July 2015-Flatimes

Friday, 31 July 2015

Pastor Faith Oyedepo: Friday July 31, 2015 Daily Devotional – Treasures of the Heart

Topic: Treasures of the Heart [Friday July 31, 2015]

“But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.”-1 Peter 3:4

No matter how large or spherical an egg shell may appear, its true quality is from within. It takes your accessing the inner content of that egg to know how fresh it is. In truth, beauty stems from within and then radiates without. One of the perimeters to measure your inner beauty therefore, is how meek and quiet your spirit is.

Topic: Wait On The Lord [Friday July 31, 2015]

Text: Psalms 73:1-28

Key Verse: “But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped. For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked” (Psalm 73:2,3).

The ungodly bid to make money is dominant in many societies nowadays. For many, it does not matter how the money is made, since the end justifies the means. It is usual to hear nowadays that a man killed his wife or child for money making. Parents sell their children for money; children arrange for the kidnap of their parents and relations for ransom. Easy money has become the in-thing. A lot of unholy activities are daily going on in the society for the sake of money. This has also crept into the church as many so-called members are more carnally-minded than being heavenly-minded. They have joined the rat race, always comparing themselves with unbelievers.

Causes and Prevention of Bad Breath

Airaodion Augustine I

Occasional bad breath is normal but constant bad Breath is a problem. It may be caused by the foods you eats, poor oral hygiene, medical conditions, or other factors. Most often than not, bad breath can be an embarrassing problem.

Bad breath also known as halitosis, and is characterized by an unpleasant odour of the mouth. It can occur on occasion, or it can be a chronic condition. The symptoms of bad breath include unpleasant odour or taste in the mouth, dry mouth, or white coating on the tongue.

Topic: Facts about you [Thursday July 30, 2015]

“Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.” -Psalm 100:3

Some people are challenged and depressed about life; some others are dissatisfied about their looks or maybe a part of their physical body. This makes them question God on why they were created.
You must understand that you didn’t just happen, you were specially crafted. You are not an afterthought or a mistake; you were specially designed by God to suit a particular purpose.

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) through its intensified and persistent efforts in the ongoing fight against Boko Haram Terrorists (BHT) has intercepted over 4,000 drums and jerry cans of petroleum products and other smuggled items. The items, suspected to be supplies meant for BHT, were confiscated from the smugglers in Pepe, Dashin-Hausa, Belel Bilachi, and Konkul villages located along the Nigeria-Cameroon Borders on Tuesday, 28 July 2015.

Former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, deserves the humiliation she suffered last week when she was denied access to the Protocol Lounge of the Port Harcourt International Airport, the Rivers State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has said. The party in a statement issued Tuesday in Port Harcourt and signed by the Chairman, Dr. Davies Ibiamu Ikanya, berated the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for splitting hairs over the issue.

Topic: Answer To Rebellion [Thursday July 30, 2015]

Text: Revelation 16:13-21

Key Verse: “And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, It is done” (Revelation 16:17).

Our Lord Jesus Christ brings the end of the wicked age closer home in Matthew 24:21: “For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.”

The first two contestants have been eliminated from Ranger Odyssey 2015 following four days of intense action in the extremely remote and rugged Damaraland and Kaokoland regions of Northern Namibia.

For Johan Henn and Xoliswa Nontanda the Odyssey journey has come to an end. While both contestants give it their all, they emerged as the lowest-scoring competitors over the first four days of the event.

PDP is dead in Lagos State - Olorogun-Etti

Chief Babatunde Olorogun – Etti on Monday called on Lagosians to join hands with President Muhammadu Buhari to develop the country.

He also urged Buhari to steer the ship of state away from economic hardship, political wrangling and insecurity.

Bayelsa Governorship Poll: Do not be deceived, Tatua tells Bayelsans

Mrs. Ibifuro Thompson Tatua who is the spokesperson of the Niger Delta People’s Movement, has enjoined Bayelsans to come out en masse to support and vote for the former governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Timipre Sylva who will make Bayelsa State prosperous during the forthcoming governorship election.

It is now common knowledge that the APC had a string of favourable rulings at all the election petition tribunals today sitting at Abuja. From the matter of locational jurisdiction of the panels to the now vexed issue of 21 days notice to INEC for party primaries, the APC candidates all got positive rulings.

By Philemon Doro Adjekuko.

It has been about a year now since Nigeria recorded any case of polio. For over 17 years, the disease was on rampage, especially in the northern part of the country. The country accounted for about 50% of global and 80% of African polio cases. Nigeria was the face of the disease.

Topic: Response To Discouragement [Thursday July 30, 2015]

Memorise: Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. - Joshua 1:9

Read: 1 Samuel 30:3-8 (KJV)

3 So David and his men came to the city, and, behold, it was burned with fire; and their wives, and their sons, and their daughters, were taken captives.

4 Then David and the people that were with him lifted up their voice and wept, until they had no more power to weep.

Pastor Faith Oyedepo: Wednesday July 29, 2015 Daily Devotional – An aspect of Care

Topic: An aspect of Care [Wednesday July 29, 2015]

“He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.”-John 21:17

The scenario between Jesus and Peter depicts the reality of life. Often times, we claim to love others, but our actions do not prove the same. We love so much more in words, than we do in deed, and it is the deed aspect of love that counts. All through Scriptures, where love is mentioned, you realise that it’s a big deal before God.

Topic: A Call For Cleansing [Wednesday July 29, 2015]

Text: Ezra 10:9-11

Key Verse: “And Ezra the priest stood up, and said unto them, Ye have transgressed, and have taken strange wives, to increase the trespass of Israel” (Ezra 10:10).

Our text notes the cooperation of the Israelites to cleanse themselves of the sin, which had caused them serious national embarrassment. Ezra, since he heard of the people’s compromise, had been much concerned. The princes and elders assisted him to call an assembly. The people felt very sorry for their sin as they gathered in front of the house of God.

The United States of America has handed over the names of Nigerian oil thieves to President Muhammadu Buhari, a member of the President’s entourage during last week’s visit to the US confided in The PUNCH on Tuesday.

“I can tell you that the President already has the list of names of the people engaging in the stealing of Nigeria’s oil. The list, when released by the President, will shock Nigerians. But let’s wait and see first,” the source said.

Topic: Ask For Permission! [Wednesday July 29, 2015]

Memorise: Thou shalt not steal. - Exodus 20:15

Read: Genesis 49:3-4 (KJV)

3 Reuben, thou art my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, the excellency of dignity, and the excellency of power:

4 Unstable as water, thou shalt not excel; because thou wentest up to thy father's bed; then defiledst thou it: he went up to my couch.

20 Things to do at age 30 to prepare for a better Future

Airaodion Augustine I

When a person reaches thirty, it begins a very interesting and important period in his life. It’s a time for foundation of your future life. So it’s necessary to take simple and concrete actions, don’t regret the wasted time and missed opportunities.

1. Stop eating all harmful Foods
At early years our tastes of food are determined by our family. But in 30 years it’s time to include the brain and understand , that correct nutrition has direct connection with your state of health and longevity. It’s time to stop having a snack, eat pizza and hot dogs, drink beer and cola.

Topic: The Good Fight [Tuesday July 28, 2015]

“(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)”-2 Corinthians 10:4

If you are familiar with weapons, you know that there are special and sophisticated weapons used for specific purposes and/or effects. The success of every war can be rated not only by the number of warriors and their strength, but also by the assortment of weapons at their disposal.

Topic: God’s Impending Purging [Tuesday July 28, 2015]

Text: 1 Kings 13:1-6

Key Verse: “And he cried against the altar in the word of the LORD, and said, O altar, altar, thus saith the LORD; Behold, a child shall be born unto the house of David, Josiah by name; and upon thee shall he offer the priests of the high places that burn incense upon thee, and men’s bones shall be burnt upon thee” (1 Kings 13:2).

Israelites’ pollution was occasioned by their idolatrous activities. One day, as Jeroboam went to worship a strange god at the altar in Bethel, God sent a prophet who announced that He would raise a king, Josiah, from the family of David, to cleanse the system. Josiah would sacrifice the bones of the priests, who had worshipped other gods on the altar. As a sign for the authenticity of the prophecy, the prophet said the altar would fall apart, while the ashes upon it would pour out.

Topic: Not Moved By Tears! [Tuesday July 28, 2015]

Memorise: I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name. - Psalm 138:2

Read: Psalm 138:1-3 (KJV)

1 A Psalm of David. I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee.

2 I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.

Kogi Govt. Promises its continuous collaboration with the UN-Habitat

Kogi State Government has promised its continuous collaboration with the UN-Habitat towards ensuring that the state is not left behind in programs that will accelerate sustainable economic growth and infrastructural development.

Kogi State Governor, Capt Idris Wada stated this in Kabba while declaring open the City consultations for State of Kogi Structure Plans Project.

The Rivers State Chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC) says information it received has it that the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has formally written to the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa requesting for the disbandment of the Rivers State House of Assembly Election Tribunal [Panel 1] chaired by Justice Uchenna Okorie allegedly having been appointed in violation of Paragraphs 1[1] and [2] of the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution of Nigeria 1999 as amended.

It has come to the attention of the Rivers State Chapter of All Progressives Congress, APC, that the Governor of Rivers State, Barr. Nyesom Wike and his party, the PDP have been thrown into panic mode since the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari dropped the hint that corrupt Ministers and officials of the immediate past administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan would be probed.

Mrs. Gesila Khan

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has thrown its weight behind the current probe of the State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mrs. Gesila Khan, by the Department of State Security (DSS).

Topic: A Living Witness [Monday July 27, 2015]

“For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife?” -1 Corinthians 7:16

Some marriages are confronted with having to balance their relationship at home with their new found faith. There are quite a number of people who tend to hide their spiritual status from their spouses therefore, because they feel he or she might not be able to deal with their changes in lifestyle, appearances and/ or conduct.

Bobbi Kristina Brown has died aged 22. Six months after she was found unconscious in a bathtub. The aspiring singer was rushed to hospital and placed in a medically-induced coma on January 31 after she was discovered face-down in the water-filled tub at her townhouse in Roswell, Georgia.

She passed away, surrounded by her family, at the hospice on Sunday - just 3 years after her famous mother, singer Whitney Houston, died aged 48 in a bathtub at a hotel in Beverly Hills.

Topic: Don’t Forget The Mirror [Monday July 27, 2015]

Text: James 1:16-27

Key Verse: “For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was” (James 1:23,24).

Imagine yourself standing before your mirror in the morning dressed to go out. As you looked at the mirror, you observed your hair is not combed, your clothes not well adjusted and everything just looked rough and disheveled. What would you do? Would you ignore what you saw in the mirror and feel it is not important? Would you think it would be okay to go out all the same and manage that shameful look? Do you think you would be able to carry on with an air of confidence all through the day if you went out the way you looked without making every necessary adjustment? Certainly not.

Topic: Stagnancy Is Not Your Portion [Monday July 27, 2015]

Memorise: And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God. - Deuteronomy 28:2

Read: John 5:2-9 (KJV)

2 Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches.

3 In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water.

Kogi Govt expresses appreciation to workers contributions to governance

The Kogi State Government says it will forever remain grateful to its Civil Service, not only for the supportive and indispensable role it has played in the growth of the state but for showing understanding in the face of the grave challenges that have confronted the administration.

Governor Idris Wada stated this at a special Christian Interdenominational Church Service to mark the 2015 Civil Service Week held at the Knowledge of the Truth Ministry, Lokoja.

Airaodion Augustine I

Tramadol is typically used for the management of moderate to severe pain, such as for after surgery and for ongoing pain from arthritis. When it was approved in 1995, tramadol was thought to be safer and have a lower risk of addiction than other narcotic pain relievers, with fewer gastrointestinal side effects for older adults who needed long-term pain relief.

Topic: Spiritual Investment [Sunday July 26, 2015]

“A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.” -Proverbs 13:22

A great woman of God, Evelyn Roberts (Oral Robert’s wife), said: “if I had to do one thing over again, I would saturate my children even more with the Word of God. For a child can only think what he has in his mind. The world will desperately bid for your child’s mind, and you can’t stop this. But while they are in care and under your control, you can build an arsenal of Scriptures and Christian thinking in them, that the very gates of hell cannot prevail against.”

A former Vice-Chairman and member, Board of Trustees of the Arewa Consultative Forum, Senator Joseph Waku, has accused the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, of being the mastermind of a petition which prompted the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to invite Mrs Toyin Saraki, the wife of the Senate President for questioning.

The APC chieftain decried a situation where Tinubu will be exploring his personal relationship with the EFCC Chairman, Ibrahim Lamorde, to embarrass and torment fellow party members as well as overheat the polity.

Airaodion Augustine

If you and your partner are planning a pregnancy, then the health of your sperm is very important. However, you need to understand the various factors that can affect male fertility, and that’s why you need to consider the following steps in order to help your sperm become top performers.

1. Sexually-transmitted diseases, such as gonorrhoea and Chlamydia, can damage the sperm-producing cells that block the tubes carrying sperm from the testis to the penis.

The Global Campaign On Military Spending, GCOMS has called for reduction in the military budget stressing huge allocation to the military in time past has failed to yield desired result.

GCOMS -Nigeria Coordinator in a press statement made available to newsmen in Lokoja yesterday said, such deduction could be used to develop other sectors of the economy.

Topic: Discerning God’s Voice [Sunday July 26, 2015]

Text: 1 Samuel 3:1-10

Key Verse: “Therefore Eli said unto Samuel, Go, lie down: and it shall be, if he call thee, that thou shalt say, Speak, LORD; for thy servant heareth. So Samuel went and lay down in his place” (1 Samuel 3:9).

Paul Fritz, Professor of Missions at the Trinity College of Florida, while delivering a message entitled, ‘Knowing God’s will,’ quoted an unknown author and said: “When God bolts the door, don’t try to get in through the window.”

Topic: Dividends of Holiness [Sunday July 26, 2015]

Memorise: Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you. - Hosea 10:12

Read: Lamentations 3:22-25 (KJV)

22 It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.

23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

16-Year-old Nigerian Designer, Tumisola Ladega Nails Prestigious Jimmy Choo Prize

16 year old Nigerian, Tumisola Ladega has received a bursary prize for outstanding work in fashion and design at the International School of Creative Arts in the United Kingdom.

She was honoured at the annual 2015 graduation ceremony for the students and the honorary president of the school, celebrated British shoe designer, Professor Jimmy Choo was the guest of honour.

President Buhari has finally revealed what will be the fate of the "corrupt" Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC. He is dividing it into two successor entities under his administration.

The President, who stated this in an interview with selected journalists, explained that the decision would form one of the key steps of his reform of the country’s oil and gas sector. He said, “I am reforming the oil and gas sector, breaking up the NNPC into two parts – the first will become an independent regulator for the sector, while the second will act as an investment vehicle for the country.”

Topic: All hands on deck [Saturday July 25, 2015]

“Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband”-Ephesians 5:33

Every new assignment you take has responsibilities attached to it. At times, you might have had prior experience in that field, and other times, these responsibilities are new to you. Whatever the case may be, it is always expected of you to meet up with those responsibilities and at the appropriate time; if you must be successful. So it is with marriage.

Topic: Never Murmur Against God [Saturday July 25, 2015]

Text: Numbers 11:10-15

Key Verse: “Then Moses heard the people weep throughout their families, every man in the door of his tent: and the anger of the LORD was kindled greatly; Moses also was displeased” (Numbers 11:10).

In his poem entitled, “The Will of God,” Victor Knowles of Peace on Earth Ministries stated: “The will of God will never take you, where the grace of God cannot keep you, where the arms of God cannot support you, where the riches of God cannot supply your needs, where the power of God cannot endow you.”

Topic: Holy Living & Healthy Living [Saturday July 25, 2015]

Memorise: The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. - 1 Corinthians 15:56

Read: 1 Timothy 4:6-9 (KJV)

6 If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.

7 But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.

Day Kogi PDP proved critics wrong

With the successful conduct of the PDP Ward and State congress, and barring any further complain, all is now set for the PDP governorship primaries in Kogi State ahead the November 21 governorship election.

The Rivers State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has felicitated with President Muhammadu Buhari and his entourage on their successful three days successful tour of the United States of America which ended with their return to the country this morning. Rivers APC said in a statement in Port Harcourt signed by the Chairman, Dr. Davies Ibiamu Ikanya, that the trip and President Buhari’s sterling performance during all his outings while in the United States have restored Nigeria’s pride in the comity of nations.

By Achinike William-Wobodo

Whereas in most States of Nigeria the Chief Executives (Governors) were accused of misappropriating Local Government Councils Funds, the case was different for the former Governor of Rivers State, Rt. Hon Chibuke Rotimi Amaechi. Former Governor Amaechi bequeathed and injected into the local government councils administration over N170 Billion in his eight years in office as the Governor.

Topic: Solemn Warning [Friday July 24, 2015]

Text: Hebrews 10:19-28

KEY VERSE: “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised)” (Hebrews 10:23).

Shortly before the Roman General, Titus, sacked Jerusalem and destroyed the temple, the Jews who had turned from Judaism to Christianity were undergoing intense pressure and persecution. They were denied their normal rights as citizens, professionals or artisans. In some cases, they were beaten and dispossessed of their property. This made them wonder if they had not made a grievous mistake in accepting Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Saviour.

Topic: Steps to marriage (2) [Friday July 24, 2015]

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”-2 Timothy 2:15

While in secondary school, I remember that before anyone began preparing to take the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examinations, the first thing we were told to do, was to properly read the brochure. It seemed like the very first examination anyone took, because to an extent, it determined whether or not one made it into the University. This brochure was to guide one through the course intend for study, the requirements, schools that offered the course and the best options. By studying the brochure, one was prepared ahead of time on what to expect.

Topic: Settled [Friday July 24, 2015]

Memorise: for he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast. - Psalm 33:9

Read: 33:8-11 (KJV)

8 Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him.

9 For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast.

Watch History Unfold Only On DStv and GOtv As Kenya Hosts United States President Barack Obama

This July, all eyes will be on Kenya when President Uhuru Kenyatta hosts his US counterpart, President Barack Obama in his fatherland, Barack Obama Senior’s country of birth. To ensure that our subscribers do not miss this much-anticipated historical visit, MultiChoice Africa will cover the event on a dedicated channel on DStv and GOtv.

President Buhari’s anti corruption dragnet will only be spread as far as the immediate past administration of Goodluck Jonathan, the presidency has revealed.

Speaking to a select audience in the United States on Wednesday, Buhari had promised that all past Ministers and government officials who stole Nigeria’s oil and oil proceeds, will answer for their crimes.

Buying and selling online has become a major source of business in Nigeria and throughout the world. With the growth of internet penetration and influence it has on perceptions, decisions and actions, there is no doubt that e-commerce has come to stay.

The attention The All Progressives Congress, Rivers State Chapter has been drawn to a press release by the Rivers State PDP Chairman signed by his media assistant, Jerry Needam titled ‘Stop Shielding, Emboldening Amaechi, Match Words with Action – PDP Tells Buhari.’

Topic: Are you Teachable? [Thursday July 23, 2015]

“Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die.”-Proverbs 15:10

As humans, we claim to be teachable, but when corrected, only a few can adequately handle it. Some feel bad after corrections and whether consciously or unconsciously, they begin to avoid or breed malice with the person who gave the correction. One sure way you can ascertain if you are teachable therefore, is to check your reactions when and after being corrected.

Friday, 31 July 2015

Thursday, 30 July 2015

Wednesday, 29 July 2015

Tuesday, 28 July 2015

Monday, 27 July 2015

Sunday, 26 July 2015

Saturday, 25 July 2015

Friday, 24 July 2015

Thursday, 23 July 2015