On the occasion of his 80th birthday, Benson Idonije, who is arguably Nigeria’s most informed analyst of jazz music and an enthusiastic promoter of popular culture and music has released for public review and consideration an absolutely well-informed biography of Fela, the Afro-beat music maestro. The book is a useful contribution in my opinion. But the first thing I noticed- signposted by the copy sent to me, is how indeed, this particular publication appears to be a victim of the emergent crises of publishing in Africa in dispossessed economies. The copy sent to me is copyrighted 2014; on the cover it is described as a preview edition, scheduled for “official release: first quarter 2015”, the review copy doesn’t even have an ISBN number, there is no index and the bibliography is wrongly presented.
After more than 29 years of assessing manuscripts and editing/reviewing books, I assume that I can conveniently imagine what the author, printers and local publishers of this book must have gone through, the same challenges other book writers publishing in sub-Saharan Africa face at the moment: looking for money, getting good editors, looking for publishers, and hoping that there will be readers. But we must be glad, and Benson Idonije deserves to be congratulated, on his tenacity, in bringing out against all possible odds, a memoir as he correctly describes it, on Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, legend, maestro, counterculture hero, mystic, musician, philosopher, iconoclast, rebel, patriot and one of Africa’s most significant contributions to the world of art and music in the 20th century.
It is 2016, 19 years after Fela’s death, and here is a tribute of legends to the legend, a brilliant memoir, from a man who served as Fela’s first manager, beginning with the Jazz Quintet/Koola Lobitos in 1963/4, and who served him dutifully as a friend, colleague, fan and brother, and who has remained faithful to the legend(s) told and untold. With this book, Idonije fills many gaps, as participant-observer, as a ringside viewer and as a witness to the history of the making of a genius.
Many books have already been written about Fela from many perspectives. But the beauty of true genius is that it remains unfathomable, like an endless vortex, and in terms of identity, stands on its own terms. With his art, music, persona and impact, Fela has ascended to the level of such eponymous geniuses, recognized only on a first name basis: Homer, Shakespeare, Cervantes, Beethoven, Mozart, Chopin, etc: global treasures who do not need a second affirmation of identity. So, it is with such figures, that every other contribution extends the narrative of excellence, impactful tradition, and historicity.
And so it is with Benson Idonije’s memoir on Fela. There have been similar books of close encounters and relationships with Fela in his lifetime, by John Collins, Uwa Erhabor, Michael Veal, Carlos Moore, and Majemite Jaboro, and other publications, which through the authors’ encounter with Fela’s music and persona provide rigorous scholastic analysis. Idonije provides an informed analysis of Fela’s music in the context of the traditions of jazz, funk, soul music, highlife, rock, indigenous African music, blues, but the strongest parts of his memoir deal not with pretensions at intellectual deconstruction of form, melody, and rhythm, or lyrics, but with a ringside report of Fela as a total musician, and artiste.
This is where the strength and the originality of this book lies. Benson Idonije is a music critic, but he is probably incapable of deploying the jargons and the distracting terms of academic inquiry, and he does not struggle too hard in that direction. But he tells a story that humanizes Fela, focusing on his birth, his roots as a musician, including family influences, his formation, evolution, maturation and the transcendentalism of his genius. He does this as a man who was there. He does this as a brother, friend, critic, sounding board, and partner. He tells the story the way nobody else can, he has the helicopter view, the ringside view and the bedroom view: the book tells stories for example of how Idonije’s one room habitat served as Fela’s “slaughter slab” for besotted female fans, and his witness to Fela’s emergence as a sex and marijuana symbol, made possible by the notorious women who came into his life, who also helped to grow his art.
Fela’s genius borders on illuminant insanity. Idonije reveals, much better than any previous biographer, the making of Fela, and the near-magical progression of this genius: his DNA as ineluctable determinism, his beginnings as pianist and rebel in his secondary school days, his objection to convention, command and control even as a staff of the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation, his growth and odyssey, the influence of his mother and brothers and the rest of the family, real and acquired, his borderless nationalism and his politics of protest which resulted in many runs-in with the establishment, 199 arrests by the police, incarceration, humiliation, harassment of his Kalakuta shrine and Republic, and his life of sex and marijuana, then his death and impact after death. Some of these themes from his birth in 1938 till his death in August 1997, have been dealt with at great length in other accounts. Idonije takes the narrative further, revealing and extending the narrative about a man who became a legend before his very eyes, and with whom he shared secrets and private experiences, made possible only by trust and mutual respect, an island of friendship and intimacy unknown to outsiders. This then, is not a book of research; it is an original testimony, presented in absolute good faith.
Some of those other things Idonije brings afresh to the table are refreshing insider details about Fela’s essence, his relationship with music producers, his band, recording companies, the very nature of his life as a committed artist and professional, his rigorous originality, self-assuredness, assertiveness, pride, courage and perpetual preparedness to raise art above commerce. He tells the story of Fela’s musically odyssey, and the story is not just about Fela, but the evolution of the band, from Koola Lobitos to Egypt ‘80, and after, and how ideology, exposure and influences created the enigma, the genius and the music that became Fela. Idonije deconstructs the genius, not as a mystically delivered entity, but as an essence that grew through training, hardwork, perspiration, originality, influences, musical, ideological and political, and whose being-ness and truthfulness provided a template for the lifetime and post-humous evolution of a style, example and tradition. He proves in the end how the originality of genius survives all sorts of threats: physical, socio-political and contrived.
In painting this picture, Idonije delicately manages sentimental assessment and although he is a sympathetic biographer, he shuns hagiography. It is obvious that he is not impressed by Fela’s latter-day embrace of marijuana, which he avoided in his earlier years, or the mysticism and love of spirits that drove him into illusions and paranoia, but on this subject, Idonije treads very carefully, refusing to pass judgments that could damage the legend. He is after all, a protective biographer, so protective he also treats Fela’s misogyny lightly even if he ends up reinforcing the received belief that for Fela, a woman is at best a sex object, and sex a source of spiritual reinforcement. He further says a lot about other members of the band, the gifted members of the ensemble and the non-musician members of YAP, MOP, area boys support groups, media executives and lawyers whose contributions and individual talents made Fela possible. Fela thus, emerging not as an individual artist stricto senso, but as a movement, as philosophy, as an idea, as institution, as the sum of total artistry, as leader of an orchestra, indeed as phenomenon.
Idonije’s participant-observer and first-hand analyst status also provides him the opportunity to write a story that goes beyond Fela to cover the highlife scenes of Nigeria and Ghana in the 60s and 70s, and the collaboration and rivalry among the various emerging stars, their influences and styles and the character of the musical audiences and trends in Ghana and Nigeria which had corresponding impact on the taste and tone of the social and cultural landscape. From Fela to the present, there has been so much that has changed in that landscape, many of the commercially successful artistes of the time have vanished into oblivion and irrelevance, but Fela lives because of the originality of his art and musicianship. Miles Davis, one of the many influences on Fela has been reported as saying “Fela is the future of music”.
Idonije’s account establishes just exactly how true this is: his continuing impact and the endlessness of his relevance. But as the book shows, there can only be one Fela: an artist with conscience, who was an objective product of his encounters and experiences, a true professional who found his own voice and mission, an avatar whose talent became a political and social weapon for protecting, defending and leading the poor and the disadvantaged against the evils of corruption and irresponsible leadership.
Idonije despite the humility he declares in his preface aspires, quite obviously, to produce a definitive, comprehensive book as he struggles to cover all the grounds, but he is smart enough to acknowledge that his account certainly cannot be the “last word”. He observes poignantly that whereas the international community has always admired and honoured Fela, the attitude to his art by the central Nigerian government, from the military to the civilian administrations, has been one of disregard, with perhaps the exception of the Lagos state government, which sponsored the creation of a Fela museum. Fela’s post-humous presence on Broadway and the growth of Felaism as creed and tradition is a victorious talk-back, an act of defiance, from the grave by a true artist whose example defined the true nature of the art of commitment, contextually and sub-textually.
Idonije and Fela referred to each other as “Oyejo”: a bastardization of the Yoruba phrase “Oya e joo” inevitably mangled, during a performance visit to Nigeria by Dizzy Gillespie, trying to connect with his back up team of illiterate Yoruba drummers. Fela was not an original fan of Gillespie, due to his aversion to the mixing of jazz with showmanship, but intellectual interaction with Idonije encouraged Fela to appreciate Gillespie’s original skills, and the product was an eventual number titled “Oyejo”, a part-tribute as it were. The picture Idonije paints through narratives such as this, is that of Fela as an open-minded, broadminded artiste who drew influences and inspiration from just about any possible source: duty boys, managers, producers, bedroom partners and so on but who at all times knew what he wanted, and called his own shots. Benson Idonije writes a part of his own biography in telling his friend’s story but unlike some other biographers before him, he does not over-project himself and he does not upstage the legend.
This is a book that should benefit from further projection and the attention of the reading public. Unlike Gillespie in that particular linguistically challenged account, Fela, alive and in death, needs not say “Oya e joo.” His art has located him concretely in the mainstream along with the giants including Dizzy Gillespie himself and others. This book, indeed, is a truly worthy contribution: In Fela’s voice, “everybody say yeah, yeah.”
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Saturday 18 June 2016
Open Heavens 18 June 2016: Saturday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Be Fruitful
Topic: Be Fruitful [Saturday 18, June 2016]
Memorise: And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. – Mark 16:15
Read: John 15:1-7 (KJV)
1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.
2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.
3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.
4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.
7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
Bible in One Year: Nehemiah 9:1-11:24, Ecclesiastes 9:1-6
MESSAGE:
In Mark 16:15, Jesus didn’t give His disciples a piece of advice but a direct command. This instruction was not without any backing, He promised them His presence even unto the end of the world. This is why we need to be bold in carrying out this instruction. We have been anointed to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ (Isaiah 61:6). The greatest of all fruitfulness is the ability to win lost souls to the Kingdom of God. There is no achievement that surpasses this. You may have the anointing to raise the dead or carry out signs and wonders, but if the ability to win souls is missing in your calling, then you are not yet fully obedient because this is the greatest of all instructions; to win souls back to the kingdom. One of the most fruitful persons in the Bible is John the Baptist, not for the miracles in his ministry but in calling people to repentance. Are you fruitful? Are you wining souls to the Kingdom or you are satisfied seeing unbelievers in their hopelessness? You are fruitful when you can’t allow the chronic fornicator to go without knowing Jesus. You are fruitful when you don’t allow thief to end up in hell. You are fruitful when you don’t allow that smoker to continue in his sin. You are fruitful when you stop that liar from being a vessel in the hand of the devil. In the mind of God, there is no sinner without a future and there is no saint without a past. It is God that helps in transforming our lives, yet there is the need for people to bring sinners to the cross so that the flesh can be crucified.
It is privilege to be called disciples in the vineyard of God. God can get results without us but it pleases Him to include us as co-labourers in the vineyard. God wants you to be fruitful. He wants you to do greater works than He did. You cannot afford not to have results to show despite the opportunities and abilities He invested in you. There are many people going to hell on a daily basis and God wants to use you to deliver them from perdition and eternal condemnation. The only people who will be fruitful in this end time are those who choose to remain and abide in Christ. From time, God has always taken away those who are not fruitful. Judas was taken away because he did not produce any fruit. This is why you need to allow Christ to specially cultivate you so that you can bear fruit. You must submit to the Word of God and become obedient to His ways. It is not knowledge of the Word that saves but obedience of the Word. To produce fruit that is profitable to the kingdom of God and relevant to one’s spiritual development, one must abide in the source from which all spiritual life emanates. The gospel is for the entire world, hence, we should preach it everywhere we find ourselves.
Action Point: Look for someone that is not saved in your place of work and begin to share the gospel with him or her.
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.
Memorise: And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. – Mark 16:15
Read: John 15:1-7 (KJV)
1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.
2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.
3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.
4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.
7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
Bible in One Year: Nehemiah 9:1-11:24, Ecclesiastes 9:1-6
MESSAGE:
In Mark 16:15, Jesus didn’t give His disciples a piece of advice but a direct command. This instruction was not without any backing, He promised them His presence even unto the end of the world. This is why we need to be bold in carrying out this instruction. We have been anointed to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ (Isaiah 61:6). The greatest of all fruitfulness is the ability to win lost souls to the Kingdom of God. There is no achievement that surpasses this. You may have the anointing to raise the dead or carry out signs and wonders, but if the ability to win souls is missing in your calling, then you are not yet fully obedient because this is the greatest of all instructions; to win souls back to the kingdom. One of the most fruitful persons in the Bible is John the Baptist, not for the miracles in his ministry but in calling people to repentance. Are you fruitful? Are you wining souls to the Kingdom or you are satisfied seeing unbelievers in their hopelessness? You are fruitful when you can’t allow the chronic fornicator to go without knowing Jesus. You are fruitful when you don’t allow thief to end up in hell. You are fruitful when you don’t allow that smoker to continue in his sin. You are fruitful when you stop that liar from being a vessel in the hand of the devil. In the mind of God, there is no sinner without a future and there is no saint without a past. It is God that helps in transforming our lives, yet there is the need for people to bring sinners to the cross so that the flesh can be crucified.
It is privilege to be called disciples in the vineyard of God. God can get results without us but it pleases Him to include us as co-labourers in the vineyard. God wants you to be fruitful. He wants you to do greater works than He did. You cannot afford not to have results to show despite the opportunities and abilities He invested in you. There are many people going to hell on a daily basis and God wants to use you to deliver them from perdition and eternal condemnation. The only people who will be fruitful in this end time are those who choose to remain and abide in Christ. From time, God has always taken away those who are not fruitful. Judas was taken away because he did not produce any fruit. This is why you need to allow Christ to specially cultivate you so that you can bear fruit. You must submit to the Word of God and become obedient to His ways. It is not knowledge of the Word that saves but obedience of the Word. To produce fruit that is profitable to the kingdom of God and relevant to one’s spiritual development, one must abide in the source from which all spiritual life emanates. The gospel is for the entire world, hence, we should preach it everywhere we find ourselves.
Action Point: Look for someone that is not saved in your place of work and begin to share the gospel with him or her.
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.
Friday 17 June 2016
President Buhari to begins first phase of school feeding programme across the country as part of evidence his pomises
•No counter-part funding required to start, but state govts welcome to complement
•N70 per meal estimated
•Caterers to be paid directly by the federal government
•Programme expected to spur Agric, and create jobs
•Will also foster children's nutrition and learning
To ensure the effective implementation of the National Home-grown School Feeding, HGSF, Programme, the Muhammadu Buhari presidency has already provided enough funds in the 2016 budget that will ensure that in the first instance 5.5 million primary school pupils would be served one free hot meal a day.
Making this explanation Tuesday afternoon in Abuja was the Senior Special Assistant, Media & Publicity in the Office of the Vice President, Mr. Laolu Akande, who added that while states are an active participant in the school feeding plan, their counterpart funding is not required to start the programmer's implementation.
Willing states are however being encouraged to complement the programme so it can reach more pupils, but state governments cannot and will not be compelled to do this. However the support of the states is vital whether they are able to fund in addition to what the FG will do or not, according to the SSA, saying "we want the states to embrace this programme, it is good for the people, it's a win-win for everyone."
Akande who was responding to media enquiries and requests for clarifications on the issue stated that "the school feeding programme is not a counter-part funding arrangement model, no. What we have is a plan where the FGN provides 100 % feeding costs for pupils in primary one to three in all public primary schools in the country."
According to him, "let me be clear about this, the Buhari presidency has made adequate arrangements for the HGSF to happen and by the grace of God, we are going forward to do exactly that."
But what is interesting, he continued, is the fact that some states have actually gone ahead to start the school feeding programme on their own, while some others are also making such a plan. In that case he noted, "more primary school pupils would be fed in the final analysis."
If a state is not able to fund the school feeding in Primary 4-6, Akande made it clear that the FG will not abandon such a state but instead go ahead and feed pupils from Primary 1-3.
Specifically he discloses that "5.5 million school children would be fed free of charge for 200 school days in first phase of homegrown school feeding programme starting this year."
But when the programme is completed, over the course of the elected four year term of the presidency, the number will rise to over 20 million.
At least 5.5 million Nigerian primary school children -ie starting first in
18 states-three per geopolitical zones-would be fed for 200 school days under the free Homegrown School Feeding Programme, as N93.1B has been appropriated for this in the 2016 budget.
The Senior Special Assiatnt explained further that HGSF programme creates jobs along the value chain and improves family and state economies-"because it is a localized menu that is provided for the pupils by the small-holder farmers from within the community who in turn also benefit."
For example he continued, "a food vendor who to prepares meals for say 100pupils per day, has to interact with small-holder farmers who grow yam, egg, condiments vegetables fruits. She has to interface with transporters as well as sellers of fuel etc. thereby exchanging income along the value chain.
Besides fully funding the programme for pupils in primaries 1-3, the federal government will also provide technical assistance that will allow states design their context-specific state owned models, Akande said, adding that such assistance comes with partner experience and support in key areas of health education and agriculture, allowing the managers of the program to understand the concept of the “home grown” school feeding.
Regarding how the funds would be disbursed, Akande said the money will come from the federal government coffers and go straight to caterers and other beneficiaries at a rate of N70 per meal.
The school feeding program though a part of the APC manifesto, is also African Union inspired scheme to grow th continent while ensuring pupils go to schools.
The programmes is also embedded within the national school health policy and the Universal basic act of the FGN 2004.
Flatimes
•N70 per meal estimated
•Caterers to be paid directly by the federal government
•Programme expected to spur Agric, and create jobs
•Will also foster children's nutrition and learning
To ensure the effective implementation of the National Home-grown School Feeding, HGSF, Programme, the Muhammadu Buhari presidency has already provided enough funds in the 2016 budget that will ensure that in the first instance 5.5 million primary school pupils would be served one free hot meal a day.
Making this explanation Tuesday afternoon in Abuja was the Senior Special Assistant, Media & Publicity in the Office of the Vice President, Mr. Laolu Akande, who added that while states are an active participant in the school feeding plan, their counterpart funding is not required to start the programmer's implementation.
Willing states are however being encouraged to complement the programme so it can reach more pupils, but state governments cannot and will not be compelled to do this. However the support of the states is vital whether they are able to fund in addition to what the FG will do or not, according to the SSA, saying "we want the states to embrace this programme, it is good for the people, it's a win-win for everyone."
Akande who was responding to media enquiries and requests for clarifications on the issue stated that "the school feeding programme is not a counter-part funding arrangement model, no. What we have is a plan where the FGN provides 100 % feeding costs for pupils in primary one to three in all public primary schools in the country."
According to him, "let me be clear about this, the Buhari presidency has made adequate arrangements for the HGSF to happen and by the grace of God, we are going forward to do exactly that."
But what is interesting, he continued, is the fact that some states have actually gone ahead to start the school feeding programme on their own, while some others are also making such a plan. In that case he noted, "more primary school pupils would be fed in the final analysis."
If a state is not able to fund the school feeding in Primary 4-6, Akande made it clear that the FG will not abandon such a state but instead go ahead and feed pupils from Primary 1-3.
Specifically he discloses that "5.5 million school children would be fed free of charge for 200 school days in first phase of homegrown school feeding programme starting this year."
But when the programme is completed, over the course of the elected four year term of the presidency, the number will rise to over 20 million.
At least 5.5 million Nigerian primary school children -ie starting first in
18 states-three per geopolitical zones-would be fed for 200 school days under the free Homegrown School Feeding Programme, as N93.1B has been appropriated for this in the 2016 budget.
The Senior Special Assiatnt explained further that HGSF programme creates jobs along the value chain and improves family and state economies-"because it is a localized menu that is provided for the pupils by the small-holder farmers from within the community who in turn also benefit."
For example he continued, "a food vendor who to prepares meals for say 100pupils per day, has to interact with small-holder farmers who grow yam, egg, condiments vegetables fruits. She has to interface with transporters as well as sellers of fuel etc. thereby exchanging income along the value chain.
Besides fully funding the programme for pupils in primaries 1-3, the federal government will also provide technical assistance that will allow states design their context-specific state owned models, Akande said, adding that such assistance comes with partner experience and support in key areas of health education and agriculture, allowing the managers of the program to understand the concept of the “home grown” school feeding.
Regarding how the funds would be disbursed, Akande said the money will come from the federal government coffers and go straight to caterers and other beneficiaries at a rate of N70 per meal.
The school feeding program though a part of the APC manifesto, is also African Union inspired scheme to grow th continent while ensuring pupils go to schools.
The programmes is also embedded within the national school health policy and the Universal basic act of the FGN 2004.
Flatimes
Taylor Swift is 'dating' Tom Hiddleston
U.S. pop singer Swift broke up with British DJ Calvin Harris last month
•The 26-year-old was pictured kissing Hiddleston on a beach this week
•Latest in a long string of high profile romances for number one artist
Stop all the clocks. Tom Hiddleston, probably the most desired man in Britain after his sizzling turn in BBC drama The Night Manager, is off the market. And hold the front page, for the most ambitious, yet outwardly modest Old Etonian in showbusiness has only gone and hooked up with pop diva, social media powerhouse and undisputed self-publicity queen Taylor Swift.
Less than three weeks after she unceremoniously dumped her British lover, DJ Calvin Harris, Swift is seeing another A-list male in yet another spotlight-hoovering romance.
In a series of pictures taken on the beach outside Swift’s £12 million Rhode Island home, the unlikely pair announced their fledgling relationship by means of their oh-so-photogenic first date.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-3645871/Has-Hiddy-REALLY-fallen-calculating-woman-pop-Taylor-Swift-dating-Tom-Hiddleston-bag-man-moment.html?ITO=1490&ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490
•The 26-year-old was pictured kissing Hiddleston on a beach this week
•Latest in a long string of high profile romances for number one artist
Stop all the clocks. Tom Hiddleston, probably the most desired man in Britain after his sizzling turn in BBC drama The Night Manager, is off the market. And hold the front page, for the most ambitious, yet outwardly modest Old Etonian in showbusiness has only gone and hooked up with pop diva, social media powerhouse and undisputed self-publicity queen Taylor Swift.
Less than three weeks after she unceremoniously dumped her British lover, DJ Calvin Harris, Swift is seeing another A-list male in yet another spotlight-hoovering romance.
In a series of pictures taken on the beach outside Swift’s £12 million Rhode Island home, the unlikely pair announced their fledgling relationship by means of their oh-so-photogenic first date.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-3645871/Has-Hiddy-REALLY-fallen-calculating-woman-pop-Taylor-Swift-dating-Tom-Hiddleston-bag-man-moment.html?ITO=1490&ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490
Open Heavens 17 June 2016: Friday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Carrying your Cross
Topic: Carrying your Cross [Friday 17, June 2016]
Memorise: And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. – Luke 14:27
Read: Luke 14:25-30 (KJV)
25 And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them,
26 If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.
27 And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.
28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?
29 Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him,
30 Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.
Bible in One Year: Nehemiah 6:15-8:18, Ecclesiastes 8:10-17
MESSAGE:
The cross of Jesus is very effective in cleansing us from all our sins. Jesus instructs that whosoever will be His disciple will have to carry his cross and follow Him. As a disciple of Jesus Christ, every manifested work of the flesh must have been crucified to the cross. You are to be clean from all filthiness of the flesh. You must allow the cross to deliver you from the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye and the pride and passions of life.
“And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.” - Galatians 5:24
Carrying your cross is the commencement of a new life and a new journey. It means your old ways of thinking are no longer allowed and you begin to walk in newness of life. Every resurrected life that is genuine begins with carrying the cross. When believers carry the cross, authentic power from God is released into their lives.
However, the devil paints those who carry the cross as people who are old fashioned and people who follow doctrines that no longer necessary. This because he knows the secret behind the cross; he knows that the heredity of Christ is in the cross. He understands that holiness, power and wisdom are in the cross, and he wants believers not to have access to these things. This is one of the reasons why those who have refused to carry the cross are living a defeated life on daily basis; they are under the rule of the devil and so have become slaves to him. Carrying your cross means to follow Jesus all the way. If the 21st century will be potent enough to put the devil where he belongs, there is the need for the Church to carry her cross.
The Cross was what made a public defeat of the devil. If you also want the devil to be publicly defeated in your family, in your career, in your finances, in your church, we all have to carry the cross and follow Jesus. Those who carry the cross will live. Those who follow Jesus will be delivered in the time of trouble. Self made righteousness cannot earn you a place in the presence of God but the cross will help you fight flesh and sins. You must seek to be a true disciple of Jesus Christ. You must be willing to commit yourself in total surrender to the Lord. If you want to do great exploits in the world, you will have to deny yourself. Others may but as a true disciple of Jesus you cannot. Others can be careless but you cannot. You can no longer allow the system of the world and the dictates of culture to be the basis upon which you make your decisions. It is the love of Christ in you that becomes your compelling force. Paul had to suffer in order to carry out His mission. Jesus had to die in order for salvation to be possible. Nothing worthy is ever done in God without a sacrifice. I pray for you the grace you need to follow Jesus shall be available to you in Jesus’ name.
Prayer Point: Father, please help me to carry my cross to the finish line.
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.
Memorise: And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. – Luke 14:27
Read: Luke 14:25-30 (KJV)
25 And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them,
26 If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.
27 And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.
28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?
29 Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him,
30 Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.
Bible in One Year: Nehemiah 6:15-8:18, Ecclesiastes 8:10-17
MESSAGE:
The cross of Jesus is very effective in cleansing us from all our sins. Jesus instructs that whosoever will be His disciple will have to carry his cross and follow Him. As a disciple of Jesus Christ, every manifested work of the flesh must have been crucified to the cross. You are to be clean from all filthiness of the flesh. You must allow the cross to deliver you from the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye and the pride and passions of life.
“And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.” - Galatians 5:24
Carrying your cross is the commencement of a new life and a new journey. It means your old ways of thinking are no longer allowed and you begin to walk in newness of life. Every resurrected life that is genuine begins with carrying the cross. When believers carry the cross, authentic power from God is released into their lives.
However, the devil paints those who carry the cross as people who are old fashioned and people who follow doctrines that no longer necessary. This because he knows the secret behind the cross; he knows that the heredity of Christ is in the cross. He understands that holiness, power and wisdom are in the cross, and he wants believers not to have access to these things. This is one of the reasons why those who have refused to carry the cross are living a defeated life on daily basis; they are under the rule of the devil and so have become slaves to him. Carrying your cross means to follow Jesus all the way. If the 21st century will be potent enough to put the devil where he belongs, there is the need for the Church to carry her cross.
The Cross was what made a public defeat of the devil. If you also want the devil to be publicly defeated in your family, in your career, in your finances, in your church, we all have to carry the cross and follow Jesus. Those who carry the cross will live. Those who follow Jesus will be delivered in the time of trouble. Self made righteousness cannot earn you a place in the presence of God but the cross will help you fight flesh and sins. You must seek to be a true disciple of Jesus Christ. You must be willing to commit yourself in total surrender to the Lord. If you want to do great exploits in the world, you will have to deny yourself. Others may but as a true disciple of Jesus you cannot. Others can be careless but you cannot. You can no longer allow the system of the world and the dictates of culture to be the basis upon which you make your decisions. It is the love of Christ in you that becomes your compelling force. Paul had to suffer in order to carry out His mission. Jesus had to die in order for salvation to be possible. Nothing worthy is ever done in God without a sacrifice. I pray for you the grace you need to follow Jesus shall be available to you in Jesus’ name.
Prayer Point: Father, please help me to carry my cross to the finish line.
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.
Thursday 16 June 2016
Open Heavens 16 June 2016: Thursday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Ceaseless Prayer
Topic: Ceaseless Prayer [Thursday 16, June 2016]
Memorise: Pray without ceasing. – 1 Thessalonians 5:17
Read: Luke 18:1-8 (KJV)
1 And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;
2 Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man:
3 And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.
4 And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;
5 Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.
6 And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith.
7 And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?
8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?
Bible in One Year: Nehemiah 4:1-6:14, Ecclesiastes 8:1-9
MESSAGE:
Every Christian should have a state of mind that can take part in the action of prayer at anytime; there should never be a hindered access to our heavenly father.
All through the scriptures, we see the results of those who prayed. Prayer is the foundation of every victorious living. Anyone who will be fruitful, both in life and in ministry, must be able to give priority to prayer. For any project to be successful, it must be backed by prayer. Jesus demonstrated to us that to get the right kind of results, prayer is the key because prayer is a tool that helps in strengthening one’s relationship with God. The more time you spend in God’s presence, the more you will act and think like Him. Spending time in the place of prayer will help you align you desires, attitudes, actions and beliefs to suit God’s will. It is in the place of prayer that you can establish a deep intimacy and faith in His ability to deliver. It is also in the place of prayer that you gain access to deeper revelations. The major cause of failure in many people’s life is the lack of prayer, it seems they intentionally sleep and allow the devil to deny them of God’s promises.
You should never joke with prayer life; especially since you know that the God you pray to is a prayer answering God. Prayer must not be seen as a religious exercise if you will experience the glory of God. Ceaseless prayer is also not about vain repetition and ambiguity; you must make yourself clear to God and not assume He knows your problems. Of course He does; but He expects you to open up and let Him know what exactly you want Him to do for you. Without prayer, you cannot receive the attention of heaven because prayer is a spiritual network that links you to heaven before help can be released to you. When you are given to prayer, no weapon of the enemy against your life will prosper because the Lion of the tribe of Judah is at work in you, to defend you and disgrace all your enemies. Daniel was a man of prayers and his prayer life was the source of his strength in God. Through this, he was able to do great exploits in a strange land.
Those who do not pray are always helpless. They go from place to place looking for prayer agent. No wonder they are always falling victims in the hands of fake prophets. Come boldly to the throne of mercy and seek divine intervention over any given situation in your life and you will experience the awesome power of God in your life.
Key Point: Certain things will never be received until they are asked for.
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
Memorise: Pray without ceasing. – 1 Thessalonians 5:17
Read: Luke 18:1-8 (KJV)
1 And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;
2 Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man:
3 And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.
4 And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;
5 Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.
6 And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith.
7 And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?
8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?
Bible in One Year: Nehemiah 4:1-6:14, Ecclesiastes 8:1-9
MESSAGE:
Every Christian should have a state of mind that can take part in the action of prayer at anytime; there should never be a hindered access to our heavenly father.
All through the scriptures, we see the results of those who prayed. Prayer is the foundation of every victorious living. Anyone who will be fruitful, both in life and in ministry, must be able to give priority to prayer. For any project to be successful, it must be backed by prayer. Jesus demonstrated to us that to get the right kind of results, prayer is the key because prayer is a tool that helps in strengthening one’s relationship with God. The more time you spend in God’s presence, the more you will act and think like Him. Spending time in the place of prayer will help you align you desires, attitudes, actions and beliefs to suit God’s will. It is in the place of prayer that you can establish a deep intimacy and faith in His ability to deliver. It is also in the place of prayer that you gain access to deeper revelations. The major cause of failure in many people’s life is the lack of prayer, it seems they intentionally sleep and allow the devil to deny them of God’s promises.
You should never joke with prayer life; especially since you know that the God you pray to is a prayer answering God. Prayer must not be seen as a religious exercise if you will experience the glory of God. Ceaseless prayer is also not about vain repetition and ambiguity; you must make yourself clear to God and not assume He knows your problems. Of course He does; but He expects you to open up and let Him know what exactly you want Him to do for you. Without prayer, you cannot receive the attention of heaven because prayer is a spiritual network that links you to heaven before help can be released to you. When you are given to prayer, no weapon of the enemy against your life will prosper because the Lion of the tribe of Judah is at work in you, to defend you and disgrace all your enemies. Daniel was a man of prayers and his prayer life was the source of his strength in God. Through this, he was able to do great exploits in a strange land.
Those who do not pray are always helpless. They go from place to place looking for prayer agent. No wonder they are always falling victims in the hands of fake prophets. Come boldly to the throne of mercy and seek divine intervention over any given situation in your life and you will experience the awesome power of God in your life.
Key Point: Certain things will never be received until they are asked for.
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
N1.5bn fraud: EFCC files 17-count charge against Fani-Kayode
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has filed a 17-count charge against a former Aviation Minister and Spokesman for the Goodluck Jonathan Campaign Organisation, Mr Femi Fani-Kayode over an alleged 1.5 billion Naira fraud. A former Minister of Finance, Senator Nenadi Usman, a firm – Joint Trust Dimensions Limited – one Danjuman Yusuf and another Olubode Oke, (said to be at large) were also charged alongside Mr Fani-Kayode. The defendants are expected to be arraigned at the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos as soon as the case is assigned to a judge. A copy of the charge showed that while Mr Fani-Kayode was named in all 17 counts, the former Finance Minister was only named in the first four counts of the charge. In the first count, Usman, Fani-Kayode, Yusuf And Jointrust Dimensions Nigeria Limited on or about January 8, 2015, within the jurisdiction of the Court conspired to indirectly retain the sum of 1.5 billion Naira, a sum the EFCC said they reasonably ought to have known formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful act of stealing. “They, therefore, committed an offence contrary to Section 18 (a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act, 2012. The Offence is punishable under Section 15(3) & 4 of the same Act,” the charge read. The EFCC had listed 17 witnesses to testify against the defendants including representatives of some banks.
Source Vanguard
Source Vanguard
CBN Releases Full Guidelines for New FX Policy
The central bank of Nigeria, CBN, has released rules guiding its new foreign exchange system. The rules are to guide the operations of Nigeria's Inter-bank Foreign Exchange market, where people will be going to in the near future to buy dollar.
The CBN said it would participate in the Market through periodic interventions to either buy or sell FX as the need arises.
Here are some of the rules and guidelines:
•Companies, individuals and authorized dealers (banks and financial institutions mostly) and buyers will participate (buy and sell dollar) in the inter-bank FX market
•Authorised Dealers shall buy and sell FX among themselves on a two-way quote basis via the FMDQ Thomson Reuters FX Trading Systems or any other system approved by the CBN. They can also offer one-way quotes to other participants of the market.
•The offer rates in the inter-bank market shall be determined the Financial Market Dealers Association (FMDA). FMDA will also determine the maximum spread between bids.
•Proceeds from CBN's Foreign Investment Inflows and International Money Transfers shall be purchased by Authorised Dealers at the inter-bank rate.
•Returns on the purchases and sales of FX shall be rendered daily to the CBN by Authorised Dealers.
•Inter-bank funds shall NOT be sold to Bureaux-deChange operators.
•all Authorised Dealers and end-users are required to trade only on FMDQ-advised FX Trading System(s). These trades shall be reported to the CBN as well.
•The 41 items classified as “Not Valid for Foreign Exchange” remain inadmissible in the Nigerian FX market
•The applicable exchange rate for the purpose of import duty payments shall be the daily inter-bank FX closing rate as published on the CBN website.
Click the link below to read more
https://t.co/hj40qdiVaC
The CBN said it would participate in the Market through periodic interventions to either buy or sell FX as the need arises.
Here are some of the rules and guidelines:
•Companies, individuals and authorized dealers (banks and financial institutions mostly) and buyers will participate (buy and sell dollar) in the inter-bank FX market
•Authorised Dealers shall buy and sell FX among themselves on a two-way quote basis via the FMDQ Thomson Reuters FX Trading Systems or any other system approved by the CBN. They can also offer one-way quotes to other participants of the market.
•The offer rates in the inter-bank market shall be determined the Financial Market Dealers Association (FMDA). FMDA will also determine the maximum spread between bids.
•Proceeds from CBN's Foreign Investment Inflows and International Money Transfers shall be purchased by Authorised Dealers at the inter-bank rate.
•Returns on the purchases and sales of FX shall be rendered daily to the CBN by Authorised Dealers.
•Inter-bank funds shall NOT be sold to Bureaux-deChange operators.
•all Authorised Dealers and end-users are required to trade only on FMDQ-advised FX Trading System(s). These trades shall be reported to the CBN as well.
•The 41 items classified as “Not Valid for Foreign Exchange” remain inadmissible in the Nigerian FX market
•The applicable exchange rate for the purpose of import duty payments shall be the daily inter-bank FX closing rate as published on the CBN website.
Click the link below to read more
https://t.co/hj40qdiVaC
Security Alert!!!
SECURITY ALERT!!!
This is to inform the general public that they should read this important information:
If you are driving at night and eggs are thrown at your windscreen, do not stop to check the car, do not operate the wiper and do not spray any water, because eggs mixed with water become milky and block your vision up to 92.5%, and you are then forced to stop beside the road and become a victim of these criminals. This is a new technique used by gangs, so please inform your friends and relatives. And most importantly do not be wicked and selfish by refusing to share this message on your Timeline, God bless you.
This is to inform the general public that they should read this important information:
If you are driving at night and eggs are thrown at your windscreen, do not stop to check the car, do not operate the wiper and do not spray any water, because eggs mixed with water become milky and block your vision up to 92.5%, and you are then forced to stop beside the road and become a victim of these criminals. This is a new technique used by gangs, so please inform your friends and relatives. And most importantly do not be wicked and selfish by refusing to share this message on your Timeline, God bless you.
Kenneth Copeland’s daily devotional June 16, 2016 - Hang On
Topic: Hang On [June 16, 2016]
So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. - Isaiah 55:11
Did you know that the battleground for the problem you’re facing right now is in your mind and on your lips? If you’ll hit the devil with the Word and cast the care of the situation over on God, you’ll win.
Let me warn you though, hanging on to the Word isn’t always easy. The devil knows that if he doesn’t steal it from you, you’ll use it to enforce his defeat.
So don’t be surprised when he sends an evil spirit to exalt itself against the Word of God. If you’re sick, he may begin to tell you, “You’re not healed. You know that healing’s not for today. Even if it were, it wouldn’t work for you. It might work for someone else but not you.”
If he starts to tell you that kind of thing, don’t buy it! Don’t start worrying around about it and thinking, Oh my, I’m afraid I’m not going to get healed. I sure don’t feel healed. Why, I’m probably going to just get worse and worse....
Remember this: It’s the Word that does the work, not the one holding on to it. It’ll work for anyone who’ll put it to work. It’ll work for you just like it worked for Jesus when He walked the earth.
He told Satan, “It is written!” No matter what the devil tries to tell you, refuse to let go of the Word. Tell him what is written concerning your situation. Let the Word fight its own fight. It’ll whip the devil every time.
Scripture Reading: Psalm 19:7-14
This message was written by Kenneth and Gloria Copeland, the leader of the Kenneth Copeland Ministries (www.KCM.org) that specializes in teaching principles of bible faith - prayer, healing, salvation and other biblical topics.
So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. - Isaiah 55:11
Did you know that the battleground for the problem you’re facing right now is in your mind and on your lips? If you’ll hit the devil with the Word and cast the care of the situation over on God, you’ll win.
Let me warn you though, hanging on to the Word isn’t always easy. The devil knows that if he doesn’t steal it from you, you’ll use it to enforce his defeat.
So don’t be surprised when he sends an evil spirit to exalt itself against the Word of God. If you’re sick, he may begin to tell you, “You’re not healed. You know that healing’s not for today. Even if it were, it wouldn’t work for you. It might work for someone else but not you.”
If he starts to tell you that kind of thing, don’t buy it! Don’t start worrying around about it and thinking, Oh my, I’m afraid I’m not going to get healed. I sure don’t feel healed. Why, I’m probably going to just get worse and worse....
Remember this: It’s the Word that does the work, not the one holding on to it. It’ll work for anyone who’ll put it to work. It’ll work for you just like it worked for Jesus when He walked the earth.
He told Satan, “It is written!” No matter what the devil tries to tell you, refuse to let go of the Word. Tell him what is written concerning your situation. Let the Word fight its own fight. It’ll whip the devil every time.
Scripture Reading: Psalm 19:7-14
This message was written by Kenneth and Gloria Copeland, the leader of the Kenneth Copeland Ministries (www.KCM.org) that specializes in teaching principles of bible faith - prayer, healing, salvation and other biblical topics.
Wednesday 15 June 2016
Open Heavens 15 June 2016: Wednesday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Godliness with Contentment
Topic: Godliness with Contentment [Wednesday 15, June 2016]
Memorise: But godliness with contentment is great gain. – 1 Timothy 6:6
Read: 1 Timothy 6:6-11 (KJV)
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.
7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
Bible in One Year: Nehemiah 1-3, Ecclesiastes 7:19-29
MESSAGE:
The moment a person makes up his mind to focus his passion and life on seeking after the things of God, he becomes very content with life. There are lots of people who are not enjoying their lives because they are being consumed with the mundane things of this world. As a child of God, your focus and attention should centre on the Word of God which will help you live life with a sense of fulfillment. It is not the abundance of what you have that determines the joy that you get in life. I have been privileged to get close to many wealthy and influential people, and I have concluded that the best kind of life is a life of simplicity. There are people, who focus on gaining worldly possessions, but those who know the essence of life will focus on things of the spirit and they will not allow the lust of this world to consume their hearts.
“I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.” - Philippians 4:12
Paul had learnt how to content in poverty and in wealth. This should also be the life of every child of God, because it is only in Christ that one understands the purpose of all things. Paul learnt how to be poor without complaining about his circumstances. He knew how to go about his life in situations of want knowing that God was in charge of his life. It is no news that the greatest problem of man is greed; it is also the major cause of underdevelopment in many nations, as those that have been entrusted with the resources are continually greedily trying to acquire more money. As believers, we must know how to possess money without money possessing us. We should not follow the examples of those who have allowed money to become an idol in their lives. Any time we are in need, we should call on God; it is only Jesus Christ who gives strength to overcome the despair and discouragement of such moments, and any time we are in wealth, we need Christ to help us exercise full control over the wealth. There is nothing we go through that we don’t have the power to endure because our strength is of the Lord. We must not become obsessed with the gains of this world at the expense of our souls, especially since it not possession that brings happiness. Christ is the source of happiness; therefore, it is the foundation we have in Him that determines the extent of our contentment in life. We must not allow the process of getting rich deny us the ultimate satisfaction and joy in Christ Jesus. We should not become spiritually bankrupt because we are on a quest to get rich. We should not stray away from the faith because we want money. God is more than able to supply all our needs as we put our trust in Him and follow His instructions for our lives.
Prayer Point: Father, please help me to find rest in You.
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.
Memorise: But godliness with contentment is great gain. – 1 Timothy 6:6
Read: 1 Timothy 6:6-11 (KJV)
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.
7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
Bible in One Year: Nehemiah 1-3, Ecclesiastes 7:19-29
MESSAGE:
The moment a person makes up his mind to focus his passion and life on seeking after the things of God, he becomes very content with life. There are lots of people who are not enjoying their lives because they are being consumed with the mundane things of this world. As a child of God, your focus and attention should centre on the Word of God which will help you live life with a sense of fulfillment. It is not the abundance of what you have that determines the joy that you get in life. I have been privileged to get close to many wealthy and influential people, and I have concluded that the best kind of life is a life of simplicity. There are people, who focus on gaining worldly possessions, but those who know the essence of life will focus on things of the spirit and they will not allow the lust of this world to consume their hearts.
“I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.” - Philippians 4:12
Paul had learnt how to content in poverty and in wealth. This should also be the life of every child of God, because it is only in Christ that one understands the purpose of all things. Paul learnt how to be poor without complaining about his circumstances. He knew how to go about his life in situations of want knowing that God was in charge of his life. It is no news that the greatest problem of man is greed; it is also the major cause of underdevelopment in many nations, as those that have been entrusted with the resources are continually greedily trying to acquire more money. As believers, we must know how to possess money without money possessing us. We should not follow the examples of those who have allowed money to become an idol in their lives. Any time we are in need, we should call on God; it is only Jesus Christ who gives strength to overcome the despair and discouragement of such moments, and any time we are in wealth, we need Christ to help us exercise full control over the wealth. There is nothing we go through that we don’t have the power to endure because our strength is of the Lord. We must not become obsessed with the gains of this world at the expense of our souls, especially since it not possession that brings happiness. Christ is the source of happiness; therefore, it is the foundation we have in Him that determines the extent of our contentment in life. We must not allow the process of getting rich deny us the ultimate satisfaction and joy in Christ Jesus. We should not become spiritually bankrupt because we are on a quest to get rich. We should not stray away from the faith because we want money. God is more than able to supply all our needs as we put our trust in Him and follow His instructions for our lives.
Prayer Point: Father, please help me to find rest in You.
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.
APC Hired Sheriff To Destroy PDP – Committee
According to thenationonlineng, The caretaker committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) of hiring the ousted PDP chairman, Alhaji Ali Modu Sheriff, for the purpose of destroying the party.
Sheriff was removed as party chairman at the May 21 botched national convention of the party in Port Harcourt, where the caretaker committee was picked to take charge of the party’s affairs.
But Sheriff on Monday stormed the party headquarters and seized the secretariat from the caretaker committee. He has vowed to continue in office as chairman till December 2018.
At a media briefing held at a private residence on Tuesday, spokesman of the caretaker committee, Prince Dayo Adeyeye said the aim of the APC was to scuttle the chances of the PDP in the upcoming governorship election in Edo State.
He said, “The All progressive Congress (APC) has contracted Sheriff and his cohorts to scuttle the chances of the PDP in the Edo governorship elections.
“We have credible intelligence that Sheriff had a meeting on Sunday night with an APC governor from the Northwest where it was agreed that he would be given full security and financial support to exacerbate the crisis in the PDP with the objective of preventing the PDP from presenting a candidate for the Edo governorship elections, or in the very least, to prevent the PDP from offering a serious challenge to APC whose electoral fortunes have continued to nose-dive.
“What we are however very certain about is that Sheriff and his fellow renegades are being used by the enemies of the PDP to destroy our party and to prevent it from reorganizing itself so as to provide a credible opposition and alternative platform for the forthcoming Edo State gubernatorial election and the 2019 general elections.”
Sheriff was removed as party chairman at the May 21 botched national convention of the party in Port Harcourt, where the caretaker committee was picked to take charge of the party’s affairs.
But Sheriff on Monday stormed the party headquarters and seized the secretariat from the caretaker committee. He has vowed to continue in office as chairman till December 2018.
At a media briefing held at a private residence on Tuesday, spokesman of the caretaker committee, Prince Dayo Adeyeye said the aim of the APC was to scuttle the chances of the PDP in the upcoming governorship election in Edo State.
He said, “The All progressive Congress (APC) has contracted Sheriff and his cohorts to scuttle the chances of the PDP in the Edo governorship elections.
“We have credible intelligence that Sheriff had a meeting on Sunday night with an APC governor from the Northwest where it was agreed that he would be given full security and financial support to exacerbate the crisis in the PDP with the objective of preventing the PDP from presenting a candidate for the Edo governorship elections, or in the very least, to prevent the PDP from offering a serious challenge to APC whose electoral fortunes have continued to nose-dive.
“What we are however very certain about is that Sheriff and his fellow renegades are being used by the enemies of the PDP to destroy our party and to prevent it from reorganizing itself so as to provide a credible opposition and alternative platform for the forthcoming Edo State gubernatorial election and the 2019 general elections.”
Our retirements is driving by vendatta says Retired Army officers
The Army high command and 38 senior officers retired last week were, yesterday, locked in a war of words over the latter’s mode of disengagement. While the Army and Defence Minister, Mansur Mohammed Dan Ali, said the officers were indicted for what they described as political and monetary corruption, some of the officers said they were not given fair hearing, arguing that they were neither involved in the 2015 elections nor in procurement of arms and ammunition used in the war against Boko Haram. Those retired included nine Major Generals, 10 Brigadier-Generals, seven Colonels, 11 Lieutenant Colonels and a Major. Retired officers have no case The Defence Minister, who spoke at the Peace Support seminar organized at the National Defence College, Abuja, said those protesting the retirement had no case, especially since due process was followed before the retirements were announced.
Read more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/06/retirements-army-38-officers-war-words/
Read more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/06/retirements-army-38-officers-war-words/
Technology! Is tech addiction making us far more stressed at work?
We are the distracted generations, wasting hours a day checking irrelevant emails and intrusive social media accounts.
And this "always on" culture - exacerbated by the smartphone - is actually making us more stressed and less productive, according to some reports.
"Something like 40% of people wake up, and the first thing they do is check their email," says Professor Sir Cary Cooper of Manchester Business School, who has studied e-mail and workplace stress.
"For another 40%, it's the last thing they do at night."
The Quality of Working Life 2016 report from the Chartered Management Institute earlier this year found that this obsession with checking emails outside of work hours is making it difficult for many of us to switch off.
http://www.bbc.com/news/business-36517644
And this "always on" culture - exacerbated by the smartphone - is actually making us more stressed and less productive, according to some reports.
"Something like 40% of people wake up, and the first thing they do is check their email," says Professor Sir Cary Cooper of Manchester Business School, who has studied e-mail and workplace stress.
"For another 40%, it's the last thing they do at night."
The Quality of Working Life 2016 report from the Chartered Management Institute earlier this year found that this obsession with checking emails outside of work hours is making it difficult for many of us to switch off.
http://www.bbc.com/news/business-36517644
Russia has been given a supended ban from EURO 2016
Russia have been handed a suspended disqualification from Euro 2016 over the crowd trouble at Saturday's game against England in Marseille.
Uefa, European football's governing body, has also issued Russia a 150,000 euro (£119,000) fine.
Uefa said the punishment will be imposed if similar incidents happen at any of Russia's remaining matches.
Groups of Russia fans are being deported from France after repeated scenes of violence at Euro 2016.
The suspended disqualification and fine only relates to incidents that occurred inside the stadium and are therefore under the jurisdiction of Uefa disciplinary bodies. The decision is open to appeal.
Russia were also charged over fan racism and fireworks being set off during the game.
flatimes
Uefa, European football's governing body, has also issued Russia a 150,000 euro (£119,000) fine.
Uefa said the punishment will be imposed if similar incidents happen at any of Russia's remaining matches.
Groups of Russia fans are being deported from France after repeated scenes of violence at Euro 2016.
The suspended disqualification and fine only relates to incidents that occurred inside the stadium and are therefore under the jurisdiction of Uefa disciplinary bodies. The decision is open to appeal.
Russia were also charged over fan racism and fireworks being set off during the game.
flatimes
Tuesday 14 June 2016
OJB Jezreel is dead
The truth is that death is inevitable in the life of human beings. Very sad news this morning! Talented singer, songwriter and producer Babatunde Okungbowa popularly known as OJB Jezreel has died. The music maestro, who was flown for a Kidney transplant in India in 2013 and was said to be doing well, had a relapse about two weeks ago and was kept on daily dialysis before his urgent need for oxygen yesterday. Unfortunately, he didn't make it. He died early this morning June 14th at Isolo General Hospital in Lagos.
He is survived by 3 wives, Mabel, June, Korede and many children. May his soul rest in Peace. Amen
LIB
He is survived by 3 wives, Mabel, June, Korede and many children. May his soul rest in Peace. Amen
LIB
Do You Know? True Federalism, Its Advantages And Implications.
Greatings my noble compatriots, I've taken time to study and observe to polity which is already hitted up along political/ethnic lines. I realised that both party A and party B all clamour and yawn for a better Nigeria irrespective of their party idealogy but the route or method of approach in remoulding this great Nation back to what it use to be seems not to be working..
Having said that, I would want the great minds in these forum to come together as one and engage eachother in a great constructive discourse on the aforementioned topic above and see if we can at least set sail from
there..
What do you understand about True Federalism?
Do you think what Nigeria needs now at this critical moment of unrest both at the northern and southern axis is True fiscal federational government?
If you are against true federalism and total restructuring of the system, please can we have your reason and what are the other possible ways of cultivating an evalasting peace and oneness in this country...
Thanks as we await your intelligent inputs...
#DeafandDumb
Having said that, I would want the great minds in these forum to come together as one and engage eachother in a great constructive discourse on the aforementioned topic above and see if we can at least set sail from
there..
What do you understand about True Federalism?
Do you think what Nigeria needs now at this critical moment of unrest both at the northern and southern axis is True fiscal federational government?
If you are against true federalism and total restructuring of the system, please can we have your reason and what are the other possible ways of cultivating an evalasting peace and oneness in this country...
Thanks as we await your intelligent inputs...
#DeafandDumb
Talented Rapper Lil Wayne suffers seizure inside his private Jet
According to TMZ, Lil Wayne suffered a seizure during a cross-country flight, forcing his private jet to make an emergency landing in Nebraska ... TMZ has learned. Wayne was flying from Milwaukee to California when the seizure struck -- and we're told he'd blacked out when the pilot put the jet down Monday afternoon in Omaha. Paramedics are at the airstrip right now, and Wayne is alert again. As of 1:30 PM PT ... we're told he's refusing medical treatment.
The same thing happened to Weezy in 2012 ... when his private jet made emergency landings two days in a row. He also suffered seizures in 2013 -- one of which was nearly fatal.
Wayne has said he's epileptic and has suffered seizures since childhood.
Story developing ...
LIB
The same thing happened to Weezy in 2012 ... when his private jet made emergency landings two days in a row. He also suffered seizures in 2013 -- one of which was nearly fatal.
Wayne has said he's epileptic and has suffered seizures since childhood.
Story developing ...
LIB
Nigeria Army releases statement over compulsory retirement of some senior officers
After series of backlashes coming from the citizens, The Nigerian Army has dismissed speculations about the names and numbers of senior officers that were recently compulsorily retired, saying only 38 officers were affected.
This is coming after criticism that the officers affected were those loyal to former president Jonathan and came from a section of the country.
However, in a new statement issued by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman, the army shed more light on the retirement of senior military officers on Friday.
Below is the full statement:
The attention of the Nigerian Army has been drawn to speculations and rumours regarding the number and names of the senior Army officers affected in the recent retirement exercise. This is worrisome as some individuals and media houses went to the ridiculous extent of publishing outrageous figures and names of serving officers as being retired. This is unethical and unfair.
It is therefore necessary to inform the public to please disregard such inaccurate lists.
We wish to state that only 38 senior officers were affected by the retirement exercise. For the avoidance of doubt the following is the statistics of the officers retired compulsorily; 9 Major Generals, 10 Brigadier Generals, 7 Colonels, 11 Lieutenant Colonels and a Major.
We are quite aware that some mischievous elements are trying to whip up sentiments. This is quite unfortunate because all the affected officers were retired based on Service exigencies and in line with the Armed Forces Act, CAP A20 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.
It is pertinent to remind all that the Nigerian Army is a professional institution that is based on highest standards of discipline and conduct. Consequently it’s personnel must remain professional, neutral and apolitical at all times.
This is coming after criticism that the officers affected were those loyal to former president Jonathan and came from a section of the country.
However, in a new statement issued by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman, the army shed more light on the retirement of senior military officers on Friday.
Below is the full statement:
The attention of the Nigerian Army has been drawn to speculations and rumours regarding the number and names of the senior Army officers affected in the recent retirement exercise. This is worrisome as some individuals and media houses went to the ridiculous extent of publishing outrageous figures and names of serving officers as being retired. This is unethical and unfair.
It is therefore necessary to inform the public to please disregard such inaccurate lists.
We wish to state that only 38 senior officers were affected by the retirement exercise. For the avoidance of doubt the following is the statistics of the officers retired compulsorily; 9 Major Generals, 10 Brigadier Generals, 7 Colonels, 11 Lieutenant Colonels and a Major.
We are quite aware that some mischievous elements are trying to whip up sentiments. This is quite unfortunate because all the affected officers were retired based on Service exigencies and in line with the Armed Forces Act, CAP A20 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.
It is pertinent to remind all that the Nigerian Army is a professional institution that is based on highest standards of discipline and conduct. Consequently it’s personnel must remain professional, neutral and apolitical at all times.
Technology Giant! Microsoft unveils plan to buy LinkedIn for $26.2 billion
Information reaching is that, Microsoft said Monday it signed a deal to acquire the professional social network LinkedIn for $26.2 billion in cash. “This deal brings together the world’s leading professional cloud with the world’s leading professional network,”
Microsoft chief executive Satya Nadella said in a statement. According to a statement from the two firms, LinkedIn “will retain its distinct brand, culture and independence,” with Jeff Weiner remained at CEO of LinkedIn.
“Just as we have changed the way the world connects to opportunity, this relationship with Microsoft, and the combination of their cloud and LinkedIn’s network, now gives us a chance to also change the way the world works,”
Weiner said. The two firms said they had reached a “definitive” agreement that would close later this year, with the support of LinkedIn chairman and controlling shareholder Reid Hoffman.
The move comes with Microsoft refocusing its efforts away from being a pure software firm, and LinkedIn seeking ways to boost growth. LinkedIn, which enables members to connect with similar-minded professionals and facilitates job hunting, has some 433 million members worldwide.
flatimes
Microsoft chief executive Satya Nadella said in a statement. According to a statement from the two firms, LinkedIn “will retain its distinct brand, culture and independence,” with Jeff Weiner remained at CEO of LinkedIn.
“Just as we have changed the way the world connects to opportunity, this relationship with Microsoft, and the combination of their cloud and LinkedIn’s network, now gives us a chance to also change the way the world works,”
Weiner said. The two firms said they had reached a “definitive” agreement that would close later this year, with the support of LinkedIn chairman and controlling shareholder Reid Hoffman.
The move comes with Microsoft refocusing its efforts away from being a pure software firm, and LinkedIn seeking ways to boost growth. LinkedIn, which enables members to connect with similar-minded professionals and facilitates job hunting, has some 433 million members worldwide.
flatimes
Open heaven MIGHTY TO SAVE – Tuesday June 14th 2016
Memorise: If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. Daniel 3:17
Read: Daniel 3:20-25, (KJV) 20 And he commanded the most mighty men that were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace.
21 Then these men were bound in their coats, their hosen, and their hats, and their other garments, and were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.
22 Therefore because the king's commandment was urgent and the furnace exceeding hot, the flames of the fire slew those men that took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.
23 And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.
24 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonished, and rose up in haste, and spake, and said unto his counsellors, Did not we cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? They answered and said unto the king, True, O king.
25 He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.
Bible in one year: Ezra 8:24-10:44, Ecclesiastes 7:9-18
MESSAGE
It is a precious thing to know the God you serve. The Almighty God is mighty to save. They that know their God shall be strong and do exploits. The three Hebrew boys were able to stand before the King and the religious leaders of their time to declare the sovereignty of the Almighty God because they knew Him well. From the story in today’s Bible reading, it is evident that there are tremendous benefits in knowing the God you serve. The knowledge of the boys delivered them from the destruction of the King. The presence of God provided a divine seal of approval that these were not jokers, but genuine children of God. The knowledge of God produces strength and courage, knowing well that there is nothing that confronts you in life that is beyond God. These boys did not serve God only because He could save them; they served Him majorly because of who they knew Him to be. There are many people who are only serving God as long as things are happening in their best interests.
God does not like enemies rejoicing over His children. Every time there is a situation that might result in the enemy rejoicing over the children of God, He will step in to show to the world that He is mighty to save. This is why I pity those who mess with the anointed of the Lord. There are two people to fear in this world: God, and the man that fears God. The moment you are a genuine child of God, all your enemies automatically become God’s enemies. Nobody can fight God and win, the moment God takes over the battles of your life, you can confidently go to sleep with your two eyes closed.
Are you like Shedrach, Meshach and Abednego? Have you made up your mind that no amount of threat made towards you in your place of work will make you compromise your faith? I want to congratulate you, because if you don’t bow, you are not going to burn. Don’t ever risk your glorious destiny in God by worshipping anything that represents Nebuchadnezzar. Your God is greater and has full control over all kings and powers. He has the power to unseat anyone making life difficult for you. I decree that everyone who wants you to bow to them at the detriment of your faith in God will be removed from their positions without prior notice in Jesus’ name.
Prayer Point
Father, from today, deliver me from those that are stronger than me in Jesus name.
Open Heavens Daily, written by Pastor E.A Adeboye
Read: Daniel 3:20-25, (KJV) 20 And he commanded the most mighty men that were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace.
21 Then these men were bound in their coats, their hosen, and their hats, and their other garments, and were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.
22 Therefore because the king's commandment was urgent and the furnace exceeding hot, the flames of the fire slew those men that took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.
23 And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.
24 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonished, and rose up in haste, and spake, and said unto his counsellors, Did not we cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? They answered and said unto the king, True, O king.
25 He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.
Bible in one year: Ezra 8:24-10:44, Ecclesiastes 7:9-18
MESSAGE
It is a precious thing to know the God you serve. The Almighty God is mighty to save. They that know their God shall be strong and do exploits. The three Hebrew boys were able to stand before the King and the religious leaders of their time to declare the sovereignty of the Almighty God because they knew Him well. From the story in today’s Bible reading, it is evident that there are tremendous benefits in knowing the God you serve. The knowledge of the boys delivered them from the destruction of the King. The presence of God provided a divine seal of approval that these were not jokers, but genuine children of God. The knowledge of God produces strength and courage, knowing well that there is nothing that confronts you in life that is beyond God. These boys did not serve God only because He could save them; they served Him majorly because of who they knew Him to be. There are many people who are only serving God as long as things are happening in their best interests.
God does not like enemies rejoicing over His children. Every time there is a situation that might result in the enemy rejoicing over the children of God, He will step in to show to the world that He is mighty to save. This is why I pity those who mess with the anointed of the Lord. There are two people to fear in this world: God, and the man that fears God. The moment you are a genuine child of God, all your enemies automatically become God’s enemies. Nobody can fight God and win, the moment God takes over the battles of your life, you can confidently go to sleep with your two eyes closed.
Are you like Shedrach, Meshach and Abednego? Have you made up your mind that no amount of threat made towards you in your place of work will make you compromise your faith? I want to congratulate you, because if you don’t bow, you are not going to burn. Don’t ever risk your glorious destiny in God by worshipping anything that represents Nebuchadnezzar. Your God is greater and has full control over all kings and powers. He has the power to unseat anyone making life difficult for you. I decree that everyone who wants you to bow to them at the detriment of your faith in God will be removed from their positions without prior notice in Jesus’ name.
Prayer Point
Father, from today, deliver me from those that are stronger than me in Jesus name.
Open Heavens Daily, written by Pastor E.A Adeboye
Monday 13 June 2016
Open Heavens 13 June 2016: Monday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Soldiers of the Cross III
Topic: Soldiers of the Cross III [Monday 13, June 2016]
Memorise: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. – 1 Corinthians 9:27
Read: Ephesians 6:10-18 (KJV)
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
Bible in One Year: Ezra 6:13-8:23, Ecclesiastes 6:10-7:8
MESSAGE:
One of the girdles to use as a Christian soldier is truth, and Jesus is the Truth. Every Christian soldier must live by the truth of the Word of God. When Jesus came face to face with the devil in the wilderness, the devil was unable to bring anything against Him. In boxing there are three major blows: the jab, the hook and the uppercut. The ultimate goal of any boxer who is in the ring is to hit the head of the opponent. While the opponent is making efforts to see that his head is properly covered against the punches of the opponent, his stomach is exposed and the boxer throws the hook on the stomach. Once the stomach is affected, the opponent tilts forward and the boxer gives the uppercut because he now has access to the head. The spiritual implication of this is that the enemy concentrates on the weak points of a Christian soldier. This is the strategy he applies in dealing with many Christians. The devil has got you the moment he discovers your weak point. Therefore, the easiest way to win the battle against the enemy is to win the battle against yourself.
Let there be a separation between you and those things the enemy can use to condemn you. Don’t ever allow the devil to bring you into captivity. You have to keep your body and bring it into subjection. This you can do by crying to the One who has recruited you as a soldier, to help you win the battle over yourself. This battle is not the type you win at once. The flesh will always try to rise again, but you have to continue to fight so that you can maintain your victory. The person, who will win a race, will only be crowned if he runs according to the rules. Therefore, you need to live holy. External forces intend to slow you down so that you don’t get to the finish line, some may try to stop or pull you back, but what is inside of you should be strong enough to overcome every resistance. You cannot afford to stop running until you are called up into glory because the devil will never take a break. Endure unto the end.
“But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” - Matthew 24:13
It is not the one who was leading at the beginning that gets the crown but the one that leads to the end. You need to be disciplined as a Christian soldier. Without discipline, one will soon become an ex-champion. The Christian soldier must not allow the lusts of the flesh to distract him from the race to heaven.
“7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.” - Galatians 6:7-8
Prayer Point: Father, help me not to miss my reward as a faithful Christian soldier.
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.
Memorise: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. – 1 Corinthians 9:27
Read: Ephesians 6:10-18 (KJV)
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
Bible in One Year: Ezra 6:13-8:23, Ecclesiastes 6:10-7:8
MESSAGE:
One of the girdles to use as a Christian soldier is truth, and Jesus is the Truth. Every Christian soldier must live by the truth of the Word of God. When Jesus came face to face with the devil in the wilderness, the devil was unable to bring anything against Him. In boxing there are three major blows: the jab, the hook and the uppercut. The ultimate goal of any boxer who is in the ring is to hit the head of the opponent. While the opponent is making efforts to see that his head is properly covered against the punches of the opponent, his stomach is exposed and the boxer throws the hook on the stomach. Once the stomach is affected, the opponent tilts forward and the boxer gives the uppercut because he now has access to the head. The spiritual implication of this is that the enemy concentrates on the weak points of a Christian soldier. This is the strategy he applies in dealing with many Christians. The devil has got you the moment he discovers your weak point. Therefore, the easiest way to win the battle against the enemy is to win the battle against yourself.
Let there be a separation between you and those things the enemy can use to condemn you. Don’t ever allow the devil to bring you into captivity. You have to keep your body and bring it into subjection. This you can do by crying to the One who has recruited you as a soldier, to help you win the battle over yourself. This battle is not the type you win at once. The flesh will always try to rise again, but you have to continue to fight so that you can maintain your victory. The person, who will win a race, will only be crowned if he runs according to the rules. Therefore, you need to live holy. External forces intend to slow you down so that you don’t get to the finish line, some may try to stop or pull you back, but what is inside of you should be strong enough to overcome every resistance. You cannot afford to stop running until you are called up into glory because the devil will never take a break. Endure unto the end.
“But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” - Matthew 24:13
It is not the one who was leading at the beginning that gets the crown but the one that leads to the end. You need to be disciplined as a Christian soldier. Without discipline, one will soon become an ex-champion. The Christian soldier must not allow the lusts of the flesh to distract him from the race to heaven.
“7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.” - Galatians 6:7-8
Prayer Point: Father, help me not to miss my reward as a faithful Christian soldier.
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.
Here are the Faces of some of the 50 people killed at a gay bar in Orlando Florida
These are the faces of the victims of the mass shooting at a crowded gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida on early Sunday morning by an alleged Islamic terrorist Omar Saddiqui Mateen. Omar opened fire at the crowd of over 320 club goers killing 50 people and injuring 53 others after he called 911 and pledged allegiance to ISIS. So far, only seven of the fifty victims have been officially identified by the city of Orlando on its website. Their names are: Edward Sotomayor Jr., 34; Stanley Almodovar III, 23; Luis Omar Ocasio-Capo, 20; Juan Ramon Guerrero, 22; Eric Ivan Ortiz-Rivera, 36; Peter O. Gonzalez-Cruz, 22; and Luis S. Vielma, 22.
Click the link below to see pictures
http://www.lindaikejisblog.com/2016/06/faces-of-some-of-50-people-killed-at.html?m=1
Click the link below to see pictures
http://www.lindaikejisblog.com/2016/06/faces-of-some-of-50-people-killed-at.html?m=1
In a biggest business cycle, China's HNA Hospitality denies talks with AccorHotels
Chinese conglomerate HNA Hospitality group said on Sunday it had not discussed buying shares in French hotel group AccorHotels (ACCP.PA) and had no plans to hold such talks.
HNA said it was issuing the statement in reaction to recent reports that AccorHotels was trying to combine its forces with those of HNA to thwart an attempt by another Chinese group Jin Jiang (600754.SS) to increase its stake in AccorHotels.
"At this stage HNA Hospitality Group did not discuss buying capital with the French group AccorHotels, nor expects to hold such discussions. Reports about it are false," the statement said.
(Reporting by Dominique Vidalon; Editing by Elaine Hardcastle)
Reuters
HNA said it was issuing the statement in reaction to recent reports that AccorHotels was trying to combine its forces with those of HNA to thwart an attempt by another Chinese group Jin Jiang (600754.SS) to increase its stake in AccorHotels.
"At this stage HNA Hospitality Group did not discuss buying capital with the French group AccorHotels, nor expects to hold such discussions. Reports about it are false," the statement said.
(Reporting by Dominique Vidalon; Editing by Elaine Hardcastle)
Reuters
Orlando gay nightclub shooting 'an act of terror and hate'
US President Barack Obama has described Sunday morning's gun attack on a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, as "an act of terror and an act of hate".
Americans were united in "grief, outrage and resolve to defend our people", he said.
Omar Mateen, 29, killed 50 people and wounded 53 at the Pulse club before being shot dead by police.
The so-called Islamic State group has said it was behind the attack, but the extent of its involvement is not clear.
Who was Omar Mateen?
A statement on its affiliated Amaq news agency said that an IS "fighter" was responsible.
NBC News reported that Mateen had called the emergency services before the attack and swore allegiance to IS.
The gunman was killed in an exchange of fire with 11 police officers, after taking hostages at the club.
The attack is the worst mass shooting in recent US history.
Seven of the victims have so far been named - Edward Sotomayor Jr, Stanley Almodovar III, Luis Omar Ocasio-Capo, Juan Ramon Guerrero, Eric Ivan Ortiz-Rivera, Peter O Gonzalez-Cruz and Luis S Vielma.
A moment of silence was observed across the US at 18:00 local time (22:00 GMT).
In an apparently unrelated event, a heavily armed man was held on weapons and explosive materials charges in southern California after saying he wanted to go to a gay pride event in Los Angeles.
Gun control
Mr Obama said the "brutal murder of dozens of innocent people" was a further reminder of how easy it was to acquire a deadly weapon in the US and shoot people.
"We have to decide if that's the kind of country we want to be," said the president, who has campaigned for stricter gun laws. "To actively do nothing is a decision as well."
He added that it was a heartbreaking day for the LGBT community
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-36513658
Americans were united in "grief, outrage and resolve to defend our people", he said.
Omar Mateen, 29, killed 50 people and wounded 53 at the Pulse club before being shot dead by police.
The so-called Islamic State group has said it was behind the attack, but the extent of its involvement is not clear.
Who was Omar Mateen?
A statement on its affiliated Amaq news agency said that an IS "fighter" was responsible.
NBC News reported that Mateen had called the emergency services before the attack and swore allegiance to IS.
The gunman was killed in an exchange of fire with 11 police officers, after taking hostages at the club.
The attack is the worst mass shooting in recent US history.
Seven of the victims have so far been named - Edward Sotomayor Jr, Stanley Almodovar III, Luis Omar Ocasio-Capo, Juan Ramon Guerrero, Eric Ivan Ortiz-Rivera, Peter O Gonzalez-Cruz and Luis S Vielma.
A moment of silence was observed across the US at 18:00 local time (22:00 GMT).
In an apparently unrelated event, a heavily armed man was held on weapons and explosive materials charges in southern California after saying he wanted to go to a gay pride event in Los Angeles.
Gun control
Mr Obama said the "brutal murder of dozens of innocent people" was a further reminder of how easy it was to acquire a deadly weapon in the US and shoot people.
"We have to decide if that's the kind of country we want to be," said the president, who has campaigned for stricter gun laws. "To actively do nothing is a decision as well."
He added that it was a heartbreaking day for the LGBT community
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-36513658
Prophet Ayodele opens up: I warned Keshi!
As culled from flatimes, The popular Spiritual Head of INRI Church, Primate Elijah Babatunde Ayodele, who like other Nigerians, is still sad over the death of former Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi has disclosed that he actually warned the soccer legend to seek the face of God after the AFCON 2013 Nations Cup.
Ayodele, while speaking to Daily Sun, said he wrote Keshi a personal letter after the South Africa 2013 Nations Cup campaign to intimate him of the divine revelations he got.
“I have been in deep pains since I learnt of his death. Keshi was a soccer icon. He served Nigeria well both as a player and as a coach. I remember writing him a personal letter after the Nations Cup in South Africa and warned him to seek the face of God. He needed prayers and I told Nigerians then that Keshi has completed his assignment with the Eagles after the Nations Cup and that Eagles needed another coach to move forward.”
Ayodele urged Nigerian football buffs not to dismiss divine revelations, even as he insisted that the country does not need a foreign coach ahead of the Russia 2018 World Cup qualifiers.
“I have sent messages to the NFF and I hope they will listen. I have told them the Abuja Glass House needs some spiritual cleansing [jazz getting into football these days]. On the Eagles, I have made it clear that what the Eagles need now is not a foreign coach. This is what God revealed to me. I m not saying it to attract publicity or for any financial gain."
Ayodele, while speaking to Daily Sun, said he wrote Keshi a personal letter after the South Africa 2013 Nations Cup campaign to intimate him of the divine revelations he got.
“I have been in deep pains since I learnt of his death. Keshi was a soccer icon. He served Nigeria well both as a player and as a coach. I remember writing him a personal letter after the Nations Cup in South Africa and warned him to seek the face of God. He needed prayers and I told Nigerians then that Keshi has completed his assignment with the Eagles after the Nations Cup and that Eagles needed another coach to move forward.”
Ayodele urged Nigerian football buffs not to dismiss divine revelations, even as he insisted that the country does not need a foreign coach ahead of the Russia 2018 World Cup qualifiers.
“I have sent messages to the NFF and I hope they will listen. I have told them the Abuja Glass House needs some spiritual cleansing [jazz getting into football these days]. On the Eagles, I have made it clear that what the Eagles need now is not a foreign coach. This is what God revealed to me. I m not saying it to attract publicity or for any financial gain."
Kenneth Copeland’s daily devotional June 13, 2016 - Blessings by the Bushel
Topic: Blessings by the Bushel [June 13, 2016]
And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you. - Mark 4:24
How many blessings are you going to receive from the Word of God? It depends on how many you expect to receive. When God measures them out to you, He’ll be using your measuring stick, not His own. He always works that way.
Two people can hear God’s Word about healing, for example. One will measure it with faith. “Praise God, by His stripes I was healed!” he’ll say. “I believe that with all my heart, and I’m going to keep on believing it until I receive my healing.”
The other will measure it with skepticism. “I don’t care what Bible verses he comes up with,” he’ll say. “I just don’t trust that preacher. I’ll give this healing stuff a try, but I doubt very much if anything’s going to come of it.”
Both of those people will get exactly what they expect. God will measure to them just as they measured the Word. One will get healed...the other won’t.
I must warn you though, sometimes measuring the Word with faith is hard. Years ago, when Gloria first read the scripture, “Owe no man anything,” it was tempting for her to measure it as a curse, not a blessing. We were living in a terrible little house at the time, and she wanted a new one more than just about anything.
How were we ever going to buy a decent house without borrowing? It didn’t seem possible. So, to her, it was as if that scripture had said, “Gloria, you can’t have a new house.”
But she refused to measure it that way. She grabbed the devil by the throat and said, “Look here now, you’re not going to cheat me out of my house.” Then she started believing that somehow God could provide her with a house debt free. Sure enough, He did.
If you want to receive blessings by the bushel load, start going to the Word with a bushel basket. Put a big measure of faith in the hand of God. He’ll fill it to overflowing and give it right back to you!
Scripture Reading: Luke 8:1-18
This message was written by Kenneth and Gloria Copeland, the leader of the Kenneth Copeland Ministries (www.KCM.org) that specializes in teaching principles of bible faith - prayer, healing, salvation and other biblical topics.
And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you. - Mark 4:24
How many blessings are you going to receive from the Word of God? It depends on how many you expect to receive. When God measures them out to you, He’ll be using your measuring stick, not His own. He always works that way.
Two people can hear God’s Word about healing, for example. One will measure it with faith. “Praise God, by His stripes I was healed!” he’ll say. “I believe that with all my heart, and I’m going to keep on believing it until I receive my healing.”
The other will measure it with skepticism. “I don’t care what Bible verses he comes up with,” he’ll say. “I just don’t trust that preacher. I’ll give this healing stuff a try, but I doubt very much if anything’s going to come of it.”
Both of those people will get exactly what they expect. God will measure to them just as they measured the Word. One will get healed...the other won’t.
I must warn you though, sometimes measuring the Word with faith is hard. Years ago, when Gloria first read the scripture, “Owe no man anything,” it was tempting for her to measure it as a curse, not a blessing. We were living in a terrible little house at the time, and she wanted a new one more than just about anything.
How were we ever going to buy a decent house without borrowing? It didn’t seem possible. So, to her, it was as if that scripture had said, “Gloria, you can’t have a new house.”
But she refused to measure it that way. She grabbed the devil by the throat and said, “Look here now, you’re not going to cheat me out of my house.” Then she started believing that somehow God could provide her with a house debt free. Sure enough, He did.
If you want to receive blessings by the bushel load, start going to the Word with a bushel basket. Put a big measure of faith in the hand of God. He’ll fill it to overflowing and give it right back to you!
Scripture Reading: Luke 8:1-18
This message was written by Kenneth and Gloria Copeland, the leader of the Kenneth Copeland Ministries (www.KCM.org) that specializes in teaching principles of bible faith - prayer, healing, salvation and other biblical topics.
Sunday 12 June 2016
Remembering MKO And June 12 By Reuben Abati
This day, June 12 will always be remembered by those who have defied the culture of silence and conspiracy against a significant moment in Nigerian history, to remind us of how today, 23 years ago, the battle against the exit of the military from power was fought at the ballot by a determined Nigerian people. It is indeed sad that apart from the South West states of Oyo, Ogun, Lagos and Osun which have doggedly continued to celebrate the hero, and later martyr of that battle, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, there has been studied indifference to the June 12 phenomenon by the Federal Government and remarkably, the rest of Nigeria.
This is sadder still because MKO Abiola was not an ethnic champion: he was a man of pan-Nigerian vision and ambition, who went into politics to give the people hope, to unite them and lead them out of poverty. His campaign manifesto was instructively titled “Hope 93- Farewell to Poverty: How to make Nigeria a better place for all.
”When Nigerians voted in the presidential election of June 12, 1993, they chose the Muslim-Muslim ticket of MKO Abiola and Baba Gana Kingibe under the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP). MKO Abiola not only defeated the Presidential candidate of the National Republican Convention (NRC), Bashir Tofa in his home state of Kano, he also defeated him “fairly and squarely” with “58.4% of the popular vote and a majority in 20 out of 30 states and the FCT.”
That election was adjudged to be free and fair, and peaceful. But the Ibrahim Babangida-led military government had been playing games with the transition-to-civilian rule, and so it chose not to announce the final results of the election, and later on June 23, 1993, the Presidential election was annulled.
This was a coup against the Nigerian people, and an act of brazen injustice, but June 12 will go down in history as the birthday of the revolution that swept the Nigerian military back to the barracks. The media began to refer to MKO Abiola as “the man widely believed to have won the June 12, 1993 election”, or perhaps, “the undeclared winner” but those who played key roles at the time, including Humphrey Nwosu, the chief electoral umpire, have since confessed that “their hands were tied”, and that indeed MKO Abiola won the election. General Ibrahim Babangida, then Head of State, has not been able to live down that error of judgement. It was the final error that also consumed his government, forcing him to “step aside”, and as it turned out “step away”.
He left behind an Interim National Government (ING) led by Chief Ernest Shonekan who was handpicked for the assignment, but the ING contrivance only survived for 83 days; in November 1993, General Sani Abacha, who was in the ING as Minister of Defence, seized power. It was obvious that the military never wanted to relinquish power.
June 12 brought out the worst and the best in the people: the worst in the military and its hungry agents definitely, but the injustice of its annulment released the people’s energy and capacity for protest. Progressive Nigerians spoke in unison against military tyranny and the violation of their right to choose. The Abacha government, which had initially deceived the progressives about its intentions, unleashed a reign of terror on the country: media houses were attacked, journalists were jailed, bombed, beaten, civil society activists were hauled into detention. But the repression was met with stiff resistance.
The people insisted on the election of June 12, the military’s exit and Abiola’s declaration as winner of the election. On June 11, 1994, in what is now known as the Epetedo declaration, Chief MKO Abiola declared a Government of National Unity and asked for his mandate to be duly recognized. He was subsequently arrested for treasonable felony, but that only added fuel to the protests. Abiola later died in custody on July 7, 1998, a month to the day, after General Sani Abacha himself died.
But the real outcome was that the military had been branded evil, and the people would accept nothing but the end of military rule. This was the scenario that led to the return to democratic rule on May 29, 1999, and the specific choice of a political figure from the South West to assuage the expressed fears of the South West that the denial of MKO Abiola’s mandate was an assault on the right of the South West.
The ethnicization of the June 12 protest was unfortunate because indeed the struggle against tyranny recruited foot soldiers from virtually every part of the country, international support also gave the struggle higher relevance; those were the days when serving foreign diplomats joined pro-democracy protesters to wave placards on the streets. Many died, and they were all from across Nigeria, businesses were affected, but the people were determined to make the sacrifice. It was that revolution that made May 29, 1999 possible, and if any date is deserving of celebration, it is June 12.
The irony is that those who benefited most from MKO Abiola’s martyrdom do not want to be reminded of him. And those who used to talk about injustice have since, given the opportunity, inflicted their own injustice on the people. Those who used to swear by Abiola’s name have since found new political patrons. Those who proclaimed Abiola as the symbol of democracy and the rallying point for the people’s hopes have since been dancing on his grave. Successive federal administrations since 1999, have also failed to redress the injustice of 1993, by doing the minimum of declaring June 12 a national holiday.
There have been suggestions along this line, including the possibility of a post-humous national honour (the only constraint here is that the national honour is not awarded post-humously although there is nothing that expressly forbids this in the enabling Act), or the naming of a major national monument after MKO, or the official admission that the June 12, 1993 election was indeed won and lost and was not in any way inconclusive.
Truth: Nigeria forgets too soon, too easily. For, when indeed the Jonathan administration tried to address this injustice by naming a significant national institution after MKO Abiola, the attempt resulted in controversy and a storm. The last paragraph of then President Goodluck Jonathan’s 2012 Democracy Day speech had renamed the University of Lagos after MKO Abiola. Both the students and staff trooped to the streets in protest. They rejected the name-change and declared that their university’s name is a brand that nobody, not even the Federal Government of Nigeria could tamper with, in honour of anybody, living or dead.
They said they were not consulted and the University Act had not been amended. Politics and opportunism was read into the gesture, and the government had to eat the humble pie. Would the reaction be different if another government were to take the same step, the same way the reaction to the increase in the pump price of petroleum products has been different this year, under a different dispensation?
MKO Abiola was a victim of military politics and conspiracy, now his martyrdom and legacy seem lost in the intricate web of conditioned amnesia and the ego of those who continue to compete with his memory. In a country where history is no longer taught, and there are no well-managed museums and monuments to make history part of the public landscape, a generation is already emerging, like the generation of UNILAG students in 2012, who may someday ask: who is MKO Abiola? Those who refuse to teach history run the risk of producing children who may lack the capacity to remember and the wisdom to appreciate history’s many lessons.
Those who insist speculatively that MKO Abiola could not have been a good President also miss the point about his example and legacy: his martyrdom shaped the architecture of much that happened subsequently in Nigerian history, and it is not the military’s duty to veto the people of Nigeria. The military have been shipped out of power for good, they can only return as they have been doing as retired soldiers, and whatever happens with our democracy, the people are resolved that nobody can annul their right to choose, and it is part of their right to choose, to sometimes make mistakes and learn. The various state governments and civil groups that remember and celebrate MKO Abiola every year deserve a pat on the back for defying amnesia. June 12 is ultimately not just about one man who became a symbol; it is also about the collective struggle against military tyranny, a reminder of people power and the value of civil society; it is that historical moment when Nigerians voted for change and stood by it.
On this occasion of the 23rd anniversary, may the words of MKO Abiola at Epetedo on June 11, 1994 prick our conscience: “People of Nigeria, exactly one year ago, you turned out in your millions to vote for me, Chief MKO Abiola as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. But politicians in uniform, who call themselves soldiers but are more devious than any civilian would want to be, deprived you of your God-given right to be ruled by the President you had yourselves elected. These soldier-politicians introduced into our body politic, a concept hitherto unknown to our political lexicography, something strangely called the “annulment” of an election perceived by all to have been the fairest, cleanest and most peaceful ever held in our nation.
“…My hope has always been to arouse whatever remnants of patriotism are left in the hearts of these thieves of your mandate, and to persuade them that they should not allow their personal desire to rule to usher our beloved country into an ear of political instability and ruin…
“Instead they have resorted to the tactics of divide and rule, bribery, and political perfidy, misinformation and (vile) propaganda. How much longer can we tolerate all this? There is no humiliation I have not endured, no snare that has not been put in my path, no “setup” that has not been designed for me in my endeavor to use the path of peace to enforce the mandate that you bestowed on me one year ago. It has been a long night. But the dawn is here. Today people of Nigeria, I join you all in saying, “Enough is Enough!”…Enough of military rule...Enough of square pegs in round holes…”
I recommend a reading of the entire declaration by all patriots in remembrance of Chief MKO Abiola. Google it. Read it.
This is sadder still because MKO Abiola was not an ethnic champion: he was a man of pan-Nigerian vision and ambition, who went into politics to give the people hope, to unite them and lead them out of poverty. His campaign manifesto was instructively titled “Hope 93- Farewell to Poverty: How to make Nigeria a better place for all.
”When Nigerians voted in the presidential election of June 12, 1993, they chose the Muslim-Muslim ticket of MKO Abiola and Baba Gana Kingibe under the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP). MKO Abiola not only defeated the Presidential candidate of the National Republican Convention (NRC), Bashir Tofa in his home state of Kano, he also defeated him “fairly and squarely” with “58.4% of the popular vote and a majority in 20 out of 30 states and the FCT.”
That election was adjudged to be free and fair, and peaceful. But the Ibrahim Babangida-led military government had been playing games with the transition-to-civilian rule, and so it chose not to announce the final results of the election, and later on June 23, 1993, the Presidential election was annulled.
This was a coup against the Nigerian people, and an act of brazen injustice, but June 12 will go down in history as the birthday of the revolution that swept the Nigerian military back to the barracks. The media began to refer to MKO Abiola as “the man widely believed to have won the June 12, 1993 election”, or perhaps, “the undeclared winner” but those who played key roles at the time, including Humphrey Nwosu, the chief electoral umpire, have since confessed that “their hands were tied”, and that indeed MKO Abiola won the election. General Ibrahim Babangida, then Head of State, has not been able to live down that error of judgement. It was the final error that also consumed his government, forcing him to “step aside”, and as it turned out “step away”.
He left behind an Interim National Government (ING) led by Chief Ernest Shonekan who was handpicked for the assignment, but the ING contrivance only survived for 83 days; in November 1993, General Sani Abacha, who was in the ING as Minister of Defence, seized power. It was obvious that the military never wanted to relinquish power.
June 12 brought out the worst and the best in the people: the worst in the military and its hungry agents definitely, but the injustice of its annulment released the people’s energy and capacity for protest. Progressive Nigerians spoke in unison against military tyranny and the violation of their right to choose. The Abacha government, which had initially deceived the progressives about its intentions, unleashed a reign of terror on the country: media houses were attacked, journalists were jailed, bombed, beaten, civil society activists were hauled into detention. But the repression was met with stiff resistance.
The people insisted on the election of June 12, the military’s exit and Abiola’s declaration as winner of the election. On June 11, 1994, in what is now known as the Epetedo declaration, Chief MKO Abiola declared a Government of National Unity and asked for his mandate to be duly recognized. He was subsequently arrested for treasonable felony, but that only added fuel to the protests. Abiola later died in custody on July 7, 1998, a month to the day, after General Sani Abacha himself died.
But the real outcome was that the military had been branded evil, and the people would accept nothing but the end of military rule. This was the scenario that led to the return to democratic rule on May 29, 1999, and the specific choice of a political figure from the South West to assuage the expressed fears of the South West that the denial of MKO Abiola’s mandate was an assault on the right of the South West.
The ethnicization of the June 12 protest was unfortunate because indeed the struggle against tyranny recruited foot soldiers from virtually every part of the country, international support also gave the struggle higher relevance; those were the days when serving foreign diplomats joined pro-democracy protesters to wave placards on the streets. Many died, and they were all from across Nigeria, businesses were affected, but the people were determined to make the sacrifice. It was that revolution that made May 29, 1999 possible, and if any date is deserving of celebration, it is June 12.
The irony is that those who benefited most from MKO Abiola’s martyrdom do not want to be reminded of him. And those who used to talk about injustice have since, given the opportunity, inflicted their own injustice on the people. Those who used to swear by Abiola’s name have since found new political patrons. Those who proclaimed Abiola as the symbol of democracy and the rallying point for the people’s hopes have since been dancing on his grave. Successive federal administrations since 1999, have also failed to redress the injustice of 1993, by doing the minimum of declaring June 12 a national holiday.
There have been suggestions along this line, including the possibility of a post-humous national honour (the only constraint here is that the national honour is not awarded post-humously although there is nothing that expressly forbids this in the enabling Act), or the naming of a major national monument after MKO, or the official admission that the June 12, 1993 election was indeed won and lost and was not in any way inconclusive.
Truth: Nigeria forgets too soon, too easily. For, when indeed the Jonathan administration tried to address this injustice by naming a significant national institution after MKO Abiola, the attempt resulted in controversy and a storm. The last paragraph of then President Goodluck Jonathan’s 2012 Democracy Day speech had renamed the University of Lagos after MKO Abiola. Both the students and staff trooped to the streets in protest. They rejected the name-change and declared that their university’s name is a brand that nobody, not even the Federal Government of Nigeria could tamper with, in honour of anybody, living or dead.
They said they were not consulted and the University Act had not been amended. Politics and opportunism was read into the gesture, and the government had to eat the humble pie. Would the reaction be different if another government were to take the same step, the same way the reaction to the increase in the pump price of petroleum products has been different this year, under a different dispensation?
MKO Abiola was a victim of military politics and conspiracy, now his martyrdom and legacy seem lost in the intricate web of conditioned amnesia and the ego of those who continue to compete with his memory. In a country where history is no longer taught, and there are no well-managed museums and monuments to make history part of the public landscape, a generation is already emerging, like the generation of UNILAG students in 2012, who may someday ask: who is MKO Abiola? Those who refuse to teach history run the risk of producing children who may lack the capacity to remember and the wisdom to appreciate history’s many lessons.
Those who insist speculatively that MKO Abiola could not have been a good President also miss the point about his example and legacy: his martyrdom shaped the architecture of much that happened subsequently in Nigerian history, and it is not the military’s duty to veto the people of Nigeria. The military have been shipped out of power for good, they can only return as they have been doing as retired soldiers, and whatever happens with our democracy, the people are resolved that nobody can annul their right to choose, and it is part of their right to choose, to sometimes make mistakes and learn. The various state governments and civil groups that remember and celebrate MKO Abiola every year deserve a pat on the back for defying amnesia. June 12 is ultimately not just about one man who became a symbol; it is also about the collective struggle against military tyranny, a reminder of people power and the value of civil society; it is that historical moment when Nigerians voted for change and stood by it.
On this occasion of the 23rd anniversary, may the words of MKO Abiola at Epetedo on June 11, 1994 prick our conscience: “People of Nigeria, exactly one year ago, you turned out in your millions to vote for me, Chief MKO Abiola as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. But politicians in uniform, who call themselves soldiers but are more devious than any civilian would want to be, deprived you of your God-given right to be ruled by the President you had yourselves elected. These soldier-politicians introduced into our body politic, a concept hitherto unknown to our political lexicography, something strangely called the “annulment” of an election perceived by all to have been the fairest, cleanest and most peaceful ever held in our nation.
“…My hope has always been to arouse whatever remnants of patriotism are left in the hearts of these thieves of your mandate, and to persuade them that they should not allow their personal desire to rule to usher our beloved country into an ear of political instability and ruin…
“Instead they have resorted to the tactics of divide and rule, bribery, and political perfidy, misinformation and (vile) propaganda. How much longer can we tolerate all this? There is no humiliation I have not endured, no snare that has not been put in my path, no “setup” that has not been designed for me in my endeavor to use the path of peace to enforce the mandate that you bestowed on me one year ago. It has been a long night. But the dawn is here. Today people of Nigeria, I join you all in saying, “Enough is Enough!”…Enough of military rule...Enough of square pegs in round holes…”
I recommend a reading of the entire declaration by all patriots in remembrance of Chief MKO Abiola. Google it. Read it.
Floyd Mayweather’s New N1.6 Billion Miami Beach Mansion
Floyd Mayweather is still retired from boxing, but that hasn’t slowed down his lavish spending.
According to the L.A. Times, Mayweather recently dropped $7.7 million (N1.6 billion) for a 5,200-square foot mansion in Miami Beach.
read more through this link
http://madailygist.com/wow-checkout-floyd-mayweathers-new-n1-6-billion-miami-beach-mansion-bought-straight-cash-photos/
According to the L.A. Times, Mayweather recently dropped $7.7 million (N1.6 billion) for a 5,200-square foot mansion in Miami Beach.
read more through this link
http://madailygist.com/wow-checkout-floyd-mayweathers-new-n1-6-billion-miami-beach-mansion-bought-straight-cash-photos/
List of Winners at 2016 African Movie Academy Awards
The 2016 Africa Movie Academy Awards ceremony took place on Saturday 11 June 2016 at the Obi Wali International Conference Center in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The ceremony recognizes and honors excellence among directors, actors, and writers in the film industry.
The awards night was hosted by Mike Ezuruonye and Kgopedi Lilokoe.
The Cursed Ones led with 13 nominations. South African films Tell Me Sweet Something and Ayanda were tied with 9 nods each.
Ghana had a total of 15 nominations with 5 films including The Cursed Ones, Rebecca, Cursed Treasure, Daggers of Life and The Peculiar Life of a Spider.
Find the complete list of nominees and winners below:
EFERE OZAKO AMAA 2016 AWARD FOR BEST SHORT FILM
1. Encounter – Nigeria
2. Le Chemin – Cote De Voire
3. Blood Taxi – Nigeria
4. Meet The Parents – Nigeria/Canada – WINNER
5. Nourah The Holy Light – Burkina Faso
6. Ireti – Nigeria
7. Life of Nigerian Couple – Nigeria
AMAA 2016 AWARD FOR BEST ANIMATION
1. The Pencil – Burkina Faso – WINNER
2. The Peculiar Life of a Spider – Ghana
3. Funsie Fast Fingers – Nigeria
4. Lazare Sie Pale – Burkina Faso
AMAA 2016 AWARD FOR BEST DOCUMENTARY
1, My Fathers Funeral – Cameroon
2. Nollywood – Nigeria
3. Tchindas- Cape Verde
4. The Fruitless Tree – Niger – WINNER
5. Runs ‘I too Seek The Horizon’ – Nigeria/UK
6. Camera/Woman – Morocco
OUSMANE SEMBENE AMAA 2016 AWARD FOR BEST FILM IN AN AFRICAN LANGUAGE
1. Brotherhood Eye – Mali
2. Bala Bala Sese – Uganda
3. Missing God – Nigeria – WINNER
4. Cursed Treasure – Ghana
5. Wako – Uganda
6. Daggers of Life (Agbe Fe Akumehewo) – Ghana
MICHAEL ANYIAM OSIGWE AMAA 2016 AWARD FOR BEST FILM BY AN AFRICAN LIVING ABROAD
1. Lambadina – Ethiopia/USA – WINNER
2. Skinned – Liberia/USA
3. LAPD African Cop – USA/Nigeria
4. Boxing Day – USA/Nigeria
5. MONA – Nigeria/UK
AMAA 2016 AWARD FOR BEST DIASPORA SHORT
1. Lines – USA
2. Raptors – USA
3. Across The Track – USA – WINNER
AMAA 2016 AWARD FOR BEST DIASPORA DOCUMENTARY
1. Can You Dig This- USA
2. America’s Blues – USA
3. Spirits of Rebellion – USA – WINNER
AMAA 2016 AWARD FOR BEST DIASPORA FEATURE
1. America Is Still the Place – USA
2. Ben & Ara – USA – WINNER
3. Luv Don’t Live Here – USA
AMAA 2016 AWARD FOR ACHIEVEMENT IN PRODUCTION DESIGN
1. The Cursed One – Ghana – WINNER
2. Soldiers Story – Nigeria
3. Ayanda- South Africa
4. Missing God – Nigeria
5. Out of Luck- Nigeria
AMAA 2016 ACHIEVEMENT IN COSTUME DESIGN
1. Eye of the storm (Burkina Faso) – WINNER
2. Oshimiri
3. The Cursed One
4. Ayanda
5. Soldiers Story
AMAA 2016 AWARD FOR ACHIEVEMENT IN MAKE-UP
1. Oshimiri
2. The Cursed One
3. Missing God
4. Soldiers Story – WINNER
AMAA 2016 AWARD FOR ACHIEVEMENT IN SOUNDTRACK
1. O-Town – Nigeria – WINNER
2. Tell Me Sweet Something – South Africa
3. The Cursed One – Ghana
4. Hear me Move – South Africa
5. Le Pagne- Niger
AMAA 2016 AWARD FOR ACHIEVEMENT IN VISUAL EFFECT
1. Hear me Move – South Africa
2. Oshimiri – Nigeria – WINNER
3. Stupid Movie – Nigeria
4. House Arrest – Uganda
5. Soldiers Story – Nigeria
AMAA 2016 AWARD FOR ACHIEVEMENT IN SOUND
1. Eye of the Storm- Burkina Faso
2. Fifty – Nigeria – WINNER
3. The Cursed One – Ghana
4. Behind Closed Doors – Morocco
5. Falling – Nigeria
6. Rebecca- Ghana
AMAA 2016 AWARD FOR ACHIEVEMENT IN CINEMATOGRAPHY
1. The Cursed One (Ghana) – WINNER
2. Eye of the Storm
3. Ayanda
4. Tell me Sweet Something
5. Fifty
AMAA 2016 AWARD FOR ACHIEVEMENT IN EDITING
1. Behind Closed Doors
2. Rebecca
3. The Cursed One
4. Eye of the Storm
5. Hear me Move (South Africa) – WINNER
AMAA 2016 AWARD FOR ACHIEVEMENT IN SCREEN PLAY
1. The Cursed One
2. Tell me Sweet Something (South Africa) – WINNER
3. The Visit
4. Eye of the Storm
5. Beyond Blood
AMAA 2016- RIVERS STATE GOVERNMENT ENDOWED AWARD FOR BEST NIGERIAN FILM
1. Beyond Blood
2. Dry – WINNER
3. Fifty
4. Missing God
5. Falling
6. O’Town
AMAA 2016 AWARD FOR BEST YOUNG/ PROMISING ACTOR
1. Nyanso Dzedze – Hear Me Move
2. Ophelia Klenam Dzidzornu – The Cursed One
3. Zubaidat Ibrahim Fagge – Dry (WINNER)
4. Ifu Ennada – O’Town
5. Eve Esin – Oshimiri
AMAA 2016 AWARD FOR BEST ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
1. Joseph Otsiman – The Cursed One
2. Uti Nwachukwu – Breathless
3. Abidine Dioari – Eye of the Storm (Burkina Faso) – WINNER
4. Adeolu Adekola – Taxi Driver
5. Kenneth Nkosi – Ayanda
6. Thomas Gumede- Tell Me Sweet Something
AMAA 2016 AWARD FOR BEST ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
1. Thishiwe Ziqubu – Tell me Sweet Something – WINNER
2. Maureen Okpoko – Missing God
3. Ijeoma Grace Agu – Jimi Bendel/ Taxi Driver
4. Bontte Modiselle – Hear Me Move
5. Nthati Moshesh – Ayanda
6. Linda Ejiofor– Out of Luck
AMAA 2016 AWARD FOR BEST ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE
1. Oris Erhuero – The Cursed One
2. OC Ukeje – Ayanda
3. Fragass Assande – Eye of the Storm
4. Masego ‘Maps’ Maponyane – Tell me Sweet Something
5. Daniel k. Daniel – Soldiers Story – WINNER
6. Biuferi Yakoubi – La Pagne
AMAA 2016 AWARD FOR BEST ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE
1. Zineb Odeib – Behind Closed Doors
2. Adesua Etomi- Falling
3. Fulu Mugovhani – Ayanda – WINNER
4. Maimouna N’Daiye – Eye of the Storm
5. Iretiola Doyle, Dakore Egbuson, Nse Ikpe Etim, Omoni Oboli – Fifty
6. Nomzamo Mbatha – Tell me Sweet Something
AMAA 2016 AWARD FOR BEST FIRST FEATURE FILM BY A DIRECTOR
1. MONA – Anthony Abuah
2. Beyond Blood – Greg Odutayo – WINNER
3. 8 Bars and a Clef- Chioma Onyenwe
AMAA 2016 AWARD FOR BEST DIRECTOR
1. Nana Obiri-Yeboah – The Cursed One (Ghana) – WINNER
2. Biyi Bandele- Fifty
3. Sekou Toure- Eye of the Storm
4. Sara Blecher- Ayanda
5. Moussa Hamadou Djingarey- La Pagne
6. Stephanie Linus – Dry
7. Akin Omotoso – Tell me Sweet Something
8. Mohammed Ahed Bensouda – Behind Closed Doors
AMAA 2016 AWARD FOR BEST FILM
1. The Cursed One – Ghana
2. Fifty – Nigeria
3. Eye of the Storm – Burkina Faso – WINNER
4. Ayanda – South Africa
5. La Pagne- Niger
6. Dry – Nigeria
7. Tell me Sweet Something- South Africa
8. Behind Closed Doors- Morocco
WINNERS OF LIFE TIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Joke Silva and Olu Jacobs
Tony Akposhore
Richard Mofe Damijo
#Flattimes
The ceremony recognizes and honors excellence among directors, actors, and writers in the film industry.
The awards night was hosted by Mike Ezuruonye and Kgopedi Lilokoe.
The Cursed Ones led with 13 nominations. South African films Tell Me Sweet Something and Ayanda were tied with 9 nods each.
Ghana had a total of 15 nominations with 5 films including The Cursed Ones, Rebecca, Cursed Treasure, Daggers of Life and The Peculiar Life of a Spider.
Find the complete list of nominees and winners below:
EFERE OZAKO AMAA 2016 AWARD FOR BEST SHORT FILM
1. Encounter – Nigeria
2. Le Chemin – Cote De Voire
3. Blood Taxi – Nigeria
4. Meet The Parents – Nigeria/Canada – WINNER
5. Nourah The Holy Light – Burkina Faso
6. Ireti – Nigeria
7. Life of Nigerian Couple – Nigeria
AMAA 2016 AWARD FOR BEST ANIMATION
1. The Pencil – Burkina Faso – WINNER
2. The Peculiar Life of a Spider – Ghana
3. Funsie Fast Fingers – Nigeria
4. Lazare Sie Pale – Burkina Faso
AMAA 2016 AWARD FOR BEST DOCUMENTARY
1, My Fathers Funeral – Cameroon
2. Nollywood – Nigeria
3. Tchindas- Cape Verde
4. The Fruitless Tree – Niger – WINNER
5. Runs ‘I too Seek The Horizon’ – Nigeria/UK
6. Camera/Woman – Morocco
OUSMANE SEMBENE AMAA 2016 AWARD FOR BEST FILM IN AN AFRICAN LANGUAGE
1. Brotherhood Eye – Mali
2. Bala Bala Sese – Uganda
3. Missing God – Nigeria – WINNER
4. Cursed Treasure – Ghana
5. Wako – Uganda
6. Daggers of Life (Agbe Fe Akumehewo) – Ghana
MICHAEL ANYIAM OSIGWE AMAA 2016 AWARD FOR BEST FILM BY AN AFRICAN LIVING ABROAD
1. Lambadina – Ethiopia/USA – WINNER
2. Skinned – Liberia/USA
3. LAPD African Cop – USA/Nigeria
4. Boxing Day – USA/Nigeria
5. MONA – Nigeria/UK
AMAA 2016 AWARD FOR BEST DIASPORA SHORT
1. Lines – USA
2. Raptors – USA
3. Across The Track – USA – WINNER
AMAA 2016 AWARD FOR BEST DIASPORA DOCUMENTARY
1. Can You Dig This- USA
2. America’s Blues – USA
3. Spirits of Rebellion – USA – WINNER
AMAA 2016 AWARD FOR BEST DIASPORA FEATURE
1. America Is Still the Place – USA
2. Ben & Ara – USA – WINNER
3. Luv Don’t Live Here – USA
AMAA 2016 AWARD FOR ACHIEVEMENT IN PRODUCTION DESIGN
1. The Cursed One – Ghana – WINNER
2. Soldiers Story – Nigeria
3. Ayanda- South Africa
4. Missing God – Nigeria
5. Out of Luck- Nigeria
AMAA 2016 ACHIEVEMENT IN COSTUME DESIGN
1. Eye of the storm (Burkina Faso) – WINNER
2. Oshimiri
3. The Cursed One
4. Ayanda
5. Soldiers Story
AMAA 2016 AWARD FOR ACHIEVEMENT IN MAKE-UP
1. Oshimiri
2. The Cursed One
3. Missing God
4. Soldiers Story – WINNER
AMAA 2016 AWARD FOR ACHIEVEMENT IN SOUNDTRACK
1. O-Town – Nigeria – WINNER
2. Tell Me Sweet Something – South Africa
3. The Cursed One – Ghana
4. Hear me Move – South Africa
5. Le Pagne- Niger
AMAA 2016 AWARD FOR ACHIEVEMENT IN VISUAL EFFECT
1. Hear me Move – South Africa
2. Oshimiri – Nigeria – WINNER
3. Stupid Movie – Nigeria
4. House Arrest – Uganda
5. Soldiers Story – Nigeria
AMAA 2016 AWARD FOR ACHIEVEMENT IN SOUND
1. Eye of the Storm- Burkina Faso
2. Fifty – Nigeria – WINNER
3. The Cursed One – Ghana
4. Behind Closed Doors – Morocco
5. Falling – Nigeria
6. Rebecca- Ghana
AMAA 2016 AWARD FOR ACHIEVEMENT IN CINEMATOGRAPHY
1. The Cursed One (Ghana) – WINNER
2. Eye of the Storm
3. Ayanda
4. Tell me Sweet Something
5. Fifty
AMAA 2016 AWARD FOR ACHIEVEMENT IN EDITING
1. Behind Closed Doors
2. Rebecca
3. The Cursed One
4. Eye of the Storm
5. Hear me Move (South Africa) – WINNER
AMAA 2016 AWARD FOR ACHIEVEMENT IN SCREEN PLAY
1. The Cursed One
2. Tell me Sweet Something (South Africa) – WINNER
3. The Visit
4. Eye of the Storm
5. Beyond Blood
AMAA 2016- RIVERS STATE GOVERNMENT ENDOWED AWARD FOR BEST NIGERIAN FILM
1. Beyond Blood
2. Dry – WINNER
3. Fifty
4. Missing God
5. Falling
6. O’Town
AMAA 2016 AWARD FOR BEST YOUNG/ PROMISING ACTOR
1. Nyanso Dzedze – Hear Me Move
2. Ophelia Klenam Dzidzornu – The Cursed One
3. Zubaidat Ibrahim Fagge – Dry (WINNER)
4. Ifu Ennada – O’Town
5. Eve Esin – Oshimiri
AMAA 2016 AWARD FOR BEST ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
1. Joseph Otsiman – The Cursed One
2. Uti Nwachukwu – Breathless
3. Abidine Dioari – Eye of the Storm (Burkina Faso) – WINNER
4. Adeolu Adekola – Taxi Driver
5. Kenneth Nkosi – Ayanda
6. Thomas Gumede- Tell Me Sweet Something
AMAA 2016 AWARD FOR BEST ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
1. Thishiwe Ziqubu – Tell me Sweet Something – WINNER
2. Maureen Okpoko – Missing God
3. Ijeoma Grace Agu – Jimi Bendel/ Taxi Driver
4. Bontte Modiselle – Hear Me Move
5. Nthati Moshesh – Ayanda
6. Linda Ejiofor– Out of Luck
AMAA 2016 AWARD FOR BEST ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE
1. Oris Erhuero – The Cursed One
2. OC Ukeje – Ayanda
3. Fragass Assande – Eye of the Storm
4. Masego ‘Maps’ Maponyane – Tell me Sweet Something
5. Daniel k. Daniel – Soldiers Story – WINNER
6. Biuferi Yakoubi – La Pagne
AMAA 2016 AWARD FOR BEST ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE
1. Zineb Odeib – Behind Closed Doors
2. Adesua Etomi- Falling
3. Fulu Mugovhani – Ayanda – WINNER
4. Maimouna N’Daiye – Eye of the Storm
5. Iretiola Doyle, Dakore Egbuson, Nse Ikpe Etim, Omoni Oboli – Fifty
6. Nomzamo Mbatha – Tell me Sweet Something
AMAA 2016 AWARD FOR BEST FIRST FEATURE FILM BY A DIRECTOR
1. MONA – Anthony Abuah
2. Beyond Blood – Greg Odutayo – WINNER
3. 8 Bars and a Clef- Chioma Onyenwe
AMAA 2016 AWARD FOR BEST DIRECTOR
1. Nana Obiri-Yeboah – The Cursed One (Ghana) – WINNER
2. Biyi Bandele- Fifty
3. Sekou Toure- Eye of the Storm
4. Sara Blecher- Ayanda
5. Moussa Hamadou Djingarey- La Pagne
6. Stephanie Linus – Dry
7. Akin Omotoso – Tell me Sweet Something
8. Mohammed Ahed Bensouda – Behind Closed Doors
AMAA 2016 AWARD FOR BEST FILM
1. The Cursed One – Ghana
2. Fifty – Nigeria
3. Eye of the Storm – Burkina Faso – WINNER
4. Ayanda – South Africa
5. La Pagne- Niger
6. Dry – Nigeria
7. Tell me Sweet Something- South Africa
8. Behind Closed Doors- Morocco
WINNERS OF LIFE TIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Joke Silva and Olu Jacobs
Tony Akposhore
Richard Mofe Damijo
#Flattimes
Open Heavens 12 June 2016: Sunday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Soldiers of the Cross II
Topic: Soldiers of the Cross II [Sunday 12, June 2016]
Memorise: I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: – 2 Timothy 4:7
Read: 2 Timothy 4:7-8 (KJV)
7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
Bible in One Year: Ezra 4-1-6:12, Ecclesiastes 6:1-9
MESSAGE:
Once Paul found out what his destiny was, he was never deterred from it. He never allowed the mandate and ministry given to him by our Lord Jesus to be frustrated. He was determined to fulfil his God-given vision amidst all odds. He fought the good fight of faith and finished his mission. The Christian life is a life of continuous warfare that won’t end until we get to heaven. This is why you must see yourself as a soldier of the cross who is under constant attack from the devil. The mission of the devil is to kill, to steal and to destroy. None of these tragedies should happen to a child of God. You are to be defended against the wiles of the devil. There are many people who have lost their lives cheaply to the devil. The dreams and aspirations of some people have been stolen by the enemy of their souls. There are many people who come to church but are being destroyed through the deceit and lies of the devil.
Our Lord is the Commander-in-Chief of the Hosts of Heaven. After Jesus Christ finished His assignment on earth, He formed the nucleus of an army here on earth, and by extension, you are in that army too. The mission of these soldiers is to resist the devil and his works. For anyone to be a soldier of the Cross and not become a casualty, there are conditions to be met. The soldiers of the cross have just one enemy; the devil. To beat the devil and defeat all his strategies, there is the need for one to be trained to fight; a spiritual civilian cannot win a battle against the devil.
Paul kept the faith of sound doctrine despite the false teachers and instructors of his days. He preached the absolute Word of God without minding who was affected. He did not allow the culture of his time to override the Word of God. He was obedient to the heavenly vision that God gave him. When God sends His soldiers on an errand, He does not tolerate a report that the mission is impossible. This is why I never fret anything He asks me to do something; because I know He will provide the strength to accomplish the mission. A soldier of the Cross must be ready at all times to preach the Word and defend it against post-modern attacks and philosophies of men. There is the need to watch carefully to ensure that there is no lapse on our part. Till the final moment of Apostle Paul, he did the work of an evangelist and made full proof of his ministry. We need to seek the power of God and be committed to seeing the effect of that power in our lives. This is why we need to get serious with God. No one joins the army and does whatever he likes.
Prayer Point: I refuse to be disqualified from my spiritual rank in Jesus’ name.
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.
Memorise: I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: – 2 Timothy 4:7
Read: 2 Timothy 4:7-8 (KJV)
7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
Bible in One Year: Ezra 4-1-6:12, Ecclesiastes 6:1-9
MESSAGE:
Once Paul found out what his destiny was, he was never deterred from it. He never allowed the mandate and ministry given to him by our Lord Jesus to be frustrated. He was determined to fulfil his God-given vision amidst all odds. He fought the good fight of faith and finished his mission. The Christian life is a life of continuous warfare that won’t end until we get to heaven. This is why you must see yourself as a soldier of the cross who is under constant attack from the devil. The mission of the devil is to kill, to steal and to destroy. None of these tragedies should happen to a child of God. You are to be defended against the wiles of the devil. There are many people who have lost their lives cheaply to the devil. The dreams and aspirations of some people have been stolen by the enemy of their souls. There are many people who come to church but are being destroyed through the deceit and lies of the devil.
Our Lord is the Commander-in-Chief of the Hosts of Heaven. After Jesus Christ finished His assignment on earth, He formed the nucleus of an army here on earth, and by extension, you are in that army too. The mission of these soldiers is to resist the devil and his works. For anyone to be a soldier of the Cross and not become a casualty, there are conditions to be met. The soldiers of the cross have just one enemy; the devil. To beat the devil and defeat all his strategies, there is the need for one to be trained to fight; a spiritual civilian cannot win a battle against the devil.
Paul kept the faith of sound doctrine despite the false teachers and instructors of his days. He preached the absolute Word of God without minding who was affected. He did not allow the culture of his time to override the Word of God. He was obedient to the heavenly vision that God gave him. When God sends His soldiers on an errand, He does not tolerate a report that the mission is impossible. This is why I never fret anything He asks me to do something; because I know He will provide the strength to accomplish the mission. A soldier of the Cross must be ready at all times to preach the Word and defend it against post-modern attacks and philosophies of men. There is the need to watch carefully to ensure that there is no lapse on our part. Till the final moment of Apostle Paul, he did the work of an evangelist and made full proof of his ministry. We need to seek the power of God and be committed to seeing the effect of that power in our lives. This is why we need to get serious with God. No one joins the army and does whatever he likes.
Prayer Point: I refuse to be disqualified from my spiritual rank in Jesus’ name.
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.
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