You Are A Success

In a world where men, women and children are increasingly becoming confused in their quest for success, searching for it in the wrong places, YOU ARE A SUCCESS provides useful pragmatic guidelines. Its principles are drawn from the eternal word of God, the Bible. CHUKWUNYERE CHUKWU is a talented individual who through auto didacticism develops his authorial gifts. His books aim, chiefly, to motivate young men and women to realise their God given potentials irrespective of any prevailing circumstances around them. He is the author of several other books.

Chukwunyere Chukwu

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You Are A Success? Copyright© 2005 By Chukwunyere Chukwu ISBN: 978-065-911-0 Published in Nigeria by Silas Chukss Global Publishers All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be used, reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrival system, without permission in writing from the publisher. For further information or permission, address: Silas Chukss Global Publishers No. 1, Block, Javy Shopping centre Ibereko, Badagry P O. Box 379, Badagry, Lagos State Tel: +2348037233917, +234807833906 E-mail: [email protected] chukwunyere2013gmail.com Website: www.chukwunyere.com

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

DEDICATION I dedicate this book to God Almighty, who revealed to me in Isaiah 29:11-12 and Isaiah 30:29 what my potentials are and gave me the grace to write this book .I also dedicate this book to my future wife and children. Trust in the lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding' Prov.3:5NIV "Many things are known to man, but very, very little things do man know their value". The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law Deut. 29:29 NIV Tel: +2348037233917, +234807833906 E-mail: [email protected] chukwunyere2013gmail.com Website: www.chukwunyere.com *Note: All Scripture quotations are taken from New International Translation (NIV) and the King James Versions of the Bible except otherwise stated.

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I will continue to serve God and participate more in the upliftment of His Kingdom. I appreciate all members of Living Faith Church (Winner Chapel International), Badagry. This book is the Lord's doing and the best benefit I have derived from the Ministries of Pastor Yemi Joseph, the Senior Resident Pastor and Pastor Bimbo Toyibo. I also appreciate the entire people of God who have assisted me in one way or the other. I am grateful to Mr. Pius Ahimen and Dr Gab Osoba for the editioral assistance. My profound gratitude also go to Mr. Emeka Wohley Obi Okereke (NAFDAC), Mr. S.G. Omikunle (NAFDAC) and Al-Hassan Sudiq (NAFDAC) I also express my gratitude to members of my Unit, the Evangelism Unit of the Winners Chapel Badagry, especially the Unit Leader, Deacon R.H.M Macaulay for the goodwill shown towards this project. May Good continue to bless Bishop David Oyedepo and his family and all men of God who are working tirelessly to bring the best out of the youths in our society.

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CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION THE SUPREMACY OF GOD

Page Introduction ................................. vi Chapter 1: Prayer

..................... 1

Chapter 2: Fasting ...................... 22 Chapter 3: Faith .......................... 29 Chapter 4: Wisdom........................ 37 Chapter 5: Courage

.................... 52

Chapter 6: Success ........................ 64

v

In today's world, and as a result of the quest for success, many have become confused. They begin to seek answers to the question of success in the wrong places. They go to great lengths including entering into covenants with Satan, in search of success. Even some believers, who have been given the power to succeed and powers over Satan and his angels on the cross of Calvary over two thousand years ago, also get into the confusion to the ire and anguish of their Lord and Master, Jesus Christ. True, some may obtain some semblance of success from the devil vi

but it is only a semblance; thus, it fades away as quickly as it comes. Real success can only come from the one who owns

CHAPTER

the heavens and the earth and the

ONE

fullness thereof. He is the only one that gives success and adds no sorrow.

PRAYER

This book teaches the principles of success from above, a source that has no sorrow as attachment. The principles, as contained in this booklet, are: prayer, fasting, faith, wisdom and courage, each is treated as a chapter. The ultimate chapter deals with the principal focus of the text-success giving the reader some pragmatic steps towards success. vii

T

he word, prayer according to the fifth edition of Oxford Advance Learners Dictionary means, “To offer thanks and make request to God”. The act of prayer, from the Christian perspective is the total submission to God in body, soul and spirit. It is a communion with a creator in appreciation for protection, provision,

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promotion, power and mercy. In Christendom, an unbeliever is a person who does not believe in Christ. The soul, body and spirit of an unbeliever is affected by his mind, environment, and circumstances while a believer is renewed by the word of God. His body, soul and spirit is under God's protection. With body, soul and spirit polluted by sin, an unbeliever lacks confidence and spiritual motivation from God. He lacks God's guidance and direction. The spirit of an unbeliever is always anxious. His soul reacts to and is subject to or is influenced by environmental stimuli. 2

The implication of prayer to believers is that believers are influenced by the word of God and prayers make them to be renewed. Their soul acknowledges the existence of God through the word of God. They study the word of God daily. Their body becomes the medium through which God works and exercises his power which is call miracle. It is only a fool that says God doesn't exit PS 53:1 or that God does not perform wonders Romans 8: 3 &11 .

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1.2 WHY SHOULD BELIEVERS PRAY? Prayers, we have explained is a communion with God. Believers pray for the following reasons: a. To be protected by God: Having belief in God who abounds in power- supernatural powers believers pray for protection. God, their heavenly father with limitless power protects them. The Bible is full of people who prayed for and got God's protection. David, the three Hebrew young men, Shedrach, Marshack and Abednego and so on. If you would pray today, you will surely received God's protection. 4

b. To G a i n P r o m o t i o n : G o d promotes believers through prayers. Believers pray to enhance their body, soul and spirit. Promotion could be physical as in their places of work; spiritual that is for spiritual growth and or even progression from one level of faith to another. Jabez, for instance prayed to God for promotion and the bible records that Jabez became the most successful in his family. c. To Realize Their Potentials: Prayer enables believers to see And ascertain the great deep 5

Prayer

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things that are beyond man which are necessary for the realization of their potentials. The Bible says “call unto me and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty thing, which thou knowest not? Jer. 33:3 (KJV), Joshua 1: 8. God is the only being that every believer should look unto. A believer begins to realize his potentials when his body, soul and spirit identify with God. d. To Overcome Temptation: Temptation is bound to come but real believers will always overcome due to their faith in God and prayer life. 6

Believers have been given the power to overcome temptation 2 Peter 2:9, Ps. 66: 16-20 and 65:2. Prayer activates the minds of believers to actualize these powers and overcome temptation. The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust unto the Day of Judgment to be punished. 2 Peter 2: 9 (KJV). Mourning, crying and murmuring are often the results of temptation. When I started writing I found it mind bogging. Through prayers, I confronted my problem which was more of

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sleeping induced by laziness. I had to wake up and pray and write before doing any other thing. Later it becomes a habit and I could write from morning to 3:00am the next morning and not break down. It was a temptation and God gave me victory over it. e. To be Prosperous: You are the sons of the most high God the owner of heaven and earth and everything therein Ps 1: 6. Prayer propels believers to have adequate access to all facets of life Matt. 7: 7 says ask, seek and knock and 1 Pet. 2: 9 says you are a royal priesthood and a chosen 8

generation.

Prayer

is

the

ingredient that activates the forces of prosperity and became prosperous. 1 Chro. 4: 9-10 b. For Compassion and Mercy: God abounds in mercy and compassion therefore, when believers sin against Him and ask for his compassion in prayers, He grants it. However, to obtain God's mercy and compassion, a believer must come with a contrite spirit. Secondly, a believer must sincerely ask for compassion and mercy. The Bible is replete with stories of men and women who 9

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enjoy God's mercy and compassion through prayers. For example, King Hezekiah had fifteen years added to his life as a result of God's compassion and mercy which he obtained through prayers.

according to God's instruction. A believer who loves is not only obeying Christ instruction to love God and his neighbor but is also activating the godliness in him because God is love. COURAGE: Prayer gives courage and propels

ATTITUDES WHICH ENHANCE PRAYERS There are four attitudes that enhance prayers: these are Love, Courage, Care and Cheerfulness. LOVE: Love enhances prayer and activates the body, soul and spirit to work 10

believers to be expectant of what they have not seen. Prayers make believers to be courageous in order to demonstrate God's supremacy in the spiritual realm.

It is a force that

Enables them to take bold steps Against the forces of darkness. The resultant effect of courage is 11

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determined in the life of a believer through prayer. CARE: Care enhances prayer. People don't care how much you know but how much you care about them. Care encourages and allows unbelievers to accept God. Care renews the spirit mind and enhances the soul which expresses the kindness of God's love.

A cheerful heart does well as medicine but a crushed spirit dries bones. Prov. 17:22. The spirit of joy is absolutely controlled by God and the soul and body express the abundance of God's possibilities. When believers pray, irrespective of the physical realities, they become happy. In order words, they activate the spirit of cheerfulness through prayers. They no longer live by sight but by faith.

CHEERFULNESS: Prayer makes believers to be cheerful, happy and willing to express themselves having belief in the redeemer, comforter and providers.

1.4 BENEFITS OF PRAYER (a) Prayer makes believers to see issues in the right perspective. Prayers enable believers to

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Endeavours. Beloveth if my memory serves me right, and I know it does, you will find out that the ladder of success is also prone to distraction and fear. Prayers keep them focused and ultimately, distinguish them from unbelievers. Abraham's intention to sacrifice Isaac his son exalted him and makes him stand out Among the people of his generation. Gen 22: 1-5. Daniel and Elijah prayed and the Bible records that both men were exalted a b o v e t h e i r contemporaries. If you would pray today, you shall surely be exalted and distinguished.

determine the implications and consequences of decisions. John 16: 13, 14:26. Therefore, prayers give a believer the spirit of self control. b. I t m a k e s b e l i e v e r s t o b e courageous directing the spirit of believers against unwanted circumstances. It gives them the boldness to confront the devil and his agents. Abraham was courageous and prayerful before he could obey God. Gen. 22: 1-4, 26: 5. Isaac and Jacob were prayer warriors. c. Prayer exalts believers and distinguishes them in their 14

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d. Prayers make God to love believers as friends. God allows Abraham to intercede on behalf of Lot in Sodom and Gomorrah. Because God believes that Abraham is a friend. Abraham interacted with God which led to the rescue of Lot and his children. Gen 18: 17. With God's love, you can do anything. Who could believe, that I would be privilege to write and tell you my story. I was worse hit, at the age of eight (8), I was emotionally and mentally devastated. Although my parents are still alive, I had a broken home, I made God my friend

And today, He is my God and one of the evidence is this book. Prayer makes God to identify with believers as friends. Ps 65:2, Ps 66: 16-20. e. Prayers gives believers wisdom. The Bible says that any one who lacks wisdom or desires it should ask God for it. James 1:5. For example, Solomon asked God for wisdom and it is recorded that God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight, and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore. 1 Kings 4: 29 NIV. It is only prayer that gives you wisdom which

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f.

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makes you live an exemplary lifeworthy of emulation. Prayer guides the attitude of believers and enhances their protection. Ps. 35: 1-2, John 16: 13. Believers are aware of God's guidance and protection. As a result of prayer, certain principles guide believers. Prayer motivates believers to be anxious about nothing. Prayer guides the sprit and motivates the soul and propel the body for protection. God protects, quickens the mental body and allow the spirit to be filled with renewed strength. Rom. 8:11

g. Prayer makes believers to be steadfast. Prayer motivates Believer and make them to exercise patience. 1.5 POSSIBILITY OF PRAYER In prayer, God expresses his magnificent prowess and awesome powers. When the Spirit of God is connected to that of the spirit of the believer in prayers miracle has no bounds, and it will be beyond human comprehension. The possibility is produced through the depth of mind. The spirit dwells in a positive body and begins to move like ball. The 19

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possibility point is the miracle manifestation point. Rom. 8:11, Job 5:17, Gen. 15: 1-3, Act 22: 12, Deut. 29:29, Ex 14:14, Jer. 33:3, Matt. 15:13 1.6 IMPOSSIBILITY OF PRAYER: Prayer is not determined by your emotion, mental state or by the time of the day. Whether a prayer will be answered or not is not determined by how sad or happy you are; how rich or poor you are. It is also not determined by your level of education or political connections. It is determined by God based on how right you are with him. 20

1.7

WHY PRAYERS ARE NOT ANSWERED BY GOD.

It should be noted that not everybody that prays to God is for God. Some believe that praying is like a normal daily exercise that must be conducted in a quiet environment or done in specific times of the day such as in the morning, afternoon or night. To such people, praying is like a routine, a mechanical act rather than a communion with their creator. No wonder such prayers are not answered. How you prepare yourself and how faithful you are determine How your prayers are answered. The 21

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You Are a Success

fact that a believer prays for something and there no answer doesn't mean that God is not able to answer. He does all things at the best time. Man cannot force God to work according to man's time table. God's time is always perfect believers should be steadfast in prayers and should exercise the highest love and patience for their prayers to be answered. Even Pharaoh recognizes the fact that only the prayers of a righteous man would be answered by God; hence, Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron and said pray, pray to the Lord to take the frogs away from 22

me and my people, and I will let your people go to offer sacrifices to the Lord. Ex. 8: 8

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You Are a Success

understanding mine. Fasting goes with encouragement and atonement

CHAPTER

TWO

FASTING

of sin. It must be a continuous process preventing believers form being distracted. God appreciates fasting which is not polluted with negative thoughts. Fasting must be seen as a

asting is a period of eating a little or no food especially for religious purposes. It is a time for total consecration to God. Fasting Quickens the answering of prayers by God. Fasting enables believers to be steadfast, dedicated and courageous in spirit, body and soul. Believers must fast with pure heart and an

God.

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F

motivational spirit that enhances prayer. The power level of fasting is praying, and the effect comes from God. Fasting must be done according to time with love, dedication and steadfastness. Fasting is an expression of believer's belief in the power of

Fasting

2.1 WHY SHOULD BELIEVERS FAST? People fast for reasons such as reduction in weight, spiritual uplift and other positive and negative reasons but that of God promotes and enhances the relationship between believers and God. Ex. 13:1-2, 6-7. Believers must fast, to prosper and take total control, of all the challenges of life. These challenges could be physical, mental or above all, spiritual. In the realm of spiritual, it is believed that “man is the architect of his desire”, so believers should be serious while 26

You Are a Success

fasting and to accommodate only genuine purpose. Fasting weakens the body but strengthens the soul, activates the spirit and empowers the inner-man of a believer to take bold steps that move him above circumstances that are beyond human comprehension. The body, soul and spirit are prone to temptation in the period of fasting. Believers should avoid such temptations in order to realize the purpose of the fasting. God recognizes fasting because it is a means of showing submission to Him. So it is important to identity with the 27

Fasting

efficacy of fasting. Fasting is very good and it helps us to overcome temptations. There are two important elements that catalyze the action of fasting: love and forgiveness.

You Are a Success

fasting. Love God and be sincere to make people around comfortable. Extending hands of fellowship and love to others make God answer prayers in all circumstances. Remember that Jesus himself said man doesn't live on bread alone, but every word that comes from the mouth of God. Matt. 3:7. Love worketh no ill towards his neighbor: therefore, love is the fulfillment of the lawRom. 3:10

Love is one of the elements in fasting The love of God and of one another makes believers to repent of their sins and to look forward to God for blessings. That love helps believers to subdue the body, overcome the spirit of hunger in order to elevate the soul and the spirit. Believers must love one another before they can sincerely achieve the purpose of

Forgiveness: Believers should fast according to the laid down principles and not at the same time mock God. It should be understood that, forgiveness is very important while

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Fasting

fasting. It places the body, soul and spirit in a perfect order. Forgiveness gingers and motivates believers to see spiritual issues correctly, 2 Cor. 9: 17. If anyone has caused grief, he has not so much grieved me as he has grieved all of you to some extent not to put it too severely 2 Cor. 2:5 NIV. Fasting should be done in the Following ways: (1) Must be timed Matt. 4:1-2 (2) With dedication and love 1 Cor 13:1 (3) Believers must be prayerful while fasting (Phil. 4:6) 30

CHAPTER

THREE FAITH

aith means trust, complete confidence in God. Faith is a complete belief and total submission To God. Faith empowers believers to see, feel and understand the principal things and the dynamics of God. It produces the efficacy and the unexplainable activities in God - Heb 11:1 it is be sure for what we do not see. Heb 11: 1. (NIV).

F

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Faith

Faith produces joy, peace, and understanding and enhances the body, soul and spirit. It is a motivating spirit that is beyond human comprehension. Faith must be seen as the principal reason that engenders a genuine love to serve God. Faith, in all ramifications, is a very important to determine the quality of a believer. It encourages and propels believers in relationship with God Heb 11: 213. You will find out that in the scripture great fathers like Abraham succeeded by faith. Therefore, faith is the principal thing. Without faith, no man can please God. 32

You Are a Success

3.1 TO WHAT EXTENT CAN FAITH BE DETERMINED? Faith can be determined when its purpose is achieved. People have continued to misunderstand faith for idea. Faith comes when God is trusted to the extent of acknowledging him in all things despite all things. Your faith level is your extent of believing, trusting and waiting on God to direct you, to a point where the spirit, soul and body are positively motivated. It distinguishes believers from unbelievers. This is why believers are different from unbelievers. Faith inspires the spirit, gingers the soul to a realm that the body becomes 33

Faith

admired and it enhances the love believers have in God. Faith can only be justified when its purpose is achieved. It is derived from believing God, in His omnipotence and omnipresence, steadfastness, and above all, His loving kindness of God. 3.2

HOW TO HAVE FAITH: FAITH COMES a. By hearing the word of God. Rom 10: 17. b. By doing everything that is written in the Bible. Gal 3: 10-12. c. By believing God's words. Gal. 3: 6 34

You Are a Success

d. B y f o r g e t t i n g t h e p a s t circumstances. Isaiah 43:18 e. By telling others about His faithfulness. Isaiah 38: 19 f.

By understanding the principles of God. Isaiah 5:12.

(B) There are certain factors that enhance and motivate believers to have faith in God. These are: a. When prayers is answered. Ps 5:2. b. Divine encounter. Ps 66: 19-20. c. Overcoming temptation. 2 Pet 2:9 d. Courage . Deut 31: 6. 35

Faith

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reasons why faith eludes some believers:

Praying, thanksgiving and praises are the ingredients that determine faith. It is faith that made Abraham to almost offer Isaac for sacrificeGen 22:1-3. Faith made Joseph to resist Potiphar's wife. Gen. 39:7 etc. Faith also was the reason the three Hebrew boys disobeyed Kings Nebuchadnezzar.

b. S o m e b e l i e v e r s d o n ' t acknowledge God. Prov. 3: 6, Job 36:11

3.3 WHY IS FAITH NOT OBTAINABLE

c. Lack of patience -Rom. 12:12

IN THE LOVE OF SOME BELIEVERS?

Faith is not what you can see with physical eyes. It is a spiritual deposit in a believer. So, patience must be subjected to faith. Here are the 36

a. Some believers do not trust God, Pro 3: 5.even though they may pretend outwardly.

d. Lack of consecration - Ex. 29:1 e. Some believers lack courage. Deut.36:6 f. .37

Some believers don't speak the right language - Prov. 18:12

You Are a Success

g. S o m e a l l o w t h e i r p r e s e n t predicament to determine their future.

CHAPTER

FOUR h. Some believers are not prayerfully committed. - Rom. 12:12, Jer. 33:3 i.

Lack of Love.

j.

A lack of consistency in praying, offering of thanksgiving, praising and worship of the Almighty God.

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WISDOM

W

ISDOM is the ability to make good and serious judgment because of one's knowledge and experience. (Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary, fifth Edition). It is the ability to apply your knowledge to solving practical problems. The ordinary man may see wisdom as the ability to be smarter than others in

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any given endeavour. Wisdom, to a businessman may be the ability to transact business and make profit. Wisdom, to a Christian or believer, is a great insight from God which is not measured by man's ability. An example of this type of the Wisdom of Solomon. - 1 kings 4:29NIV. God gives wisdom and very great insight and the breath of understanding as measureless as the sand of the shore. It is credited To Solomon as the only man in the Bible that has three thousand proverbs and songs numbering up to a thousand and five. -1 kings 4: 32,

James 1:5, Prov. 4:7 and Job 7:4. These are acts of wisdom. His wisdom was known throughout the ancient world. Wisdom is wrongly seen by unbelievers as the ability to excel in the physical. This is very wrong. It should be seen as a divine empowerment and uplift from God. It is an understanding, which exists in the spiritual realm. It is the commitment of the body, soul and spirit to enhance believers towards physical and spiritual prosperity. Believers prosper over and above unbelievers, in terms of wisdom because of the following reasons:

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(a) Believers are always guided by divine empowerment. Ps. 33:8, John 14: 14, Ex. 29:1 (b) T h e s o u l o f a b e l i e v e r acknowledge God in praises, even in time of temptation. This enables believers to see and ask for God's direction. Isaiah 30: 29, Deut. 29:29, Isaiah 29: 4-5 (c) The spirit of a believer operates beyond the physical realm. Any committed believer sees beyond human comprehension. - John 3:6, John 1: 5, Gal. 6:17, John 1:12, Matt.28:18, Rev. 12: 11. Thus as a result of the above, a 42

believer remains c o n s i s t e n t l y focused undistracted leaving him better off than an unbeliever. 4.1 BENEFITS OF WISDOM a. It exalts and honours believers Prov. 4:8 b.

Wisdom instructs and guides believers - Ps 32:8, Prov. 4:13

c.

Wisdom enhances understanding and knowledge. Prov. 4:7, 1 kings 4:29, James 1:5

d.

Wisdom encourages. Prov. 4: 4, Deut. 32:6

e.

Wisdom is life and good healthProv. 4: 22-23

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f.

Wisdom leads to righteousness Prov. 4:18

g.

Wisdom is a spirit. Isaiah - 11: 2.

h.

Wisdom makes believers to be committed and devoted to God Joshua 1:8

4.2 TYPES OF WISDOM Wisdom is basically divided into two: Divine and Human Wisdom. Divine Wisdom:

human expectations and projections and transcends all the pros and cons of the body, soul and the spirit, to make one accepted beyond the ordinary. It dwells in the body and saturates the soul. The spirit expresses its greatness through keeping God's laws. Abraham, Isaac and Jacob were men of great wisdom. But that of Solomon is outstanding beyond comparison and worthy of emulation - king 4: 29. James 1: 5, Prov. 4:1-7, Isa 11:1-3, Joshua 1: 8, Gen 39:7. Human or Worldly Wisdom:

Divine Wisdom is one that is beyond human comprehension. It bears the dynamics of divine principles and great insight from God. It is beyond

Human or Worldly Wisdom is physical knowledge which man uses

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You Are a Success

Wisdom

to enhance his comfortability on issues and circumstances. It is mostly determined by observations and other external stimuli such as learning. Set in the mind, the effect could be great. This type of wisdom comes from the world and Satan. It is mostly found in the lives of sinners and its by-products include: cultism and ritual killing, fraud etc. Any wisdom that bears sorrow is from Satan. Believers should be patient and abstain from negative acts and thoughts to be successful. Ego and greed are some of the byproducts of the worldly wisdom. Ego is a spirit that enhances negative thoughts, while greed is a spirit that motivates

that soul. Be careful in choosing friends and associates or business partners.

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Wisdom, in human concepts, is based on experience and knowledge. In the Christian perspective, it is divine direction. Wisdom is the activating force that ignites the spirit man and motivates leadership. Prov. 24: 4-5. Leadership is a trust conferred upon a person based on character worthy of emulation. It is the ability to manage humans and bring out the best in them. It is also a process where resources are used to enhance the life of a people. Wisdom ignites the ability 47

Wisdom

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in a person to become successful. Wisdom is a key that enhances the positive and admired qualities in leadership. Leadership worthy of emulation is divinely accepted by God and man - Prov. 24: 4. Leadership built on man's carnal trust, an embodiment of man's wisdom and knowledge will surely lead to disaster. Leaders should trust God and lean not on their own power. Prov. 3: 5-6 and Isa. 13: 14 Leadership is divided into two: 1. Transactional Leadership 2. Transformational leadership 48

Transactional Leadership: This is the ability to direct and manage resources and get the job done. Transformational Leadership: This is the ability to touch people emotionally to empower them to make them reach their performance zenith. Leadership exalts in everything in the spiritual realm. In the physical and economic sphere leadership, enhances management and heightens understanding. Abraham Lincoln once said “I don't mind a man who is not wiser today than he was yesterday”. 49

Wisdom

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Leadership is built on solid foundation, which is wisdom. A misdirected leader is as useless as an undefined matter. Transformational leadership is accepted as the best form of leadership in the world. To me, the best quote that enhances leadership and wisdom is from Albert Eistein. It says that “imagination is more important that knowledge”. My best friend is the person, who brings out the best in me. Franclin Benjamin Okkhan Razor discovered one of the best laws that enables people to see the bare bone of a problem. This quality of wisdom leadership is needed in our lives. Leadership 50

activates wisdom and enhances encouragement. It is a quality that places a man above others. These qualities make a man to be consistently courageous in decisionmaking. It should be understood that leadership and wisdom are the height and esteem of a man. You can do it because you got the leadership and wisdom prowess. Don't allow dropout, cop-out and burn-out people to decide your fate. You must talk, work and think. Would you allow them to use you and dump you? In every point of success, there is An opportunity and adversity; so, 51

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President Matthew Obasanjo

Vice President Atiku Abubakar

Pastor E. A. Adeboye

Bishop David Oyedepo

Gov. Chris Ngige Anambra State

Gov. Orji Uzo Kanu Abia State

Prophet T. B. Joshua

Mrs. Dora Akunyili

Gov. Bola Tinubu Lagos State

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Prof. Charles Soludo CBN Gov

Mike Adenuga

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Aliko Dangote

You Are a Success

leadership and wisdom are very important to excel. It is better to

CHAPTER

choose them than to quit because

FIVE

when the chips are down what will you be remembered for? How many opportunities have you allowed to determine

your

wisdom

and

leadership prowress? How much impossibility have you allowed your wisdom and leadership to define? You will be remembered by the problems you solved or created. You had better take the bull by the horn. For you are needed to lead. 54

COURAGE

C

OURAGE is the ability to control fear when confronted by opposition. It is an instinct that motivates the body, soul and spirit. The bible tells us “Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you”. Deut. 31: 6 &14. Courage is an ingredient that

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saturates wisdom and inspires people to reach their potentials. 5.1

MORE ON COURAGE

Courage can be obtained by: (i) Courage can be obtained by motivating your spirit with positive conduct and positive thinking which may be obtained from the consecration of the body, soul and spirit. It comes from God and it is established by prayer. (ii) It is a spiritual deposit which is determined by individual ability. It cannot be seen with the physical eyes. Courage is one of the forces 56

that enhance spiritual, mental and physical uplift. (iii) Courage is based on the action which an individual performs. It is driven by faith and fear of being just. It has been proven, to be the only spirit that leads to greatness. (iv) Courageous men are great men such as Abraham - Gen. 22:1-2 Joseph -Gen 39:7. David defeated Goliath with courage - I Samuel 1 7:50; Joshua Joshua 1:6. Courage made President Matthew Obasanjo of Nigeria to warn the coupist in Sao - To m a a n d P r i c i p a t o 57

Courage

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relinquished power to the elected government in 2004. The same courage made him to declare state of emergency in Plateau State 2004. Courage made Atiku Abubakar to grow to stardom. Note he is an orphan and he shared the same prospect with G e r m a n C h a n c e l l o r. W h o s e m o t h e r i s a s t r e e t s w e e p e r. Courage made General Abdusalmi Abubakar to relinquished power to president Obasanjo in May 29 t h 2004. Courage made Nelson Mandela to serve 27years in prison in order

to empower his people. When it is believed that England would collapse during war, courage made Winston Churchill to say it isn't over till it is over Courage made M.K.O Abiola of Nigeria not to renounce his mandate. Courage made the Abia State Governor, Orji Uzor Kanu to win the prestigious Champions cup in 2003/2004. Which has eluded Nigeria for the past 38 years. Which Eyimba Football Club Aba won recently. Courage made Bola Ahmed Tinubu to become the only governor elected from AD in

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the 2003 Election in Nigeria. After all odds and forces courage made Governor Chris Ngige to remain as Anambra State Governor and the most celebrated Governor. Who has survived many attacks" in this present democratic dispensation in Nigeria since 2003. Courage made Chinua Achebe to reject the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 2004. Courage made Gani Fawehinmi (SAN) Took Federal Government of Nigeria to Court. And won the case concerning multi-party system. Which paved 60

way for other political parties to be registered before 2003 election. Courage made Dora Akinyili of National Agency for Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to be fighting drug menace. Courage made Oby Ezekwesili: In a period of 2 years ending, July 2004 to have saved over one hundred and two billion ( N 102 billions) through “Due Process Unit”. Courage made Professor Charles Soludo the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in July 6th 2004 to ask 25 billions as new capital base for Nigeria Banks. Courage 61

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made Aliko Dangote to remain one of he highly respected industrialists in Nigeria. Courage made Dr. Mike Adenuga Jnr. To become a force to recon with, in the phenomenal advance in Nigeria telecoms. 5.2 COURAGE AND INTEGRITY Integrity is the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles. One needs to be courageous to accept or decline certain tasks. Integrity lives in the confines of courage. Courage is a motivating spirit that entices and modifies integrity. It is believed that 62

courageous men are men of integrity. But certain principles enhance integrity and courage which lead to success. They are as follows: 1. Prayer 2. Fasting 3. Offering, Thanksgiving and Praises 4. Faith 5. Patience 6. Love 7. Care 8. Steadfastness Courage and integrity made Bishop David Oyedepo of Winner Chapel in Nigeria to build one of the best 63

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Churches with the biggest auditorium in the world. Courage and integrity made Pastor E.A Adeboye of Redeemed Christian Church to have the highest number of congregation in Nigeria. Courage and integrity made Prophet T. B. Joshua of the Synagogue to remain focus and one of the most prospered men of God. Courage and Integrity made Pastor Chris Oyakhelome of Christ Embassy to be waxing strong. Courage and integrity made Pastor Chris Okotie of Household of God to seek political post as a president in Nigeria in 2003. With courage, Abraham Lincoln led America to war in order to abolish 64

slavery in America for the empowerment of the blacks. Courage and integrity is not limited to anybody, neither is it anybody right and no man has the monopoly of courage. “An American motivational speaker Zik-Ziklag, failed seventeen times, he proved that school of hard knocks won't fail anyone who maintains positive attitude. 5.3 MISCONCEPTION ABOUT COURAGE AND WISDOM Courage is an instinct of being wise, it is package with love and understanding. It is determined by 65

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sudden expression, circumstances and conditions. Wisdom is an expression that comes from the innermind of a man. It is the positive instinct a man develops which qualifies his level of exposure, understanding, during predetermined or undetermined circumstances. Opportunities and adversities are the factors that determine the negative and positive attitudes of a man which leads to encouragement and steadfastness of thoughts. Courage can be established at home, office, business or in any place that requires human greatness. 66

Wisdom is established in the mind and it is expressed through character. 5.4 THE BEAUTY OF COURAGE The beauty of courage lies in thinking and its manifestation. Good thinkers are those who release their potentials, when it is due. It is a definite aspect of life which is determined by believers. Courage and determination enhance the releasing of potentials.

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CHAPTER

SIX

SUCCESS

S

UCCESS is the achievement of a desired aim, fame, wealth or social position within the human construct. Success in Christian perspective is the ability to allow the body, soul and spirit to be driven by the Holy Spirit in both the physical and the spiritual realms. It is a divine state of empowerment and uplift in

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the Christian perspective. It comes from God and it abounds in Him and He extends it to believers. The Bible tells us that believers can only have success through the obedient of God's words and laws. Specially, it states that Do not let this book of law depart from your mouth, meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it . Joshua 1: 8. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Success is a spinning fragment that distinguishes a man among his peers. It is a better way of identifying with excellence. You could 69

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Success

be successful today just by living uprightly and believing in yourself. Success inspires, motivates and it is caught through information and understanding and built through courage and wisdom. If you are just there waiting for nothing, wake up as nobody has the monopoly of success. Success is appreciated, if it is motivated by love. I have found that (60%) sixty percent of successful men acquired education at the peak of their success. Success exists within the framework of life. One could be successful physically, mentally and spiritually. “If they obey 70

and serve him, they will spend the rest of their days in prosperity and contentment”. Job 36:11. NIV 6.1 CHARACTERISTICS OF SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE Successful believers do the following: 1. Fear God. Col. 3: 13 2. Trust God and acknowledge Him. Prov. 3:6 3. Work hard 4. Serve God with their wealth. Prov. 36:11 No man cares about your success if it is not well utilized. It is better tested 71

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Success

than to be told. It is not like sleeping and waking up. Mine is a blessing unto my soul, body and spirit. It is unexplainable, it is glorious and profound and a privilege to tell you that God gave it to me. Charlatans could be successful in their ways but it is not the real success. I was motivated by inspirational books to write. Today I am successful to have written this book. It came through motivational speech, it is the handwork of God, using Pastor Yemi Joseph to release my potentials. He was Pastoring at Winners Chapel, Badagry 2003. One day he said “You are all geniuses of different names top sitting down and folding 72

up your hands. Wakeup from slumber, for you are born and made great”. He was referring to the congregation, of which I am a member, I was hit like a thunderbolt, and something inside me gingered me up. Something said “you can write”, but I doubted it. I said but I am not a professor of English. But today I have written this book.Success is extraordinary thing, you must do something. This pastor suddenly filled our church book store with inspirational and motivational books. I started to buy and read them. Today, I am a success. My dear you can do something, I nearly dropped the idea because I do not possess a degree in 73

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English. I began to interact with some English icons, and I am grateful to them for their encouragement and guidance. Then, I built up courage to face my today and tomorrow. Something caught my attention about Chief Raymond Dokpesi, the Chairman of AIT. He is successful in electronic media. He has written his name in gold. And that is not his area of specialization. Success is just understanding yourself and exercising your skills to enhance your today against tomorrow; for the good of the society. Man must be successful in one thing. Nobody has the monopoly of success. Wisdom, belief, love and

knowledge can motivate you to success.

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6.2

REASONS FOR SUCCESS

People want to be successful for the following reasons: (1) Success gives security (2) Success distinguishes people and sets them above their contemporaries (3) Success exposes the bare bones of Problems. Once knowledge is motivates and inspires reach for their potentials. on the type of success, the divided into two. 75

applied, it people to Depending success is

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Success

(1) Positive success (2) Negative success Positive success Positive success is associated with moral and good conduct. It is built on excellence, integrity and fear of God. It is accepted by the society at large, it motivate and inspires the younger generations. Believe in yourself, then think big and work towards your plans. You are already a success. Negative Success Negative success is associated with evil. It is built on immoral thoughts and beliefs such as cultism, ritual 76

killing and other vices. It is diabolic and frowned at by the society. “it is based on the syndrome of get-richquick”. People should remove the culture and tradition of get-rich without planning, it comes with tears and weeping and it is from the devil and should be avoided. It includes: 1. Wealth or success made out of bribery and corruption 2. Stolen and ill gotten wealth 3. Ritual killing and cultism It is not easy to maintain the pace of success, but people must know the following as regards the pace of success. 77

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Success

(i) Ego and Pride Pride goes before a fall, so say the bible. Ego and pride are the syndrome of failure. 60 percent of successful men have failed because of ego and pride. Ego is an idea in relation to others or out-side world. These are the elements that contribute to the retrogression of success. Pride is a state of pleasure and satisfaction for something that is admired. Ego and pride can destroy success if not checked by the right spirit such as prayers and humility. They must be checked prayerfully, 78

physically and determinedly. You are finished when you allow Ego and pride to determine your success. Abraham Lincoln said, “he will study and wait one day he will be chosen”, put away ego and pride, and there are many problems you can solve. Abraham Lincoln failed eight time before becoming America President. He would not have become the president if he had allowed ego and pride into his life. No man makes it, if ego or pride gains control over his body, soul and spirit. Look around, there are many problems combined with all 79

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Success

sorts of disgrace. These are the steps to success. Tyson, one time heavy weight champion grew in ghetto, Zig-Ziglar sold in the street of America, Bill Gate is not from a wealthy family. Abraham Lincoln's father was a carpenter. I dug well and was involved in many social activities to sustain myself.

and become a failure, spending wisely is highly demanded in success. People must be able to reason before embarking on some projects, successful men ask question and they submit themselves to higher knowledge so as to enhance their success. Others failed and they are gnashing their teeth because of mismanagement.

(2) Mismanagement: Is a destructive instinct that enhances failure. The moment, one becomes extravagant, the pace of success begins to go down the drain. It is better to taste success and remain there than to taste it

(3) Greed: Greed us an irresistible urge to acquire even what belongs to others. It is a very determined and pre-determined instinct that attracts failure rather than success. Greed is a cruel spirit

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that dwells in the mind. It is obtainable by merely working to get something by immoral standards, 40 percent failure today is attributed to greed. Today, you too can be successful. just take the right steps enumerated in this small book and you shall become successful.

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