July 2016-Flatimes

Sunday, 31 July 2016

Reposition Yourself to Receive

A Promise For You From Bible Promises: [31/07/2016]

Topic: Reposition Yourself to Receive

The LORD our God spake unto us in Horeb, saying, Ye have dwelt long enough in this mount: Turn you, and take your journey, and go...Deuteronomy 1:6-7. Read: Deut 1:6-8

You can't be doing the same thing and expect different result so says a wise man. This Means, for you to get different results, you must change the way you do things; you've to reposition yourself for the new results you anticipate. To reposition could mean, to change the position of or to relocate to a new position. For instance, when God wanted to bless Abraham, He asked him to relocate himself from his country and his father's house to a land He would show him. Gen 12:1-4. Abraham repositioned himself for the next level and became father of nations. God told Moses and the Israelites to reposition themselves by leaving mount Horeb because they've dwelt long enough in that mount, "turn you and take your journey and go". Dwelling too long in a particular place could make one to murmur and complain against God, it could make one doubt the potent power of God.

Today’s Scripture: “Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” - (1 Timothy 6:12, NIV)

Topic: Seeing the Dream Come to Pass [July 31, 2016]

One of the keys to your dreams coming to pass is to see them coming to pass in your mind’s eye first!

One of the greatest baseball players of our time told about how that all through the day he envisions himself hitting the ball. Before he gets up to the plate, he visualizes getting on base. He has a picture in his mind of himself succeeding. It’s gotten deep down on the inside of him and now he’s moving toward it.

Written by the Editorial board of The Guardian Newspaper

“People who work together will win, whether it be against complex football defenses, or the problems of modern society” – Vince Lombardi

Great Nigerian football icon Stephen Keshi began his journey to eternity two days ago. Over the last 35 years he had tremendous influence on the game of football in Nigeria and Africa. A leadership guru, John Maxwell once said that “Leadership is influence. Nothing more, nothing less. The true measure of leadership is influence.”Therefore it is safe to say that Keshi had remarkable leadership skills that influenced generations of football players in Nigeria and Africa over a thirty five- year period. He was undoubtedly one of the most influential persons in the history of the game of football in Nigeria and Africa.

The Rivers State chapter of All Progressives Congress, APC, said the party’s attention has been drawn to a statement by the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike that “despite the propaganda being sponsored by the opposition, Rivers State is safe for investments and development.”

The governor was reported to have made the statement while speaking to the leadership of the Nigerian Guild of Editors Saturday. He is quoted to have said: “It is important for everyone to know that Rivers State is safe and is witnessing massive development. In the next two months, we are hosting many national events. We have already hosted several national events in the last two months."

Topic: Kingdom Living [July 31, 2016]

[After all] the kingdom of God is not a matter of [getting the] food and drink [one likes], but instead it is righteousness (that state which makes a person acceptable to God) and [heart] peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. - Romans 14:17

God’s kingdom is made up of things far greater and more beneficial than worldly possessions. God does bless us with material possessions, but the kingdom is much more than that: It is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.

Topic: The Price of Admission [July 31, 2016]

Read: Romans 3:21–26, Bible in a Year: Psalms 54–56; Romans 3

All are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. - Romans 3:24

Every year some two million people from all over the world visit St. Paul’s Cathedral in London. It is well worth the admission fee to experience the magnificent structure designed and built by Sir Christopher Wren during the late 17th century. But tourism is secondary at this place of Christian worship. A primary mission of the cathedral is “to enable people in all their diversity to encounter the transforming presence of God in Jesus Christ.” If you want to tour the building and admire the architecture, you must pay an admission fee. But there is no charge to enter and attend any of the daily worship services at St. Paul’s.

Topic: Don't Serve the Problem [July 31, 2016]

Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him. - Isaiah 55:7

You can't win a victory as long as the problem is the biggest thing in your life!

Topic: Unceasing Communion [July 31, 2016]

Text: 2 Samuel 2:1-7

Key Verse: "And it came to pass after this, that David enquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah? And the LORD said unto him, Go up. And David said, Whither shall I go up? And he said, Unto Hebron" (2 Samuel 2:1).

All through the ages, people of God, through prayers, vision and meditation received answers from the Almighty. Those who in every circumstance sought the face of God were sufficiently guided on what to do and what to expect. One unique attribute of David in his relationship with the almighty God was the rare privilege of communicating with Him.

Topic: Divine Backing [Sunday 31, July 2016]

Memorise: There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. – Joshua 1:5

Read: Joshua 1:1-7 (KJV)

1 Now after the death of Moses the servant of the LORD it came to pass, that the LORD spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' minister, saying,

The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) announced yesterday it had reached an agreement with the federal government on the release of Henry Okah, his younger brother Charles and Obi Nwabueze as well as Nnamdi Kanu and other Biafra agitators, on the condition that they renounce their campaign.

The group, in an update on its peace talks with government, said freedom was also on the way for Edmund Ebiware who is currently serving a life sentence.

Power generation will hit 6,000 megawatts by December 2016 – Fashola

The Federal Government has reiterated the promise to increase power generation to 6,000 megawatts before the end of the year.

Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) made the promise while speaking before a delegation of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Friday.

Today’s Scripture: “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.” - (1 Peter 4:12–13, NIV)

Topic: Don’t Be Surprised [July 30, 2016]

If you know you are going into a challenging season, you can get prepared for it. You can make sure you are mentally ready. But what about the difficulties that we don’t see coming? The unexpected crisis that catches you off-guard? Sometimes, it can seem so overwhelming that it almost knocks the wind right out of you.

#SaveMayowa Ahmed: The generosity of Nigerians and the rot in the system

Within three days, kind Nigerians had come together and donated 85 million Naira to a stage 4 cancer patient, Mayowa Ahmed.

I have never seen such benevolence before. This noble gesture exonerates Nigerians mostly portrayed negatively in the media abroad. It also shows that Nigerians both home and abroad, can set positive examples in all spheres of our society.

Resilient Supreme Court conquer FC Taraba

Supreme Court Football Club of Abuja on Friday evening defeated FC Taraba of Jalingo 2-1 in the early week nine game of the Nigeria National League, NNL decided inside Area 3 playground located within the Nation’s capital.

The hard earned victory against visiting Jalingo-based team stamped Supreme Court FC as a superior side after they held fought to a goalless draw in Jalingo at first leg during the first stanza of the league. The Apex would have returned home with maximum points penultimate day if the centre Referee allowed the only goal scored by Supreme Court in that earlier encounter to count.

Topic: Keeping Faith [July 30, 2016]

Read: Hebrews 10:32–11:6, Bible in a Year: Psalms 51–53; Romans 2

Without faith it is impossible to please God. Hebrews 11:6

It’s tempting to think of faith as a kind of magic formula. If you muster up enough of it, you’ll get rich, stay healthy, and live a contented life with automatic answers to all your prayers. But life does not work according to such neat formulas. As proof, the author of Hebrews presents a stirring reminder of what constitutes “true faith” by reviewing the lives of some Old Testament giants of faith (Heb. 11).

Where There's No Encouragement

A Promise For You From Bible Promises: [30/07/2016]

Topic: Where There's No Encouragement

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Ephesians 6:10. 1 Sam 30:1-8

Fuel/diesel is the food of an engine that keeps a vehicle moving. Encouragement is the fuel of the soul, it keeps and refreshes the soul. Oftentimes, encouragement seems to be far away when one needs it most, when there is no one to rely on, what do I do? (1) Encourage yourself in the Lord. Where there's no encouragement from any angle, you have to encourage yourself in the strength of the Almighty. Everyone was discouraged and taught of stoning David to death, but David encouraged himself in God. (2) Be tenacious in your decision. Come what may, you must resolve within yourself to stand firm in your decision. Tough times never last but tough people do. (3) Be focus and keep doing what you are doing. When you allow lack of encouragement from those you rely on to gain your attention, you lose focus and crash. Don't give up to discouragement, but be strong in the Lord and the power of His Might.

Winning Wisdom: Live For Others

Topic: Live For Others [30/7/2016]

Text: Psalm 41:1

One of the hallmarks of Jesus' life here on earth was that He lived it not for himself, but for others. Everywhere He went He was either teaching, saving, providing, healing and restoring life. And He did these not for Himself but for people in His sphere of interaction. He proclaimed His people-centred ministry in Luke 4:18 which says: "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."

Topic: You Don't Have to Fall [July 30, 2016]

Brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall. - 2 Peter 1:10

You shall never fall. When you think about it, that's a startling statement, isn't it? Most of us have been tripped up by the devil so many times we don't like to think about it.

Topic: The Crowning Of A King [July 30, 2016]

Text: 1 Chronicles 12:23-40

Key Verse: "All these men of war, that could keep rank, came with a perfect heart to Hebron, to make David king over all Israel: and all the rest also of Israel were of one heart to make David king" (1 Chronicles 12:38).

Saul was chosen by the Lord to be king over Israel and as long as he remained obedient to God's commandments, the kingdom prospered as Israel defeated his enemies. However, immediately after he went into disobedience and feared man more than God, he lost God's favour, guidance and protection. A young man after God's heart was about to succeed him.

Topic: Child of Destiny [Saturday 30, July 2016]

Memorise: And they shall fight against thee; but they shall not prevail against thee; for I am with thee, saith the LORD, to deliver thee. – Jeremiah 1:19

Read: Jeremiah 1:4-8 (KJV)

4 Then the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

The Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Monday Igbuya on Thursday joined football administrators, players, coaches and political leaders to offer tribute to former Super Eagles captain and coach, Mr. Stephen Keshi.

Igbuya said the death of Keshi had created a huge vacuum in Nigerian football.

Speaking during the lying-in-state at Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, Igbuya described Mr. Keshi as a patriotic Nigerian and a great Deltan.

On aviation fuel scarcity

Written by the Editorial board of The Guardian Newspaper

The spectacle of stranded passengers in their thousands at the nation’s airports has not only embarrassed Nigeria, it has re-ignited a sense of bewilderment at how and why one of the world’s largest oil producing countries can come to this sorry pass.

Against the backdrop of Nigeria’s inability to produce much-needed petroleum products locally, the airline industry has for weeks been plunged into crisis as a result of severe scarcity of Jet A1 or aviation fuel. The result is that flight operations have been curtailed with terrible consequences for passengers and businesses. Before now, road transport users or vehicle owners had suffered the same fate with the scarcity of premium motor spirit and road transportation became almost impossible until respite came. This constant scarcity of petroleum products is a recurring shame which government should redress immediately.

Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has again reiterated that as governor of Rivers State for eight years, he was transparent and did not embezzle money meant for the people.
Amaechi said, as governor, he did not receive over N3.trillion naira as alleged by his successor, Nyesom Wike.

Amaechi made the clarification at a stakeholders' forum on corruption organised by the Federal Ministry of Justice in Abuja, Thursday.

Expectations as 2016 SWAN week kicks off October 14

As plans for this year’s social week event begin in earnest, FCT Chairman of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Comrade Kayode Adeniyi has called on members to join forces in the actualization of its lofty ideas aimed at uplifting and uniting Sporting media professionals.

Kayode who spoke when he visited the planning and Organizing Committee of 2016 SWAN week led by Mr. Ezeocha Nzeh in Abuja harped on the need for consolidated effort in galvanizing ahead of the annual programme.

Supreme Court seek maximum points ahead Adamawa clash

Supreme Court Football Club of Abuja will on Friday trade tackle with visiting Adamawa United in one of week nine matches of Nigeria National League, NNL with a resolve to crack out three ‘unhindered’ points inside Area 3 playground, Abuja.

The Abuja-based side after holding Wikki Tourist Feeders last Sunday in Bauchi will hope to step the tempo in search of NNL consolidation in front of supportive fans and Federal Capital Territory, FCT football association.

The Rivers State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has congratulated President Muhammadu Buahri and the Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, on the successful flag-off, on Tuesday, of the Abuja - Kaduna Rail-Line. The party in a statement issued Wednesday in Port Harcourt by its State Chairman, Dr. Davies Ibiamu Ikanya, described the development as a dream come true and the harbinger of better things to come for the country during the Buhari Presidency.

Lagos Nigeria, July 2016 – Huawei Consumer Business Group today revealed its 2016 half year financial results. Sales revenue for the global information and technology solutions provider in the increased by 41% year-on-year to CNY¥ 77.4 billion ($11.6billion) in the first half of 2016. Smartphone shipments stood at 60.56 million, a year-on-year increase of 25%.

According to International Data Corporation (IDC), global smartphone shipments in the first half of 2016 increased by just 3.1%, indicating that Huawei’s growth has significantly outperformed the market.

Topic: The Disobedience of Unbelief [July 29, 2016]

And Elisha said to him, Take bow and arrows. And he took bow and arrows. And he said to the king of Israel, Put your hand upon the bow. And he put his hand upon it, and Elisha put his hands upon the king’s hands. And he said, Open the window to the east. And he opened it. Then Elisha said, Shoot. And he shot. And he said, The Lord’s arrow of victory, the arrow of victory over Syria. For you shall smite the Syrians in Aphek till you have destroyed them. Then he said, Take the arrows. And he took them. And he said to the king of Israel, Strike on the ground. And he struck three times and stopped. And the man of God was angry with him and said, You should have struck five or six times; then you would have struck down Syria until you had destroyed it. But now you shall strike Syria down only three times. - 2 Kings 13:15-19

Winning Wisdom: Rely On Him

Topic: Rely On Him [29/7/2016]

Text: 1 Thessalonians 5:24

God is a reliable Father and He counts us reliable also. In His Kingdom, He loves to give responsibility to everyone because He knows that He can trust everyone. God will never have a son that He won't give a responsibility to. So maybe you are reading this and you think you don't have an important role to play in the kingdom of God, I am sorry to disappoint you. You do have a huge role to play in God's kingdom. You need to go meet our Father and ask Him what your responsibility is to our kingdom. He will bring it to your knowledge.

Topic: Love Your Neighbor [July 29, 2016]

Read: Romans 13:8–11

Bible in a Year: Psalms 49–50; Romans 1

For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” -Galatians 5:14

An anthropologist was winding up several months of research in a small village, the story is told. While waiting for a ride to the airport for his return flight home, he decided to pass the time by making up a game for some children. His idea was to create a race for a basket of fruit and candy that he placed near a tree. But when he gave the signal to run, no one made a dash for the finish line. Instead the children joined hands and ran together to the tree.

Topic: Step into the Light [July 29, 2016]

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. - Psalm 119:105

As long as you live by the Word of God, you never have to be in the dark again. You never have to remain in confusion about which path to take. You never have to grope blindly along, struggling to find your own way.

Topic: At Thy Word [July 29, 2016]

Text: Luke 5:1-11

Key Verse: "And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net" (Luke 5:5).

It is said that "if you try and don't succeed try and try again". However, it seems people make their best effort at their first attempt at a task. As soon as failure becomes a chronic cycle, the law of diminishing returns sets in, subsequent efforts decrease in intensity till all hope of success is lost. Peter had gone on fishing with James and John, the sons of Zebedee.

Topic: Just do it Right [Friday 29, July 2016]

Memorise: And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled. – 2 Corinthians 10:6

Read: 1 Samuel 15:16-23 (KJV)

16 Then Samuel said unto Saul, Stay, and I will tell thee what the LORD hath said to me this night. And he said unto him, Say on.

They Are Not Part

A Promise For You From Bible Promises: [29/07/2016]

Topic: They Are Not Part

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalms 46:1. Read: Ps 46:1-7

It's human nature to begin to run after fellow men for help when in any trouble. In spite of some people's connections, they encounter disappointments and they wonder why. Those kind of people feel that, since they are well connected like the cobwebs, they can always get whatever they want anytime they're in trouble. They hardly remember God in their troubled times but uncles, aunts and friends unknown to them that flesh can fail, as a result, many become miserable and dejected - some even commit suicide. The arm of flesh will fail any man that rely on it and by your own strength, you cannot prevail because 'Without Jesus, you can do nothing'. Trusting in man in times of trouble attracts a curse from God. Jer 17:5.

Cooperate Anointing

A Promise For You From Bible Promises: [28/07/2016]

Topic: Cooperate Anointing

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! Psalms 133:1. Read: Ps 133:1-3

There is power in unity. Team work is the best way to get things accomplished faster. The call to prayer is to be taken seriously, not to be handled with levity. It must not be seen as a time to fulfill religious obligation, but a time to join forces to communicate with our heavenly Father who promises to hear and heal our land when we pray. 2 Chro 7:14. Cooperate gathering intensify cooperate anointing which is one of the most devastating weapons of warfare against the devil and his cohorts, it facilitates faster answers to prayers. This is because Jesus promised in Matt 18:20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. His divine presence makes the gathering of the Saints powerful. Someone said, 'Without the power of God in a gathering, such gathering would be refer to as a social gathering of wining and dining'.

Winning Wisdom: Uninterrupted Access

Topic: Uninterrupted Access [28/7/2016]
Text: Ephesians 2:18

The affirmation of our sonship is dependent on the Spirit of God. No one devoid of God's Spirit can claim sonship to God. We are born of God's Spirit (John 3:5) and He affirms or bears the record of sonship with our regenerated spirit that we are sons of God (Romans 8:16). With the affirmation, we are granted free and uninterrupted access to the Father by the same Spirit. This is very key. The access to the Father is not interrupted, not even by an act of sin.

Today’s Scripture: “It is through Him that we have received grace (God’s unmerited favor) and [our] apostleship to promote obedience to the faith and make disciples for His name’s sake among all the nations.” - (Romans 1:5, AMP)

Topic: Promote Faith [July 28, 2016]

Grace is God’s favor, but it’s also His supernatural empowerment. When you have God’s grace and favor, it enables you to accomplish more and be more effective both in your own life and in building His kingdom.

Topic: Make Time with God a Priority [July 28, 2016]

Then Jesus, knowing that they meant to come and seize Him that they might make Him king, withdrew again to the hillside by Himself alone. - John 6:15

If the devil can’t convince you to be idle and passive, he will drive you to do too much. As soon as you are out of balance, he can devour you (see 1 Peter 5:8). The word disciple comes from the word discipline. To be a disciple of Jesus, you must discipline yourself to follow His ways.

Topic: Thou shalt Not Covet [Thursday 28, July 2016]

Memorise: But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; – Ephesians 5:3

Read: Ephesians 5:3-7 (KJV)

3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;

Topic: Mastery of Purim [July 28, 2016]

Text: Esther 9:20-28

Key Verse: "Because Haman the son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, the enemy of all the Jews, had devised against the Jews to destroy them, and had cast Pur, that is, the lot, to consume them, and to destroy them" (Esther 9:24).

On 1 October, 1946, after 216 court sessions, the International Military Tribunal at Nuremberg delivered its verdicts sentencing the leaders of the Nazi party to death by hanging. Julius Streicher, a notorious Nazi in the movement's early history, and publisher of the anti-Semitic newspaper "Das Strummer", set up to publish his vitriolic attacks on Jews, was one of those to face the gallows. Before his execution, he suddenly screamed, ‘Purim Fest 1946' to acknowledge his defeat as an enemy of the Jews.

Topic: We're Winning [July 28, 2016]

Only rebel not ye against the Lord, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defence is departed from them, and the Lord is with us: fear them not. - Numbers 14:9

Thousands of years ago, God told the children of Israel to go up and occupy the land that He had given them. He told them to take it, by force and without fear, from the ungodly ones who were dwelling there.

Topic: Best Friend—Forever [July 28, 2016]

Read: James 2:18–26, Bible in a Year: Psalms 46–48; Acts 28

“Abraham believed God . . . ,” and he was called God’s friend. James 2:23

One of the pieces of wisdom I have come to appreciate is my dad’s often-repeated statement, “Joe, good friends are one of life’s greatest treasures.” How true! With good friends, you are never alone. They’re attentive to your needs and gladly share life’s joys and burdens.

Alhaja Zainab Asari Dokubo, the first wife of Mujahid Dokubo Asari, is dead. She died alongside a friend in a motor accident on her way to Ibadan. Alhaji Ishaq Kunle Sanni, chairman Oyo state Muslim community, who confirmed the death in a statement said Zainab was already a Muslim years before she married Dokubo.

Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State said on Wednesday he attended the peace meeting organised by the Acting Inspector General of Police, Mr Ibrahim Idris, because of his commitment to peace and development of the state.

The IGP had on Tuesday in Abuja organised a peace meeting between Wike and the former governor of Rivers State, Mr Rotimi Amaechi.

Limpopo – The Nigeria Union, South Africa, on Wednesday said no less than 15 Nigerians had been killed in South Africa since the beginning of the year.

The Union said this while confirming the killing of a Nigerian businessman in Limpopo Province of South Africa on Tuesday.

Turkey closes 130 media outlets, 16 TV channels after failed coup

Turkey has dismissed nearly 1,700 military personnel and closed more than 130 media outlets, official sources said on Wednesday, amid a deepening crackdown that has stirred alarm among Ankara’s NATO allies following this month’s failed coup.

A total of 1,684 military personnel have been dishonorably discharged, a Turkish government official said, citing their role in the July 15-16 abortive putsch, where a faction of the military attempted to topple the government.

A Civil society group in Rivers State, the Alliance for Transparency and Good Governance has commended the National Chairman of Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) for postponing the Rivers re-run election originally scheduled for July 30, 2016 due to overwhelming insecurity in the state.

Speaking to newsmen at Port Harcourt International Airport Omagwa on arrival from Lagos, the coordinator of the group, Hon. Erasmus Obele Nwankpa expressed worry that the state has continued to experience unprecedented cult-related security problems in the past one year. Mr. Erasmus Nwankpa wondered why Governor Wike will grant amnesty to known cult killers and armed robbers who were caught with arms just because he wants to use them again for the re-run election.

Joel and Victoria Osteen’s daily devotional July 26, 2016 – Think on These Things

Today’s Scripture: “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” - (Philippians 4:8, NIV)

Topic: Think on These Things [July 26, 2016]

God wants you to be blessed in every area. The Bible says that Jesus came so that you and I could have life more abundantly, but it all starts in your thinking. That’s why the scripture tells us very clearly what we should be thinking about—things that are noble, right, lovely, pure and praiseworthy. In other words, when a thought comes to your mind that you’re never going to be successful, replace it by saying, “Father, You said in Proverbs that if I would put You first, You would crown my efforts with success. You said in the Psalms that You surround me with favor like a shield. You said in Deuteronomy that Your blessings would chase me down and overtake me!” That’s how you take every thought captive, one thought at a time!

Wife of the Ogun State governor, Olufunso Amosun, yesterday, adopted Korede Taiwo, a nine-year-old boy chained by his cleric father for allegedly stealing.

The governor’s wife made the announcement after visiting the boy at the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, Ogun State in company of some officials of the state government.

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, says the ministry will begin the paddock development (growing of special grasses for cattle) in August.

Ogbeh told journalists on Wednesday in Abuja, that the ministry has started bringing the special seeds of grass (fodder seeds) into the country.

Ogbeh explained that after some time, the country would become an exporter of the grass to earn foreign exchange.

Rivers State: Group call for State of Emergency

A group known as Vanguard for Justice, Equity and Strategy has commended the INEC for carrying forward the date of the planned Rivers re-run election as a result of incessant killings of people in the state.

Speaking in a seminar on Youth violence in Port Harcourt over the weekend, the vice President of the group, Hon. Friday Barida Ledilo said that the degree of insecurity that is being experienced in the state since Gov Wike assumed office a year ago does not call for only shift in election date, but a total DECLARATION OF STATE OF EMERGENCY if the federal government has to salvage what is still remaining on paper as a geographical expression called Rivers State.

The Senate yesterday began the screening of the 47 ambassadorial nominees.

The Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs is charged with the responsibility of screening the nominees.

Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters, Senator Ita Enang, led the nominees to the screening venue.

You Can Trade It

A Promise For You From Bible Promises: [27/07/2016]

Topic: You Can Trade It

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28. Read: Matt 11:28-30

Trade by barter is a concept in business world where one exchanges what he/she has in place of what he/she needs. For instance, if one has yam but needs beans, such person can exchange his yam from someone that has the beans he needs. Which means, one has traded what he has for what he actually needed. Invariably, in God's Kingdom, trade by barter is one way or the concept He accepts or adopts for the betterment of His children. The good news about this concept in God's Kingdom is that you can trade anything you don't want for what you actually need.

Parenting can be quite an arduous adventure. It is hard enough with a committed partner, but when you are doing it alone, especially in Nigeria, the difficulty rises to a whole new level. It can be tricky, maintaining good mental health, thriving as an individual and nurturing your children in the best possible manner.

There are quite a number of women in the country who are single parents through the death of a spouse, divorce, abandonment or choice. While some of these women often feel like they have got it really rough, or that they are doing just about everything wrong; there are others who are successfully and joyfully raising children by themselves.

Topic: Common People with Uncommon Goals [July 27, 2016]

Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]. - Ephesians 3:20

God uses common, ordinary, everyday people who have uncommon goals and visions. That is what I am—just a common, ordinary person with a goal and a vision. But just because I am common and ordinary does not mean that I am content to be average. I don't like that word. I don't want to be average. I don't intend to be average. I don't serve an average God, therefore, I don't believe I have to be average—and neither do you.

Revisiting unresolved murder cases

Written by the Editorial board of The Guardian Newspaper

President Muhammadu Buhari’s directive to the police authorities to reopen most of the nation’s unresolved high profile murder cases elicits a glimmer of hope that justice might have been delayed, it will not be denied, after all.

Specifically, the Acting Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris has received an order to reopen well-known cases of alleged murders and assassinations that the same police authorities abandoned at the investigation or prosecution stages. Such cases include that of the former Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Bola Ige and former Deputy National Chairman, South South of the then ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chief Aminosari Dikibo.

Topic: Assurance of Breakthrough [Wednesday 27, July 2016]

Memorise: Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee: and the light shall shine upon thy ways. – Job 22:28

Read: 1 Samuel 30:6-8 (KJV)

6 And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.

Topic: Power Over Oceans [July 27, 2016]

Text: Psalm 93:1-5

Key Verse: "The LORD on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, yea, than the mighty waves of the sea" (Psalm 93:4).

Terrible and dangerous floods have claimed lives across the world for years. In the past year, extreme weather caused severe flooding in many parts of the world. Increasing elemental dislocations across the world are posing serious concern to all. Even worse, the failure of weather predictions is sending jitters down the spine of metereologists.

Topic: Be Separate [July 27, 2016]

Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. - 2 Corinthians 6:17

We're surrounded by a world which is ruled for the most part by Satan. How can we avoid getting caught up in it? How can we stand apart?

Philadelphia — Hillary Clinton officially received the Democratic Party’s nomination for the presidency Tuesday evening.

Clinton is now the first woman to become the presidential nominee of a major U.S. political party.

Vermont’s delegation voted last, joined by Sen. Bernie Sanders. “I move that Hillary Clinton be selected as the nominee of the Democratic Party for president of the United States,” Sanders said, as the crowd erupted into cheers and waved multicolored “Hillary” signs. A rendition of the song “Happy” began playing as delegates swayed.

Winning Wisdom: Peace

Topic: Peace [27/7/2016]

Text: Isaiah 26:3

The ultimate pleasure of God is that we all live in peace of mind without the worries and chaoses of this world troubling our mind. God knows that the heart of man is very delicate and central to his continued joyful living, that is why He targets the heart with the gospel of peace. But with so much to worry about, the Lord is saying to us in Isaiah 26:3 that He "will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee."

That the chaos of the world is worrisome is a known fact, but truth is, when we keep our focus on the Lord, peace is guaranteed. This peace, in the midst of chaos, comes in different packages, but most importantly to us, it comes with our heart desires being met. It is God's pleasure to meet our needs (Luke 12:29-32). As long as we are trusting, He comes with the double package of serenity in our minds and meeting our needs. He does not want us to be troubled but He wants us to be trusting.

Topic: Visible Vulnerability [July 27, 2016]

Read: Ephesians 4:2–6, Bible in a Year: Psalms 43–45; Acts 27:27–44

Be patient, bearing with one another in love. Ephesians 4:2

As I ventured out several weeks after shoulder surgery, I was fearful. I had become comfortable using my arm sling, but both my surgeon and physical therapist now told me to stop wearing it. That’s when I saw this statement: “At this stage, sling wear is discouraged except as a visible sign of vulnerability in an uncontrolled environment.”

Deputy Senate Leader, Bala Ibn Na'Allah has taken a swipe at former President Olusegun Obasanjo over the latter's statement, that there were no men of integrity in the National Assembly.

Na' Allah, who was in the House of Representatives between 2003 and 2007, when Obasanjo held sway as president, asked the former president to bury his head in shame following his desperate attempts to elongate his term, using the National Assembly then.

The Chelsea midfielder and Super Eagles captain will be assisted by female table tennis star Funke Oshonaike at the Olympics scheduled to hold from August 5 to 21.

Mikel is making his first appearance at the Olympic Games after being named as one of two over-aged players invited to the Nigeria U23 squad for the men's football event.

FIFA yesterday declared its readiness to partner with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to actualize the Football Made in Anambra '1 Family - Footballer' project initiated by Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah led Anambra State Football Association (ANSFA).

President of the world football governing body, Gianni Infantino, who hailed the project as a major developmental project in Nigerian football assured that FIFA will key into it through the NFF.

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointment of Elias Nwalem Mbam, an engineer as chairman for the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission.

The President also approved the appointment of Dr. (Mrs) Marilyn Amobi as the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Company.

UNILAG releases admission guidelines

The University of Lagos on Tuesday released its Post-Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination admission screening guidelines for the 2016/2017 academic session.

A statement issued by the institution’s Deputy Registrar (Information), Mr Toyin Adebule, the said online registration for the screening would hold from Aug. 3 to Aug. 24.

Bombing Of Khana Inec Office: A classical case of a witch crying in the night and in the morning a child dies...

The attention of Elected Rivers Councillors Forum of the 8th Legislative Assembly has been drawn to the unfortunate news of the setting on fire of the khana local government area office of the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC in Bori-Ogoni, Rivers State, few days to the July 30th rescheduled rerun elections in Rivers State. Without any reservations whatsoever, this to us is totally unacceptable and highly condemnable in its entirety.

We view this act as wicked, ungodly and as the handiwork of desperate political enemies of Ogoni and Rivers State trying to create another unnecessary tension and crisis situation ultimately to derail the re-election of all overwhelmingly popular candidates of the All Progressives Congress APC. But God will surely disappoint them all.

Stakeholders have commended the initiatives and approach that Dr. Dakuku Peterside has brought to bear on his leadership of the foremost maritime regulatory Agency, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

At a well attended celebration of the 'African Day of the Seas and Oceans' hosted by NIMASA in Lagos, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Marine Transport, Senator Ahmed Rufai Sani observed that since taking over as the Director General, Dr. Peterside has initiated strategies aimed towards making the Agency more effective and efficient in the discharge of its mandate.

Sunday, 31 July 2016

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Wednesday, 27 July 2016