Tuesday, October 7, 2025

When Focus Breaks, Destiny Shakes


Distraction is more dangerous than most of us realize. It never shows up, waving a red flag or screaming warnings. Instead, it creeps in quietly, often looking harmless, sometimes even good, until it has pulled our eyes away from the very thing God called us to do. The truth is, when focus breaks, destiny shakes. 

When Focus Breaks, Destiny Shakes

Distraction is more dangerous than most of us realize. It never shows up waving a red flag or screaming warnings. Instead, it sneaks in quietly, often looking harmless, sometimes even good, until it pulls our eyes away from what God called us to do. The truth is, when focus breaks, destiny shakes. Your ability to fulfill God’s purpose for your life depends directly on your ability to stay focused on Him.

Samson: A Mighty Man, Distracted

One of the clearest biblical stories of distraction is the story of Samson in Judges 16. He was chosen before birth, set apart as a Nazirite, and filled with supernatural strength. He tore lions apart with his bare hands, carried city gates on his shoulders, and struck down armies with nothing more than a donkey’s jawbone.

Samson’s weakness was related to his eyesight. He was easily distracted by beauty, relationships, and fleeting pleasures. Judges 16:4 tells us: “After this he loved a woman in the Valley of Sorek, whose name was Delilah.”

Delilah wasn’t his assignment. She wasn’t part of his calling. She was a distraction sent by the enemy to divert his attention. And it worked. Samson spent more time with Delilah than in God’s presence. Eventually, he revealed the secret of his strength, and the Philistines captured him, gouged out his eyes, and bound him in chains.

The strongest man in Israel was reduced to a blind prisoner in the enemy’s jail, all because of distraction.

A Life Story: The Student Who Lost His Way

I once knew a bright young man, whom I’ll call Lobe. He was the first in his family to go to college. God had given him incredible intelligence and leadership skills. He dreamed of becoming a lawyer to fight for justice in his community.

But during his first year at school, Lobe got caught up in distractions. Parties, endless clubbing, and relationships that drained his time slowly began to consume him. He still talked about his dreams, but his grades slipped. Eventually, he lost everything and dropped out of school.

When I spoke to him later, he admitted, “I didn’t even realize I was drifting. I thought I was living. But I let the small distractions pull me away from the big picture.”

Like Samson, David had strength. Like Samson, he had potential. But distraction robbed him of his momentum.

 

The Word of God Speaks

The Bible warns us about this very thing.

 “A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.” (James 1:8)

 “Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you.” (Proverbs 4:25)

 “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:62)

The enemy doesn’t have to destroy you outright; he only needs to distract you long enough to delay you, detour you, or drain you.

 

A Personal Reflection

Think about your own life for a moment. Where is your attention being pulled? Is it endless scrolling on social media? A relationship that drains you more than it builds you? A habit that eats away at your time?

Samson’s story shows us this: the devil doesn’t fear your strength; he fears your focus. Because a focused believer is unstoppable.

 

Let Us Prayer

Father, open my eyes to recognize every distraction the enemy has planted in my path. I refuse to trade my destiny for temporary pleasure. I declare that my focus will not be broken, my purpose will not be shaken, and my eyes will remain fixed on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of my faith. In Jesus' mighty name, Amen.

Thursday, February 13, 2025

Raising Kids With The Wisdom of God : Youth Counseling Session


1. The Power of Words

  • Proverbs 18:21"Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits."
    • Our words carry the power to bring life (encouragement, wisdom, and love) or death (hurt, gossip, and division).
  • Ephesians 4:29"Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear."
    • We should use words to uplift, not tear down.

2. The Dangers of Speaking Negatively

A. Gossip and Slander

  • Proverbs 16:28"A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends."
    • Gossip damages friendships and trust.
  • James 4:11"Do not speak evil against one another, brothers."
    • Speaking negatively about others goes against God’s command to love our neighbors.

B. Discouragement and Criticism

  • Colossians 3:8"But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips."
    • Harsh words come from an impure heart and can lead to division and pain.
  • Matthew 12:36"But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken."
    • Every word we say matters and will be judged.

3. Speaking Words of Life and Encouragement

Instead of negative speech, the Bible calls us to speak with kindness, encouragement, and truth.

  • Proverbs 15:1"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."
    • Speaking gently can calm situations rather than escalate them.
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:11"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."
    • Encouraging words can uplift and strengthen relationships.
  • James 1:19"Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry."
    • Taking time to think before speaking prevents unnecessary pain.

4. Practical Steps for Youth to Control Their Speech

1.    Think Before Speaking – Ask: Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary?

2.    Pray for Self-Control"Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips." (Psalm 141:3)

3.    Surround Yourself with Positive Influences"Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’" (1 Corinthians 15:33)

4.    Apologize When Necessary – If you’ve hurt someone with words, seek forgiveness.

5.    Use Words to Encourage – Practice complimenting and uplifting others.

In Conclusion

Speaking negatively can have serious consequences, but we can learn to use our words for good through God's guidance. Let us strive to follow Ephesians 4:32, "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."

Monday, January 20, 2025

Plagiarism: How To Prevent Plagiarism in my writing

       January 20,2025         Christina Ewanga

 

                    Plagiarism

Definition of Plagiarism:

                  According to Georgia State University’s Policy of Academic Honesty, Plagiarism is defined as presenting another person’s work as one’s own.[1] In essence, “plagiarism is stealing”; “intellectual theft.”[2]

There are various forms of plagiarism, including blatant and incidental plagiarism. According to Georgia State University's Policy of Academic Honesty, the only way to meet the basic standard of academic honesty is to avoid plagiarism.[3]

How to prevent plagiarism in my writing:  

-        By clearly acknowledging the source of the idea or material used.

-        By using quotation marks when using someone else’s words.

-        By properly paraphrasing and summarizing the content of the material used.

-        By inquiring and asking questions.

-        Finally, by learning to cite, paraphrase, and quote properly.

     Sources: Understanding and Avoiding Plagiarism. Georgia State University’s Policy on Academic Honesty.



[1] Understanding and Avoiding Plagiarism. Georgia State University’s Policy on Academic Honesty.

[2] Id.gsu

[3] Id.gsu