Open Heavens Dailly Devotion - RETURN REDUCED WAGES! – Wednesday July 1, 2015

Topic: RETURN REDUCED WAGES! – Wednesday July 1, 2015

Memorize:
Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. -Romans 13:8

Read: Genesis 31:36-42
36 And Jacob was wroth, and chode with Laban: and Jacob answered and said to Laban, What is my trespass? what is my sin, that thou hast so hotly pursued after me?
37 Whereas thou hast searched all my stuff, what hast thou found of all thy household stuff? set it here before my brethren and thy brethren, that they may judge betwixt us both.
38 This twenty years have I been with thee; thy ewes and thy she goats have not cast their young, and the rams of thy flock have I not eaten.
39 That which was torn of beasts I brought not unto thee; I bare the loss of it; of my hand didst thou require it, whether stolen by day, or stolen by night.
40 Thus I was; in the day the drought consumed me, and the frost by night; and my sleep departed from mine eyes.
41 Thus have I been twenty years in thy house; I served thee fourteen years for thy two daughters, and six years for thy cattle: and thou hast changed my wages ten times.
42 Except the God of my father, the God of Abraham, and the fear of Isaac, had been with me, surely thou hadst sent me away now empty. God hath seen mine affliction and the labour of my hands, and rebuked thee yesternight.

MESSAGE:

God is a righteous God, and as a result, He hates all forms of Fraud. According to Leviticus 19:13, it is a crime to delay your workers salary for 24 hours. Do you promptly pay your staff – whether church or secular? Another aspect of fraud is manipulating your workers’ salaries. One Bible character who was a victim of this was Jacob. All the years he worked for Laban, he suffered a great deal. He was deceived, cheated, made to bear the losses his boss should have borne and earned an ever-decreasing wage. Laban was extremely wicked. But do you know that some employers today are like Laban? They take all the gains of their businesses and push all the losses to their staff, irrespective of what caused such losses. Also, while they plan to make more profit and push their staff to work hard at it, they hardly ever plan to increase their salaries. If anything, they continue to come up with excuses as to why such salaries should remain at the same level, or even be reduced.

Laban reduced Jacob’s wages 10 times. If you are happy to cut down your staff salaries rather than increase them, though your business is not diminishing, you are toying with Hell. If your business cannot afford an employee anymore, it is better to let such staff go after paying their entitlements. Take note of the words of Romans 13:8:
“Owe no man any thing, but to love one another. For he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.”
Every cent, kobo or penny you fraudulent cut off the wages of your staff amounts to a debt you owe them. Also, the fact that you owe your staff shows your lack of love for them. You cannot be cutting down the salary or wages of those you love, while your business is doing fine. Do not be surprised that some employers who claim to be believers in Christ will die and get to the gate of Heaven, only to be told that they cannot enter in because of the debt they owe their staff. At that checkpoint, the entire amount owed will be found on them. They will then say “I am sorry; I am now prepared to pay the debts I owe my staff”, but the angles will say “Sorry, it’s too late.” The money such persons fraudulently stole from their staff will follow them to Hell-fire and torment them there for eternity. For your own good, go and restitute all the wages you have cut off without just cause.

Key Point:
Besides pride, another vice that God cannot stand in people is breaking of agreements. If you make a promise, you must keep it.

Bible in one year: 1, Chronicles 7:14-9:34,Luke 15:1-24

CBN extends deadline for BVN registration to October 31st

Good news guys! Central Bank of Nigeria has extended the deadline for the Bank Verification Number, BVN, registration to October 31st. The Apex bank had earlier fixed today June 30th as the deadline for the registration. Hopefully more Nigerians would have completed their registration before the new deadline elapses

Come Register for Kaffy's Dance Workshop and Camp

Don't know what to do this summer? Wondering where to take your kids? Are you a teenager who wants to explore? Or an adult that needs a getaway? Register now for the Dance Camp 2015. Now open for all ages youngest being 7 years.


The camp is designed to use the art of dance as a tool for mind building and empowerment for young people capturing them from childhood into maturity. Young minds need to be fed mentally and physically. The art of dance possesses power which is beyond simple movements. It is a craft smith of the productive mind.

Kaffy is also helping Parents to ease the burden of occupying the long hours which their kids have during vacation by allowing them become engaged in Dance curriculum which helps in developing their body and minds.

Schools and colleges can register their students for the camp.

Dance crews or groups are also eligible.
Schools, family and crews are eligible for group discounts.
Come and be tutored, mentored and inspired by Kaffy and her team of professionals, celebrities and coporate professionals.

Also get to perform and show your acquired skills to your loved ones.
The camp activities include: dance classes, fitness classes, mentorship session, career counselling, celebrity visits and autograph signing, camp awards ceremony, camp dance competition., talent exhibition,  camp debate and many more Freebies such as shirts, camp stationery, drinks and snacks will also be available.

Outstanding campers get alot of gifts and opportunity to get dance scholarships into Kaffy's dance Academy and company IMAGNETO.
Oh Yes get a chance to be a MAGNET

CAMP DURATION:6 DAYS
CAMP FEE:10,000 NAIRA ONLY
VENUE:TO BE ANNOUNCED
DATE: AUGUST 1ST -6TH 2015
For Enquiries and registration call 07014035780.
08127888968
THE WORKSHOP
This is an Avenue for potential dance enthusiasts and practioners to Come and improve upon their dance skills, get Informed and educated on the business of dance. It also creates a forum for discussing issues affecting dance with respect to the growth of the industry.
DATE 6TH - 8TH OF JULY
VENUE: CLASSIQUE EVENTS PLACE 7A KUDIRAT ABIOLA WAY OREGUN LAGOS
ADMISSION: 3,000 FOR THE 3 DAYS

Open Heavens Dailly Devotion - IS IT AS TO THE LORD – Tuesday June 30, 2015

Topic: IS IT AS TO THE LORD – Tuesday June 30, 2015

Memorize:
Not with eyeservice, as men pleaser; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; -Ephesians 6:6

Read: Ephesians 6:5-8, 
5 Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;
6 Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;
7 With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:
8 Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.

MESSAGE:

The story was told of a preacher who went to church one Sunday morning, fully prepared to deliver his sermon, only to find out that the bad weather had prevented members from coming to church except one little boy. This preacher, as the story goes, preached as if the whole auditorium was full of members. After the sermon, the preacher made an altar call and the boy gave his life to Christ that glorious Sunday morning. it was one morning, one preacher, one-member congregation and one convert. That little boy became a world-renowned evangelist.
Today’s Bible reading encourages us to render our service, either in church or outside of church, as to the Lord, not with eyeservice or as men-pleasers. Unfortunately, there are men-pleasers today in Church, who would rather offend God instead of offending the feelings of people, even when this is un-scriptural. Such an attitude affects our service to God negatively. It taints our holy service to God. Paul in Romans 12:1 says thus about Christian service:
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

The work ethics in our church organisation should require little or no supervision. This is one of the first things we were taught when we applied as volunteer workers in church. There is danger in working with eyeservice, because when the one you intend to impress is not around, you will do something else.

Some civil servants short-changed themselves when they think that Government work is not to be done wholeheartedly as if one’s life depends on it. If you work in an organisation, particularly a government establishment, and you think you can loaf around and still get paid at the end of the month without repercussion, you must have been deceived. The law of natural justice and equity established the fact that if your work is worth 50,000 of your country’s currency but you receive 1,000,000 by the time you have spent the last unit of the money, you will realise that the value of what the 1,000,000 obtained is not more than what is obtainable with 50,0000.

Prayer Point:
Father, deliver me from eyeservice, and please help me to serve You acceptably from now onwards in Jesus’ Name.

Bible in one year: 1 Chronicles 5:23-7:13,Luke 14:12-35

NDLEA investing Davido on use of Drugs in Fans Mi Video

NDLEA has been confirmed to currently investigating davido on drog use act.
According to some unconfirmed sources, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency is investigating Davido for promoting and using drugs in hisFans Mivideo featuring Meek Mill.In the video, which has gone viral since it was released earlier this month, Davido is seen discussing with an unidentified man as they haggle over a briefcase of dollars and a bag full of hard drugs.
Sunday Telegraph reports that NDLEA’s Head of Public Affairs, Mr. Mitchell Ofoyeju, said in an email, “The agency considers the musical video ‘Fans Mi’ inappropriate and indecent. It has the tendency to negatively influence and induce drug use and trafficking.

posted from Bloggeroid

Open Heavens Daily Devotion - IT’S NOT OVER YET – Monday June 29th 2015

Topic: IT’S NOT OVER YET

Memorise: Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Philippians3:12

Read: Philippians 3:10-14,

Bible in one year: 1stChronicles 3:1-5:22, Luke 13:31-14:11

Message
The Christian journey is more often thannot a long distance race. This is particularly true because of the long life that our Heavenly Father has promised us (Psalm 91:16). We therefore need a lot of patience to run the race. Apostle Paul in today’s Bible reading gives insight in the nature of the race we are engaged in. it is a non-stop marathon. Once you start, you cannot go on sabbatical leave. Because you are already grafted into Jesus Christ once you start the race, you must ensure that you don’t pull yourself away from Him who first ran this race and finished well (Hebrew 12:2). How do we sustain the tempo and determination to finish well? Paul answers this question in Philippians3:13-14:
“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this once thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

Many Christians live in the glory of their past achievements, and this has resultedin their undoing. The various indictments Jesus levelled against the seven Churches inAsiain Revelation 2-3,should be food for thought for all end-time Christians. In the past, when a Christian mistakenly said something thatwas not untrue but also not 100% true, he quickly corrected himself with an apology. For example, in the days when my father-in-the-Lord was still alive, I remember travelling to Ilesa, a city in south-westNigeria, and forgetting to buy some oranges along the way as I used to. I remembered after I got toLagosand quickly bought some inLagos. I gave them to my father-in-the-Lord and he asked if I bought the oranges on my way. I said “yes sir”. Immediately, the Holy Spirit rebuked me that I was not telling the whole truth. I bought them on the way, yes, but not on the way from Ilesa as the old man meant to ask. I quickly corrected myself and he exclaimed “Holy Spirit” in adoration of the Holy Spirit’s rebuke of love. Today, many children of God tell lies with impunity and they do not feel the pain oflying even against the Holy Spirit. Their first love is all gone. Be warned that the race is not over yet. Ezekiel 18:24 says:
“But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked man doeth, shall he live? All his righteousnessthat he hath done shall not be mentioned: in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die.”Prayer PointFather, please uphold me to the very end of my Christian race.

posted from Bloggeroid

Open Hevens Daily Devotion - DEATH IS NOT THE END – Sunday June 28, 2015

Topic: DEATH IS NOT THE END –  Sunday June 28, 2015

Memorize:
For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. -1 Thessalonians 4:14

Read: 1 Corinthians 15:12-19
12 Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?
13 But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen:
14 And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.
15 Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not.
16 For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised:
17 And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.
18 Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.
19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.

MESSAGE:

Everything in this life will come to an end one day. However, the life of a man does not end inn death, it continues in eternity, either with God in Heaven or with the devil in the place of torment. Those who believe in the resurrection of Jesus Christ and live by the expectation of experiencing the same someday, have the hope of eternal life. The Bible in 1 John 3:2-3 says:
“Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.”

Jesus Christ promised that He will come back to take us home after preparing a place for us. Here are His words in John 14:2-3:

“In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”
Those who have this hope in them will conduct themselves in a way that is expected of saints.

“LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? Who shall dwell in thy holy hill? He that walketh uprightly, and workerh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.” Psalm 15:1-2
This scripture reveals the condition to be met by those who will triumph over death, whileRevelation 21:1-7 gives a brief description of the eternal life of bliss awaiting those who give their life to Jesus Christ, what awaits them is the second death. This is described inRevelation 21:8:
“But the fearful, the unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.”

I pray that an eternity in the Lake of fire will not be your portion in Jesus’ Name.

Prayer Point:
Father, let me find eternal rest in Your kingdom in Jesus’ Name.

Bible in one year: 1 Chronicles 1-2, Luke 13:10-30

Open Heavens Dailly Divosion - HAUNTED BY YOUR PAST? – Saturday June 27, 2015

Topic: HAUNTED BY YOUR PAST?

Memorize:
And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. -1 Corinthians 6:11

Read: Romans 8:1-3
1 THERE is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:

MESSAGE:

Some Christians allow their past to haunt them so badly that they have no confidence in their heritage as children of God. Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, is an example of someone who did not allow his past to haunt him or prevent him from fulfilling his destiny. He gave the following testimony about himself in Galatians 1:15-17
“But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by his grace, To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the4 heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood. Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus.”
One noticeable reason why the past haunts some children of God is their lack of knowledge and understanding of the word of God. It is necessary for every child of God to possess very sound knowledge of who they are in Christ through God’s word. As revealed in our Bible reading, any individual who is born-again is free from every form of condemnation of past sins. The past should therefore not torment you if the reality of this scripture has been received in your spirit. Let us look at this passage very closely and learn one or two truths about our new life in Christ.

Before you can escape the evils of your past life, the first thing you should ascertain is whether or not you are indeed in Christ, because some people are in Church but not in Christ. The evidence of a life in Christ is outlined in 2nd Corinthians 5:17

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
The new life is not by our power but by the power in the Blood and Spirit of Jesus Christ. The Bible says the Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God (Romans 8:16). Part of the cardinal truths distinguishing the Christian faith from all other faiths is the grace which brings salvation to us without imputing our past sins, and the power given to us to live above those past sins. Beloved, if you are still struggling with your past life of sins, you need to check your background. Are you genuinely born-again? If yes, are you still living your past life? If not, your past will not haunt you again. Demolish the bridge that links you with the past and be free.

Action Point:
Cut away from activities, friends and habits of the past, so that you can be free indeed.

Bible in one year: 2 Kings 23:36-25:30,Luke 12:49-13:9

Open Heavens Dailly Divosion - NO FOOD FOR THE LAZY MAN – Friday June 26, 2015

Topic: NO FOOD FOR THE LAZY MAN

Memorize:
For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. -2 Thessalonians 3:10

Read: 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12
10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.
11 For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.
12 Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.

MESSAGE:

Laziness is not a Christian virtue in any way. Our Lord Jesus Christ made this clear by His lifestyle of head work while here on earth. A lifestyle of laziness is out rightly rejected in scripture typified by today’s Bible reading. It is amazing that some people are still expecting God to rain manna on earth! It does not work that way anymore. After the children of Israel had settled in the land flowing with milk and honey and they had eaten the old corn of the land, the manna ceased (Joshua 5:11-12). What the Lord expected of them going forward was to cultivate the land and expect His abundant harvest. Some people don’t know that working is a divine attribute. They think the idea of work came as a result of sin. This is far from the truth because God worked, and Jesus Christ even said this in John 5:17
“But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.”

It was reported to Paul that same so-called brethren were not working in the early Church. Paul quickly responded to the situation with the example of himself, because he was hard-working. Read his testimony inActs 20:33-34:
“I have coverted no man’s silver, or gold, or apparel. Yea, ye yourself know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.”
Some Christians claim that they do not work for a living because they cannot get a job. From personal experience, the truth of the matter is: it is the job of their dreams that they are looking for, and because it is not forthcoming, they stay at home or loaf around, living on other people’s sweat. Such people should look for an alternative job, not only to keep busy but also to earn a modest living. Proverbs 12:11 declares that:
“He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain person is void of understanding.”

Apostle Paul did not depend on any person but God for survival. Despite his extraordinary anointing, he was a still a tent maker (Act 18:3). I pray for someone reading this devotional who is currently unemployed: the Lord will provide you with a good job that will enable you to support the work of God and bless the brethren, in Jesus’ Name.

Action Point:
If you are looking for a while collar job and it is not forthcoming, prayerfully try your hands on something else, and God will bless your effort in Jesus’ Name.

Bible in one year: 2 Kings 23:1-35, Luke 12:22-48

Pres. Obama to host Pres. Buhari at the White House on July 20th

The statement from the White House in the US reads below...

On Monday, July 20, President Obama will host Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari at the White House. The visit will underscore the United States’ longstanding friendship with Nigeria, our commitment to strengthening and expanding our partnership with Nigeria’s new government, and our support for the Nigerian people following their historic democratic elections and peaceful transfer of power.

President Obama looks forward to discussing with President Buhari our many shared priorities including U.S.-Nigeria cooperation to advance a holistic, regional approach to combating Boko Haram, as well as Nigeria’s efforts to advance important economic and political reforms that will help unlock its full potential as a regional and global leader. In addition to hosting President Buhari at the White House, the United States will welcome President Buhari’s senior advisors for consultations with U.S. counterparts and other events aimed at building on the strong U.S.-Nigeria relationship.

Senate sets up committee to reduce salary of Senators

According to the Senate President, two committees were set up today, one of which is the finance committee which will work on how to reduce the salaries of lawmakers. 

Open Heavens Dailly Devotion - REMAIN TRUE TO GOD – Thursday June 25, 2015

Topic: REMAIN TRUE TO GOD

Memorize:
Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: -Psalm 103:2

Read: Deuteronomy 8:10-14
10 When thou hast eaten and art full, then thou shalt bless the LORD thy God for the good land which he hath given thee.
11 Beware that thou forget not the LORD thy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command thee this day:
12 Lest when thou hast eaten and art full, and hast built goodly houses, and dwelt therein;
13 And when thy herds and thy flocks multiply, and thy silver and thy gold is multiplied, and all that thou hast is multiplied;
14 Then thine heart be lifted up, and thou forget the LORD thy God, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage;

MESSAGE:

Solomon was a man who enjoyed the goodness of the Lord in an unprecedented way. The crown of God’s goodness to him was that God appeared to him twice (1st Kings 9:2-3). He indeed recognised and testified to the goodness of God in His life. In 1st Kings 5:4 he testified that:
“But now the LORD my God hath given me rest on every side, so that there is neither adversary nor evil occurrent.”
Everything that Solomon desired, the Lord granted him. But the Bible in 1 Kings 11:4says this about his latter end:
“For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father.”
The negative turn taken by the life of Solomon when he was old can be attributed to the comfort he enjoyed. This example of Solomon should serve as a lesson to every one of us. To be blessed by God is not as important as retaining your relationship with Him. Solomon started well but he could not end well.

The real character of a man is not revealed at the time he is experiencing need but at the time he has entered into abundance. King Solomon was prospered so greatly by God that the Queen of Sheba of his prosperity and fame. She personally came to Jerusalem to witness those things she had heard. It is unfortunate that Solomon did not remain true to God who had prospered him. Is the Lord doing great things through you? Don’t ever be proud. He owns the content; you are just an ordinary container. As a pastor, are there many members in your congregation? Don’t get distracted by this, God is the one drawing them to Himself. Many who started well have turned away from the faith; don’t be one of them. When people are in search of one thing or the other, they will be actively involved in the service of God, but as soon as their problems are solved and their needs are met, they will disappear from God’s service. Are you in a state where everything looks alright, but in your heart you know that you have missed it somewhere? There is no need to pretend; all you need to do is come back home to your senses. God is waiting for you. Never allow the pressures of this life to lead you to destruction. Deal with all those things that are capable of keeping the blessings of God out of your life. Come out of every weakness. Don’t allow that questionable relationship to deny you the joy of your salvation.

Prayer Point:
Father, grant me grace not to fail in the place of honour.

Bible in one year: 2 Kings 21-22, Luke 12:1-21

Open Heavens Dailly - LOVE IN PRACTICE – Wednesday June 24, 2015

Topic: LOVE IN PRACTICE 

Memorize:
My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. -1 John 3:18

Read: 1 John 3:16-18
16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
17 But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?
18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.

MESSAGE:

The character of love is seen in practice and not through empty words. This is the reason why John the beloved advised that we should make the expression of love practical. One practical way of expressing love is through giving. The Bible in John 3:16 says that God loved the world, and this love compelled Him to give His only begotten Son, so that men could be saved. It was through the medium of giving that God ascertained the love Abraham had for Him (Genesis 22:10-18).

Many people deceive themselves that they love God, but God knows they are far from what they claim to be. When God lays a demand on them, even of those things that legitimately belong to Him, they give reasons why they cannot respond positively, expecting Him to understand the situation they are passing through. For example, some people deny God of tithes and offerings, and they expect Him to understand.

Our giving should also be directed towards our fellow human beings, since this is more direct. It is an expression of love to someone we can see. As a matter of fact, Jesus appreciates our gesture towards our fellow human being, particularly those of the household of faith. He said in Matthew 25:34-36 that:
“Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.”
John the beloved in 1st John 3:17 also asked this question:
“But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?”

A popular adage goes: “A friend in need is a friend indeed.” I would rather say “A brother in need is a brother indeed.” Some brethren find it difficult to pick up a stranded brother that is known to them on the road. Beloved, let us go back to the basic of love as was taught in the early days of the Church. This will make our Lord happy, and He shall bless us in return.

Action Point:
Look around you for those in need, and show them the compassion of Jesus.

Bible in one year: 2 Kings 19-20, Luke 11:33-54

Pics: Petroleum tankers back on Apapa-Oshodi expressway, cause traffic gridlock

Few weeks after the Lagos state government ordered them to stop plying the busy Apapa-Oshodi expressway, petroleum tanker drivers have resumed parking their tanks on the highway. The drivers say they park on the road because they have limited parking space at the Apapa petroleum depot where they collect fuel to distribute to different parts of Nigeria. More photos after the cut...

Open Heavens Daily Divosional - THE YOUNG MUST GROW- Monday June 22, 2015

Topic: THE YOUNG MUST GROW

Memorize:
But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. -2 Peter 3:18

Read: 2 Peter 3:15-18
15 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;
16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.
17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.
18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

MESSAGE:

There is a privately owned transport outfit in Nigeria which has “The Young Shall Grow” as its company name. This name suggests optimism concerning the potentials of the young. However, in the kingdom of God, the expectation that the young will grow is beyond optimism; it is a matter of compulsion as seen in our memory verse. I pray that you will grow spiritually in Jesus’ Name.

How can a young Christian grow spiritually? Apostle Peter gives a definitive answer in 1st Peter 2:2
“As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:”
This is one of the areas where we have issues in the 21st century Church. Some influential churchmen and women have rejected the accuracy and sufficiency of the scripture for Christians living. They have settled for the philosophy of relativism. Incidentally, this development is not new; it was manifested in the early Church also. This formed the basis of why Peter wrote the words of today’s Bible reading. Amazingly, Peter in this epistle made mention of the epistles of Paul, which he described as too hard for the unlearned and unstable. These ones were not ready to grow; so they twisted the epistles of Paul and suit their lusts; just like they did with dismay that a senior pastor of a church said to his congregation that some of those things Paul wrote to the Church at Ephesus and to the Corinthians are not necessarily meant for European or African Christians! How on earth would the congregation of such a pastor grow spiritually?

Apostle Peter therefore warns us in 2nd Peter 3:17 to beware of the error of the wicked, so that we are not led astray like Eve in Genesis 3:4-5. The serpent seemed to be saying to her: “Don’t mind God; you cannot die at all; God is only being unnecessarily high handed because He does not want you to be as enlightened as He is”. Apostle Peter followed up this warning with the command that all Christians must grow and continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ (2nd Peter 3:18). If a Christian would not grow in grace to do according to the word of God, such a Christian will be tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine and is doomed for perdition. Therefore, young Christians must grow by being grounded in the true word of God.

Prayer Point:
Father, grant me revelation in the knowledge of You, and feed me with the bread of Heaven that I may grow to spiritual maturity in Jesus’ Name.

Bible in one year: 2 Kings 15:27-17:23, Luke 10:38-11:13

NAFDAC warns against consumption of imported Chicken, Turkey & other Poultry products

As shared on the Agency's Facebook wall ...

Although imported chickens and turkeys have become status symbol in Nigeria, the National Agency for Food And Drug Administration And Control (NAFDAC) has come out to strongly warned against the consumption of imported or smuggled frozen poultry frozen meat, even as it has said that imported poultry products, especially chicken and turkey have been discovered to be causative factor in non- communicable diseases (NCDs) and antibiotics resistance.

Although NCDs are non-infectious but they are deadly. Health conditions under NCDs include cancer, kidney disease, and hypertension among others. NAFDAC Director General,Dr Paul Orhii, who gave the warning at media briefing in Lagos, urged Nigerians to avoid imported smuggled chickens and turkeys, because they have been found to contain substances that can predispose one to kidney, liver and lung diseases as
well as certain types of cancers and drug resistance- bacterial infections.
At the briefing, a study, titled “Prevalence, Quality and Acceptability of Frozen Poultry Meat in Major Cities in Nigeria” carried out by experts from University of Ibadan titled “, was presented. Although imported foreign chicken, turkey and along with other frozen poultry meat have been banned by the Federal Government, some Nigerians have cultivated the habit of smuggling the banned poultry products into the country to the ‘delight’ of some Nigerians who do not know the health implications of consuming such products.
Orhii said that patronising smuggled poultry foods do not only encourage economic sabotage, but also can damage peoples’ health. Orhii added that the studies have found out that most of the smuggled chicken into Nigeria contains high level of various deadly contaminants. Orhii said: “Our studies have found that most of these smuggled chickens or smuggled poultry products, may be because the way they are transported or because they are not properly packaged, they contain some contaminants. It can be formaldehyde, at times it can be high level of antibiotics residue and other contaminants like heavy metals. “And that is why we are discouraging members of the public from consuming them. We are particularly concerned about the high level of antibiotics residue, because these can cause drug resistance, resistance to antibiotics.” Orhii added that NAFDAC would begin strict enforcement of the ban on imported poultry products.

The study, which Orhii referred to, was carried out Prof. Olumide Tewe (lead researcher) ,Prof.S.S.Abiola (meat technologist), Dr.O.AAbu (nutritional enzymologist), Dr.C.I.Alarima (agriculture extensionist), Dr.O.A.Olabisi (public health specialist), Mr.S, Adelani (chief technologist) and Mr. R. A. Aromoye (administrative assistant). According to Tewe, a nutritional toxicologist, who led the research team that discovered that foreign poultry products contain harmful toxic substance, the sample for the study on “imported (smuggled) frozen poultry carcasses were obtained from wholesalers and retailers in Lagos, Ibadan, Port-Harcourt and Abuja,” and “analysed for heavy metals, microbial status and meat quality parameters.”
The nutritional toxicologist said the analysed smuggled or imported poultry food were found to be unsafe for consumption, adding that the continuous consumption of imported chicken and turkey could damage the human system on the long run, unlike poultry products produce locally, which have been found to be safe for consumption. Tewe said: “Consumers in the study area mostly consume chicken and turkey. Other poultry meats consumed are duck, geese, guinea fowl and quail. Sources of poultry meat sold is imported or smuggled poultry meat. A very small percentage (15.33) of the retailers sold locally produced poultry meat.
“It was discovered that the foreign poultry products contain high levels of fo
rmaldehyde, as well as high levels of metals and other substances which are lethal to the human body as against the loca

Open Heavens Daily Divosion - THE GREAT GAIN – Sunday June 21, 2015

Topic: THE GREAT GAIN – Sunday June 21, 2015

Memorize:
But godliness with contentment is great gain. -1 Timothy 6:6

Read: 1 Timothy 6:6-10
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.
7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.


Bible in one year: 2 Kings 14:1-15:26, Luke 10:17-37

MESSAGE:

The Church of Jesus Christ in the 21st century has been robbed of godliness due to lack of contentment. The desperation many so-called children of God exhibit in their search of money has deprived them of living a godly life. “The end justifies the means” has become the driving principle of many. Why would the Church allow herself be robbed of a virtue the Bible describes as great gain? The answer can be found in the parable of Jesus on the wheat and tares in Matthew 13:27-30: “An enemy hath done this.” The enemy of the cross is responsible for this development, and the Church must do something about it as a body and as individual.

Every child of God must personally endeavour not to be caught in the web of worldliness and insatiable appetite for material things like Esau, Gehazi and Judas Iscariot. We must learn to live modestly in this world. The Bible in Hebrews 12:16-17 admonishes us:
“Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.”

Collectively, let us avoid what happened at Kibrothhattaavah among the congregation of the children of Israel, when their appetite for the delicacies of Egypt caused them to murmur against the Lord and His servants, Moses and Aaron (Numbers 11:4-6). We should always have his truth at the back of our minds:
“For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.”
1st Timothy 6:7

The story in Numbers 11:4-34 is a rather unfortunate illustration of lack of contentment. Although the Lord had been feeding the children of Israel with the food of angels free of charge (Psalm 78:24-25), they were not content with it; they wanted barbecue chicken instead. At the end, this brought leanness to their soul (Psalm 106:14-15). Beloved, if there is anything you must seek and find today, it should be godliness with contentment. Hebrews 13:5 says:
“Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”

Prayer Point:
Father, cause Your fear to rule my heart in contentment in Jesus’ Name.

Open Heavens Daily Divosion - FOUR LEVELS OF BLESSING – Saturday June 20, 2015

Topic: FOUR LEVELS OF BLESSING

Memorize:
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies my head with oil; my cup runneth over. -Psalm 23:5

Read: Luke 6:38
38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

Bible in one year: 2 Kings 11:21-13:25, Luke 9:51-10:16

MESSAGE:

The level of God’s blessings on a person comes in different categories. Although all categories of blessing are desirable, only few people experience all the levels of blessing. Let’s take a look at the four levels of blessing outlined in Luke 6:38. I believe an understanding of these will tremendously bless your life.

The first level is the level of being blessed in good measure. Good measure connotes just enough. This is the level of blessing that the Israelites experienced in the wilderness. They were blessed with manna just enough for their needs each day (Exodus 16:16-18). The next level of blessing goes beyond good measure. At this level, blessings are compacted by being pressed down to make room for more. When the blessing of God keeps coming at a steady does, such that there is no room to contain it, there would be a need to make the blessing dense by pressing it down; this creates room to hold and receive more. This type of blessing is described in Malachi 3:10. The next level of blessing goes beyond the level of denseness achieved by pressing down. At this level, blessing is made denser by shaking it together after it has been pressed down. This creates the capacity to have and hold more blessings at any given time. At this level, the blessings are experienced in maximum dense doses. The next and final level is a level where maximally dense blessing keep coming as a steady stream, such that all capacity to store and hold them is overwhelmed. At this level, blessings begin to run over. Many years ago, I asked my Daddy in heaven: “Why the wastage of blessings by allowing them to run over? Why keep pouring after the cup is full?” The answer I got was: so that the world could see that He is the God who has more than enough.

There is a key of accessing any of the levels of blessing we have described. This key is found in 2nd Corinthians 9:6:
“But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.”

You must give before you receive, because the law of harvest cannot be broken. The quantity and quality of your sowing will determine the level of blessing you experience. I pray that the seed you need to sow to take you to a higher level shall be supplied to you this season in Jesus’ Name.

Prayer Point:
Father, please given me seed to sow for bountiful harvest in Jesus’ Name.

Open Heavens Daily Divotional - THE LONG-SUFFERING GOD, Friday June 19, 2015

Title: THE LONG-SUFFERING GOD – Friday June 19, 2015

Memorize:
The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. -2 Peter 3:9

Read: Jonah 3:5-10
5 So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them.
6 For word came unto the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, and he laid his robe from him, and covered him with sackcloth, and sat in ashes.
7 And he caused it to be proclaimed and published through Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles, saying, Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste any thing: let them not feed, nor drink water:
8 But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily unto God: yea, let them turn every one from his evil way, and from the violence that is in their hands.
9 Who can tell if God will turn and repent, and turn away from his fierce anger, that we perish not?
10 And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not.


Bible in one year: 2 Kings 10:1-11:20, Luke 9:28-50

MESSAGE:

When the Bible in 1st Corinthians 13:4 says that love suffers long, it aligns with the character of God and confirms that God is love indeed. Our God is a longsuffering God. It is His longsuffering that has kept the world intact till now; otherwise He would have destroyed it many times over. It is however unfortunate that man tends to take the longsuffering of God for granted. Many have lost the opportunity of being forgiven because they failed to repent until death caught up with them. I was praying for a king who was sick in one city in south-west Nigeria, and the Lord told me to ask him to repent of his sins if he wanted to be healed. He was reluctant to do so, and he refused to repent until he gave up the ghost. The Bible in 2nd Corinthians 6:2 says:
“(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)”

One city that enjoyed the longsuffering of God and put it to good use was the city of Nineveh. The longsuffering of God kept this great city alive while God gave them time to repent. When this longsuffering started waxing thin, He sent Prophet Jonah to warn them to repent. The Bible in Jonah 1:1-2 says:
“Now the word of the LORD came unto Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before me.”
What a gracious and merciful God He is! Thank God that heeded His warning and repented; from the king of the least person in the city. The longsuffering of God is demonstrated in the fact that even Jonah was running away from the great responsibility of warning this city, God still put up with them until His warning go to them.

To someone reading this devotional today, I want you to know that the purpose of God’s long suffering is to give you the opportunity to repent and not be destroyed. I therefore encourage you to give your total life to Jesus Christ and stop postponing the day of your salvation, because tomorrow may be too late. Jesus is standing at the door of your heart; I encourage you to open it to Him so that He can come in with His forgiveness, salvation, healing and all-round peace.

Action Point:
Examine your life and see where you need to turn a new leaf, and do so today.

Open Heavens Daily Divosioanl - DIVINE COMMENDATION – Thursday June 18, 2015

Topic: DIVINE COMMENDATION

Memorize:
His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. -Matthew 25:21

Read: Matthew 25:15-21
15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.
16 Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents.
17 And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two.
18 But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord’s money.
19 After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.
20 And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.
21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

Bible in one year: 2 Kings 8:16-9:37, Luke 9:7-27

MESSAGE:

You are blessed when a great man commends you for executing an assignment well. Very much more, when God commends you for a job well-done, you are exceedingly and greatly blessed. Commendation is the direct opposite of condemnation. May you not be condemned in this world and in the world to come in Jesus’ Name. The wealthy man in our Bible reading commended the servant with five talents who gained five more talents. He also commended the servant with two talents who gained another two talents. However, the one with one talent went and hid his talent in the ground, because he felt he was not given his due to trade with. On the day of reckoning, he was condemned.

Our Lord Jesus Christ promised that He would commend those on His right hand side on the day of reckoning. In Matthew 25:34 He said:
“Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world;”
What do we do to obtain this divine commendation? One of the things we can do is to show the compassion of Jesus to the needy: feed the poor, clothe the naked and house the homeless (Matthew 25:35-36). Another channel for receiving divine commendation is exercising uncommon faith. A centurion, whose servant was sick, demonstrated uncommon faith in the power in God’s Word, and he received divine commendation for this in Matthew 8:10:
“When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily, verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.”
God celebrates people who exercise faith in Him. This is the reason why the Bible says it is impossible to please God without faith (Hebrews 11:6).

Those who endure to the end in the Christian race will also receive divine commendation. In Revelation 2:26, our Lord Jesus promised that:
“And he that overcometh, and keepth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations.”
We should believe the promises of our Lord and work towards receiving His commendations.

Action Point:
Think on what to do here on earth, so that you will be commended in Heaven.

Open Heavens Daily Divosional - REST IN THE LORD, Wednesday June 17, 2015

Topic: REST IN THE LORD

Memorize:
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. -Matthew 6:33

Read: Matthew 6:31-34
31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.


Bible in one year: 2 Kings 6:24-8:15, Luke 8:40-9:6

MESSAGE:

Nobody cares for us like our Heavenly Father. The devil and the world want to deceive you to think that they care more than He does, but you must not allow yourself to be deceived like Eve (1st Timothy 2:14). The devil deceived Eve to think that God was being too high-handed by restricting her to eat of certain fruits alone (Genesis 3:1-5). Jesus expressed the depth of the Father’s love and care for us in our Bible reading. He consequently admonished us to stop worrying about things that have already been sorted out by our Heavenly Father. He also declared to us what our priority should be (Matthew 6:33). He said when we focus on the priority, the rest of those things that are needful shall be provided for us. Unfortunately, some children of God are too mindful of the “interest” at the expense of the “principal”. They are too mindful of the “other things”, which indeed are necessities, at the express of our main priority, which is the kingdom of God. If you genuinely seek the kingdom of God, faithful is He that has promised; all your other necessities shall be added unto you.

It is amazing to know that God provided what He considered to be our needs, even before He created us. This shows us that God has ever been mindful of our basic necessities. In the creation story, God used the first five days of creation to provide all that man would ever need; after which He created man in His own image on the sixth day (Genesis 1:26-31). Man began to worry about what to eat, drink, wear and what would become of his future after the Fall (Genesis 3:7-8).

We can see the goodness of God demonstrated even after the fall of man. In spite of man’s rebellious act, God still sought after him in the garden. He called Adam and Eve out of their hiding place, and after rebuking them, He clothed them properly. Genesis 3:21 says:
“Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them.”
There is need for us as children of God to trust that our Heavenly Father is mindful of our well-being. If we do, we will not be anxious for anything like those who don’t know God. We will have peace, joy and contentment (1st Timothy 6:6-8). I want you to consider Philippians 4:19 as God’s assurance of His provision for your life. Praise Him for this blessed assurance.

Action Point:
Is there any lack in your life? Tell your Heavenly Father about it today. He will pleasantly surprise you.

Photos: Buhari returns to Nigeria after attending AU Summit

 

President Buhari touched down at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja this morning after attending the AU Summit in South Africa. More photos after the cut...

Three sets of twins show twin love in new photoshoot

Found this on Twitter. Amazing!

They are actually three sets of twins that did a photo shoot to promote twin love. The men are not married to the women and that's not their kids.

Isn't this amazing?

Open Heavens Daily Divosional - What Type Of Vessel Are You?. Tuesday June 16, 2015

Topic: What Type Of Vessel Are You?

Memorise: But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. -2 Timothy 2:20

Read: 2 Timothy 2:19-21

19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.

21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.

Bible In One Year: 2 Kings 4:38-6:23; Luke 8:22-39

MESSAGE:

In the Body of Christ, there are different types of vessels. There are vessels unto honour and vessels unto dishonour. Also, there are vessels for temporary use there are those used on permanent basis. Vessels for temporary use are those used and subsequently dumped; whereas vessels for permanent use are for keeps. Every child of God must decide whether what type of vessel he or she wants to be and comport himself or herself as such. Shepherd staffs, like the rod of Aaron that budded and kept in the ark of covenant, are examples of vessels for permanent use (Hebrew 9:4). But the jawbone of asses, like the one Samson used and dumped, have no permanent usage (Judges 15:15-17). The status of a vessel with respect to being of permanent or temporary use is determined by the nature and preparation of the vessel. This is why Bible in 2 Timothy 2:22 says:

'If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.'

A vessel of honour is not used and dumped. They stay with Master forever. To be set apart as such a vessel, the Bible enjoins us to depart from iniquity. Jesus made a profound promise to all vessel of honour; in John 14:2-3, He said:

'In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.'

Irrespective of the level of preparation by a vessel, the user of the vessel has the prerogative to determine what type of use is applied to. This is the reason why you as a child of God must be careful of who or what you allow to use you. Our God does not use and dump vessels of honour, but Satan, sin and the world do. Romans 6:13 says:

'Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.'

I pray for you that you will be a vessel of honour for the permanent use of God in Jesus’ Name.

Prayer Point: Father, as I purge myself of the works of the flesh, set me apart as a vessel of honour for Your permanent use in Jesus' Name.' - See more at: http://www.flatimes.com/2015/06/open-heavens-devotional-june-16-6-2015-what-type-vessel-you-pastor-adeboye.html#sthash.Npu4SmtK.dpuf

Kidnapped Ondo regent regains freedom

The regent of Akungba Akoko township in Ondo state, Princess Mojisola Omosowon who was kidnapped by unknown gunmen along the Owo-Akure road in Ondo state on June 3rd has regained her freedom. A team of police officers and state security service officers rescued the regent in Edo.

Princess Omosowon was kidnapped along with her driver while on her way to attend the inaugural lecture of the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA) in Akure, the Ondo state capital.

Buhari tells Nigerians in South Africa to respect themselve

During his visit to Nigerian residents in South Africa yesterday, President Buhari told them to conduct themselves with respect in the country, promising to look into how to strengthen Nigeria's relationship with South Africa and also look into the recent Xenophobic attacks.

    "Those of you who have the opportunity to come here and represent us, make sure that you are representing Nigeria, you are all ambassadors of Nigeria. This means a lot of patience, restraint and self-respect and pride. You must have all these.”

Speaking about what he plans to do to make Nigeria better, president Buhari said

    “Government is determined to secure the country, manage the economy, create employment and fight corruption. Some articulate writers have said if we do not kill corruption in Nigeria, corruption will kill Nigeria. This APC administration intends to kill corruption in Nigeria. We will do our best, I assure you."

NAN

Open Heavens Daily Divosion - The Bread of Stone,Monday June 15, 2015

Topic: The Bread of Stone [Monday June 15, 2015] Memorise:Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats: but God shall destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body. -1 Corinthians 6:13 Read:Matthew 4:1-4(KJV) 1 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. 2 And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred. 3 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. 4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Bible in One Year:2 Kings 3:1-4:37; Luke 8:4-21 MESSAGE: Food is one of the earliest weapons the devil deployed to destroy humanity(Genesis 3:6). It’s amazing that he still succeeds in using this weapon to destroy the destinies of many. He even deployed this weapon against our Lord Jesus Christ. After our Lord had fasted for forty days and nights, naturally, He became hungry. The devil, sensing an opportunity, came to Him saying: “If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.”Matthew 4:3b Unlike the first Adam who fell for the enticement of Satan, Jesus overcame the devil by the word of God(Matthew 4:4). He used the arrow ofDeuteronomy 8:3against the devil. Thank God He knew the word; of course, He is the Word of God. Beloved, the bread of stone when eaten will never digest; so, beware of the bread of stone in whatever form it presents itself. The bread of stone can come in any form. For example, after four years of joblessness as a first-class graduate, the devil may dangle an employment opportunity at you that require you sleeping with the personnel manager to secure the position. “Do it just once and get out of the labour market”, the devil may suggest. It is a bread of stone, don’t fall for it. It may also come in the form of a government minister or the secretary of a government establishment luring you to join their occult group to guarantee the steady flow of contracts. The devil may say “it is just a networking club”. Please don’t join, because if you do, you may be turning stone to bread to satisfy your hunger. Remember the case of Esau. The Bible inHebrew 11:16-17says this about him: “Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.” Your adoption as a child of God guarantees you of meat, it is your birthright. Don’t allow anybody or any situation to steal that away from you. The devil will attempt to justify why you need to turn stone to bread to satisfy your hunger, but remember he is a liar. Such “bread” will never digest in your stomach; it will produce spiritual ulcer and death. May the Lord be with your soul as you wait patiently for God’s time and means to meet your needs. Prayer Point: Father, grant me grace to counter the deceit of the devil whenever he comes around to tempt me. As Jesus overcame, help me to overcome also.

Open Heavens Daily Divosion - Our Position in Christ, Sunday June 12, 2015

Topic: Our Position in Christ Memorise: And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. -Ephesians 2:6 Read: Ephesians 2:1-6(KJV) 1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; 2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: 3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved; 6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: Bible in One Year:2 Kings 1-2; Luke 7:36-8:3 MESSAGE: The Bible reveals that Christians who are genuine children of God are joint-heirs with Jesus Christ through divine adoption(Romans 8:16-17). This is an amazing truth. It implies that we have access to the same resources of heaven which backed up the work of Jesus while He was here on earth. Why then is it that lots of Christians are not operating at the level which he operated while He was here on earth? The problem lies in the fact that although they bear the Name of Jesus, such people are not ready to pay the price that being a child of God demands of them. Jesus summarised the price we need to pay to operate as children of God inMatthew 11:29a: “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me;” His yoke has to do with His passion to please His Father.John 4:34thus says: “Jesus saith unto them, my meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.” Our Lord Jesus Christ, while on earth, was passionate about doing His Father’s will. This is the reason why the Father always heard Him when He prayed. He proudly declared this fact at the tomb of Lazarus inJohn 11:42: “And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me.” To establish His claim, He commanded the dead Lazarus, who was already decaying, to come out alive, and Lazarus became a living soul again(John 11:43-44) The proof of our adoption as children of God is manifested in freedom from the sins which we hitherto lived under before our glorious encounter with Jesus Christ. This is the crux of the message in our Bible reading. As children of God, we must therefore live a life void of sin to the glory of God(1 John 3:9-10). We should also recognise that while we are on earth, we occupy the same position Jesus Christ did while He was on earth; therefore, we can do all that He did and enjoy every privilege He enjoyed(1 John 4:17).Our position in Christ therefore, is to share with Him the same miracle-working experience He had, and give Him the glory. However, we must be children of God indeed. If you have not given your life to Christ, you have no position to share with Jesus Christ. Today is the day of salvation for you. Prayer Point: Father, grant me grace not to lose my position in Christ to the flesh, sin or this present age.