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Dealing with self

Proverbs 4:25-27

This season, many people find themselves feeling restless. It’s a time when we pause for self-reflection, revisit our vision boards of the year and understandably, that can shake us up. But does it really have to be this way every year?

Have we simply accepted that each festive season, while we celebrate on the outside, we’re disappointed, dissatisfied, and discouraged on the inside? We eat, laugh, and enjoy the moment, yet deep down many adults feel anxious, one year older, yet like Joshua, still facing the “much land yet to be possessed,” anxiety. Is this truly meant to be the experience of God’s people, or have we embraced a worldly pattern without even noticing? And more importantly, does it have to be the same story every year?

I woke up with this on my heart today: I don’t want festive-season anxiety anymore. I don’t want to keep repeating this same pattern year after year. Does it mean everything in my life is perfect right now? No. But I do want to experience real peace and bliss during this time of the year. As I was thinking about this, I was led to Proverbs 4:25–27 (NLT). Let’s read it together.

“Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭4‬:‭25‬-‭27‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Look straight ahead.” But I’m like, “Lord, all I see are my unsolved problems, JESUS!”

Yet the Scripture reminds me that it’s easy to get sidetracked when we focus on anything other than the vision that still needs to be fulfilled. It’s tempting to say, “I’m not seeing any results… maybe I should just follow the world’s way so I at least have something to show my family.” Family pressure is real.

And while our families genuinely want us to prosper, the truth is that family can also be one of the biggest sources of anxiety, depression, hopelessness and even suicide. I’m telling you the gospel truth. Sometimes their expectations even when they come from a loving place collide with a person who’s already frustrated, and that’s people get sidetracked and thrown off. So this season, may your words, your opinions, and your comments never sidetrack anyone.

So while we reflect on what we didn’t accomplish this year, we must also mark out a straight path for our feet. What does that mean? It means we intentionally clear out the distractions so that as we run into 2026, nothing that tripped us up in 2025 will have the power to trip us again. Stick to the path and stay safe.

Don’t drift into another purpose, another lifestyle, or another identity simply because the pressure feels heavy. Stay with what God told you. The truth is, there is still much land to conquer, so much we haven’t done, and so much still ahead. But sitting in anxiety won’t get us there. Focus will. And for some people, this focus may look different. While others are resting, you, the one who knows how tight your shoes are, might need to be working.

“Oh, but I’m tired.”

Yes… but you’re tired and without results. So stay on the path. Don’t get sidetracked. Don’t let anything cause you to repeat a 2025 mistake in 2026.But above all else, remember this: Be anxious for nothing, the year is not over. Who told you God is done? Rest your ever-anxiously racing heart!❤️

It’s worship Wednesday! Go on and bless the Name of the Lord! So much can still happen in the next three weeks! Congratulations !🥳

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Dealing with self

If Lot had asked …

One day I had a conversation with someone, and they told me they had intentions to marry me. I said, “Oh wow, what a wow! This is sweet news mos. Let everyone get their tailors ready.” But then I began to ask questions. As the person responded, it became clear that with what I now knew, I could not make that choice. If I genuinely love myself, then based on the information I received, I could not decide to spend the rest of my life with this person. That reminded me of something important:

You must be informed before you make any choice.

It is dangerous to choose something or someone simply because you feel something, or because your friends want it for you. Many people have invested in things without being informed, no background check, no prayer, no reflection. They just heard the word “money” and threw their savings away. Before you decide anything in life, marriage, business, friendships, opportunities, relocation, you need information.

Ask questions. Seek wisdom. Pray. Think.So before you say you are “head over heels in love,” pause and ask yourself, Who is this person? What am I choosing? And do I truly know what I’m committing to? Wisdom is not found in excitement; it is found in understanding. Back to the story of Lot. Lot is about to separate from Abraham, and the Bible says he looked and saw a beautiful plain. The land looked perfect, green, watered, flourishing. It looked like the ideal place to relocate, the perfect environment to settle in. And what did Lot do? He made the decision instantly.

I am relocating to this plain. It’s green, there’s water, and there’s no sign of famine or spoil.” But notice something, the Bible never mentions that Lot made any spiritual enquiry. He didn’t pray.He didn’t seek guidance. He didn’t even ask Abraham. He didn’t ask God. He saw and he moved. So what truly informs choice? It’s your vision in the natural combined with your insight in the spiritual. When you marry the two, you can make decisions wisely. This was our conclusion yesterday.

Lot chose based on what he saw, and he ended up near Sodom one of the most destructive environments in Scripture. Literally one of the worst places ever mentioned in the bible. Do you think if Lot had asked God, God would have let him move there? I don’t think so. Do you think if he had married sight with vision, he would have made that blunder? Nope. Lot moved to a place that would soon make him lose everything, even what he had before he moved there. He couldn’t leave Sodom with any cow! How? This man just entered this place with so much , how is he leaving with nothing? Because many years prior, he made a choice by sight!

You have a good wife, very lovely lady who would do anything for you. Then you see one hot babe on social media, a baddie, you dm, you meet up then you lose your entire family and even worse what if she has a serpent spirit? You have not only lost your family, you have also inherited spirits. Why? You just saw. Lot had no idea that he was moving to a place that was Satans city. All he saw was a green plain. Just like all you’ve seen is a tall fine man. Have you prayed? No! Have you sought advise? No. All you did was see , jump up & down in excitement then made a choice. “OMG, he’s the one!”

Lot used only one set of eyes. He saw grass, but he didn’t see the corruption. He saw water, but he didn’t see wickedness. He saw opportunity, but he didn’t see the trap it would become for him. He saw comfort, but he didn’t see the cost. If there’s an Abraham you can ask, please ask. Ask the people who already live there. Ask those who have walked the path you’re about to take. Ask those who can see beyond the surface. And most importantly, enquire of the Lord. “No I won’t, I’m intelligent. I know what I’m doing.” Okay Mr Ai.

So you ask the Lord. “Should I pursue this? What does this decision look like for me in five years?” Lord, is this You or just my excitement?” God is not intimidated by your questions. I know some of us grew up hearing a gospel that says, “Don’t question God.” But I don’t believe that to be true. God has all the answers, so why wouldn’t you ask? “Lord, this opportunity I just got… should I take it? It looks like money.” It looks like something I desire. But LORD, what should I do?” That is also humility. Don’t assume that because something looks nice today, it will still look nice tomorrow. Looks change. People change. Opportunities change. But the good thing is, God does not change. He knows your yesterday, today, and tomorrow, all at once.

Let’s continue tomorrow. Remember , you need more than just your two eyes.

Don’t be a Lot.


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Dealing with self

Lot, is this your answered prayer?

Hello family. It’s been two weeks since I last wrote here. I took some time to work through a bit of writer’s block, and honestly, I think I pushed myself really hard this year. Knowing my limits, I realised I needed to rest. I’m back now, and I hope you still like it here. Let’s pretend we took a trip and we’ve just returned home LOL or that we broke up for a moment and we’re now gently finding our way back to each other. How are you, my loved ones? Have you been well? How’s your heart and mind?

Genesis 13:10–12 (NLT)
“Lot looked around and saw that the whole plain of the Jordan toward Zoar was well watered, like the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt, as far as you can see. So Lot chose for himself the whole Jordan Valley to the east of them. He went there with his flocks and servants and parted company with his uncle Abram. So Abram settled in the land of Canaan, and Lot moved his tents to a place near Sodom and settled among the cities of the plain.”

We are gonna have some very uncomfortable conversations here which I know will really help us if we are wary of offence and actually want to confront the elephant in the room together with every other rat. One of these things is, did l make the right choice or did I choose what was available and looking good? I wanna make an example of donuts because I loveeeee them. I always buy them at spar so when l get to the bakery side and see them all stacked there, I’m so happy! Even though l already know the taste of donuts , l get to choose which ones I wanna take home. I often go for the big, different flavour ones. They look good, they should taste good too right? Wrong.

Here is Lot, wealthy, comfortable, living a good life. He and Abraham reach a point where they have to make a choice to separate and go their own ways, just like some of you who find yourselves at that crossroad in relationships. To let go or to stay because “they will change,” or “they might stay like this forever.” The Bible says Lot is given the chance to choose where he wants to dwell, which shows us that God can guide you, but He won’t choose for you. So Lot looks around and says, Oh, Uncle Abraham, I’ve found the perfect place, this looks beautiful, I love it!

One of the most crucial things in life is the power of choice, because it ultimately shapes the direction of your life and forms your unique path. We even see this in the Garden of Eden, Eve looked at a fruit that seemed good, weighed her options, considered the benefits, and decided, “This one looks like it will make me wiser and give me things I never knew I needed, so I’ll take my chances.” Not only that, “l will also give to my Ozband who will also have to make a choice.” Every day, people make choices: what to eat, what to wear, what to post, who to marry, who to pursue, who to let go, which church to attend, whether to pray or sleep, whether to go to work or spend the day at a tavern. What I’m saying is that every single day you’re making a choice, whether intentionally or without even realising it. And I hope you know, not making a choice is also making a choice.

Lot first looked around and saw. Choice often begins with what we see. You see, and then you decide. Think Adam and Eve. Think Jacob and Rachel. The problem is that our eyes can influence us to make the wrong decisions. “But he’s cute, his body shaped like a godly giant, but his heart may be cement. Or, “Eish, l just found a damsel in the Valley of Sorek, with hips that don’t lie, the ones Shakira sang about, but she has one scissors in her drawer she might soon use on you. Looks can deceive. What we see is not always the true state of things.

You want to worship a god/ God you can see? Well sweetheart, the Only True God is Spirit, you can’t see Him. I think let’s stay here for today. Seeing well means perceiving both the natural and the spiritual picture of things. Have you seen? Have you seen well? You don’t just look at a fruit and conclude; you consider the spiritual implications behind it. Is this an ordinary fruit? No. What makes it different? Oh God said ABC about it. Do I want to face the implications of choosing to eat it? Yes/No. The that automatically alters your destiny for the good or for the fall.

People have different ways of interpreting choice. Some say, “Choose yourself.” Others say, “Choose whoever chooses you.” But what if you’re chosen by the wrong person? Some say, “Choose the best.” But according to whose standards? Some say, “Choose the best-selling brand.” Even the top mayonnaise company has expiry dates, which shows us that they are also not the best forever.

So what truly informs choice? It’s your vision in the natural combined with your insight in the spiritual. When you marry the two, you can make decisions wisely.

Vanessa Ziyambi


Let’s continue tomorrow. Bring your friends and tell them that reading is profitable. If you’d like to support my platform, click the link below. You’ll also find counselling slots, book one if you need it, or refer someone who does. Remember, even today, you have many choices to make. You chose to read this, well done.

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The Overcoming Believer

Writer’s block

It finally got me o! 😅

I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but I haven’t been writing as consistently lately. I’ll start something, get halfway through, and then suddenly feel like, nah, this doesn’t sound like me. It feels off, a bit vague, and I just leave it unfinished. Someone even told me, “My mom has been asking why you haven’t been writing.”

I think writer’s block caught up with me , which is strange because I write every day. Literally. But maybe it’s one of those seasons where your mind just isn’t in the right place to express what’s inside. You want to say something meaningful, but the words just won’t line up. Anyways, let’s talk about it have you ever had a moment like that, where you just couldn’t find the words?

What is writer’s block? Because some of you are like what’s thatttttttt? 😂Writer’s block is when someone wants to write but can’t get the words out. It’s that frustrating pause where ideas feel stuck, inspiration disappears, or nothing you write feels right.It can look like losing motivation, even for topics you usually love writing about. Maybe staring at a blank page or screen and feeling nothing comes to mind. Starting to write but stopping because it feels “wrong” or “boring.” Thazzzz it.

So I’m writing my way out of writer’s block. A bit paradoxical, I know lol but maybe that’s what works, right? Figuring it out by actually doing something. I’m not sure how long this phase will last, but I don’t want to get to that place where I completely stop writing. So, I’m doing something about it now. I recently introduced the book of Proverbs and while that’s not hard for me to write about, I’ve just been… demotivated.

One thing about me when I want to write a book, I don’t take long. I’m a fast writer, and most of my inspiration flows as I write. Almost all my Yielded Center blogs about 90% of them were written on the spot. No drafts, no planning ahead; I’d just get a topic, meditate and start writing. So for me to now take 15 minutes to write a single paragraph feels strange. It makes me feel like I’m not doing my best, and honestly, it bores me. But at the same time, I’m learning to give myself grace , to slow down, to not rush the process, and to find my footing again, even if it takes a little longer this time.

Today, after failing to write, I decided to check my blog statistics and make a few small changes and to my surprise, people have still been reading. Even up to yesterday! I just sat there thinking, wow. I honestly didn’t expect anyone to still show up here, especially since I haven’t really been showing up myself. But thank you , truly. Thank you for reading, for being here, and for being that extra bit of motivation I didn’t know I needed. I’m taking it bit by bit, and hopefully, I’ll find my drive again.

I’m not writing any book at the moment and that’s intentional. I told myself I don’t want to, at least not yet. I’ll probably start something new towards the end of December, going into the new year. For now, my two books are available on my website, and there are so many blogs here for you to read while I find my spark and my groove 😅. I love you guys! ❤️


Categories
Yielding the mind

The fear of The Lord

“Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭1‬:‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. It is the foundation, the very essence and starting point of true understanding. Before we gather all the books in the world in pursuit of wisdom, we must first learn to fear the Lord. Without the fear of God, scripture says, you are not wise. There is a difference between wisdom and intelligence. You may be intelligent, yet still not wise. Why? Because there is only one divine formula for wisdom: fear God and receive wisdom.

What then is the difference between wisdom and intelligence? Intelligence is the ability to understand, analyze, to grasp knowledge. It’s of the mind , developed through study, experience, and reasoning. We now have Ai? Artificial intelligence. Systems built to overthrow human intelligence. It’s a mind game. Intelligent people can solve problems, make calculations, and excel academically or professionally. It’s a gift, but it operates mainly in the things of logic and information.

Wisdom, however, goes deeper. It is the right application of knowledge, guided by reverence for God and moral discernment. Wisdom is not just knowing what to do, but doing what pleases God. It’s rooted in the fear of the Lord, meaning a deep respect, awe, and submission to His ways. Wise people don’t just solve problems, they solve them excellently.

In short:

  • Intelligence helps you navigate the world education and systems while wisdom can help you rule it and stand out.
  • Intelligence is of the mind.
  • Wisdom is of the spirit. It is a dimension of God Himself
  • Intelligence can build systems but wisdom sustains them. It keeps them intact.

The principal part of wisdom is the fear of the Lord. Anyone who doesn’t fear the Lord is termed a “fool.” Why? Because if you were truly wise, you would recognize that such a beautifully crafted world could never exist without the hand of God.

Do you know why intelligence alone is not enough? Scientists have studied countless things , they are intelligent, yes but without the fear of God, all that knowledge amounts to nothing. According to scripture, they are still termed fools. Foolishness has nothing to do with whether you are a professor or a president. If the fear of the Lord is missing, then all you are is a scholar.

Don’t you think there were intelligent men during Solomon’s time? Of course there were! They were the ones who built the temple and his palace. Yet among them all, Solomon was the wisest and that’s why he ruled over them. He was not just intelligent; he feared the Lord, and that was his greatness. How many intelligent people do you know? Plenty, I’m sure , the A-students, the high achievers. But how many wise people do you know? Did you notice how the number drops? There are many intelligent yet unwise people. That’s why we have countless “brilliant innovations,” but when it comes to implementation, there are mistakes and those mistakes bleed into the systems of life, families, and nations.

So, are you content with just being intelligent able to solve mathematical problems? What happens when you have to solve life problems? Will you apply formulas and equations? No. You must be both intelligent and wise. And wisdom begins here: with the fear and reverence of the Lord. Do you respect God? Or have you reduced Him to being just one of your buddies?

Solomon gives a powerful teaching. In the introduction of this book, he reminds us that it all begins with God. Do you want to become wise? Then start with God. God is not your age mate. He is not your colleague, nor one of your employees. He is GOD , the Creator, the Almighty, the beginning and the end. When you truly understand who He is, that revelation will birth reverence within you , the very fear of the Lord that marks the start of wisdom.

See you tomorrow. ❤️