Sunday 31 January 2016

Monday Open Heavens Devotional - Looking Unto Jesus II

MEMORISE: Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith. Hebrew 12:2b.

Monday Rhapsody Of Realities - Salt Of The Earth...And Light Of The World

Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid (Matthew 5:13-14).

Photos: Governor Wike of Rivers state storms church for thanksgiving to God

Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers state has reportedly visited the Salvation Ministries in Port Harcourt to thank God for his victory at the Supreme Court.
The Supreme Court had on Wednesday, January 27, 2016, upheld the election of Wike as the Rivers state governor.
The governor, afterwards, went on a street parade to thank teeming fans and supporters who stood by him during the trying period, especially after he had lost at the courts of appeal.

John Terry set to leave Stamford Bridge in Summer

                                 
Chelsea captain John Terry is not being offered a new contract and will leave the club at the end of the season.
The 35-year-old defender, who joined the club at the age of 14, has won four Premier League titles, five FA Cups and the Champions League with the Blues.

David Cameron: 'Black people more likely to be in prison than at a top university'

                                
Universities will be forced by law to disclose what proportion of ethnic minority applicants get places, David Cameron has announced as part of a concerted Government anti-discrimination drive. 
The Prime Minister said the transparency rules should prompt institutions such as Oxford to work harder to broaden their intake and warned the police, the courts and the armed forces they also had to act.

Sunday Open Heavens Devotional - Looking Unto Jesus I

MEMORISE: And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:” John 3:14.

Sunday Rhapsody Of Realities - Remain Fervent For The Lord

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:58).

Saturday 30 January 2016

Saturday Open Heavens Devotional - Counting Your Blessings II

MEMORISE: Blessed be the Lord my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight” Psalms 144:1.

Saturday Rhapsody Of Realities - Walk In Divine Health

But Jesus said unto her, Let the children first be filled: for it is not meet to take the children’s bread, and to cast it unto the dogs (Mark 7:27).
Sometimes, you find Christians who say, “Lord, heal me. I claim my healing.” For the baby and ignorant Christian, God may put up with that for a while. The time comes when He says, “Come on! Grow up!” And such prayers wouldn’t work anymore.

Thursday 28 January 2016

Friday Rhapsody Of Realities - Do What He Says!

I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine (John 17:9).
The above scripture captures part of Jesus' prayer for His disciples, as He rounded off His earthly ministry. He said, "I pray not for the world." How come He wasn't praying for the world? He knew it wasn't necessary, because He knew what the Father wanted, and He was going to do just that, rather than praying about it.
This is an example for us to follow. Don't find yourself praying for something for which you already know the

Wednesday 27 January 2016

Thursday Open Heavens Devotional - Making Your Marriage Work 2.

MEMORISE: and said, for this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and they twain shall be one flesh” Matthew 19:5.

Thursday Rhapsody Of Realities - You Can Be A Success - A True Success!

My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings....For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh (Proverbs 4:20-22).
Getting a school degree is important, but there’s more to life. There’s something more important than the education you receive from the four walls of an academic institution; it’s called spiritual education. For some people, having acquired an academic degree, they think that’s all they need. While it’s good to be formally educated, true success is of the Spirit.

'Bedroom tax': Government loses Court of Appeal cases

                                  
The Court of Appeal has ruled that the so-called bedroom tax discriminates against a domestic violence victim and the family of a disabled teenager.
The ruling followed legal challenges by a woman who has a panic room in her home, and the grandparents of a 15-year-old who requires overnight care.

University Student Commits Suicide After Finding Out Exam Results

A university student jumped to her death from her halls of residence after she feared her exam results would stop her becoming a research scientist, an inquest has heard.
Samantha MacDonald, 20 was determined to get a first-class degree as part of her life's ambition to 'make a difference' as a top scientist.

BREAKING: Supreme Court upholds Nyesom Wike’s election as Rivers Governor

                                       The Supreme has upheld the election of Nyesom Wike of the Peoples Democratic Party as governor of the oil-rich Rivers State.

Governor Bello Promises to Pay Kogi Workers' Salary

The newly inaugurated governor of Kogi state, Yahaya Bello has promised the state civil servants that he will pay salaries in the state as soon.

Wednesday Open Heavens Devotional - Making Your Marriage Work I.

MEMORISE: Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies.” PROVERBS 31:10.

Men Shortage: Eritrea Govt. Forces Men To Marry At Least Two Wives Or Face Imprisonment

                                  
Activists have posted a memo allegedly by the Government of Eritrea asking men to marry at least two wives due to acute shortage of men occasioned by casualties during the civil war with Ethiopia.

Wednesday Rhapsody Of Realities - He's Your Strength And Shield!

...the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1).
In the Psalm above, David wasn't asking the Lord for strength. It lacks spiritual wisdom to keep praying and asking the Lord to give you strength when, already, He's the strength of your life. If the Lord is the strength of your life, you don't need to ask Him for strength, because if you have Him, you have strength; therefore, no room for weakness in your life.

Monday 25 January 2016

Tuesday Open Heavens Daily Devotional - Free Indeed!

MEMORISE: “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed” John 8:36.

Tuesday Rhapsody Of Realities - He Gave Us His Glory!

And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them... (John 17:22).
There're those who say, "God never shares His glory with anyone." Yes, He wouldn't share His glory with the heathen gods. But with us, His kids, He did better than share His glory with us: He gave us His glory, and made us His glory. When He said in Isaiah 42:8, "...my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images," He wasn't talking about not sharing His glory with His children. He was talking about idols. He's made us partakers of His glory!

Monday Open Heavens Devotional - The Strong And Mighty

MEMORISE: I am Alpha and Omega the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.” Revelation 1:8.

Monday Rhapsody Of Realities - Crafted For Excellence

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them (Ephesians 2:10).

Sunday 24 January 2016

South Sudan misses deadline to form unity government

                                 
South Sudan has missed a key deadline to create a transitional government, after the president increased the number of provinces from 10 to 28.

Video: Scotland's First Minister says June EU referendum would be 'disrespectful'

                                 

Scotland's First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, has said that a June EU referendum would be "disrespectful" given the number of elections in May. Watch the video below.

Photos: New York begins clear-up after mammoth snowfall

                                     
A travel ban in New York City has ended as the eastern US begins digging out from the weekend's massive snowstorm.
New York, the most populated city in the US, saw its second-highest snowfall since records began in 1869, Mayor Bill de Blasio said.

Woman 'beat up' husband because he refused to have sex with her

A woman has been arrested after allegedly beating up her husband with nunchucks after he refused to come to bed with her.

Sunday Open Heavens Devotional - Divine Transformation II

MEMORISE: “And the spirit of the Lord will come upon thee, and thou shall prophesy with them, and shalt be turned into another man.”  1 Samuel 10:6.

Saturday 23 January 2016

Sunday Rhapsody Of Realities - You Carry His Presence

Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you (1 Corinthians 3:16).
As Christians, it’s so important that we’re conscious of who we are and what we have. You know, sometimes, some people come to church and they say, “Lord, we’ve come into your presence today.” And when they leave, they feel they’ve left the presence of God. Some even pray for the presence of God to come down.

Saturday Open Heavens Devotional - Divine Transformation I

MEMORISE: “Therefore if any man be in Christ he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17.

Saturday Rhapsody Of Realities - Faith In The Word

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek (Romans 1:16).
The Apostle Paul was talking about the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the opening text, and went further in the next verse to let us know that through the Gospel, the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith: “For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith ” (Romans 1:17).

Friday 22 January 2016

EU leaders consider two-year suspension of Schengen rules

Leaders will consider emergency measures to reintroduce internal borders at meeting on Monday, as France warns the entire European project is in 'very grave danger'
The Schengen system of free movement could be suspended for two years under emergency measures to be discussed by European ministers on Monday, as the French Prime Minister warned the crisis could bring down the entire European Union.

Thursday 21 January 2016

Friday Open Heavens Daily Devotional - Walking With God III

MEMORISE: He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted upon His soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. Psalm 24:4.

Friday Rhapsody Of Realities - You Have Honour And Kingdom Dignity

Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified (Romans 8:30).
Everyone who's born again has been glorified. It's not something we're hoping for or expecting to take place; it's already happened. You have His glory in your life, and the implication of this is that you're full of honour and Kingdom dignity! You can't be dishonoured, because His honour is on you!

Wednesday 20 January 2016

Thursday Open Heavens Devotional - Walking With God 2

MEMORISE: Therefore thus saith the Lord,behold, I lay in Zion for foundation a stone a tried stone,a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall make haste” Isaiah 28:16.

Thursday Rhapsody Of Realities - Truth Is Reality

That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him (Ephesians 1:17).
In Christianity we deal with truths—absolutes, and not assumptions as in religion. Truth is reality! It's called absolute knowledge, the "epignosis" (Greek) of Him. At the realm of truth, all doubts are dissolved; you just know; and such revelation is imparted to your spirit.

Wednesday Rhapsody Of Realities - The Word Cleanses And Renews

That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness (Ephesians 4:22-24).

Wednesday Open Heavens Devotional - Walking With God I

MEMORISE: And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.” Genesis 5:24.

Tuesday 19 January 2016

Photo: Nigerian man on Greater Manchester Police Most Wanted list for alleged rape

                                        

Jonah Okoji ,42, of south Manchester is wanted by Greater Manchester Police for a number of alleged rapes that took place in the Levenshulme area of Manchester between August 2011 and July 2014. He is also wanted for an incident of criminal damage linked to the rapes that occurred in July 2014. The police believe that Okoji - also known as Joe Helma - has possibly moved to Ireland. Please contact the Greater Manchester Police should you have any useful information about him.

PM: Migrant spouses who fail English test may have to leave UK

David Cameron says no guarantee that people who enter UK on spousal visa can stay if they fail to improve language.Migrants who fail language tests after two and a half years in the UK may be forced to leave, David Cameron has said, as he announced plans to encourage greater integration of Muslim women.

Tuesday Rhapsody Of Realities - We Got It By Inheritance!

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light (1 Peter 2:9).

Monday 18 January 2016

AC Milan sues Gambian footballer for claiming to be 19yrs old when he was actually 28

                                  
According to press reports in Italy, Gambian footballer Yusupha Yaffa has been summoned to court after allegedly lying about his age. The African forward was drafted into Milan’s youth setup, while he went on to become a regular for the Milan U19 side. There was only one problem, however, Yaffa, while claiming to be 19, was actually 28.

Steel Crisis deepens as 1,000 more jobs axed

A row over how much support the Government has given the crisis-hit steel industry is raging after another 1,000 jobs were axed in a devastating blow to steel-making communities.
Indian-owned Tata confirmed workers' fears when they unveiled plans to cut 750 posts at the huge Port Talbot plant in South Wales, 200 in support functions and 100 at steel mills, affecting Llanwern, Trostre, Corby and Hartlepool.
Almost 5,000 job losses have now been announced in the steel industry since last summer as firms struggle with high energy costs, business rates and cheap Chinese imports.

Former Chancellor Says Cameron is wasting everyone's time on EU talks

                                
David Cameron's EU negotiations have been dismissed as 'inconsequential' by a former chancellor.
Lord Lawson, who is president of Conservatives For Britain, also poured scorn on a claim by a new grouping of pro-Europe Tories that a vote to leave the EU would be a 'jump into a void'.

Migrant Held Too Long In UK

Bleak house: the Harmondsworth Detention Centre near Heathrow airport Getty Images                        
An independent review by Stephen Shaw, the former prisons' ombudsman, called last week for an immediate reduction in the 30,000 people held in immigration centres in the UK every year.
The UK is the only country in Europe that has no time limit on detention for migrants. We are detaining migrants for too long: months, sometimes years. And every second, every minute spent in detention, the detainee becomes more traumatised, stressed, depressed and maybe suicidal.

Monday Open Heavens Devotional - Weep Not: A Divine Command

MEMORISE: Rejoice evermore. 1 THESSALONIANS 5:16.

Sunday 17 January 2016

Donald Trump Warns Nigerians: “If I Win, You Leave”

American Billionaire and Republican Presidential Front-runner, Donald Trump, has shot a subtle warning to the Nigerian Community in the United States, after he said all Nigerians would be made to leave the country “when he becomes President”.

Jeremy Corbyn: 'I'd take Donald Trump to a London mosque'

                              
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said he would invite Donald Trump along to a mosque if he came to the UK.
Speaking on the Andrew Marr Show, he said Mr Trump should be allowed into the country.

"I don't think you should ban people coming to Britain," he said.

Theresa May urged to rethink new £35,000 earnings threshold for non-EU migrants as some face deportation

                                 
Migrants from outside Europe who have lived in the UK for more than five years will have to prove they will be paid the new minimum threshold in order to stay in the country.
Theresa May is facing calls to rethink the “discriminatory” new earnings threshold of £35,000 for non-EU migrants that could starve Britain of vital talent in the teaching, charity and entrepreneur sectors when the changes take effect in April. 
Overseas workers who have lived in the UK for five years will have to prove they will be paid the new minimum threshold in order to stay in the country. 
Those who fail to demonstrate earnings of more than £35,000 will be denied settlement in the UK and will face deportation according to the new Home Office policy. 

Workers’ Strike Shuts Down Kogi State, Water Supply Stopped Indefinitely

                                     
It is no longer news that civil servants in Kogi state have since 23rd December last year laid down tools to protest the non-payment of their salaries since October, 2015. As it is, there seems to be no hope in sight as to when the salaries would be paid or when the lockdown would end.