March 2017-Flatimes

Friday 31 March 2017

Kemi Oyedepo: Accept Responsibility

If you feel as if your spouse (or potential spouse) may not be behaving as he or she should, one thing to do is to consider your own attitude and approach to them. The truth is that how you conduct yourself may be the reason for their negative behaviour. It’s not always the case but sometimes it may be. Speaking to wives in 1 Peter 3:1, if we want to trigger change in our husbands, we’re told that our godly lives (words and actions) has what it takes to provoke that change. This can apply both ways – whether it’s the husband or wife.

Today’s Scripture: "Set your mind and heart to seek (inquire of and require as your vital necessity) the Lord your God..." - (1 Chronicles 22:19, AMPC)

Topic: A Vital Necessity [Friday March 31, 2017]

What things do you consider to be a vital necessity in your life? What can't you live without? Most people might immediately think of food, water and shelter. Yes, you need those things to exist, but we can't really live unless our minds and hearts are set on seeking the Lord. Sure, you can exist without Him, but what would be the point? Besides, you are called to more than just mere existence; you are called to live — to thrive — to enjoy your life abundantly!

Internal Protection

A Promise For You From Bible Promises:

Topic: Internal Protection [31/03/2017]

Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. 1 John 4:4. Read: Ac 28:1-6

Divine protection is of the LORD. Everyone that belongs to Him, He protect not just eternally or externally but also internally. He cares for your safety in this dangerous world we live in. Before He sent the disciples out for witnessing, He first gave them power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and He said, nothing shall by any means hurt you. Lk 10:19. Just before He ascended, He declared that we are protected internally against poison. They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them. This means that, as long as you have the greater One living inside of you, poison cannot harm or hurt you because the greater One inside of you will neutralize its effect in your body.

Varsity teachers and their pay

Written by the Editorial Board of The Guardian Newspaper

Although, there is yet no official communication to the effect that the salary of university lecturers may be cut, the news gained traction in the wake of the recent meeting by the Owerri zone of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in Awka. The lecturers, expectedly, have vowed to resist any attempt to cut their pay on the ground that Nigerian lecturers are the least paid in Africa.

This notwithstanding, the lecturers, it must be stated, cannot say no if, as part of a national belt-tightening scheme, the salaries of everyone in government employment is cut. Therefore, this is the catch: any cut should begin from the emoluments of those in the presidency, lawmakers, judges, political appointees and others. Except this is done, the lecturers’ cause would be just.

Topic: How to Partake of Other People’s Blessings [Friday March 31, 2017]

What you don’t admire you cannot attract.

If you are angry with the good things happening in the lives of others you are simply repelling similar blessings from your life.

Topic: Join the Party [Friday March 31, 2017]

A glad heart makes a cheerful countenance, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is broken. — Proverbs 15:13

When Jesus invited people to become His disciples and follow Him, He asked them if they wanted to join His party. I realize He was talking about His group, but I like to think that traveling with Jesus was probably a lot of fun as well as a lot of hard work.

Topic: The Ways God Fights [Friday 31, March 2017]

Memorise: And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen. - Mark 16:20

Read: Isaiah 54:16-17 (KJV)

16 Behold, I have created the smith that bloweth the coals in the fire, and that bringeth forth an instrument for his work; and I have created the waster to destroy.

17 No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.

Bible in One Year: Exodus 39-40, Jeremiah 5:1-17

MESSAGE:

Psalm 24:8-10 reveals our Heavenly Father as the Lord of Hosts, who is mighty in battle. As a Man of War, there are some battles He may fight for you, while there are some others He may fight with you. He may also fight some battles through you. In Exodus 14:13-21, when the children of Israel were confronted with the Egyptians and the Red Sea, they thought their end had come, but Moses told them to be quiet, to wait and watch as the Lord would fight for them. Sure enough, God parted the Red Sea for them to go over, and He drowned all their enemies. The reason why some people are in defeat is because they are trying to fight the battles that only God can fight for them. You may want to ask this question: how do I identify such battles? May God open your eyes to know the battles meant for Him alone! I also pray for you that God will not ignore the battles only He can fight on your behalf. The Lord will arise for you, as you give Him quality praise and worship, and He will drown your enemies.

In a battle against the Amorites in Joshua 10:9-14, while Joshua was busy fighting, God also was busy hurling heavy stones upon his enemies. God and Joshua fought together and victory was won. This is an example of a battle where God fights with you. In this case, God may just be waiting for you to start the fight before He joins in. Consequently, if you wait for Him to start the battle, He may never do so. Take for instance the battle for the salvation of souls; God expects us to go and preach the good news of the gospel to sinners, and then He will back us up with signs and wonders (Hebrews 2:4). If you don’t go out to evangelise, you may never see the signs and wonders promised by God being manifested in your life.

Finally, there are battles God will fight through you. In such cases, God will be behind the scenes while He puts you forward. The enemy will then examine you to see how vulnerable you are. He will be attracted to attacking you because to him, you will appear to be an easy prey. However, when he attacks, God will quietly tell you what to do, and the enemy will be floored. In Mark 11:23-24, Jesus said you are the one to speak to the mountain in faith, and God will move it into the sea. You are the one to condemn any tongue that rises against you while God frustrates every weapon designed against you. (Isaiah 54:17). In all of these, are you correctly playing your part?

Prayer Point: Father, teach my hands to war and my fingers to fight only battles You want me to fight. Also, grant me wisdom to engage the enemy the way You want it done.

Open Heavens Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer's Ministries.

iOpenHeavens is the electronic version of the Hard Copy. The Open Heavens devotional application is available across all mobile platforms and operating systems: iOS, Android, Blackberry, Nokia, Windows Mobile and PC.

Kenneth Copeland’s daily devotional March 31, 2017 - From Sons to Servants

Topic: From Sons to Servants [Friday March 31, 2017]

And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy: And I will show wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke. - Acts 2:18-19

You and I are living in the most exciting days this earth has ever seen. All around us God is pouring out His Spirit in preparation for the endtime revival that will bring this whole age to a glorious close.

Topic: Judgment on Backsliding [Friday March 31, 2017]

Text: 2 Kings 17:9-23

Key Verse: “And they left all the commandments of the LORD their God, and made them molten images, even two calves, and made a grove, and worshipped all the host of heaven, and served Baal. " (2 Kings 17:16).

Though God is compassionate and merciful to mankind, He does not allow any form of sin. God had been sending prophets and preachers to the nation of Israel from time to time to warn them of their wickedness and evil ways. But they would not take to any of His warnings. They became obstinate and turned their back to every reproof and correction of God.

Topic: The Hope of Resurrection [Friday March 31, 2017]

He which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus . . . — 2 Corinthians 4:14

The resurrection of Christ brings hope. The late Emil Brunner once said, “What oxygen is for the lungs, such is hope for the meaning of human life.” As the human organism is dependent on a supply of oxygen, so humanity is dependent on its supply of hope. Yet today hopelessness and despair are everywhere. Peter, who himself was given to despair during the episode of Calvary, writes in a triumphant note, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy hath begotten us again into a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”

Topic: Marking Your Generation with Impact [Friday March 31, 2017]

Scripture: “And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing” - Genesis 12:2.

Thought For The Day: When you come to the point where your absence is felt and your presence is noticed, then, you are making a mark in your generation.

Topic: The Greatest Invitation [Friday March 31, 2017]

Read: Isaiah 55:1–7, Bible in a Year: Judges 11–12; Luke 6:1–26

Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Isaiah 55:1

During a recent week, I received several invitations in the mail. Those inviting me to attend “free” seminars on retirement, real estate, and life insurance were immediately thrown away. But the invitation to a gathering honoring a longtime friend caused me to reply immediately, “Yes! I accept.” Invitation + Desire = Acceptance.

Winning Wisdom: Addressing the Famine of Time

Topic: Addressing the Famine of Time [Friday, 31th March 2017]

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1

We are familiar with the phenomena of scarcity of money, scarcity of food and other material things, but have not really appreciated the reality of famine or scarcity of time. There come moments in life that 24 hours seems too short.You are overwhelmed with so many things screaming, calling and competing for your attention all at the same time. People react differently. Some take to energy drinks, some take to other stimulants like coffee etc., some even resort to narcotics.

Sugar came in the middle of the night, chased away honey and became king in the morning. A classic case of usurpation. Today, it is so many people can’t do without sugar. In their morning tea, they must add several cubes of sugar. Regardless, no matter how widely spread the use of sugar, the fact remains that it is a sweetener that cannot be compared to any other. Hence, the recommendation that you should always take sugar rather than honey. Honey features sugar, minerals, vitamins, enzymes and amino acid. If you have not been taking honey, Jumia Travel, the leading online travel agency shares the health benefits of taking honey. Expectedly, this will encourage taking honey more often.

Regulate blood sugar

Honey contains fructose and glucose that are needed to balance your blood sugar levels. So, the honey you take the better for your health and blood sugar. Importantly, there is no amount of honey you take that will raise your blood sugar level.

When it comes to doing business in Nigeria, the Igbos of Eastern Nigeria are number one. You cannot compete with them. You find them in every good business from retail to shipping, hotel, hospitality, import and export. They are always there. As in their adrenalin for doing business is out of this world. From the old to the young ones, they blessed with natural business acumen and they have hugely taken advantage of it to create wealth for themselves. In line with this, Jumia Travel, the leading online travel agency identifies 5 reasons why Igbo have strong business spirit.

They are willing to travel to do business

You should envy the ingenuity and knack for business by the Igbos. Where other Nigerian tribes can never go, you will find the Igbos there. They are on ground fearlessly and painstakingly doing their business. They blend and embrace the culture that you begin to think they are one of them. This is not restricted to the borders of Nigeria.

It’s funny that “the one organ in our brain that thinks is often the one we think less about”. The brain is the most important organ in our body and it’s time we pay more attention to its health and welfare. Jumia Travel, the leading online travel agency, shares 8 habits that harm your brain.

Not Sleeping Well

Lack of proper sleep is a bad habit that can significantly hurt your brain. It negatively affects the hippocampus causing a deficit that leads to forgetfulness.

Deputy Clerk: Ebireri tackles critics, says Otto is the right man for the job

The Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Mr. Henry Ebireri on Thursday advised Deltans not to allow themselves to be held captive by men with unprecedented capacity for lies, mischief and treachery.

In a statement in Asaba, Ebireri described as malicious and devilish the campaign of calumny against the leadership of the assembly.

Joel and Victoria Osteen’s daily devotional March 30, 2017 – Get Filled Up!

Today’s Scripture: "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." - (Matthew 5:6, NIV)

Topic: Get Filled Up! [Thursday March 30, 2017]

Sometimes, it’s easy to get wrapped up in taking care of the people around us. You may find that you’re always giving, taking care of the children, working overtime at the office, or helping that friend who is struggling. And that’s all good. But if you’re not careful, you can end up feeling rundown. That’s why you have to take time every day to get filled back up. Your first priority should be taking care of yourself and making time to get into the presence of Jesus. Throughout scripture, we see that in God’s presence, there is fullness of joy, fullness of peace, and fullness of victory. In His presence, you’re refreshed and restored. That’s why it’s so important to take time every day to read your Bible and meditate on His promises. We have to be diligent to have quiet time with Him.

Author: Emode Victor

A Promise For You From Bible Promises:

Topic: Focus [30/03/2017]

And as thy servant was busy here and there, he was gone. And the king of Israel said unto him, So shall thy judgment be; thyself hast decided it. 1 Kings 20:40. 1 Ki 20:35-43

Focus is an antidote to frustration. A life without focus is a life without destination. Lack of focus in life has robbed men of their peace, Joy and happiness. Lack of focus has made men to become jack of all trade, master of none. Everything that comes, goes. A life without focus follows every wind that blows without considering the direction of such wind. Stay put to your calling even if nobody appreciate you, be focus. Know where you are going and pursue it with passion. Know that, there is no respect for a visionary who has not proved his vision. So, staying focused will help to prove your calling. Stop running helter-skelter.

Topic: The Cure to Offences [Thursday March 30, 2017]

These things have I spoken unto you that you should not be offended. - John 16:1

Offence is a master-killer.

Living in offence is living with death without knowing.

At first it looks friendly in satisfying your emotional need but suddenly turns into an unfriendly killer-cancer. Hebrews.12:15

Topic: Season of Dominion [Thursday 30, March 2017]

Memorise: He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth. - Psalm 72:8

Read: Psalm 72:4-9 (KJV)

4 He shall judge the poor of the people, he shall save the children of the needy, and shall break in pieces the oppressor.

Topic: Ready Minds [Thursday March 30, 2017]

Now these [Jews] were better disposed and more noble than those in Thessalonica, for they were entirely ready and accepted and welcomed the message [concerning the attainment through Christ of eternal salvation in the kingdom of God] with inclination of mind and eagerness, searching and examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. — Acts 17:11

One of my much-published writer friends taught a series of classes at a writers’ conference on beginning writing. He wanted to reach people who felt God had called them to write and show them how to get their articles and books published.

Topic: Restoration Promised [Thursday March 30, 2017]

Text: Jeremiah 31:1-14

Key Verse: "The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee" (Jeremiah 31:3).

Our God is a loving God. He will not for ever put away the prodigal son. When He sees elements of repentance in the backslider or sinner, He forgives because of His kindness, longsuffering and love. In application, this was exactly what happened to Israel in our text. Although a larger part of them had been sent into captivity because of their sins, there was God’s promise of restoration because of His love.

Written by the Editorial Board of The Guardian Newspaper

There is a glimmer of hope that the Federal Government is serious about reforming institutions which will assist in erasing the growing perception that only a few corrupt individuals are being fought instead of fighting or preventing corruption.

Specifically, the story that the government has moved to harmonise all policy documents to remove gaps in the anti-corruption laws with a view to making the campaign more transparent and credible is very encouraging.

Topic: Life and Death [Thursday March 30, 2017]

Read: Genesis 50:22–26, Bible in a Year: Judges 9–10; Luke 5:17–39

I am about to die. But God will surely come to your aid. Genesis 50:24

I will never forget sitting at the bedside of my friend’s brother when he died; the scene was one of the ordinary visited by the extraordinary. Three of us were talking quietly when we realized that Richard’s breathing was becoming more labored. We gathered around him, watching, waiting, and praying. When he took his last breath, it felt like a holy moment; the presence of God enveloped us in the midst of our tears over a wonderful man dying in his forties.

Topic: Supernatural Encounter [Thursday March 30, 2017]

Scripture: “And Jacob was left alone, and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the new day" Genesis 32:24

Thought For The Day: It takes an encounter to count in your generation: It takes an encounter to counteract the agenda of the enemy.

Topic: Dig In To Your Covenant [Thursday March 30, 2017]

This cup is the new covenant [ratified and established] in My blood. - 1 Corinthians 11:25, The Amplified Bible

New Covenant. It's a familiar phrase to most of us. But do we really know what it means?

No we don't. Because if we did, every one of us would be faith a giant. Instead of struggling, "trying" to believe the promises of God, we'd be like Abraham: "Strong in faith...fully persuaded that, what [God] had promised, he was also able to perform" (Romans 4:20-21).

Topic: Endless Forgiveness [Thursday March 30, 2017]

For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us . . . — 1 Thessalonians 5:9,10

Look at Christ’s death. In one biography of the great American, Daniel Webster, 863 pages deal with his career and just five pages are devoted to his death. In Hay’s life of Abraham Lincoln there are 5,000 pages but only 25 are devoted to the dramatic story of his assassination and death. In most biographies the deaths of the subjects are mere incidents at the close of the books. But when we come to the four “biographies” of Jesus, the four Gospels, we are confronted with a strange fact.

Winning Wisdom: Bitterness

Topic: Bitterness [Thursday, 30th March 2017]

If you become angry, do not let your anger lead you into sin, and do not stay angry all day...Get rid of all bitterness, passion, and anger. No more shouting or insults, no more hateful feelings of any sort. Ephesians 4:26, 31 GNB

Picture this: You got bitten by a mosquito and you tried to kill it by hitting that part of your body so hard. Then, that spot starts itching and you scratched it so much it became a sore. It was so bad that when the sore eventually healed, it left your body scarred. You see, that's how bitterness is. It is a sore that results from us scratching spots in our lives where we have been angered (bitten). We can say, bitterness is the outcome of prolonged or sustained anger.

People lie for different reasons and it hurts more when someone you love and trust lies to you. Jumia Travel, the leading online travel agency, shares 8 ways to help you deal with lies and temper its effect on your emotions and perceptions.

Recognize That You Are Being Lied To

Before proceeding to deal with lies, you must first establish that you are being lied to. When you are sure, beyond any doubt, that you have been or are being lied to, you can then proceed to deal with it.

Warning on soft drinks

Written by the Editorial Board of The Guardian Newspaper

A Lagos court the other day ordered the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to compel the Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) Plc, to carry a mandatory warning on its Fanta and Sprite brands, stating that the contents should not be taken with Vitamin C in order to avoid poisoning. Also, the court berated NAFDAC for poor regulation of the brands and awarded a N2 million cost, declaring that the agency failed Nigerians by certifying Fanta and Sprite fit for human consumption even when they were later tested and declared unfit for human consumption in the United Kingdom (UK).

Topic: Iniquity Vs. Love [Wednesday March 29, 2017]

…Because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. - Matthew 24:12

The ultimate intention of satan for introducing iniquity is to frustrate and destroy the love of God in the believer’s life.

Topic: Enjoy the Pursuit [Wednesday March 29, 2017]

Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is he who considers the weak and the poor; the Lord will deliver him in the time of evil and trouble. — Psalm 41:1

Do you ever feel that no matter where you go, somebody pursues you and hunts you down? Does someone seem to need something every time you start doing what you set out to do? Someone needs a ride to school, or somebody forgets their lunch, and before you know it, half your day is wasted.

Topic: The Mix [Wednesday 29, March 2017]

Memorise: My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: - John 10:27

Read: Matthew 25:31-46 (KJV)

31 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:

Topic: Cleansed by the Blood [Wednesday March 29, 2017]

. . . unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood. — Revelation 1:5

Blood is mentioned 460 times in the Bible. Fourteen times in the New Testament Jesus spoke of His own blood. Why? Because by the shedding of His blood, He accomplished the possibility of our salvation. He paid the penalty for our sin and redeemed us. The penalty for our sin and rebellion is death; Jesus stepped out and said, “I’ll take that death.” He voluntarily laid down His life and took the penalty we deserve. That’s what the cross is all about.

Topic: That Your Prayers May Not Be Hindered [Wednesday March 29, 2017]

But if we [really] are living and walking in the Light as He [Himself] is in the Light, we have [true, unbroken] fellowship with one another. - 1 John 1:7, The Amplified Bible

One area of our lives we believers have particularly neglected is the area of our relationships. We simply haven’t heeded the Word of God where they’re concerned. We’ve fussed with one another and criticized one another so much that we’ve hindered the forces that God has given us to make us successful in this world. That’s right! Strife causes trouble in the spirit realm.

Topic: Love of God’s Law [Wednesday March 29, 2017]

Text: Psalm 119:97-104

Key Verse: "O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day" (Psalm 119:97).

It is wonderful to have people who really love the Lord and commit the whole of their lives to serve Him. It is however more wonderful to have people who serve the Lord even in the face of great trials and afflictions. Charles Wesley Naylor, born in Athens County, Ohio in January 1874 was a man moulded in the above description. In spite of many challenges he faced, he served the Lord with an unabated love, zeal and passion.

Topic: Trial by Fire [Wednesday March 29, 2017]

Read: James 1:1–12, Bible in a Year: Judges 7–8; Luke 5:1–16

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life. James 1:12

Last winter while visiting a natural history museum in Colorado, I learned some remarkable facts about the aspen tree. An entire grove of slender, white-trunked aspens can grow from a single seed and share the same root system. These root systems can exist for thousands of years whether or not they produce trees. They sleep underground, waiting for fire, flood, or avalanche to clear a space for them in the shady forest. After a natural disaster has cleared the land, aspen roots can sense the sun at last. The roots send up saplings, which become trees.

Topic: Positive Surprises [Wednesday March 29, 2017]

Scripture: “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him” - 1 Corinthians 2:9

Thought For The Day: To exist without God is to exist without surprises: To be independent of God is to be insufficient of positive surprises.

Author: Pastor Faith Oyedepo

Topic: God’s Design for a Successful Family Life! (4)

Dear Reader,

Since this month began, we have been examining God’s design for success in marriage and family life. This week, I shall be teaching on what perhaps is one of the most important secret to a successful family life. It is the undisputable foundation upon which every home must be built, and for any lasting, and meaningful impact to be experienced. Most families are thirsty for life, yet they do not know what to do to be satisfied.

Author: Ese Ehimare Dave

Topic: Same Attitude As Christ [Wednesday, 29th Mar. 2017]

You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Philippians 2:5

Jesus said to His disciples in Matthew 20:27 "and whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant." Again in Matthew 23:11, He repeated it; "but he that is greatest among you shall be your servant." There was also a third time He said same thing but with a different analogy, using a child. This is to show us how important the message He is passing to us is. Jesus was reiterating it for us to take it more seriously, and what was He talking about? Humility.

Author: Emode Victor

A Promise For You From Bible Promises:

Topic: The Hope Restorer [29/03/2017]

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, Luke 4:18. Read: Isa 61:1-3

Jesus Christ is the hope restorer because He is the hope of glory. Col 1:27. Everything about Jesus is hope and change. Whenever you feel all hope is lost and you give Jesus a chance to come in, hope comes alive again. In John 11, Mary and Martha had given up on their brother Lazarus, i.e., their hope was already lost. Even when Jesus told them, take me where you laid him, Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days. Jesus actually came to comfort those that mourn and set free the captives of the mighty.

Unhealthy foods are one of the major reasons people fall sick, gain an alarming amount of weight and have weight gain issues. Jumia Travel, the leading online travel agency, shares 7 foods you think are healthy but actually aren’t. Please don’t be fooled by these misleading healthy foods.

Diet Soda

Drinking soda often, increases your risk of heart attack, stroke and prostate cancer; it also makes you eat more which can lead to obesity. You would think diet soda is better but it’s potentially worse. The artificial sweeteners in diet soda fool your body into thinking you’re eating real food, disrupts the body’s natural ability to regulate calorie intake and cause a spike in your insulin levels (because these sweeteners are actually much sweeter than actual sugar) which can lead to obesity, diabetes and heart problems.

Ahead of May 29, an international media organization has applauded the development strides of the Rivers State governor, Barrister Nyeson Wike.

A statement by Bizentol Integrity Media Limited, publishers of Strikee Magazine not only named Governor Wike as Pillar of Nigeria’s democracy but commended him for his commitment to the well-being of the people of the state through massive infrastructural development, regular payment of workers’ salaries and restoration of peace in the state..

Rt. Hon. Monday Igbuya

By Fidel Njamanze

The Delta State House of Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Monday Igbuya has declared the Warri South 1 State Constituency seat vacant, setting in motion the process of bye-election in the area.

The position became vacant following the death of Hon. Beatrice Omawumi Udoh.

Igbuya informed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of the vacancy on Monday morning.

Joel and Victoria Osteen’s daily devotional March 28, 2017 – Choosing Your Heavenly Heritage

Today’s Scripture: "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh." - (Ezekiel 36:26, NIV)

Topic: Choosing Your Heavenly Heritage [Tuesday March 28, 2017]

Suicide cases on the rise

Written by the Editorial Board of The Guardian newspaper

It is very unfortunate, even heart-breaking, that more Nigerians are taking the sad and tragic route of suicide or attempts at it out of their problems. The suicide case of Dr. Alwell Orji made headlines and the whole nation has been left heart-broken. In broad daylight, he alighted from a chauffeur-driven car on the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos and took a deadly plunge into the lagoon. His body was retrieved from the depths of the lagoon days after. There were two other reported cases during the period. An undergraduate final-year student decided to end it all at Ladoke Akintola University Ogbomosho, Oyo State by hanging himself. A businesswoman in Lagos took a plunge into the same Lagos lagoon but was promptly rescued by men of the Nigeria Police. She complained that she was hugely in debts after being swindled by a bureau de change operator and wanted to end her life to avoid shame. The psychiatric hospitals across the country have also reported an upsurge in the number of persons presenting themselves for treatment .

Author: Emode Victor

A Promise For You From Bible Promises:

Topic: He Is Still On Time [28/03/2017]

Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. John 11:32. Read: Jn 11:32-44

When Lazarus (whom Jesus loved) fell sick, his sisters sent for Jesus to come immediately to intervene before he kicks the bucket. When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby. He abode two days still. His love for His friend would have prompted Him to go immediately, but He waited still two days. When He finally arrived, Mary and Martha said to Him, you have arrived late, if you had been here before now, we know our brother would not have died, but now, it's four days late and all hope is lost. They never knew that their brother's death was for God’s glory and that Jesus never uses African time, but is always right on time.

Topic: How To Make Things Work [Tuesday March 28, 2017]

…By the grace of God I am what I am; and His grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all… 1 Corinthians 15:10

Nothing works until you work.

Behind everything working is a worker.

Topic: I Understand [Tuesday March 28, 2017]

For we do not have a High Priest Who is unable to understand and sympathize and have a shared feeling with our weaknesses and infirmities and liability to the assaults of temptation, but One Who has been tempted in every respect as we are, yet without sinning. — Hebrews 4:15

As human beings, we have a deep need to be understood. When we don't receive it, we feel lonely. In listening to people share their hurt and pain, I find that the words "I understand" have a very soothing effect. I have told my husband, "Even if you don't have a clue about what I am talking about, just tell me you understand, and it will make me feel a lot better."

Topic: Influencing Cities [Tuesday 28, March 2017]

Memorise: Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. - Acts 8:5

Read: John 4:5-39 (KJV)

5 Then cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph.

Author: Pastor Faith Oyedepo

Topic: Loving Your Wife The Bible Way! (4)

Dear Reader,

Welcome once again to this column. We have been exploring the biblical ways through which you, as a husband, can love your wife perfectly. Thus far, we have discovered that God’s Word is the only sure route to perfection in every sphere of life.

The Bible says: Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path (Psalms 119:105). That means, when you walk by the light of God’s Word, you have no occasion to stumble or fall in the journey of life, especially in your marital life.

Topic: His Kingdom [Tuesday March 28, 2017]

Text: Luke 17:20-37

Key Verse: "And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you" (Luke 17:20)

Children of God begin to experience the kingdom of God within, when they surrender to Jesus. When we become genuinely born again, we start to enjoy untold spiritual blessings made available to us through the Spirit of God. The Jews expected the kingdom of God to supersede the Roman kingdom of their own time.

Topic: Bearing Good Fruit [Tuesday March 28, 2017]

Read: Psalm 1:1–3, Bible in a Year: Judges 4–6; Luke 4:31–44

That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season. Psalm 1:3

The view from my airplane window was striking: a narrow ribbon of ripening wheat fields and orchards wending between two barren mountains. Running through the valley was a river—life-giving water, without which there would be no fruit.

Topic: Turn Your Losses Around [Tuesday March 28, 2017]

But God’s free gift is not at all to be compared to the trespass.... For if many died through one man’s falling away (his lapse, his offense), much more profusely did God’s grace and the free gift [that comes] through...Jesus Christ abound and overflow to and for [the benefit of] many. - Romans 5:15, The Amplified Bible

If you’re ever on a losing streak and need someone to tell you how to turn things around, go to God. He’s an expert on the subject. He’s suffered more losses than anyone who’s ever lived.

Topic: The Light of the World [Tuesday March 28, 2017]

The Lord is my light and my salvation . . . — Psalm 27:1

Under the picture of Peter Milne, hanging in the church he founded on the little New Hebrides Island of Nguna, these words are found: “When he came, there was no light. When he died, there was no darkness.” When Christ came into the world, there was no light. Matthew (quoting Isaiah) said of Him, “The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up” (Matthew 4:16). Harry Lauder once said that during his boyhood, he could tell where the lamplighter was “by the trail of light he left behind him.” Christ was the heavenly Lamplighter. Everywhere He went, the midnight gloom of sin and despair disappeared before Him.

Topic: The Destiny of the Dirty [Tuesday March 28, 2017]

Scripture: And a highway will be there; it will be called the Way of Holiness. The unclean will not journey on it; it will be for those who walk in that Way; wicked fools will not go about on it. Isaiah 35:8

Thought For The Day: There is no destiny for the dirty; no future for the filthy and no prospect for the polluted.

Friday 31 March 2017

Thursday 30 March 2017

Wednesday 29 March 2017

Tuesday 28 March 2017