Introduction:
Love and forgiveness are powerful virtues that not only shape our relationships with brethren and antagonists alike but also contribute to our spiritual growth in manifesting as a true son of God.

In this article, we will explore the significance of extending love to our enemies, detesting malice, recognizing the spiritual nature of our battles. Ultimately, we will conclude by highlighting the strength of our relationship with God when we embrace these cardinal rules.

1. Why love should be extended to our enemies:
- Love transcends boundaries and transforms hearts, even in the face of enmity.
- The Bible teaches us to love our enemies, as stated in Matthew 5:44: "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."
- Jesus demonstrated this love by forgiving those who crucified Him, setting an example for us to follow.

2. Detesting malice:
- Malice, or ill-will, is strongly condemned in the Bible.
- Romans 12:9 affirms our duty to abhor what is evil and hold fast to what is good.
- Holding onto malice hinders our spiritual growth and damages our relationships.

3. Our warfare is spiritual:
- The Bible reminds us that our battles are not merely physical but spiritual in nature.
- Ephesians 6:12 states, "for our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."
- Recognizing the spiritual dimension allows us to approach conflicts with love and forgiveness, understanding that our true enemy is not the person, but the spiritual forces behind their actions.

4. Extending love to ourselves:
- Self-love and self-forgiveness are essential for personal growth.
- Jesus taught, "Love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22:39). This implies that we must also love and forgive ourselves.
- Embracing self-compassion enables us to extend the same grace to others.

5. Reconciliation and healing:
- Love and forgiveness pave the way for reconciliation and healing in relationships.
- The Bible encourages us to seek reconciliation with others, as seen in Matthew 5:23-24: "Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First, go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift."
- Through love and forgiveness, we can restore broken relationships and experience God's healing power.

Conclusion:
When we embrace the cardinal rules of love and forgiveness, we strengthen our relationship with God and experience spiritual growth. By extending love to our enemies, detesting malice, recognizing the spiritual nature of our battles, and embracing self-love and reconciliation, we align ourselves with God's will. In doing so, we cultivate a deeper connection with Him, experience personal growth, and contribute to a more loving and forgiving world.

Every Man is led by a spirit. It is practically impossible not to be led by a spirit. A man is led either by the spirit of God or an evil spirit. The steps of a man cannot be void of a spirit at any rate.

We are constantly bombarded with myriad of voices around us. To the voice we yield ourselves to follow at anytime is the leading spirit. Just like a car cannot move without premium motor spirit, so man cannot act without a spirit. You may have heard the saying, "The spiritual controls the physical."
Moreover, we must understand that every voice that comes our way significantly influence our lives either positively or negatively. However, the onus is on us to choose whose voice to listen to.
Paul, in his epistles, said it best: "There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification" (1 Corth 14:10). And in another place he said, "Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey, whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?" (Rm 6:16). In other words, you're either susceptible to the voice of the enemy or susceptible to the voice of God.

The question is: how do you recognize the voice of God from the voice of our adversary?
As there is a correlation between a child's physical growth and spiritual growth. So there is a correlation between a child's physical perception and spiritual perception. Studies from Yale University show that your baby is learning to recognize you through their senses. At birth, they are starting to recognize your voices, faces, and smells to figure out who is taking care of them. Since the maternal voice is audible in utero, an infant starts to recognize their mother's voice from the third trimester.

Let us pick out the vital-salient points from the above research. 1. Babies recognize voices 2. Babies hear while in the womb
The Bible teaches that God knew and had called us while we were yet in the womb. "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations" (Jer. 1:5).

The text above just got through saying as it's natural for babies to hear their mothers voice in the womb, to it should be natural for us to hear the voice of God because while we were yet in the womb he'd already appointed or called us to the nations of the world.
Nevertheless, exercising our senses in the word strengthens our spiritual auditory perception to hear and recognize the voice of God even more.
So how do we exercise our senses? Proverbs chapter six verses twenty through twenty-two gives us insight. "my son, keep thy father's commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother: Bind them continually upon thy heart, and tie them about thy neck. When thou goest, it shall lead thee, when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee, and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee."

Notice that text says, "It (the word) shall lead thee and it (the word) shall talk with thee." But we have to meet the annex conditions. That is, we must bind the word in our heart and tie them about our neck. In other words, let the word of God be in our hearts and in our mouths.

Consider for illustration, the word of God teaches us to pray for one another that utterance may be given to speak the word boldly.

Ephesians 6: 18:19
18. Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints
19. And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel.

On a certain day I was returning from work; and I boarded a bus. While in the bus, people were chatting and some others were minding their own business. Suddenly, the Spirit of the Lord said to me, the woman in front of you in white apparel is going to preach now. I want you to pray for her that she'd open her mouth boldly to speak the word.
When I heard that, I knew it was the Lord alright, but I hesitated and began arguing in my spirit. saying, how can this woman preach at this odd hour of the day when every one in the bus is minding their business and looking forward to getting home.
Now looking at that woman in front of me, there was no sign she was going to preach. No Bible in her hand, she was even in a position of one who is asleep in the bus. However, the Spirit of the Lord spake to me the second time, this time it was loud that I had to turn to see who said that but found out it was coming from inside of my spirit.
While I was arguing with the Lord, that woman raised up her head and began preaching right inside the, noisy-busy-business minding, bus.
When I alighted off the bus, I ask the Lord to forgive me for arguing with Him.

What am I getting to? I was able to recognize it was the Lord talking with me in that bus because what He told me to do is in line with the word. That is, Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints. And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel.

Scripture teaches that the Spirit and the Word agree in one. Therefore, we must study the word to know and recognize the voice of the Lord when He speaks! He always speaks!



Read, comment, and share. Do not hoard knowledge. Propagate it!

The Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has sent his goodwill message to frontline businessman and philanthropist, Alhaji Abdul Rabiu, founder of BUA Group and the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa) on the occasion of his 63rd birthday.

President Tinubu praised the entrepreneurial ingenuity of the renowned industrialist and his abiding faith in Nigeria.

He further extolled the huge investments that the BUA Group owner has made across critical sectors of the economy through which he has created thousands of jobs for Nigerians.

The Nigerian leader used the opportunity of the industrialist’s birthday to also eulogize Alhaji Samad for his massive philanthropy in education, social development, and healthcare. All of these combined efforts have positively changed lives, not only in Nigeria but also across Africa.

He said; “I rejoice with Abdul Rabiu, a great son of Nigeria and Africa on the occasion of his 63rd birthday anniversary. The founder of BUA Group is a significant businessman in Nigeria and Africa who, through his hard work and commitment to the public good, continues to empower millions of Nigerians through the creation of employment opportunities and extensive philanthropic activities.

“I salute his unyielding spirit and abiding faith in our country, for which he has not stopped making huge contributions to our economic development through his many businesses.”

“On this special day, I join his family, friends, and associates to extend my good wishes and pray that the grace of the Almighty Allah will be with him. I wish the founder of BUA Group many happy returns in good health,” President Tinubu added.


Read More: https://alutagossip.com.ng/president-tinubu-salutes-frontline-businessman-abdul-rabiu-at-63/

President Bola Tinubu @officialABAT has sent his goodwill message to frontline businessman and philanthropist, Alhaji Abdulsamad Rabiu, founder of BUA Group @BUAgroup and the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa) on the occasion of his 63rd birthday anniversary.


President Tinubu praised the entrepreneurial ingenuity of the renowned industrialist and his abiding faith in Nigeria. He further extolled the many huge investments that the BUA Group owner has made across critical sectors of the economy through which he has created thousands of jobs for Nigerians.


The Nigerian leader used the opportunity of the industrialist’s birthday to also eulogise Alhaji Abdul Samad for his massive philanthropy in education, social development, and healthcare. All of these combined efforts have positively changed lives, not only in Nigeria but also across Africa.


“I rejoice with Abdul Samad Rabiu, a great son of Nigeria and Africa on the occasion of his 63rd birthday anniversary. The founder of BUA Group is a significant businessman in Nigeria and Africa who, through his hardwork and commitment to the public good, continues to empower millions of Nigerians through the creation of employment opportunities and extensive philanthropic activities.


“I salute his unyielding spirit and abiding faith in our country, for which he has not stopped making huge contributions to our economic development through his many businesses.


“On this special day, I join his family, friends, and associates to extend my good wishes and pray that the grace of the Almighty Allah will be with him. I wish the founder of BUA Group many happy returns in good health.”


Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
August 4, 2023

Veteran actor Pete Edochie has sparked mixed reactions on social media with a new video
Media personality Chude shared a video of the movie star breaking kolanut, praying in Igbo and quoting the bible as he received them
Many netizens in the comment section wondered how a man who looked like royalty birthed a son like Yul Edochie
Popular media personality Chude recently interviewed veteran actor Pete Edochie and shared a video of how he received them.


In the video sighted on the host's page, Edochie sat on a chair like a king;'s throne and prayed in Igbo as he was presented with kolanuts.

While praying, the Oodogwu, as he is fondly called, quoted a bible verse and continued with his speech.

He then instructed a certain Peter, a good man, to break the kolanuts so they could all enjoy.

Netizens react to Pete Edochie's video
The veteran actor gave off royalty vibes, and it got people wondering how he ended up with a son like Yul.

Read comments below:

mss_veey:

"How did this man get a son like yul, still surprising."
godwindadaboy:

"U sure say this man no be King real life? .... he even sits on a throne at home. IGWEEEEEE!"
officialcodac:

"Movie or Not, he is Uniquely filled with Wisdom and Respect for Tradition and Jehovah!!!"
ayoola874:

"What a legend- I can’t believe this is the man that birth yul."
freakynna:

"What the F*** sir how will you break kola nut and include Bible verse ? And even include Jesus … today sir you lost my respect ‍♂️‍♂️‍♂️"
talkmasculinity:

"Love this. A powerful way to show that it is the same GOD our forefathers prayed to with the kokanut that we pray to when we pray “the Christian” way. "
theofficial__gina:

"A legend for a reason "
Yul and Judy unbothered, dance in video as May sues them
Yul Edochie and his second wife, Judy, seem unbothered even though they have a lawsuit against them.

The actor's estranged first wife, May, sued Judy for N100m for committing adultery with her husband.

After the news went viral, Yul Edochie took to his Facebook page with a video made with Judy.

Source: NaijaBet

John 3:16 - "for God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life".

This verse here is the crust of our belief as Christians. "Whosoever" refers to everyone, to anyone. To any human created by God on the surface of this Earth my message to you today, tonight - whatever the time you're seeing this - God loves you and he wants to to be saved from the eternal damnation that is coming for all mankind and demons/satan. Sin - created by man - has become a stumbling to the perfect relationship desired by God to man. He saves you with Jesus, same way he saved me. I am his forever and I'm glad I am so.
Come to Jesus NOW (Matt 11:28). Believe in him. Only him can satisfy you.

pray this prayer:

Lord Jesus, I come to you today as a sinner. I believe you died for me and rose again. I ask that you forgive me of my sins and translate me into the Kingdom of the Father. Today I vow to live by His will in Jesus name. Thank you for saving me.

If you've prayed this prayer, then congratulations,😊 YOU ARE SAVED.🥰 God loves you. Keep growing in Christ Jesus, in Jesus name. Amen.

Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Colossians3:5


Anyone that has been in the in the Christian race for some years would have discovered the militant nature of the average Christian. Every true Christian is fully aware of the on-going conflicts around us, physical, mental, and spiritual. We are confronted with contrary doctrines in our daily lives, we face diverse kinds of temptations, we are bombarded with many ungodly ideas and propositions; sometimes it could be vicious attacks from unknown people or aggression from neighbours. In addition to all these, we are constantly faced with attractive and seemingly profitable offers from the pit of hell to lure us into all kinds of sins. The devil is prowling around the world looking for Christians to destroy according to 1 Peter 5:8: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.”

The survival of a child of God therefore depends on his or her preparedness for battle and the ability to fight. We must be ever-ready so that nothing will catch us unawares. We cannot afford to slumber or sleep, we are meant to be spiritual watchmen and scouts, constantly looking out for bands of approaching enemies that may try to take us by surprise. This is why the above passage counsels us to be serious minded and vigilant, carefully monitoring every move of the enemy around us, and to be fully prepared to counter and completely neutralise his evil attacks. However, one of the most dangerous places to be in a conflict situation is at the back. Whenever you see somebody dropping back in a war situation, be sure that the fellow will soon be hit very hard. King David learnt this lesson in a hard way. I pray that you will never backslide into error and be caught in the snare of the devil in Jesus’ name.

In Matthew 16:18, the Lord Jesus declared that the gates of hell shall not prevail against the Church. These gates are the access points that the enemy may use to penetrate our lives. To permanently keep these gates shut, Colossians 3:5 counsels us to subdue the flesh and its worldly desires through discipline, and put it under control. If we fail to discipline ourselves, then it becomes easy for pride, sexual immorality, inordinate ambition, covetousness, and other forms of indiscipline to creep into our lives and give opportunity to the devil to butcher us. May the Lord deliver you from every evil plan against your life in Jesus’ name.

Finally, 1st John 3:8b says; “…for this purpose the son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of devil.” This instruction to fight becomes easy to carry out when we realise that Jesus Christ the son of God came to this world for the sole purpose of destroying the works of the devil. I decree that every work of the devil in your life be destroyed now in Jesus’ name.

PRAYER
Father, please help me to stand. Don't let me ever fall for the devil in Jesus name.



by: Pastor E.A. Adeboye

GENESIS 2:19

[NKJV]
Out of the ground the Lord God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to Adam to see what he would call them. And whatever Adam called each living creature, that was its name.

[BSB]
And out of the ground the Lord God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the air, and He brought them to the man to see what he would name each one. And whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name.


Though these were done in the beginning, learning from them still applies today. By the grace of the Spirit of God, I promise you five things to learn from this Bible verse above. Viz:

*1* The Name of the man, Adam

*2* The Will of the Man

*3* The Kingdom of the Man

*4* God-Sent Flock to the Man

*5* The Fellowship of God with Man

Well, restructuring my list according to how they appeared in the Bible verse above, I will now briefly substantiate them orderly.

GOD-SENT FLOCK TO THE MAN

I had difficulty in describing them as "God-Sent Messengers" to man, but I find it convenient to describe them as "God-Sent Flock" to man. This is because, though they are sent by God or brought by God to the man, they are not sent to give a message to the man but to receive messages or receive help from the man. They are not sent as helpers to help the man but sent as helpless in need of the man's help. And though they are not messengers like prophets, angels, apostles, or emissaries from God to the man, yet because God is the One who sent or brought them, rejecting them also carries the same weight as rejecting the messengers God sent. In fact, the goats in "Matthew 25" were those who did not receive nor minister to the least of the Lord's brethren, whom He sent or brought for the goats to minister or help them.

A man of God was held accountable by God for some wretched and poor persons whom God sent/brought to him to be discipled by that man of God or at least to be shepherded by him. But the man of God turned them away and did not help them, and as a result, the evil one recruited them, and God lost them because of the negligence or ignorance of the pastor rejecting/ignoring them.

But David did great in this regard. While he was hiding in the cave of Adullam from the king's death messengers after him. "And every one that was in distress, and every one that was in debt, and every one that was discontented, gathered themselves to him; and he became a captain over them: and there were with him about four hundred men" [1 Samuel 22:2]

That was in David's occasion, but in Adam's occasion (being the first man before David to have done greatly well in this regard), those whom God brought to Adam were disconnected, nameless, lacking identity, or in need of the man's help, even when the man himself was in dire need of a helper. All the living creatures of the ground that God made and brought to Adam were to be disciples for him or to be helped by him, even though Adam needed help himself. It's like a man who is desperately in need of secondary needs, but people in need of primary needs, who are in a worse condition than him, came to him, not to solve his need but for him to meet their need.

So Adam was trusting God for a suitable helper or for a wife, which God promised, or David was trusting God for the kingdom, which his anointing promised. But instead of the promised wife (helper) or kingship coming immediately, God sent a flock, or the needy ones came to Adam and to David in a more pressing emergency or needs.

THE NAME OF THE MAN, ADAM

Many of us only see the top Bible verse above for Adam naming the animals, but hardly see the same Bible verse above as the first time the name or word "Adam" appeared in the Bible (though not all Bible translations picked up "Adam" for others continued to use "the man" instead of "Adam".

my point is, before God would have the man give names to others, God first gave the man a name, "Adam." You don't give what you don't have. Should the man who has no name be giving names to others in God's calling? So behold the man's naming with "Adam."

[Genesis 5:2 AMPC] — He created them male and female and blessed them and named them [both] Adam [Man] at the time they were created.

THE WILL OF THE MAN

In the top Bible verse above, God brought them to Adam (the man) to see what the man would call or name them. Why was God yet to see what the man would name them, when God has already seen or known everything past, present and future?

It was a clear occasion of God waiting or awaiting the "Will of Man" and not the usual occasion of man awaiting the Will of God to be done. God the Creator and Maker of those living creatures, brought them in subjection to the Will of Man, and God was curious "to see" not just "to hear" what the Will of the Man was in naming or assigning identities, references and numbers to His Creatures on earth. So both "Will of God" and "Will of the Man" were done in the establishment of the ground sourced creatures.

THE KINGDOM OF THE MAN

In the top Bible verse above, whatever the man called or named any living creature was its name permanently. God did not alter or disagree with "Whatever" the man's will called any of the earthly creatures God Himself made. This meant the man was King over the earthly creatures even in the Kingdom or Presence of God.

Usually, no man decrees a thing, and it comes to pass without God commanding it. And though there was no history of God upturning or overthrowing whatever the man (Adam) said or did before then, the man (who was never a son of man) did something that had eternal or everlasting durance.

When Joshua commanded the sun to stand still, and God listened and made the sun stood still, it was recorded as uncommonly for God to listen to the voice of a man like in that day as it is written:

[Joshua 10:14] — "And there was no day like that before it or after it, that the LORD listened to the voice of a man: for the LORD fought for Israel."

Has God not been listening to the prayers of a man? What is the difference between God listening to a man's prayer and listening to a man's voice in that day or manner? The difference lies in the Will of God. When men pray according to the Will of God, God hears them because the man's will aligns with God's will. However, in the case of Joshua commanding the sun to stand still, it was not God's Will that endorsed the man's will, and yet God listened to the man without the protocol of God's Will or Ordinances being consulted.

Similarly, that was how it was when Adam named the living creatures according to his own will, and he had the final say or judgment over their names, while God, their Creator, simply observed or upheld the decisions made by Adam.

The FELLOWSHIP OF GOD WITH MAN

Essence of all these was for God to fulfill the fellowship of God with men, Immanuel. It's a Fellowship that seeks to have God doing all things through or with men, when God could have done all things without men. He can do all things without us, but for the fellowship or Immanuel He will do all things with us. In "Genesis 1" God did all things without man, but in "Genesis 2" God did all things with the man.

Is there any thing God did in "Genesis 2" that the man was not involved in contributing to or in what God did or made thereafter? After doing them, God either brought the man to them or brought them to the man — this was the basic summary of 'Genesis 2' in one sentence of 16 words. Fellowship is Sharing.
www.peterch.com

If I were to ask the question how many of us know Christ loves us?
No matter what sin or sickness you are going through he loves you and died for you.

God is just, for our sins we deserved death, but because of his love jesus took that position and died for our sins a debt he did not owe and one we could not pay. He took with him all our sin, sickness and diseases and made us righteous.

Don't let the evil one deceive you or tell you you are too sinful, no matter what sin you are a slave to jesus delivered you from it and you will be free the moment you believe you are free "for whom the son sets free who is free indeed".

You shouldn't suffer or be a slave to something he has delivered us from through his death. "on that cross he took away all our sins and all our illnesses" and left them there"..

And with this simple prayer "Jesus, God help me I believe" and believe his words are true and everything else is a lie.

* If God said you are free from sin you are free from it. You can stop it and overcome.
*If he also said you are free from illness you are free from it. You are well indeed.
"for he was wounded for our transgressions, bruised for our iniquities and upon him was the chastisement for our peace by his stripes we are healed".

Don't let the evil one decieve you, don't let him make you feel you are too sinful or unworthy of his love for him to save you. "No word from God ever fails" so if God said "I know the thoughts I have towards you, thoughts of good and not of evil to bring you to an expected end" if he also said "Never would I leave you nor forsake you" don't give room for doubt he still and would ever love you.

Don't be decieved, God doesn't afflict, or place any illness on a person no witch or wizard or demon or angel or human is bigger or stronger than God or can keep you from the love he has for you. " God forbid ".
God's words are eternal and they don't go back to him without accomplishing what they were spoken for. But you need to believe it, believe that his words and only his words are true regardless of what your mortal eyes perceive. That's his universal law faith, "for if we were saved through our simple faith in Jesus how much more would he give us all things if we believe in him".

pray with me just this simple prayer with faith - " Jesus I believe you died for my sins, by your stripes i am healed. I am free by your blood.I can't do this by myself, God help me". Amen




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Mynd44

Having a Bad Attitude in a Relationship

It's better to be single and find peace within yourself than to be in a relationship with someone who has a bad attitude. Wait for the right time appointed by God.

If you are giving your all to someone and it's not enough for them, you are giving your best to the wrong person. Be cautious.

for Men:
If you are cheating, you are losing more than you think. You may believe you are winning the game, but you are actually losing. You may be able to deceive some women, but you cannot fool your Creator. You will face the consequences of your actions, so it's time to change and grow. Juggling multiple women does not make you a man. Being honest, loyal, and faithful to just one woman does! You cannot marry or sleep with every woman you encounter. There will always be beautiful women around, but you need to learn self-discipline and control. Choose one and make her your priority. It will save you from financial troubles, wasted time, unnecessary drama, and diseases. Also, there is no prize for having numerous sexual partners. Instead, you are hindering your own blessings and shortening your life. Please change your ways.

for Ladies:
Please refrain from seeking attention and publicity by posting revealing photos on social media. Wearing skimpy dresses, with your breasts hanging out and your bottom exposed, may attract a lot of attention and likes from men. However, a real man would never marry a woman who dresses immodestly and lacks self-respect. Remember, your choice of clothing speaks volumes about your character.

Remember, anything precious is always hidden and covered, like gold. Love and treasure your body. Exposing your unclothedness to the world only diminishes your value. Please change your ways.

Lastly, it is crucial that we put an end to the wrong attitudes and behaviors.

for Men:
Treat your woman in the same way you would want another man to treat your mother or daughter.

for Women:
Treat your man in the same way you would want another woman to treat your father or son.

Let's do the right thing, and God will guide us. I pray that any negative declarations working against your chance of getting married and having children are canceled now, in the name of God. Even if it seems impossible, God assures you that you will still find love and have a family, in the name of God.



#C O P I E D

Ministerial List: IDU Congratulates Barr. Lateef Fagbemi SAN, Appreciates President Tinubu


The Ijagbo Descendants' Union has congratulated her prominent member, Barrister Lateef Fagbemi SAN on his nomination as minister by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

This was contained in a congratulatory letter signed by the Ijagbo Descendants' Union President, Chief Tunde Agboola Oyawoye and obtained by busybrainnews.


The letter reads

"The Ijagbo Descendants Union (IDU) received the heartwarming news of the nomination of a distinguished Nigerian Lawyer and great son of Ijagbo, Barrister Lateef Fagbemi SAN as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by His Excellency the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

"IDU expresses our deep and sincere appreciation to Mr. President for finding our son worthy of nomination for the exalted position of a Minister. The nomination of Barrister Fagbemi, a foremost and brilliant Nigerian lawyer, who has made significant contributions of the development of legal profession as well as other eminently qualified Nigerians for appointments is a testimony to the legendary ability of Asiwaju Tinubu to identify and work with capable hands to provide quality services for national development. Indeed, our hope is renewed.

"IDU congratulates our Kabiyesi, His Royal Higness Oba Sharafadeen Adeniyi Buhari Babalola Ilufemiloye on this latest development.

"We pray for greater positive achievements for Ijagbo under his reign. We equally congratulate the traditional and honorary chiefs and entire Ijagbo Community.

"We congratulate the entire Ibolo land and Kwara State on this latest development.
While looking forward to the confirmation of the nomination, we wish to restate our absolute confidence in the ability of Barrister Fagbemi SAN, to add immense value to progressive governance in Nigeria, especially given his professional competence, his sense of discipline, his being an embodiment of Omoluabi and his natural love for service and progress.

"We pray for the success of the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and God's guidance for Barrister Fagbemi and all other nominees. We assure the present administration of the full support and cooperation of the entire Ijagbo community.’"

Ukodhiko as Urhobonation Over Charles Obule’s Death

By Ajiri-Oghene Joseph Oreh

Member representing Isoko Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Jonathan Ajirioghene Ukodhiko has condoled the Obule family of Sapele and the people of Urhobonation on the death of legal luminary, businessmogul and politician, Chief Charles Obule.

Obule, a chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State, reportedly died on Tuesday after a brief illness.

In a statement on Wednesday in Abuja, Ukodhiko expressed shock over Obule’s death, describing it as irreparable loss not only to his immediate family, the Urhobonation but Delta at large.

He stated that, “the late Charles Obule was a versatile lawyer, prominent businessman and astute investor and a notable politician who commendably combined a Pan-Deltan disposition and an Urhobo patriotism.

“He was a humanist who epitomized humility and compassion. Chief Obule had a pedigree for service, and he was committed to the development of the Urhobo ethnic nationality of Delta State.”

The Isoko federal lawmaker recalled the late Chief Obule’s generous contributions to the Urhobo Unity Hall at Uvwiamuge-Agbarho in 2007, the Mosogar Civic Centre, and several other projects and programmes of the Urhobo.

“He was a kind and generous giver who used his Obule Group of Schools, and Medical Centre to subsidize education, healthcare delivery, and other services to the people of Sapele and the Urhobonation.

“On behalf of the people of Isoko Federal Constituency, I commiserate with the Obule family of Sapele and the entire Urhobonation on the demise of their illustrious son, Olorogun (Barr.) Charles Ufuoma Obule, the Erhi of Okpe Kingdom.

“As Deltans, particularly we the people of Isokonation, are proud of Olorogun Charles Obule’s phenomenal achievements in business, law, health, education, politics, and we appreciate his philanthropic gestures.

“Chief Obule was a pragmatic leader of our party, the PDP in State, and we recognize his immeasurable contributions to the unity, advancement, and victories of the PDP in Sapele Local Government Area.

“I want you all to take solace in the fact that Olorogun Charles Obule lived a life of service and dedication. And it is our prayer God comforts and grant you all the courage to bear the loss even as we pray for the repose of his soul.” Ukodhiko added

Obaseki celebrates business magnate, Uanseru at 65, hails contributions to nation’s devt

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has felicitated with business mogul and President/Chief Executive Officer of GCA Energy Limited, Mr. Greg Uanseru, on his 65th birthday celebration, hailing his contribution to the growth and development of the country.

In a statement, the governor lauded Uanseru for his tenacity and entrepreneurial excellence, noting that his exploits which have elevated the nation’s business landscape to enviable heights are a testament to the indefatigable spirit of hard work and resilience common with Nigerians.

Obaseki said, “I heartily felicitate with the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GCA Energy Limited, Mr. Greg Uanseru, on his 65th birthday celebration.

“A well-accomplished and remarkable Edo son, Uanseru has continued to lead an illustrious life, distinguishing himself as a business tycoon and philanthropist extraordinaire.

“A maestro, Uanseru has sailed untroubled in the entrepreneurial ocean, navigating numerous challenges with his expertise and panache, contributing effectively to societal development.

“At 65, Uanseru has continued to display rare business acumen, making a substantial input in the Nigerian oil and gas sector, and earning him a spot as one of Nigeria’s richest oil magnates. Cerebral, visionary and brave, his achievements over the years have greatly impacted our dear country, transforming the oil industry and leaving a lasting impact on the nation's economy.”

“We pray for many more years in good health, even as we are confident that you will continue to bring your expertise to bear as we chart our path to economic prosperity in Nigeria,” he said.

THE NARRATIVES BELOW SAYS IT ALL!!

* There is a perceived huge descrimination for foreign trained doctors.
* Note that all foreign trained doctors are licensed to practice in the country they studied! This is part of the requirements to actually sit for this MDCN assessment exam. I will quote the law below

Foreign medical graduates must sit for and pass the MDCN Assessment Examination to be eligible to practice in Nigeria. Foreign medical graduates must show evidence from the health regulatory bodies of the countries where they were trained that they are qualified to be registered and could have practiced in those countries if they had wanted to do so.

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WHEN OUR LEADERS HAVE AS LITTLE AS AN EAR INFECTION, THEY RUSH ABROAD. IF THE NIGERIAN DOCTORS ARE SO GOOD WHY DO THEY HAVE TO RUSH BUHARI'S son TO A FOREIGN COUNTRY??
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IN RESEARCH AND TRAINING AND RANKING, NO UNIVERSITY IN NIGERIA COMES CLOSE TO my MEDICAL COLLEGE IN RUSSIA CURRENTLY SITTING AT A GLOBAL RANK OF 72. BUT YOU WANT ME TO BELIEVE FOREIGN TRAINED DOCTORS FROM THIS HIGH RANKING SCHOOLS FAILED AN INCONSISTENT EXAM ORGANIZED BY DOCTORS WHO STRIKE EVERY OTHER DAY, GROSSLY INCOMPETENT BASED ON THEIR OWN PATIENTS' REPORTS AND HAVE NO SUBSTANTIAL GLOBALLY RECOGNIZED MEDICAL RESEARCH AND RESEARCH PROGRAMS.
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YOU WANT US TO BELIEVE THE NARRATIVE THAT YOU HAVE A SUPERIOR MEDICAL ACADEMIC SYSTEM SUCH THAT A US/UK LICENSED DOCTOR FAILED YOUR EXAM? THE SAME PEOPLE THAT MAKES YOUR VACCINE, FEEDS YOU WITH UPDATES IN THE MEDICAL WORLD, ADVICES YOU ABOUT PLAUSIBILITY OF YOUR CURRICULUM IN MODERN TIMES, ETC.
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These people are the joke of the century. You invite our foreign lecturers to teach you and assist you with modern surgeries all the time but you think the students you trained are better than us? The same nonentities that have turned themselves to demigods in the Nigerian academic system, I still remember how a final year medical student in one of the federal unversities in the middle belt was withdrawn to 200 level microbiology that year!



Another FTD I chatted with online, simply said, “I think they misunderstood the word “competent”. All through my medical career abroad (yes, I am a licensed doctor elsewhere!) I have never seen the ‘pinnard’ stethoscope physically. I only saw a picture of it in my textbook, I think second year med school? I mean whoever use that! I have my own Doppler. It is battery operated, so you can't say you got electricity problems. If you say I am incompetent because I cannot use your pinnard thing, then you got to have your head examined
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Foreign medical graduates must sit for and pass the MDCN Assessment Examination to be eligible to practice in Nigeria. Foreign medical graduates must show evidence from the health regulatory bodies of the countries where they were trained that they are qualified to be registered and could have practiced in those countries if they had wanted to do so.[i][/i]
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Statements credited to Dr. Sanusi in News dailies has shown he has some form of prejudice with foreign trained doctors and has not hesitated to verbalize same at every given opportunity. [/b]According to him, “Nigerian medical schools teach clinical medicine and clinical dentistry, but elsewhere they teach diagnostic medicine. They train Nigerians for export purposes only,” (Tribune).

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[b]With regards to the statement credited to Dr. Sanusi that Nigerian doctors trained abroad were trained for export purposes, one couldn't help but wonder where he gets these ideas from. Most of these doctors I have verified myself, are trained in the U.K., Canada, US etc. and are duly licensed thereafter.
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Now let’s shift our focus a bit to look at what Nigerians feel: feed back from Nigerians has never had it that foreign trained doctors are the reason for our failing health system. I haven't read yet of an incidence resulting in gross mortality or deformity due to a foreign trained doctor’s incompetency. for one, medicine is an art and most skills are learned in the field of practice. Wether you are trained in Nigeria or overseas, you still have a lot to learn.

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Judasmedia:
my Thoughts: Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) verse Foreign Trained Doctors (FTD) By Faith Obianuju

I have read with growing interest the series of events that followed the recently conducted MDCN assessment examination in University of Illorin Teaching Hospital. Of 680 candidates only 243 were said to have passed the assessment test. That is 35% overall. The doctors reacted and called on Nigerians to look into their plight. Well, the last time I checked, I was still a Nigerian. So I looked into their plight and below are my findings.

The exams as I have found out has a lot of inconsistencies and in the most case was poorly organized. First was the rather unnecessary increment in the examination fee from N76,200 to N131,000. Second was the fact that there was a grand design from the onset regarding who those, “who must pass”, those who “may pass” and “others”. The class captain and his assistants made the first list. Other group of candidates who made the “must pass” list, where those whom the registrar himself called to see him during his short session with the class on the 6th of November, 2017. The names of these students were publicly mentioned by him. He had a brief meeting with them and voila! They passed! I listened to the recorded meeting and confirmed it myself! Also in this list are names of those whose parents are renowned in politics and/or elsewhere.

Under the category of “those who may pass” was a list circulating at the onset for a particular group of students meeting particular requirements, some paid anything between N300k to N500k. Well, according to verified reports these group of candidates also passed.

“Others” are further classified into:

Those that made moves and
Those that studied.

Those that made moves mostly didn't go far in their moves as all efforts to get leakages were successful however, the timely change of uploaded questions dashed their hopes. Report also has it that some of them were swindled by University of Illorin Medical Students with one, Toba, a 500L or 600L student tagged as the leader and orchestrator of the fraud group. The GTBank account of his girlfriend Uddi Nora was used as a tool in their nefarious scheme. They made over N3M from their victims.

Those that studied didn't have pleasant stories either. This is because after changing the questions at the last minute, the new questions were found to be outside the coverage of the lectures. Even at that, according to verified sources, 91% of candidates passed the multiple choice questions which was computer based. “It doesn't matter where the questions were taken from as long as it is medicine, we are fine,” one on the foreign trained doctors wrote in their WhatsApp group, “Movement for Justice”, “my only concern is why then was there a need to have a remedial with a compulsory 70% attendance? We could as well have stayed at our respective abodes and study, then show for the exams!”

On the day of their Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE), most candidates confirmed that the coordinator for the remedial courses informed them that the passing score for the CBT was reassuring and that over 90% passed. However, events observed during the OSCE created a tinge of fear in the hearts of the candidates as the examiners appeared to be too distracted, exhausted or just uninterested. One candidate said, “While I was examining the precordium of the simulator, the examiner answered a phone call! I was stupefied!” Another said, “my own examiner appeared to have a lot of things on his mind. He was restless, and for some reason the candy that was given to prevent hypoglycemia held his attention for the better part of the time I took examining the simulator. At a point he stood up to charge his cell phone!”

After the examination, the candidates went home to pray in hopeful anticipation. At about 2pm on Saturday, the results were published on the MDCN website and 437 hearts were broken. Only 243 candidates made it representing 35% of the entire class. Reliable sources revealed that 500 names were submitted to the acting registrar by the UITH coordinator however only 243 were published, making the candidates wonder if there was a possibility of a second pass list. If we are to minus the “must pass” and “may pass” group the list of honorable candidates who passed the exams could have been anything between 100 to 150. And true to that, as at the time of writing my thoughts, information filtered through the rumor mills that only 148 initially scaled through after whatever vetting the MDCN did to the 500 submitted names. Either ways, in advanced countries when less than 40% fails an exam, the fault is with the students, but when more than 40% fails the exam, the teachers and examiners are questioned because either the teachers did not lecture well, or the examination was above the level of the candidates. Hence, countries like US, Australia, UK, etc use standardized questions. Presently, UITH refers worried candidates to MDCN while upon getting to the MDCN office in Abuja, they are referred right back to UITH!

From what many candidates have reported, the new failing trend commenced after the acting registrar Dr. Tajudeen Sanusi took office last November, 2017. It would appear that the MDCN number one has not been debriefed by his predecessor, Dr. Ibrahim regarding the purpose for the assessment. Statements credited to Dr. Sanusi in News dailies has shown he has some form of prejudice with foreign trained doctors and has not hesitated to verbalize same at every given opportunity. According to him, “Nigerian medical schools teach clinical medicine and clinical dentistry, but elsewhere they teach diagnostic medicine. They train Nigerians for export purposes only,” (Tribune). Well, as pleasant as that sounds to the ears, let us not quickly forget that Ghana, Sudan and Egypt are becoming a cynosure of attraction to foreign students. Same cannot be said of Nigeria. Our President also went to U.K. to diagnose and treat an ear infection. We are trying to be self reliant, but we are in a fragile glass house, it is not wise to start throwing stones. As a matter of fact, a good number of medical schools in Nigeria has not made it to the list of World Health Organization accredited schools. A special report by the Daily Trust Newspaper, not so long ago, also presented the number of colleges of medicine in the six geopolitical zones vis-a-vis the number of applicants as summarized thus:

South West: 12 Colleges, 34938 applicants, 910 slots available
South South: 9 Colleges, 35828 applicants, 760 slots available
South East: 9 Colleges, 25103 applicants, 590 slots available
North Central: 5 Colleges, 21992 applicants, 400 slots available
North West: 4 Colleges, 25062 applicants, 330 slots available
North East: 3 Colleges, 9970 applicants, 265 slots available
FCT: 2 Colleges, 3320 applicants, zero slot available.


With the above set up, one wonders if Dr. Sanusi’s claims are grounded on facts or mere assumptions. In a fragile discussion as this one, caution should be considered when selecting words to express oneself. And Dr. Sanusi should know better.

With regards to the statement credited to Dr. Sanusi that Nigerian doctors trained abroad were trained for export purposes, one couldn't help but wonder where he gets these ideas from. Most of these doctors I have verified myself, are trained in the U.K., Canada, US etc. and are duly licensed thereafter. That the love for country brought them back to Nigeria should cause them to be celebrated and not castigated. In fact, Prof. Adedoyin, the coordinator for the remedial course was heard on tape saying his son, currently schooling in a Nigerian Medical college has plans for the USMLE already! A simple search on the internet reveals startling headlines! 80% Nigerian doctors seek jobs abroad (Vanguard Newspaper August, 2017); Crisis looms as 50,000 out of 87,000 registered Nigerian doctors are unaccounted for (Business Day Newspaper, Mar. 12, 2017); Over 40,000 out of 75, 000 Registered Nigerian Doctors are Practising Abroad - NMA Raises Alarm (deereporters.com; Nov. 17, 2017); 700 medical doctors leave Nigeria annually - MDCAN (Daily Post Nigeria; 2017/10/03); ALERT! 2,500 doctors WILL leave Nigeria between August and September (www.icirnigeria.org). The list continues. So one question Dr. Sanusi must answer…who are training doctors for export purposes? Your guess is as good as mine!

Let us proceed. Based on the supra mentioned, it is apparent that the one focus of Dr. Sanusi’s tenure so far has been the foreign trained doctors. In the light of this, two exams he has overseen has had catastrophic outcomes, making one wonder what could be the reason for this change. Under the watch of the past registrar, Dr. Ibrahim, many candidates passed the exams and are doing well, and now under the watch of Dr. Sanusi, the reverse has become the case. So something must be amiss between the approach of Dr. Ibrahim and that of Dr. Sanusi. What could that be? Who among these two is incompetent? Although, not a good argument, one can't be blamed if the mind concentrates on the fact that while Dr. Ibrahim is a medical doctor, his counter part is a dentist. Could this factor in? I leave that question open for further thoughts.

Now let’s shift our focus a bit to look at what Nigerians feel: feed back from Nigerians has never had it that foreign trained doctors are the reason for our failing health system. I haven't read yet of an incidence resulting in gross mortality or deformity due to a foreign trained doctor’s incompetency. for one, medicine is an art and most skills are learned in the field of practice. Wether you are trained in Nigeria or overseas, you still have a lot to learn. In fact, a collaboration between the Nigerian trained and the foreign trained would do our citizens more good than harm. The MDCN requirements for foreign trained doctors are already steep enough. First, School must be on the accredited WHO list, secondly, they must be verified by ECFMG/EPIC, the same body that verifies credentials of those applying to sit for the USMLE. And this cost a minimum of $240! If a foreign trained doctor can meet with these requirements, then there is no need making examination criteria stiff for them. The rules should be straight. A set average should be used, instead of saying, “since many passed OSCE but failed MCQ, let us use MCQ as a basis.” As was seen in LUTH last April, 2017 or “Since most candidates passed MCQ but failed OSCE, let’s use OSCE as a basis.” As was now seen in UITH center this November, 2017. Another candidate express the entire situation as, “under Sanusi’s tenure, consider yourself failed until proven otherwise. The way he is going, it is quite obvious he ain't going to pass more than thirty to forty percent of foreign trained doctors per exam. They are going to frustrate us man, delete the phrase ‘no place like home’ from our medulla and replace it with ‘any place but home’…he is got evil plans up his sleeve man.”

Another candidate, who attempted the exams in both LUTH and UITH said, “honestly, this has caused me serious shifting dullness. What do they really want from us? A passing rate of 50% overall or what? Prof. Adedoyin told us that in the MCQ, which has questions that were not covered in the remedial lectures, we had a 91% pass rate! Highest score was 90% and class average was 58%! The OSCE was not as good because of mostly human factors on the aspect of the examiners, not to mention the obscure marking scheme. But if an average of 50% was followed then the 500 candidates who made the original list would reflect the results more appropriately!”

The November examination has proven to be too big a blow for the young professionals as they have decided to reach out to Nigerians to seek for help. Sadly, majority of responders are Nigerian medical students, House Officers and registrars, most of which are riled with hate speeches as I have seen from screen grabs made available at my disposal. It would appear, honestly, that the wave of targeted hate speeches against these Foreign trained Nigerian doctors has spread far and wide among their supposed professional colleagues. With one doctor who claimed to have played supervisory role with them describing them as, “borderline incompetent”. Another exclaimed, “why are they coming back to Nigeria? Why not practice in the country where you trained?” Reacting to the same thread on Facebook, a foreign trained doctor said, “it is expected. 99.9% of those making those hate speeches wish they had the opportunities we have. Heck! The son of the Executive Secretary of Nigerian Universities Commission (NUC), Prof Rasheed graduated from University of Aberdeen. That in itself speaks volume!” Another FTD I chatted with online, simply said, “I think they misunderstood the word “competent”. All through my medical career abroad (yes, I am a licensed doctor elsewhere!) I have never seen the ‘pinnard’ stethoscope physically. I only saw a picture of it in my textbook, I think second year med school? I mean whoever use that! I have my own Doppler. It is battery operated, so you can't say you got electricity problems. If you say I am incompetent because I cannot use your pinnard thing, then you got to have your head examined. I have seen the diagnostic kit of the medical students, and house officers, I have never seen anything so incomplete. Medicine has evolved. We can learn from them and they can learn from us and the benefit will be on them, really,” She went ahead to add, “That someone keeps mute, humbles herself to learn a thing or two should not be misconstrued as incompetent. No one came here to compete with anyone else. If you really want to know what incompetency truly is, ask the patients. They are at the receiving end of whatever skills we got. Ask them…then you will know who between us and them is incompetent.”

The foreign trained doctors have now formed an association to enable them fight what they perceive as ‘discrimination against foreign trained doctors in Nigeria’. Series of interviews have been granted to news media, and letters have been written to senators. Their parents are also picking interest in their plight. Regardless of what anyone might think, we all know the situation of health care in Nigeria, and we do know the problem is not with foreign trained doctors. The sooner we realize the value of what we have, the better for all of us.

Recently, it was revealed that the Vice President Yemi Osibanjo has received a group of expatriates, mostly from India with a view of establishing partnership projects that would promote medical tourism in Nigeria. Worthy of note here, is that some of the foreign trained doctors also schooled in India. These doctors are already contemplating practicing elsewhere. Let us make a stitch in time to save nine.

https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/nigeria-licensing-requirements-professional-services#:~:text=Medical%20Professionals&text=Foreign%20medical%20graduates%20must%20sit,eligible%20to%20practice%20in%20Nigeria.


https://www.nairaland.com/4203240/mdcn-versus-foreign-trained-medical

And the big question is, is this proper?

And what were they doing there?

Did they even attend the boy’s burial?

Why attend his memorial?

No fewer than four governors yesterday attended the memorial service organised by the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, for her son, Parker Shepnaan Dongban who passed on last year.

Some of the governors who attended the event held at Demshin in Plateau State still have cases at the election petitions courts where the Appeal Court President would have a major role to play.

However, there was no evidence that the Appeal Court president invited the governors to the event.

According to analysts, the governors might have attended the event in a typical Nigerian gesture, and perhaps, to curry favour.

Speaking at the service held at St. Peters Clever Church, Demshin in Plateau State, the Governor of Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, who said he was speaking on behalf of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), sympathised with Justice Dongban-Mensem, saying the governors identified with the family at the memorial service.

He said though the loss was painful, the governors recognised the impact made to humanity by the late Parker Shepnaan Dongban within the short period of his sojourn on earth, adding that his goodwill would be greatly missed.

He said: “Even though we remember our son today, we acknowledge that he lived an impactful life.”

Also speaking, the Governor of Plateau State, Mr. Caleb Mutfwang, who sympathised with the bereaved family, prayed to God to continue to comfort them.

He noted that no one can feel what the family has gone through since the untimely demise of the Parker.

He said: “There isn’t much to say on an occasion like this other than to say, may the good Lord continue to comfort you and the family because there is nothing we can do and the only thing is to pray for you.

“Even though one year has passed and we know you have enjoyed the comfort of the Lord, may you continue to enjoy the comfort of the Lord all the way. We will continue to pray that God will teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.”

Also at the memorial service were Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia; his Ogun State counterpart, Dapo Abiodun; former Governor of Plateau State, Senator Jonah Jang, and former Governor of Rivers State, Mr. Nyesom Wike.

In his message, the Bishop of Shendam Catholic Diocese, Most Rev. Philip Dung admonished the congregation and also prayed for the repose of the soul of Parker.

He asked God to continue to comfort the family.

He appealed to the Nigerian leaders not to abandon the people, particularly those in rural communities who voted them into power but to come up with programmes and actions that would cushion the effects of the present hardships being experienced in the country.

Bishop Dung drew the attention of governments at various levels to the lack of social amenities such as drinking water, roads, schools, and hospitals in most communities and called for urgent steps to be taken to give the people a sense of hope and belonging.

He applauded the President of the Court of Appeal for her investments in education which, he said, has enabled the less-privileged children to have access to schooling.

As part of the event, a Multipurpose Hall built at Ngoottuguut in memory of Parker was commissioned by the Director General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Bashir Jamoh alongside Mutfwang, and other dignitaries.

https://thenigerialawyer.com/four-govs-wike-attend-appeal-court-presidents-sons-memorial-service/

GOD is Omnipotent, the All-powerful One with unlimited power and authority. He is not only powerful, but He is Power. The Psalmist says, "God has spoken once, Twice I have heard this: That (all) power belongs to God." (Psalms 62:11).

However, God is not only Power, but God is also Love. God is not only all powerful, but He is also Love. Bible says "....God is love; and he that dwell in love dwelleth in God" (1 John 4:16). In fact, from scriptures, it appears God feels more comfortable aligning Himself with His Love dimension than His power dimension. He makes me realise that LOVE IS SWEETER THAN POWER.

A proof of His abundant love revolves around His sweet mercies. This was what prompted Him to keep pursuing after rebellious mankind. He is the All-powerful One who meekly keeps knocking at the door of the hearts of humans, wanting to have a formidable relationship with us. This is despite the fact that He can do without us, since He is all sufficient. A good explanation to this is this: LOVE IS SWEETER THAN POWER.

God loves you vehemently and He desires an intimate relationship with you to help you fulfil your destiny. It is your destiny to have an intimate righteous relationship with God that is eternal in nature through Jesus Christ. Then you will be empowered with the Holy Spirit to have dominion over creation, and you won't be a slave to anything - including poverty, sickness, satan, hell, sin, curses, etc.

While you have the power of self will, to live your life the way you like and turn against the way of the LORD, please, choose Love today, because it is sweeter. And you see, the law of love goes thus: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' - Jesus (Matthew 22:37‭-‬39)

If we all can embrace God's kind of love, our world will experience heaven on earth.

How can all these become realistic?
The bible says: "for God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16

Hence, the first step is to embrace Jesus as your LORD and SAVIOUR. You must be determined to forsake anything sinful, and simply pray:

"LORD JESUS, I believe in my heart that You died for me and You raised on the third day for my justification. And so I confess with my mouth that You are my Lord and Savior. From today, I belong to the family of God. Thank You for giving me eternal life."

Eternal life resides in you, and it compells you to love God's way. God bless you.

https://www.sundayakanni.com/2023/07/love-is-sweeter-than-power.html?m=1

IFEANYI UBAH (THE PRINCE OF THE 9TH SENATE), HAS HIT THE GROUND RUNNING.

Just as he did in the previous assembly which earned him the name; Prince of the 9th Senate, Dr Ifeanyi Ubah has hit the ground running to deliver effective representation and dividends of democracy to his nation, his region, his state, and senatorial district.

A quick flashback on a few key achievements from his capacity-laden representation during the 9th Senate goes like this:

for the Nation;

▪︎ Senator Ubah delivered over 800 billion naira inflow annually to the coffers of the country through his critical Bill that was signed into law by the former president on his sick bed in London.

for the Region;

▪︎ Senator Ubah moved a motion and also physically intervened to bring down the exorbitant freight charges by container handling companies like Maersk Line and Co, following the outcry by our Igbo brothers that are into freight forwarding and importation.

▪︎ He also intervened and has continued to intervene in seeking political solutions to the incarceration of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and the resultant insecurity in the Southeast.

▪︎ He also facilitated the return of many of our Igbo brothers who were stranded abroad.

for the State;

▪︎ At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Ubah organised his friends and built state-of-the-art hospitals with ambulances, which he donated in the three Senatorial Districts of Anambra State.

for Anambra South Senatorial District;

▪︎ Senator Ubah broke records and delivered at least one project in each of the 119 wards that comprise the zone.
He facilitated jobs, zero-interest loans, and scholarships and empowered so many people.
The feedback from the grassroots was massive.
It was love.
They call him The People’s General.

Little wonder, Ndi Anambra South Senatorial District resisted the tsunami that swept through the state in the last election, and massively endorsed and supported their son, in whom they are well pleased, to a landslide win. He was alone in this feat as other Senatorial Districts in the State fell to the Labour tsunami.

Indeed, when the selfless is in power, the people truly rejoice.

The time has come to take
Anambra South Senatorial District to the next level.

pray for Ikemba Ndi Igbo in the 10th Senate.

Watch video (NASS TV) 👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽
https://fb.watch/lXuSeRpCWV/?mibextid=Nif5oz

Zulum vp political son i look forward meeting him somedays. I pray he rules nigeria somedays

What is a storm? Literally, a storm is a disturbance of the atmosphere marked by wind and some or a combination of the following: rain, snow, hail, sleet, or thunder and lightning. Figuratively however, a storm is a set of unpleasant circumstances that could result in some loss or the other. Storms of life are in categories. They could be physical, spiritual, emotional, financial, material, political etc.

In Mark 4:35-41, we read about the rising of a great storm that could have capsised the boat Jesus and His disciples were sailing in. The Storm Stiller however, commanded that the storm should be still and it was so. Today, we shall look at physical storms in terms of ill-health. I pray that any storm of ill-health you may be battling is stilled now, in Jesus’ name.

In the story behind John 5:8, there was a man who suffered ill-health for thirty-eight years. His physical storm raged so long that he felt he was to die by the pool of Bethesda. However, on that very day that he encountered the Storm Stiller, his story changed. Jesus Christ – the Storm Stiller asked him: “Wilt thou be made whole?” (John 5:6).

The Almighty God is asking you today, “Do you want to be healed?” If your answer is “Yes,” then you must fulfil the condition for healing. Divine healing is the ‘food’ meant for children according to Matthew 15:26. Therefore, you must be sure you are genuinely born again because your sins must be forgiven before you can enjoy this divine blessing that will still your storm of ill-health. When Jesus Christ wanted to still the storm of the young man that was suffering terribly from palsy, the Bible says:

And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy: son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.
Matthew 9:2

This implies that you should repent of your sins and seek God’s forgiveness if you want Him to still the storm of ill health in your life. As you heed His call today, every storm of ill health in your life will cease today, in Jesus’ name.
Written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye.

Simon nwa Ekpa, normally, the popular word DEAR is the right word to employ when addressing someone in written letters like this. But I intentionally omitted it, and I am addressing you in your name because there is nothing DEAR about darkness. It is part of my own way of registering my anger and protesting your nonsensical sit-at-home ravaging the once peaceful and industrious South East, my beloved only homeland.

I have carefully monitored your demonic activities in the South East, I have read on the pages of newspaper and I have watched on the news and with sadness I have noted the very careless, wasteful, meaningless, retrogressive and reprehensible insisant Sit-at-home orders which you have issued without remorse and how you have instructed your boys to ensure its enforcement. To you and your fellow half head gang men, Sit-at-home is the only way to drive your grievances home. To you and your abysmally failed co travellers, sit-at-home is the only way to get Nigerian government to listen to you and to release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from unlawful detention.

I don't know those who have continued to tell you that you are doing a great job in this show of shame and self destruction, they have vehemently refused to tell you the truth, which is that your actions are killing the South East economically and politically and that your orders are counterproductive.

Simon, your mode of operation is not only a blind one, it is laughable and it is acaic. As things stands, I am tempted to suggest that you are not working for what you claim, the restoration of Biafra and the release of MNK. No genuine freedom fighter deliberately destroys his father land. No genuine fighter kills his own youths and watch them buried enmass. for goodness sake, why do I have this feeling that some powerful entities contracted and paid you to destabilize the once peaceful South East of Nigeria?

But in all fairness to you, let me give you the benefit of the doubt at least until I can prove my assertions right. At least you are innocent until proven guilty by the court of competent jurisdiction. So let me keep it as what it is the illusionary fighting for Biafra and the release of MNK. If truly, they are the reason you do what you do in the SE, then you have missed the whole thing and you really need to be tutored on how to cause civil unrest and to get the government to listen to you.

More specifically, may be I need to point you to how Niger Delta Militants secured government attention under the regime of late President Umaru Musa Yar'adua. It is possible you were a new born at that time because if not, you ought to have learnt one or two things. Guess what? Niger Delta militants courageously took their fight to the doorstep of their perceived enemy the Nigerian governemnt. They bombed governemnt owned pipelines and oil facilities. They ensured the kidnapings of mostly high profile oil workers and expertrates in their region and only set them free after heavy ransom have been paid. Before you know it, government started loosing money, they lost sleep and everyone began to run from pillar to post looking for ways to stop the sabotage that was going on in the South South region. Cut a long story short, Governemnt invited them for dialogue, gave them VIP treatment, negotiated with them and settled them with amnesty. Mind you Simon, Asari Dokubo fought from the creeks. Tompolo was under the water day and night. Boy Loaf was never in Finland either. They were all in Nigeria and fought in Nigeria. Take it or leave it Simon Nwa Ekpa only cowards like you fight from a foreign land.

Unfortunately, in your own case, what you are doing in the South East is destroying the businesses of our people thereby causing them additional hardship while you enjoy the cool weather of Finland. Are you not a wicked man Simon? A few whose businesses are still grasping for breathe have since moved to neighboouring city like Asaba. Those corn heads who are under your command and control have killed many innocent Igbos especially vibrant youths all in the name of fighting for Biafra restoration and the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. If I may ask, does that really make sense to you?

Simon Ekpa, let me tell you one irony today maybe this will force you to have a rethink, that is if there is still any iota of conscience in you. You came from a region that is most hated as far as the Nigerian project is concerned. The Nigerian government don't care whether you stop the madness going on in South East or not. They already love it and pray it continues. Anything to destroy Igboland is a task and a welcomed developement, know this and know peace Ekpa.

It is like seeing your enemy under the knife. What will you do? Rescue him or allow him to die? That is the exact scenerio playing out between your region SE and Nigeria. If you think you will ever get the attention of Nigerian government with this show of shame going on in the SE then the joke is huge on you because the country you think you are fighting wants you exterminated today or tomorrow, if you don't know that is why they enjoy your myopic sit-at-home and want it to continue. The only unrest your enemies will understand is the kind that unsettles and rattles them. The kind that threatens their cash flow. They will pay attention to you if your sit-at-home threatens their lives or the lives of their loved ones, or do you think the Nigerian government does not have what it takes to end the show of madness you have carried out in the SE? Mr Simon, the Nigerian governemnt that I know have all the arsenal needed to subdue you and yours within days and restore peace in the SE. But they just enjoy the fact that you are destroying your own people and your homeland. Simon, It is time to use your brain.

You can not be more Biafran than MNK whom you claim to fight for his release, yet he was not this mad, he was not this senseless, MNK was not this calous and unrepentant like you Simon. my plea is simple, call it off before this fire consumes you. If this madness continues unabated, we will have no choice in SE to wage war against you and your toy gun carriers. If you think we will idle away and watch you burn down our homeland then you must be joking.

How can you continue to order a series of Sit-at-home in a country where you have no single business or investment? Simon, you have nothing to loose if this madness goes south but some of us do and so we will not watch you carry on unchecked, never.

As a pointer to the fact that you are sick and needs urgent mental help, you have taken this madness to Lagos and Abuja. You have called for sit-at-home in Lagos and Abuja another mans land, what a gut, what a temerity and what an efrontary. With this new development, just be rest assured that your end is near. Flies that refuses to listen, will surely end in the grave with the corpse. Desist or face the wrath of the people.

By Daniel EduPastor E.A Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), has responded to allegations suggesting that he derives his powers from demons in Redemption Camp.

During his sermon on Sunday, July 16th, Pastor Adeboye acknowledged the circulating reports about the source of his powers.

Rather than engaging directly with the accuser, he chose to pray for the individual, recognizing that they have committed an unpardonable sin.

Pastor Adeboye explained that attributing the glory meant for God to demons is an unforgivable offense.

To support his statement, he cited biblical examples and reiterated his intention to pray for the person spreading such rumors.

He said, "Recently, I heard someone claiming that Pastor Adeboye obtains his power from demons at Redemption Camp. People asked if I would respond, but I decided that we should pray because this individual is committing an unpardonable sin. When someone starts giving the glory of Jesus Christ to demons, we should pray for them."

During the 70th Annual Convention of the church along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Pastor Adeboye also shared a personal experience from last year.

He revealed that some people mocked him when he lost his son, Dare, in May 2021.

Amid the sadness and questions, Pastor Adeboye received a text message from one of his daughters that simply said, "Daddy, let God carry you."

He expressed how this message brought an end to his sorrows and renewed his faith.

Dare, Pastor Adeboye's third child, passed away on May 4, 2021, in Eket, Akwa Ibom State, where he resided with his family.

Dare served as the Assistant Pastor in charge of Region (Youth) 35 and was a father to three daughters.

"Wiseman Daniel son of Prophet TB Joshua Extends Blessings: A Testament of God's Faithfulness"


"During today's service, we witnessed yet another powerful extension of God's blessings upon the congregations, led by the remarkable man of God, Wiseman Daniel. Just as promised, the blessings from last week Sunday continued to unfold, reaffirming the truth that when we honor a prophet, we receive a prophet's reward.


https://www.nairaland.com/7763647/historic-miracles-generosity-elohim-church#124404768

Source from previous post ☝️☝️☝️

Today, we are filled with joy as a brand new sewing machine is donated to a young lady, empowering her to start her own business and support her life. It is a beautiful testament to the way love is intricately intertwined with our spirituality. As we give, we open ourselves up to receiving even more of what we sow. The act of giving is akin to planting seeds that ultimately flourish and multiply.

We are reminded that Jesus is pleased when we do not turn a blind eye to the needs of our neighbors. By extending our hearts to others, we become channels through which God's grace flows. We rejoice in the blessing upon our sister and fervently pray for God's continued grace as she embarks on her new journey in the world of business.

Let us celebrate this inspiring testimony of God's faithfulness and remember to remain open to His blessings, knowing that He blesses us so that we may, in turn, be a blessing to others. Amen!"

SOURCE
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid0hVXoi1qCzSHEMYSjv381qLKnVSNYmAmNPqy3ZDG7SMU7WUmY3g8L1HtrVnPT41Uol&id=100072398832872&sfnsn=scwspmo&mibextid=RUbZ1f

"Man of God Wiseman Daniel: Instrument of Healing, Deliverance, and God's Love"


"He sent out his word and healed them all. In awe, we witness the undeniable power of God as He works through the faculty of the incredible man of God, Wiseman Daniel. Healing, deliverance, and the release of captives become manifest as God's mighty power flows through him.

It is a reminder that belief is amplified when we witness the evidence of God's majestic might. Although distance may separate us physically, let us persevere in prayer, knowing that nothing is impossible for our Heavenly Father. The faculty of Wiseman Daniel unveils the root causes of people's challenges, and just as others are touched, so too can you find solace and restoration.

In times of uncertainty, let us refuse to succumb to fear, for it has no place in a heart that is tethered to active faith in Almighty God. We must press onward, continuously reaching out to touch Jesus Christ with unwavering faith.

As true followers of Christ, we are called to emulate His love and embrace the little children among us. They are a precious reminder of His presence. At the closing of the service, my beloved man of God, Wiseman Daniel, and his wife graciously spend time with the little ones, celebrating them with delightful gift items. It serves as a testimony of God's love, and through this act, we reflect our love for our Lord Jesus Christ.

Let us celebrate the transformative work of God through His chosen servant, Wiseman Daniel. May we be encouraged to draw closer to Him, seeking healing and deliverance, all while spreading His love to the world around us. Amen."

Source

https://www.youtube.com/live/jFX_4UFJ8NQ?feature=share

Cc Nlfpmod dominique Mynd44 Seun

That moment Joseph revealed himself to his brethren in the land of Egypt, they COULD NOT BELIEVE him (Gen. 45:3)! And by the time they returned to the land of Canaan, telling their father that Joseph was still alive, Jacob too COULD NOT BELIEVE them! Of course it was hard for Jacob to ever believe (Gen 45:26)! Someone who had long been presumed dead, after several years of not hearing from him? Anyway, that's a testimony. An incredible one. Jacob could not believe it - to see his hearthrob alive, now governor over all Egypt!

Also, when the angel of the Lord told Abraham and Sarah that they were going to embrace a son the following year, the old couple COULD NOT BELIEVE! But it happened as it was said (Gen. 21:1-3)! An incredible testimony for that couple. Sarah who had long passed child-bearing age?

Again, when Rhoda told the believers who were praying for Peter when he was captured and thrown into prison, and that it was Peter knocking at the door, they COULD NOT BELIEVE! Whether they believed it or not, they saw Peter live and direct! He was miraculously delivered from prison and death.

Jesus, our great deliverer, told the neighbors weeping over the death of a damsel that she was sleeping and would be up again, they COULD NOT BELIEVE! They laughed Him to scorn! However, the damsel came back to life. Now, that's a testimony! for the family of the damsel, the neighbors and the entire community!

I could go on and on. I pray for you reading this post right now, in this second-half of the year, God will give you INCREDIBLE TESTIMONIES that will wipe out all your shame and struggles, in the name of Jesus! You will be so shocked to find it hard to believe it yourself. Why? Because we serve a God who is a specialist in impossibilities. A God who does wonders! You are next to testify to the glory of God!

Please comment 'Amen' if you believe you are person God is referring to.

Shalom!

Pastor E.A. Adeboye had started how much he loves his wife and that he could kill for her. During the celebration of the 75th birthday of his wife, Pastor (Mrs) Folu Adeboye, popularly called mummy GO, he stated that he loves his wife so much that anyone who messes with her, he would pray to God to kill the fellow.

He said this was because, while he went to University of Lagos for his postgraduate studies, as the only son of his mother, he handed her over to his wife and she thoroughly took care of her. See video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3cfxTslieiI

Nlfpmod Mynd44 lalasticlala

The idea of missionaries in far-flung places may seem archaic or outdated. It may even come with connotations of colonialism. However, Jesus' great commission to take His message of salvation to the ends of the Earth - still stands. There are billions of people on the planet who still don't know Him, and He has tasked us with carrying the good news to every corner of the globe. In this final session of the series.

Just before His ascension, Jesus said to His disciples, 'Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age' (Matthew 28:19-201. Does Jesus put a time limit on this command? What guarantee does He offer to those who take His message all over the world?

we're all missionaries commissioned by Jesus to be witnesses for Him. Paul reiterates in various letters to the early churches that we are to live out our faith amongst unbelievers, to draw them to Jesus.(Philippians 4:14-191

Tying in with Jesus' great commission given in Matthew 28, in Acts 1:8. He says. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the Earth.

Jesus told us clearly not to worry about money. Even if you have little to live on, that's ok for such a time as this. There is no pit so deep that God can't rescue you. Remember that it's in testing times that your obedience unlocks God's blessing.

He can use any almost-empty jar to meet the needs around you. Let's pray, read God's Word, and stay sensitive to the Holy Spirit. Let's trust God with our resources and share generously and cheerfully with those in need and with those who have given their lives to frontline missions and ministry. And may God's peace fill us with hope and joy.

Read more of this Article on Dyshus webpage(link below)

Join us Today at 8 pm (online) as we explore the purpose of outreach and other religious topics join us with the link below

Initially, 50 daily prayers were commanded, which were subsequently reduced to five on the advice of Prophet Moses to the Holy Apostle. Therefore, Muslims pray five times a day to fulfill the obligation bestowed upon them by the command of Allah through His Holy Messenger

There are 2670 years between Ishmael and Prophet Muhammad in which Arabs sons of Ishmael who was son of Abraham worshipped pagan gods of Egypt through Ishmael's mother Hagar. The Arabians were idolaters who built the stone Kaaba using 96 degrees of stone masonry and prayed to 360 gods that's one god for every degree of the zodiac. The Arabs practiced slavery, human sacrifice, sodomy and prostitution. Prophet Muhammad was commanded by Allah to have the Arabs pray 50 times a day to clean out the toxicity of pagan worship from their blood. Seeing that it would be difficult to get the Arabs to pray 50 times a day the Prophet pleaded with Allah to reduce it. So why does the Muslim believe that he is more holy than us whose bloodline has never forsaken God? Sure some of Judah strayed but we always had prophets and from our bloodline came Jesus who they agree is the greatest of all the Messiah. Even Prophet Muhammad had holy blood and would only sit when he prayed and then when challenged about this told the man who challenged him, I am not the same as you.



There is no Muslim Jesus


It's a lie from hell.

Initially, 50 daily prayers were commanded, which were subsequently reduced to five on the advice of Prophet Moses to the Holy Apostle. Therefore, Muslims pray five times a day to fulfill the obligation bestowed upon them by the command of Allah through His Holy Messenger

There are 2670 years between Ishmael and Prophet Muhammad in which Arabs sons of Ishmael who was son of Abraham worshipped pagan gods of Egypt through Ishmael's mother Hagar. The Arabians were idolaters who built the stone Kaaba using 96 degrees of stone masonry and prayed to 360 gods that's one god for every degree of the zodiac. The Arabs practiced slavery, human sacrifice, sodomy and prostitution. Prophet Muhammad was commanded by Allah to have the Arabs pray 50 times a day to clean out the toxicity of pagan worship from their blood. Seeing that it would be difficult to get the Arabs to pray 50 times a day the Prophet pleaded with Allah to reduce it. So why does the Muslim believe that he is more holy than us whose bloodline has never forsaken God? Sure some of Judah strayed but we always had prophets and from our bloodline came Jesus who they agree is the greatest of all the Messiah. Even Prophet Muhammad had holy blood and would only sit when he prayed and then when challenged about this told the man who challenged him, I am not the same as you.



There is no Muslim Jesus

Proclaiming the Kingdom

Jesus sent out these Twelve after instructing them thus, “Do not go into pagan territory or enter a Samaritan town. Go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, make this proclamation: ‘The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.’” Matthew 10:5–7

The very last words of Jesus, just prior to His Ascension into Heaven, expands the mandate we read above that Jesus gave to His Apostles. He later says, “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the son, and of the holy Spirit…” (Matthew 28:19). Eventually, Jesus sends the Twelve and all of His disciples to the ends of the earth to proclaim the Gospel to every creature. But here, prior to the coming of the Holy Spirit, and prior to the completion of Jesus’ earthly mission, He instructs the Twelve to go only “to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” Thus, Jesus gives a sort of priority to the preaching of the Gospel to those who have already been entrusted with the revelations of the Old Testament—that is, the teachings of the Law of Moses and the prophets.

Though, today, we must all hear the call from our Lord to “make disciples of all nations,” we must also hear this unique commission to first preach to those who are already members of the family of God. And though, today, the Holy Spirit has already come and the Gospel has already gone forth far and wide, there is still an important spiritual lesson to be learned by Jesus’ progressive commission from those of the family of God to those who do not yet know the Gospel.

Start with yourself. By hearing Jesus give special emphasis to His Twelve to go first to the lost sheep of the house of Israel, you should hear our Lord speaking especially about you. You, who were baptized, have been confirmed and have received Holy Communion, now have a special obligation to listen to and respond to the Gospel of Christ. From there, God entrusts you with the sharing of the Gospel in a special way to those who also share your faith. for that reason, parents are uniquely obliged to share the Gospel with their children. Friends within the same faith community are uniquely obliged to reach out to others who share their faith. And pastors of the Church must do the same. The Gospel is now universal and must be proclaimed to all people, but this passage appears to highlight the importance of sharing the Gospel with fellow disciples of Christ.

We know from our daily life that there are many who profess faith in Christ who still are not fully evangelized. There are many who have received the Sacraments but lack the deep faith to which they are called. It can appear that most fail to worship our Lord every day, and many fail in their prayerful worship each and every week. Therefore, it is useful to place yourself into this Gospel passage and to hear our Lord call you to especially devote yourself to the sharing of the Gospel with those who have already become members of His Church, even if it is only in name.

If we begin with ourselves, seeking to daily grow deeper in our life of faith, praying and seeking out the will of God, then God will more easily be able to use us as He wills to share the faith with those who belong to God’s family but whose faith may be weak. And for those who are “all in” and have truly given themselves over to Christ, God will certainly also use you for the proclamation of the Gospel to those who have not yet come to know Christ through the gift of faith.

Reflect, today, upon the invitation Jesus gives to you to be His evangelist. First, look at your own life and do all you can to allow the Gospel to transform you into a fervent follower of Christ. From there, be open to the many ways that God wants to use you every day to inspire others to become followers of our Lord. Start with your family. pray for them. Be attentive to the promptings of grace God gives to reach out to them. Then turn your eyes, also, to the wider community. Allow the Lord to lead, follow His voice, and He will use you in many ways to help others come to know His burning love for them.

my universal King, You came to establish Your Kingdom in the lives of all people. You call all Your creatures to faith in You. Help me to be among the first who turn to You with my whole heart. Please also use me to become an instrument of Your saving grace to those whom You’ve put into my life. my life is Yours, dear Lord. Use me as You will. Jesus, I trust in You.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5ldPYZjdyg

May the Crucified Jesus Christ set you free. Amen.


"Whoever the son of God; Jesus Christ Crucified sets free is completely free" (John 8:36).



"And they truly were many priests(priests of different religion and deities who performed rituals and incantations for people with the intention to set them free completely from all their troubles), because they were not permitted to continue existing on this earth because of biological death: But this man(Jesus Christ Crucified), because He is permitted to continue existing on this earth and Heaven forever, has an unending priesthood (ability to pray and intercede for and on the behalf of each and every human being before Abbah Our Father forever in order to set them free completely from all their burdens and questions about somethings that seems strange happening in their individual lives since he lives forever and does not stop existing because of biological death). Therefore He(Jesus Christ Crucified) *is able to save them(any human being still existing on this earth) to the uttermost(completely/perfectly/eternally) that (those human being who while they live on this earthly existence repent and believe in Jesus Christ Crucified) come *unto God(the Creator of the seen and unseen realm) by Him(by grace through faith in Jesus finished works on the Cross of Calvary)*, seeing He (Jesus) ever liveth to make intercession for them" (Hebrews 7:23-25).



"But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels *for the suffering of death*, *crowned with glory and honour;* that *He(Jesus) by the grace of God should taste death for EVERY HUMAN BEING*" (Hebrews 2:9).



"And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath He(Jesus Christ Crucified) quickened (resurrected to a new creation life from your previous death in the flesh through Adam's ancestral curses/disobedience) together with His own resurrection after being crucified on the Cross of Calvary, having forgiven you *all trespasses*; *blotting(erasing) out the handwriting of ordinances (ancestral curses and curses from personal sins) that was standing against us before the holy throne of God; Our Creator, Father and Judge; which was contrary towards us(human beings) and He(Jesus Christ Crucified) *took it out of the way, nailing it to His Cross*; and *having spoiled(disarmed) principalities and powers (demonic negative spirits that enforces/executes ancestral curses no matter the territory/location you chose to reside in the seen/unseen realm), He(Jesus Christ Crucified) made a shew(disgrace) of them *openly, triumphing over them in His death

Wole Soyinka’s Christian Moment, 1958–1965

By- Timothy R. Vande Brake

ABSTRACT
Wole Soyinka publicly broke from his parents’ faith in early adolescence, yet his anti-Christian stance was not fully realized until his early thirties. Thus, a rich religious dialogue animates the first eight years of his artistic career, 1958–1965. In works from these years (during which Nigeria gained its independence), Soyinka keenly observes and insightfully images Christianity yet holds it at a distance. Soyinka’s changing religious outlook is examined through three works from this period: Camwood on the Leaves, The Interpreters, and The Road. Actions suggesting that he was gradually letting go of his inherited Christian values are also explored.

KEYWORDS
Wole Soyinka, Christianity, wrestling, Camwood on the Leaves (play), The Interpreters (novel), The Road (play)

Through the situations and characters he creates, especially in drama, novel, and memoir, Soyinka provides insight into our moral and spiritual lives. Raised by parents whose genuine and fervent Christianity shaped every aspect of their lives,1 Soyinka rejected his parents’ faith in early adolescence. But it did not so easily reject him. In fact, the first eight years of his public career (1958–1965) contain some of the most moving and profound meditations on Christianity written in the past century. I am not alone in noticing this. Alan Jacobs, for instance, muses that Soyinka is “a writer of spectacular literary gifts: he is an acclaimed lyric and satirical poet, a brilliant novelist of ideas, a memoirist both nostalgic and harrowing, and almost certainly the greatest religious dramatist of our time.”2

One might wonder how a writer whose work, especially his late work, can be so hostile to Christianity could at the same time see into it so clearly and deeply. I attribute this rare perception to three factors, which will be axiomatic to my argument:

1. Christianity utterly pervaded Soyinka’s early life, shaping his imagination and his conscience;

2. Like most Africans, Soyinka acknowledges that all life has a spiritual dimension. Though his earliest label for his self-determination was “atheist,” he has never accepted the post-Enlightenment idea that the only deities are those humans have created. Rather, he acknowledges [End Page 55] that nonhuman spirits are real and sometimes palpable;

3. Soyinka’s parents continued to pray for him, making his adolescence and early adulthood a time of intense spiritual struggle.

Soyinka knows the Bible well. Especially in his early life, its stories and pronouncements formed the backcloth of his imagination. Two such stories center my thinking in this essay, the first of which is Jacob’s wrestling with God. Jacob’s life is the paradigm of faith as struggle. Born second, grasping his twin brother’s heel, Jacob strove all his life to be first. When his brother, Esau, was hungry, Jacob traded a bowl of stew for Esau’s birthright, later impersonating his twin to steal their dying father’s blessing. Years afterward, facing a reckoning, Jacob prepared to meet Esau by sending his family away so that he could plead through the night with God:

And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day.

And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob’s thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him.

And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.

And he said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob.

And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.

And Jacob asked him, and said, Tell me, I pray thee, thy name.

And he said, Wherefore is it that thou dost ask my name? And he blessed him there.

And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.

And as he passed over Penuel the sun rose upon him, and he halted upon his thigh.

(Gen. 32:24–31)3

Having received years earlier the covenantal blessing of his father, Isaac, Jacob here appeals to escape his brother’s anger. Along with the requested blessing, Jacob receives a new name: Jacob, which means, “He grasps the heel,” becomes Israel, which means, “He struggles with God.”

A second biblical story key to my argument is that of Absalom’s rebellion and death. The Absalom story begins with the prophet Nathan’s announcement of judgment on David for his sin with Bathsheba:

Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will raise up evil against thee out of thine own house, and I will take thy wives before thine eyes, and give them unto thy neighbour, and he shall lie with thy wives in the sight of this sun. [End Page 56]

for thou didst it secretly: but I will do this thing before all Israel, and before the sun.

(2 Sam. 12:11–12)

Over the course of several years, this prophecy is realized when Absalom, having declared himself king in Hebron, follows the advice of the counselor Ahithophel to pitch tents on the roof of the royal palace in Jerusalem and to lie with his father’s concubines. The ultimate gesture of disrespect, Absalom’s act is also meant to seal his usurping of his father’s throne. But the battle has yet to be fought, and in a long, bloody day of fighting David’s army prevails. Forbidden to go out with his troops, David instructs his commanders not to harm Absalom. Yet when the rebel leader’s long hair is caught in the branches of an oak, Joab pierces Absalom with javelins and tells his men to finish the work. When David hears the news, he mourns from the depths of his heart: “And the king was much moved, and went up to the chamber over the gate, and wept: and as he went, thus he said, O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! Would God I had died for thee, O Absalom, my son, my son!” (2 Sam. 18:33)

To be continued.......

ABUNDANT LIFE VISION
HOLY SPIRIT: THE ORCHESTRATOR. Romans 8:28-30
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. [29]for God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his son, so that his son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. [30]And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And having called them, he gave them right standing with himself. And having given them right standing, he gave them his glory. NLT.

Our text this morning is one of the most controversial writings in the bible. The 29th and 30th verses talks about God knowing and choosing his people in advance as if he purposely leaves others to perish. However, that is not the thrust of our teaching this morning but I would love to clarify that issue before I continue. God knows the end from the beginning, he has seen those who would choose him ahead and he has chosen them ahead. At the same time, he gives everyone an equal chance to choose him through their freewill. When I was in secondary school, I failed mathematics a lot, my lesson teacher doubled as my mathematics teacher in school and he tried his best to teach me but I would still fail. Before the exam, based on what I had shown in the lesson at home, it was evident to him that I would fail the exam, but that would not stop him from preparing me for the exam. It is the same thing with God, God would give everyone an equal chance to choose even though he knows who will accept him because he knows the end from the beginning.

Now to today’s topic. The Holy Spirit being God knows the thoughts of men and he orchestrates things to favour those who love God. This is shown in the book of Acts of the Apostles chapters 9 and 10. In these chapters, Peter went to different places for the gospel and he landed at Lydda, there he healed Aenas who was paralysed, this miracle spread throughout Lydda and afterwards, Dorcas in Joppa died. The testimony of the miracle got to Joppa, so when Dorcas died, they sent for Peter to pray for her and she came back to life.

As a result, Peter stayed in Joppa for a long time and God connected him with the household it Cornelius in Acts 10, which brought about the salvation and outpouring of the Spirit on the Gentiles. You can see the Holy Spirit in action here, as he orchestrated everything to work for the good of the Gentiles. In our journey as Christians, God is our leader, all we need to do is to follow him and believe that all things work for the good of those who love God and are called for his purpose.

Therefore, to have all things work for your good, you need to love God and belong to him, if you are yet to do that, I urge you to do so now by saying this prayer: Dear Jesus, I believe that you died for my sins and you resurrected on the third day by the power of God, please forgive my sins and write my name in the book of life and I will serve you forever. Amen. If you have recited the prayer, I congratulate you and I urge you to join a bible believing church as you begin your journey in Christ.

God bless you.