FATHER'S MENTOR

FATHER'S MENTOR EPISODE 5

SEVEN TYPES OF PEOPLE TO AVOID!

1. WHEELBARROW PEOPLE: This category of people are energy drainers and time wasters. Such people would always want you to do everything for them. They don’t care about your own good but only theirs. They believe it’s your problem to solve their problems. One terrible thing about “wheelbarrow” is that, after you have laboured to load it up, you will still have to labour to push before it moves.

Note: Wheelbarrow people are consumers of energy, time and resources.

2. MOSQUITO PEOPLE: This set of people are only interested in sucking goodies out of your life and injected poison in replacement. They are benefits seekers but will never add values to others. Mosquito people have nothing good to offer but always want to derive goodness from others. Here is one terrible thing about “Mosquitos”, they only sing around you whenever they want to suck your blood and give you malaria.

Note: Mosquito people only sing your praises when they have something to benefit from you, while they backbite and backstab you thereafter.

3. SCAFFOLDING PEOPLE: This category of people are glory seekers and takers. Just because they have helped you at one time or another, they would want to be god over your life. They want to always control you and dictate the directions of your life. They won’t want you to be free and shine on your own but to always be under them.

One good thing about “Scaffolding” is that it’s useful but it’s usefulness is for short-term purpose. It is dangerous to be kept for permanent purpose.

Note: You must know when the relevances of scaffolding people have started constituting nuisance to your personal development and progress. And at such a time, all you must do is to discard them without delay, if not, your star will never shine.

4. CROCODILE PEOPLE: This category of people are nothing but pretenders. They don't have good reasons or godly intentions for getting closer to you. They only get close to know your secrets and will possibly use whatever personal information they know about you against you at any slightest provocation or disagreement. Crocodile people are not pretenders, they are liars, backstabbers, gossipers and twaddlers.

Note: Crocodile people would pretend to gain your empathy and make you vulnerable to their attack thereafter.

5. CHAMELEON PEOPLE: This set of people are envious and full of jealousy. They are always in unhealthy competition with you. They pretend as if they are going the same direction with you but only to silently monitor your life's progress with evil and negative intentions. They are envious of your success and as a result enter into competitive jealousy with you. Chameleon people are friends that will neither support you nor celebrate your progress, but would always amplify your downfall and mistakes.

Note: A jealous and envious friend can go any length to sabotage your efforts, frustrate your plans and destroy your dreams.

6. NAYSAYER PEOPLE: This set of people are dream killers. They won't appreciate your dreams and they will never support it. They will tell you 1001 reasons why your dream is impossible. They won't see your efforts but will always capitalise on your failed attempts. They will always see your cup half-empty and not half-full. When you are working on solutions, they would be busy creating more problems for you. They are passion killers and hope drainers.

Note: Naysayer People don't have dreams, so they will neither appreciate your dream nor support it.

7. GARBAGE PUSHER PEOPLE: This category of people are the worst of them all. They don't have anything good to offer. Their lives are full of debris, dirtiness and trashes. They are carriers of bad and negative news. They are carriers and disseminators discouraging and demoralizing information. Anytime they surface, it means they have something negative to talk about. They a peddlers of unfortunate events and negative development.

Note: Garbage Pusher People are always the first set of people to twit, post and broadcast ungodly, unfortunate, unprofitable and heartbreaking information.

You know them on your list as I also have them on my list too.

NOTE:

It is your sole responsibility to examine your life to really understand what categories of people you are surrounded with. Your life can only move in right directions the moment you associate with positive people and disconnect from negative people. Am I communicating?

‘The Meaning Of Life!’

Once upon a time, there was a young man named Alex who was always searching for the meaning of life. He read books, consulted philosophers, and talked to wise men, but no one could give him a satisfactory answer.

One day, he decided to embark on a journey to find the answer himself. He left his home and traveled far and wide, visiting different places and meeting people from all walks of life. He saw the beauty of nature, witnessed the kindness of strangers, and experienced the joys and sorrows of life.

Years went by, and Alex had not found the answer he was looking for. He became tired and disillusioned, thinking that maybe the meaning of life was just an illusion. But then one day, as he sat under a tree, he noticed a butterfly struggling to break free from its cocoon. The butterfly seemed to be in great pain, and Alex thought he could help by breaking open the cocoon.

But as he reached out to help, a wise old man appeared before him and warned him not to interfere. "The butterfly needs to struggle to break free," he said. "It is only through the struggle that it gains the strength it needs to fly."

Alex realized that the same was true for humans. It is through the struggles and challenges of life that we gain strength, wisdom, and character. The meaning of life is not to avoid the struggles but to face them with courage and determination, and to use them as an opportunity for growth and self-discovery.

From that day on, Alex stopped searching for the meaning of life and instead focused on living his life to the fullest, embracing its challenges and joys with open arms. He found happiness and contentment in the present moment, knowing that the true meaning of life is not a destination to be reached, but a journey to be experienced.

BEWARES OF DARK MIND PEOPLE

In the bustling city of Ibadan, in the heart of Oyo State, Nigeria, there lived two friends - Gbadebo and Suleiman. On the surface, they seemed like an unlikely pair, with Gbadebo being an open-minded and kind-hearted individual, and Suleiman displaying traits of a dark-minded personality. Despite their differences, they had been friends for as long as they could remember, their bond forged in the fires of childhood trials and tribulations.

Gbadebo was known throughout the city for his generosity and his willingness to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. He had a warm smile and a kind word for everyone he met, and his presence seemed to bring light and joy wherever he went. Suleiman, on the other hand, was a brooding and secretive individual, with a sharp tongue and a quick temper. He had a reputation for being manipulative and cunning, and many whispered that he had a dark heart that harbored malicious intent.

Despite their differences, Gbadebo and Suleiman had always gotten along well, with Gbadebo serving as the yin to Suleiman's yang. Gbadebo's optimism and positivity seemed to balance out Suleiman's negativity and cynicism, and the two of them navigated the complexities of life together, each helping the other to grow and evolve in their own unique ways.

However, as time went on, cracks began to appear in their friendship, cracks that threatened to shatter the bond that had held them together for so long. Suleiman's dark-minded tendencies began to surface more and more frequently, his jealousy and resentment of Gbadebo's success and popularity bubbling to the surface like a poisonous brew. He started to sabotage Gbadebo's endeavors, spreading rumors and lies to tarnish his reputation and undermine his achievements.

Gbadebo, always quick to forgive and forget, tried to reason with Suleiman, to understand the source of his friend's bitterness and anger. But Suleiman's heart had become hardened, his mind clouded by envy and spite. He saw Gbadebo's light as a threat to his own darkness, and he was determined to extinguish it, no matter the cost.

As their friendship deteriorated, the people of Ibadan began to take notice, whispering about the rift that had formed between the once-inseparable friends. Gbadebo's light began to dim, the shadow of Suleiman's dark-mindedness creeping ever closer, threatening to engulf him in its malevolent embrace.

One fateful night, as Gbadebo walked home from a gathering with friends, he was ambushed by a group of hooded figures, their faces obscured by darkness. Before he could react, they set upon him with a ferocity that sent chills down his spine. He fought back with all his strength, but he was outnumbered and outmatched.

Just when it seemed like he would be overwhelmed, a figure emerged from the shadows, his face twisted in a malicious grin. It was Suleiman, the one person Gbadebo had trusted above all others, the one person he had never expected to betray him in such a brutal and vicious manner.

With a coldness in his eyes that chilled Gbadebo to the bone, Suleiman raised a gleaming knife, its blade catching the glint of the moonlight. In that moment, Gbadebo knew that he was facing not just a friend turned foe, but a dark-minded soul consumed by hatred and envy, a soul that had lost all semblance of humanity in its thirst for power and glory.

Just as Suleiman lunged forward, the blade flashing in the darkness, Gbadebo's world exploded in a blinding light. In that moment of chaos and confusion, a force unlike any he had ever encountered washed over him, lifting him up and carrying him away from the brink of death.

When he opened his eyes, Gbadebo found himself in a place of wonder and mystery, a realm of fantasy and magic that seemed to defy all logic and reason. Standing before him was a being of pure light and energy, its form shimmering and shifting like a mirage in the desert.

You have been granted a second chance, Gbadebo, the being spoke, its voice resonating with power and wisdom. Your light is needed in this world, now more than ever. But beware of the darkness that lurks in the hearts of men, for it seeks to consume all that is good and pure.

As Gbadebo gazed upon the being, a sense of peace and clarity washed over him, filling him with a newfound sense of purpose and determination. He knew that the road ahead would be long and treacherous, but he also knew that he was not alone, that he was surrounded by allies both seen and unseen, ready to guide and protect him on his journey back to the world of the living.

With a final nod of gratitude and respect, Gbadebo turned and stepped through the portal that had opened before him, his heart filled with hope and his spirit strengthened by the knowledge that he had been given a chance to make things right, to vanquish the darkness and restore balance to the world.

As he emerged back into the world of Ibadan, Gbadebo knew that his path would be fraught with challenges and dangers, but he also knew that he had been given the tools and the strength to overcome them. With a steely gaze and a steadfast heart, he set out to confront Suleiman and put an end to his dark-minded machinations once and for all, knowing that the fate of the city and all its inhabitants rested on his shoulders.

And so, the epic battle between light and darkness raged on, the forces of good and evil clashing in a titanic struggle for supremacy. But in the end, it was not brute strength or sheer power that determined the outcome, but the strength of character and the purity of heart that resided within each individual, shaping their destiny and guiding their actions towards a brighter and more hopeful future.

As the sun set on the city of Ibadan, a new day dawned, bringing with it a sense of renewal and rebirth. Gbadebo stood tall, his head held high and his heart filled with pride, knowing that he had overcome the darkness within and without, and emerged stronger and wiser for the journey.

And in the end, it was not the power of magic or the force of arms that saved the day, but the power of love and friendship, of courage and compassion, that united the people of Ibadan and brought them together in a spirit of unity and harmony, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead with a renewed sense of purpose and determination.

For in the end, it was not the darkness that defined them, but the light that shone within each and every soul, illuminating the path to a better tomorrow and a brighter future for all. And so, the tale of Gbadebo and Suleiman, of light and darkness, came to a close, but the story of hope and redemption lived on, inspiring generations to come with its message of resilience and determination in the face of adversity and despair.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF A FATHER IN A FAMILY:

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Providing financial support

2. Emotional guidance and support

3. Disciplining and setting boundaries

4. Role-modeling values and behavior

5. Protecting and ensuring family safety

EMOTIONAL SUPPORT:

1. Listening and validating feelings

2. Offering comfort and reassurance

3. Encouraging open communication

4. Supporting partner's emotional needs

5. Modeling healthy emotional expression

DISCIPLINE AND GUIDANCE:

1. Setting clear expectations and rules

2. Teaching life skills and values

3. Encouraging responsibility and independence

4. Modeling respectful communication

5. Providing constructive feedback

FINANCIAL PROVISION:

1. Managing household finances

2. Providing for family's basic needs

3. Planning for future financial security

4. Saving for children's education

5. Ensuring family's economic stability

ROLE-MODELING:

1. Demonstrating integrity and honesty

2. Modeling respectful relationships

3. Teaching respect for authority

4. Encouraging physical and mental well-being

5. Embodying values and principles

PARENTING PARTNERSHIP:

1. Co-parenting with mother

2. Sharing childcare responsibilities

3. Collaborating on discipline and guidance

4. Supporting partner's parenting style

5. Maintaining united front in parenting

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT:

1. Participating in children's activities

2. Volunteering in community or school

3. Building relationships with neighbors

4. Role-modeling social responsibility

5. Fostering community connections

PERSONAL GROWTH:

1. Pursuing personal interests and hobbies

2. Continuing education and self-improvement

3. Maintaining physical and mental health

4. Setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care

5. Seeking support and resources when needed

INFLUENCING CHILDREN'S DEVELOPMENT:

1. Shaping moral and ethical values

2. Encouraging educational and career goals

3. Modeling healthy relationships

4. Teaching life skills and independence

5. Fostering emotional intelligence

REMEMBER:

1. Fatherhood is a unique and vital role.

2. Emotional support is crucial for family well-being.

3. Partnership with your spouse is essential.

4. Role-modeling values and behavior shapes children's development.

5. Seeking support is a sign of strength.

LEARN FROM THE ELDERS

MEMORY VERSE

With the ancient is wisdom; and in length of days understanding. Job 12:12

BIBLE TEXT

1 Kings 12:1-19

[1]And Rehoboam went to Shechem: for all Israel were come to Shechem to make him king.

[2]And it came to pass, when Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who was yet in Egypt, heard of it, (for he was fled from the presence of king Solomon, and Jeroboam dwelt in Egypt;)

[3]That they sent and called him. And Jeroboam and all the congregation of Israel came, and spake unto Rehoboam, saying,

[4]Thy father made our yoke grievous: now therefore make thou the grievous service of thy father, and his heavy yoke which he put upon us, lighter, and we will serve thee.

[5]And he said unto them, Depart yet for three days, then come again to me. And the people departed.

[6]And king Rehoboam consulted with the old men, that stood before Solomon his father while he yet lived, and said, How do ye advise that I may answer this people?

[7]And they spake unto him, saying, If thou wilt be a servant unto this people this day, and wilt serve them, and answer them, and speak good words to them, then they will be thy servants for ever.

[8]But he forsook the counsel of the old men, which they had given him, and consulted with the young men that were grown up with him, and which stood before him:

[9]And he said unto them, What counsel give ye that we may answer this people, who have spoken to me, saying, Make the yoke which thy father did put upon us lighter?

[10]And the young men that were grown up with him spake unto him, saying, Thus shalt thou speak unto this people that spake unto thee, saying, Thy father made our yoke heavy, but make thou it lighter unto us; thus shalt thou say unto them, My little finger shall be thicker than my father's loins.

[11]And now whereas my father did lade you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke: my father hath chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.

[12]So Jeroboam and all the people came to Rehoboam the third day, as the king had appointed, saying, Come to me again the third day.

[13]And the king answered the people roughly, and forsook the old men's counsel that they gave him;

[14]And spake to them after the counsel of the young men, saying, My father made your yoke heavy, and I will add to your yoke: my father also chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions

[15]Wherefore the king hearkened not unto the people; for the cause was from the LORD, that he might perform his saying, which the LORD spake by Ahijah the Shilonite unto Jeroboam the son of Nebat.

[16]So when all Israel saw that the king hearkened not unto them, the people answered the king, saying, What portion have we in David? neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: to your tents, O Israel: now see to thine own house, David. So Israel departed unto their tents.

[17]But as for the children of Israel which dwelt in the cities of Judah, Rehoboam reigned over them.

[18]Then king Rehoboam sent Adoram, who was over the tribute; and all Israel stoned him with stones, that he died. Therefore king Rehoboam made speed to get him up to his chariot, to flee to Jerusalem.

[19]So Israel rebelled against the house of David unto this day.

MESSAGE

EIderly people carry valuable gems of wisdom. No matter how educated you are, some lessons cannot be learnt in classrooms; they are only taught in the 'classroom of life' and are learned by experience. Even though I have a PhD, I have learnt to defer to the wisdom of the elders from time to time. This is why you will always hear me say, "The elders have a saying," because there are valuable things that I have learnt from the elders that all of my formal education did not give me.

I was privileged to sit at the feet of my Father in the Lord, Pa Josiah Akindayomi. Every week, I would visit him to ask questions, and he would teach me valuable lessons. I was also privileged to learn from Pa S.G Elton. Every two weeks, I would travel to llesha to sit at his feet. He taught me many things, even though I didn't agree with some of them initially because I felt that they were incorrect. However, as I grew older, I began to realise that he was correct. One of the things he taught me was that I should always remember that I am not God, irrespective of the level of the anointing that I operate in. He also taught me that God does whatever He pleases, and all that I have to do is to take my burdens to Him in prayer and go to bed. This is why, if you ask those close to me, they will tell you that I have no difficulty sleeping. No matter how big the problem is, once I have prayed, I go to sleep.

Beloved, even if your parents and the elders around you are not as educated or sophisticated as you are, listen to them. Whatever things you disagree with or that seem hard for you to understand, keep them in your memory regardless. One day, when you are wiser, you will likely refer to them. Do not joke with the moments you have to spend with elders, whether they are related to you or not. Tell them to teach you some of the things they know and do. There are some natural remedies to sicknesses that died with some elders because the generation after them did not learn about them when they had the opportunity. Some important principles of life have also been lost in this manner.

Learn all you can from the elderly ones, especially the Christian elders that you still have around you, before they go to be with the Lord.

KEY POINT

Spend quality time with the elders around you; there is a lot of wisdom to gain from them.

BIBLE IN A YEAR

John 9-10

HYMN 28 GUIDE ME, O THOU GREAT JEHOVAH!

1 Guide me, O Thou great Jehovah!

Pilgrim through this barren land;

I am weak, but Thou art mighty,

Hold me with Thy powerful hand:

Bread of heaven!

Bread of heaven!

Feed me now and evermore (2 twice)

2 Open Thou the crystal fountain,

Whence the healing stream doth flow:

Let the fiery, cloudy pillar

Lead me all my journey through:

Strong deliverer!

Strong deliverer!

Be Thou still my strength and shield ( 2ce )

3 If I tread the verge of Jordan,

Bid my anxious fears subside:

Bear me through the swelling torrent,

Land me safe on Canaan's side:

Songs of praises!

Songs of praises!

I will ever give to Thee ( 2ce )

4 Saviour, come!

We long to see Thee,

Long to dwell with Thee above;

And to know in full communion,

All the sweetness of Thy love.

Come, Lord Jesus!

Come, Lord Jesus!

Take Thy waiting people home ( 2ce )

BEWARE OF SCAMMER

It's true life story and you have to learn from this good information.

This suspect identified as Patrick Akpoguma, is alleged to have been involved in various types of internet-related fraud, including romance scams, identity theft, cyber hacking, cryptocurrency fraud, ritualism, and cultism.

Investigations into Akpoguma began on November 7, 2024, following complaints from residents of Chevron Drive, Lekki, where the suspect resides.

“Patrick Akpoguma admitted to being involved in what is known as romance scams and other cryptocurrency-related scams. He meets various people online and presents himself as a notable and famous Caucasian American, such as Colonel Matt Herbert, a serving U.S. Army officer currently on a peacekeeping mission in Iran. He also impersonates Adam Taggart, a renowned cryptocurrency and stock brokerage expert in the United States,” he said.

“He convinced his unsuspecting victims that he is a top executive working on several projects that require funding, which leads him to request loans,"

"Typically, he receives these loans via his Bitcoin Trust Wallet or through blockchain transactions. So far, he has defrauded over seven victims using this method.”

To execute these fraudulent activities, the suspect reportedly created a fake i********: account under the name ‘Adam Taggart.’

“This account allowed him to purchase a silicone face and hand mask from maskmakers.com, which was delivered to his residence on Chevron Drive, Lekki,” he explained.

The AIG added, “He paid $11,200 USD for the manufacturing of this mask, which he used to impersonate Adam Taggart on f*******: and Instagram.” “Surprisingly, during the investigation, the suspect began pleading and offering money to be let off the hook.

On November 12, 2024, he offered the sum of $100,000 USD (One Hundred Thousand Dollars), equivalent to about One Hundred and Seventy-Four Million Naira. The money was accepted, registered as evidence, and the investigation continued. So far, the investigation has been concluded, and the suspect will be arraigned accordingly."

Speaking with newsmen, the suspect admitted to turning to fraud three years ago, citing frustration over his inability to find meaningful employment.

“I am a graduate of Mechanical Engineering, and I am 28 years old. After leaving school, it became clear that I needed to find my own path and try to get on my feet. I decided to try fraud while I looked for something legitimate,” he confessed.

The suspect also revealed details about his lifestyle and fraudulent activities.

“I started doing fraud three years ago, and since then, I’ve made over $500,000 USD. I have achieved a lot. I own a house in Lagos, a house in Edo State, and a GLE Benz worth N100 million,” he stated.

He explained his approach to defrauding victims, adding, “Once I defraud people and feel I have taken enough from them, I simply walk away. I don’t leave them penniless.”

Regarding his encounter with the police, the suspect admitted that it was his first experience with law enforcement.

“In my three years of fraud, I don’t think I’ve ever had a bad encounter with the police. This is the first time I’ve been in contact with the police. I was just trying to negotiate with them, and I thought they were actually responding to the negotiation.”

He commended the integrity of the officers involved in his case, saying, “I must confess, it’s a good step for the Nigerian police and the Nigerian people to regain their trust in the police for being transparent. It’s good to know that some credible officers are still out there, willing to see justice done.”

The suspect also used the opportunity to advise others who might be involved in similar activities.

“My advice to people like me is: I would advise everyone to be more diligent, stay focused on the process, find something legitimate, and grow. Because I believe that what is legitimate has the space and platform to grow, whereas illegitimate income is not dependent on you, and it has no space for growth."

BE FOCUS IN LIFE TIME WAITED FOR NO ONE !!!

As a man, if your life is a mess, you need to grind 18 hours a day, 7 days a week. No days off. Just God, hustle, eat, sleep. It's the only way out.

At the beginning of your journey there will be no balance.

Balance is earned and you haven’t earned it yet.

You have to cut off all distractions and only focus on the work in front of you.

One year of hard work and you’ll be set for the rest of your life.

VALUE OF KINDNESS

My mother told me to go to our neighbors and ask for salt. But we had salt at home. I asked her why she wanted me to ask our neighbors for salt when we already had some. She explained, "Our neighbors don't have a lot of money, and they often ask us for something they need. From time to time, I also ask them for something small and inexpensive, like salt, so that they feel that we need them too. This way, they will feel more comfortable and it will be easier for them to continue asking us for everything they need."

This simple act taught me a profound lesson about empathy, humility, and the importance of community. My mother understood that relationships are built on mutual support, and sometimes, asking for help is as important as offering it. By occasionally asking for small things, we create a sense of balance, making our neighbors feel valued and needed. It wasn't just about the salt; it was about creating a bond, a sense of equality, and a shared understanding that we all rely on each other.

Growing up, I saw how these small gestures made our neighborhood a close-knit community. We shared more than just material things; we shared our lives, our joys, and our struggles. My mother's wisdom instilled in me the values of kindness and compassion, showing me that true strength lies in our ability to connect with and support others.

Let's build empathetic, humble, and supportive children with countless values! ❤️

✍🏻 Worth Sharing