International Student: Funding Accommodation and Living Expenses in the UK

Last week, we looked at how to write a winning scholarship essay. While some students will get scholarships covering all their tuition, accommodation and living expenses, others will have to find ways to fund accommodation and living expenses and probably, part of the tuition. 

As at December 2020, when applying for your visa for a Masters in the UK, you are required to show proof of available funds for your maintenance, estimated at £1,023 per month (£1,334 for London residents) plus any outstanding tuition fees. As such, you are expected to show evidence of possessing £9,207 (or £12,006 for London) maintenance fees in your account prior to your visa application. You must hold this amount in your account for 28 consecutive days, the date of the closing balance being within 31 days of your visa application.

Finding this amount of money could prove difficult for many non-sponsored students. Some people borrow money to show proof of funds and have to pay it back before the start of the programme. This means that they still have to figure out how to survive in the UK. Let me show you how.

10 Ways to fund your accommodation and living expenses in the UK:

1.  Work while studying. A masters degree programme in the UK is intensive but you can find time to work. The Tier 4 (student) visa allows students to work for a maximum of 20 hrs a week during term time and full-time during holidays. Common student jobs include caterers, open day volunteers, student callers, etc. There are off-campus jobs like mail sorters, carers and factory workers (e.g. in food production companies). From my experience, it is wise to have your living expenses for at least the first semester available before coming to the UK because the time runs so fast. Also, since you are still adjusting to the new environment, you do not want to be distracted and get poor grades. In addition, you have to apply for a National Insurance number before you can begin to work and this can take a few weeks.                                                  
2. Bring your spouse along. Your spouse can support your study expenses by taking up a job. They have no limit to the number of hours they can work. Minimum wage is currently at £8.72/hr. If your spouse is able to work 40 hrs a week on minimum wage, they would earn about £1,395 per month. This goes a long way. Remember that you have to show proof of funds for any dependent you are bringing along.                                                                                                                             
3. Keep your home country job. If your job is the type that allows you to work remotely, you could ask for a study break while you continue to work part time. Check the exchange rate of your country's currency to see if this is worth it as your expenses will be in Pounds.                                                                                 
4. Get a loan. 20 hrs a week work might not be enough to meet your need especially if you have outstanding tuition to pay. You might need to obtain a loan to offset that. International students do not qualify for UK government loan. You could search for student loans from banks in your country or ask family or close friends. Alternatively, there are private loan companies that offer loans to international students. But be careful with this option as you are not certain where you would be after your studies.                                                                                                                   
5. Reduce expenses by living in shared flat/house or with family. If you have family in the UK, you could take advantage of that. If not, you could live in a shared house/flat with fellow students. You would not have to pay for council tax if all residents are full time students. University halls of residence usually are more expensive than the off-campus houses by private landlords.                                                                                                                                          
6. Make good use of student discounts and coupons. Many stores (including clothing shops, cinemas and restaurants) have student discounts. Always go with your identity card and ask at the counter if there are student discounts.                                                                                                 
7. Make your own coffee. There is a huge coffee culture in the UK. You will be presented with several coffee breaks during your study. There is a temptation to buy coffee from the café every day, especially during the cold seasons and that could cost you up to £5 a day. Alternatively, there will usually be a student's kitchen around with a kettle or microwave and fridge. So you can easily make your own coffee. By doing this, you can save some money towards your accommodation and more important expenses.                                                                                    
8. Call home through WhatsApp. Phone calls to your home country, especially if in Africa,  can be quite expensive. To save this cost, make good use of  Wifi for WhatsApp calls.                                                                                                                                                                                 
9. Buy stuff from discount stores. Patronize the discount supermarkets and stores around you like Aldi, Lidl, Poundland, Poundstretcher, OneBelow, etc. Avoid convenience stores except when absolutely necessary. Buy in bulk.                                                                                                                        
10. Wait for clothing sales. Do not be tempted to buy all your clothing as soon as you arrive. Many shops have end of year sales. So if you start in September, you can take advantage of December sales. Why buy a pair of shoes for £80 when you can get it on sale for £10?

In conclusion, you can achieve your dream of a postgraduate study in the UK. First, try to get a scholarship; then consider the above steps to cater to your accommodation and living expenses if need be.

Has this been useful to you? What else will you like me to write about? Please leave a comment below.

Radiant ~ December 2020

Contact me at chidiogoradiant@gmail.com

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International Student: Why You Should Pursue Your Masters Degree in the UK

International Student: How to Write a Winning Scholarship Essay

International Student: How to Write a Winning Scholarship Essay

Last week, I wrote about why you should pursue your Masters degree in the UK.  A common question I got asked was how to obtain scholarship or funding for the Masters programme. I've given bits of advice regarding this in the past. But today, I've decided to just pen down all I say to people for easy access.

I'm a beneficiary of a few scholarships. First, I attended secondary school on a full scholarship by the Federal Government of Nigeria covering tuition, boarding, feeding, uniforms and exercise books. Then in 2016, I won the Developing Solutions Masters Scholarship offered by the University of Nottingham. This scholarship covered my full tuition which was £21,200. 

My husband has also benefitted from scholarships. He was a recipient of the Total Nigeria National Merit Scholarship award at undergraduate level and The Global Scholarship Award worth £10,000 which covered part of the tuition for his Masters programme. 

Some scholarships require that you write exams - my secondary school scholarship and husband's undergraduate scholarship. Others require short essays. For my Masters scholarship, I answered the following questions:

• Why have you chosen to study this academic programme?
• Why the University of Nottingham?
• Why should the panel select you?
• How will it benefit you and your country?

And a question about my future career ambition.

Before I get to the tips on writing a winning essay, let me give you some general advice on getting a scholarship for your study.

1.  Do not put all your eggs in one basket. Apply to as many scholarships as you can find. Don't only apply for the popular scholarships like Commonwealth and Chevening, apply to the unpopular ones as well. Check the funding page of the school you want to apply to study for any scholarships you might be eligible for.

2. Start early so that you can meet up with deadlines. Many scholarships have early closure dates. Apply to the school early. Many of the scholarships require you to secure an admission before you are eligible to apply. Since you are not sure how long the admission process might take, apply early so that you would have obtained your offer letter before the scholarship deadline.

3. Find out the application requirements early and begin to gather them. For my Masters scholarship, I needed to write IELTS because some of the scholarships required it. Also, I needed to obtain the transcript for my undergraduate degree. These processes could take their own time, hence the need to start early.

Now to the tips that helped me write my own essay.

How to write a winning Masters scholarship essay 

1.  Do your research. Read about the school, the course you want to study, look at the modules, talk to students of the school. Your reason for choosing the school is not just because they offer scholarships. Think about why you would choose that school if you got the same scholarship opportunity in two other schools

2.   Tell a personal story. This appeals to the emotional side of the judges. My approach to my essays was not just academic. I told the story about how I am really passionate about public health because of the lack of health information and proper health seeking behaviours, saying for instance, how during the Ebola epidemic in Nigeria my own mom advised me that a salt bath would prevent infection. Be authentic though.

3.  Show passion through your experience. Start building your portfolio now by getting involved in significant events happening around the area you want to study. I had applied and got into the Regional Leadership Centre in Accra, Ghana for the Young Africa Leaders Initiative (YALI). When I attended YALI, I had not yet planned on applying for a Masters but when I started applying, I used that experience to show my passion for Africa, development and leadership. So before you even start thinking of a Masters programme, you could get involved in projects, seek volunteering or leadership opportunities, or fellowships in the area of your passion. I know a colleague who had done some community development projects during his National Youth Service year and had pictures where he received award for this. This was what he used in his application to get a 100% tuition scholarship. In my husband's case, he used to run a career mentoring organisation for secondary school students alongside his regular job.

4.    Show passion through education. I had done some free online courses on global health and public health. If you have not studied the course at undergraduate level, show your interest by taking courses and attending conferences.

5. Understand the goal of the scholarship body and answer in those lines. For Developing Solutions it was to make a difference in the development of your home country. So I had to show passion for development of Africa.

6.    Proofread. Having errors in your essay does not speak of excellence.

7. Get other people to read. If possible connect with people who have previously succeeded in getting that scholarship.  

I hope these few points are useful for you in your journey. Do not let the lack of finances stop you from pursuing your educational goals. Scholarships are largely available and you CAN win.

Please leave a comment if this post has been useful to you and come back next week for a new post on funding accommodation and living expenses. 

What else would you like me to write about? Feel free to contact me at chidiogoradiant@gmail.com

 

Radiant ~ December 2020

 

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International Student: Why You Should Pursue Your Masters Degree in the UK

My Masters graduation day

When I decided to pursue a Masters degree, I wanted one that I could do in the shortest time possible, as cheaply as possible, yet with high quality. I knew I had to get a scholarship to make it possible. I searched the internet, asked questions, and shortly concluded I had to make applications to schools in the United Kingdom. 

Some international graduates might be in the same shoes as I was. So in this post I would like to help you answer the question - Why come to UK for your Masters programme?

The Pros

1. High quality world-class education. The UK is known for its high quality education. Just google "Top Universities in the World" and see for yourself. Degrees from the UK are highly respected by employers. Check out QS Graduate employability rankings.

2. 1 year programme. Unlike programmes in the US that require 2 years, a UK Masters degree programme is typically for 1 year. Also, being an English speaking country, I did not need to take up a foreign language class before my study as would have applied if I chose Germany or any other non-English speaking country.

3. Scholarships are available. This was key for me. Many would be put off by the humongous tuition fees associated with a Masters degree in the UK but there are scholarship opportunities. While some are sponsored by international scholarship bodies, many individual UK schools have a scholarship budget. I got a full tuition scholarship from my school. 

4. 2-year post study visa. A few years ago the UK government stopped issuing 2-year post study work visas to students on a Tier 4 visa. This discouraged some international students from pursuing postgraduate studies in the UK. Thankfully, it's been brought back this year. This means that you can apply for jobs and get some work experience in the UK after your Masters programme. The experience can boost your career prospects wherever you then decide to settle.

5. Application is easy. When I looked at the application process for USA-based schools, the process just seemed tedious and long 'cause I would have to write TOEFL/IELTS as well as GRE. With UK-based schools, I only needed IELTS to apply to certain schools. The school I eventually got in to, the University of Nottingham, did not require it because my undergraduate study was done in English.

6. You can bring your family along and they can work without restrictions. Unlike the USA, where spouses/dependents of students on F1 visas are not allowed to work, the UK allows dependants/spouses of students on Tier 4 visa to take up full time work (apart from doctor or dentist-in training) or be self-employed. This goes a long way in supporting the student. 

7. You can work and study at the same time. In the US, there are certain restrictions to working while you're a student on F1 visa, like only being able to work on campus, except in exceptional cases. The UK has its own restrictions - you can only work for a maximum of 20 hours per week but it does not have to be just on-campus jobs.

Most importantly studying abroad, in the UK, gave me much exposure. Exposure to a developed country, exposure to possibilities I didn't know existed. Exposure to effective systems, rule of law, order, a civil culture where customer service personnel are very polite, where there is dignity of labour, where merit is rewarded, where feedback for quality improvement is actively sought and accepted.

The Cons

1. It is expensive. The UK Masters tuition fees for international students vary depending on the degree and university but could range from £5,000 to well over £40,000. My tuition for a Masters in Public Health was £21,200 (around 11.4 Million Naira at the time). Giving my salary then, I would have needed to work for 10 years while scrimping to save up that amount of money. And that excludes the cost of accommodation and living expenses. If you are able to get a sponsor or get scholarship then this becomes less of an issue.

2. It is cold. Coming from the heat of Africa, it took a while to adjust to the UK weather. Summer was great; in fact, there were heat waves at times. Fall, spring and especially winter days were cold. But then it's not as bad as Canada. I learnt to dress for comfort, or in other words, dress for the weather and not for fashion.

In conclusion, I would say it was very well worth it and I am grateful to the University of Nottingham and everyone who supported me for making it possible.

Are you considering a Masters degree in the UK? What are you most worried about? Have you studied as an international student in the UK? What was your experience? Please leave a comment below.

Radiant ~ December 2020

Read my next post on how to write a winning scholarship essay.

Glossary

TOEFL - Test of English as a Foreign Language

IELTS - International English Language Test Score

GRE - Graduate Record Examination

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Potato omelette/Potato Frittata Recipe

We are into another lockdown. Last lockdown many people reported learning new skills especially home making skills like baking, cooking and teaching children. You might be searching for a new recipe at this time. Being at home on maternity leave has made me research more about new recipes. Now that I'm not rushing off to work early in the morning making do with some tea and store-bought brioche rolls, I can afford to make some luxurious and healthy breakfast. So I had potatoes and carrots and was thinking of what to do with them when I stumbled on a YouTube video. I modified the recipe a little bit to suit what I had. The thing I love about cooking as against baking is that you can be more flexible with cooking recipes. So if you have potatoes, carrots and eggs, you can recreate this recipe replacing all other ingredients with whatever you have available. So let's get cooking already.

List of ingredients (serves 3 adults)

• 3 British potatoes
• 3 carrots
• 1 green pepper
• 1 bulb onion
• 1 Tbsp thyme
• 1 seasoning cube
• 9 eggs
• 2 tomatoes
• 1/2 scotch bonnet pepper
• 2 tsps crushed chilli pepper
• 1 Tbsp black pepper
• 1 Tbsp curry powder
• 1 tsp ginger powder
• Vegetable oil
• Salt to taste

Method

1. Chop your potatoes and carrots into small cubes. Cut the green peppers and onions as well.

2. Add some oil in a frying pan and fry the potatoes, carrots and onions for about 5 mins. Add seasoning cube, thyme and salt. Set aside

3. In a clean bowl, break 9 eggs. Add the tomatoes, chilli and scotch bonnet peppers and spices. Whisk all.

4. Pour the potato-carrot mix into the egg mixture

5. Pour little oil in 2 frying pans, divide the mixture between these two pans and let cook on low heat for about 10 mins or till you see the top is cooked as well.

Food is ready. You can eat this alone as breakfast or as a side to rice for lunch or dinner.

Bon appetite!

Please leave your comments if you've tried this recipe or have any ideas of new recipes I can try.

Radiant ~ November 2020

My Work And My Stammer

The 21st century workplace is so fast-paced that it could easily turn humans into emotionless robots. Could a stammering colleague be a check carefully designed by nature to force us to slow down, think about the next person and have meaningful conversations?

Medical profession is one of such fast paced environments and a very challenging one at that. Apart from the voluminous wealth of knowledge one should have, it involves thinking on one’s feet, making quick decisions of dire consequences and communicating such.

Add these to the possibility of making mistakes, getting complaints, failing exams, losing one’s medical licence, being struck off the register and so on, and this explains why anxiety, stress and exhaustion are commonplace in this profession.

These emotions are amplified for stammering doctors, for whom unlike professionals dealing with computers, clay or pots, verbal communication is inevitable. I am one of those.

The following are some of my most challenging workplace scenarios:

1. Phone calls: This is a very tough one as often I may need to make a referral via telephone, or contact a patient to pass an urgent information or call a senior for help. The most challenging part of this is when I’m asked to say the NHS number. This is a 10-digit number which will usually have the number 4, 6 or 7 (my stumbling blocks). A few listeners are patient with me, probably having recognised the stutter from the start of the conversation. Most are not. A common response is “I’m sorry your line is breaking up”, or “The connection is poor, please can you repeat?” or worse still, they could hang up. At this point, I’m not only dealing with anxiety from the fact that the number won't come out of my mouth, but anxiety that the person at the other end may hear the wrong number (patient safety being at stake), and then embarrassment as I have colleagues on the table who can hear me struggling. Sometimes I’ve had to ask a colleague to help me call out the NHS number to the person on the phone or I’ve had to tell the person at the call end, “it’s not the network. I stammer. I’ll start again please”.
2. Handover - Hospital handover meetings are usually full of people from consultants to medical students. As a junior doctor, I’m expected to narrate the cases seen during the on-call shift, going through each patient’s biodata, background history, diagnosis, treatment so far, response and any issues during the shift. Woe betide me if there were too many patients. I still must go through the drill. This is my worst part of being on-call, yet I must go through this torture after every on-call shift (and in my last post, twice during each on-call shift). Even though nobody says so, I feel this guilt and pressure to talk quickly as I do not want to waste people’s time. Thereby worsening my stammer.
3. Emergencies - In the frenzy of an emergency, patience is far-fetched. This heightens anxiety and fear for the stammerer. Fear of mistakes happening due to poor communication and anxiety about slowing down the team. Consequently, I focus on the practical jobs, shying away from making any verbal contributions except I’m directly involved.
4. Voice dictation - This is supposed to be an efficient way of updating patient records or making referrals but for a stammerer, it is not quite quick and could introduce errors, so I fall back to typing everything by hand.
5. Presentations - As a trainee, we have weekly teachings and I will fall into the rota at some point. Sometimes I start with a disclaimer that I’m a stammerer especially for a new audience so that I’m not misjudged as being anxious. 

These and many more conditions of the workplace makes it tougher for a stammering doctor. Everyday for me is a very big challenge I must overcome. I could do with some understanding colleagues.

Today is International Stammering Awareness Day and I just want to raise awareness to non stammering workplace colleagues on what stammerers would really appreciate from you:

• Be patient.
• See the value we carry rather than the stammer.
• Give us your attention.
• Do not finish our sentences.

And for employers (in the spirit of diversity and inclusion) to try to make reasonable adjustments in the workplace for people who stammer. Things like time limits or specific introduction formats for phone conversations may discriminate against stammerers.

Stammerers in the workplace need you to be their allies.

Chidiogo Nwosu

Lessons from Dr. Sunday Adelaja’s Laws of Money YouTube Series

I have been tremendously blessed by the YouTube series on The Laws of Money by Dr. Sunday Adelaja. It is just alarming how ignorant I have been regarding money matters. My mindset has completely turned around. Things I thought that mattered, no longer matter. Things that I never thought about, are now my constant thoughts. These series along with his book “Money Won’t Make You Rich” have completely renewed my thinking and lifestyle. Among many nuggets, the following are my take away tips:

1. Money is not to be spent but to be multiplied. These teachings have taught me not to immediately start thinking of what to spend on once I get some money in my bank account, but on how to multiply it. Only after money has been multiplied 10x am I qualified to begin spending it. Listen to the series to understand more.
2. After paying God (tithes), pay yourself. I’ve learnt to be religious about my savings. It shouldn’t be left to the last. I should come before my bills.
3. Don’t let them take away your money. There are so many pressures in life clamouring for your money. Budget your money and don’t let anything or anyone you’ve not planned for take away your money, no matter how noble the cause. 
4. Money is not emotional. He teaches you to have a budget for giving/charity and stick to it. A lot of times, due to pity, we give away all our money to all that ask and have nothing left to save or invest. I’ve discovered that I can only be more effective in charity if I have more. So while I budget some money for charity, I must be multiplying money so that I can be in an even better position to do more good in future.
5. Don’t lend your money. Basically this means don’t lend money you cannot afford to do without. Many times people default and leave you stranded and this spoils relationships as well. So it's better to give what you know you can do without and don’t even expect it back.
6. Don’t eat tomorrow’s food today. Delay gratification. Don’t be tempted by the ease of access to credit and mortgages. They are all temptations to enslave you. Wear the cloth you can afford today so you don’t go naked tomorrow. Live in the house you can afford today so you’re not homeless tomorrow.
7. The essence of savings is for investments. Don’t just keep money in the bank, its value depreciates. Money should always work for you. 
8. Savings and investments are not afterthoughts. They are the first purpose of your income.
9. Be free from the control of money. The amount of money in my account should not determine my joy. I should not be excited when money comes into my account or depressed if there is no money. I now understand the true meaning of wealth. Wealth is the aggregate of my value and that’s what I should focus on building. 
10. Don’t spend money that is not yours to buy what you don’t need to impress people who don’t really care. I have begun to ask myself if I really need stuff before I buy. This has helped me to forestall a lot of waste.
11. For starters, save 10-30% of your monthly income and when you have a substantial amount put them in investments. Always aim to increase the percentage you put towards your savings.
12. Invest in yourself, your skill and your own business. Who better to trust with your money than yourself?
13. Invest in other people’s businesses. Look around. Think. Don’t be mentally lazy. Look for businesses that can give you at least 30% return annually.
14. Stop working for Uncle Sam (the world’s system that only enslaves). Deliver yourself from the world’s system of slavery by first saving, then investing to be financially free to work for your own interests.
15. No matter how much you have, you can start saving. If I am not multiplying my money and only living from one salary to the next, I am just like the unfaithful servant whom the master rebuked as being lazy and wicked and even the little I have will be taken away from me (Matthew 25:14-30).

I would really encourage everyone to listen to this series on The  Laws of Money and also buy the book “Money Won’t Make You Rich”. You will learn things you wished were taught in schools. Thank me later. 

Click the link below to buy the book.

 

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. 

Please share your thoughts on these below.

Radiant ~ October 2020

4 Things to Kick Start your Day

Ever wake up feeling like just remaining in bed all day? You know you have a lot to do but just can't seem to summon the strength to get up. You are not alone. I have those moments too.

A hectic previous day may call for this. I may just want an extra hour of sleep, breakfast in bed, browse my phone, read a book, do anything as long as it can be done in bed. A lazy day it is. But some days are too important to spend snoozing.

Here are "4 things I do to kick-start my day", although not religiously.

1. Prayer

Prayer is very powerful. It not only energises my spirit, which is the most important part of me, but it puts my body to work by getting me talking. I may have to get out of bed to kneel or stand or walk to my prayer room. I find that lying in bed to pray is a scam. I would have added an extra hour of sleep by my last Amen. Commit your day to the Lord and he will order your steps. If your spirit is down, your body will be down as well.

2. A kiss

A kiss can give me the energy I need to get off that bed. It is said to release hormones such as dopamine and endorphins into your brain and scientists say they work like adrenaline—that sudden rush of hormone you feel when scared or challenged. Starting your day with hugs  or kisses sure sets you up for a happier day.

3. Family Devotion 

While growing up, at about 5:30am, we all had to get up for devotion whether we liked it or not. Someone was sure to tap and pull us till we were up and headed for the living room. Having a routine family time of worship early in the morning not only bonds you with your family but gives you a purpose to get off that bed. 

4. Coffee

I'm actually a tea rather than coffee person, but I often add a pinch of coffee for the flavour. Taking a hot drink before dawn keeps my eyes open for morning routines. Want to peel those sleepy eyes? Try a cup of hot coffee or tea.

Proverbs 20:13 - Do not love sleep or you will grow poor; stay awake and you will have food to spare.

Do you know other tips? Please share in the comment section below.

Radiant ~ September 2020

Spiritual Warfare - How to Deal With Your Enemies

Recently in a group Bible study, a question was raised regarding how to deal with enemies, those we have confirmed through accurate prophecy are working against us and want our downfall. Another  discussion with someone on the same topic also got me answering these questions:

• Is it right to pray for the death of our enemies? 
• Can we specifically name a person and demand their death within a given period?

The most quoted scripture to back this method of prayer is in Exodus 22:18 which says, "Suffer not a witch to live."

Note that I am not referring to spiritual warfare of binding and casting of spirits and taking spiritual authority by our words. I am only referring to the practice of planning and projecting the physical death (through spiritual warfare) of human beings whom have been considered "witches" or enemies of progress.

Here are my thoughts.

With regards to the above scripture, let's look at the context. The two verses after that are as follows: 

Anyone who has sexual relations with an animal must certainly be put to death (v19). Anyone who sacrifices to any god other than the Lord must be destroyed (v20).

I will like to put forward that in the old covenant, certain sins called for the death penalty. As seen in the above scriptures, they put to death not just witches but also anyone caught in idolatry and bestiality. Also, other sins like adultery (Leviticus 20:10) and homosexuality (Leviticus 20:13), etc were punished by death. 

Now under the dispensation of grace, Jesus introduced mercy and forgiveness. They were going to stone the adulterous woman, but he intervened and asked her to go and sin no more (John 8:11). Paul and Silas cast out evil spirits from the demon-possessed slave girl (Acts 16:16-24). They did not kill her. So if we no longer kill adulterers but lead them to repentance, why should we still kill people who practice witchcraft?

This leads to the question - what should we do to these wicked human beings? Remember witches are simply evil spirits working with human bodies. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities and powers (Ephesians 6:12). When the human body dies, they will simply find another body to operate through, hence your problem does not die when the enemy dies. It only takes another face.

We should love them.

Jesus says love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you (Matthew 5:44). God does not wish that any man should die but that all would come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). Sending someone to hell earlier than they would have gone by praying for their death does not glorify God. What glorifies God is delivering them from the shackles of the enemy, changing their eternal course from hell to heaven (Ezekiel 18:23). If you understand the reality of hell, you will not wish hell on your worst enemy. God can save even the most vile of men. Even Jesus being crucified on the cross, prayed for his crucifiers. He said, "Father forgive them for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34).

When Jesus' disciples wanted to call down fire because some people did not receive him, Jesus rebuked them and told them that they did not know the kind of spirit they had (Luke 9:54-55).

Furthermore, Bible tells us not to gloat when God is punishing our enemy or he would be displeased with us and turn his anger away from that enemy (Proverbs 24:18). What does rejoicing over the death of an enemy mean then? We have to be careful.

Lastly, let's borrow a leaf from the Old Testament. The 2 prophets Elijah and Elisha had different approaches to dealing with their enemies. While Elijah would call down fire from heaven to consume them (2 Kings 1:10), Elisha would give them food and drink and send them home (2 Kings 6:22).

What was the result? Elijah's enemies kept coming back (2 Kings 1:11-13). Elisha's enemies never came back (2 Kings 6:23). Note that earlier in his ministry, Elisha, like his mentor, cursed the boys who taunted him and they were mauled by bears. But that was the last time he did so.

So we see that in deed, love is the most excellent way. God has given us a spirit of love (2 Timothy 1:7).

I know this is a controversial topic but the above is the understanding that by God's grace I have to share. Please leave any comments below and be kind to one another.

Radiant ~ August 2020

When a man's ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. Proverbs 16:7

The Mind of the Rich versus The Mind of the Poor

Recently, I have been learning a lot on Biblical financial prosperity from Apostle Joshua Selman. My most important lesson is that I must be wealthy in my mind before I can attract physical wealth. This is one of my notes from his message. You can listen to the full sermon here.

The Difference Between The Mind of the Rich and the Mind of the Poor

1. The rich believe in taking responsibility for the outcome of their lives. They believe they have a role to play in their wealth. The poor believe in luck and chance. They just hope that one day their situation will change. 

2. The rich are very disciplined and patient people. The poor are very indisciplined and impatient. The poor want get-rich-quick schemes. They cannot wait to build their wealth before  they begin to display it. Never be under pressure to prove to people you have made it.

3. The rich believe in the law of process. They know that it takes time to build wealth. The poor always want results without process. They are easily deceived because of this. In one day you can become a millionaire but it comes after a season of preparation. 

4. The rich always plan and set goals while the poor are always impulsive and erratic. The poor will buy things outside their budget out of embarrassment.

Stop trying to look rich, pay the price and be rich. @JoshuaSelmanMin #lawsofwealth #financialprosperity

— radiant.ng (@chidiogoradiant) July 2, 2020

5. The rich see challenges as opportunities and stepping stones while the poor see challenges as obstacles and stumbling blocks.

6. The rich have great courage and persistence while the poor easily give up. When a business closes, the rich will try again, while the poor will give up.

Failure is a prerequisite in the school of success. @JoshuaSelmanMin #lawsofwealth #financialprosperity

— radiant.ng (@chidiogoradiant) July 2, 2020

Rich people have failed severally.

7. The rich are great risk takers (not foolish risk takers) while the poor are afraid to take risks. The rich step out of their comfort zone while the poor are easy goers. 

8. The rich have a positive mental attitude towards the opinion of others and never let opinions kill their dreams while the poor have a poor esteem of themselves and are easily influenced away from their dreams by the opinion of others. Criticism can be a great tool for publicity.

Have you been blessed by this? Please comment below.

For more sermon notes, click here.

Radiant ~ July 2020