Winning Wisdom: Teaching Rebellion?

Topic: Teaching Rebellion? [Saturday, 1st April 2017]

Therefore thus saith the Lord; Behold, I will cast thee from off the face of the earth: this year thou shalt die, because thou hast taught rebellion against the Lord. Jeremiah 28:16

Rebellion means conflict, struggle, contravention. To rebel against something or someone therefore means to have conflict with them; to struggle against them; or to contravene their instructions. Every one of us has at one time or the other in our lives rebelled against our parent(s). For some the rebellion was as great as running away from home, while for others it was just simply going against an instruction of theirs. Now, if you were in a situation where during or after your act of rebellion, your parent(s) blamed a friend or some friends of yours as the cause of such rebellion, you’ll remember that they forbade you from ever associating with such friend(s).

How does this concerns us? We know that for God, the sin of rebellion is as witchcraft, and it is not pleasing to God. But, we have come to learn from Jeremiah 28:16 that the wrath of God is turned against the person who incites the act of rebellion. This can be deduced from the magnitude of punishment pronounced against Barnabas, who caused the people to “trust in a lie”, and “taught rebellion against the Lord”. Also in Jeremiah 29:32, the punishment upon Shemaiah was also great for the same wrong of teaching the people to rebel against God.

Now what entails teaching rebellion against the Lord? This is teaching/preaching certain things that are not from God, saying they are from God, and causing the people of God to believe in such things. When people start walking according to these teaching that are not from God, they starting acting in contravention of the will and instructions of God. This is rebellion. The effect of teaching rebellion against God can be found in 2 Peter 2:1 which says “but there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction”. It is our duty as believers to teach the people the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, and the Lord Who knows “how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished” will surely help us.

Keep winning daily.

Prayer:

Dear God, thank You for choosing me as a believer to tell the world of You. Help me and teach me not to speak anything that is outside of Your truth, in Jesus’ Name, Amen.

By Esun Tekeme

6 Reasons You Should Replace Sugar with Honey

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

Regulate blood sugar

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

Better exercise performance

Taking honey before an exercise will ensure that you perform optimally during your workout sessions and you don’t tire out easily. At the same, if you take it at the end, you heart speed will slow down quicker and you will feel better.

Perfect for wounds and burns

This is why it is advisable for you to have honey at home. When you apply honey to an external wound and burns, it makes it dry quickly. When next you have a wound or burn, use honey for treatment.

Deal with a cough and throat irritations

Honey can also help in dealing with a cough and throat irritation. It works like magic. Few spoons of sugar can reduce or clear these annoying irritations.

Check cancer and heart disease

Like they say, prevention is better than cure. To prevent or minimise the risk of cancer, you should take honey regularly because it contains antioxidants that cushion the effects of these terminal diseases.

Lessen the risks of stomach ulcers 

It is also possible to use honey to limit the risks of stomach ulcer and other bacterial stomach flu.

By Adeniyi OGUNFOWOKE
PR Associate at Jumia Travel

Our Daily Bread Devotional, March 30, 2017 - Life and Death

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

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

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

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

Many of the heroes of our faith experienced God’s faithfulness when they died. For instance, Jacob announced he would soon be “gathered to [his] people” (Gen. 49:29–33). Jacob’s son Joseph also announced his impending death: “I am about to die,” he said to his brothers while instructing them how to hold firm in their faith. He seems to be at peace, yet eager that his brothers trust the Lord (50:24).

None of us knows when or how we will breathe our last breath, but we can ask God to help us trust that He will be with us. We can believe the promise that Jesus will prepare a place for us in His Father’s house (John 14:2–3).

Prayer: Lord God, Your dwelling place will be with Your people, and You will be our God, wiping away our tears and banishing death. May it be so!

The Lord will never abandon us, especially at the time of our death.

Insight:

Genesis, the book of beginnings, concludes with important endings. At the beginning of chapter 50, we find one of the Old Testament’s greatest examples, Joseph, weeping over the death of his father, Jacob. The chapter ends with Joseph’s death and burial. In between, three key events take place. First, Joseph takes his father’s remains back to Canaan to their familial home. This marks Joseph’s first return to the land since the dark days of Genesis 37, when his brothers sold him into slavery. Second, Joseph reassures them of his love and forgiveness by affirming God’s purposes and his own desire to care for his brothers and their families (50:19–21). Third, Joseph, anticipating death, again reminds the Israelites of their proper home in Canaan by asking that they take his bones to be buried in the land of promise. These ideas prepare the way for the exodus—God’s eventual rescue of Israel from bondage in Egypt more than 400 years later.

This message was written By Amy Boucher Pye [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]

FCMB’s profit rises by 109% to N16.3bn in 2016, …..Declares 10k dividend

As culled from LIB, FCMB Group Plc has again demonstrated its resilience by reporting a profit before tax (PBT) of N16.3 billion for the full-year ended December 31, 2016, an increase of 109% compared to the N7.8 billion for the same period in 2015. Profit after tax also rose to N14.3 billion as against N4.8 billion prior year.


Following these, the financial institution has recommended a dividend of 10 kobo per share to shareholders. FCMB Group which is the holding company of First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Limited, FCMB Capital Markets Limited, CSL Stockbrokers Limited and CSL Trustees Limited, also reported a number of appreciable growths in key operating areas going by the audited results. Gross revenue as at the end of December 2016 was up by 16% to N176.35 billion from N152.51 billion in the previous year.

This was in spite of the challenging macroeconomic environment and other regulatory factors. Non-interest income grew to N47.7 billion, an 86% Year-on-Year (YoY) increase, as against N25.6 billion in 2015. This was mainly driven by N29.3 billion in foreign exchange revaluation gains. Consistent with its value as a helpful financial institution committed to the growth of individual and business aspirations, the FCMB Group results showed an increase in credits advanced to customers last year.

Loans and advances rose by 11% from N593 billion in 2015 to N660 billion in 2016. Total assets increased marginally by 1% from N1.16 trillion to N1.17trillion. In addition, operating expenses decreased by 2% to N65.8 billion, just as non-performing loans to total loans ratio declined from 4.2% in 2015 to 3.7% in 2016. The Group’s capital adequacy ratio stood at 16.7%.

However, customer deposits reduced to N658 billion from N700 billion. First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Limited, the flagship of FCMB Group Plc and the commercial and retail banking arm of the holding company, also sustained its impressive performance over the years. The financial results show that the bank’s net interest income grew by 9% (YoY) from N62.8 billion in 2015 to N68.6 billion in 2016

Warning on soft drinks

Written by the Editorial Board of The Guardian Newspaper

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

The suit was filed by a company that tried to export Fanta and Sprite bottled in Nigeria to the UK. British authorities seized and destroyed the products for being poisonous by containing excess levels of benzoic acid and sunset additives. Benzoic acid, which serves as a preservative, if used excessively, can cause cancer and has also been linked to asthma problems and increased levels of hyperactivity in children. It can cause allergies, hyperactivity, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting in some individuals. Anyway, the questions at this juncture are: should the contents of Fanta and Sprite not be the same worldwide? What scientific explanations does NBC have for variations reported in the contents of the products in Nigeria? Is the issue of what is good for the temperate and tropical regions not too opaque and deserves better explanation?

NAFDAC has filed an appeal and a motion to stay execution of the judgment on Sprite and Fanta, while NBC has also said that the judgment was inaccurate as its products are safe for consumption in Nigeria and appealed the court judgment. This case has, however, brought to the fore the issues of consumers right to information and safety in Nigeria! One thing is obvious –the case has been in the court for about a decade in the slow wheel of justice. Within the period, there was no attempt by the relevant government agencies to recall the batch of the drinks and join the media to sensitise the public on the use of soft drinks and Vitamin C with a view to ensuring the safety of consumers.

Anyway, despite the fact that NBC has argued that its Nigerian brands are safe for consumption, it is better to be cautious. Hence, the need for further investigations against the backdrop of the safety issue raised by the judgment, especially with regard to the effects of excessive level of benzoic acid and sunset additives on human health. Their interactivity with Vitamin C should also be srutinised. The investigation of these ingredients and their levels in the soft drinks product category should be extended to all brands in the country, because machines cannot easily pick carcinogenic disease and daily many Nigerians are dying without knowing the causes.

Furthermore, the various health conditions associated with the ingredients and their prevalence should be studied by experts to establish trends. It is only through such researches that the health concerns of taking soft drinks can be scientifically established while speculations and mistrust concerning the health hazards will be addressed. Furthermore, based on the findings of the researches, obligations of marketers to consumers, especially on health warnings will be established, and if possible contents of soft drinks recalibrated.

As a people, Nigerians should all be committed to ensuring that destruction and loss of lives especially through food intake are reduced to the lowest ebb if not totally prevented. As such, relevant ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) of government such as NAFDAC, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Consumer Protection Council (CPC) and the Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH), should collaborate in a well-coordinated manner to conduct a broad and detailed examination of all food brands; while the consumer rights groups should hire independent investigators to do the same and make the findings public. This exercise in ensuring the safety of food and drinks should not be for only Fanta and Sprite but various others. Apart from doing this now, the duty bearers should carry out periodic monitoring and review for quality control and assurance; and to reassure consumers of the safety of products in the market. It should be done also to ensure that people get value for their money. Batch examination of food and drinks using stringent measures should be compulsory. If these are done,sub- standard goods will be stamped out of the markets and products consumed will be health compliant. Consumption is life and death. This is a task that must be done if Nigerians are truly committed to rebuilding their country. Where attention to details is missing, the nation will perish.

6 Amazing Benefits of Mangoes

6 Amazing Benefits of Mangoes

Mangoes generally offer a myriad of skin benefits for the skin, hair, body etc. Jumia Travel, the leading online travel agency, shares 6 amazing benefits mangoes, the king of fruits.

Enhances Skin Health

Mangoes are rich in beta-carotene and Vitamin A. Beta-carotene is a photo-protective agent that helps quench photochemical reactions in the epidermis, which protects the skin from ultraviolet rays. The Vitamin A in mangoes has also been found to reduce oil production in the skin which helps to combat acne and dark spots. Both the beta-carotene and vitamin A help to resurrect dead skin and make radiant and luminous. Eating mangoes as well as smearing some mango pulp on your face and leaving on for about 30 minutes will do wonders for your skin.

Gives a Fairer Skin Tone

A mixture of mango pulp and milk cream, when applied on the face for about 30 minutes, can make the skin fairer and spotless. Mango peels can also be dried in the sun and ground to powder, before being mixed with milk powder and a little water to form a sort of home-made fairness mask to give a fairer skin tone and spotless complexion.

Helps with Diabetes

The fruit is known to control blood sugar levels and normalize insulin levels in the blood. For this reason, diabetics can gain benefits from eating this fruit.

Improves Digestion

Mangoes are rich in fiber which help to prevent constipation and keeps one full for long. These fibers also helps to keep the colon clean and allows it work optimally thereby aiding digestion. Mangoes also contain certain digestive enzymes that breakdown proteins and aid digestions.

Great for the Hair

Mangoes are rich in vitamin C and help promote collagen production for healthy hair. Also due to the presence of vitamin A (which has scalp conditioning properties) and beta-carotene in mangoes, the fruits help to nourish the hair and treat dandruff. You can mix mango with yoghurt and egg yolk or banana and coconut oil to make a kind of mango conditioner for your hair.

Great for Pregnancy

Mangoes are extremely useful for women during pregnancy because they are loaded with plenty iron and folic acid which help to prevent anemia and keep the unborn baby healthy and happy. The fruit is mainly helpful for pregnant women suffering from iron deficiency.

By Damilola Ojo
08101556883

President Buhari orders vice chancellors to expel university students with low CGPA

As culled from Flatimes, President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday gave vice chancellors a marching order to expel students with less than 0.5 Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) from next academic session.

Such students, he said, are unserious elements that should not be accommodated any longer in higher institutions.

The President also cautioned governing councils and managements universities against muzzle-flexing and ego-tripping, which he said had thrown affected universities into avoidable crises.

Buhari spoke at the 31st convocation of the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT).

He further assured his administration was committed to the 2009 agreement entered into with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

This, he noted, led to the recent setting up of a committee to renegotiate the contentious agreement.

Buhari, who was represented by the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Anthony Onwuka, told vice-chancellors and their managements to practise transparency, accountability, fairness and ensure discipline.

He said: “We must stop to continue housing adventurers, who have no business remaining in the universities beyond the time specified for their studies in the universities.

“In that wise, it is being proposed that at the end of this academic year, any student with less than 0.5 CGPA should cease to be a student of the university and should be shown the way out.

“The universities must continue to have people who are serious in what they have come to do.

“If you have less than 0.5 in your CGPA, you are out. You are out for good so that the space will be left for those who have come to do serious business.

On governing council, he charged them to avoid ”unnecessary muzzle-flexing and ego-tripping that throw affected universities into avoidable crises.

“They must look after the welfare of staff and students and ensure proper development of their universities.

On the contentious 2009 agreement with ASUU, Buhari pleaded with the lecturers to give peace a chance, by coming to the negotiation table in the best interest of higher education.

He reassured ASUU and other unions that government was committed to quality education in the universities and other layers of the education sector, including the welfare of staff in the system.

The Real Truth About The number 08030004900 That Was Alleged is Killing People

As culled from Nairland, We at techredirector.com have debunked this issue. For the past few days messages like this have been Trending on WhatsApp for wrong reasons.. Gud evening ,i hope u guys ave heard dat d police saved anoda woman tryn to jump into d lagoon today..pls my sisters dis is d number calling dem..08030004900...i didnt really blive until a friend tld me d number called her nd started sayn sum enchantment and d nxt thing she heard waz tld to 08030004900 kill her self wit any possible means she has...d same number called her friends broda in skul nd if nt for her friend's broda roommated dat stop him..he wud ave stabbed himself wit d knife in his hands..so pls sisters lets pass dis information..nd lets also b prayerful..d was d same number dat called dat doctor dat jumped into d lagoon too...#TAKEHEED Pls don't pick calls from d number Two of my course mates were saved cos dey missed d call However, there is no truth behind this, Truth It is an MTN NG no. For promotional messages, that's the reason why it can't be called. The short code is 4900, instead of calling with 4900 which many users won't pick up, the 08030004900 was introduced. I myself have picked the call recently, you hear a promotional message and it's not in any way related to the lagoon - suicide. pls spread the news Lalasticlala can forward to FP

Re: Real Truth About 08030004900 No. Killing People - Techredirector

Lady Gets Drunk, Passes Out & Poop On Herself At Bachelorrete Party (Graphic)

A picture shared on snapchat that's been making the rounds on social media shows a woman in lingerie on the floor of someone’s house — said to have passed out. She’s resting on some kind of blanket or pillow, suggesting she’s been in that position for some time. There is a thick pile of poop on her bum cheeks and upper legs. And there are Nike sneakers with tissue paper in them next to her head, indicating they are new.


Those sharing the photos claim this took place at a bachelor party, and what we’re looking at is a stripper who passed out after having one too many drink.


There have been many past incident of people pooping on themselves when they’ve had too much to drink. The other cause of such is if the person's drink was spiked.

Some people on social media have analysed the consistency of semi-liquid poop, pointing it to a poor diet. According to them, it's a combination of fried food and alcohol for days on end. Well,  probably.

Also, another person said the hot pile of mess may have been resting in her bowels for some time now. three— to — four days at the most. And the additional meal and alcohol at the bachelorrete party forced them out uncontrollably after she passed out.

Whatever the case may be, the photo is not for the faint-hearted. So brace yourself....

Our Daily Bread Devotional

Our Daily Bread Devotional, March 26, 2017 - East Meets West

Topic: East Meets West [Sunday March 26, 2017]

Read: Romans 14:1–12, Bible in a Year:Joshua 22–24; Luke 3

Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? Romans 14:4

When students from Southeast Asia met a teacher from North America, the visiting instructor learned a lesson. After giving his class their first multiple-choice test, he was surprised to find many questions left unanswered. While handing back the corrected papers, he suggested that, next time, instead of leaving answers blank they should take a guess. Surprised, one of the students raised their hand and asked, “What if I accidentally get the answer right? I would be implying that I knew the answer when I didn’t.” The student and teacher had a different perspective and practice.

In the days of the New Testament, Jewish and Gentile converts were coming to Christ with perspectives as different as East and West. Before long they were disagreeing over matters as diverse as worship days and what a Christ-follower is free to eat or drink. The apostle Paul urged them to remember an important fact: None of us is in a position to know or judge the heart of another.

For the sake of harmony with fellow believers, God urges us to realize that we are all accountable to our Lord, to act according to His Word and our conscience. However, He alone is in a position to judge the attitudes of our heart (Rom. 14:4–7).

Prayer: Father in heaven, please have mercy on us for presuming to judge the heart of those who see so many things differently than we do.

Be slow to judge others but quick to judge yourself.

Insight:

When we find ourselves in a position where we disagree with other Christians, it’s good to remember that God has given us room to disagree and help for how to handle our differing opinions. We can find such help in today’s text. How has knowing Scripture helped you to deal with conflicts?

This message was written By Mart DeHaan [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]