Counseling Chambers International

13/05/2025

30 BASIC IDIOMS FOR SPEAKING 🗣️

12/02/2024

DAILY WALKING WITH GOD: 120224
LEADERSHIP IS EVERYTHING!
For a few days, we have examined some core values. There are scores of such values. We may resume our studies on them as time goes. Today, however, we shall turn our attention to the interesting concept that involves all of us. It is LEADERSHIP.

Leadership, both as a research area and as a practical skill, encompasses the ability of an individual, group, or organization to "lead", influence, or guide other individuals, teams, or entire organizations. "Leadership" is a contested term. Notwithstanding, whether you are a leader or a follower, you are involved in leadership. No exception.

In all spheres of living, leadership is everything as far as relationships are concerned. I have tried to use an anonymous views that I came across (although with some editing) to kickstart this discussion. They are given below:

1. A leader is a servant to all. If you don't have the heart to serve others without looking for a reward, you are not yet a leader.

2. If you can't withstand criticism and can't withstand and survive the havoc of hate speech, you are not yet a leader.

3. If you don't have the power of forgiving and forgetting others' mistakes, you are not yet a leader.

4. If you stop doing good because nobody recognizes your kind gesture, you are not yet a leader.

5. If you see your followers making mistakes, but you keep quiet saying, "If they don't call me for advice, I will allow them to learn by experience." Your attitude depicts that you are not yet a leader.

6. Do you have the "Pull Them Down Syndrome (PhD)"? When you see someone doing better than you, what do you do, encourage or pull them down?

7. A genuine leader should not desire the downfall of his followers or those who are better than him/her.

8. If you close doors for your subordinates because you are afraid they will be far better than you, you are not yet a leader.

9. If you don't produce your kind but you are the only champion doing great and mighty things, you are not a good leader. Never forget that every good leader must aspire have a better successor.

10. As a leader, you must feed on knowledge. Don't be stagnant, improve yourself personally, spiritually, emotionally, professionally, mentally, relationally, sincerely, and educationally, so you can make an impact.

11. As a leader, be a ladder for others to climb to the top. Don't pull them down. Your desire should be to make your followers better than yourself.

12. Be humble, let them learn from your mistakes. Do not watch them grope in darkness when you can guide them as light.

13. A leader should be compassionate. How can you be comfortable when your followers are living in abject poverty?

14. A leader should have the heart of a father. A father leads and ensures his family is safe. A good leader should provide for his people sacrificially without using them for his agenda.

15. A leader should have the heart of a mother. When the child is sick, the mother runs helter-skelter to ensure his/her quick recovery. Why do you pretend you don't know your followers are suffering?

16. A leader should not allow evil people to make him wicked. No matter how good you are, some people will not like you.

17. A leader should not allow evil to prevail in the land because of his interest. Sinful associates will want to build a nest of sin around an honest leader and entice him into it. Don't allow that. Do what is right for conscience's sake and leave the rest.

18. A leader should not be partial in judgment. There is always the need for honest, sincere, and forthright leaders. We always need leaders who can be fair in judgment.

19. A good leader is a voice for the voiceless in society without fear or favour. The leader treats the rich and the poor alike with love and kindness. Do you have the loving heart of a leader?

20. You are probably wondering if this article is meant only for our leaders over there. You are wrong. It is meant for you. I mean you that is reading it now. You are a leader in your sphere of influence.

21. You wonder, "Really, I don't think so. I am just a follower." You are far from the truth. Believe it or not, you are a leader. You might be under training but know that you are a leader all the same.

22. Do you intercede for your people? A good leader lifts his followers to God in sincere heart-felt prayers all the time.

23. A leader nurtures great minds into fulfilling their destiny.

24. A good leader has the mind of God, full of love, mercy and compassion.

25. Whenever two or more people are on a mission, one of them will lead. It is the emergence of leadership - whether in the homes, in the market places, in the club arena, in the learning fora, in the communities, in all group settings, etc.

Jeremiah 1:5 says "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” The Lord raises the best leaders for His people.

We shall continue to dig deeper into this topic tomorrow. Please, feel free to give your contributions. Your views will obviously be treasured.
SHALOM.
PTO/CCI.

24/01/2024

DAILY WALKING WITH GOD: 240124
YOUR TONGUE IS A TRANSFORMER
"Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit." Proverbs 18:21 (NKJV). This tells you that there is unimaginable power on your tongue. The tongue can be used in many ways. You can ignore it; under-use it; use it in the negative; use it positively or over-use it. You can use it to build or to destroy. However, when you say something positive in the face of negative situations, you are indirectly confessing and converting the negative to your desirable, favourable and your desired choice.

The Shunammite woman in 2 Kings 4:21-26 (NKJV) kept the co**se of her son at home and when her husband enquired why she wanted to pay an urgent visit to Elisha, the man of God, her answer was: "IT IS WELL." Throughout her negative situation, the woman confessed positively? She knew that her son was stone dead, she still confessed positively that all was well. As she professed, it eventually ended well. Her dead son came back to life. Your tongue is a transformer.

You can use it to transform your life or the lives of your loved ones. It can transform your nation, the church and indeed, the entire world. I pray for you that you will receive divine empowerment for your tongue now. I also declare that IT IS WELL WITH YOU IN JESUS NAME. Decide to always use your tongue to declare good things.
Shalom.
PTO/CCI.

23/01/2024

22/06/2016

Take time to read.... very nice story..

A man woke up early in order to have his morning devotion. He got dressed, set on his way to God's house.

On his way to the Church, the man fell and his clothes got dirty.. He got up, brushed himself up, and headed home.

At home, he changed his clothes, and was, again, on his way to the Church

On his way to the Church, he fell again at the same spot! He, again, got up, brushed himself off and headed home.

At home he, once again, changed his clothes and was on his way to God's house.

On his way to the Church, he met a man holding a lamp. He asked the man of his identity and the man replied 'I saw you fall twice on your way to the Church, so I brought a lamp so I can light your way.

The first man thanked him profusely and the two went on their way to the Church.

Once at the Church, the first man asked the man with the lamp to come in and offered him food

The second man refused.

The first man asked him a couple more times and, again, the answer was the same.

The first man asked him why he did not wish to come in and pray.

The man replied, 'I am Satan'. The man was shocked at this reply. Satan went on to explain, 'I saw you on your way to the Church and it was I who made you fall. When you went home, cleaned yourself and went back on your way to the Church, God forgave all of your sins.

I made you fall a second time, and even that did not encourage you to stay home, but rather, you went back on your way to Church. Because of that, God forgave all the sins of the people of your household.

I was afraid if I made you fall one more time, then God will forgive the sins of the whole nation (world)so I made sure that you reached the Church safely.'

Do not put off the good you intended to do as you never know how much reward you might receive from the hardships you encounter while trying to achieve that good.

For your righteousness can save your family and nation at large.

Do this and see the victory of God

If forwarding this message will bother you, or take too much time from you, then don't do it, but you will not get the reward of it, which is great.

Wouldn't it be easy just to press 'Forward' and receive this reward?

Praise be to God in the highest.

🔲When you Carry the Bible. Satan gets a Headache.

🔲When you Open it, he Collapses.

🔲When he Sees you Reading it, he Faints.

🔲 When he Sees you are living what you read,
he Flees.

And
🔲 when you are about to Forward this Message, he will try to Discourage you...

I Defeated him,
WILL YOU?

23/09/2015

Start Thinking Creatively (2)
‘God…calleth things that are not as though they were.’
Romans 4:17 KJV
God sees things others don’t, and He talks about them as though they were established facts. ‘God…calls things that are not, as though they were.’ And since you are made in His image, you need to do the same. In other words, start thinking creatively. Film director Frank Capra said, ‘A hunch is creativity trying to tell you something.’ So if you’re part of a church or a business that continually throws up obstacles to productivity, forms barriers to originality and puts the brakes on momentum, it’s time to speak up. And if nobody will listen, it’s time to pray and ask God if you’re in the right place. An environment doesn’t just ‘happen’, it’s created by the people who live and work in it. People, systems and policies either stoke the fire of creativity or put it out. Alexander the Great once visited the famed teacher Diogenes and asked whether he could do anything for him. Diogenes replied, ‘Only stand out of my light.’ One of the best things you can do for a creative person is not to get in their way! Michelangelo, Rembrandt and Leonardo da Vinci all used the best equipment and went to extraordinary lengths to find the finest materials for their paints, brushes and canvas. And they’d be no different today. But don’t expect change to come easily. Insecure leaders tend to penalise honesty and feel threatened by creativity, especially when it suggests there’s a better way of doing things. But you owe it to God, to yourself and the people you work with to give it your best shot. UCBTWFT

19/09/2015

God’s Laser
‘…Sharper than any double-edged sword…’
Hebrews 4:12 NIV
Does reading the Bible sometimes make you uneasy? Does the sermon feel like it’s directed at you? ‘…the Word of God is…sharper than any double-edged sword…it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit…Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered…before…Him to whom we must give account’ (vv 12-13 NIV). When it comes to judging our motives, Jesus, the Great Physician, can determine with laser precision the difference between what’s healthy in our lives and what needs to be removed. Author Jon Walker writes: ‘A cyst developed under the skin of my right hand…and since I was a journalist I had to do something about it. The procedure was delicate, requiring the surgeon to cut at just the right point…He was confident he could do it …but I was nervous…He did an excellent job and the only reminder I have is a slight scar …The Word of God is as delicate and precise as a surgeon skilfully removing a cyst from cartilage…He operates with perfection… slices away bad attitudes, thoughts, motives, and actions “…laying us open to listen and obey…”’ (v 13 TM). When God speaks to you it’s for a purpose—to bring your life into conformity to Christ. And your response should always be, ‘Search me, O God, and know my heart…’ (Psalms 139:23). Let the Word of God highlight the areas in your life that need work. Don’t run from the process; remember when ‘…God steps in and corrects you…He wounds, but He also dresses the wound; the same hand that hurts you, heals you…’ (Job 5:17-18 TM). UCBTWFT

18/09/2015

THREE WAYS A MUM CAN AVOID STRESS
Recently on a blog post, I asked moms to answer this question: What’s the stress level in your household (high, medium or low)? The resounding majority cried out “HIGH!!!”
Comments ranged from, “I homeschool my 8 and 4 year old boys and have a 6 month old adopted daughter” to, “I’m a single mom with a house that needs constant TLC” to, “I have two teenage daughters…need I say more?” After reading comment after comment, I admit my stress level was rising fast also!
According to the American Psychological Association, even short-lived, minor stress can have a negative impact on your body. You might feel fatigued, unable to focus, or irritable for no apparent reason. Too much stress produces wear and tear on the body and exacerbates pre-existing conditions like heart disease.
These next three action steps may seem like too-easy-to-be-true solutions, but if you actually do these three things, you will experience significantly less stress in your mom life.
Laugh Daily. Researchers have found a correlation between how much you experience positive emotions like joy and happiness and a decreased rate of heart disease. That sounds a lot like Proverbs 17:22 which says, “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”

In my book 31 Days to Becoming a Happy Mom, I interviewed media personality and mother of seven Hannah Keeley. Hannah is like a party waiting to happen. She is a fun person. But of course, when you’re a busy mom, that fun person can go into hiding. She remembers her husband asking her once at bedtime, “Did you have fun today?” She thought about it and said, “No, I don’t think I had fun today.” Can you relate? Hannah says, “We should go to bed every night and ask ourselves, ‘Did I have fun today?’ I think so many times we flip into this role of being a tyrannical mom. But if we can take time and have fun and understand one another, we understand what makes our family members tick.” Make it your aim to laugh at least once every day. It’s okay to write “have some fun” on your to-do list.

Sleep More. When I’m running ragged, existing on little sleep, I am not a happy camper. But if I get enough sleep – and I’m talking about a solid eight hours here – I am even keeled, productive, and much less stressed. Somehow we’ve bought the lie that it’s nobler to do more and sleep less. Go ahead and take a hit on your personal health and survive on a few hours of sleep. You can catch up on sleep later but your to-do list is now.
But I say, sleep more and be a nicer, less stressed mom. Benefits of sleep include more energy, less risk of heart disease and other diseases, improved memory and strong immunity. If you have a hard time falling asleep or staying asleep, try:
Cutting back on caffeine
Going to bed at the same time each night
Turning off all your screens 30 minutes before bedtime
Practice relaxing activities like stretching or reading before bedtime

Yell Less. You know the feeling. It’s the tenth time you’ve asked your child to pick up his toys and you’re about to lose it. Heat is rising within you like a volcano. Believe me, yelling will not only leave a bad taste in your mouth, it will spike your stress up instantly.
Instead of yelling, use other methods of communication which also happen to be more effective. The battles with your children will not be won by who can yell the loudest or stomp the hardest. The war will be won by the smart mom who disciplines not with endless accusations or loud overtones, but with action. What are consequences that will get your child’s attention? You want your motto to be: Yell less. Do more. Speak with loud actions and you will avoid the stress of losing it and your children will pay better attention to consequences that hurt.
For instance, I was getting tired of asking my children (ages 5, 8 and 10) to clean their dishes after every meal. So instead of lecturing or yelling, I simply said, “If you forget to put your dish away, it will cost you one dollar.” Believe me, my saver son got that lesson right away. I never have to ask him to put away his dish now. My stress level is lower at mealtimes because of that magic dollar fine.
Here’s a joke to get you started so you have more fun today. It’s one of my kids’ favorites. Why was 6 afraid of 7? Because 7, 8, 9 (because seven ate nine!).
Today remember to laugh, sleep for eight hours (it’s okay if everything doesn’t get done), and yell less. Your blood pressure and your family will thank you for it.

18/09/2015

TO YOU - YES - TO YOU
If friendship was life, I will give you mine.
Quite simply, I love you....
Distance makes me miss you. I may not always stay in touch but I care about you very much.
I may not always stop by to say hi, but I hope to never have to say goodbye.
I may not prove to be the perfect family OR friend but I hope the friendship we share never reaches an end. This is Family and Friend Week.
I HEREBY DECLARE THAT I LOVE YOU.
You may send this to people who mean the galaxy to you. You are my family and friends till the end.🌿🌳
I love you!!

18/09/2015

Get Over It!
‘He who…forgives an offence seeks love, but he who…harps on a matter separates…friends.’
Proverbs 17:9 AMP
Countless friendships are destroyed because one person gets offended by something the other one said or did. A mark of spiritual growth is how quickly you get over slights and insults; the more mature you are, the less time it takes to ‘forgive an offence’ and move on. One Christian writer says: ‘Okay, your friend ditches you and your feelings are hurt…or she’s too busy to return your phone call or email…or you’re out to dinner with another couple and the other man insults your husband in an attempt to be funny …Offences come…Jesus said they would (John 16:33). People are people. If you’ve been offended by a friend, or felt slighted, get over it! Hit the Control>Alt>Delete buttons. Don’t let bitterness even think about putting down roots…"Love…is not irritable…it keeps no record of being wronged…never gives up…and endures through every circumstance” (1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NLT)…It seems impossible…and without God’s love it is. So yield to His love, overlook offences and walk in love, because next week you’ll be the one needing unconditional love. When it comes to being perfect, we’ve all failed. If you want your friends to overlook your offences, be quick to overlook theirs.’ Make this your prayer today: ‘Father, thank You for the relationships You’ve blessed me with. I make a decision today to release anyone who has ever offended me in the slightest…to overlook it… forget about it, and move on. I will not keep a record of their wrongs. I will offer mercy and unconditional love. In Jesus’ name. Amen.’ UCBTWFT.

17/09/2015

Are You Struggling Financially? (2)
‘…all these things shall be added unto you.’
Matthew 6:33 AKJV
Pray: ‘Heavenly Father, Your Word says, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” You are well able to take care of my financial situation; You know what needs to be done. Direct my steps (Proverbs 3:5-6). Help me to remember that Your resources are meant to flow freely from the place of abundance to the place of need (2 Corinthians 8:14). I believe You have a financial plan for my life, and when fear of the future threatens to overwhelm me, I will hope continually and praise You more and more (Psalms 71:14). As You walk with me through this crisis and I stay focused on You, You promised to keep me in perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3). Forgive me for worrying. I cast all my cares on You right now (1 Peter 5:7)…I don’t have to bear these burdens on my own…I lay them down and receive Your divine rest (Matthew 11:28). You promised to supply all my needs (Philippians 4:19); that it’s Your good pleasure to give me the [blessings and benefits of Your] kingdom (Luke 12:32). You told me not to worry about anything and instead make my requests known to You with thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6-7). I know You’ll take care of tomorrow because You’re Jehovah-Jireh, my provider (Matthew 6:34). You know what I need and when I need it…You’re the God of more than enough (Ephesians 3:20). Thank You for meeting my every need, and for the sense of peace and security You’re imparting to me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.’ UCBTWFT

16/09/2015

Are You Struggling Financially? (1)
‘…your heavenly Father already knows all your needs.’
Matthew 6:32 NLT
Donna Savage writes: ‘In my husband’s first years as a pastor our mortgage payment gobbled up half his income…I learned to replace panic with peace by praying for: Clarity. Money is linked to our self-esteem. It can trigger feelings of shame, fear, pride, and anger. But “understanding [God’s] Word brings light to the minds of ordinary people” (Psalms 119:130 CEV). Creativity. If you want more money, you must earn more or spend less. We serve a creative God, and He rewards those who “…diligently seek him” (Hebrews 11:6 NKJV). Ask Him to show you how to increase your income. Connections. Kids are familiar with connect-the-dot puzzles, where you join a random collection of dots to produce an image you’d otherwise miss. It’s all about the right connections, and God can send the right people into your life with answers to your money problems. Contentment. Just like earthquakes expose structural weaknesses in buildings, financial pressure exposes our spiritual weakness. Paul said, “I have learned the secret of being content” (Philippians 4:12). Key phrase: I have learned. Hardship enrols us all in a basic contentment course, but we don’t all get the same homework. Some of us learn through financial hardship and proving God’s faithfulness for ourselves.’ Savage continues: ‘I’ve given God an “I can’t do this” ultimatum more than once… I’ve also celebrated the adventure of moment-by-moment dependence on His resources. I’ve proved God’s faithfulness in my prayers and in my pantry, and it’s never limited by my bank balance.’ UCBTWFT