Open Heavens 2014: Thursday September 11, daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye - Organised Noise

Open Heavens 2014: Thursday September 11, daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye - Organised Noise

TOPIC: ORGANISED NOISE [Thursday September 11, 2014]

MEMORISE: Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them. Psalm 126:2

READ: Psalm 126:1-3

1 A Song of degrees. When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream. 

2 Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them.

3 The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.

MESSAGE:

Human beings love to sing. We convey our inner feelings to the outside world through songs. If you pay close attention to the song on a person’s lips, you will have an idea of what is going on in their mind. A man that sings: “We shall overcome some day”, may have just lost a battle. The man who sings: “Jehovah is your Name” is most likely fighting a battle. Someone who sings: “Now that the battle is over, I am more than a conqueror”, has just won a battle. Music is nothing but ‘organised lyrics’. It can also be organised noise. This is why God says, if you don’t know how to sing very well, you can still make a joyful noise (Psalm 98:4).

“And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw him, he fell at his feet, And besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live. And Jesus went with him; and much people followed him, and thronged him.” Mark 5:22-24

Jairus was by all standards a great man, but he had a problem. The only daughter he had was ill and was about to die. He ran to Jesus Christ and implored Him greatly. He spent a lot of time singing the song of the desperate, and Jesus had to follow him home. To a reader of this devotional: God will change your song of sorrow to a song of triumph in Jesus’ Name. Like everyone else, Jairus was afraid of the shame that would follow if Jesus did not intervene. He was afraid of loneliness. This might be your own fear too. Jairus was desperate because he was fighting a battle that he dared not lose. Yet, he knew he was fighting a battle he could not win.

What is that thing that the enemy has stolen which you want back? It could be your health; it could be your joy or your prosperity. You will get it back in Jesus’ Name. The sorrowful can be full of joy again. I believe the failures of the past can be turned into success again. For every family that has been destitute, the tide will turn in your favour. In 2 Kings 4:1-7, we have the story of a widow who was so poor and so heavily in debt that creditors wanted to trade her sons. God however stepped in, and the family became rich. If you begin to walk in the fear of the Lord, you will always have good songs to sing.

Action Point: Spend quality time praising and worshipping God.

Bible in a Year: Joshua 13:8-15:63

Open Heavens 2014: Wednesday September 10, daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye - When God Is Neutral

Open Heavens 2014: Wednesday September 10, daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye - When God Is Neutral

TOPIC: WHEN GOD IS NEUTRAL [Wednesday September 10, 2014]

MEMORISE: For our God is a consuming fire. Hebrew 12:29

READ: Romans 12:19-21

19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. 

20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.

21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

MESSAGE:

When you hand over someone to God and you ask Him to judge the matter, you have handed the person over to the One the Bible refers to as the Righteous Judge. From 2 Timothy 4:8, we understand that when God judges, He does so righteously. He does not only judge actions, He judges motives also. When God judges, He takes into consideration all the facts that you do not know about.

Proverbs 20:22 advises that when someone offends you, do not seek to revenge. Rather, wait on the Lord and let Him handle the situation. When God decides to fight against somebody, the battle is over quickly and disaster is assured against them. In Numbers 23:17-25, we read the episode of Balak against the children of Israel. When God decided to fight against Israel, twenty-four thousand of them died in one day (Numbers 25:1-9). If you go into sin, you may suddenly find God fighting against you.

God can also be neutral. He can watch you as you fight your enemy on your own. If God takes this position, you can be sure that the fight will not last long, and the outcome will be defeat. In Joshua 6:20-27, when God was fighting for Israel, Jericho was taken with just a shout. However, when they later fought against a small city called Ai, they were defeated because God was not with them then as a result of their disobedience (Joshua 7:3-5). Another set of people that God can take a neutral outlook on are the proud. God is interested in seeing how far their pride can take them. James 4:6 says:

“But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.”

The proud usually lose in the battles of life. Pride leads to the demotion of the individual involved.

I do not want God to fight against me, neither do I want Him to be neutral concerning my case. Rather, I desire Him to always be on my side. Exodus 15:9-10 says:

”The enemy said, I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil; my lust shall be satisfied upon them; I will draw my sword, my hand shall destroy them. Thou didst blow with thy wind, the sea covered them: they sank as lead in the mighty waters.”

Just make sure you trust God. Hand over all your challenges to Him. You will be amazed at how He will bring to pass all you have asked of Him. Turn to the side of God, for there is no other place to turn to where victory is assured. Hold onto God, and eventually, you will be triumphant.

Prayer point: Father, do not be neutral in any aspect of my life.

Bible in a Year: Joshua 10:29-13:7

Open Heavens 2014: Tuesday September 9, daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye - NOT A COINCIDENCE

Open Heavens 2014: Tuesday September 9, daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye - NOT A COINCIDENCE

TOPIC: NOT A COINCIDENCE [Tuesday September 9, 2014]

MEMORISE: There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand. Proverbs 19:21

READ: 1 Samuel 25:32-35

32 And David said to Abigail, Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, which sent thee this day to meet me: 

33 And blessed be thy advice, and blessed be thou, which hast kept me this day from coming to shed blood, and from avenging myself with mine own hand.

34 For in very deed, as the LORD God of Israel liveth, which hath kept me back from hurting thee, except thou hadst hasted and come to meet me, surely there had not been left unto Nabal by the morning light any that pisseth against the wall. 

35 So David received of her hand that which she had brought him, and said unto her, Go up in peace to thine house; see, I have hearkened to thy voice, and have accepted thy person.

MESSAGE:

God uses human agents to bring to pass what He had planned before the foundation of the world. The meeting between Abigail and David was no accident; God arranged it. David was wise enough to recognise this. You will make a lot of progress in life if you take note of the fact that no meeting with any person is a coincidence. In Exodus 2:5-10, Pharaoh’s daughter went to bathe in the river at about the same time Moses was placed on it. It is easy for a casual observer to see this as a mere coincidence, but it was God at work in the affairs of men. God planned it because He wanted Moses to be trained in the house of Pharaoh. Fortunately, Pharaoh’s daughter had no child. If she had children, she would have seen adopting Moses as an extra burden. Also, in 1 Samuel 17:22-23, we have the story of David and Goliath. David arrived at the battlefield at the very moment Goliath showed up to boast as he used to. As it were, the one meant to die met the one who would kill him.

This was arranged by God. In 1 Kings 19:15-21, Elisha was busy doing his work when Elijah came passing by. God also arranged this meeting. Through this meeting, their lives were radically transformed.

From time to time, God uses some people to open doors for you and He uses some others to close doors against you. Revelation 3:7 says,

”And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;”

In the case of Nabal and David, David did not even ask God whether he should go and attack Nabal or not. He was so angry that even if God spoke, he would not have heard. God sent Abigail to close the door of revenge against him. This is why you must always ensure that you are on the side of God. As long as you are on His side, you have the assurance that every door shut against you is not good enough for what God is preparing to give you. Through patience, you must also learn to recognise that everyone in your life has been assigned to play one role or the other to bring about the actualisation of the plan and purpose of God for your life. Whatever represents Nabal in your life, and whatever stands like Goliath on your road to fame, all have their different roles to play. Just ensure you are on the Lord’s side and you can be sure of victory at the end of the day.

Prayer point: Lord, work out your purpose for my life.

Bible in a Year: Joshua 8:30-10:28

Ikimi, Ribadu and Politics of defection By Theophilus Ilevbare

In recent weeks the All Progressive Congress(APC) has been rocked with a tidal wave of defection of a founding member in Chief Tom Ikimi and the party’s 2011 presidential candidate, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu to the party Nigerians loathe but can’t vote out of power at the centre, the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP).  Ikimi’s grievance with the APC hierarchy stems from how he was barred from contesting the party’s chairmanship position.

The ease with which politicians decamp and recamp(return to a party one has left in the past) – the latest addition to Nigeria’s political lexicon – erodes any shadow of doubt if any ideological basis exists for much of what goes on in Nigeria’s political landscape. Defection has become the trade in stock of many politicians who have found such canvassing phrases as “there is no party that is exclusively for the good people or for the bad people,” reminding us of the sameness of the two major political parties as basis for cross carpeting.

Close observers of unfolding political events were not jolted by Chief Ikimi’s official resignation of his membership of the APC, after many weeks of withdrawal from party activities without disclosing his next political destination. His antecedents have shown he has no particular conviction. His political sojourn has seen him traversed the defunct APP, ANPP, ACN, PDP. The former Foreign Affairs Minister was a founding member of the APC. He was instrumental in the alliance that metamorphosed into the mega opposition party. It is only a matter of time before he recamps to the PDP. He has already expressed his readiness to join the ruling party and bring his wealth of experience to bear when members of the ruling party’s BoT, including Chief Tony Anenih and National Vice Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, led by the PDP National Chairman, Adamu Mu’azu, paid Ikimi an august visit.

Indeed, Ikimi and Ribadu, like every other politician and Nigerian, have every right to exercise their freedom of association with any political party in the country, but it should be consistent with the ideology and principle that defines the character of the politician and his political party.

However, the manner Chief Tom Ikimi and other founding members of the party like Alhaji Attahiru Bafawara, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, Brig-Gen Buba Marwa (rtd), Mr Marcus Gundiri among others who helped to nurture the APC to mega status, have drifted to the PDP calls for concern and genuine fears for the future of the progressive party. When such party stalwarts dump the APC in droves, it is an indication that Bola Tinubu, who prides himself as the sole financier of the party, regrettably, is not upholding democratic principles in the affairs of his party. If the APC retains and wins more seats or otherwise in 2015, the party takes the credit, if not the APC will pay the price for his highhandedness. The buck stops with him. This is the party Nigerians are looking up to as an alternate platform to wrestle power from the PDP.

What shall we say of Mallam Nuhu Ribadu? He once described the PDP as a disaster and a total failure in his heyday in the APC. In the weeks leading up to the PDP governorship primaries for Adamawa state bye-election, the former anti-corruption czar joined the PDP, the only party he thinks on whose platform can make him realise his ambition to hold elective office. These days, he regales us with tales of the sameness of PDP and APC. He was quoted as saying ‘there is no party that is exclusively for the good people or for the bad people’ That Ribadu has taken a walk from the APC has raised all sort of personality and ideological issues particularly as it affects young Nigerians who hitherto looked up to such political figures for some sort of mentorship.

Consequently, many have called Ribadu’s character into question, especially those who were cynical about the manner he discharged his duties as EFCC Boss. He seem to have acted in character that is consistent with other Nigerian politicians even if his ‘intolerant’ and ‘ruthless’ stand against corruption gave him a garb of incorruptibility. Since he joined the murky waters of Nigeria’s politics, he has become a turncoat-in-waiting. Indeed, Ribadu the politician is different from Ribadu the crime fighter who once sat atop Nigeria’s foremost anti-graft agency.

Has Ribadu lost faith and confidence in the APC for allegedly selling out in the 2011 general elections to the PDP Goodluck Jonathan candidacy? If truly Ribadu was sacrificed by his own party whose attitude to winning the election was at best casual, as Ikimi submitted in his lengthy missive to Bola Tinubu, who sold out the party? Could it be that Ribadu’s heart and soul has never been with the APC since then? Has he been hobnobbing with PDP politicians all the while? Or maybe he thought to himself, if the party could sell out at the eleventh hour in 2011, there is nothing stopping the APC from repeating such this time?

Essentially, nothing separates a politician in party A from another in party B. The current wave of impeachment blowing across the country is yet another indication that politicians do not have any genuine intention to serve the people. They seek personal elevation and gains to quench their insatiable greed for power. It is this brand of politics that has thrown up charlatans in political offices and the present leadership bankruptcy in the country.

Elsewhere, lifetime commitments to political parties and ideologies are made that even transcends to generations unborn. Political parties have clearly defined principles that differentiate them from other parties.

Nigerian politicians suffer from compulsive obsessive disorder to occupy political office and will stop at nothing; defecting from one party to another, sponsoring terrorism, blackmail, cultism, rigging and all what not to clinch power. Their desperation to occupy political office and lack of political character cannot deepen democracy. To them, principle should never be an issue on the front burner, ideology and manifestoes mean nothing on the premise of the fallacy that the end justifies the means.
You can follow the writer on twitter @tilevbare.

Pastor Chris Oyakhilome finally addresses divorce allegations

Pastor Christian Oyakhilome has finally addressed the allegations levelled against him after more than a week of maintaining silence on the divorce suit filed against him by his wife.

Speaking on Sunday evening during the monthly global communion service of the church, he said the allegations were “crazy” and “stupid”. Oyakhilome acknowledged that divorce is unbiblical but suggested he could consider the option should his wife insist on it. He also criticized the media for prying into his private life and urged members of his church to pray for his estranged wife.

I understand that some media houses particularly in Nigeria and maybe in South Africa (I don't know) but there are some of them that have been writing some real stupid things...real stupid things, an errrrhh...frivolous charges...that's crazy.

A man of God...you have to understand something about a Man of God. A man of God is
not just someone who worships God or who preaches God. A man of God is directed by God, set on course by God. If you study the scriptures you will not find one Man of God going against God, sinning against God, the only thing you can find is a Man of God, maybe...in two different things;

    1. Moses for example, when he struck the rock twice, provoked by the anger of the people, not because he wanted to do something against the Lord. No Man of God does something against the Lord. Are you hearing me? No!...a Man of God is set on course, there is a type of life that he's been given, alright?

    2. Then you have a young man, a young prophet, he wasnt named, he was deceived by another Man of God, and so he went in the direction God says don't go. That's only the kind of thing you'd find about a Man of God when he misses the message of God or he acts beyond what God said. But a Man of God setting himself in defiance to the word of God and living like they (media houses) are writing those stupiid things that I did this, that i did that...You don't know what a Man of God is..I don't go in that direction..that's crazy.

I wasn't accused of those things you(media houses) said, nor did i commit those stupiid thing that you said...and i don't need to go to that level and such discussions. Jesus Christ was accused by many, with lots of frivolous charges. There would ALWAYS be those who'd like for it to be true, but you know, inspite of the accusations against Jesus, it didnt change who he was!

There are preachers and there are Men of God. I'm not a preacher, I'm a Man of God...understand the difference. And I go in the way I'm asked to go, it may cause some troubles with individuals, but that's not because I've done something wrong.

And when it comes to Rev. Anita, what I'd say to you is pray for her, don't act like 'why why why is she....' . Married to a Man of God does not automatically make you Woman of God! You can make mistakes, but you know, people expects the wife of a Minister to definitely be at the level of the Minister, and so they ay be looked upon and the expectations maybe like that, but it's a positional thing! alright!

If a Man of God is married, it does not automatically mean the wife of the Man of God is therefore a Women of God! That's not how it is in the Bible. That's why you don't really find wives of Men of God listed in the bible. How many of them? Who was Peter's wife? Did you ever know her name? You'd never find out! Who was John's wife? Did you ever read the name? What about all the other apostles? How namy are registerd in the bible? You never find their names, why? Ask God when you find HIm! **Smiles

So, they are little things, don't try to make something big out of them, and emmm.. we're journeying, doing the things that God's called us to do...Christians should not have a divorce, it shouldn't be, but you see, that doesn't mean a Christian may not take the step. They may do it, but that doesn't make it right. And we shouldn't take one another to court, but when it happens, not because we wanna go there, someone is taking us there.

That's a problem, be wise, stay focused in the Word of God, and don't let those who want to feast on things like this including Christians. You know there are Christians who like things like this, they wanna make something big about it. You should only say those things that are from God, and become honorable in your speech, Alright! ...and judge nothing before the time...be wise, Glory to God.

So we are going greater and greater and greater by the power of the living Christ. Hallelujah!So, we are not walking in sin and living in sin and hoping we can mix sin and righteousness together, NO!, we are the manifestations of His righteousness, we walk in that light only, and that's the way it's gonna be! Glory to God.

Surprise For you from our God this morning.

How is it Daniella, I love you. I know you will be shocked,but you mean so much to me. I try to get close to you but you seem to be looking elsewhere. The more I give you my attention, you think about someone else. My heart pains when I call and no one answers. I try to give myself to you but you seems not to be ready. Pls let me love you. Its me JESUS. Remember, I'm responsible for all todays sms charges so just forward it and let others know I love them. Everyday we open our inbox to read messages from our friends but how many times do we open our bible to read message from God? if you love God send this message to nine people,but if you love satan please  ignore Please read before you  go home or you  are at home already,read this to  the end. My name is God. You hardly have time for me. I love you and always bless you . I am always with you.  I need you to spend 30mins of your time with Me today. Don't pray. Just praise. Today I want this message across the world before midnight. Will you help ? Please do not cut it and I'll help you with something that you are in need of. Just dare Me! A blessing is coming your way. Please Drop everything & pass it on. Tomorrow will be the Best Day of your Life. Don't break this chain.

Open Heavens 2014: Monday September 8, daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye - Successful By Achievements

Open Heavens 2014: Monday September 8, daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye - Successful By Achievements

TOPIC: SUCCESSFUL BY ACHIEVEMENTS [Monday September 8, 2014]

MEMORISE: Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favour my righteous cause: yea, let them say continually, Let the LORD be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant. Psalm 35:27

READ: Joshua 1:7-9

    7 Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.

    8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

    9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

MESSAGE:

One of the utmost desires of believers and unbelievers alike is to record outstanding achievements in life. Ministers of the gospel, businessmen and women, politicians, civil servants, entrepreneurs, students, government officials and people from all spheres of life pray for success. To be successful means to prosper in a chosen cause. It is similar to being the head and not the tail. Success and excellence go hand in hand. I want you to realise that you can be successful. God takes delight in you being successful. No matter how much failure you have recorded in the past, you can still be highly successful. God has not created anyone to be a permanent failure. Every sinner you see today has a future, and every saint you see has a past. The Lord is able to change your name from failure to a success.

God plays a prominent role in the achievement of success by everyone. There is no amount of human labour that will suffice if God is not involved. This is why you need to put your total strength in Him.

Never run ahead of Him. Follow his promises steadfastly and you will have a reason to rejoice at the end of the day. There are many people who are waiting for God to take them to the river and to also put water in their mouth. God has not designed us to be useless; therefore, we all have a role to play in determining the degree of success we achieve. Determination on the part of individuals cannot be separated from achievement of success. It is determination that will keep you on the right track.

Challenges are bound to be on your way, but through the instrumentality of determination, you will be able to forge ahead amidst distractions. With determination, you can cross any “Red Sea”, subdue mountains and achieve impossible feats. When you are determined, you will record outstanding successes where many have failed. A fully determined man will weather all storms, experience fruitfulness during famine and even remain at the cutting edge of prosperity during an economic crunch. The plan of God for your life is success. Until you are successful, you cannot become a channel of blessing to others around you. Failure is alien to the plan and promises of God for your life. Therefore, I command failure upon every device of the enemy designed to destroy your success, in Jesus’ Name. Diligence is a lifestyle for successful people. It is what separates leaders from followers, the rich from the poor and successful people from failures.

Key point: There is no one who can go far on the ladder of success without dedication to hard work.

Bible in a Year: Joshua 7:1-8:29.

Caring Heart: Desmond Elliott Prays For Ini Edo To Get Pregnant

There has been a call for prayer for one of Nigeria’s finest actresses, Ini Edo, to conceive before the year runs out on one of the numerous Facebook accounts ascribed to actor, Desmond Elliot…

In the message, Nigerians were asked to say amen to the prayer that the Nollywood diva, who has put smiles on a lot of faces in the country would have a reason to smile before the year runs out.

The message reads:

“We all know actress, Ini Edo, has been married for a while now without any issue.

Many of us have laughed at her, insulted her, judged her without knowing the pains she goes through indoors. She has entertained us, made us laugh and has inspired many of us.

Today, let us come together and pray for her. Ini Edo, this year, 2014 will not pass you by, you will not only get pregnant, you will also give birth safe and sound.

As you write AMEN to this, may God answer all your hidden prayers. Why not write amen? Your amen is so powerful, just type amen on her behalf. God bless you.”

The message generated over 100,000 replies with many Nigerians saying ‘Amen’ to the prayer.

*AMEN…..Today is Monday,please say a prayer for her in church as well.

Nigeria May Be Banned By FIFA Tomorrow If Chris Giwa Proves Stubborn

World football governing body, FIFA, had warned last week that if by 8am monday Chris Giwa and his fellow board members continue to lay claim to being elected to the executive committee of the NFF, the country will automatically be banned from all football related activities.

This will include automatic disqualification of the Super Eagles from defending the Africa Cup of Nations title.

However, Giwa has insisted that he will not give up his claim to be Nigeria Football Federation president.

In the letter signed by FIFA’s Secretary General, Jerome Valcke, the Emergency Committee of the body had also in the ruling directed that the composition of the Executive Board of the NFF should return to how it was on August 25 before Giwa and his colleagues imposed themselves on Nigerian football, according to report from ThisDay

“The NFF Executive Committee as it was composed on 25 August, (meaning under the presidency of Mr. Aminu Maigari) should then convene a first Extraordinary General Assembly as soon as possible to elect the members of the electoral committees and a second Extraordinary General Assembly in order to proceed with the elections of the new NFF office bearers,” stressed the directive from Zurich.

But in spite of his election (on August 26) not being recognized by FIFA, Giwa insists on the legitimacy of his claims to be NFF president.

“I remain the president of the NFF, a legitimate congress elected me and that is how it is,” Giwa told BBC Sport.

“What I have said is that anyone that is aggrieved has the right to appeal to the NFF appeal committee.

If an appeal committee or the Court of Arbitration for Sport sits today and quashes my election, I will humbly vacate office.”

Should Giwa refuse to leave and the ban comes into force tomorrow, it means the African champions would not be able to play their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Wednesday against South Africa in Cape Town.

The Confederation of African Football says if the Super Eagles miss that match they would be disqualified from the qualifying campaign.
The ban will only be lifted when the NFF board as it stood on August 25, with Maigari as president, is allowed back to their offices to work.

Nigeria was banned from global football for nine days in July for government interference in the running of the football federation when Maigari was forced out of his post by a court ruling.

After his reinstatement, he was voted out of office by the NFF’s executive committee a few days later.

However, FIFA did not accept this and Maigari was once again back as president in August.

PSquare To Cause {Double Trouble} Soon, Releases Album Artworks & Tracklist

PSquare is arguably the biggest duo in Africa, they have finally unveiled what their album cover and tracklist look like.

The duo recently dropped three tracks off the album titled, “Double Trouble”, with those three singles and a video that complemented one of the tracks, EjeAjo which features American rapper T.I, the upcoming album would definitely cause trouble.

PSquare’s “Double Trouble” album features rap superstar T.I in Ejeajo, African music icon Awilo, Jackson Five’s Jermaine Jackson and Dave Scott in Bring it On, top-notch producer, Don Jazzy in Collabo and it is due for release on September 12, 2014.

 

Can't wait ooo

Why I Prefer SEX Before Marriage Yoruba Actress Oluwaseyi Edun Reveals

Sensuously beautiful Seyi Edun is a budding actress who has not only found her place in the world of acting but also taking giant strides as a movie producer.

As new as she is on the scene, Seyi is already being regarded as one of the fast rising stars to watch out for in the Yoruba sector of Nollywood.

In this chat with Potpourri, Seyi talks about her life as an actress, a producer and the concept behind her first produced movie ‘Eja Nla’.  She also talks about her fondness for the pop star, D’Banj, her love life and several sundry issues:

Have you  always wanted  to be an actress?I didn’t set out to be an actress. I joined the industry in 2009 through my younger sister     who happens to be a scriptwriter.  I joined the House of Wisdom caucus .  I graduated in 2011 and also produced my first movie in  2011

Can you date any of your colleagues?
Yes and no. Yes, because you never can tell where you will find love, but presently     I will say no , I can’t date any of my colleagues.

What will you consider as your favourite qualities in a man?I love a responsible man, God-fearing, not extremely handsome and not too ugly. I also  don’t want someone who is     extremely rich. I love a man with a good heart, someone who     will love   me for who I am.

Have you ever been heartbroken?Yes I have, and I don’t     want to be heartbroken anymore. Heartbreak is not a good thing. When one is heartbroken it hurts     and weighs you down. You feel like your life   has been thrown into a puddle and the truth is that it’s the person that one   loves that breaks one’s heart.



What does sex means to you?s*x is a good thing, we are all sexual beings.     Our sexuality is linked with   the rest of our lives. It’s a sort of bond between two people, a form of expression that goes behond the ordinary intimacy shared. It’s a good thing.

What is your take on s*x before marriage?I think it’s an individual thing. Once you are     an adult and you think you are ready, go for it. Personally, I think s*x before marriage is good. Because it will make you know your partner well before going into marriage.

So if there is anything you are not comfortable with, you have an ample time to correct it before actually going into the lifetime contract of marriage. Doing it before marriage also reduces adultery and fornication.  It is also a good way of studying your partner before you get committed to him or her.

What will you consider the sexiest part of your body?
I will choose my leg as the sexiest part of   my body. People often tell me I have got sexy legs, so I will choose my legs.

Adultery Scandal Threatens To Split Methodist Church In Lagos

It was gathered from reports that the pastor and his wife had been married for years without producing any children from the union…

Members of the Methodist Church of Nigeria, Di­ocese of Lagos are currently divided over the reinstatement of the former pastor, Abayomi Okesanya who was initially suspended for alleged adultery.

The church which is located at No 18 Ereko Street, Idumota, Lagos, has Rev. Moses Adebayo Si­yanbola as presbyter and minister in-charge of the circuit.

According to City People, Rev. Okesanya’s wife, Yemisi had publicly accused him of impregnating another woman, and he is reportedly living with another woman who is not his legally married wife.

It was gathered from reports that Okesanya and his wife had been married for years without producing any children from the union, this led to the pastor having an affair with another woman whom he now keeps as his mistress after she had children for him.

The Presbyter is said to have had 2 other kids from a previous relationship before he got married and by the time his legal wife got to know in 2008, she left him and it erupted into huge scandal in the church which led to his suspension.

There are claims that Rev. Okesanya is making moves to divorce his estranged wife but the matter is currently being investigated by the Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Samuel Emeka Kanu Uche and the committee-in-charge is to submit its report in November 2014.

Baby starves To Death After Mum Left Her, Went Out To Party For 2 weeks

19 year old Russian woman Alyona Ipatova (pictred left) who left her five-month-old baby to starve to death while she went out partying for two weeks has been sentenced to a minimum of 10 years’ hard labour.

Alyona, dubbed ‘Monster mum’ by Russian media admitted in court to leaving her baby alone in her apartment in Russia and went partying for two whole weeks with friends.

Prosecutors said when the teen got back, she found her infant daughter(pictured right) dead. Continue

Alyona pictured above in another pic said in court during sentencing

“I really regret what I did. I did not want that to happen. I realise what I have done,” she told the sentencing hearing.

Her lawyer claimed she had asked the child’s father to help look after their daughter.

“Yes, she left the child at times. Although she left her, sometimes she came back in the morning or the father was at home, so he could still look after the girl,” he claimed.

Her lawyer wanted the court to change the charge from ‘m****r of a minor with cruelty’ to ‘causing death by negligence’ but the judge rejected the plea and sentenced her to 10 years hard labour.

Breaking: Boko Haram Reportedly Takes Over Michika Town In Adamawa State

Information has it that, Heavily armed Boko Haram men have reportedly taken over Michika, one of the key towns in Adama state.

According to Sahara Reporters, the sect men arrived the town today September 7th, chased out Nigerian troops and hoisted their flag in the town.This is coming three days after the militants seized Gulak town.

Residents in the town say the Nigerian military flew over the area but did not attack the sect men.

Soldiers from the 23 Brigade in Yola, Adamawa state, are said to have been mobilized to prevent the sect men from taking over Mubi, a key city which is some kilometers away from Michika.

Wizkid Donates Wheelchairs, Food To Less Privileged

Wizkid is the next Nigerian super star to pay homage to the underprivileged .

The StarBoy Records boss joins the likes of PSquare and Davido who recently gave back to the less privileged in other African countries – Cote D’Ivoire and Cameroon.

The “Bombay” singer, who’s been in the news lately over his upcoming EP and alleged rivalry with Davido,paid a visit to a local community in Benin Republic to donate materials to the less privileged children.

He posted a touching image on his Instagram spending time in a chairty home with the caption:

“Food nd wheelchairs for the less privileged. This won’t do nothing for them but I pray God keeps nd protects everyone! God has a special plan. Make someone smile today! bless!”

Looks like artistes in the Nigerian entertainment industry are beginning to take delight in giving back to the society.

Rapper Kendrick Lamar Accused Of Brutally Beating A Woman And Leaving Her Bloody In Vegas Room

A former female security guard who worked at The Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas released a video recently claiming that rapper Kendrick Lamar was investigated for allegedly brutally beating a woman and leaving her bloody in a room in the hotel. The guard claimed the battered woman called them for help and when they got to the room, found her in a terrible state. But the guard never said she saw Kendrick lay hands on the woman. This happened in May. What she said below…

“On Memorial Day Weekend . . . so I get dispatched up to one of the rooms to help some girl get down to the casino. She ends up being all bloody and things, so I had to call my supervisor, then I had to call my other supervisor, then I had to call my boss. And I was like, “We have a situation,” because half of her face was like blown out.”

Come to find out that she was with a certain rapper, who had assaulted her . . . and his first name is [Kendrick]. [Audience aks if she means Kendrick Lamar]. Yeah. . . He beat up some chick, [and] there was like blood everywhere.

There were cops there, and we didn’t find out it was Kendrick until later. . . She ended up pressing charges, I think.

Kendrick was in Vegas in May to perform at the Rehab Pool Party. But the incident never made news. Kendrick is yet to respond to the accusations.

Bad Students: 3 DELSU Ex Students Nabbed For Beating, Robbing Lecturer.

Some former students of DELSU are standing trial for beating and robbing a lecturer….

Three former students of the Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka have been arraigned before a magistrate court sitting in Abraka on a three count charge of felony, stealing and assault on one  Mr. Ifeanyi Ogu-Raphael.

The accused, Oghenetega Odiete, Aforke Avwerosuo, Oghenede Ufuoma and others at large attacked Ogu-Raphael, a lecturer in the Theatre Arts Department of the university, on June 3, 2013.

According to a Vanguard report, the ex-students “committed felony to wit: assault occasioning harm, unlawfully beat up and stole N69, 000, four mobile handsets and an ATM card all belonging to Mr. Ogu-Raphael.”

The offences are punishable under Sections 516, 355 and 390 of the Criminal Code Cap C21 Vol.1, Laws of Delta State of Nigeria, 2006.

Presiding Magistrate, Mrs. O. M. Omonemu, adjourned the case to September 17, 2014y

PDP Accuses APC’s Leadership Of Anti-Democratic Tendencies

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the leadership of the All Progressive Congress (APC) of being self-centred and dictatorial, warning that the growing anti-democratic behaviour of the opposition party if not checked could undermine the entire democratic structure.
  In a statement on Saturday, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, also described APC leaders as “incurable despots who have since instituted a reign of impunity characterised by brazen dictatorship, imposition and victimisation within the APC”.
The ruling political party also cautioned that “those expecting free and fair primaries for the selection of APC candidates for the 2015 general election to wake up to reality before it becomes too late”.
It advised all lovers of democracy still in the APC to immediately quit as they are not likely to enjoy any democratic tenet under despotic leaders who are not disposed to divergent views.
The PDP said the APC had shown itself to be “nothing but a party of ill-bred, frustrated and intolerant politicians; bad losers for whom resorting to personal attacks, blackmail and mudslinging, in addition to promoting violence has become an ideology”.
“That the APC is a party of self-centred and dictatorial politicians with no regard for democratic principles is well known to all. However, we have noted a disturbing pattern, wherein the APC leaders now resort to personal attacks on people when they dump their party.
“The vitriolic attacks, insults and threats on former Kano Governor Ibrahim Shekarau, his Sokoto State counterpart, Attahiru Bafarawa, former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani Kayode and several others who were labelled ‘traitors and political misfits’ by APC leaders when they left the party easily come to mind.
“Nigerians ponder. Why is it that the APC only realises that their members are traitors and misfits when they exercise their freedom of association and leave due to its undemocratic, destructive and anti-people agenda?
“One notable example is the recent attack by the APC’s unelected Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, against their former member, Chief Tom Ikimi, who he branded a ‘sellout’ and ‘unreliable’ personality because he left their fold,” the statement read.
The ruling party questioned why Tinubu had not voiced his claims that Mr Ikimi was unreliable and a sell-out who could not be trusted with the leadership of the APC before he left the party.
“Did Tinubu not know all these when Ikimi was selected to lead the negotiation for the merger agreement that resulted in the formation of the APC?” the party questioned.
It also berated Tinubu for boasting that he will produce his party’s presidential candidate in the 2015 general election, an action that exposes his contempt for democratic due process and the worthlessness of any selection process that may be organised by the APC.
Noting that those who resist the impunity in the APC are continuously victimised, thoroughly insulted and branded, the PDP, however, urged all well-meaning Nigerians and lovers of democracy still in the APC to be bold and leave before it becomes too late.
It also advised the APC leaders to learn to be more decorous, eschew bitterness in their dealings and understand that in a democracy, citizens must at all times be allowed to freely exercise their constitutionally guaranteed rights.
The party said it would not relent in its effort in putting it right before the APC, as Nigeria’s democracy needed a virile opposition.

Shooting Of Jonathan’s Billboard Causes APC, PDP Crisis In Rivers State

Political crisis erupted in Omuma Local Government Area of Rivers State on Saturday after a group accused a police orderly attached to the chairman of the council, Emeka Wogu, of shooting the billboard of President Goodluck Jonathan.
  The incident occurred days after the Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria’s rally in Port Harcourt.
The members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state led by Mr Wogu expressed their worries to reporters about what they called the use of ‘federal might’ by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to intimidate and harass supporters of the APC.
According to them, the latest victim is the Omuma Local Council chairman, who claimed he was treated like a common criminal for the misconduct of a police orderly on assignment with his wife.
He claimed that the suffered an ordeal in the hands of a PDP member of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Kelechi Wogu.
Honourable Kelechi told Channels Television that he had no regrets for his actions claiming that he only reported the matter to the police.
For him, it is the APC that is intimidating the PDP in the state and not the other way round.
The Rivers State Commissioner of Police, confirmed the incident but declined further comments.
Some of the PDP members are accusing the police of being partisan and they had reiterated that, as the 2015 general elections approached the challenge for the police was to enforce law and order without being partisan, a situation that many hope will not be a tall order.

Super Eagles Confident Of Defeating Red Devils Of Congo

The Super Eagles are confident of defeating the visiting Red Devils of Congo in Calabar to claim the three points at stake in the AFCON qualifier match.
  Some of the players, Ahmed Musa and Oduamadi, who spoke to reporters said the team was primed for victory like ‘a well-lubricated machine’.
The kick-off for the match on Saturday is about 5pm local time.
After the game, the Nigerian side will take on the Bafana Bafana of South Africa on September 10.
Meanwhile, the Cross Rivers State government is subsidising ticket prices to encourage the locals to come and cheer the Eagles to victory.
The state’s commissioner for sports, Patrick Ugbe, said the ticket prices for the popular side, cover stand and state box would go for 500 Naira, 3,000 Naira and 5,000 Naira respectively as against the 1,000 Naira, 4,000 Naira and 5,000 Naira they were sold for in previous international matches.

Jonathan, Fashola, Others Mourn Late Dimgba Igwe

President Goodluck Jonathan has expressed shocks over the sad news of the untimely death of the Vice Chairman of the Sun Newspapers, Mr Dimgba Igwe, who died in the early hours of Saturday.
  Mr Igwe, a veteran Nigerian journalist and media administrator, was killed by a hit-and-run driver near his residence in the Okota area of Lagos, Lagos State.
He was 58 years old.
President Jonathan expressed his family and the Federal Government’s condolence to the publishers of the Sun newspapers, the Nigerian Guild of Editors, and all friends and associates of Mr Igwe.
He believes that the late Mr Igwe will always be remembered as a hard-working and dependable professional, who, through his various writings as columnist, author and public speaker, demonstrated a special ability to convey the truth and his convictions in lucid, compelling prose, and in a style that was shorn of cant and foppery.
The President enjoined Mr Igwe’s family, friends and associates to be consoled by the knowledge that he put his God-given abilities to the best possible use in a very purposeful life that was wholly devoted to the defence of truth and the public interest, as well as the promotion of the highest standards of his chosen profession of journalism.
President Jonathan prayed that God Almighty would grant them the fortitude to bear the loss of the very forthright journalist and media administrator, and also grant his soul, peaceful repose.
In a condolence message to the publishers of The Sun Newspapers and the family of Late Mr Igwe, the Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, described his death as a sad loss to journalism and the literary world.
Describing the late Dimgba Igwe as a trailblazer, who along with his age long friend and partner Mike Awoyinfa, pioneered a refreshing brand of newspapering with the Weekend Concord, the Governor recalled the vibrancy which late Mr Igwe brought into journalism with his inimitable writing style and comments on contemporary issues as well as the stimulating biographies which he has authored.
According to the Governor, he had the opportunity to further observe the departed Igwe as a perceptive professional on the occasions he met with him and his colleague, in the course of an ongoing book project.
In Ogun State, the State Governor, Mr Ibikunle Amosun, expressed deep shock at the news of the demise of Mr Igwe.
In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mrs Olufunmilayo Wakama, Amosun said he was saddened by the news of the sudden death of the veteran journalist, describing it as a big loss to journalism in particular and the media industry in general.
“Dimgba Igwe was a cerebral and fearless Journalist, prolific writer and renowned media administrator, who was well respected in his profession. I recall the last time I saw him and Mike Awoyinfa, when they came to interview me. I feel so sad that such a thoroughbred journalist, who still had so much to give to the journalism profession and indeed the development of our country died in his prime,” the governor said.
The Governor of Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Mimiko said the demise of Mr Igwe, robbed the journalism profession of a great intellectual and one of the finest brains of the profession.
Mimiko, in his condolence message to Igwe’s family, the media and the Sun newspapers, made available by his Chief Press Secretary, Eni Akinsola, described the late Igwe as a rare breed among his peers and one of those who raised the bar of journalism profession in Nigeria.
The Ondo governor said “the late Igwe was a rare breed among his peers and one of those who raised the bar of journalism profession in Nigeria”.
Mimiko expressed his government’s and the good people of Ondo state’s condolence to Igwe’s family, his associates, the media, and the Sun newspapers on the unfortunate loss.
He prayed for the repose of his soul and for the strength of the Lord for his family, friends and professional colleagues.

APC Confident Of Winning 2015 Presidential Election

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nigeria is confident of winning the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other political parties in the February 2015 presidential election.


In statements that sounded more like a challenge to the ruling party on Friday in the Edo State capital, Benin City, some leaders of the party expressed optimism that the party had what was needed to occupy the Aso Rock come 2015.
The party members gathered in honour of the party’s National Chairman, Mr John Oyegun, who clocked 75 years on Friday. They also insisted that the elections must be free and fair.
No member of the party had officially declared interest to be the flag bearer of the party in the presidential election.
However, as the party members gathered in the Edo State capital, some potential gladiators in the political contest appear to have started mapping out strategies announcing their presence and interest.
Posters of General Muhammadu Buhari are now dotting parts of the city, signalling that he may become one of the contenders in the coming election
General Buhari, who contested on the platform of the Congress for Progressive Change in the 2011 presidential election had said it was his last attempt, but the Edo APC chairman thinks the APC platform could give him a better chance, though he had not officially notified the party.
The APC had participated in two governorship elections so far this year. They lost Ekiti State to the PDP, won in Osun State and Adamawa State election would soon hold.
A former PDP National Chairman, Audu Ogbeh, who joined the APC, still thinks that the electoral process leaves a lot to be desired.
Despite the concerns over the observed anomalies, the APC national chairman is confident that the party would emerge victorious in the elections.
It is not yet clear the zone that the APC may have zoned its presidential slot to, what is most important at the end of the day is that the party lives up to its promise of providing candidates that will be acceptable to the electorate.

All Schools To Resume On September 22 – FG

The Federal Government has directed all schools to resume on September 22.
The postponement of resumption date of schools to October 13, had been a precautionary measure against the spread of the Ebola Virus Disease.
However, the date has been shifted forward to September 22 following a review ordered by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
The FEC, recently ordered the Minister of Education, Mr Ibrahim Shekarau, to review the directive given to schools over their resumption, following the outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease in Nigeria.

Health Minister Says The Ebola Disease Will Soon Be Stamped Out In Nigeria

The Minister of Health, Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu, has said that he is confident that the Ebola Virus Disease in Nigeria will be taken care of.

Professor Chukwu, who led a delegation from the Ministry of Health to Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, on Friday to ascertain the level of work done by the Ebola response team in the state, said that doctors were assisting Ebola virus patients by replacing their lost fluid to get well .

“The electrolyte you have lost is replaced. We need to ensure that if you need blood, we give you blood transfusion. Ebola virus can be managed, it is not a death sentence,” Professor Chukwu said.’

Chukwu added, however, that the virus does not have a specific drug yet and that many diseases were like that.

“We have not been able to get a reliable vaccine. So, all the vaccines are going through clinical trials.

“Hopefully, we will get one soon. But, for now, we don’t have,  but we do manage,”  he said.

Received by members of the Ebola response team in the state led by the Commissioner of Health, Samson Parker, the Minister’s first assignment was to visit the treatment centre at Oduha, Emohua Local Government Area, before proceeding to the National Disease Control Centre in the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital in Choba to take a look at the mobile testing laboratory centre where blood samples could be tested for the virus.

He said what he saw was of world class standard.

The Minister confirmed that it was just one case of Ebola virus patient that was in the treatment centre in Rivers State, who is the sister of the late doctor.

He further stated that 18 cases of the disease were registered in the country so far, eight of which have been discharged

“The government is on top of the situation and we will do our best to make sure that we stamp out the disease,” he said.

“Ebola is not a death sentence and can be managed.” That is the message the Ministry of Health in Rivers State and the Federal Government hope will get to Nigerians, as the fight against the virus intensifies.

Open Heavens 2014: Sunday September 7, daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye - THE BLESSED LIFE

Open Heavens 2014: Sunday September 7, daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye - THE BLESSED LIFE 

 

  TOPIC: THE BLESSED LIFE [Sunday September 7, 2014]

MEMORISE: Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. 3 John 2

READ: Isaiah 45:1-3

    1 Thus saith the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the loins of kings, to open before him the two leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut;

    2 I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron:

    3 And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the LORD, which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel.

MESSAGE:

There is a divine purpose for sending you to Earth. It is this plan and purpose that will connect you to the blueprint of God for your life. Until this purpose is discovered, you may wander through life without any sense of fulfilment. A lot of people pass through the world like an ant: unnoticed and unknown. This is because they fail to understand the plan and programme of God for them. The master plan for your life is in the hands of God. It spells out phase by phase what is expected of you at every given time. This is what gives you clear direction and focus on what to do and what not to do. It gives clear-cut direction on what can make your life a blessing indeed. To have a blessed life means prosperity, excellence and extra-ordinary breakthroughs. Abraham is a true example of what a blessed life is. His life reveals what it means to be a blessing. He became a blessing because he discovered God’s purpose for his life and pursued it (Genesis 12:1-3). The moment your life becomes an instrument of blessing other lives, there is no way you will not record outstanding successes.

It is clear to all and sundry that Jesus also lived a blessed life. He came to the world and died on the cross for the salvation of humanity. Today, you and I are called children of God because of that sacrifice. There is no one who can enjoy a blessed life while living a double-standard life. You cannot be a channel of blessing if your life is not right with God. You need to be reconciled to your Maker. You need to be at peace with God before you can begin to taste His wonderful grace. Having a blessed life implies a life that is totally surrendered to the Lord Jesus Christ. The life of Jesus is a blessing because through His Name, the sick are healed, the barren become fruitful, deliverance is given to the captives and innumerable miracles happen on a daily basis.

The steps to living in the realm of a blessed life revolve around having the mind of Christ. With the mind of Christ, you will be able to make a positive and lasting change in the world. You must embrace a life of humility. True humility and the fear of the Lord lead to riches, honour and long life (Proverbs 22:4). Humility is a virtue that is expected to be seen in a life that wants to be blessed.

When you are humble, you achieve greater feats. Jesus became obedient unto death. To have a blessed life, you must be willing to die daily; this means your self-will is subjected to the will of the Master on a daily basis.

Prayer point: Oh Lord, move me from the minimum level of life to the maximum you designed for me.

Bible in a Year: Joshua 4-6

DSS To Quiz Alimodu Sheriff Over Boko Haram Sponsorship Allegation

The Department of State Security, DSS, says it will be inviting former Borno state governor, Alimodu Sheriff, for questioning following recent allegations leveled against him by Australian hostage negotiator, Stephen Davis, who said he’s a Boko Haram sponsor.

Speaking at a news conference today in Abuja, spokesperson for DSS, Marilyn Ogar, said the former governor had in the past been invited to the DSS office for questioning over Boko Haram activities and they will be inviting him again. Ogar also dismissed insinuations that former Army chief, Lt. Gen Azubuike Ihejirika is a Boko Haram sponsor, describing it as untrue, uncharitable & wicked. Find the statement below:…

“I would want to say here that it is absolutely uncharitable for us as Nigerians to reward somebody who laid down his life in pursuing this same people (Boko Haram) for us to accept that he can in any way be associated with or seen sponsoring the same sect he together with this service succeeded in pulling down their activities in Kano, Okene and other parts of Nigeria to a halt and pushing them to Sambisa forest. Its the same man we want, because he is no longer in office, to say he is the one sponsoring the sect. I think its being wicked. That shouldn’t be the way we reward people who lay down their lives to provide a secure environment for us. As for the former Governor, he has been invited twice by this service and the service has also invited him again” she said  

Open Heavens 2014: Saturday September 6, daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye -THE WRONG KINGDOM

Open Heavens 2014: Saturday September 6, daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye -THE WRONG KINGDOM

TOPIC: THE WRONG KINGDOM [Saturday September 6, 2014]

MEMORISE: When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone. John 6:15

READ: John 6:11-15

    11 And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would.

    12 When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.

    13 Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten.

    14 Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world.

    15 When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.

MESSAGE:

Jesus drew large crowds in the days of His ministry here on earth because of the signs and wonders He performed. This led those following Him to decide that He should be made king over Israel. Considering the fame and popularity Jesus had, in addition to the prophecies recorded in the Bible about the coming King, it seemed normal and suitable that He should be revered and honoured among the people. However, Jesus was not interested in the kingdom of this world; neither did He have interest in gaining glory, honour or fame. He was only concerned with seeking His Father’s glory and doing His will (John 4:34).

There seems to be a misconception about the term “kingdom of God”. The kingdom of God as defined by the Lord Jesus was quite different from the understanding of the people of His days. It was this lack of understanding that made them attempt to crown Him king by force, thinking that according to various biblical prophecies, He was called to sit upon the physical throne of David. This misconception continues among some Christians today.

Out of the multitude of references to the kingdom of God in the Bible, let us consider these three in order to gain some understanding. John 3:3c says:

    “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

Salvation is the first step a person must take before they can have access to all the goodies of the kingdom of God. I welcome you to the family of God as you take the step of salvation today in Jesus’ Name. Then Matthew 6:33a says:

    “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; ......”

It is important to note that seeking the kingdom of God as a first priority is important to God. Your personal needs and challenges must not be placed above the kingdom. And finally, Romans 14:17 says:

    “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.”

Many Christians live their lives as if the kingdom of God is all about fun and entertainment. The kingdom of God is a process that starts with righteousness, followed by peace, and then comes joy in the Holy Ghost. It’s a wonderful experience.

Prayer Point: Father, please let me experience the fullness of your kingdom in my life from now on.

Bible in a Year: Joshua 1-3

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie score $5m for wedding pictures, to donate all to charity

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie may have sold their wedding pictures but it's all for a good cause.According to Radaronline,the couple sold it for $2.5million to People and Hello Magazine respectively.

'Brad and Angelina knew their would be tremendous interest in their wedding pictures, and decided to donate the money to their charitable foundation. The couple has done this numerous times in the past.'


In 2008,they reportedly earned $14m for published images of their twins, Knox and Vivienne.They also donated it all to charity.

AY: I spent nine years in the university

It is no news that several Nigerian entertainers are fast diversifying into other money-spinning ventures for obvious reasons, just as a number of the screen stars have found consolation in endorsements by corporate organizations – especially telecom giants that include Globacom and MTN.

Not wanting to be left out in the trend, comedian Ayo Makun is set to open a club, lounge and restaurant in Lekki, Lagos, later in the month.

The facility is rumoured to have cost the Ondo State indigene about N200m. Perhaps because of the large amount involved, some people have noted that the comedian may be fronting for someone.

He is nervous when our correspondent takes him up on this. He says,

    “I don’t know about whether I spent 200m on my night club, so no comment. MVP is my baby and so those that are ‘rumouring’ should also provide the name of the person who I am fronting for. The setup cost is only revealed to partners and investors.

    “ I did not just wake and decide to open a night club.

    This type of investment is not the type that is entered into with sleepy eyes. We did a proper feasibility study of the market and saw that there is a viable opportunity for sustained business and that is why we decided to embark on this venture.”

A.Y originally started out as a personal assistant to fellow comedian, Ali Baba. He says long before he carved an identity for himself as a comedian, it was all about Nollywood.

    “I was once a regular face in Nollywood around the 90s.I had been doing movies in the past but some people still think I have just begun starring in Nollywood. I starred in Live Wire alongside Jim Iyke and in Zeb Ejiro’s movie, Tears in Heaven among others. I am not new in Nollywood. Many do not also know that I studied Theatre Arts and majored in directing,” he notes

The funny man says he plans to release what he describes as his Hollywood-Nigerian movie, 30 days in Atlanta, as a way of contributing to the growth of the Nigerian film industry. The movie stars Ramsey Noah and Hollywood actress, Vivica Fox.

    “The main idea was to recreate the Akpos character on The AY Show’s `Who Wants to Be a Billionaire Segment’. It is a comedy which chronicles the hilarious adventures of two cousins from Nigeria, who are given a 30-day holiday package to Atlanta,” he says.

Ask him which pays better, acting or comedy, and he says,

    “ I really do not know as I am in the process of finding that out. I am a businessman who needs to break into new grounds as long as it is in line with entertainment. That is why I have a place where they can come and relax after the show, while I give them satisfaction and value for their movie.”

Speaking about his journey to the top, AY takes a trip down memory lane. He says,

    “I don’t like talking about this. But, yes, I spent nine years in the university but not as a failure as some people may assume. But I had to set my priorities right. It was tough I had to joggle so many jobs to make ends meet. I also had to cater to my siblings and I was a victim of different circumstances on campus.”

With many celebrities venturing into politics, does AY nurse a plan like this?

    “You do not put your hand in the mouth of a lion because you see your colleagues doing the same. Those who have indicated interest in vying for political positions must have weighed the pros and cons before deciding to do so. I have also weighed the pros and cons and my ministry has not moved to that site yet.”

 Comedian Ayo Makun, popularly known as A.Y, speaks to JAYNE AUGOYE [Punchng.com] on his journey so far.

Open Heavens 2014: Friday September 5, daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye - Freedom

Open Heavens 2014: Friday September 5, daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye - Freedom

TOPIC: FREEDOM [Friday September 5, 2014]

MEMORISE: And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. John 8:32

READ: John 8:31-36

    31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 

    32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. 

    33 They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free?

    34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. 

    35 And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. 

    36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.


MESSAGE:

Freedom is generally defined as the power of self-determination attributable to the will. It is the power to act, speak or think as you want without hindrance, constraint or restriction. However, the freedom that Jesus promised is freedom in which a man is set free from the power of the devil, sin, sickness, poverty and failure. It is a freedom that is the possession of born-again children of God who have been liberated through the blood of Christ. It is a freedom that doesn’t rule out obedience to the commandments of God and submission to the will of God. This freedom is a freedom of choice: a choice to submit to Jesus and follow Him all the days of our lives; a choice to live a holy and righteous life, and a choice to reject the devil, his demonic activities and their influences in our lives.

There are lots of misconceptions about the freedom that Jesus promised His followers. It is definitely not an invitation to lawlessness and self-will as some Christians suppose. The freedom Jesus promised comes through strict obedience to the word of God and its conditions. Jesus says, if you continue in His word, you will come face to face with the truth, and the truth in the word of God will then set you free (John 8:31-32). This passage was written for believers. Anyone that is yet to believe and trust in the Lord Jesus may find this principle of freedom promised by our Lord Jesus very difficult to understand. This freedom comes as a natural response to the grace of God; it is not a system that forces anyone to live in any particular way. The submission and commitment of Christians to Jesus is simply out of love and appreciation for what God did for us. However, anyone who claims to be a Christian, and yet finds it difficult to accept the freedom offered by our Lord Jesus Christ with thanksgiving, is only a pretender. James 1:25 says:

“But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.”

This concept of freedom is not easy to understand. It offers us freedom from religious systems, the devil, sin, unrighteousness, self and demonic powers. The Spirit guides us and leads us to make required sacrifices, but these sacrifices are for our own gain. We strive to make these sacrifices consciously and willingly out of love and appreciation for the salvation of our soul. This is the freedom of the Spirit offered by Jesus Christ to anyone who wants to be free from the devil and his works.

Prayer Point: Father, please let the truth of your word continue to make me free, in Jesus’ Name.

Bible in a Year: John 19:17-21:25.

Scientists create condoms that destroy HIV and STDs

Imagine a condom that not only helps protect you against an unwanted pregnancy but also helps kill off infections and STDs—including HIV.

Within a couple of months, this may not be just a figment of our imagination. The new VivaGel-coated condom from Starpharma is setting out to make this idea a reality.

The soon-to-be-released condom contains 0.5 percent astodrimer sodium, which is a non-antibiotic, antimicrobial drug that has been shown to help protect against HIV transmission while also reducing the risk of contracting other STDs (lab studies found it to decimate about 99.9 percent of HIV, herpes, and HPV viruses). Big deal, right?

According to Dr. Jackie Fairley, Starpharma’s chief executive, “Condoms are not 100 percent effective in preventing either pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections, and so anything that you can do to reduce the number of virus particles by inactivating them with a substance like VivaGel would reduce that overall viral load.”

These condoms are still working their way to the United States (Starpharma is an Australian company), but we’ll be keeping an eye on the progress.