TRUTH and LIFE, 144 Aka Road, Uyo (2026)

28/08/2025

MY FIFTY FIFTH BIRHDAY: INTERFACING PSALMS 90 V 10,12; A TOKEN OF MY APPRECIATION TO GOD AND HUMANITY

Yesterday August 27th;2025 was my 55th birthday. I was born August 27;1970,
I am not fake, I do not associate with those who fake their birthdates to gain political or Civil Service appointment or for whatever reason(s) that satisfies their fancy.

I bring up this write up in order to asses my life in line with what God says about us,and our life's calendar. And also as a token of my appreciation towards God and Humanity having lived this number of years.

Let's see what psalms 90v10,12 says, "The years of our life are seventy, or even by reason of strength eighty; yet their span is but toil and trouble; they are soon gone, and we fly away. So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom".
This invariably means if anyone leaves up to seventy or eighty years on earth he is considered to have fulfilled the stipulated life's calendar ceiling by God. But within this period of living we have to surrender our lives to constant teaching from God in order to bring our heart unto wisdom. Imemme!
Consequently, it therefore implies that, since I have lived 55 years already it now remains just a few more years for my to live if God wills.
We have seen people go off this stage of life at Tender age, prime age, or old age. Some even go beyond this age ceiling of life. All this is only best known by God.

Reminiscing about the this 55yrs of my life on earth in line with the Word of God in psalms 90vs10,12 calls for REFLECTION, CONSIDERATION, AND ACTION, and or RESOLUTION

REFLECTION:
Looking at my life from birth till this age, I always ask myself " what have I done for God to really deserve this kind of care from Him. In fact, His grace towards me is amazing. A supposedly son of a nobody, being taken care of, and loved by a Supreme Being that has no equal.
As I am told, because I was not there with them. "My Father died when I was three months in the womb". At birth I was taken care of by a single mother who later on got re-married to another man who never saw me as his own.
At age Eight, because of ill-treatment by a supposedly father, I had to depart from my Mother and began to live an independent live in the hand of others until I could stand alone.
Within this period in retrospect, I had seen "shege",I had seen "Banza",I had seen tears, I had seen humiliation, I had seen rejection, I had also seen love, and empathy in trying to grow up.
There were some days I went to bed empty stomach, there were some days I ate,and got filled to the brim, most times I cried to sleep, but today, because of love, grace,and special care of God I am a man.

I’m grateful for everything and everyone that pushed me to becoming better.
God bless you all.

I’ve got a lot to be grateful for
Thank you Jesus

CONSIDERATION
In that bible text of our interface, we have just Seventy years to live on earth, and Eighty years for reason of good health,but if we live beyond the age ceiling, it is "YARA" from God.
This invariably means that, no matter what status we assume in this life; either Rich or poor. No matter our Gender; either male or female, no matter our age; either Tender, Prime or old, one day we must leave, but only God knows when, and why, ans where. Only what is required of us is to bring our heart unto wisdom since we know we shall one day certainly leave(in death).

Unfortunately, we almost do not like to talk about death. Perhaps if we ignore it, it will go away. But then we are so vividly reminded that death is a part of life!
We lose loved ones unexpectedly, we lose people we sentimentally love, when we need them most. Hearts are broken, tears are shed, and yet, life goes on. We cannot deal with its reality; we do not talk about it; we hope it isn’t true. But it is!
Since we know we shall all one day leave in death, what kind of people ought we to be? How do we bring our heart unto wisdom.

ACTION
The verses we read highlight life's brevity and the importance of living wisely.
It encourages us to live intentionally, knowing our time is limited, to be prepared for the day we depart:
Since we know we shall all one day depart, either young or at old age what kind of person ought we to be?
How do you relate to these verses, and what wisdom do you seek to apply in your life?
*Wisdom: Seek wisdom in daily living, making the most of your time.

*Make Amends and Forgive: Resolve conflicts, forgive others, and seek forgiveness when necessary.

*Set Meaningful Goals: Pursue goals that reflect your values and priorities.

*Invest in Relationships: Nurture relationships with family, friends, and community, and with God.
*Practice Gratitude: Appreciate life's blessings and experiences.

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION
We have a limited number of years to live on this earth, and one day, we shall all depart.
Use the limited number of years to serve God and Humanity.
Don't shy away from discussing death.
Consider some passages that talk about our death. We do not do this to be morbid, or to cause some to be depressed – we look at these to remind us of our mortality and remind us of the fact that we always need to be prepared for when our time comes.
Consider,those who died yesterday had plans for this morning. And those who died this morning had plans for tonight. Don’t take life for granted. In the blink of an eye everything can change. So, forgive often and love with all your heart. You may never get to have that chance again.
RESOLUTION
In the strength of my 55th birthday celebration, as a token of my appreciation to God, I have resolved to forgive who ever that had offended me, irrespective of the magnitude of the offence. I also plead that if I had offended you, please find a place in your heart to forgive me.
Let's a better world for humanity.
God bless us.

16/07/2025

BUHARI IS GONE, WHO IS THE NEXT

There were times I had nothing more than ₦1,000 to feed myself — and I’ve also had moments where I could spend ₦50,000 to eat out and spoil myself a little.
I’ve lived in a house full of food — and I’ve also experienced an empty kitchen.
I’ve walked into stores and cashed out without a second thought — and I’ve also had to count carefully, returning items to the shelf.
I’ve paid my bills in full — and I’ve had to delay payments too.
I’ve given money to others — and I’ve also had to humbly ask for help.

Life has its highs and lows, and while some may go through more than others, the truth is we’re all trying to make it. No one is better than anyone else, and it saddens me to see people who believe they are.

No matter how big your house is, how new your car may be, or how fat your bank account looks — we all bleed red. And one day, we will all leave this earth.
Death does not discriminate — and neither should your life.

Some of the people who claim to love you will let you stand alone in the storm — just so they can shine.
Be kind anyway.
Serve others.
Drop the ego — it won’t take you far.
And remember, not everyone has the same heart as you.

So:

Be humble.

Be kind.

Be positive.

And keep smiling.

Very few may read this far, but if you’re one of the genuine ones, I challenge you to copy, paste, and post this with a picture of yourself.
Copied .

16/07/2025

NO ONE LIVES FOREVER; HOW ARE YOU PREPARING FOR YOUR DEPARTURE.

Under this context, death is what I mean by departure.
Are you really aware that one day you will die or you only expect that you will live in perpetuity on earth? Surely we will all die.

The photo we see on this post is the graveside of President Buhari who was buried yesterday(July 15;2025). Yes he died.
People from different works of life, different climes of the world, different ages, and different s*x gathered yesterday to bid Buhari final farewell from earth.

President Muhammadu Buhari was an influential figure in Nigeria; a former Military head of States, a two time Minister, a two term democratically elected President, his life in history impacted so many lives positively or negatively, but he died, and was buried yesterday.This shows us how transient life is.

The phrase "no one lives forever" can be a poignant reflection on the transience nature of life,and the importance of making the most of the time we have. It also prompt us to consider our legacy, values,and priorities while we live.

As we mourn our departed Ex President, we are reminded that, "no man lives forever". Death is an inevitable end of every Mortal. It is a universal reality that touches every mortal life. It is an inevitable part of life. It is a reality that awaits us all, regardless of our background, age, status,or achievement.

In the face of death, we are reminded of the fragility and graciousness of life. We are all born, we live, and we die. This cycle continues, and it is a reminder that our time on earth is limited.

As we are reflecting on the life of Buhari, we celebrate his memories, accomplishment, and impact he had on those around him. While we reflect on his life, and the lives of others who have departed before us, the big question that suppose to come to our mind always is "How are we preparing for our departure?"

Preparing for departure involves
*living with purpose: are you living with intention and purpose, or you only drift through life?
*nurturing relationship: how much do you invest in your relationship with your loved ones? Are you leaving them unattended?
*seeking spiritual growth: do you actually seek to grow spiritually, and deepen your faith in God? or you remain stagnant?
*legacy: what legacy will you leave behind when you depart?
Conclusion:
As we are preparing for our departure let's
*make amends with others and forgive those who have wronged us
*let's live with gratitude for the time we have and blessings we have received
*let's seek spiritual peace and assurance of our eternal destination.
As we say goodbye to President Buhari, let's reflect on our mortality and prepare for our departure.
May his memory inspire us to live fully, love deeply, and seek Spiritual growth. May we be prepared to meet our maker with peace,joy,and assurance... Ikpafak Essien Akpan

30/05/2025

DOES THE DEAD SPEAK?
Text: Hebrews 11:4

Life is like a beautiful flower that blossoms with a beautiful fragrance in the morning, wither in the afternoon, and plug off in the evening,but continues to speak after demise. Unfortunately while some speak good,and better things, some speak evil. How do the Dead speak? The dead continue to speak through what they did while on earth. Abel who had died is still speaking, and he is speaking good things ... "and through his faith, though he died, he still speaks
(Hebrews 11:4b).
What will you speak after death? Will you speak good or evil? Or do you think you will never die?
The choice is yours!

20/01/2025

THE SWEETEST STORY OF ALL.

Hello dearly beloved,
I believe you have had the opportunity to listen to many exciting stories in life.
Many stories have been told sometimes about businesses,education,governments, and most times, you have had the opportunity to listen to the most popular story in town today, which is politics.
You mostimes find these stories so exciting, and sweet to the ears.

Unfortunately in all the stories being told, there is a story that is the most neglected; people have refused to say much about it, and many do not want to listen to it the way they do with other stories. Unfortunately too, this story is the most sweetest story of all, and that is the story of Jesus Christ.
There is no story in the whole wide world that is sweeter than the story of Jesus Christ, and His saving Grace.

The story of Jesus Christ is the story of love between God and man. God's love for man does not start today, it dated back to creation.
In all His creations, out of love, God created man in His own Image, and placed man in a position higher than all other creatures,and give man the authority to dominate all. In Genesis 1:26,God said, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”

God created humanity out of love, and wanted man to live eternally, but man rebelled against Him through sin, and was separated from God, but because of love,despite man's rebellion, God pursueded man, sending prophets and messengers to call man back to Himself. Finally God sent His son to die in the place of man in order to reconcile man to Himself.

God's ultimate expression of love was giving us Jesus, His only Son, to save us from sin and its consequences, but with a condition that whosoever, that wants to be saved must believe in His son JESUS CHRIST - John 3:16,“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. ”

This is to say, it is in Jesus Christ alone that one can have everlasting life.
No one can just wake up overnight and walk up to God through any other means that Jesus Christ. No wonder the expression byJesus Christ himself in John 14:6, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

What a sweetest story! Is there any other story you have ever heard that is sweeter that this? A story that, if you have Jesus Christ, you have God, and be saved from your sin, and live eternally.
How do you welcome this story?
Simple!

All that you need to do is to abide in Jesus christ, and allow him to abide in you.
Jesus said, "Abide in Me, and I in you"-John 15:4.

Jesus wants to have a personal relationship with you. Will you give Him a room in your heart? Will you invite Him to come in and be your Lord and Savior?

If your answer is yes after listening to this love story, you have to take the first step by accepting to follow Him through water Baptism, and you will be added by God to His fold, there you will be taught everything about christ, and His saving power.

We have been given this mandate by Jesus Christ to come into the whole world, and spread this story of love, and whosoever that believes, and is baptized shall be save (Mark 16;15-16)

Summary: The sweet story of Jesus Christ as the Savior of the world is a love story that transforms lives, forgives sins, and offers eternal hope.
Will you respond to God's love today, putting your faith in Jesus and following Him?
The door is widely opened!

27/10/2024

Message by Bro(Ikpafak) Essien Akpan
Venue: Church of Christ 17 Udo Uweme street Uyo.
Theme: HOPING EVEN IN HOPELESSNESS.
TEXT: Rom. 4: 18
Obj: to strengthen/ encourage those christians whose hope seems to have lost on God, to continue to hold on to God even in their seemingly hopeless situations.
Characters to explore: Abraham

Introduction: in our today's living, in the course of trying to survive, we see situations continue to degenerate, instead of improving, we see promises remain unfulfiled and thus leave us in a state of despair, confusion, and hopelessness. We hope to see light, but here darkness engulfs us. We try our hands on things with hope to attain massive success, but yet, failure defines our efforts. We hope to see promotion in life, but yet, stagnation. To worsen the situation, the government we selected into power, can(do) not help, our parents, our friends, our relatives can not help, or, are not ready to help.
When it happens like this, we despair, we become perplexed, and dumbfounded, confused, and do not know what to do again. The disappointment, sometimes come to a point our faith on God begin to waver.
Tonight, the word is coming to us, to encourage us to still still hold on to God nor matter what, even in our seemingly hopeless situations, that God will never disappoint us.

In this race of life, we are not alone, and it does not not start today. We have a crowd of witnesses that is surrounding us to prove to us that they past through the same despair situations but still hold on to God, and finally testified to His Goodness.
Witnesses here does not mean observers of the present conduct of Christians but rather those who testify or give evidence of the victorious life of faith.
We have so many of them but,onight, we have one biblical character to Xray in order to garner strength to push on.

Abraham - Rom 4:18 "In hope he believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been told, “So shall your offspring be.”
This verse highlights Abraham's unwavering faith in God's promise, despite seemingly impossible circumstances.
"In hope against all hope" is a phrase describing Abraham's faith:

"Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed..."

This phrase Contrary to human reasoning: conveys
*How Abraham's hope defied logical expectations.
"In hope believed": Abraham chose to trust God's promise, relying on divine power rather than human logic.

** How Abraham thinked beyond natural possibilities:
Humanly speaking, Abraham's situation appeared hopeless (he was old, childless, and Sarah was barren).His circumstances seemed impossible

*The picture of "Against overwhelming odds": Every indication suggested failure.- at his age, he never had someone that will take after him if he dies.

In essence, "in hope against all hope" means
*Holding onto faith despite seemingly insurmountable obstacles
*Trusting God's promises when circumstances contradict them *Believing in a positive outcome when all evidence points to the contrary.

Abraham's example demonstrates:

*Unwavering trust in God's sovereignty.
*Confidence in God's power to overcome impossibilities.
*Persistence in faith, despite prolonged delays.

This portion inspires us to:

*Look beyond current circumstances.
*Trust God's character and promises.
*Persevere in prayer and faith.
Abraham never had a child from his birth, until he was 75 years old when God first appeared to him and promised to make him the father of a great nation (Gen 12:1-3), where God commands Abraham to leave his family and homeland to embark on a journey to Canaan, promising to make him a great nation and bless all families through him.
Abraham did not know where God wanted him to Go, he did not ask a single question, he just moved because he trusted God, because he believed Him.
He waited until he was 99 years when God gave him a son.

Abraham was able to do this because to him, God was:

*The Almighty (Genesis 17:1): All-powerful, sovereign, and majestic.
*The Promise Keeper (Genesis 12:1-3, 15:1-6): Faithful to His word
*The Provider (Genesis 22:8, 14); supplying needs and guiding decisions.
*The Protector (Genesis 15:1): Shield and defender, ensuring safety and security.
*The Covenant Maker (Genesis 15:9-21, 17:1-27): Establishing a binding relationship, sealing promises.
*The God of Justice (Genesis 18:25): Righteous, fair in His judgement.

Lesson from the verse

*Faith transcends human limitations.
*Trusting God requires abandoning self-reliance.
*God's promises often require waiting and perseverance.

Application on our daily living
*Are you facing a seemingly impossible situation?
Childless ness
Homelessness
Joblessness
Stagnation
Frustration
False allegation
Spouse less ness
Depression
Poverty.
Failure

Have you lost hope in living? Are you confused, and do not know what to do?
Are you perplexed, and devastated?
Are you facing a seemingly impossible situation?
Have you lost hope in following God?

Where is your mind taking you to?

Remember Abraham
How can you apply Abraham's unwavering faith to your sad situation?
Abraham hoped against hope, despite his and Sarah's advanced age (Romans 4:18-19)

By emulating Abraham's hope in God, you'll:

*Deepen your trust in God's sovereignty
*Cultivate perseverance in difficult times

*Experience renewed hope and faith *Trusting God's promises over your circumstances *Focusing on the possible, not the improbable
*Praying for renewed faith and hope

**Waiting Patiently

Abraham waited 25 years for Isaac's birth (Genesis 12:4, 21:5).

We have to cultivate
*Patience and perseverance in prayer
*Trusting God's timing, not yours
Habakuk 2:3
This vision is for a future time. It describes the end, and it will be fulfilled. If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed

*Seeking *encouragement from others

Remember
*Faith transcends human limitations. What you are now, does not define who you are, but how you handle the situation does

*Trusting God requires abandoning self-reliance.. dont depend on your ability. Dont feel results you produce is as a result of efforts you put in. It requires God's intervention, and timing
** God's promises often require waiting and perseverance.
God can never disappoint you
Isaiah 49:23 - "Those who hope in me will not be disappointed.

*waiting on God involves trusting God's character
Lam 3:21-25

But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.” The LORD is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him.
Historical Context: Babylonian conquest of Judah (597-586 BC)
** Destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple (586 BC)
*Exile of Jewish leaders and people to Babylon
*End of Judah's kingdom and sovereignty

Reasons:

1. Jeremiah's grief and mourning over Jerusalem's destruction
2. To express the emotional and spiritual struggles of the Judean people
3. To acknowledge God's judgment and justice
4. To provide hope and encouragement for restoration

Event:

*Siege and capture of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar's army (586 BC)
*Destruction of the Temple and city
*Mass exile of Judeans to Babylon
*Jeremiah's witnessing of the devastation

Key Themes:

Purpose:

*To express sorrow and grief
*To acknowledge God's sovereignty
*To encourage repentance and faith
*To provide comfort and hope

Jeremiah's Role:

*Prophet to Judah during its final years
*Witness to Jerusalem's destruction
*Leader in exile, guiding his people spiritually

Key Verses:

CONCLUSION
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:1-2
I am imploring us this night brethren, that we do not lose hope on God, no mater the situations
God is working, even when you can't see it.
2. His plans are 6for your good, not harm.
3. Your breakthrough may be closer than you think. ** God is your Deliverer* *He watches over you
*Trust in Him, and He will act

May this promise bring you:
Comfort in times of struggle.
Hope in the face of adversity.
Strength to persevere.
Amen!

25/10/2024

Big shout out to my new rising fans! Kismet Braino

25/10/2024

Join us in today's Al-night Prayer at The Church of Christ ,17 Udo Uweme Street Uyo, as I speak on the Topic "HOPING EVEN IN HOPELESSNESS"
TEXT: ROMANS 4:18.
It's promising to be a rewarding session

Cherrs!

23/10/2024

Big shout out to my newest top fans! 💎 Benjamin Essien, Engr Ime Frank

Drop a comment to welcome them to our community, fans

19/10/2024

FORGIVENESS: Nine Steps to Break Free

At different points in our lives, many of us hold grudges against other people who we feel have hurt or offended us in some way or another. We can hold grudges for people who aren’t even alive anymore. We often hold onto grudges with the false notion that we are making the other person suffer by being hurt and angry with them.

Now, there is nothing wrong with being angry with someone, but it is how we express this anger that makes all the difference for us and our relationships. What is a grudge anyway? It is harboring ill feelings toward another person and the need to settle a score.

Let’s try a little experiment.

Think of someone in your life right now who you are absolutely holding a grudge against (Note: Very important not to choose someone right now who represents an extreme person / grudge). This is a person that you’re currently not willing to forgive right now for their actions.
Picture that person and hold onto that unwillingness to forgive.

Now, just observe what emotions are there: anger, resentment, sadness? Also notice how you are holding your body right now; is it tense anywhere or feeling heavy? Then bring awareness to your thoughts; are they hateful or spiteful thoughts?

Most people find this to be an uncomfortable experiment that elicits feelings of tension, anger, and thoughts of ill will toward the other person. These feelings aren’t being conjured out of nowhere; it’s just bringing to light what is already within and stirring it around. There is a common misconception that forgiveness means condoning the act of the other person. Forgiveness simply means releasing this cycle of torture that continues to reside inside.

Forgiving does not mean forgetting or condoning the person’s action! Forgiveness is for the person who was wronged, not the perpetrator. It is saying, “I have already been offended against, I am going to let go of this so I don’t continue to be burdened by it.“

In a chapter titled “Give Up All Hope for a Better Past” in The Now Effect I ask you to consider in this process, who is really suffering here? The practice of forgiveness has been shown to reduce stress, anger, and depression and support many aspects of well-being and happiness. Like many things, it is easier said than done and may depend on the person and level of offense.

In that vein, it’s important to ask ourselves, “Am I ready to forgive? Am I ready to let go of this burden?” If the answer is no, then that is okay, perhaps right now is not the time. It’s important to be authentic with ourselves and honor where we are in this process.

1 Know exactly how you feel about what happened and be able to articulate what about the situation is not OK. Then, tell a trusted couple of people about your experience.

2 Make a commitment to yourself to do what you have to do to feel better. Forgiveness is for you and not for anyone else.

3 Forgiveness does not necessarily mean reconciliation with the person that hurt you, or condoning of their action. What you are after is to find peace. Forgiveness can be defined as the “peace and understanding that come from blaming that which has hurt you less, taking the life experience less personally, and changing your grievance story.”

4 Get the right perspective on what is happening. Recognize that your primary distress is coming from the hurt feelings, thoughts and physical upset you are suffering now, not what offended you or hurt you two minutes – or ten years -ago. Forgiveness helps to heal those hurt feelings.

5 At the moment you feel upset practice a simple stress management technique to soothe your body’s flight or fight response.

6 Give up expecting things from other people, or your life, that they do not choose to give you. Recognize the “unenforceable rules” you have for your health or how you or other people must behave. Remind yourself that you can hope for health, love, peace and prosperity and work hard to get them.

7 Put your energy into looking for another way to get your positive goals met than through the experience that has hurt you. Instead of mentally replaying your hurt seek out new ways to get what you want.

8 Remember that a life well lived is your best revenge. Instead of focusing on your wounded feelings, and thereby giving the person who caused you pain power over you, learn to look for the love, beauty and kindness around you. Forgiveness is about personal power.

9 Amend your grievance story to remind you of the heroic choice to forgive.

The fact is, forgiveness isn’t easy, and you’re not going to be perfect at it, so remember to forgive yourself for that as you go.

Elisha Goldstein

TRUTH and LIFE

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