October 2016-Flatimes

Monday 31 October 2016

Amaechi Praises Late Gu Ake’s Values, recalls ‘I was governor by divine mandate’

Former Rivers State Governor and Minister for Transportation Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has hailed former Chairman of the Peoples’ Democratic Party in Rivers State, Late Chief GU AKE as a peace loving man who contributed immensely to human capital development.

Amaechi stated this at Erema, Ogba/Egbema/ Ndoni Local Government Area of the state, during the burial ceremony of the Late Chief Godspower Umejuru Ake, on Friday. The late Chief Ake was an ally of the Transportation Minister. He was also a former member of the Rivers State House of Assembly in the first Republic.

Written by the Editorial Board of The Guardian Newspaper

Militancy in the Niger Delta region is as old as the country itself. So, it is trite to attribute its advent to the current administration in any form. Only children that have been growing without the benefits of history lessons would not remember that there was some minority rights militancy in Niger Delta years ago, which bred a legend called Isaac Adaka Boro who died on May 9, 1968. It is undisputable that agitations in the area partially triggered some of the internal wars, notably the civil wars that the nation survived in the seventies. Besides, militancy in the area actually propelled political actions that led to the choice of a Niger Delta governor (Bayelsa State’s) as a vice presidential running mate to candidate Umaru Musa Yar’Adua in 2007. And the ‘political correctness’ was consolidated in 2011 when the 2007 running mate Goodluck Jonathan, was elected president and in office until power changed hands democratically in May 2015.

Topic: The Prayer of Consecration [October 31, 2016]

Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send? And who will go for Us? Then said I, Here am I; send me. - Isaiah 6:8

In the prayer of consecration, we dedicate our lives and all that we are to Him. In order for God to use us, we must consecrate ourselves to Him.

Today’s Scripture: “...His favor is for a lifetime...” - (Psalm 30:5, AMP)

Topic: You Have the Advantage [October 31, 2016]

One definition of the word “favor” is an advantage for success. When you put God first, when you obey His commands, you open the door for His favor which means you have the advantage for success! Even if someone may have wronged you and it looks like they have the upper hand, even if it looks like things are never going to change, keep reminding yourself, “I have an advantage. God is in control of my destiny. He’s fighting my battles for me. He is my Vindicator. And it’s just a matter of time before things change in my favor.”

Topic: Be Courageous [Monday 31, October 2016]

Memorise: Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. – Deuteronomy 31:6

Read: 2 Chronicles 32:7-8 (KJV)

7 Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor for all the multitude that is with him: for there be more with us than with him:

Author: Pastor Faith Oyedepo

Topic: Raising Children of Destiny! (5)

Dear Reader,

Shalom! Without hesitation, it has been a most knowledge-filled month for you. Last week, I highlighted three root causes to the problems of wayward children.

In concluding this teaching, I want to unveil to you Possible Solutions to these root causes! It is noted that every problem has a solution, and every question has an answer. Consequently, as overwhelming as the foregoing problems of children may be, they are not without solutions from the Word of God.

Topic: Wholesomeness Demanded [October 31, 2016]

Text: Ecclesiastes 12:8-14

Key Verse: "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments:for this is the whole duty of man" (Ecclesiastes 12:13).

Evangelist Bud Chambers, a gospel song writer, scripted some lyrics, "Born to serve the Lord," showing the totality of man's business on earth. He wrote, "From the dust of the earth, my God created man, His breath made man a living soul; and God so loved the world He gave His only Son, and that is why I love him with my soul".

Topic: Don't Play Dead [October 31, 2016]

From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. - Matthew 11:12

The Amplified Bible translates Matthew 11:12, "...a share in the heavenly kingdom is sought with most ardent zeal and intense exertion."

Author: Ese Ehimare Dave

Topic: I am; You are 2 [Monday, 31st Oct. 2016]

Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him. Isaiah 43:7

One of the reasons we cannot live our lives with impunity is because of who God has made us to - the perfect manifestation of His fullness. We are called by the name of God; that is, any name that is attributed to God, is attributed to us. This is a deep revelation, and it is essential that the body of Christ grasps this. This is not for us to get puffed up with pride but that the very name of God, which we are called by, be glorified. Scriptures say in 1 Corinthians 6:17 - "he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit." We have become one with Jesus and have become who He is.

Topic: Hope for the Future [October 31, 2016]

For our citizenship is in heaven; from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.— Philippians 3:20 (NASB)

If you are moving to a new home, you want to know all about the community to which you are going. And since we will spend eternity some place, we ought to know something about it. The information concerning heaven is found in the Bible. When we talk about heaven, earth grows shabby by comparison. Our sorrows and problems here seem so much less, when we have keen anticipation of the future.

Topic: It Never Runs Out [October 31, 2016]

Read: 1 Peter 1:3–9, Bible in a Year: Jeremiah 22–23; Titus 1

He has given us new birth into . . . an inheritance that can never perish. 1 Peter 1:3–4

When I asked a friend who is about to retire what she feared about her next stage of life, she said, “I want to make sure I don’t run out of money.” The next day as I was talking to my financial counselor he gave me advice on how I might avoid running out of money. Indeed, we all want the security of knowing we’ll have the resources we need for the rest of our lives.

Author: Emode Victor

A Promise For You From Bible Promises:

Topic: Three Ways Believers Respond to God's Word. Pt Two [30/10/2016]

And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. Luke 12:47. Read: James 1:22-25

The series continue this wonderful morning. I believe you were blessed with yesterday series. Today, quickly, let's look at the second category of believers and how they respond to God's Word.

Bad Governance Retrogressing Rivers Fortunes - Dakuku

Dr. Peterside [speaking] flanked by Chief Ibiamu and Dr. Henry Ogiri

The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2015 elections in Rivers State, Dr Dakuku Peterside says bad governance by the Governor Nyesom Wike-led administration was retarding the progress of the state.

Dr Dakuku who stated this during the formal reception and public declaration of former Executive Director (Finance and Administration) of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr Henry Ogiri for the APC at Abua/Odual last weekend, said Rivers people were already tired of the government in the state.

Aurhor: Pastor Faith Oyedepo

Topic: The Mystery of One Flesh! (5)

Dear Reader,

Welcome once again to another time with God in this column. It has been indeed a great time of refreshing. Having looked into the fundamentals of the mystery of “one flesh”, God’s concept of it and the benefits, I’m most convinced that a glorious marriage is a cheap possibility for you, because you are able to discern God’s perfect will for you.

This week, as I round off this teaching, I like to emphasise that the mystery of “one flesh” is Instituted For Purity!

By Nwaorgu Faustinus

The Rivers State Chapter of All Progressives Congress, APC, has noted with shock the recent appointment of two well-known PDP sympathisers, foot soldiers and close associates of Gov. Nyesom Wike as members of the 10-man Judicial Ethics Committee of the National Judicial Council (NJC) with a mandate to review the Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers in the country.

The APC in a statement signed by its State Publicity Secretary, Senibo Chris Finebone identified the two individuals as Retired Justice Iche Ndu and former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Bar. Okey Wali SAN.

Today’s Scripture: “...those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness.” - (Proverbs 14:22, NIV)

Topic: Plan for Good [October 30, 2016]

Do you wake up every morning expecting favor and blessing on everything you do? Do you plan for what is good? When we plan for what is good, scripture tells us that we find love. Ultimately, God is love which means when you plan for what is good, you will find God in the midst of your plans.

Author: Ese Ehimare Dave

Topic: I Am; You Are 1 [Sunday, 30th Oct. 2016.]

Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all. Ephesians 1:23

When we received Jesus as Lord and Saviour, we received His life. The life of God is in His Spirit. No wonder it is "the Spirit that gives life" (2 Corinthians 3:6). The Spirit of God intermingles with our dead spirit to give it life - the life of God, giving us the "death to life" experience (1 John 3:14). In the process, we become one with God through His life - His Spirit - that is in us. This process brought all that is God's to us. Everything that God stands for, we are in the bodily form of them. The full package of God is deposited in us all.

Written by the Editorial Board of The Guardian Newspaper

The dangerous activities of the Fulani herdsmen in different parts of the country have curiously become the third national security concerns in the country still smarting from the debilitating effects of insurgents in the Niger Delta and Boko Haram in the North East. This is worrisome. And the deadly business of the herdsmen has raised some questions about the real motive behind the strategic invasion. With aggrieved communities, especially in southern Nigeria now literally resisting the destructive invasion of their communities by the herders, tension has been mounting in many places. Ekiti State, for one, has just raised the alert level because of the threat by the herdsmen after enacting a law to control ranching in the state.

Topic: Give God Everything [October 30, 2016]

For those whom He foreknew . . . He also destined from the beginning . . . to be molded into the image of His Son [and share inwardly His likeness]. - Romans 8:29

If we really are serious about loving God, we must ask ourselves if there are any areas of our lives in which we are holding out on Him. What are the things about which we say, "Well, God, You can have everything but that," or "Lord, just don't ask me to quit doing that"?

Topic: Godly Sorrow [Sunday 30, October 2016]

Memorise: Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. – Matthew 5:4

Read: 2 Corinthians 7:9-10 (KJV)

9 Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing.

Topic: That Which Counts [October 30, 2016]

Text: Acts 8:9-25

Key Verse: "And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money" (Acts 8:18).

Countries across the globe spend a huge money trying to fight the spread of counterfeited products. Regulatory agencies deploy men and materials to rid the society of these unwholesome products. But in most cases, fake products appear genuine on the face value. Most times, innocent and unsuspecting members of the society are deceived by the fantastic presentation of such injurious products, whereas they are valueless.

Topic: God Is Love! [October 30, 2016]

Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love . . . — Jeremiah 31:3

As I read the Bible, I find love to be the supreme and dominant attribute of God. The promises of God’s love and forgiveness are as real, as sure, as positive, as human words can make them. But the total beauty of the ocean cannot be understood until it is seen, and it is the same with God’s love. Until you actually experience it, until you actually possess it, no one can describe its wonders to you.

Topic: It's Your Decision [October 30, 2016]

And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw [Jesus],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. - Mark 5:22-24

I wonder when God is going to do something about this problem! Have you ever asked that question? If so, you may be surprised to find out that the answer depends 100 percent on you.

Author: Emode Victor

A Promise For You From Bible Promises:

Topic: Three Ways Believers Respond to God's Word. Pt One [30/10/2016]

But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more. Luke 12:48. Read: Isa 5:13

Knowledge becomes dormant until it is applied. You've to know before you can do or respond to what you know. Let's look at three ways some believers respond to God's Word that either makes it work or not work for them. The first category of believers and how they respond to God's Word is:

Topic: Hearing God [October 30, 2016]

Read: 1 Samuel 3:1–10, Bible in a Year: Jeremiah 20–21; 2 Timothy 4

Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” 1 Samuel 3:10

I felt like I was underwater, sounds muffled and muted by a cold and allergies. For weeks I struggled to hear clearly. My condition made me realize how much I take my hearing for granted.

Court summons Buhari, DSS over judges arrest

The Abuja Division of the Federal High Court, on Friday, ordered President Muhammadu Buhari and the Director-General of the Department of State Service, DSS, Mr. Lawal Daura, to appear on November 15.

The court said it expects them to show cause why seven judges arrested between October 7 and 8 should be prosecuted.

Being in a relationship with your partner require sacrifice-emotional, financial and time. While others are very important, financial sacrifice seems to be the oil that lubricates the relationship.

Nevertheless, one expense you cannot escape is talking to your partner. There are different ways you can talk to your significant order. But if you still buy credit or airtime to call, Jumia Travel, gathers 4 reasons you should stop now!

The overall impression of Warri, a popular city in the southern part of Nigeria, is that it is the most aggressive city in Nigeria, as it is dangerous and crime ridden and its inhabitants are mostly belligerent. According to the Vanguard Newspaper, ‘…that the oil city of Warri, Delta State is perhaps the most hazardous metropolis in Southern Nigeria, is doubtless’. Some travel sites have even flagged the destination as a red zone as numerous travelers have complained and narrated cases of robbery and rip-offs.

Today’s Scripture: “[In His love] He chose us [actually picked us out for Himself as His own] in Christ, before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy...” - (Ephesians 1:4, AMP)

Topic: Handpicked by God [October 29, 2016]

Before you were ever born, before the very foundation of the earth, God knew you, planned for you and chose you! He approved you and called you His own. You may have been overlooked by people in your life; maybe you were passed up for a job or overlooked by someone whose opinion you valued. But remember, God won’t ever overlook you! In fact, He handpicked you. He chose you to be holy, or set apart, for Himself.

Topic: How to Be Happy [October 29, 2016]

Having gifts (faculties, talents, qualities) that differ according to the grace given us, let us use them. - Romans 12:6

We are all gifted and graced differently to operate in the gifts God has given us. Today’s verse says we are to use our gifts according to the grace that is upon us.

Topic: Not Reprobate [Saturday 29, October 2016]

Memorise: But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates. – 2 Corinthians 13:6

Read: 2 Corinthians 13:5-8 (KJV)

5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?

Topic: You’re His [October 29, 2016]

Text: Deuteronomy 2:1-7

Key Verse: "Ye have compassed this mountain long enough: turn you northward" (Deuteronomy 2:3).

Throughout history, God has always remembered His people. He may try their patience, but He always intervenes at the right time. He never forgets His own. The children of Israel had wandered in the wilderness for forty years and it appeared that they were stuck and had no future. But Moses waited for God’s directive on their next line of action.

Author: Ese Ehimare Dave

Topic: Follow Jesus IV [Saturday, 29th Oct. 2016]

What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? Luke 15:4

Following Jesus is the best thing we can do in this life. But you see, there are times when we will lose our way or lose sight of Jesus. Is this possible? Very possible. When this happens to us, all hope is not lost, because our Good Shepherd is always on a rescue mission. Jesus loves us so much that He would leave the flock that are safe and go after us. Just like the young David, when Satan comes to steal us - our attention - through his deceptive voice, Jesus will always come after us to rescue us from Satan's clutches.

Topic: Come, Lord Jesus [October 29, 2016]

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. - 1 John 3:2-3

Hopelessness. As this age draws to a close, that's a feeling that's going to be more and more common among the people of this world. But, you know, it's something we as believers never have to feel! Because no matter how much pressure comes on the earth, no matter how dark the natural circumstances around us are, we know that we have hope in the soon return of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Topic: The Praying Patient [October 29, 2016]

Read: John 17:6–19, Bible in a Year: Jeremiah 18–19; 2 Timothy 3

Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one. John 17:11

The obituary for Alan Nanninga, a man in my city, identified him as “foremost, a dedicated witness for Christ.” After a description of his family life and career, the article mentioned nearly a decade of declining health. It concluded by saying, “His hospital stays . . . earned him the honorary title of ‘The Praying Patient’” because of his ministry to other patients. Here was a man who, in his times of distress, reached out to pray for and with the people in need around him.

Author: Emode Victor

A Promise For You From Bible Promises:

Topic: Avoiding God's Wrath [29/10/2016]

I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images. Isaiah 42:8. Read: Acts 12:21-25

It takes a man of wisdom not to invite God anger (knowing that, God is not only a merciful God but also a consuming fire), but to avoid His dangerous wrath. Jer 25:6 tells us way to avoid His wrath. "And go not after other gods to serve them, and to worship them, and provoke me not to anger with the works of your hands; and I will do you no hurt.” This is because, He is a jealous God, He cannot share His glory with any man, let alone a graven image. By doing that is turning His glory into shame which He frown at.

Topic: Battle of the Spirit [October 29, 2016]

. . Let the peace of God rule in your hearts . . . — Colossians 3:15

When we examine the problems that confront us in our world today, we find that every one of them resolves into a problem of “inner space,” a problem of the dark side of the human spirit. From thousands of letters we receive, it is evident that a large proportion of the population is facing deep personal problems. They vary from person to person, but they do exist, and they are all problems of “inner space.”

6 Home Remedies You Probably Didn’t Know About

Sometimes, the remedies you’re combing the entire city searching for could be right there in your kitchen cupboards. Here are some really useful home remedies that would help you through some of the health issues you might be too embarrassed to talk about. Don’t knock it till you try it!

Author: Emode Victor

A Promise For You From Bible Promises:

Topic: On Course With God? [28/10/2016]

Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? 2 Corinthians 23:5. Read: 2 Cor 13:1-5

The Bible says, Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. 2 Cor 13:5. It's human to always judge, condemn and blame when one faces difficulties in life because man judges by the physical appearance. In spite of human judgment, what matters most is for you to be sure of your relationship with God. It's for you to examine yourself whether you are still on course with God - your Maker. Jesus the Son of God was called devil, He was not bothered because He was sure of relationship with His Father.

President Muhammadu Buhari, on Friday, formally married off his daughter, Fatima, to Malam Yau Gimba Kumo in Daura, his hometown in Katsina State.

The wedding took place at the president’s residence on Mai’adua road, Duura at about 2.40 p.m.

An objective evaluation and analysis of Nigeria’s economic collapse points directly to President Muhammadu Buhari and his unprecedented inaction and monumental blunder in failing to appoint his ministers and form a government until 6 months after he was sworn into office.

Furthermore, the delay in having a budget passed is also another factor. To cap it up, the appointment of a seeming mediocre minister to head the finance ministry can only explain why the dollar has gotten to the Guinness Book of Records’ all-time-low in the country’s entire history. Can Buhari explain why it took him over 10 months to have a budget in place?

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has granted bail to the former Special Adviser to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan on Media, Dr. Reuben Abati.

The Nigerian Senate took a bold step on Thursday by finally passing the Code of Conduct amendment bill, 2016.

The amendment included - altering the tenure of office of the chairman and members of the Code of Conduct Bureau.

United States-based Exxon Mobil Corporation on Thursday said it had discovered up to one billion barrels of oil on the Owowo field offshore Nigeria.

The oil major said it was “a significant discovery with a potential recoverable resource of between 500 million and one billion barrels”.

President Muhammadu Buhari’s wife, Aisha, today made a u-turn following her controversial BBC interview where she expressed her dissatisfaction about the APC led government, she even went as far as saying she will not support her husband in 2019. However Mrs Buhari on Thursday reassured Nigerians that she was committed to the success of her husband’s administration.

Today’s Scripture: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose” - (Romans 8:28, NIV)

Topic: God Works for Your Good [October 28, 2016]

God has a plan to take every adversity and every hardship you go through and use it. He’s not going to beat you down and make your life miserable. No; God’s dream is to take that difficulty and supernaturally turn it around and use it to bring you good. He will use those tough times to bring you out stronger, more mature and prepared for promotion! Goodness, mercy and unfailing love are God’s plan for you!

Topic: A Kind Reward [October 28, 2016]

But love your enemies and be kind and do good [doing favors so that someone derives benefit from them] and lend, expecting and hoping for nothing in return but considering nothing as lost and despairing of no one; and then your recompense (your reward) will be great (rich, strong, intense, and abundant). - Luke 6:35

Has God ever asked you to do something really special for somebody who hurt you? If so, I am sure that like me you found it very difficult to do. Perhaps you have spent a lot of time in your life blessing someone who never blesses you in return. In that case, don’t become bitter but trust God to reward you.

Written by the Editorial Board of The Guardian Newspaper

A recent revelation that boards of directors of many agencies of the Federal Government have not been reconstituted since this administration began again, leaves a residue of sour taste in the mouth. It is another story of unacceptable procrastination in the seat of power. And so, whatever has been responsible for non-reconstitution of boards of the agencies that were dissolved nearly a year and half ago deserves to be looked into without further delay. Certainly, the statutory boards will enable the agencies to operate within the laws that established them. According to recent reports, some of the agencies that are currently operating without boards include the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and Nigeria Customs Service (NCS). These are very important and highly sensitive organs of government that need not be toyed with, irrespective of situations and circumstances.

Topic: God gets Angry Too [Friday 28, October 2016]

Memorise: For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. – Psalms 30:5

Read: Psalms 30:1-5 (KJV)

1 A Psalm and Song at the dedication of the house of David. I will extol thee, O LORD; for thou hast lifted me up, and hast not made my foes to rejoice over me.

Topic: Don't Despair [October 28, 2016]

Text: Psalm 74:1-11

Key Verse: "We see not our signs: there is no more any prophet: neither is there among us any that knoweth how long" (Psalm 74:9).

A society that has no genuine prophets of God is doomed. In many societies all over the world, the devil has succeeded in raising his altar so high that true worship of God is now rare. He succeeded through the instrument of persecution and injection of all forms of perversion in the society.

Monday 31 October 2016

Sunday 30 October 2016

Saturday 29 October 2016

Friday 28 October 2016