Word For Today: Piercing the Darkness

Read: Isaiah 60:19-22

The Lord will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory. Isaiah 60:19

I caught my first glimpse of them as a college student. On a frosty, fall night, far from the lights of the city, I was riding on a hay wagon loaded with noisy friends when the sky lit up and colors flashed across the horizon. I was mesmerized. Ever since that night I have been fascinated with the phenomenon called aurora borealis, also known as northern lights. Mostly they are seen far north of where I live, but occasionally they appear in lower latitudes. Having seen them once, I long to see more. Whenever the conditions are favorable, I say to my equally fascinated friends, “Maybe tonight . . .”

Throughout Scripture, light and glory are used to describe the coming of the Lord. A time is coming when the sun and moon will be unnecessary (Isa. 60:19). And in describing God on His throne, the apostle John wrote, “The one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and ruby. A rainbow that shone like an emerald encircled the throne” (Rev. 4:3).

God's glory is a light that pierces through the darkness.

An emerald circle is an apt description of the northern lights. So whenever I see glorious light displays in the skies above—whether in person or via picture or video—I think of it as a foretaste of what is to come, and I praise God that even now His glory pierces the darkness.

Lord, the world around us is sometimes so dark that it is difficult to see Your power and goodness. Thank You for the reminders that the darkness does not and will not last forever. Help us wait with great expectation for the day when we will see You on Your throne.

Jesus came to give light to a dark world.

INSIGHT:

In today’s passage, Isaiah paints a beautiful picture of what life will be like in God’s eternal kingdom. Using the imagery of light and darkness, Isaiah tells the people of Israel that the presence of God will ensure that their problems will never appear again. It is not that light simply makes problems disappear; it is that in the presence of God, only goodness and righteousness can exist. One day the darkness of our lives will be illuminated by the presence of God.

J.R. Hudberg

Bible in a Year:Isaiah 7–8; Ephesians 2

Culled from: Our Daily Bread

Today in History: September 29th

On September 29th 1979,  John Paul II became the first pope ever to visit Ireland.

On September 29th 1990, the YF-22, later named F-22 Raptor, flew for the first time.

On September 29th 1992,   Brazilian President Fernando Collor de Mello was impeached for corruption; he was the youngest president in the nation’s history, taking office at age 40 in 1990.

On September 29th 2009, an 8.1 earthquake caused a tidal wave that claimed 189 lives in Samoa, American Samoa, and Tonga.

Word For Today: First Steps

Read: Romans 8:14-17

The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Romans 8:16

A friend stopped me the other day with some exciting news and then spent 10 minutes describing for me the first steps of her 1-year-old nephew. He could walk! Later I realized how bizarre we might have sounded to an eavesdropper. Most people can walk. What was the big deal?

It struck me that childhood provides a quality of specialness that nearly vanishes for the rest of life. Thinking about our treatment of children gave me further appreciation for the fact that God chooses the word picture of “children” to describe our relationship with Him. The New Testament announces that we are God’s children, with all the rights and privileges of worthy heirs (Rom. 8:16-17). Jesus (the “one and only” Son of God) came, we’re told, to make possible our adoption as sons and daughters in God’s family.

Our experiences here on earth are mere glimpses of the fullness of God's #love.

I imagine God views each halting step forward in my spiritual “walk” with the eagerness of a parent watching a child take that very first step.

Perhaps when the secrets of the universe are finally revealed, we will learn an underlying purpose of watching children grow. It may be that God has granted us these times of specialness to awaken us to His infinite love. Of the fullness of that love, our experiences here on earth are mere glimpses.

Loving heavenly Father, increase our awareness of Your love for us and Your delight in us so we can show the world the difference You make in our lives.

You are loved.

INSIGHT:

Notice in today’s Bible reading the extensive nature of the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Paul tells us that the Spirit leads us as God’s children (v. 14), enables us through adoption to call God our Father (v. 15), and affirms God’s saving work in our hearts (v. 16). It is one of the truly great passages in the New Testament on the work of the Spirit in our lives and one we should celebrate! 

Bill Crowder

Bible in a Year: Song of Solomon 6–8; Galatians 4

Photos: Man Kills Brother in Port Harcourt; Mob React, Kill Culprit

This is a really sad story. 

According to reports, the young man above was brutally murdered on Friday September 25th, by his younger brother who is said to be mentally deranged. 

As usual for Nigerians, jungle justice was served the culprit before the police could intervene and he died while in police custody, from the injuries sustained from the mob.

See the gory photo of the culprit after the cut.

Word For Today: Give It Away

I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, . . . whom you sent to take care of my needs. Philippians 2:25

Read: Philippians 2:19-30

Many charities that help people with various needs depend on donations of unwanted clothing and household items from those who have more than enough. And it’s good to give away unused things so they can benefit others. But we are often more reluctant to part with things of value that we use every day.

When Paul was imprisoned in Rome, he needed continuing encouragement and the companionship of trusted friends. Yet he sent two of his closest comrades to help the followers of Jesus in Philippi (Phil. 2:19-30). “I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon . . . . I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare” (vv. 19-20). And, “I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs” (v. 25). Paul freely gave to others what he most needed himself.

When we #serve the Lord, He is honored, others are helped, and we are blessed.

Whatever we feel is “most valued” in our lives today could be of great benefit to someone we know. It may be our time, friendship, encouragement, a listening ear, or a helping hand. When we give away what the Lord has given to us, He is honored, others are helped, and we are blessed. 

Lord, show me what I cling to. If someone needs it, open my heart and my hands and help me give it away today. 

Giving freely honors the Lord, helps others, and blesses us.

Insight:

Epaphroditus is mentioned only in today’s passage and in Philippians 4:18. The Philippian church had sent him to minister to Paul, who was in a Roman prison (2:25). He willingly took the role of Paul’s personal servant and also brought gifts from the church (4:18). Paul called him “my brother, co-worker and fellow soldier” (2:25). Epaphroditus had become seriously ill and upon recovery Paul sent him back to Philippi, carrying with him this letter of encouragement (vv. 27-29). Paul asked the church to honor him for his faithfulness and the costliness of the service he had rendered to Christ (v. 30; 1 Thess. 5:12-13). 

Sim Kay Tee

| Bible in a Year: Isaiah 5–6; Ephesians 1

Jeffrey Akoh wins MTN Project Fame West Africa, Season 8!

Jeffrey Akoh, popularly called Jeff in the Season 8 of MTN Project Fame West Africa, has emerged the winner of this year's show.

He took a lot by surprise, with the likes of Ada, Deinde and others still in the game.

Pearl Olanma Awa-Agwu came in at the 2nd position with a cash prize of N3 million and a car.

Anderson Emmanuel Amos (the favoured) finished in 3rd place, he gets a car and N1 million.

I added the favoured in front of Anderson's name because he was the only contestant actually evicted from the show, and then called to return to the show. It can only be the favour of God upon his life.

Adanoritsewo “Ada” Gold Tosanwumi came 4^th with a N1 million prize tag.

Congrats to them all!

Catch the repeat Grand Finale, today on Soundcity at 7:30pm, Nigerian time.

#ChildNotBride Trends on Twitter; Courtesy, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi

Following the recent revelation of Sanuusi Lamido Sanusi, Emir of Kano's secret marriage to an 18 year old Adamawa princess,  #ChildNotBride is currently on trend again, on Nigerian twitter. Trust Nigerians to react in the way they know best.

See tweets after the cut.

Pls whats now the #ChildNotBride ish in this sanusi's marriage? pic.twitter.com/SnlpZQKmcA

— ADIGUN (@IamDorobuCci) September 27, 2015

#ChildNotBride if a girl is nt ripe 4 marriage from the age of 18, is it when she enters menopause? pls Niger shld som times mind dr bizz

— Ubadire (@ubaisreal) September 27, 2015

Dey must b mad@itz_realone You are here tweeting #ChildnotBride but non of your 13/14 year old sisters or niece are still virgin.You must be

— Ghenedinho (@Ghenedinho) September 27, 2015

Really don't understand. Even as a young man, I find it quit embarrassing asking an 18yr old girl out talk more of marriage. #ChildNotBride

— Jay (@EasyE4real) September 27, 2015

Really don't understand. Even as a young man, I find it quit embarrassing asking an 18yr old girl out talk more of marriage. #ChildNotBride

— Jay (@EasyE4real) September 27, 2015

Sanusi was 36 when the girl was born. #JustSoYouKnow

— pin:2AFACE33 (@LordOluRichard) September 27, 2015

Yerima married a 14yr old By law,She is a child Sanusi married an 18yr old By law,the bride is an adult

— Miss Thomas (@OmokhenieThomas) September 27, 2015

Those who are tweeting #ChildNotBride also call 40 year olds "Youth". In which world is an 18yr old a child?

— Tiger (@Mijiafe) September 27, 2015

And then someone asks...

This #ChildNotBride that is trending is what? https://t.co/TS1TzBqp84

— Luca (@WorldFamousLuca) September 27, 2015

Which is better, getting married @18 as a virgin or sleepin around with difrnt men & sugar daddies inorder 2 find a husband? #ChildNotBride

— andre (@icebee007) September 27, 2015

18yrs old girl is an adult but then a marriage or a sexual relationship btw a 54yrs old & 18yrs old will always look awkward #childnotbride

— BuilderErnest™ (@BuilderErnest) September 27, 2015

Truth be told... 18yr old Child suppose to be in classroom, and not to be abused by a 50yr old+ in the bedroom #ChildNotBride @Gidi_Traffic

— felix ADEBAYO (@callmi_fexco) September 27, 2015

The human mind can justify anything it wants to. It's legal, is it sane? #ChildNotBride

— Super Frankie (@franklinspice) September 27, 2015

Omotola would disagree "@Geomantia: For me, a girl ain't evn ripe enough for marriage at 18. Minimum age should be like 21. #ChildNotBride"

— October 1st :d (@Msz_Cynthia) September 27, 2015

As expected, some are For the motion, while others are Against. What do you think? Is 18 too young to be married? Or is it the age difference?

Today In History: September 27th

On September 27th 1954, Nigeria's Richest man of God with the largest church structure in the world, Pastor David Oyedepo was born.

On September 27th 1967, Uche Okechukwu – Retired Nigerian international soccer player was born

On September 27th 2003 NigeriaSat-1, Nigeria's first satellite was launched into orbit as an earth observation satellite.

And most importantly On September 27th 3 decades ago, my amazing sister Mrs. Efe Andrew  was born. More blessings sis. Happy Birthday!

Fabulous 18! Happy Birthday Sis!

Here's wishing my beautiful, intelligent, hardworking and loving big sister the most amazing birthday ever.

Today sis, I thank God for your life, and how far you've come.

It's been __ wonderful years! 

You've evolved from that troublesome sibling to the sweet wife and big sister you've become.

Over the years, we disagreed, argued, quarelled, made up...

and fought again.

We wore the same dress size which made it easy to steal your clothes

I took your make-up, shoes and even hair,

but hey, that's why you're the big sis

you took it all in good stead

we had hearty laughs

outrageous fights

but then, love covers a multitude...

I have so many reasons to be thankful to you

financially, you've been a rock!

you've got my back through thick & thin!

Indeed, blood is thicker than water

Today even though we live in different states, 
I still carry your words and fond memories of our childhood with me...

You inspire me in ways you can't imagine

believe it or not, you taught me HOW TO PRAY

for this, I'm eternally grateful

I could go on and on... 

it's not a biography tho...

Happy Birthday dear sis, love you today and always... 

Word For Today: Consider The Poor

The righteous considers the cause of the poor. — Proverbs 29:7

Read Matthew 25:31-40 

The year was 1780, and Robert Raikes had a burden for the poor, illiterate children in his London neighborhood. He noticed that nothing was being done to help these children, so he set out to make a difference.

He hired some women to set up schools for them on Sunday. Using the Bible as their textbook, the teachers taught the poorest children of London to read and introduced them to the wisdom of the Bible. Soon about 100 children were attending these classes and enjoying lunch in a safe, clean environment. These “Sunday schools,” as they were soon called, eventually touched the lives of thousands of boys and girls. By 1831, Sunday schools in Great Britain reached more than a million children—all because one man understood this truth: “The righteous considers the cause of the poor” (Prov. 29:7 NKJV).

It’s no secret that Jesus cares greatly for those who struggle. In Matthew 25, He suggests that followers of Christ show a readiness for the Lord’s return by helping the hungry to get food, helping the thirsty to get a drink, helping the homeless to find a home, helping the naked to get clothes, and helping the sick or imprisoned to receive comfort (vv. 35-36).

As we bear witness that Christ is in our hearts, we honor our compassionate Savior by considering those on God’s heart.

Awaken my heart, Lord, to those You care about, including the poor and helpless, the hungry and homeless, the troubled and hopeless in our world.

Open your heart to God to learn compassion, and open your hand to give help.

 

Insight

Today’s Bible reading is a portion of what is sometimes referred to as the Olivet Discourse, our Lord’s last recorded public sermon before going to the cross. Matthew 24:3 says that Jesus led His disciples to the Mount of Olives, where He delivered this message on the future judgment and the establishment of the kingdom. Jesus spoke to them of tribulation, of the coming of the King, and of the need to have a prepared heart. It’s a sober message, yet one that ends with Jesus calling His followers to a heart of service that reaches out to hurting people with compassion and generosity. Bill Crowder

| Bible in a Year: Isaiah 3–4; Galatians 6

Fetty Wap Involved in Motor Cycle Accident: Photos

Rapper Fetty Wap was today involved in a serious motor cycle accident in his hometown; Paterson, New Jersey.

According to TMZ, an eyewitness said the rapper was riding his motorcycle alone, and tried passing one vehicle, but did not see an oncoming vehicle. This led to a collision.
Thankfully, the rapper is said  to be alive and talking at the hospital, definitely past danger.
See another photo from the accident below:

Today In History: September 26th

On September 26th 1783; - Jane Taylor, children’s writer best known as the author of Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star was born.

On September 26th 1992; - Nigerian Air Force Lockheed Hercules C-130 Crashed at Lagos, 163 lives were lost.

Caitlyn Jenner now legally female; named 'Caitlyn Marie Jenner'

William Bruce Jenner the transgender parent of famous Reality tv stars Kylie & Kendall Jenner has legally changed his sex, and name to Caitlyn Marie Jenner. He is now female!
#whateverthatmeans

The 65-year-old star wasn't in court for the change, but his/her lawyers were.
The I Am Cait star we hear, asked for details to be kept private as she has received physical threats. Also, details of surgery she may or may not have had to her genitalia stays private.

Culled

Word For Today: NO WONDER

 

Read: Song of Solomon 1:1-4

We love Him because He first loved us. — 1 John 4:19

“He’s perfect for you,” my friend told me. She was talking about a guy she had just met. She described his kind eyes, his kind smile, and his kind heart. When I met him I had to agree. Today he’s my husband, and no wonder I love him!

In the Song of Solomon the bride describes her lover. His love is better than wine and more fragrant than ointments. His name is sweeter than anything in this world. So she concludes that it’s no wonder he is loved.
Jesus' #love satisfies our every need.

But there is Someone far greater than any earthly loved one, Someone whose love is also better than wine. His love satisfies our every need. His “fragrance” is better than any perfume because when He gave Himself for us, His sacrifice became a sweet-smelling aroma to God (Eph. 5:2). Finally, His name is above every name (Phil. 2:9). No wonder we love Him!

It is a privilege to love Jesus. It is the best experience in life! Do we take the time to tell Him so? Do we express with words the beauty of our Savior? If we show His beauty with our lives, others will say, “No wonder you love Him!”

Lord, You are beautiful! No wonder we love You! Deepen our love for You today, we pray. Help us see Your beauty in new ways.

God’s Word tells us of His love; our words tell Him of our love 

Insight:

Although the writer of this book is not identified, the authorship of Song of Solomon—also referred to as Song of Songs—is traditionally attributed to Solomon (he is briefly mentioned in 1:5; 3:9-11; 8:11-12). Solomon wrote 1,005 songs (1 Kings 4:32), and many scholars view “Solomon’s Song of Songs” (Song 1:1) as meaning “the best of songs.” For centuries, beginning around the Middle Ages, many interpreted the Song of Solomon as an allegory of Christ’s love for the church. However, most scholars today see it as an anthology of about 20 poems that describe two lovers celebrating their intimate love for each other. Song of Solomon and the book of Esther are the only two biblical books that never mention God. 

-- Sim Kay Tee.

| Bible in a Year: Song of Solomon 1–3; Galatians 2

Jim Iyke gushes about his baby; shares cute photos

Son, A few weeks ago I recall kissing your mom's sweaty brows as I encouraged Her to push and push harder intermittently. I recall her growing weaker by the minute, her fingers clutching my shoulders in a death grip, her intense green eyes staring deep into my core with that singular resolve only women in labor possess. I asked Doc Crawford for the honour of pulling you out of your mom which she granted without wasting a heartbeat and also gave me the charge of cutting the umbilical cord. You see against every ethos of her practice she sensed a higher purpose beyond this realm; a symbolic need for me to perform this final task to weld you and I, father and son, into one single entity. I have a propensity for nicknames son. I've pretty much covertly or overtly nicknamed everything in my life. Family, friends, biz colleagues ; everything. Your mom is Supergirl. Well now Superwoman. I promise you by no stretch is her nickname far fetched. She's the combination of great looks, brains, grace and sheer guts! She's got more balls let alone mental strength, than most men I know; present company included. I'll save the story of her commitment and dedication on this journey for perhaps another day lol. I don't know where our path will take us tomorrow but it had to be her. It was predestined to be. The finest poets and wordsmiths has written all there is to write about a father's love for a son. My oratorical or literal prowess can never match theirs no matter how hard I try now or later. But no one alive or dead can or will match what I hold in my heart. My propensity and strength is in my heart son. Always have been. Many times when events and words fail me my heart lifts me with the weight of its content. You see I have witnessed Jehovah's greatest Miracle. My love for you is in the moments that froze as I held you in my hands for the first time and I thought my heart had stopped beating. It's in the pride as people swoon over you in public places, gushing about how utterly beautiful you are. I've googled everything from how to change diapers to how to soothe you to sleep. Yes we have become apt and true disciples of Google lol.

A photo posted by Jim Iyke (@jim.iyke) on Sep 25, 2015 at 1:17pm PDT

Nollywood Star Jim Iyke can't get enough of his newborn son! 
Oh, the joys of fatherhood. Jim took to IG to gush about his son who he welcomed with his girlfriend, few weeks ago.
See more photos below:
It's a long read tho... #justsaying

PS : If this post or pictures wind up on the pages of any individual claiming to represent me or my brands on #FACEBOOK I want to state clearly that I am not on Facebook in any shape or form. We re in the throes of communicating with proper authorities in Facebook to stamp them out for good. Please bear with us. These people are fraudsters and identity thieves of the worst kind. They prey on people's goodwill and hard work. It must be denounced in the strongest terms. Pls beware. God bless. Son, In the event Google fails there's that personification of patience, wisdom, and sardonic humor named Stephen, your Granddad. You would have loved Grandma ,Gladys, till your mom and I grow jealous. Nonetheless I can't wait to regal you with stories of not how she passed but how she lived. She was/is a living breathing conduit of love. She was a live wire of emotions. I miss her every second son. She was the greatest woman alive. Truly one of God's masterpieces. God heard her repeated prayers and sent you to me. I know she's smiling now. Thank you mom. I know you had a hand in this somehow. Don't worry anymore my love, your Ikechukwu is fine now. The accolades, the milestones, the victories and blessings, the dysfunctional relationships of late( especially those lol) all pale in comparison to you Dubem. You are the reason I have waited this long. This is the juncture that God created for you and I. The timing couldn't have been better. The blessing couldn't have been more wholesome, profound. The 'Omugo' Gladys would have lovingly taken charge of wasn't possible for obvious reasons. So we adapted. We persevered. We prayed hard and I can happily say the resources of the mind is limitlessly for those who put their mind to it. As for the other side, I honestly wish I find their affairs as remotely interesting as they find mine. Since Harvis birth I've grown even more impervious to the drama. All the bigoted remarks means zilch to me. They're like voices at sea; inscrutable, indecipherable, Unfathomable. It's a skill I've honed to its finest. A skill I intend to teach you to the hilt. I'm a proponent of positive vibes. Positive people.

A photo posted by Jim Iyke (@jim.iyke) on Sep 25, 2015 at 1:40pm PDT

You're my rubicon Dubem. The one that awaited at my curve. God's gift this month, my birthday, to prove to me beyond every shadow of doubt of his existence. His dominion. His finality. I worship him in the quiet moments in the early AMs when the world sleeps and I sit by your crib staring at you silent tears running down my tired unshaven cheeks in gratitude and humility frozen in time, lost in our world despite the fact I get less than two hours sleep nightly. (It will get weird as you get older lol) You see I have witnessed Jehovah's greatest Miracle. My life has changed irrevocably. Forever. I've being reborn through your birth, my beautiful boy. I embarrass myself in the most random of places when I tear up at the sight of a father and a young son doing the most random of chores. So alien! Lol Fatherhood is the most elite of clubs and I am its proudest member. Thank you, my beautiful boy, for inspiring me to write the longest post of my IG life.lol No occasion can replicate this event so I crave your indulgence everyone. Hey world! May I have the greatest honour of introducing my King, My Boss, My Son, My EVERYTHING! HARVIS CHIDUBEM IYKE. My life long gratitude and love to my true sisters Dr Chi and Dr Nkechi for all your dedication and commitment. You guys are impossibly kind and generous. Dr Crawford you are on top of your game. There's no finer obstetrician in the land hands down. To Fab, Akhila, T. Azubike, Nurse Minestine at Grady Hospital again words fail me. Only God can repay you for all your kindness. Thank u. Thank u. Thank u. To my amazing fans; they say it takes a village to raise a child. You've been a fortitude of blessing in my life. I only ask that you extend even trice the courtesy to my Harvis. God bless u all. Well I have the greatest birthday present. What more can I say, Happy one year younger Jim, my boy! This year is the year of legacies. It's my best birthday ever. God always always most certainly WINS!! Welcome to my world boy! Welcome to IG! PhotoCred; everyone. It's been a friggin documentary. I don't wanna miss a blink! 😃 #GladysBoiz #HarvisPaPa #EarthStrongChronicles

A photo posted by Jim Iyke (@jim.iyke) on Sep 25, 2015 at 1:57pm PDT

Fatherhood sure suits him.

'Dance with Peter' Season Premiere

Peter of Psquare's Dance With Peter reality tv show is set to premiere tomorrow, September 26th on Africa Magic Urban Channel 153, by 7pm.

The DWP premiere also shows on:
AIT on Sunday 27th September by 3pm
ORTB on Sunday 27th September by 6pm
TVC (Ghana) on Monday 28th September 

Y'all reality show lovers, catch all the fun on DANCE WITH PETER on Africa Magic Urban Channel 153 on Saturdays 7-8pm & AIT on Sundays at 3-4pm.

Most Hideous Handbag Ever? It's worth $2975!!!

What do you think of this Dolce & Gabbana handbag? Would you rock it? 

It is part of D & G's Fall 2015 Viva La Mamma collection that celebrates motherhood. The trend for portraits on handbags skyrocketed when Kanye West gave Kim a hand-painted Hermes bag worth $40,000 with nude images on it. 

Dolce & Gabbana also has a textured iPhone wallet with a similar pattern, selling at $1095

Sometimes I forget the dollar signs, and almost believe its naira in front of the figures! 

$1095 for phone pouch? hian!

Word For Today: BEWARE OF MANIPULATORS

 

Proverbs 22:3 A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished...

A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold...The rich and poor meet together: the Lord is the maker of them all.A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honour, and life.Thorns and snares are in the way of the froward: he that doth keep his soul shall be far from them.Proverbs 22:1-5

When you are popular and celebrated on account of your position or service in the kingdom of God, beware and avoid every temptation to use what you have received against the will of God. If you are not careful, you may fall into a trap and become another example, like the 250 princes who were destroyed in Numbers 16. That shall not be your portion in Jesus’ Name! However, you need to know that if you are in a position of power or you are very famous and highly respected by people, you will be a target of manipulators. If you are not extremely careful, you will fall into traps you never thought could ensnare you. After Korah, Dathan and Abiram orchestrated an evil plan and they wanted the children of Israel to buy into it, who did they contact? They deliberately chose the most popular 250 princes in the assembly of God’s people and carefully sold the idea to them (Numbers 16:2). Once that was done, convincing the people under these princes was a walk in the park.

Believe it or not, just as these princes were tempted, you too will be tempted. People who have goods and services for sale will come to you because they want to reach yourmembers or those under your sphere of influence. Some of these may be beneficial to your people and some may not. Some people may even ask you to come and support a cause that is contrary to scriptures. Be very careful! Be watchful and prayerful. When they come to make such proposals, place them side-by-side with the word. Any proposition that violates the word of God must be rejected without fear or favour. Those borderline issues which are not out-rightly wrong or sinful should be presented to God, asking for His direction. Never allow yourself to be used by manipulators! If you lead the people under you astray, not only will their blood be upon your head, you may lose your integrity, position, power and honour. Also, carefully watch out for sycophants who will sing your praise so high that you will not know when they begin to lead you astray. Sycophants are “loyal” to you for very wrong reasons – reasons they may never tell you. They will always want you to see what they do, because they do their service to impress the leader and not God. Ask God to weed off from you anyone who appears close to you but want to mislead you.

 

Action Point

Pray that God will weed off sycophants and those with a wrong motive hanging around leaders in the Body of Christ, your family, place of work and the government.

 Bible in one year: Leviticus 13:45-14:32; 1^st Corinthians 9:8-23

Reference: Open Heavens Devotional with Pastor E.A. Adeboye

Word For Today: Instruction Rescues

Proverbs 19:20-21, ²⁰ Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end...

If you experience a loss at any point in life, know that it’s a time to stay calm and not a time to lose heart. If you can wait to receive specific instructions from the Lord, it will expedite the recovery of your loss. The reason why many losses of God’s children have not been recovered is because they have not found time to seek the face of God on the matter. As you seek God’s face concerning those good things you have lost, the Lord will give you a word that will lead to their recovery.

Many years ago, while we were building the first big auditorium at the Redemption Camp, we needed a lot of wood. We paid the government board in charge of sawmills in Edo state, Nigeria, to have this wood supplied to us. A few weeks to our convention, this government board decided to shut down all sawmills in the state. While pacing up and down asking God what to do, the Lord asked me what I knew about the Kingdom of God. To me, this question was irrelevant and I wanted to say so, but I cautioned myself and began to say what I knew about the Kingdom of God”. He concurred. Then I said 

“The Kingdom of God is not meat and drink, but righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost.” 

He agreed. This continued until I exhausted all I could remember on the subject matter. Eventually, I said 

“Since the days of John the Baptist, the Kingdom of God suffereth violence, and the violent taketh it by force.” 

Then He replied, 

“That is where we are going. Do you want your wood? Give me a violent offering.”

That was on a Saturday; on Sunday, I shared this with my children and we gave a violent offering. On Monday, the governor of Edo state dissolved this government Board and reconstituted another one, which immediately reopened all sawmills. On Tuesday, someone who had no money to give brought his trailer for us to use as long as we wanted. On Wednesday, someone came to give us bags of nails. Several other people also brought materials for the building. Within two weeks, the auditorium was ready; all because I received an instruction from the Lord. The instruction that will lead to a full recovery of your losses shall be given to you this season. When you seek God’s face and He tell you what to do, don’t argue with Him; go ahead and obey the Lord and you will recover your losses. It is your recovery period this season!

 

Key Point

For every loss, there is a recovery strategy which can be found with the Great Restorer – Jesus Christ.

Bible in one year: Leviticus 12:1-13:44, 1^st Corinthians 8:1-9:7

Reference: from open Heavens daily with Pastor E.A. Adeboye