Five Tips for Academic Success
The UD team thought it would be awesome to help you start the school year on the right foot. Here are our 5 tips for academic success.
The UD team thought it would be awesome to help you start the school year on the right foot. Here are our 5 tips for academic success.
Community
During the school year, things can get so busy that we forget that people matter just as much, especially for a believer! Hebrews 10:24-25 says “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.” While school is important, pursuing the right community is equal if not more! Find people that will encourage you, lift you up, and keep you focused this year!
- Deb, American Studies & Education Major
Plan
There are so many things that constantly need to get done once the semester starts, and waiting until the last minute can lead to a disaster. One way to stay organized with all your tasks is to plan ahead for them! God advises us to be prepared and intentional in all our ways. The bible says, “The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only into poverty” (Proverbs 21:5). Keep a planner and give yourself small deadlines of how you will complete your tasks before they are due. This can help remove any unnecessary amount of stress school can give you. Don’t put it off until tomorrow!
-Toyin, Journalism & English Major
Study
No need to say much. You are in college pursuing a degree, not a significant other. Studying is the major key to succeeding in college. Everyone has a different style of studying. Some study with a partner or group, others in silence or some study at night. Figure out yours set aside scheduled time and be diligent with it. As you study, make sure you study in time blocks and take frequent mental breaks. Your brain needs rest.
-Olamide, Health Education Major
Health
During the semester, you’re usually so engulfed in getting assignments in, checking the syllabus, finding the PDF version of a book and keeping your sanity that you forget to really take care of yourself. No not treating yourself, but taking care of your physical body, your health. In many regards, the bible tells us that our bodies are a temple and temples need maintenance. So as a student, make sure you are getting at least 7 hours of sleep and eating at least 3 times a day. It may be hard but it is not impossible and it is worth it. It translates well as far as your focus and helps to prevent you from HAVING to use things like coffee etc. Time management will help you a lot in this endeavor, Kudos!
-Gabe, Graphic Communication Major
Personal Devotion/Quiet Time
While the majority of your time is being consumed by projects, labs, studying, internships, organization duties, work, and other student-life strains,the one thing that may require the least amount of “concentrated” time, yet yields the greatest benefit, is often neglected; quiet time, fellowship with the Lord, or whatever it is you call it, absolutely cannot take a backseat in this season of school for you. It’s literally the only fraction of your life that’ll hold you and everything else together. You can excel in all facets of this semester, year, and your life by keeping God first. This might not even require you to spend 30 to an hour in your bible or in prayer, but simply acknowledging Him through every phase of your day—before and during classes, study sessions, tests, working, etc—and making sure to utilize those five to ten minutes before your next class to see and hear what He’s saying can take you a long way. “One day in Your presence is like a thousand mold into one.” (Psalm 84:10 TJV)
-Jummy, Journalism & English Major
Class of 2016 Testimony: Victoria A.
Victorian Ajayi
Morgan State University
B.S Business Administration & Hospitality Management
“He has made everything beautiful in its time.
”
Leaving Morgan has been a journey worth testifying and giving God glory for. The many people I started with unfortunately did not finish with me. For that, I am internally grateful. God surely supplied all my needs; He never left me nor forsook me and He was faithful until the END!!!!
My Supplier
God blessed me with more grants and scholarships than I was deserving of. How he worked these wonders I will never know. With a nurse for a mother, many people assumed I had money and that wasn’t always the case. I vowed to my mom that paying for my education was on me. From that moment on, I worked hard and in no time refund checks were my close friends. Not to mention, landing a job with the director of financial aid!!! Man won’t He do it.
My Deliverer
November 6,2011 was the day I gave my life to Jesus Christ. Before coming to the Lord, my outlook on how my college experiences were to play out was nothing compared to the life I found in Christ. I came in with a very self-centered, broken and lost mindset. Glory be to God who says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17). My identity was found, chains were broken, my heart healed and I received my freedom by the grace and mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ. I celebrated each birthday in college as a child of God. My 21st was more than I could have dreamed and the whispers of Jeremiah 29:11 only foretold that the best was yet to come.
My GOOD, GOOD Father
What can I really say now that I graduated???
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Know that God is in total control. I didn’t graduate in my anticipated year due to my spirit lead major change; however, I found that in that extra year, God revealed Himself to me in more ways than ever before. I found favor from unexpected places with a job from Marriott International, traveling to different states as a student ambassador for my school’s program and more. Most importantly along the way, God blessed me with family and lifelong friends to aid my steps. When you put your all in HIM, all will be taken care of. Getting to this point took blood, sweat and tears, but through it all my eyes were on Him. And today I can confidently say:
It Is Well………
Class of 2016 Testimony: Sola A.
Ṣọlá
University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in Visual Arts (Graphic Design)
Department: Visual Arts
Wow, where do I begin? College has been an interesting journey for me, to say the least. But I can testify that, during my pilgrimage, God has continuously proved His faithfulness to me. Let’s backtrack a bit…
In the 10th grade of high school, after witnessing a great transformation go on in my cousin’s life, I decided that I wanted to skip a grade in order to attend a one-year internship and experience this amazing transformation firsthand. By the end of the following school year, I graduated, and six months later, I was in the middle of nowhere in East Texas, encountering God through life-changing events on a daily basis. That one year impacted my life in an indescribable way, so much so, that when the time came to transition into college, I had no desire to do so.
So coming back home to start school was like pulling teeth, let alone starting in “community” college. I didn’t quite have a community to plug into. All my friends from high school had either become wayward friends or gone off to college in various locations. I had no one, and as a result, I lost a grip on the goals and standards I had set for myself while in Texas. I can reflect on countless times in which my grades didn’t look too hot. Other times I’d miss an exam and have an empathetic professor who would allow me to make it up. I lost focus, in school and on God in general. So many situations happened in my life and in my schooling that could have had dreadful consequences. But even in the midst of becoming faithless, God remained faithful.
“If we are faithless, he remains faithful— for he cannot deny himself”
Fast forward a little further, community found me! Through a friend, God placed me in a community. A place where I could grow and be encouraged by like-minded brothers, sisters, and leaders. I realized my errors and began to really seek God about where He wanted me to be, what He wanted me to do, and what major I should pursue. He began to remind me of the gifts He granted me and as I continued to commit school to Him, I learned that I would use my creative talents to glorify Him perpetually.
“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago”
After 2.5 years in community college, I finished strong, graduating with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Graphic Design. I prepared to move on to University, which was another challenge in itself. Chai, school got hard! You would think that art would be easy and effortless, right? Yeah, no, not at all. Even moreso, so many other things weighed in on my education; so much pressure. It’s as if life began to pick up and throw its curve balls directly at me.
My first semester was hard, but it only became more difficult from there. Once again, I was placed in situations where I literally had to rely on God’s strength and not my own. From praying through assignments to crying through others. From being scared to check my grades or lose a scholarship, though I gave my all. Dealing with the stress of only having 2 years to graduate when I felt as though I may have needed more time, having challenges with my health and going in and out of the hospital while trying to stay on track with assignments, struggling with my grandmother’s unexpected passing, juggling multiple internships, fellowship, school, and jobs, having seriously petty professors (it’s art *rolls eyes*)... man the weight was heavy. But wow, I can’t even find the exact words to describe how faithful and merciful God has been.
“Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think” (Ephesians 3:20).
I have l i t e r a l l y seen the mighty hand of God move in my life. He has seen me through sleepless nights, weeks, months. He blessed me with classmates that supported me through school. He’s been merciful, granting me multiple grade changes and excused assessments. He’s supplied me with friends and family to be strong for me and pray for me, consistently present by my bedside when I was weak. He’s granted me unique opportunities to develop and advance as a designer. He’s caused my professors to sacrifice their time to see me prosper and even vouch for me… And I am only mentioning the least.
When I was down, He encouraged me. When I doubted, He restored my confidence and faith. When I felt defeated, He reminded me that I am victorious through Him. And now I can declare that I am a graduate! I made it through those 2 years and it was only possible with God! So for that, I am beyond grateful and excited to continue my creative journey. I am ready to dream a new dream with Him!
““Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name goes all the glory for your unfailing love and faithfulness” ”
UD Turns Three
Not everyone is aware, but Urban Disciple has been up and running for three years now. On January 27th, 2013, I created this blog. I was not sure what it would be used for, but God knew. I ran the blog singlehandedly for two years, but last year I ran the blog with a full blown team. In 2014, through small talk here and there, a team was being formed for Urban Disciple. I shared the vision with some people, and soon they, too, wanted to be apart of what God was doing.
I learned a lot last year, more than I experienced in the first two years of the blog. The same can be said for the rest of the team. As #UDTurns3, we wanted to reflect on the highs and lows of 2015, and glorify the Father in His faithfulness to this blog. Prepare your hearts, it’s about to get real.
Olamide
The last year taught me many things about myself, I can legit write a blog post on it, but some things should remain unknown. You know, I need material for my autobiography *winks*.
My High: The Trials and Tribulations That Came With Working With A Team
“If You Want To Go Fast, Go Alone. If You Want To Go Far, Go Together”
-Your African Uncle Visiting You in America
I love my team. With no benefit of a doubt, I am grateful to serve with them. But it took some time for me to say this statement. Most of us just knew each other by name, but weren’t close friends. We were five individuals, who came together because we each saw the vision with a unique way we could contribute to it. Although, we all weren’t closest of friends, we were definitely a strong team. Through them, I learned how to work with others, as well as to trust them with the blog. At the end of the day, this wasn't my blog anymore, but ours. With our different personalities, I learned the culture of honor had to be established amongst us in order for everyone to feel apart of the team and vision. Even to this day, I am still learning ways to communicate to them and ways to honor their ideas and suggestions.
Low: The Lack of Support.
God is faithful to His word and His promises. His words don't return back to Him void, but fulfilled. This blog was fully funded on my 24th birthday by my awesome friends, who believed in the blog and I. I honestly can’t thank them enough. But regardless of that, I learned that ‘friends’ is not synonymous for ‘supporters’. I was so accustomed to people supporting UD back when it was ran by me, I assumed it would continue with the new blog. However, that wasn't the case. I reflected back on the night where I had one guest visit the former blog. Someone from Saudi Arabia, a predominantly Islamic country, who probably didn't know Jesus or had ever been to a church, read MY blog. That fueled me. That’s who I write for and desire “support” from - people who don’t know Jesus. God helped me realize that this blog wasn't for my friends, but the individuals who I will probably never meet, yet I could impact their relationship with Jesus.
Low: The “Illusion of Competition”
*insert cliche quote about a flower blooming and not competing* Blazay blazay blah. I don’t like competition, even though I tend to be an overachiever at times. I don’t think I will go into details with this “low.” But I believed when I came out with the relaunching of the blog, there were other Christians bloggers on the scene as well. Instead of it being mutual support for all parties, it was more so of an environment of competition. It made it hard to run a blog in freedom because every move was cloudy by the thought of imitating the style and ways of another blog. We have one common goal - to proclaim the Kingdom until the glorious return of Jesus Christ. We are on the same team. Can a house divided stand?
Toyin
Working with Olamide and the whole UD team has been a very fun and challenging experience since the very beginning. When I was initially asked to join, I was so nervous and felt inadequate to take on a role of writing on Christian topics in areas I was struggling with myself, never mind being Editor-in-Chief! But still I said yes, and I haven’t looked back since.
High: Working with a Team
Working with a team has helped me find the confidence I needed to put my skills to use and learn more skills that I would not have been able to learn on my own. They are very supportive and encouraging, and if the content of our work does not make sense we will not only let each other know, but we will work collectively to make each article that gets published is clear, concise, and accurate. They continue to inspire and help me grow in my walk with God because I see Him working through them. I am always amazed by the stuff we are learning individually just from reading the articles. We are a family, and I enjoy doing life virtually with them :)
Low: Finding my Niche
When I first started out at UD, I had a hard time understanding my role in the team. I was not sure what an ‘Editor-in-Chief’ was supposed to do or how to act, so I can admit that I was a bit aggressive. Aside from that, I felt like I was not being heard or taken seriously, but most of it was all in my head. All I needed to do was speak up! I would ask the group so often if I should just change the title of my role, but they of course encouraged me to keep it. As time went on we all became comfortable with each other and sharing our ideas, and we fell into our roles soon enough.
Deborah
I love my team. Jume Bug is my favorite. Toy Toy is always random, but hilarious and stern. Gabe is bae of life. Lamz is actually annoying great. I don’t know how God made her, but He’s lit for doing so. I always wanted to have a blog and share my life foreal, because we all have powerful testimonies and I knew that if nothing else, God would receive the glory for all that He’s done in my life. So to be apart of a very lit lit litttttt group of people who desire the same thing? I couldn’t ask for any better.
High: Sharing stories
I think my biggest triumph was being able to share stories about struggles and really offer advice. Hebrews 10 talks about never failing to meet up and fellowship with one another, and I felt like Urban Disciple kind of acted as that. It can be very easy to feel isolated from the Christian community as if we aren’t all thinking, living, or experiencing the same thing. So I think just having a place where we can talk about the awkwardness of being intentional, dealing with sexual sin, and struggling with our walks is what God calls us to. We need to know we are not alone, that there is hope, and that there is comfort in God through people. There is a power in our stories and I just want to share them with people so they know they are not alone.
Low: NOT Being Able to Share Stories..and Life Happening & Finding My Worth
So, my life just decided to change in 2015. I graduated, got a new job, and moved back home….things got real. Because things got real, I wasn’t able to write as much and share as much with people. Writing is my outlet, I have endless journals and I’m super pressed for the perfect ones to write my thoughts and prayers to God. It’s my love language so not being able to do it as much and sharing my thoughts and heart with people really sucks. So I don’t like real life….my team even clowned me for being on sabbatical longer than God was after Malachi (shoutout to Olamide)...but I wanna get back, and I hope to soon. I miss y’all.
My other low was feeling was the feeling of unworthiness and comparison. God has gifted all of us on the team with different skills to reach different people, but when you don’t receive feedback or comments on what a great blog you wrote and someone else does, it was like my articles weren’t as impacting. But that’s exactly how the devil works. He wants to discourage and divide the body of Christ, and as Olamide mentioned earlier, there is no competition in the Kingdom. Toyin could be an ear, Gabe a leg, Jummy a foot, Lamz, a hand, and I the eyes. We all serve different roles in the body and thus, we serve different roles on this team. We won’t look the same OR impact the same people. All I need to be concerned about is ensuring my heart is to glorify and honor God.
Jummy
These four right here need me (1 Corinthians 12:21). And I need them. It’s been an interesting year, nevertheless, with this Urban Disciple body. Since I internally determined to become a writer, I knew having a blog, whether a sports blog or a lifestyle blog, was something I had to incept in my everyday living. Just being able to share what God did for me, to me, and through me, while He inspired and wrote with me, became one of the greatest feelings I could ever have, and I knew I had to have, and do more. I knew this was to be a part of my life forever. Personally, this has been the hardest group I’ve had to work with because they never take my crap. It’s almost as if they beat me with rods to get what they wanted out of me. But it works….and I’m mad grateful for that.
High
We thank God, that through all that I’ve endured... I’m not dead. I kid, but I think the high for me, as cliche as it may be, is that we’ve been, and continue to be, bound together in love. I’ve come to learn that there are very few things more beautiful than unison, unity, and cohesiveness--oneness within the body--within one body. And I believe that’s where we’ve come to. Throughout everything: from the weeks were our producing was outstanding and we were dropping posts almost daily, to those dry, dry, dry times where nothing seemed to be produced---God still grew us as a family, and He’ll continue to grow us in Jesus name. Take note, this is one of those moments where I’m not being complicatedly deep...I think. :).
Low
“They keep bullying me...where’s my lawyer?” Jesus is my refuge, shield and buckler. I think the low for me last year, in more forms than one, was insecurity. I don’t know how it happened, I don’t know why it happened, but my heart became very tender and overly apt to absorbing pain. I foolishly took everything to heart. I was prideful, bitter, and indifferent at various moments in the year towards the UD team and myself. But I realized, thanks to Debbie being led by God, that I did a lot of self-condemning. I was very quick to scoff at myself for my shortcomings, not meeting a bar, or just not getting something done, that I wouldn’t tolerate advice, rebuke, and even encouragement from the team. I think this is where I say, ‘I’m my biggest critic.’ It’s true, I take everything I do personally and passionately. I think that understanding that aspect of myself and revealing it to the team, has helped us grow in understanding and patience. These guys have been ever so patient with me, and I love them for that. #UDtheBest #HashtagsArentMyThing #ImeanMyFirstBlogPostWasALongHashtag #WhyDidTheyLetMePostThatThingWithThatTitle
Gabriel
Oh man this team, there are so many things that I can say really. We are cohesive, but it’s a strange cohesive like double sided tape. Its annoying sometimes, but when you get to use it, it is clutch and can patch up many things. Everyone one on this team is valuable to me, including Jummy, whom I both love and don’t like. He can probably tell you why. He’s still great though. I know we have the potential for something big here.
Low: Having Heavy Hitters
Our team is full of people who do many things in life, so when it comes to doing things for Urban Disciple, we’re not able to bring our full energy to the table a lot of times. It just really stinks because we have great folks here, but we’re not as dedicated as we can be and it is because we are kind of spread thin. Not only do we do a lot, but we probably have 2 to 3 things to do for Urban Disciple. I pray that God adds more people to use so that our energies can be more direct and focused.
High: Diversely Like Minded
We all kind of think the same way, but we don’t. It is really cool actually like we have a variety of thoughts and ideas and they work because we are able to compliment each other well. It makes bringing ideas to the table much easier because you can trust that someone will assist and add to what you have to bring to the table.
Despite the highs and lows we all may have experienced collectively or individually, God is definitely doing something at UD. We can't wait to see what this year has in store for us. Stay tuned!
Lastly, Some Advice for the Fellas
I’m not old, but the Lord has made me some kind of wise. Wisdom didn’t magically fall into my head either, it came through experiences—some hard and some extensive, but I have used the ability to learn from mistakes and experiences to extract whatever I can. Through doing life with people, I have seen that there are a couple of important lessons to know as a man. Some things that have helped me and I believe will also help you.
Always Communicate
This may be one of the most important things in this article that you will read: communication is so important. Not only with your significant other but also with those around you. People define a man by his word at times, but our issue as men is that we don’t let out our words, so there is nothing to identify us by. But when you communicate things like your feelings, thoughts, and etc., you now allow people to either understand you or help them identify you, which makes people comfortable.
A lot of time we, as men, do not communicate what we feel and because of it, we don’t get our needs met. Needs like wanting to be loved, or wanting to be wanted, or even wanting help or assistance. It’s often believed that men expressing themselves is weak and only women are to really express how they feel, but it takes strength to express yourself. Only those who are confident can really do it. A great man communicates; That communication makes him great because it shows strength in being able to share who he is with those around him and the world.
Have Accountability
Here is something you may have heard, “you can’t do life alone.” Well it’s true; think about not only cutting off communication but then having no one close to you? No one to make you better, no one to be able to watch, encourage and help you? That’s the purpose that accountability holds. Everybody usually struggles with something; imagine how easy it gets when you allow someone in enough to hold you accountable. Everyone needs accountability, people to help you stay in bounds and check in on you and your progresses. I saw a quote that said,
“God is more concerned with our character than our comfort.”
Let’s say you deal with…oh let’s say…watching pornography as a believer and you have kept it a secret from all your close friends. Speaking as a male, sharing your struggle with a close brother can help you. Sin does better in the darkness, speaking figuratively and literally. The enemy doesn’t want to see you share your burden, he wants you to keep it to yourself. That way you are less likely to receive help because let’s be honest, most people don’t try to help with a problem they cannot see. A problem is usually solved when it is first recognized. You have to help those who hold you accountable recognize and see that you have issues in order for them to help. Choose your accountability carefully though, there are supposed to correct and lift you up, not condemn you.
Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:1-2
Sharing your burden with someone who can keep you accountable, will keep you on your toes because that person is now cognizant of your struggle so they can help you. Remember, iron sharpens iron.
Manage
This is a very simple but powerful word. Management is very important for a man. Men were created to bring order. Think about Adam in the Garden of Eden and how God tasked him with naming the animals and taking care of the garden, in that he was building structure. There was a point in time where Moses had to have all of the Israelites in his care and the burden of watching over those people was too great for him. The bible tells us that his father-in-law, Jethro, taught him that he should appoint leaders under him so that he could better “manage” the people put in his care by the Lord. Upon him doing this, he faced less stress. Work smart, not hard.
Managing your life means being intentional with scheduling to eliminate idleness or even disorderliness. It also means clear communication with folks and never committing too big. What happens a lot is we as men sometimes have this “superhero” complex where we believe that we will make every single thing better if we involve ourselves but how effective are you when you are helping everything and being spread thin? Exactly. You’re most effective when you are in order and how do you gain order? With management.
Love Unconditionally, No Matter What
The last but the most important piece of advice that I can share is this, love unconditionally. Whether Christian or not, it will help you immensely in life. If you ever read the gospels in the bible, make sure you pay attention to how Jesus handles every situation with others that he encounters. He usually lacks hate and usually has a way of either improving or just plain handling a situation because of his love towards individuals. Love is meaning that you see the best in everyone you encounter. Mistakes are made, flaws are realized but the heart of a person is their best quality.
You know the saying “Real recognize real”? Well let’s say heart recognizes heart in a way that you can use yours to help bring out the best in someone. You can literally make someone better by loving them. Sometimes it’s hard because love is not always mushy words and feeling but sometimes its correction or sometimes it's denying a person of something so that they can see better. In any sense, whenever approaching someone or whenever a situation arises handle the situation with the mindset of looking out for the best of not only yourself but others. That’s love, you have to give.
Hopefully some of these words have added to you as a man or woman, I pray that the Lord helps you become better all around. Selah.
I Love You Man
You know what's unfortunate? Sometimes in society brotherly love is looked at as strange. Legitimately, in some communities and cultures it is weird for males to show affection towards each other. I know, when you hear the word affection you MAY hear: mushy touching or obsessive complimenting, but that is not what it means. Affection is a feeling of liking and caring for someone or something. Not "like like" but like. As in, I like being around you. I have brothers that I like, and even love honestly and I have no problem showing that. It took a while for me to get here though.
This whole topic makes me think about my little brother. I remember my freshman year when I was talking to him, who is six years younger than me. I was on the phone with him and I said, “Alright, see you later. I love you.” His response was “…good bye.” Haha. Knowing us now, you would never think we had a hard time sharing love. Neither of us had a father to show us that being a loving male was ok.
Side note: We as guys find it extremely easy to show women love, when sometimes it's our brothers who need it the most. This is because a lot of us grew up without fatherly affection and without recognizing that we actually need that affirmation from our brothers.
Ok, back to my story. Once I made it my mission to become an actual loving big brother, I began doing things like complimenting my brother, correcting him with love, encouraging him and becoming inclusive of the things going on in his life. I started to see a shift. You should see us now, he is usually attacking me with a hug and sometimes spontaneously says “I love you man.” Or when I travel, we’ve told each other—Disclaimer: this is an article discussing why bromance is acceptable and even encouraged-- Or when I travel, we call each other just to talk. This isn’t a thing I only keep with my brother. Whenever my best male friends haven’t seen each other in a while, we tell each other we missed each other and sometimes…we hug. Yes…no dap, just hug. I have a girlfriend and she loves me and I love her. Its not gay or weird. It’s affection and intention. Now I’m not saying that every guy will go to this extent, but my point is to more so be comfortable showing your brothers love.
A story that always captivated me was that of David and Jonathan. They loved each other deeply. If you read 1 Samuel 18:1, you see that Jonathan loved David as his own soul. Not only did they love each other, but they sacrificed and looked out for each other. Ask yourself this question:
Well, are you? Or do you not care about your fellow brothers? Do you not want to see your fellow male succeed? Do you know want to help him grow? Help him build? Wouldn’t you like someone to do that for you? To stand with you when you go through things or would you rather be alone? How much stronger are you with you brothers beside you? Especially when they strengthen you with their love and support. Shout out to all you independent folks who believe you can do everything without help. A support system will always help you supersede what you can do on you own, when you have the right people. As a man show love, it will not only benefit you, but it will teach others. In your environment you are a leader, and being equipped with love makes you powerful.
As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.
Proverbs 27:17
Being a Man of God
“But you, O MAN OF GOD, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.”
1 Timothy 6:11 NKJV
Nowhere else in the New Testament is the term “Man of God” given to a man, but to Timothy. Crazy, right? So you mean to tell me, from Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Peter, Paul, none of them were identified by this title? Haha, yes that is exactly what I am saying. I want you to go and search for yourself. Take an excursion through the New Testament and see if you can find the phrase Man of God being referenced to another man besides Timothy. What is it that makes him so special to the point where he was distinguished by the title Man of God? That’s just it--Timothy is not greater than Paul, John, or Luke. Just because they weren’t referenced directly as a Man of God, does not mean that they weren't men who knew God. The bible highlights that through their lifestyle they each lived as a “Man of God,” and that was sufficient. It is not the title that qualifies the man, but it is the man that bring depth to the title.
Pause. Before we dive too deep, let us focus on answering an essential question;
If we shared anything in common, the first thought that comes to my mind when I hear somebody being called a man of God is the paramount influence of a Christian man within the Christian community. Let me simplify–when I hear the phrase “Man of God,” I think of a Pastor. I found myself guilty of equating the label “Man of God” to that of Dragonball Z -- in order to be a “Man of God,” one must be at least on the level of super Saiyan three or greater. The sad reality is that many believers have the same mindset that I once had. We ascribe the label “Man of God” to the man more than we do to the Almighty God he is submitting to. The hard truth is our mindset has been positioned to believe that a “Man of God” is this influential guy that can out preach the best preacher. Contrary to popular belief the word of God does not define or identify a Man of God based on those attributes. There is a big difference between being gifted and being anointed. Oops, I need to pump my breaks. Let’s dissect this thing one step at a time.
John the Baptist definition of what a Man of God is so profound.
“He must increase, but I must decrease.”
John 3:30 NKJV
A lot of times we tend to over-complicate the word of God and therefore its application is rendered unless. It is very simple. A “Man of God” is a person who does the will of GOD. Very simple, but it is the shocking truth. If the identity of that title is not fixed on the man, then the attention must be shifted towards the great God. The verse is simply saying, a “Man of God” does not worry about displaying himself, but allowing the power of the Holy Ghost to manifest through him. It is not about how well I can display my intellectual opinion on a verse or how well I can speak, but it is simply about how much Christ can be displayed through me. Consider the function of a vessel.
If I was to buy a vessel and place it on a shelf and never use that vessel, that vessel is useless and irreverent because it is of no use. But now, let’s imagine that the President was coming over to visit my house and I want to make my house look good. So, I take the vessel that I placed on the shelf and put beautiful flowers in it. The vessel is now made of use and is worthy of honor because of my choice to place something of value inside of it. In that same manner, we ought to be. A man of God is only a man of God because God decides to entrust His work, which is of great honor, to ordinary people like us.
“But in a great house, there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”
1 Timothy 2:20-22 NKJV
Often times we place an emphasis on certain attributes or abilities that we think will make us shine more as a Man of God. We try to pray a little harder, quote a little extra, or even preaching, and in that we try and display Christ. But the reality is that Christ does not need help to showcase Himself. He is already great enough to do that on His own. We are called to die to ourselves; passions, desires, emotions, insecurities in order to make room for Christ to display Himself through us. That’s what it means to be a Man of God.
“Then He said to them all, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow me”’
Luke 9:23 NKJV
David is an example of a Man of God. He was labeled as a man after God’s own heart. See, that title alone perfectly depicts the essence of being a Man of God; not after your heart or people’s heart, but a man after God’s heart. Do the will of the Father, then you will become somebody that looks like the Father. It’s not about age. It’s not about the leadership position(s). It’s simply whether God can trust you with His plans, and He desires to see them come to pass on earth. If it was about age and leadership title, then Timothy would have been disqualified a long time ago. Being a young person and also being a mentee to Paul, Timothy would have fallen short of the modern day requirements of beginning a Man of God. That’s just it. We have the wrong perception of what it looks like to be a Man of God.
So, I say unto you, the same thing Paul said to Timothy. “O MAN of GOD,” Renew your mind and drop the Christian community myth on what it means to be a Man of God. Simply embrace the biblical truth of the matter; anyone who does the will of the Father is considered to be a man that is trusted by the Lord. And He who is trusted by the Lord models out the label MAN of GOD.
Faithfulness
In recent times there’s been a lot of commotion around winning the billion-dollar lottery. I found it quite funny that folks were already making plans on how they would spend the money. The money that they don’t have…. But alas in the midst of this noise, I asked my Father if He would allow me to win this lottery. Thoughts and petitions fluttered my heart as I attempted to serenade Him with promises of:
Advancing His Kingdom
Giving to the poor
Quitting my job and diving into full-time ministry
Missions to the indigenous parts of the world
Fill in the blank with any Christian selfless action of generosity
Probably tired of my foolery, my Father asked a question that cut deep to the very core of my being.
In my relationship with Him, I’ve learned that with these type of questions, He’s really not looking for an immediate response. I like to call these “Selah moments.”
“You possess only what you have the ability to manage” - Bill Johnson
This principle can be applied to any area you feel as though you are “lacking.” Can I manage $100,000 right now? A million dollars? A billion? Can my character steward a ministry with regional influence? National influence? Global influence? If I were to get into a serious dating relationship, have I acquired the necessary skills to manage my inner life, my emotions, and my heart?
Instead of focusing on how we lack in certain areas, we need to turn to Him and prepare for abundance that’s on the horizon. Every time I complain or desire that I want more of x,y, or z, I always ask myself: Have I been faithful with that which I’ve been given? This is very crucial for every man. Through my study of scripture, as well as my own personal history with God, I’ve come to terms with the revelation that increase is always coupled with faithfulness. Favor and faithfulness are best friends.
Unfortunately, because of the rise of comparison through social media and celebrity hype, men are left with unrealistic standards of success, further perpetuating insecurities and stagnancy. Consequently, men are dis-empowered to be faithful stewards of the little because they are so focused on how much others have.
It’s natural to despise your tiny seeds, when your eyes are consumed with the abundant harvest of others.
Side-bar: The funny thing that I’ve come to realize is that the abundant harvest of others started from the tiny seeds you and I possess.
Men are visual beings. This is both a blessing and can be a curse. Focus and vision are the fuel to an unstoppable man. Likewise the enemy can and will use God-given eyes to send God’s men down a destructive path. Eyes filled with comparison will result to a heart full of jealousy. Jesus is whom our eyes as men should be set on. He is our standard. He is our measuring stick, not others. A vision that isn't fixed on Jesus, results to a life entrapped by comparison. The sad fact is that comparison is the murderer of joy. Eyes that are fixed on Him who is faithful, enables us to be faithful. We literally become, who we behold!
As of lately I have been recently reading the account of the man of God Daniel and there are several words Holy Spirit has been echoing in my heart.
If you read the life of Daniel, you will come to realize that this man obtained influence through consistently being the man who possessed the word of the Lord. Even when His life and the life of others were on the line, He produced. Finessed if you will. Even when He was threatened and thrown into the lion’s den, Daniel was faithful. Now you may ask, “How was this man able to be relentless in His devotion to God, even when they threaten to kill him for it?” “How was He able to consistently be the man who possessed the word of the Lord?” “How did Daniel rise to power and obtain the promotion to influence kings and nations?” A clue lies below...
Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since his early days(youth).
Daniel 6:10
In the midst of conflict, Daniel had already been prepared to find His peace in the faithfulness of God. Daniel did not live out of reaction, but lived in response to the Father.
He did not fearfully run to the presence of God because of conflict. Rather he confidently rested in the presence because of consistency.
A man who is faithful in the secret place, will experience the God who is faithful to openly reward in the public. It is the faithful man behind the scenes that has the capacity to demonstrate the Faithful God before the world.
What is the number one fear wives possess? What is the top leadership characteristic that the world values? What does the world need in order to experience a sustainable revival on a global scale? Four words.
Here lies the solution to many of the world problems, faithfulness.
As Jesus would say, “it is He who is faithful with the little that can be trusted with the great. He who is dishonest with the little, will only be more dishonest with greater responsibilities and riches.”
The question that Heaven is asking you men is, “Can you be trusted?”
Modesty Unfolded: Sarah A.
What is Modesty to you?
I believe modesty starts from within, in my heart, and from there it is reflected in the way that I dress, my character, and other areas of my life. For the longest time I believed I was modest because I covered up and wore knee length skirts, but in my heart, I still desired to receive ungodly attention from guys and envy from girls. I appeared modest on the outside, but on the inside, it was a completely different story. Thank God for deliverance. Now I understand modesty to be an inward working. ‘As a man thinks in his heart, so is he,’ right? So modesty doesn’t start when I’m shopping or picking out an outfit, it starts in my heart, and in turn, what is in my heart is reflected in the clothes I decide to wear.
“Also, modestly does not mean boring or ugly. There is beauty in being able to express yourself through what you wear without having to unnecessarily expose yourself.”
How would you describe your style?
I would describe my style as simple, urban, chic, and comfy! I love being able to show my personality through my outfits, whether it be with a pop of color, print, or a statement piece.
How has your style changed once you started pursuing Christ?
My style has changed quite a bit since I started pursuing Christ and overall maturing as a woman of God. Before I gave my life to Christ, I didn’t have a set standard to look to so I found myself wearing all manner of things ranging from too short, to too tight, to just not right. After giving my life to Christ, the Holy Spirit really helped me with dressing in a way that aligns with my fashion sense but is also pleasing to God.
What are some things you take into consideration when shopping for clothes and getting dressed?
When shopping and getting dressed, I always go by the phrase “when in doubt, throw it out.” This goes for whether an outfit is appropriate, whether it’s worth the price, or whether I truly need it. I also like hitting up my friends for a second opinion. My best friend, Abby, and I always FaceTime each other when we can’t decide on an outfit. Like what do you think about this? Is this shirt too much? Pants or skirt? Heels or no heels? It always helps!
I also simply ask the Holy Spirit. Huh? Yeah! He is our helper and loves when we ask for help. On numerous occasions, the Holy Spirit has highlighted specific outfits or pieces for me to wear, and I always feel the best when wearing them because they are essentially hand-picked by heaven ;)
Where do you typically go shopping?
I like to shop at a variety of stores. Like most women, I enjoy shopping at Forever21, H&M, Asos, and Zara (when my bank account is willing), but I also love shopping at other retailers like Ross, Marshall’s, TJ Max, Plato’s Closet and THE THRIFT STORE. The thrift store is a major key y’all, not only because it is extremely affordable, but also because you get one-of-a-kind pieces and rare finds.
What is your typical Sarah outfit?
Hmmm… A typical Sarah outfit. Well, for everyday school, hanging out with friends, etc I’m usually wearing fitted jeans or slim fitting pants paired with some sort of button down or loose fitting shirt. I loooove button down shirts so you’ll probably catch me wearing one 9 times out of 10. Accessory wise, I typically keep it basic with a watch, studs, and a necklace. When it comes to special occasions, like birthday dinners and formal celebrations, my outfits are usually spontaneously put together, so every time is honestly something different.
What fashion statements are you fond of?
Hmmm, I’m fond of a lot, but I love all black/all white outfits, everything olive green, plaid/polka dot print, loafers, and pointed shoes!
“purity of motive doesn’t cancel the effect of your appearance.”
What is one fashion tip you would like to share with young adult women?
A tip I’m always giving is “purity of motive doesn’t cancel the effect of your appearance.” This quote stung a bit the first time I heard it, but it’s the truth man. In today’s society, the common idea is for responsibility to solely be placed on men and not women. i.e women should be free to do as they please, if a man stumbles it’s his fault, etc. But as women, I believe there is responsibility on our part as well. I don’t feel comfortable calling someone my brother in Christ knowing that what I’m wearing is causing him to stumble. Also as a worship leader, I never want to be in a place where my outfit is the center of attention when people should be engaging in worship.
Photos taken by Toyin Akinwande
![True Life: I didn't wake up like this [The story before the glory]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/54a8ad21e4b0970e0f17e95e/1458530765987-MU6NSV2IF1WIBGDN75J5/The+Story%281%29.png)
My Choice to Trust
I was always considered the good girl amongst my group of friends growing up. I rarely indulged in illegal activities or things that I felt were against my character. Although my mom raised me well with no help, but I still had hidden issues.
The issues that I struggled with felt and still feel so big sometimes. It used to seem like it was easier to continue ignoring it, but, as I am growing older I realize that ignoring my issues cause it to show up in another form. I’ve learned that the issue is only one thing: my lack of trust in God.
Whenever I knowingly sin, I used to find it overwhelmingly embarrassing to face God, people and even myself to deal with it. I tend to ignore it and managed to convince myself that the sin I committed is not something I would do, because it’s against my character. It’s against my character but I did it though, and so I needed to seek God and repent.
I felt like Eve. She hid from God, knowing that He would find her after she sinned. God knows my issue, so why can’t He just take it away? Why do I still need to confess? Why can’t He just magically make me trust Him? If I try trusting Him, will all my other problems go away? What if they don’t, will I have any reason to still trust Him?
I sinned because I did not trust God. I settled because I did not trust God. I’ve dealt with soul ties because I did not trust God.
I don’t think I understood, or trusted, how much God loves me, to be honest. If I trusted God I would not fear what I fear now. If I trusted God, I would not run away from Him when I sinned because I know that He will cleanse me. If I trusted God, I would not be unwilling to pray for a stranger or a friend who is sick or needs salvation. If I trusted God, I would be able to love and be loved unconditionally.
How precious are your thoughts about me, O God.
They cannot be numbered!
I can’t even count them;
they outnumber the grains of sand!
And when I wake up,
you are still with me!
Psalm 138: 17-18
If I could just focus on this scripture alone, if I could just focus on the precious thoughts that God has for me, there would be no space for self-doubt.
Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
Isaiah 41: 10
If I could just apply this scripture in my life, there would be no space for fear or discouragement.
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4: 6-7
If I could grasp the meaning of this scripture, the would be no space for worry.
My lack of trust is not because God has failed me, but it is because I have not comprehended how big God is, so the mediocre things I asked God for do not come to pass because He has far greater plans for my life. I may not see it now, but I have to know and believe that God knows best.
Now when I ask Jesus, “why nothing seems to be going my way?,” He replies,
“You don’t understand now what I am doing, but someday you will” John 13:7.
And so all that is left to do is trust.
