesus ascended into glory and reigns as King. Joseph was given a Gentile wife, Jesus was given the church. Joseph saved his nation, Jesus will save you. All of the word speaks of Him with different scenes and stories. Suprisingly, even our lives are meant to spe

DAILY VITAMIN  Does it ever feel like things are hard, and unable to pass into a part of the story where everthing turns out to be alright for you. Well, if yes, I admonish you to take condolence in these words. They have been helpful to me, to many others, and so i know they will to you. Long before any of us were born, God wrote these words. Long before our trials even existed, He placed these words in record to assure us of our existence in His plan of sustenance. He said, regardless of what we may be passing through, or may have to, "I lay in Zion a stumblingstone and a rock of offenc: and whosoever believes on Him shall not be put to shame" (Rom 9:33, Isa 28:16). I don't know how burdensome your situation is, but God knows; and He says just believe in Me and you won't see shame despite how near the problem is closing up on yoou. I have been down many times before, and even though my worries failed me, nor my bright plans, my decision to trust God for all He prom

DAILY VITAMIN - You Are Richly Secured In Christ The Bible tells us that the path of the just shines brighter unto the perfect day(Pro 4:18). The word just used is synonymous to the word righteous, which we are in Christ. And we know the Word of God cannot lie; for His promises are yes and amen(2 Cor 1:24). It is a hard thing for me to understand that some folks still don't believe that God exists. How can such a Lord who preempts time and all forms of history be placed away from the equation? In fact, His existence-and yes sovereignty-is the reason why we have hope and unabated confidence that all things are working for our good. And except we live in this consciousness, receiving such goodwill may be impossible; "for they that come to Him must believe that He exists and is a rewarder.."(Heb 11:6). Let's look at how David lived: he said "The Lord is the portion of my inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot. [For this reason] The lines are fallen u

DAILY VITAMIN  Can promises be altered? Yes. Can rewards be withdrawn? Of course. Our daily lives in society shows this to be true. Just as a client can cancel the contract one has been yearning for at the eleventh hour due to some discrepancies, or a medal can be consficated once the bearer has been found a cheat; in the same way even as it relates to our relationship with God, many have failed when they were just an inch to their desired miracle. God is a principled Personality whose every promise carries a condition with it. In Deut 28, it states that God will make a man the head-above, and not the tail-beneath, IF he carefully heeds and observes all He commands him to do (vs 13). At every point in scripture, and in our routinal walk with Infinite Intelligence (God), we'd come to realize that only continuity with Him assures our compensation. The IF always stands. Well, you might say that that's old news, and that it doesn't affect you since you've invested so much

DAILY VITAMIN  A Chinese proverb states that "I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. But I do and then I truly understand". You can never really underestimate the power of doing. The bridge between a dream and its realities is the verb -'Do'; and it constitutes every action you need to take to give substance to your dream. Do you want a dream job? Unless you do apply for one first, you may never get it. The blessings of any endeavor comes in the doing. Dreaming about the expected results and being optimistic may create a conducive environment to facilitate your achieving it, but only by doing do you truly achieve the desired result. You can look a tree and desire the fruits it bear, but until you do something to pluck some of it down, the odds are that you may have to wait a longer time than is necessary to taste of its sweet content. When a miracle was desperately needed at Cana, the stewards weren't just told to believe whatever He told them to do; rather i

DAILY VITAMIN   You have everything you need to fulfil destiny within you. Look at the man-made devices we use today, a phone pack comes with all its accessories; a television set comes with its remote controller. In the same way, in creating us, God placed within us all we'd ever need to make accomplishment of our purpose easy and more attainable. You are a complete set. The Bible says you are complete in Him (Col 2.10). You are God's best version of you when you are in Him, you just have to find that you and let him express himself. So listen up: You are not halfbaked or not good enough to actualize your goal, you are as good as you believe you are. God knows He made you good, you just have to attain the same state of mind, because only what you think can hinder what you can and can't do. God, speaking to Jeremiah, said "Before you were formed in thy mother's womb, I ordained thee a prophet" (Jer 1:5). Decide to see the unseen treasures within you only God

DAILY VITAMIN   Sometimes, the singular reason why a lot of people still remain where their contemporaries mock them to be is because they never get to grow above the grudge they keep when insulted. A grudge is like carrying a rock in order to punish someone else: You're hoping to cast it to them, but then realize that it's so heavy that it crushes you instead. No one ever really prospered God's way carrying a grudge. This is because bearing grudges make us less of God and more of the devil; for while God is quick to forgive (1 John 1:9), the devil keeps a grudge throughout generations (Rev 12:4-6,12-17). Furthermore, the scripture shows us another benefit of relieving ourselves of grudges- which is that it paves a way for our resurgence in life again. You want to live above the mark set for you in your peers' constant mockery? Drop the grudge. Free your mind, and release your heart to accommodate our God's life-giving words with love for all He calls you to love.

DAILY VITAMIN - We Are Never On The Disadvantage With God It would be very appalling to find believers fretting when under given circumstances. I'm not exempting myself from this; but you see the knowledge of God reveals to us that no matter the circumstance, we are never at a disadvantage. You see, with God circumstances don't matter. The Scripture tells us that as we are filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and understanding, we walk worthy of Him, being Fruitful and strengthened with all might (Col 1:9-11). In fact, the knowledge of God we have puts us at an advantage. It is the true strength of the believer to break down all defenses of impossibility. In the book of Ezra, we are told of how the people of Judah struggled despite having permission to build the temple. They struggled because they had adversaries from the apex of political power. Just like Paul wrote, a great and effectual door was opened, but the resistance increased. The political juggernaut

DAILY VITAMIN   God is always willing to answer all our petitions. He loves us that much. He even went ahead to say whatsoever you ask in my name shall be given unto you (John 14:14). However, one thing you must know is that before you present your case to God, you must present your praise to Him. Scripture says "Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise" (Ps 100:4). Thanksgiving is the first evidence of answered prayers. If you can believe it enough to thank God for it, then you have believed enough to receive it. Culminate the year with an overflow of supernatural benefits- and praising God can do that. According to Psalm 149:6, praising God with songs is equivalent to a sword in your hand to bring down every adversary. If you want to end this year high above your usual, then you have to find a way by all means to activate your praise mode. This holiday period should be a period of thanksgiving. Forget what our holiday calendar says, every day is a day o