“If the axe is dull and one does not sharpen the edge, more strength is needed; but wisdom brings success.”
— Ecclesiastes 10:10

Perhaps one way God is sharpening the axe for this generation is through Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Some approach AI with fear or suspicion, as though it competes with humanity or even with faith. Yet throughout Scripture, God consistently releases wisdom through people — craftsmanship in Exodus, strategy through Joseph, governance through Daniel, and insight through Paul. AI is not replacing man; it is man applying God-given intelligence at scale. Like Moses, who needed helpers to carry responsibility, AI can serve as an assistant that never gets tired — helping draft documents, organise plans, analyse options, or structure ideas while you focus on discernment and decision-making. Delegation has always been spiritual wisdom.

One remarkable thing about AI is its breadth of knowledge. Trained across books, research material, and professional disciplines, it compresses hours of searching into minutes of structured insight. Engineers explore solutions faster, students understand difficult subjects sooner, and small business owners compete more effectively. Ask broad questions, and it responds broadly; ask precise questions, and it becomes surprisingly detailed. It does not replace expertise — it accelerates learning and exposes blind spots early.

In my professional journey as a Software Engineer and CTO at Loopsave (www.loopsave.com), a fintech startup co-founded with another Senior Friend, AI has quietly become part of how we think and build. We explore architectural decisions, stress-test financial flows, draft technical documentation, and challenge assumptions before writing production code. Many costly mistakes are avoided simply because difficult questions can now be examined early. Decisions still require prayer, accountability, and experience — AI simply sharpens the conversation.

Outside work, the impact is even more relatable. Some will use AI for research; others may simply use it to plan family devotions, prepare CVs, write birthday messages, organise travel plans, or model personal finances. I have personally used it to structure presentations, learn new subjects faster, and organise community initiatives. Imagine preparing a family budget or planning a weekly prayer session in minutes, not hours. Many burdens we carry today exist simply because we have not yet learned to delegate wisely.

However, wisdom requires balance. AI can sound confident even when wrong, especially when instructions are unclear. Outputs must be verified — particularly in finance, medicine, or spiritual counsel. Privacy also matters; sensitive information should not be casually shared online. Most importantly, AI should never replace prayer, Scripture, or counsel from trusted believers. Think of it as a brilliant intern — incredibly helpful, but never the final authority.

Getting started is simpler than many imagine. Open a conversational AI tool today and ask, “Help me plan my week.” That single exercise may surprise you. Writing tools help refine messages or teaching outlines. Image tools assist with flyers or church media. Learning assistants explain complex subjects patiently. Across education, healthcare, engineering, and entrepreneurship, millions now collaborate with AI weekly — not because they are experts, but because they were willing to experiment.

So where do you begin? Identify repetitive tasks first — emails you rewrite often, research that consumes hours, documents you struggle to start, or decisions requiring structured comparison. Invite AI into those spaces while keeping wisdom and discernment at the centre.

You don’t have to do everything alone anymore.

Perhaps God, in His mercy, has given this generation a helper that multiplies effort — so we can spend more time loving people, building families, serving His kingdom, and pursuing purpose.

Wisdom in this season may simply be learning to do what matters most.

Akintunde Olanrewaju is a Payment Software Engineer and Senior Friend with experience building secure financial systems across fintech and payments. He serves as CTO at Loopsave (www.loopsave.com), a social finance platform that helps communities build financial stability through technology. He is passionate about faith, innovation, and practical wisdom for everyday life.

Image generated using AI (Google’s Gemini)

Why staying hydrated matters:

1. Hydration and Cellular Function

• Water is vital for every cell, tissue, and organ to function properly.

• It helps maintain electrolyte balance and supports cell structure and activity.

2. Body Temperature Regulation

• Through sweating and respiration, water helps regulate body temperature, preventing overheating during exercise or hot weather.  

3. Aids in Digestion and Nutrient Absorption

• Water is necessary for saliva production and helps break down food.

• It aids in dissolving nutrients and transporting them across the body.

4. Flushes out toxins

• Water helps kidneys filter waste from the blood and remove toxins through urine.  

• Reduces the risk of kidney stones and urinary tract infections (UTIs).  

5. Joint and Muscle Health 

• Water lubricates joints, reducing friction and discomfort. 

• It also keeps mucous membranes (like those in the nose and eyes) moist.

• Prevents muscle cramps by maintaining electrolyte balance.  

6. Enhances Physical Performance

   – Dehydration can lead to fatigue, reduced endurance, and muscle cramps.  

   – Proper hydration improves strength, energy, and recovery.  

7. Promotes Healthy Skin

• Adequate hydration helps keeps skin moisturized, reducing dryness and wrinkles.  

• Helps maintain elasticity, appearance and a healthy glow. 

8. Improves Energy levels and Boosts Brain Function 

• Even mild dehydration can impair concentration, memory, and mood.

• Staying hydrated supports mental clarity and emotional balance.

9. Supports Digestion & Prevents Constipation 

• Aids in breaking down food and keeps the digestive system running smoothly.

• Softens stool, reducing the risk of constipation.  

10. Aids in Weight Management

• Drinking water before meals can promote a feeling of fullness, helping to reduce overeating.

• Replacing sugary drinks with water cuts unnecessary sugar consumption.  

11. Improves Circulation & Heart Health

• Proper hydration helps maintain blood volume and circulation, which is crucial for heart health.

• Reduces strain on the heart and lowers the risk of cardiovascular issues.  

12. Boosts Immune System 

• Hydration supports lymph production, which carries white blood cells to fight infections.  

In summary, water is essential for overall health and bodily functions. Regular and adequate intake supports energy, metabolism, and disease prevention.

How Much Water Should You Drink?

The recommended daily water intake varies based on factors like age, sex, climate, activity level, and health status. Here is a guide from reputable sources.

General Recommendations for Adults

Note: One satchet of “pure water” is about 0.5 litres, while bottled water commonly comes in 0.5 litre, 0.75 litre, and 1.5 litre bottles.

• Men: Approximately ~3.7 litres (15.5 cups) total fluids per day, including beverages and food.  
• Women: About ~2.7 litres (11.5 cups) per day from all fluids and foods

   – Pregnant women: ~2.4 litres (10 cups)

   – Breastfeeding women: ~3.1 litres (13 cups)

• Children  

– Ages 4–8:  5 cups (~1.2 litres)  

– Ages 9–13:  7 – 8 cups (~1.7 – 1.9 litres)  

– Teens (14–18):  8 – 11 cups (~1.9 – 2.6 litres)  

About 20–30% of this usually comes from food, and the rest from drinking water and other beverages.

Key Considerations

• Activity level: Increase intake if exercising or sweating heavily. For example, athletes may need an extra 0.6 litres before workouts and 0.2 litres post-exercise.  

• Climate: Hot or humid environments raise fluid needs.  

• Health conditions: Fever, diarrhea, vomiting or kidney stones may require more water.  

• Diet: About 20% of daily intake comes from water-rich foods (e.g., fruits, vegetables).  

Hydration Tips  

• Monitor urine color (A good indicator of hydration is urine color—light yellow is usually a sign of proper hydration)

• Carry a reusable water bottle and sip throughout the day.  

• Beverages like tea, coffee, and milk also contribute to hydration, but limit sugary drinks.  

For personalized advice, consult a healthcare provider, especially if you have specific health conditions or you are taking medications that can cause fluid loss.  

DON’T WAIT UNTIL YOU ARE THIRSTY. MAKE HYDRATION A DAILY HABIT. YOUR BODY WILL THANK YOU.

Sources:

Mayo Clinic, Harvard Health, NHS, CDC, and others. U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine

Oreoluwa Adeyemi graduated from the Faculty of Pharmacy, OAU and holds an MBA from the Quantic School of Business and Technology, USA. During her undergraduate days, she was a member of ASF's Editorial Subgroup and the Follow-Up Unit. She currently practices as a Production Pharmacist at Fidson Healthcare PLC. Passionate about healthy living, she actively promotes and engages in initiatives that support it.

Image Credit: nbcnews.com

The gate here talks about the access to your mind, which are your eyes, and ears. So, what have you been seeing or hearing lately? Beloved of God; what have you been watching on your phones, TV, and other media outlets? Do you know that nothing leaves you the same? Everything you watch and see leaves you with a deposit, whether positive or negative. Remember this instruction from Proverbs.

“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life”
Proverbs 4:23

A wise man said, “It is not controls that kill people, but lack of control”. Endeavour to do what the scripture says in 1 Thessalonians 4:4 – “that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor”. The devil is raging on the media but don’t fall for it as a soldier of Christ. Be sure to keep the gate of your sight and hearing safe from what affects your mind. What you see, you cannot unsee, and the torment starts with the memory even after you have deleted it. You have a responsibility to keep your sanity both in public and private. Safeguard your space from polluters.

Lastly, join to build the body of Christ in your corner. The things you say or write on social media are either making the Church stronger or otherwise. Remember Mathew 12:36 – “But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment”. Don’t join in online outrage against the church.

Remain ever blessed.

Olumide Fasanmi served as the fellowship’s Vice-President while on campus. Building on a career in occupational health and safety, he is now a researcher in circular economy in the construction industry.

Image Credit: Generated by Microsoft’s Copilot AI