JAMB scraps awaiting results, includes 4th choice

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, has announced that students will no longer be able to secure admission into higher institutions while awaiting their O’level results.

JAMB said this was part of its restructuring in preparation for the 2017 UTME higher institution examination.

This means candidates must sit and obtain the results of either West African Examination Council school examination, WAEC, or National Examination Council, NECO, before admission.

The board said this will keep candidates from taking the slots they do not qualify for.

JAMB also introduced a fourth choice of school, but said candidates can apply to only one government-owned university.

In a statement by its spokesperson, JAMB also announced the introduction of fourth choice of higher institution during application by candidates.

Read the full statement here

Open Heaven Daily Devotional

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL

DATE: WEDNESDAY 1st MARCH 2017

THEME: SOWING IN TEARS

MEMORISE: They that sow in tears shall reap in Joy. Psalm 126:5

READ: PSALM 126:5-6

5 They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.

6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.

MESSAGE:

More often than not, we associate sowing with giving of money. For this reason, some people who do not have money believe they do not have anything to sow. This is far from the truth! If you do not have money, you can sow your time or talents into the work of the kingdom. Be it through praying, using your natural talents or your acquired skills/training, there is no one who has nothing to sow. Even if all you can do is smile, you can apply this in making new comers to church feel welcome. If you are a dramatic person, use it for the propagation of the gospel. Everyone has something to sow; all you need to do is to identify what you have. Romans 12:6-8 says,

“Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, or exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.”

When you sow a seed in tears, you will reap its yield in joy. Moreover, what you reap will be determined by what you have sown. You can sow towards the salvation of a loved one, telling God that he or she must not go to hell. To this end, you can sow prayers, fasting and witnessing to the fellow. The day such a soul eventually becomes saved; you will definitely reap the joy of heaven (Luke 15:7). I cannot forget the wife of one of my friends; I was his best man at their wedding. My friend’s wife would say to me, “Please give your life to Christ and be born again.” But I would tell her “I am already a Christian, and my Christian name is Enoch.” She would reply, “That is not what I am taking about”, and then she would begin to cry. I would look at her and wonder what was wrong with her, saying “I am not the worst fellow around; at least you can ask your husband. He knows I am a good person. “However, she kept on praying and crying, sowing in tears for my salvation. Today, she is now laughing. When last did you sow towards the salvation of a loved one – family or friend? Some of us attempt to preach to such a fellow once or twice, but after being rebuffed, we say “I have done my best; if you like, refuse to repent. Your blood can no longer be required from my hands.” Yes, you have made attempts, but you have not yet done your best. You have to keep at it, and in Jesus’ Name, you will reap in joy.

ACTION POINT:

The salvation of some people requires great sacrifice. Ask God for the grace to pay the required price of the salvation of all your loved ones.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Genesis 27 and Isaiah 47:14-48:11

AUTHOR: Pastor E. A. ADEBOYE

HYMN 14: ONWARD CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS

1 Onward, Christian soldiers,
marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus
going on before!
Christ, the royal Master,
leads against the foe;
Forward into battle,
see his banner go!

Refrain:
Onward, Christian soldiers,
marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus
going on before!

2 At the sign of triumph
Satan's host doth flee;
On, then, Christian soldiers,
on to victory!
Hell's foundations quiver
at the shout of praise;
Brothers, lift your voices,
loud your anthems raise!

[Refrain]

3 Like a mighty army
moves the church of God;
Brothers, we are treading
where the saints have trod;
We are not divided;
all one body we,
One in hope and doctrine,
one in charity.

[Refrain]

4 Onward, then, ye people,
join our happy throng,
Blend with ours your voices
in the triumph song;
Glory, laud, and honor,
unto Christ the King;
This thro' countless ages
men and angels sing.

[Refrain]

OPEN HEAVEN DAILY DEVOTIONAL

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL.

TUESDAY,  FEBRUARY 28  2017.

TOPIC : IMPEDIMENTS TO PRAYER.

MEMORISE :  If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me: PSALM 66 : 18.

READ : ISAIAH 59 : 1 - 4 :

1 Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear:

2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.

3 For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, your tongue hath muttered perverseness.

4 None calleth for justice, nor any pleadeth for truth: they trust in vanity, and speak lies; they conceive mischief, and bring forth iniquity.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR : GENESIS 25 - 26 AND ISAIAH 47 : 1 - 13.

MESSAGE :

The fact that God answers prayers is without doubt. Anytime you call on Him, as long as it is in the Name of Jesus, you can be sure the answer will come. Jesus in John 14 : 14 said,

“If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.”

To God, answering prayers is a question of keeping His word. He said if you call upon Him when you are in trouble, He will deliver you, and He is bound by His word ( Psalm 50 : 15, Hebrews 6 : 18 ). There was once a contest between the prophet of God, Elijah, and 450 prophets of an idol called Baal ( 1 Kings 18 : 19 - 24 ). Each side was to call on their God or god; the goal was to see which side would receive a response by fire. The prophets of Baal called on their god from morning till afternoon, but there was no answer. The moment the man of God called on the Lord, fire fell from heaven. God is still in the business of answering prayers, but are you still in the business of obeying Him? Be assured that God is still in the business of stilling raging storms. If you remove iniquity from your heart, you will call on Him and He will answer and deliver you.


As much as God desires to answer your prayers, if you still enjoy a life of sin, your prayers cannot be answered. We must make conscious efforts to remove all impediments to our prayers. Such impediments include what the Bible describes as “the sin which doth so easily beset us” ( Hebrews 12 : 1 ). The pleasures of the flesh run against God’s expectations ( Galatians 5 : 17 ). Such pleasures will not allow us to receive answers to our prayers. We must be weary of gossip because there is great danger in every idle word we speak ( Matthew 12 : 36 ). Jesting should also be avoided ( Ephesians 5 : 4 ). Jesting refers to unholy jokes. God is not against laughter and humour as some people wrongly believe. He is pleasantly humorous, but we must keep ourselves from unhealthy jokes that hinder holy living or make fun of the Holy Spirit. The Lord is not just looking for those who are calling on Him for miracles and signs; He is searching for those who will lift up holy hands and a pure heart before Him ( Psalm 24 : 3 - 5 ). He is looking for those who are ready and committed to walking in His footsteps. God is holy, and He has called us to holy living. We are to do as He commands because we are the light of the world. God in Heaven is glorified when our light shines in the midst of the darkness of this world. If you don’t want any impediment to your prayers from now on, you must amend your ways. If you have been stealing, repent and steal no more. If you have been involved in questionable transactions and dealings, you have to repent and forsake such ways. If your life is right with God, your prayers will not be hindered.


ACTION POINT : Confess every pleasure of the flesh you have yield to, asking for grace to live above them.

SING : HYMN 6.


HYMN 6: DEEPER, DEEPER


1. Deeper, deeper in the love of Jesus
Daily let me go;
Higher, higher in the school of wisdom,
More of grace to know.

Chorus:
O deeper yet, I pray,
And higher every day,
And wiser, blessed Lord,
In Thy precious, holy Word.

2. Deeper, deeper, blessed Holy Spirit,
Take me deeper still,
Till my life is wholly lost in Jesus,
And His perfect will.

Chorus:

3. Deeper, deeper! though it cost hard trials,
Deeper let me go!
Rooted in the holy love of Jesus,
Let me fruitful grow.

Chorus:

4. Deeper, higher, every day in Jesus,
Till all conflict past,
Finds me conqu'ror, and in His own image
Perfected at last.

Chorus:

5. Deeper, deeper in the faith of Jesus,
Holy faith and true;
In His pow'r and soul exulting wisdom
Let me peace pursue.

Chorus

Do you think Hell Exists?

I take no special delight in writing this article. But hell is real and people are going there. So let’s look closely at what the Bible has to say about it as well as the on-going debate over whether hell is eternal conscious punishment.

What you and I “like” is utterly and absolutely irrelevant. God doesn’t set his eternal agenda based on what we “prefer”. What we might “hope” to be true simply doesn’t matter. What does or does not make us “feel comfortable” has no bearing on the truth or falsity of this issue. The fact that we have an intuitive sense for what strikes us as “fair” or “just” plays no part whatsoever in coming to a conclusion on whether or not there is an eternal hell. The fact that we may not enjoy the thought of eternal conscious punishment doesn’t make it go away! The fact that you “feel” the existence of hell is inconsistent with your concept of God doesn’t mean there isn’t one. What we “want” or “hope” or “desire” has no relevance at all in this debate. The only important question is, “Does the Bible teach it?” And if the Bible does teach it (and Revelation 14 together with numerous other texts would indicate it does), our responsibility is to believe it and fervently and faithfully proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ as the only hope sinners have for now and eternity. Read more

Please, pray for me-Sonnie Badu

The bad news hit the Ghanaian media that the gospel musician, Sonnie Badu is presently on the sick bed.

He is admitted in hospital of Australia and his team member appealed that his fans should pray for him. However, the reason behind his illness is yet not revealed.

We are hoping that the musician will recover soon.

source: Ghanalive.tv

Open Heaven Daily Devotional

OPEN HEAVEN DAILY DEVOTIONAL

DATE: MONDAY 27 FEBRUARY 2017

THEME: SINCERITY

Memorise:

In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity. Titus 2:7

Read: 2 Corinthians 2:14-17

14 Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.

15 For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish:

16 To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?

17 For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.

MESSAGE:

Insincerity is one of the greatest reasons behind the downfall of many believers today. Some people claim to love God, but the kind of fruit they manifest makes people question the genuineness of their salvation. Loving God is not just by words, it must reflect in all that we do and in our approach to life. The moment we are saved, we should no longer walk as those who are heading for eternal damnation. The word of God must be obeyed in its entirety. There are believers today who cherry-pick the aspects of the Bible they want to obey. This should not be so! After we are saved, it is expected of us to immediately renounce all the hidden things of dishonesty (2 Corinthians 4:2). We cannot afford to be careless in our Christian walk, because we have an adversary (1 Peter 5:8). To be able to stand against the wiles of the devil, we must be sincere with ourselves. One of the things that gave David victory over Goliath was his sincerity. Although King Saul offered David his armour, David was sincere enough to admit that he had never tried that approach (1 Samuel 17:38-39). His sincerity made him stick to his familiar strategy of using smooth stones and a catapult, rather than wasting his time on an untested line of attack that would not produce results.

Today, there are many ministers of the gospel who have abandoned the true gospel for a social message. They believe that people are not interested in hearing the truth. This is false! Some believe that if they preach the true gospel to people, they will find it very hard and most will turn away, hence, they water down their messages. Such ministers need to learn from Jesus (John 6:60-67). If Samson had been sincere with himself, he would not have died the kind of death he died (Judges 16:21-30). The devil had tested Samson several times and had found out that he had no wisdom. Samson knew he had a weakness for women, but he refused to admit it. He felt things would always remain as they were (Judges 16:20). If he was sincere, he would have built a wall of defence between himself and his weaknesses. He kept a relationship he knew God did not approve of. He kept visiting places he should not visit, just like some Christians today who visit bars; even though they know ungodly things happen there. Are you finding it difficult to stop stealing, yet you still join others in counting offering money? Are you finding it difficult to keep your eyes off your female secretary, despite speaking in tongues, and yet you have not eased her out? Are you competing with the grace of God in other people’s lives, despite the fact that God has told you your own area of strength? If any of these describes you, then you are not being sincere with yourself!

Prayer Point:

Father, grant me the grace to sincerely deal with every weakness in my life.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Genesis 24 and Isaiah 46

AUTHOR: Pastor E. A. ADEBOYE

HYMN 9: ON THE HILL AWAY

1. On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
the emblem of suffering and shame;
and I love that old cross where the dearest and best
for a world of lost sinners was slain.

Refrain:
So I'll cherish the old rugged cross,
till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
and exchange it some day for a crown.

2. O that old rugged cross, so despised by the world,
has a wondrous attraction for me;
for the dear Lamb of God left his glory above
to bear it to dark Calvary. Refrain

3. In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine,
a wondrous beauty I see,
for 'twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,
to pardon and sanctify me. Refrain

4. To the old rugged cross I will ever be true;
its shame and reproach gladly bear;
then he'll call me some day to my home far away,
where his glory forever I'll share. Refrain

Who Deserve An Extravagant Praise

The General Overseer of Christ Authority Bible Church, Rev'd Emmanuel Adepegba at the annual thanksgiving of the church held today at the H/Q, 44, Ogbowankwo Boundary Ajegunle Lagos. Said, Praising God is the key to opening the door into God's Court

Knowing God in the morning is not the end of who God is but rather a propeller to knowing Him more by seeking more of God at noon and night and as such, praising God for Christian and in fact for every creature should be perpetual

From his quote, Rev'd Emmanuel Adepegba said "One day God opened a virgin womb and brought out a Great Saviour, one day God opened a virgin tomb and brought out a Great Shepherd, one day, God will open a virgin Sky and bring out Glorious King.

To this king of kings, Him alone deserve an extravagant. Furthermore, he said, "you should Praise God in such a way that people will question your sanity -  2 Samuel 6:14-21

OPEN HEAVEN DAILY DEVOTIONAL

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL...

DATE: SUNDAY 26TH FEBRUARY 2017

THEME: HYPOCRITICAL?

Memorise:

But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites? Matthew 22:18

Read: Luke 11:37-44

11:37 And as he spake, a certain Pharisee besought him to dine with him: and he went in, and sat down to meat.

11:38 And when the Pharisee saw it, he marvelled that he had not first washed before dinner.

11:39 And the Lord said unto him, Now do ye Pharisees make clean the outside of the cup and the platter; but your inward part is full of ravening and wickedness.

11:40 Ye fools, did not he that made that which is without make that which is within also?

11:41 But rather give alms of such things as ye have; and, behold, all things are clean unto you.

11:42 But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.

11:43 Woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye love the uppermost seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets.

11:44 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are as graves which appear not, and the men that walk over them are not aware of them.

MESSAGE:

One of the characteristics which the Holy Spirit warns us will be rife in the last days is hypocrisy (1 Timothy 4:2). No wonder the Lord Jesus Christ made it very clear that many who expect to be granted access through the pearly gates will be turned back on the last day (Luke 13:24-27). Do you know that many bishops, pastors, general overseers, apostles, etc who are professing Christ today will not make it on the day of judgement? May that not be your lot in Jesus’ Name. To prevent this from happening to you, you need to periodically examine yourself to see if you are still in the faith, as received from the Lord. 2 Corinthians 13:5 says,
"Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?"

Ask yourself if your name is still written in the Book of Life. Does the Spirit of God still bear witness with your spirit that you are a bona fide child of God? Is your conscience free from guilt and dead works? Can the devil and his agents testify that truly, you are no longer in their camp? Don’t pretend to be a child of God when you know you are on your way to perdition.

The greatest challenges Jesus had with the Pharisees was the issue of their mindset. They appeared to have good intentions, but it was all a lie. Jesus knew the state of their hearts. The human heart is like a computer. Whatever you feed it with will determine what comes out of it. The heart of a man is what shapes his destiny. The reason why some people come to church and are still not blessed is the state of their heart. Their hypocritical hearts are hardened, and so they cannot receive anything from God. If the Pharisees had allowed the message of Jesus Christ to penetrate their hearts, their perception would have been different. If you allow God to work on your heart, your breakthrough will be immeasurable. Our heart is a reflection of who we are. Every time Jesus performed a miracle, instead of being happy that someone in need had received help from God, the Scribes and Pharisees would rather question by what authority He did it (John 9:13-27, Luke 20:1-2). That is what a hypocritical heart looks like. I wish we all knew that God is watching not just our actions but also our motives. He hears and watches everything we do behind closed doors. There is nothing hidden from Him that will not be exposed on the last day. Hypocrites know how to find faults in the lives of others, but their own lives are like sepulchres which appear beautiful on the outside but are full of dead men’s bones (Matthew 23:27). God wants us to reflect a life of righteousness and transparency, a life that radiates the glory of God, a life of virtue and of good works.

Prayer Point:

Father, deliver me from all forms of self-deception.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Genesis 21:23
Isaiah 45:14-25

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

HYMN 9: ON THE HILL AWAY

On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
the emblem of suffering and shame;
and I love that old cross where the dearest and best
for a world of lost sinners was slain.

Refrain:
So I'll cherish the old rugged cross,
till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
and exchange it some day for a crown.

O that old rugged cross, so despised by the world,
has a wondrous attraction for me;
for the dear Lamb of God left his glory above
to bear it to dark Calvary. Refrain

In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine,
a wondrous beauty I see,
for 'twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,
to pardon and sanctify me. Refrain

To the old rugged cross I will ever be true;
its shame and reproach gladly bear;
then he'll call me some day to my home far away,
where his glory forever I'll share. Refrain

Christians in the Pew and Pulpit Diverge over Trump Policies on Refugees

After President Trump signed a sweeping executive order on immigration and refugee resettlement, the Christian response seemed unambiguous.

Statements condemning the action came from Christian leaders and groups considered both conservative and progressive, evangelical and mainline, Catholic and Protestant ­– Christians who otherwise might disagree on any number of political or theological issues.

More than 500 evangelical pastors and ministry leaders from all 50 states signed a letter critical of the order, which temporarily halted the U.S. refugee resettlement program and barred entry to travelers coming from seven predominantly Muslim countries.

Eight hundred mostly mainline and progressive clergy signed a petition that read in part: “We pray that you remember immigrants and refugees have sacred worth in God’s eyes.”

Judges have blocked the administration from enforcing parts of the president’s order, which was signed Jan. 27. But it still caps the number of refugees the U.S. will accept this year, and Trump has suggested his administration may file a new order. Read more

The best way of acquiring knowledge is by teaching said an M.Sc Economics student - Samson Simon Galadima

“The best way of acquiring knowledge is by teaching” says Samson Simon Galadima, CEO of the firm ‘Home Teachers’.

Galadima had always nursed the idea of tutoring people since his secondary school days when he had to put his classmates and juniors through in their studies.

“As the best student in my class then, my classmates would come to me to help them out with school work, it was from there I decided to parlay that into a profession” the Master’s Degree student of Economics, University of Abuja said.

Galadima told Youthville he has been a teacher since 2002, starting with secondary school students before progressing to undergraduate and postgraduate students.

The Gombe State indigene said his strengths are in the science subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Biology, English, and General Mathematics.

“I have teachers on stanfby, for subjects I don’t like teaching. We teach languages, I don’t teach French so I assign that to someone else” he said.

“Some subjects I am not strong at I get teachers that are strong at them to come and teach”, he added.

Galadima noted that teaching used to be lucrative but decried that it no longer is.

“Not any longer. Maybe it is because of the recession things are tight.”

Galadima said he supports his teaching with real estate work because of the recssion.“So I support teaching with real estate business, presently I take care of somebody’s compound, and before now the compound used to be full, it used to generate a revenue about N4million in a year now the compound is almost empty, people are not coming in and those inside are struggling to pay. So there is no money anywhere, he lamented.

The Home tutor at present has five candidates he teaches, three secondary students and two undergraduates from the University of Abuja.

He said even if he gets a white colar job he would continue to teach “This is what I love, if I have the time I can do it for free”.

He advised youths wishing to emulate him to start from their strength even if they are not academically inclined. 

OPEN HEAVEN

OPEN HEAVEN DAILY DEVOTIONAL

DATE: SATURDAY 25 FEBRUARY 2017

THEME: UNGRATEFUL?

Memorise:

It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High: Psalms 92:1

Read: 1 Samuel 25:4-17

4 And David heard in the wilderness that Nabal did shear his sheep.

5 And David sent out ten young men, and David said unto the young men, Get you up to Carmel, and go to Nabal, and greet him in my name:

6 And thus shall ye say to him that liveth in prosperity, Peace be both to thee, and peace be to thine house, and peace be unto all that thou hast.

7 And now I have heard that thou hast shearers: now thy shepherds which were with us, we hurt them not, neither was there ought missing unto them, all the while they were in Carmel.

8 Ask thy young men, and they will shew thee. Wherefore let the young men find favour in thine eyes: for we come in a good day: give, I pray thee, whatsoever cometh to thine hand unto thy servants, and to thy son David.

9 And when David's young men came, they spake to Nabal according to all those words in the name of David, and ceased.

10 And Nabal answered David's servants, and said, Who is David? and who is the son of Jesse? there be many servants now a days that break away every man from his master.

11 Shall I then take my bread, and my water, and my flesh that I have killed for my shearers, and give it unto men, whom I know not whence they be?

12 So David's young men turned their way, and went again, and came and told him all those sayings.

13 And David said unto his men, Gird ye on every man his sword. And they girded on every man his sword; and David also girded on his sword: and there went up after David about four hundred men; and two hundred abode by the stuff.

14 But one of the young men told Abigail, Nabal's wife, saying, Behold, David sent messengers out of the wilderness to salute our master; and he railed on them.

15 But the men were very good unto us, and we were not hurt, neither missed we any thing, as long as we were conversant with them, when we were in the fields:

16 They were a wall unto us both by night and day, all the while we were with them keeping the sheep.

17 Now therefore know and consider what thou wilt do; for evil is determined against our master, and against all his household: for he is such a son of Belial, that a man cannot speak to him.

MESSAGE:

God plays a prominent role in every successful endeavour (Lamentations 3:37). No human effort would suffice if God is not involved (Psalm 127:1). This is why you need to be grateful to God for every achievement you experience. Nabal, his household and everyone around him lived in prosperity. In spite of all the battles raging around them, Nabal's workers were all secure and his goods intact. He enjoyed safety and prosperity because the men of David’s hand shielded him and all he had from attacks. At a crucial point, David and his men needed his help in providing food for their sustenance, but he denied them this. He disdained David and his men because he saw them as misfits and fugitives who did not deserve his generosity. Many children of God also feel this way when they are asked to give. Some people disdain God each time they are asked to give offerings to Him. They wonder why they have to give 10% of their profit or income to God. They see this as irrational. Yes, irrational minds cannot see the faithfulness of God. We should be grateful to God, and our gratitude should be expressed through our actions to Him and to our fellow men. Every time we bless others with our possessions out of a sincere heart, we are saying to God that we are grateful He made us a channel of blessing.

You can move God to do more for you through the heart of gratitude. Those who show gratitude to God achieve significant things in life. Solomon showed his gratitude to God through his offerings (1 Kings 3:3-15). He remembered and reflected on all the intrigues and battles that led to his emergence as king, and he was moved to give thanks. Also, King David was so grateful to God that he expressed it in his dance, to the point where he was disdained (2 Samuel 6:16). He forgot he was a king, because he was demonstrating his gratitude to the King of kings. For those with a heart of gratitude to God, when things are working, they praise God, and when things are not going in the direction they envisaged, they still praise God, knowing well that the faithfulness of God will never allow them to suffer loss. Are you surrounded by enemies you can’t number? Don’t be troubled. Trust in the Lord, and you will see His salvation. Are you going through situations that you can’t see yourself overcoming? Put your trust in God, and you will have total victory. Just take the step of faith and begin to bless the Name of the Lord. Even if a sack letter from your job was handed over to you yesterday, just begin to bless the Lord because something awesome is about to happen to you, and the world will hear your testimony.

Action Point:

With a heart of gratitude to God, count your blessings and name them one by one.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR : Genesis 19-20 and Isaiah 44:21-45:13

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

HYMN 17: COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS

1. When upon life's billows you are tempest-tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings; name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.

(Chorus)
Count your blessings;
Name them one by one.
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

2. Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings; ev'ry doubt will fly,
And you will be singing as the days go by.

[Chorus]

3. When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you his wealth untold.
Count your many blessings; money cannot buy
Your reward in heaven nor your home on high.

[Chorus]

4. So amid the conflict, whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged; God is over all.
Count your many blessings; angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey's end.

[Chorus]

Tope Alabi's mum just passed on

The gospel Vibe Icon and a gospel musician, Tope Alabi A.K.A. Agbo  Jesu,  just announces the departure of her dear mother,  madam Agnes Kehinde Obayomi into glory.

Mama  left the world yesterday 23rd of February 2017 at the age of 70. Has said on her Facebook page "mama Tope Alabi sun un re ooo"..

The search for Nigeria's next Inventor begins on Cowbellpedia

Win N1 Million Cash Prize on Cowbellpedia Competition. First stage exams, conducted by NECO holds on  Saturday, 11th March 2017.

Registration closes 4th March.Win N1 Million Cash Prize on Cowbellpedia Competition. First stage exams, conducted by NECO holds on  Saturday, 11th March 2017.

Registration closes 4th March. Click here for more

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL...

DATE: FRIDAY 24TH FEBRUARY 2017

THEME: CHILDREN OF GOD

Memorise:

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: John 1:12

Read: 1 John 3:1-3

3:1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.

3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

3:3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

MESSAGE:

You cannot discover your true identity if you are not in Christ. You need to recognise your true self through the light of the Scripture. If you know your true identity, it will help you not to compromise the call of God on your life. The secret of blessings lies in your being able to walk in the divine purpose for your life. As a believer, you are the light in the midst of darkness, called to shine forth. You are the bridge to the destinies of men. If you don’t discover your destiny, the destinies of many others will be buried. I once asked the Almighty God why He allowed me to “waste” twenty-seven years studying mathematics, when He knew that I would eventually become a pastor. The Lord told me that it was simply for the purpose of being able to preach mathematically. It then dawned on me that indeed all things work together for good for the children of God (Romans 8:28).

You are not a child of God just to attend church; you need to find out what God has empowered you for, and do exploits in that area. The reason why you are a child of God is not just to feel cool but to be driven by God’s purpose and mission. When you recognise that you belong to God, it will be practically impossible for anyone to get you derailed (Acts 27:23-24). The power you have received as a child of God is not for nothing. It is expected that you will use this power in raising the dead, in opening the eyes of those still walking and living in ignorance, and in setting captives free from the bondage of Satan. In John 14:12, the Lord Jesus says to you:
"Verily verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father."

As children of God, let us wake up from our slumber and do the needful urgently. Every child of God is meant to be a fighter — a fearless fighter. You must not be weak in doing exploits for the Lord. You must not give in to fear despite the obstacles before you. All you need is the confidence that as a child of God, you have the backing of your Father. Anyone who comes to Christ comes to the newness of life which qualifies him or her for a new beginning. As a child of God, you must realise that Christ is the centre of your life, and you are meant to be a channel of blessings. A lot of people pass through life without being noticed because they have failed to understand the plan and programme of God for their lives. I pray for you that, in the Name of Jesus, you will find your place in God. By His grace, you will begin to experience prosperity, excellence and extraordinary breakthroughs, and before the end of your life, you will make a lasting change in the world.

Prayer Point:

Father, as you did for the disciples of old, grant me boldness to speak Your word.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Genesis 16:18
Isaiah 44:9-20

AUTHOR : PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

HYMN 7: O JESUS, I HAVE PROMISED.

1. O Jesus, I have promised,
To serve Thee to the end;
Be Thou forever near me,
My Master and my Friend;
I shall not fear the battle
If Thou art by my side,
Nor wander from the pathway
If Thou wilt be my Guide.

2. Oh, let me hear Thee speaking,
In accents clear and still,
I dare not trust my judgment:
Thy way shall be my will;
Oh, speak to reassure me,
To hasten or control;
Oh, speak, and make me listen,
Thou Guardian of my soul.

3. O Jesus, Thou hast promised
To all who follow Thee
That where Thou art in glory
There shall Thy servant be;
And Jesus, I have promised
To serve Thee to the end;
Oh, give me grace to follow,
My Master and my Friend.

4. Oh, let me see Thy footmarks,
And in them plant mine own;
My hope to follow duly
Is in Thy strength alone.
Oh, guide me, call me, draw me,
Uphold me to the end;
And then in Heav'n receive me,
My Savior and my Friend.

CAN begs Christians to keep praying for President Muhammadu Buhari for quick recovery

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has once again asked its member to continue praying for President Muhammadu Buhari until he returns to the country hale and hearty from the United Kingdom where he has been since January 19, 2017.

The Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the President, Femi Adesina, on Tuesday in Abuja said the results of President’s medical tests suggested further rest.

In a swift reaction to the new development, the CAN President, Rev Dr Samson Olasupo Ayokunle, on Thursday in Abuja, urged all well-meaning Nigerians especially Christians not to cease praying for the President, the acting President and the country until he returns in good health and sound mind.

Ayokunle, in a statement issued and signed on his behalf by his Special Assistant (Media and Communications); Pastor Adebayo Oladeji reminded Christians that it is their responsibility to pray for the country and her leaders in season and out of season.

The CAN President also allayed fears being expressed in some quarters that the prolonged absence of Buhari has created a vacuum in the Presidency citing the transfer of power to the Vice President “who is up to the task” unlike what happened during the Presidency of the late Umaru Yar Adua.

Meanwhile, Ayokunle called on the security agencies to rise up to the security challenges in the Southern Kaduna by flushing out the hoodlums who are still killing innocent people despite the presence of policemen and soldiers in the area.

“We call on the security agencies in the country to stop the killings in Kafanchan despite their presence in the area, we heard of recent attacks in Atakar and Kaninkon villages of Kaura and Jema’a local government areas in the state.

OPEN HEAVEN

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY
DEVOTIONAL...

DATE: THURSDAY 23RD FEBRUARY 2017

THEME: MY REDEEMER LIVES

MEMORISE:
Yet a little while, and the world
seeth me no more; but ye see
me: because I live, ye shall live also. John 14:19

Read: Mark 16:1-6
16:1 And when the sabbath was
past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary
the mother of James, and Salome,
had bought sweet spices, that
they might come and anoint him.
16:2 And very early in the
morning the first day of the
week, they came unto the
sepulchre at the rising of the sun.
16:3 And they said among
themselves, Who shall roll us
away the stone from the door of
the sepulchre?
16:4 And when they looked, they
saw that the stone was rolled
away: for it was very great.
16:5 And entering into the
sepulchre, they saw a young man
sitting on the right side, clothed
in a long white garment; and
they were affrighted.
16:6 And he saith unto them, Be
not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of
Nazareth, which was crucified:
he is risen; he is not here: behold
the place where they laid him.

MESSAGE:
Every time I ponder on the glory
awaiting all those who make it to
Heaven, I feel so excited. It is so
magnificent that the ordinary
human heart cannot fathom it. If
you will partake of this glory, you
must not be discouraged in your
walk of faith with God. You must
have the assurance in your heart
that the Lord Jesus Christ, who is
your Redeemer, is alive, and
because He is alive, your faith is
not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:14
& 20). There are some who are at
the point of giving up their faith.
They are no longer excited about
their confession of faith in Jesus
Christ. Some are fainting in their
spirit, and their level of
commitment has waned. If you
are in such situation, the Holy
Spirit in Hebrew 10:38-39 says
this to you:
"Now the just shall live by faith:
but if any man draw back, my
soul shall have no pleasure in
him. But we are not of them who
draw back unto perdition; but of
them that believe to the saving of
the soul."
The purpose of discouragement
is to make you backslide. It is
aimed at stopping the good
things you started. Some of the
activities of the Pharisees were
aimed at discouraging the
followers of Jesus, but their plots
failed. Although they had Him
crucified, some of His followers
still followed Him to the very end.
How amazing it was for them
when they realised that Jesus
had risen from the dead! The
place where they laid His body
was empty, and it remains so till
today! I prophecy into your life
that the very spot where the
enemy hoped you will remain
shall become empty!
I declare to you that there is
power in the resurrection of
Jesus. Every arrow of
discouragement shot at you to
make you faint shall instead birth
a spirit of boldness in you in
Jesus’ Name. Without faith, it is
impossible to please God. You
need to have faith in Jesus, the
Redeemer of mankind. He lives
forever more and no situation is
beyond Him. Every delay you have
experienced is just to make your
testimony more glorious. You
need to persist in the place of
prayer. As long as you are still
awaiting your testimony, don’t
stop confessing the promises of
God. Take practical steps to
actualise God’s plan and purpose
for your life. The women kept
going to the tomb because there
was an assurance in their spirit
that their efforts would not be
wasted. May be you have tried all
you can, and yet there remains a
Goliath in your life. Because your
Redeemer lives, that problem will
not overcome you. Because your
Redeemer lives, that sickness will
come to an end. Problems
respond to either the call of faith
or doubt. Make sure all your
challenges hear the call of faith
from you saying: "because He
lives, I can face tomorrow; my
tomorrow shall be alright
whether the devil likes it or not."
It shall be so in Jesus’ Name.

ACTION POINT:
Make this confession of faith:
Lord Jesus, become You live, I
shall also live and not die.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Genesis 12-15
Isaiah 43:16-44:8
AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

HYMN 4: THROUGH THE LOVE OF
GOD OUR SAVIOUR
1 Through the love of God our
Saviour,
all will be well.
Free and changeless is his favour,
all, all is well.
Precious is the blood that healed us,
perfect is the grace that sealed us,
strong the hand stretched forth to shield us,
all must be well.

2 Though we pass through
tribulation,
all will be well.
Ours is such a full salvation,
all, all is well.
Happy, still in God confiding,
fruitful, if in Christ abiding,
holy, through the Spirit’s guiding,
all must be well.

3 We expect a bright tomorrow,
all will be well.
Faith can sing through days of sorrow,
'All, all is well.'
On our Father’s love relying,
Jesus every need supplying,
in our living, in our dying,
all must be well.

RURAL RUGGED

NCCF EDO @ OZALLA KINGDOM, SABONGIDA, ORA. EDO STATE 

despite the fear of killings, some Nigerian corpers are still fearless and rugged just to make sure souls are saved and won to the Kingdom of Christ. 

At Ozalla Kingdom, sabongida ORA, in Edo state, the Christian Corpers of the state just few days after their leave at the Okada Orientation camp, with a heart of commitment each one of the Batch A and B Corp member visited the crooks and crannies of the community, making sure that at least a soul is told of Christ. 

Photos 

Open heaven

Good Morning!




OPEN HEAVENS DAILY
DEVOTIONAL...
DATE: WEDNESDAY 22ND
FEBRUARY 2017

THEME: VICTORY THROUGH PRAISE

MEMORISE:
For the weapons of our warfare
are not carnal, but mighty
through God to the pulling down of strong holds; 2Corinthians10:4

Read: 2nd Chronicles 20:21-26
20:21 And when he had
consulted with the people, he
appointed singers unto the Lord,
and that should praise the
beauty of holiness, as they went
out before the army, and to say,
Praise the Lord; for his mercy
endureth for ever.

20:22 And when they began to
sing and to praise, the Lord set
ambushments against the
children of Ammon, Moab, and
mount Seir, which were come
against Judah; and they were
smitten.

20:23 For the children of Ammon
and Moab stood up against the
inhabitants of mount Seir, utterly
to slay and destroy them: and
when they had made an end of
the inhabitants of Seir, every one
helped to destroy another.

20:24 And when Judah came
toward the watch tower in the
wilderness, they looked unto the
multitude, and, behold, they were
dead bodies fallen to the earth,
and none escaped.

20:25 And when Jehoshaphat
and his people came to take
away the spoil of them, they
found among them in
abundance both riches with the
dead bodies, and precious
jewels, which they stripped off
for themselves, more than they
could carry away: and they were
three days in gathering of the
spoil, it was so much.

20:26 And on the fourth day they
assembled themselves in the
valley of Berachah; for there they
blessed the Lord: therefore the
name of the same place was
called, The valley of Berachah,
unto this day.

MESSAGE:
The easiest way to access victory
in the kingdom of God is through
praise. Each time we praise the
Name of the Lord, great and
marvellous things are bound to
happen. If you are a believer and
you do not yet know the essence
of praise, you are missing a lot of
blessings, opportunities and
privileges. Our God is all-
powerful, all-knowing and is the
Almighty. The moment we are
committed to the realm of praise,
things begin to happen at His
command. There are people who
have been knocking on certain
doors of opportunities before
now, but to no avail. Why don’t
you try praise? You will be
surprised at how fast those
doors will open. The fact that you
are praising the One that is
higher than the highest should
give you the assurance that your
case is settled. Praise to God is an
indication of absolute trust in
Him. Those who put their
confidence in God will always
praise Him until they receive their
victory, and even after receiving
their victory, they still praise Him.
It is the desire of the Almighty
God that all His children should
move from one level of victory to
the other. When the people of
God praise Him, infirmities, yokes,
bondage, barrenness and all the
works of the devil are destroyed.
In the realm of praise, every
limitation gives way.
In the battle of life, some are
victors while some are victims. I
decree into your life that you will
continue to enjoy the victory of
the Lord in Jesus’ Name. Victors
know how to move God into
action. God is looking for people
who can move Him through their
praise. Such people will enjoy His
mercy instead of receiving His
judgement. Praise is the most
powerful instrument we can use
to move God. The whole of
creation was designed to praise
God (Psalm 150:5, Psalm 148).
The greatest assignment of
angels in Heaven is praising God
(Revelations 4:8-9, Psalm 148:2).
When we get to heaven, our
assignment will be to keep
praising God (Revelations
7:14-15, Psalm 145:2). Praise has
greater impact whenever we
come together to offer it to God,
because His throne is set
wherever His people are praising
Him (Psalm 22:3).
When you bow before God in
praise, you are showing that He
alone is the Most High.
Jehoshaphat enjoyed the victory
of the Lord without fighting a
battle! This is what praise can do.
While the enemies were
gathering their mercenaries and
weapons of war against Judah,
the people of God gathered
momentum for praise. They
believed in the victory of the Lord
by faith, and all their enemies
were smitten before them. From
today, as you praise the Lord, He
will stand in your place and take
over every battle of your life, and
your victory shall be total in
Jesus’ Name.

PRAYER POINT:
Father, let Your praise never
cease from my lips.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Genesis 9-11
Isaiah 43:1-15
AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

HYMN 4: THROUGH THE LOVE OF
GOD OUR SAVIOUR
1 Through the love of God our Saviour,
all will be well.
Free and changeless is his favour,
all, all is well.
Precious is the blood that healed us,
perfect is the grace that sealed us,
strong the hand stretched forth to shield us,
all must be well.

2 Though we pass through
tribulation,
all will be well.
Ours is such a full salvation,
all, all is well.
Happy, still in God confiding,
fruitful, if in Christ abiding,
holy, through the Spirit’s guiding, all must be well.

3 We expect a bright tomorrow,
all will be well.
Faith can sing through days of sorrow,
'All, all is well.'
On our Father’s love relying,
Jesus every need supplying,
in our living, in our dying,
all must be well.