When you open your two eyes and calmly concentrate on your own, you will definitely see your nose. That is called inner patience! Our determination to succeed in life is rooted in our thinking, but our approach to it is wobbling. This observation is peculiar to most of us in life and because we always enjoy the grace of new day, we seems to forget that time wait for no man. In all fairness, I have made some terrible mistakes in the past but I have been able to identify errors and moving forward is key by correcting them. That is the process that each and everyone one of us must begin to apply in our lives. I know that we want to get the results very fast but we must be very careful. Look deep and search around you, you will discovered that many people that are doing good doesn't have two heads. Do you know what happen? It is just their time. You must have been privileged in one way or the other to ask people for help when you are in need, some might respond some might not but all you need to do is give thanks. To achieve greatness, you must be able to take stock about who you are. Not all wealth you see are legit but there is one seed that is legit and that seed is YOU. The purpose of almighty for our lives is not for us to suffer. Will you because things are not taking shape as an avenue for you to loose hope? Haba! Please stay focus to your passion, believe in yourself and the rate at which things do turn around is beyond the imagination of any human being. Therefore, you have an option and the option is stop thinking, stop listening or pay attention to haters, stop throwing stones at every dogs on your way because you might never get to your destination. All you need is strategy and you can get it by seeking his face. Ask for mercy, Favour and grace. It is well....
AdefemiLokko 17-09-2016
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Saturday, 17 September 2016
Open Heavens 17 September 2016: Saturday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Spiritually Motivated?
Topic: Spiritually Motivated? [Saturday 17, September 2016]
Memorise: Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. – Romans 8:37
Read: Romans 8:33-39 (KJV)
33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.
34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Bible in One Year: Jeremiah 51, Psalms 61
MESSAGE:
Motivation is the act of providing someone with a reason to act in a certain way. Christians can motivate or encourage one another to have greater confidence in God and to be very bold in living out their faith. Spiritual motivation drives away the spirit of fear and helps to develop the boldness required for the correct application of God’s Word to life situations. No leader can achieve anything without boldness. It takes courage to follow God. It takes courage to obey God. Anyone who lacks courage will be full of fear. If you are afraid, you cannot take any progressive stride.
A hireling fears and hides when the sheep is confronted by wolves because he thinks of his safety before anything else. A shepherd on the other hand is bold and resists any wolf even at the risk of his own life. In John 10:11, Jesus says,
“I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.”
A true shepherd is not afraid of danger. Some pastors or leaders are not available when their members are in distress; but that is when you should be there to stand with them in faith and prayer, and guide them properly. You cannot allow a strange beast to take advantage of your flock. You must fight all intruders and send them packing. This takes boldness; your ability to be bold in the face of danger enhances your power base. Some leaders are very chickenhearted. Every little situation gets them into a panic. Meanwhile, 2 Timothy 1:7 says,
“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
Therefore, be spiritually motivated because the Spirit that God has deposited within you is of power and sound mind.
Do you know that even great leaders suffer from fear? One outstanding leader with a great congregation in Bible times who lacked boldness was Joshua. As near perfect as he was, Joshua was afraid. He was afraid to stand in Moses’ shoes. He was afraid when he realised that he was asked to finish the assignment that his predecessor – Moses, with all the anointing to open and shut Heaven could not finish. He got scared whenever he thought of the sudden promotion he got from being a servant to a national leader with millions of followers. He was afraid when he remembered that he was called to lead an unruly congregation who were capable of revolting and stoning their leaders to death. Why are you afraid? Do not look at the nature of the assignment. Do not look at the size; do not look at the fierce looking faces. Do not focus on the situation of lack of resources. Focus on the One who has called you, He will see you through. Ask for the Spirit of boldness to manifest in every area of your life from today. The battle is already won and you are more than conqueror!
Prayer Point: Father, please give me the boldness to face all my fears 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: Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. – Romans 8:37
Read: Romans 8:33-39 (KJV)
33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.
34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Bible in One Year: Jeremiah 51, Psalms 61
MESSAGE:
Motivation is the act of providing someone with a reason to act in a certain way. Christians can motivate or encourage one another to have greater confidence in God and to be very bold in living out their faith. Spiritual motivation drives away the spirit of fear and helps to develop the boldness required for the correct application of God’s Word to life situations. No leader can achieve anything without boldness. It takes courage to follow God. It takes courage to obey God. Anyone who lacks courage will be full of fear. If you are afraid, you cannot take any progressive stride.
A hireling fears and hides when the sheep is confronted by wolves because he thinks of his safety before anything else. A shepherd on the other hand is bold and resists any wolf even at the risk of his own life. In John 10:11, Jesus says,
“I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.”
A true shepherd is not afraid of danger. Some pastors or leaders are not available when their members are in distress; but that is when you should be there to stand with them in faith and prayer, and guide them properly. You cannot allow a strange beast to take advantage of your flock. You must fight all intruders and send them packing. This takes boldness; your ability to be bold in the face of danger enhances your power base. Some leaders are very chickenhearted. Every little situation gets them into a panic. Meanwhile, 2 Timothy 1:7 says,
“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
Therefore, be spiritually motivated because the Spirit that God has deposited within you is of power and sound mind.
Do you know that even great leaders suffer from fear? One outstanding leader with a great congregation in Bible times who lacked boldness was Joshua. As near perfect as he was, Joshua was afraid. He was afraid to stand in Moses’ shoes. He was afraid when he realised that he was asked to finish the assignment that his predecessor – Moses, with all the anointing to open and shut Heaven could not finish. He got scared whenever he thought of the sudden promotion he got from being a servant to a national leader with millions of followers. He was afraid when he remembered that he was called to lead an unruly congregation who were capable of revolting and stoning their leaders to death. Why are you afraid? Do not look at the nature of the assignment. Do not look at the size; do not look at the fierce looking faces. Do not focus on the situation of lack of resources. Focus on the One who has called you, He will see you through. Ask for the Spirit of boldness to manifest in every area of your life from today. The battle is already won and you are more than conqueror!
Prayer Point: Father, please give me the boldness to face all my fears 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.
Friday, 16 September 2016
Open Heavens 16 September 2016: Friday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – The Source of Satisfaction
Topic: The Source of Satisfaction [Friday 16, September 2016]
Memorise: But godliness with contentment is great gain. – 1 Timothy 6:6
Read: 1 Timothy 6:3-11 (KJV)
3 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;
4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,
5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
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: Jeremiah 49:23-50:46, Psalms 60
MESSAGE:
Satisfaction is a state of contentment or fulfilment that only God can bring into reality. The scripture advocates that children of God should cultivate contentment. We are therefore expected to be contented spiritually, financially, materially and in our marriages. We should be contented with the things and people that God has put around us. Satisfaction is made possible as a result of God’s good provision made available through the atoning death of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ecclesiastes 3:13 says:
“And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God.”
The above passage indicates that contentment or satisfaction is a gift from God; it does not develop from the desire of man. As a matter of fact Ecclesiastes 5:10 says,
“He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity.”
Covetousness and accumulation of wealth has its attendant problems. One of such problems is a lack of satisfaction. Those who love money will never be satisfied with what they have, no matter how much they have, they will continue to desire more. I once had a friend, who at the age of 70 had so much money in one of his several bank accounts; he could not exhaust it for another 200 years. Whenever you visit him, you will meet him planning to invest some more. The rich are ever striving with each other. They will say, “Mr. A has just built another house or bought another car, I must follow suit”. They are never satisfied. Satisfaction is a precious virtue that every believer must have. Are you caught in the rat race for earthly possession? Ask God to give you satisfaction or contentment without which that wealth will become a deadly trap.
Whenever wealth comes as a blessing within the context of holiness and the fear of God, such wealth is always accompanied by contentment or satisfaction. This is why Psalms 17:15 says:
“As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.”
Because the source of the blessing is God, satisfaction is naturally inclusive in the package. 1 Timothy 6:6-8 goes on to say:
“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.”
This passage shows that a child of God should be more concerned about the source of blessing and the attending satisfaction than accumulation of wealth.
Prayer Point: Father, you are my Source, please let my propensity come with contentment 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: But godliness with contentment is great gain. – 1 Timothy 6:6
Read: 1 Timothy 6:3-11 (KJV)
3 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;
4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,
5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
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: Jeremiah 49:23-50:46, Psalms 60
MESSAGE:
Satisfaction is a state of contentment or fulfilment that only God can bring into reality. The scripture advocates that children of God should cultivate contentment. We are therefore expected to be contented spiritually, financially, materially and in our marriages. We should be contented with the things and people that God has put around us. Satisfaction is made possible as a result of God’s good provision made available through the atoning death of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ecclesiastes 3:13 says:
“And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God.”
The above passage indicates that contentment or satisfaction is a gift from God; it does not develop from the desire of man. As a matter of fact Ecclesiastes 5:10 says,
“He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity.”
Covetousness and accumulation of wealth has its attendant problems. One of such problems is a lack of satisfaction. Those who love money will never be satisfied with what they have, no matter how much they have, they will continue to desire more. I once had a friend, who at the age of 70 had so much money in one of his several bank accounts; he could not exhaust it for another 200 years. Whenever you visit him, you will meet him planning to invest some more. The rich are ever striving with each other. They will say, “Mr. A has just built another house or bought another car, I must follow suit”. They are never satisfied. Satisfaction is a precious virtue that every believer must have. Are you caught in the rat race for earthly possession? Ask God to give you satisfaction or contentment without which that wealth will become a deadly trap.
Whenever wealth comes as a blessing within the context of holiness and the fear of God, such wealth is always accompanied by contentment or satisfaction. This is why Psalms 17:15 says:
“As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.”
Because the source of the blessing is God, satisfaction is naturally inclusive in the package. 1 Timothy 6:6-8 goes on to say:
“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.”
This passage shows that a child of God should be more concerned about the source of blessing and the attending satisfaction than accumulation of wealth.
Prayer Point: Father, you are my Source, please let my propensity come with contentment 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.
Thursday, 15 September 2016
Open Heavens 15 September 2016: Thursday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – You are not Condemned
Topic: You are not Condemned [Thursday 15, September 2016]
Memorise: For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. – 1 John 3:20
Read: Genesis 3:6-10 (KJV)
6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.
7 And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.
8 And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden.
9 And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?
10 And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.
Bible in One Year: Jeremiah 47:1-49:22, Psalms 59
MESSAGE:
Self condemnation is a natural phenomenon that feeds on the human awareness of guilt. In the book of Genesis 3:10, Adam and Eve disobeyed God and without anyone scolding them, they were condemned in their hearts:
“And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.”
Self condemnation is not the same as sorrow for sin. Sorrow for sin leads to repentance but self-condemnation leads to fear, inferiority complex and low self-esteem. The Bible teaches that God has offered us forgiveness of sin through the death of Jesus Christ. Self-condemnation produces feelings of shame, disgrace, fear, terror, and depression, according to Ezra 9:6, that says:
“…O my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face to thee, my God: for our iniquities are increased over our head, and our trespass is grown up unto the heavens.”
And Isaiah 6:5:
“Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.”
Self-condemnation could sometimes be very dangerous in cases where it develops into depression, because it has succeeded in sending some people to their early graves. In Matthew 27:5, Judas Iscariot suffered from serious guilt and self-condemnation,
“And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.”
May the Lord deliver a user of this devotional suffering from guilt and self-condemnation today in Jesus’ name. Furthermore, 2 Corinthians 7:10 says:
“For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.”
The sorrow of the world is synonymous with guilt and self-condemnation, the Bible says it brings death. Guilt defiles human life, produces feelings of anguish, despair, shame and disgrace. Guilt also produces feelings of unworthiness as in the case of the prodigal son in Luke 15:21. In the Name that is above all other names, the power of self-condemnation is broken in your life today.
Prayer Point: Father, please let your perfect love drive away every iota of self-condemnation in my life in the name of Jesus.
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: For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. – 1 John 3:20
Read: Genesis 3:6-10 (KJV)
6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.
7 And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.
8 And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden.
9 And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?
10 And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.
Bible in One Year: Jeremiah 47:1-49:22, Psalms 59
MESSAGE:
Self condemnation is a natural phenomenon that feeds on the human awareness of guilt. In the book of Genesis 3:10, Adam and Eve disobeyed God and without anyone scolding them, they were condemned in their hearts:
“And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.”
Self condemnation is not the same as sorrow for sin. Sorrow for sin leads to repentance but self-condemnation leads to fear, inferiority complex and low self-esteem. The Bible teaches that God has offered us forgiveness of sin through the death of Jesus Christ. Self-condemnation produces feelings of shame, disgrace, fear, terror, and depression, according to Ezra 9:6, that says:
“…O my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face to thee, my God: for our iniquities are increased over our head, and our trespass is grown up unto the heavens.”
And Isaiah 6:5:
“Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.”
Self-condemnation could sometimes be very dangerous in cases where it develops into depression, because it has succeeded in sending some people to their early graves. In Matthew 27:5, Judas Iscariot suffered from serious guilt and self-condemnation,
“And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.”
May the Lord deliver a user of this devotional suffering from guilt and self-condemnation today in Jesus’ name. Furthermore, 2 Corinthians 7:10 says:
“For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.”
The sorrow of the world is synonymous with guilt and self-condemnation, the Bible says it brings death. Guilt defiles human life, produces feelings of anguish, despair, shame and disgrace. Guilt also produces feelings of unworthiness as in the case of the prodigal son in Luke 15:21. In the Name that is above all other names, the power of self-condemnation is broken in your life today.
Prayer Point: Father, please let your perfect love drive away every iota of self-condemnation in my life in the name of Jesus.
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.
Wednesday, 14 September 2016
FG is not persecuting GEJ and his wife says Lai Mohammed
Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, has said the Federal Government is not persecuting former President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife Patience. Reacting to reports of $15 million found in an account owned by Patience Jonathan, Lai Mohammed said it will be wrong for anyone to claim that the Federal government was probing the former first family as it was Patience Jonathan herself who came out to claim the foreign currency found in a strange account operated by a former aide of Jonathan.
He said this in an interview with journalists in Oro, Kwara State yesterday tuesday September 13th.
“If you look at the history of Mrs. Patience Jonathan’s issue, I think she was the one that came out to claim that the money found in the accounts of one of the aides to the former President, her husband, belonged to her. It was not the EFCC that claimed so. She claimed that the money that the guy was being prosecuted for belonged to her. It was only then they later found an extra $5m in another account. It is not as if anybody has gone out to probe Mrs. Jonathan directly or indirectly. Rather Mrs. Jonathan was the one that said ‘that money for which you are accusing Mr. X actually belongs to me. So, you cannot start talking of prosecution or persecution”he said
LIB
He said this in an interview with journalists in Oro, Kwara State yesterday tuesday September 13th.
“If you look at the history of Mrs. Patience Jonathan’s issue, I think she was the one that came out to claim that the money found in the accounts of one of the aides to the former President, her husband, belonged to her. It was not the EFCC that claimed so. She claimed that the money that the guy was being prosecuted for belonged to her. It was only then they later found an extra $5m in another account. It is not as if anybody has gone out to probe Mrs. Jonathan directly or indirectly. Rather Mrs. Jonathan was the one that said ‘that money for which you are accusing Mr. X actually belongs to me. So, you cannot start talking of prosecution or persecution”he said
LIB
Open Heavens 14 September 2016: Wednesday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Well Grounded?
Topic: Well Grounded? [Wednesday 14, September 2016]
Memorise: That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, – Ephesians 3:17
Read: Matthew 13:3-9 (KJV)
3 And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow;
4 And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up:
5 Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth:
6 And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away.
7 And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them:
8 But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold.
9 Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.
Bible in One Year: Jeremiah 44-46, Psalms 58
MESSAGE:
To be well grounded is to be stable, firm and immovable. Stability is the state of being in a firm or unwavering situation, whether spiritually, physically, or emotionally. Stability is an important element of a settled life before God. God is popularly called Everlasting Rock, the Rock of Ages. God is very stable and dependable; you can completely rest in His love. That is why Hebrews 13:8 says:
“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.”
Therefore, stability in the life of Christians is based on God’s unchanging nature. 2 Samuel 7:16 says:
“And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever.”
Stability is required in order to resist and repel spiritual assault by the enemy, stability depends upon firmness of faith, and stability is a very important aim of the Christian ministry. An unstable Christian is a baby in the Lord who is yet to find his or her proper footing. Whenever they are exposed to the misbehaviour of other Christians, especially those considered as more mature than they are, it shakes them to the foundation of their belief. They usually look up to fellow men or women as their perfect examples, and therefore put much premium on such people. Consequently, the fall of such individuals may affect them to the point of taking a decision to stop serving God. They are easily tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine according to Ephesians 4:14:
“That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;”
Are you well grounded in the faith? Are you stable and dependable? Are you settled in your mind about important doctrines of the Bible? Or are you a confused person that is not very sure of what you believe? One of the terrible weaknesses of unstable Christians is the danger of falling victim to fake prophets and false teachers. Some have many ‘fathers and mothers in the Lord’; they are therefore eating regularly from different spiritual pots, making themselves victims of doctrinal confusion. I pray that God will establish you and plant your feet on the Rock of Ages forever in Jesus’ name.
Prayer Point: Father, please make me immovable, plant my feet on the Rock forever 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: That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, – Ephesians 3:17
Read: Matthew 13:3-9 (KJV)
3 And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow;
4 And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up:
5 Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth:
6 And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away.
7 And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them:
8 But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold.
9 Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.
Bible in One Year: Jeremiah 44-46, Psalms 58
MESSAGE:
To be well grounded is to be stable, firm and immovable. Stability is the state of being in a firm or unwavering situation, whether spiritually, physically, or emotionally. Stability is an important element of a settled life before God. God is popularly called Everlasting Rock, the Rock of Ages. God is very stable and dependable; you can completely rest in His love. That is why Hebrews 13:8 says:
“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.”
Therefore, stability in the life of Christians is based on God’s unchanging nature. 2 Samuel 7:16 says:
“And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever.”
Stability is required in order to resist and repel spiritual assault by the enemy, stability depends upon firmness of faith, and stability is a very important aim of the Christian ministry. An unstable Christian is a baby in the Lord who is yet to find his or her proper footing. Whenever they are exposed to the misbehaviour of other Christians, especially those considered as more mature than they are, it shakes them to the foundation of their belief. They usually look up to fellow men or women as their perfect examples, and therefore put much premium on such people. Consequently, the fall of such individuals may affect them to the point of taking a decision to stop serving God. They are easily tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine according to Ephesians 4:14:
“That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;”
Are you well grounded in the faith? Are you stable and dependable? Are you settled in your mind about important doctrines of the Bible? Or are you a confused person that is not very sure of what you believe? One of the terrible weaknesses of unstable Christians is the danger of falling victim to fake prophets and false teachers. Some have many ‘fathers and mothers in the Lord’; they are therefore eating regularly from different spiritual pots, making themselves victims of doctrinal confusion. I pray that God will establish you and plant your feet on the Rock of Ages forever in Jesus’ name.
Prayer Point: Father, please make me immovable, plant my feet on the Rock forever 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.
Patience Jonathan tells EFCC: Lift restriction on my accounts, the $15m is for medical bills
Dame Patience Jonathan, the wife of former President Goodluck Jonathan, said she was using her $15m, which was frozen in four companies’ accounts, to settle medical bills while she was out of the country.
She, therefore, urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and Skye Bank to lift the restriction on the accounts.
Patience said this in a letter with reference number GA/Abibo/00226/2016, written by her lawyers, Granville Abibo (SAN) and Co, which was addressed to the Acting Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ibrahim Magu.
The PUNCH had reported that the four accounts belonged to the following companies: Pluto Property and Investment Company Limited, Seagate Property Development and Investment Company Limited, Trans Ocean Property and Investment Company Limited and Globus Integrated Service Limited.
A houseboy, a driver and other domestic workers of a former Special Adviser on Domestic Affairs to Jonathan, Waripamowei Dudafa, were named as directors, but Patience’s $15m was lodged in the accounts and she was given a platinum card and exclusive access to the accounts.
The letter read in part, “It is noteworthy to emphasise that the said accounts, which were in US dollar denomination, were card-based accounts and our client is the sole signatory to these accounts.
“However, our client has been operating the said accounts using the cards for her medical bill payments and purchases for her private purposes without any let or hindrance.
“Our client was therefore surprised when the said cards stop functioning on July 7, 2016, or thereabout. Our client immediately, thereupon, contacted Skye Bank Plc through our solicitors.
‘‘It was only then that the bank officials informed our client that the said accounts were placed on a ‘No Debit Order’ following investigations and instruction from your commission and this is without notice to our client by either the bank or the commission.
“It is in the light of the foregoing that we urge you to use your good offices to vacate the ‘No Debit/Freezing Order’ placed on the said accounts.”
Patience, who described herself as a law-abiding citizen, said despite all the explanations she offered to the Lagos Zonal Office of the EFCC, the detectives in charge refused to heed her request.
She, therefore, urged Magu to intervene immediately.
She added, “Despite the foregoing, our client, who is a law-abiding citizen, has watched with surprise how efforts are being made surreptitiously to indirectly harass or harangue her and short-change her of her personal funds in breach of her fundamental human rights.
“We urge you sir, to kindly intervene to stop the untoward and wrongful actions of your officials to embarrass, inconvenience and short-change our client.”
However, a detective in the EFCC said, “We got a relevant court order to freeze those accounts and we have evidence which we will present in court on Friday.
“We did not know that the accounts belonged to Patience Jonathan at the time we froze them. The accounts do not bear her name neither do they carry her BVN (Bank Verification Number). So, how can she accuse us of harassment?
“She has a separate account in Skye Bank with the title ‘Patience Jonathan’, which has a balance of $5m. If she claims she needs money for medical treatment, then the $5m should be alright.”
In a thanksgiving service held at the State House chapel in Abuja on February 18, 2013, Patience had said she underwent seven surgical operations within one month in Germany, adding that the doctors had given up hope on her survival.
She had stated, “I remember when Chief Obasanjo was the President of the country, I was close to his late wife, Stella. We worshiped together in this chapel. It was a painful moment for me that time when she (Stella) died and her corpse was brought here.
“That was how my corpse would have been brought here.
‘‘It was not an easy experience for me. I actually died, I passed out for more than a week. My intestine and tummy were opened.
“I am not Lazarus but my experience was similar to his. My doctors said all hope was lost.’’
FG not persecuting Jonathan, Patience –Mohammed
Meanwhile, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has said the Federal Government, under President Muhammadu Buhari, is not persecuting Jonathan and his wife, Patience.
Speaking in an interview with journalists in Oro, Kwara State, on Tuesday, Mohammed said it would be wrong to submit that the Federal Government was probing Jonathan or Patience.
He said, “If you look at the history of Mrs. Patience Jonathan’s issue, I think she was the one that came out to claim that the money found in the accounts of one of the aides to the former President, her husband, belonged to her.
“It was not the EFCC that claimed so. She claimed that the money that the guy was being prosecuted for belonged to her. It was only then they later found an extra $5m in another account.
“It is not as if anybody has gone out to probe Mrs. Jonathan directly or indirectly. Rather Mrs. Jonathan was the one that said ‘that money for which you are accusing Mr. X actually belongs to me. So, you cannot start talking of prosecution or persecution.”
The minister said the Federal Government was concerned about the current national economic recession and had initiated measures to address it.
He stated that the current campaign of the Federal Government, ‘‘Change begins with me,’’ was not only for the people but also for the leaders.
Mohammed also said it was incorrect to accuse Buhari’s government of being partisan, selective and vindictive in its anti-corruption war.
He said Buhari would also not spare any APC member accused or guilty of corruption.
He said, “People have always said that no APC politician had been investigated. The question is ‘those who are those being prosecuted today, for what reasons are they being prosecuted?
“It is wrong to say that the government is only investigating and prosecuting PDP members. We have not even started investigating the oil and gas industry. It is not about going out to investigate PDP. No!
‘‘We lost about 15,000 people. Nobody can, in honesty, accuse the FG of being one sided.’’
Patience must explain her source of wealth, says CACOL
Also, a civil society organisation, Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders, has said Patience must explain how she came about the funds with which she reportedly built a N10bn hotel in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
The hotel, which is known as Aridolf Resort Wellness and Spa, Yenagoa, was inaugurated by Patience in April 2015, barely a month before the end of her husband’s tenure.
But CACOL, which recalled in a statement on Tuesday that Patience was only a Permanent Secretary in Bayelsa State at a time, said the ex-President’s wife must be made to explain the source of her wealth.
The statement by the group’s acting Media Officer, Abiodun Rabiu, quoted the Executive Chairman of CACOL, Debo Adeniran, as saying the EFCC needed no further petition to invite Patience for questioning.
CACOL asked, “How did she (Patience) get the money and even the ones stacked in her accounts? That is what we, Nigerians, want to know. As far as we can understand, she was just a civil servant. So, as a civil servant, how did she manage to acquire such a luxurious property that is worth that amount, because she would have earned less than 10 per cent of the amount even if she had been a Director or Permanent Secretary in the Bayelsa State Civil Service all of the entire years she has spent on earth?”
Punch
Tuesday, 13 September 2016
The 10 biggest firms making more money than most countries in the world
The 10 biggest corporations have a combined revenue that is bigger than a list of the poorest 180 countries, including Ireland, Indonesia, Israel, Colombia, Greece, South Africa, Iraq and Vietnam, according to Global Justice Now.
And three of the companies - Apple, Shell and Walmart - are richer than Russia, Belgium and Sweden.
The campaign group has urged the British Government to stop supporting corporations and support its people instead.
A whopping 69 of the biggest 100 economic entities are corporations and not countries, and out of the top 200 an even bigger proportion of 153 are firms
Read more here
http://www.express.co.uk/finance/city/710237/10-biggest-firms-making-more-money-than-most-countries-in-the-world-COMBINED
.
And three of the companies - Apple, Shell and Walmart - are richer than Russia, Belgium and Sweden.
The campaign group has urged the British Government to stop supporting corporations and support its people instead.
A whopping 69 of the biggest 100 economic entities are corporations and not countries, and out of the top 200 an even bigger proportion of 153 are firms
Read more here
http://www.express.co.uk/finance/city/710237/10-biggest-firms-making-more-money-than-most-countries-in-the-world-COMBINED
.
Open Heavens 13 September 2016: Tuesday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Child by Grace
Topic: Child by Grace [Tuesday 13, September 2016]
Memorise: But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: – John 1:12
Read: 1 John 3:1-3 (KJV)
1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
Bible in One Year: Jeremiah 41-43, Psalms 57
MESSAGE:
The reference to Christians as children of God by the New Testament describes their status and privileges as the adopted children of God. By this, believers are no longer slaves but children of God by grace. In this respect, Galatians 4:7 says:
“Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.”
And Romans 8:15 says:
“For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.”
These Bible passages confirm that Christians are children of God by grace and not by merit. I pray that the grace of Abba Father will always be available to work in your favour in Jesus’ name.
Ephesians 2:8-9 says our salvation is entirely by grace, not works. This is why God chooses the most unlikely people for Heavenly assignments, Just like He chose a persecutor like Saul as a divine vessel (Acts 9:10-18). If it wasn’t for grace, many of us would never have been called to salvation, much more become servants of the Most-High God. In Jeremiah 1:4-5, God told this great prophet that he was chosen even before he developed as a foetus in his mother’s womb. Before His birth, he had been ordained. God has blessed many with beautiful talents and abilities, and when they engage such talents, you would be amazed at the results they will birth. As the Potter, He is free to do what He likes with His clay (Romans 9:20-21). He may decide to give someone a beautiful voice, while He gives hands that can play the guitar or piano to somebody else. What is most important is yielding totally to the Lord and allowing Him to have His way in your life. Has the Lord endowed you with some talents or unique abilities? Are you effectively and effectually employing them in serving Him? Always remember that you were chosen not because you are special, but by grace. You are a product of divine choice, so learn to glorify God in everything you do. 1 John 3:1-2 says:
“1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. 2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.”
Being called children of God is a privilege that changed our status from darkness to light; we are now led by the Spirit of God to do His will. We have also become heirs of God (Romans 8:17). We are fellow citizens with the saints and household of God.
Prayer Point: Father, please let me enjoy the grace of sonship forever 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: But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: – John 1:12
Read: 1 John 3:1-3 (KJV)
1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
Bible in One Year: Jeremiah 41-43, Psalms 57
MESSAGE:
The reference to Christians as children of God by the New Testament describes their status and privileges as the adopted children of God. By this, believers are no longer slaves but children of God by grace. In this respect, Galatians 4:7 says:
“Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.”
And Romans 8:15 says:
“For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.”
These Bible passages confirm that Christians are children of God by grace and not by merit. I pray that the grace of Abba Father will always be available to work in your favour in Jesus’ name.
Ephesians 2:8-9 says our salvation is entirely by grace, not works. This is why God chooses the most unlikely people for Heavenly assignments, Just like He chose a persecutor like Saul as a divine vessel (Acts 9:10-18). If it wasn’t for grace, many of us would never have been called to salvation, much more become servants of the Most-High God. In Jeremiah 1:4-5, God told this great prophet that he was chosen even before he developed as a foetus in his mother’s womb. Before His birth, he had been ordained. God has blessed many with beautiful talents and abilities, and when they engage such talents, you would be amazed at the results they will birth. As the Potter, He is free to do what He likes with His clay (Romans 9:20-21). He may decide to give someone a beautiful voice, while He gives hands that can play the guitar or piano to somebody else. What is most important is yielding totally to the Lord and allowing Him to have His way in your life. Has the Lord endowed you with some talents or unique abilities? Are you effectively and effectually employing them in serving Him? Always remember that you were chosen not because you are special, but by grace. You are a product of divine choice, so learn to glorify God in everything you do. 1 John 3:1-2 says:
“1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. 2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.”
Being called children of God is a privilege that changed our status from darkness to light; we are now led by the Spirit of God to do His will. We have also become heirs of God (Romans 8:17). We are fellow citizens with the saints and household of God.
Prayer Point: Father, please let me enjoy the grace of sonship forever 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.
Monday, 12 September 2016
Open Heavens 12 September 2016: Monday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – The Almighty God
Topic: The Almighty God [Monday 12, September 2016]
Memorise: For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth. – Romans 9:17
Read: Exodus 5:1-4 (KJV)
1 And afterward Moses and Aaron went in, and told Pharaoh, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Let my people go, that they may hold a feast unto me in the wilderness.
2 And Pharaoh said, Who is the LORD, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the LORD, neither will I let Israel go.
3 And they said, The God of the Hebrews hath met with us: let us go, we pray thee, three days' journey into the desert, and sacrifice unto the LORD our God; lest he fall upon us with pestilence, or with the sword.
4 And the king of Egypt said unto them, Wherefore do ye, Moses and Aaron, let the people from their works? get you unto your burdens.
Bible in One Year: Jeremiah 38:7-40:16, Psalms 56
MESSAGE:
God is the creator of Heaven and earth. He is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, the first and last, the one who knows all things and can do all things. All power in Heaven and on earth belongs to Him, which is why He is called the Almighty God. Though it is not possible for man to fully comprehend God, but a better understanding of His creative power, wisdom and authority can be made visible by considering the works of His hands according to Psalms 8:3-4:
“3 When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; 4 What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?”
Consequent to the almightiness of God, whenever He says yes, one cannot help but wonder why anyone would try to oppose Him. But from time immemorial, human beings have been found in opposition to the Almighty God, all to their own detriment. Striving against God is the fruitless opposition of the ungodly to God’s will and purpose and to the struggle of the righteous as they seek to obey God’s commandments.
Many so-called Christians today are equally striving against God by holding a worldview that is contrary to the Word of God and by their sinful words and immoral actions. Incidentally, some are ignorantly striving against God like Apostle Paul in Acts 26:14
“And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.”
It does not matter who anybody may do, if God says yes, no one can say no. God says in Isaiah 46:10
“…My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:”
Also Proverbs 19:21 says:
“There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.”
Do not resist the Holy Spirit, or be found arguing with God. Don’t ever try to attack God’s people or practice unbelief, lest you be found guilty of striving against God!
Prayer Point: Father, please don’t let me ever be found in opposition to your Word 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: For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth. – Romans 9:17
Read: Exodus 5:1-4 (KJV)
1 And afterward Moses and Aaron went in, and told Pharaoh, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Let my people go, that they may hold a feast unto me in the wilderness.
2 And Pharaoh said, Who is the LORD, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the LORD, neither will I let Israel go.
3 And they said, The God of the Hebrews hath met with us: let us go, we pray thee, three days' journey into the desert, and sacrifice unto the LORD our God; lest he fall upon us with pestilence, or with the sword.
4 And the king of Egypt said unto them, Wherefore do ye, Moses and Aaron, let the people from their works? get you unto your burdens.
Bible in One Year: Jeremiah 38:7-40:16, Psalms 56
MESSAGE:
God is the creator of Heaven and earth. He is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, the first and last, the one who knows all things and can do all things. All power in Heaven and on earth belongs to Him, which is why He is called the Almighty God. Though it is not possible for man to fully comprehend God, but a better understanding of His creative power, wisdom and authority can be made visible by considering the works of His hands according to Psalms 8:3-4:
“3 When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; 4 What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?”
Consequent to the almightiness of God, whenever He says yes, one cannot help but wonder why anyone would try to oppose Him. But from time immemorial, human beings have been found in opposition to the Almighty God, all to their own detriment. Striving against God is the fruitless opposition of the ungodly to God’s will and purpose and to the struggle of the righteous as they seek to obey God’s commandments.
Many so-called Christians today are equally striving against God by holding a worldview that is contrary to the Word of God and by their sinful words and immoral actions. Incidentally, some are ignorantly striving against God like Apostle Paul in Acts 26:14
“And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.”
It does not matter who anybody may do, if God says yes, no one can say no. God says in Isaiah 46:10
“…My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:”
Also Proverbs 19:21 says:
“There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.”
Do not resist the Holy Spirit, or be found arguing with God. Don’t ever try to attack God’s people or practice unbelief, lest you be found guilty of striving against God!
Prayer Point: Father, please don’t let me ever be found in opposition to your Word 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.
Sunday, 11 September 2016
Between The Journalist And The Spokesperson By Reuben Abati
In the past few weeks, my colleagues who have taken over as spokespersons for the Muhammadu Buhari government and the All Progressives Congress have found themselves in the line of fire, as they are accused of destroying their old reputation as truth-tellers, courageous journalists and activists of the Fourth and Fifth Estates of the Realm.
It is the same old accusation. Once a journalist crosses into government and becomes a spokesperson, he or she is called all kinds of names: traitor, turn-coat, hustler. Readers and fans feel betrayed. The defender of the people’s interest is accused of “joining them” to go and “eat”.
This is the dilemma of every Nigerian journalist who has taken up the job of spokesperson in whatever governmental capacity. I was abused, vilified and called all kinds of names, but it wasn’t so different with my predecessors nor has it been any easier for my successors. My favourite on this subject was a poem published online titled “The Death of Reuben Abati’s pen” (I don’t remember the author) but Pius Adesanmi was charitable to me in another piece in which he argued that I really didn’t need the job, but my “arrogance” could be tolerated. Pius, o kare oh.
In other parts of the world, journalists also get appointed as spokespersons. The assumption is that a journalist who has spent years communicating with the public, will be able to write, articulate views, understand the media system and the technology of the practice, cultivate his or her colleagues and forcefully defend the interest of the appointing system. But this is precisely where the problem lies. A journalist is required to be independent: free from partisan political involvement, be completely unbiased, and defend the underprivileged, the powerless, the displaced, and all victims of the oppressive, negligent or indifferent state.
The primary job of the journalist is neither advertising nor propaganda: his job is to shed light so the people can see the way, and their oppressors can be constantly reminded that there are barking and wailing watchdogs who will not permit oppression, or utter irresponsibility in the use of power. The journalist is to tell the truth so forcefully and forthrightly, the truth will cause the oppressor pain and distress, but at the same time set the people free. To jump from this background into government or a political propaganda assignment could definitely attract criticisms. The more prominent and influential the journalist is, the more controversial his new role could be. People put a tag on you over time, they don’t imagine you could assume another role in the public space, and when you do, they don’t see it as a new assignment, they use your original role to define your present.
And in the age of technology where every word that is written or spoken is eternally lodged in cyber-memory, you really can’t win the argument. I was hunted with articles I had written on fuel subsidy removal (my revision based on new facts and understanding was considered convenient). In the same manner, today’s men are facing the same heat, as tomorrow’s men would.
The simple truth is that the job definition of a spokesperson is not the same as that of a journalist. When you take up a job as a spokesperson, you have elected to defend the interest of the appointing authority, in this case, the person or organization you speak for, and in the case of a country, the national interest, the definition of which is probably one of the most contentious issues in public policy. If it is a political assignment, then you have the added baggage of being accused of endorsement: something a journalist doing basic reportorial work is not supposed to do, and if as a journalist, you become a brand ambassador, you have also again crossed the line, you have become a commercial face, not a dispassionate dispenser of truth who can investigate the truth and deliver it not minding whose ox is gored.
As a spokesman or brand ambassador, you definitely have no opinion of your own. You are a vehicle, a compromised special purpose vehicle: you speak according to directives, and in the name of the authority you work for. It took me some time to figure that out, when you work for government, you are not expected to sound like an activist in the corridors but you can make a lot of significant inputs. “When you eat, you don’t talk”, that was how some people rationalized it, unfortunately, not knowing that a lot of serious talking actually goes on in government.
What was not properly acknowledged is that the knowledge acquired working in the public sector is quite different from that of the private space: you will certainly as a former private sector person gain access to the inner workings of government. You will build a new network. You gain access to new knowledge and opportunity to contribute to the process of change - you are definitely better positioned to do so from within - except that forces of ethnicity, nepotism, cronyism and even the insecurity of key players could limit your ability to ensure the triumph of good reason in such an environment that is dominated by vicious search for advantages, rustic thinking and competition driven by fear and greed. But still, a spokesperson must do the job. You must be ready to take the bullet for your boss. You are a fall guy. You prevent unnecessary news if you can. It is not your job to tell the media - go and shoot. You are a spin master, a spin-doctor: you help the media to get the facts about government’s efforts, and persuade them not to “kill.” Even if the heavens are falling and every one is lamenting about the falling weight of heaven, it is your job to give the ordinary people hope. You must let them know that something is being done on their behalf.
To defend the ordinary people is at the base of the assignment: if you work inside government, you don’t throw people into despair, you reassure them, if you work outside government, you give the government people hell, so as to promote the same people, two sides of the same coin. On both sides, the most important element is the people-element, their rights, their relevance, because it is the reason government and society exist.
I admit the whole thing is delicate; it is a walking-a-tight-rope scenario. How do you convince the people you are serving their interest when they see you actively defending the government, the political head and his political party, in the name of giving hope? They would tell you pointedly you are lying to keep a job. The critical point is that government is not a media house. The rules of engagement are different. And that is why every government spokesperson becomes a target of virulent criticism. Where does this lead us to then? It is this: that the people’s mind works differently from government’s mind, particularly in developing countries.
The challenge is to find a synergy. And that synergy lies in government serving the people’s interest: not populism, but meeting the people’s expectations, keeping promises and being seen to be actually working, accepting responsibility, not shifting blames or goal posts, and having a good team. The last point is important- having a good team. You can interpret this whichever way you want, but a political leader must have around him, people who are ready to take the fall for him. They must be willing to shield him, and not throw him under the wheels. When you have ministers who don’t speak up and are virtually absent, or spokespersons who are busy hiding their necks and faces, then there is a problem. Can you imagine some government spokespersons at a critical hour posting Rio Olympics pictures, or talking about fashion or some other irrelevancies when they should be on their Oga’s case?
May be what we are dealing with is actually a conflict of roles. A journalist in government still thinks he is perhaps a journalist and in his mind, he is torn between two conflicts. Those who manage to walk the tight-rope carefully come out looking clean, those who stick their necks out get bruised: but whichever way, much reputational damage is incurred. But the painful fact of the Nigerian reality is that the entire Nigerian journalism establishment is in cahoots with the partisan establishment. There are more sponsored spokesmen outside than within, with the people outside perpetually peeping inside and the whole concept of professional independence trampled afoot as the media digs deep into Nigerian politics and business for easy profit. This must be a subject for another day.
All told, the fortunes of the government make the difference. The ambition of every political leader is to be popular with the people, to win elections and to be taken seriously. Nobody in a leadership position wants to end up badly. Every leader wants to make an impact and be remembered positively. The rub of it is that what the people see is what they believe, and this may be different from what they get to know in the long run. When a government does well, the people will know and acknowledge its achievements.
Unfortunately, Nigerian democracy in the last 16 years has suffered greatly from the rise of competitive propaganda, but the simple local logic is that if a lie travels twenty years ahead, one day, the truth will catch up with it. That is not to discount the fact that Nigerians only appreciate their present in the future. We condemn everything that is before us, only to look back a few years later and regretfully revise history. My take is that Nigeria is not an easy country to govern. How easily can anyone govern a country where everybody including the uneducated are vocal experts on every subject from football to politics, foreign exchange and governance?
When you are a spokesperson though, speak. Every job has its own definition. And when you are in the kitchen, don’t complain of heat. The same people who criticize and talk about “doing the job with wisdom” know the truth, and one way or the other, the truth gets told.
It is the same old accusation. Once a journalist crosses into government and becomes a spokesperson, he or she is called all kinds of names: traitor, turn-coat, hustler. Readers and fans feel betrayed. The defender of the people’s interest is accused of “joining them” to go and “eat”.
This is the dilemma of every Nigerian journalist who has taken up the job of spokesperson in whatever governmental capacity. I was abused, vilified and called all kinds of names, but it wasn’t so different with my predecessors nor has it been any easier for my successors. My favourite on this subject was a poem published online titled “The Death of Reuben Abati’s pen” (I don’t remember the author) but Pius Adesanmi was charitable to me in another piece in which he argued that I really didn’t need the job, but my “arrogance” could be tolerated. Pius, o kare oh.
In other parts of the world, journalists also get appointed as spokespersons. The assumption is that a journalist who has spent years communicating with the public, will be able to write, articulate views, understand the media system and the technology of the practice, cultivate his or her colleagues and forcefully defend the interest of the appointing system. But this is precisely where the problem lies. A journalist is required to be independent: free from partisan political involvement, be completely unbiased, and defend the underprivileged, the powerless, the displaced, and all victims of the oppressive, negligent or indifferent state.
The primary job of the journalist is neither advertising nor propaganda: his job is to shed light so the people can see the way, and their oppressors can be constantly reminded that there are barking and wailing watchdogs who will not permit oppression, or utter irresponsibility in the use of power. The journalist is to tell the truth so forcefully and forthrightly, the truth will cause the oppressor pain and distress, but at the same time set the people free. To jump from this background into government or a political propaganda assignment could definitely attract criticisms. The more prominent and influential the journalist is, the more controversial his new role could be. People put a tag on you over time, they don’t imagine you could assume another role in the public space, and when you do, they don’t see it as a new assignment, they use your original role to define your present.
And in the age of technology where every word that is written or spoken is eternally lodged in cyber-memory, you really can’t win the argument. I was hunted with articles I had written on fuel subsidy removal (my revision based on new facts and understanding was considered convenient). In the same manner, today’s men are facing the same heat, as tomorrow’s men would.
The simple truth is that the job definition of a spokesperson is not the same as that of a journalist. When you take up a job as a spokesperson, you have elected to defend the interest of the appointing authority, in this case, the person or organization you speak for, and in the case of a country, the national interest, the definition of which is probably one of the most contentious issues in public policy. If it is a political assignment, then you have the added baggage of being accused of endorsement: something a journalist doing basic reportorial work is not supposed to do, and if as a journalist, you become a brand ambassador, you have also again crossed the line, you have become a commercial face, not a dispassionate dispenser of truth who can investigate the truth and deliver it not minding whose ox is gored.
As a spokesman or brand ambassador, you definitely have no opinion of your own. You are a vehicle, a compromised special purpose vehicle: you speak according to directives, and in the name of the authority you work for. It took me some time to figure that out, when you work for government, you are not expected to sound like an activist in the corridors but you can make a lot of significant inputs. “When you eat, you don’t talk”, that was how some people rationalized it, unfortunately, not knowing that a lot of serious talking actually goes on in government.
What was not properly acknowledged is that the knowledge acquired working in the public sector is quite different from that of the private space: you will certainly as a former private sector person gain access to the inner workings of government. You will build a new network. You gain access to new knowledge and opportunity to contribute to the process of change - you are definitely better positioned to do so from within - except that forces of ethnicity, nepotism, cronyism and even the insecurity of key players could limit your ability to ensure the triumph of good reason in such an environment that is dominated by vicious search for advantages, rustic thinking and competition driven by fear and greed. But still, a spokesperson must do the job. You must be ready to take the bullet for your boss. You are a fall guy. You prevent unnecessary news if you can. It is not your job to tell the media - go and shoot. You are a spin master, a spin-doctor: you help the media to get the facts about government’s efforts, and persuade them not to “kill.” Even if the heavens are falling and every one is lamenting about the falling weight of heaven, it is your job to give the ordinary people hope. You must let them know that something is being done on their behalf.
To defend the ordinary people is at the base of the assignment: if you work inside government, you don’t throw people into despair, you reassure them, if you work outside government, you give the government people hell, so as to promote the same people, two sides of the same coin. On both sides, the most important element is the people-element, their rights, their relevance, because it is the reason government and society exist.
I admit the whole thing is delicate; it is a walking-a-tight-rope scenario. How do you convince the people you are serving their interest when they see you actively defending the government, the political head and his political party, in the name of giving hope? They would tell you pointedly you are lying to keep a job. The critical point is that government is not a media house. The rules of engagement are different. And that is why every government spokesperson becomes a target of virulent criticism. Where does this lead us to then? It is this: that the people’s mind works differently from government’s mind, particularly in developing countries.
The challenge is to find a synergy. And that synergy lies in government serving the people’s interest: not populism, but meeting the people’s expectations, keeping promises and being seen to be actually working, accepting responsibility, not shifting blames or goal posts, and having a good team. The last point is important- having a good team. You can interpret this whichever way you want, but a political leader must have around him, people who are ready to take the fall for him. They must be willing to shield him, and not throw him under the wheels. When you have ministers who don’t speak up and are virtually absent, or spokespersons who are busy hiding their necks and faces, then there is a problem. Can you imagine some government spokespersons at a critical hour posting Rio Olympics pictures, or talking about fashion or some other irrelevancies when they should be on their Oga’s case?
May be what we are dealing with is actually a conflict of roles. A journalist in government still thinks he is perhaps a journalist and in his mind, he is torn between two conflicts. Those who manage to walk the tight-rope carefully come out looking clean, those who stick their necks out get bruised: but whichever way, much reputational damage is incurred. But the painful fact of the Nigerian reality is that the entire Nigerian journalism establishment is in cahoots with the partisan establishment. There are more sponsored spokesmen outside than within, with the people outside perpetually peeping inside and the whole concept of professional independence trampled afoot as the media digs deep into Nigerian politics and business for easy profit. This must be a subject for another day.
All told, the fortunes of the government make the difference. The ambition of every political leader is to be popular with the people, to win elections and to be taken seriously. Nobody in a leadership position wants to end up badly. Every leader wants to make an impact and be remembered positively. The rub of it is that what the people see is what they believe, and this may be different from what they get to know in the long run. When a government does well, the people will know and acknowledge its achievements.
Unfortunately, Nigerian democracy in the last 16 years has suffered greatly from the rise of competitive propaganda, but the simple local logic is that if a lie travels twenty years ahead, one day, the truth will catch up with it. That is not to discount the fact that Nigerians only appreciate their present in the future. We condemn everything that is before us, only to look back a few years later and regretfully revise history. My take is that Nigeria is not an easy country to govern. How easily can anyone govern a country where everybody including the uneducated are vocal experts on every subject from football to politics, foreign exchange and governance?
When you are a spokesperson though, speak. Every job has its own definition. And when you are in the kitchen, don’t complain of heat. The same people who criticize and talk about “doing the job with wisdom” know the truth, and one way or the other, the truth gets told.
31.4m Frozen In Bank Accounts Mine, says Former First Lady Patience
Former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, is claiming ownership of the $31.4 million involved in an alleged fraud case before a Federal High Court in Lagos.
Counsel to the first defendant in charge, with case number FHC/337C/16, Mr. Gboyega Oduwole, informed the court that Mrs. Jonathan filed a fundamental application against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), claiming ownership of the money.
The EFCC had taken former presidential aide, Amajuoyi Azubike Briggs, former Skye Bank official, Damola Bolodeoku, Pluto Property and Investment Company Limited and Avalon Global Property Development Company Limited to court in an alleged $31.4 million fraud involving the companies without addresses.
Others also charged include Seagate Property Development and Investment Company Limited; Trans Ocean Property and Investment Company Limited, Avalon Global Property Development Company Limited and Globus Integrated Services Limited.
According to an application filed on September 6, this year, with file number FHC/L/C5/1233/16, Mrs. Jonathan is asking the court to make an order for the enforcement of her fundamental rights, in terms of reliefs she sought, and naming as defendants, the EFCC and Skye Bank Plc.
The former first lady asked the court to make a declaration that the fund standing to the credit of four of the companies and an account in her own name in Skye Bank belonged to her.
She also asked the court to declare that the action of the respondents in placing a No Debit/Freezing Order on the said accounts without any order of a competent court of law or prior notice to her, to be in breach of her fundamental rights as contained in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
http://www.newsmath.com/31-4m-frozen-bank-accounts-mine-former-first-lady-patience-jonathan-tells-court/
Counsel to the first defendant in charge, with case number FHC/337C/16, Mr. Gboyega Oduwole, informed the court that Mrs. Jonathan filed a fundamental application against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), claiming ownership of the money.
The EFCC had taken former presidential aide, Amajuoyi Azubike Briggs, former Skye Bank official, Damola Bolodeoku, Pluto Property and Investment Company Limited and Avalon Global Property Development Company Limited to court in an alleged $31.4 million fraud involving the companies without addresses.
Others also charged include Seagate Property Development and Investment Company Limited; Trans Ocean Property and Investment Company Limited, Avalon Global Property Development Company Limited and Globus Integrated Services Limited.
According to an application filed on September 6, this year, with file number FHC/L/C5/1233/16, Mrs. Jonathan is asking the court to make an order for the enforcement of her fundamental rights, in terms of reliefs she sought, and naming as defendants, the EFCC and Skye Bank Plc.
The former first lady asked the court to make a declaration that the fund standing to the credit of four of the companies and an account in her own name in Skye Bank belonged to her.
She also asked the court to declare that the action of the respondents in placing a No Debit/Freezing Order on the said accounts without any order of a competent court of law or prior notice to her, to be in breach of her fundamental rights as contained in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
http://www.newsmath.com/31-4m-frozen-bank-accounts-mine-former-first-lady-patience-jonathan-tells-court/
Open Heavens 11 September 2016: Sunday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Spiritual Specialization
Topic: Spiritual Specialization [Sunday 11, September 2016]
Memorise: For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. – Romans 12:3
Read: 1 Corinthians 12:4-12 (KJV)
4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.
6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.
7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;
10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.
Bible in One Year: Jeremiah 36:1-38:6, Psalms 55:16-23
MESSAGE:
God in His infinite wisdom specifically created the universe and everything in it with diversity in His mind. Consequently, the difference between people, their special gifts, needs and characters is obvious all through creation. Individualism stresses the differences between people and recognises the special gifts of individuals. Now the Bible teaches that the diverse gifts in the lives of individuals in the body of Christ are specifically designed to be used for the benefit of all. To this end, 1 Corinthian 12:4-6 say:
“4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.”
We are encouraged not to personalise God’s gifts in our lives, but rather to recognise that we are incomplete in ourselves and we need cooperation and fellowship with others in the body of Christ to function as a complete whole. God wants His children to live by this biblical injunction so that no one will be proud, and to enhance mutual respect in the Church of God, which will promote peace and unity in the body of Christ. Physical and spiritual development will go on unhindered. Passages of the Bible like Romans 12:6-8, would then become realistic and practicable:
“6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; 7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; 8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.”
One person operates in the word of wisdom, another in the word of knowledge; one is the gifts of healing, and yet another in the working of miracles and prophecy. They should cooperate with each other with the understanding that one and the selfsame Spirit is at work in each individual to accomplish the ultimate purpose of God.
Prayer Point: Father, please give me the unction to function with total humility and submission 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: For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. – Romans 12:3
Read: 1 Corinthians 12:4-12 (KJV)
4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.
6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.
7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;
10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.
Bible in One Year: Jeremiah 36:1-38:6, Psalms 55:16-23
MESSAGE:
God in His infinite wisdom specifically created the universe and everything in it with diversity in His mind. Consequently, the difference between people, their special gifts, needs and characters is obvious all through creation. Individualism stresses the differences between people and recognises the special gifts of individuals. Now the Bible teaches that the diverse gifts in the lives of individuals in the body of Christ are specifically designed to be used for the benefit of all. To this end, 1 Corinthian 12:4-6 say:
“4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.”
We are encouraged not to personalise God’s gifts in our lives, but rather to recognise that we are incomplete in ourselves and we need cooperation and fellowship with others in the body of Christ to function as a complete whole. God wants His children to live by this biblical injunction so that no one will be proud, and to enhance mutual respect in the Church of God, which will promote peace and unity in the body of Christ. Physical and spiritual development will go on unhindered. Passages of the Bible like Romans 12:6-8, would then become realistic and practicable:
“6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; 7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; 8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.”
One person operates in the word of wisdom, another in the word of knowledge; one is the gifts of healing, and yet another in the working of miracles and prophecy. They should cooperate with each other with the understanding that one and the selfsame Spirit is at work in each individual to accomplish the ultimate purpose of God.
Prayer Point: Father, please give me the unction to function with total humility and submission 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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