Thursday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye (Open Heavens 1 September 2016) – No Room for the Devil

Topic: No Room for the Devil [Thursday 1, September 2016]

Memorise: Abstain from all appearance of evil. – 1 Thessalonians 5:22

Read: Psalms 15:1-5 (KJV)

1 A Psalm of David. LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?

2 He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.

3 He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour.

4 In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.

5 He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved.

Bible in One Year: Jeremiah 10-12, Psalms 46

MESSAGE:

‘Looking unto Jesus’ are three very important words of salvation, encouragement and direction for daily Christian living. Nicodemus, in his search for the true God and eternal life, approached Jesus for possible understanding. The Lord Jesus made the new birth very plain by using an Old Testament illustration of the fiery serpents of brass put on a pole for the Israelite's to look upon as recorded in the book of Numbers 21:8-9.

The fall of Adam and Eve, and the temptation of Jesus Christ, exposes humanity to two important realities among many others. First of all, the devil is out to destroy all human beings without exception. Secondly, the devil cannot do a perfect Job at destroying a person without the consensual agreement of that individual. Consequently, the devil seeks the permission of an individual to have the access required to destroy his life. That is why the Bible in Ephesians 4:27, admonishes us not to give way to the devil.

Moreover, the devil does not make this request directly; neither does he require a clear answer from anyone. The language of the devil is always implied and shrouded in ambiguity, such that no one is ever fully aware of the implications of any transaction with the devil until reality dawns on them. For these reasons, children of God should be mindful of their responses to any proposal by the devil because ordinary interest is usually taken as consent or approval by the devil. Men and women who showed interest in various proposals of the devil in the past were soon captured and enslaved to the point of being addicted to such harmful practices like alcoholism, gambling, illicit sex, hard drugs, prostitution, etc. For these reasons, the Bible outlines several ways in which believers should respond to the devil. Evil is to be avoided at all cost as indicated in Psalms 1:1:

“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.”

And in Proverbs 4:14:

“Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men.”

And 1 Thessalonians 5:22 says:

“Abstain from all appearance of evil.”

Evil is to be hated with passion and resisted with everything we have in line with Proverbs 1:10:

“My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.”

And James 4:7,

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

Above all, children of God should pray every day in response to evil, Matthew 6:13 says;

“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:”

I pray that you will not be a victim of evil in Jesus’ name.

Prayer Point: Father, please keep evil far away from me and my entire family in Jesus name.

Open Heavens Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer's Ministries.

iOpenHeavens is the electronic version of the Hard Copy. The Open Heavens devotional application is available across all mobile platforms and operating systems: iOS, Android, Blackberry, Nokia, Windows Mobile and PC.

UNIBEN to resume new academic session without 100L students (read why)

The University of Benin (UNIBEN) has released a statement, calling on old (returning) students to resume on September 22 2016 for the new academic year.

Conspicuously missing was the resumption details for fresh (100 level) students, simply because of the delay in the sending of admission list from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB.

Just like Mark Zuckerberg, popular Televangelist Mike Murdock is also in Nigeria at a white garment church (photos)

Well, it is not only Mark Zuckerberg that stormed Nigeria, popular American preacher and televangelist, Mike Murdock is also in Lagos but for another purpose.

Mike Murdock who preaches around the world is known for his prosperity theology.  He was pictured ministering at Church of the Lord, Aladura church in Lagos.

See photos below.....

"I learned the hard way"- Nollywood serial husband, Solomon Akiyesi speaks on failed marriages

Controversial Nollywood actor, Solomon Akiyesi, who was embroiled in a huge scandal in 2013 when he left his 8 month pregnant wife Lilian Akiyesi in Port Harcourt and came to Lagos to marry his mistress, Uloma Agwu, has confessed that he has indeed learned his lessons, but the hard way.

In a recent Facebook post, the actor who has married three times wrote:





After almost three years, late last year, 2015, the actor was able to remarry in peace. Obviously, he is enjoying his latest marriage.

Goodbye to Ghanaian Jollof rice as Mark Zuckerberg confirms Nigerian version is the best + 10 things we learned at his Q&A session

Aisha Wakil says Boko Haram is ready for peace and also to make announcement about Chibok in the next 24hrs

Lawyer with the National Human Rights Commission and wife of a Judge in Borno State judiciary, Aisha Wakil, who was recently declared wanted by the Nigerian Army for her close links with Boko Haram members, recently made a revelation.

Wakil also addressed as Mama Boko Haram said the terrorist group is ready for peace now and may make a big announcement about the kidnapped Chibok school girls within the next 24 hours.
This comes few days after President Buhari said his government was ready to negotiate with genuine Boko Haram leaders for the release of the missing school girls.

According to the Nation, Wakil in an interview said after she has been cleared by the Nigerian Army and that she has been persuading the leader of the sect group to negotiate with the Nigerian government for the release of the girls that have been in their captivity for over two years now

“Since I came back, I have been on their neck. They have now agreed to come out and discuss with the government and bring back the girls. I am for the Chibok girls and all the captives. They are ready for peace. This is what they told me. I think they might post some information on YouTube within 24 hours”she said

Simi has admitted that she is dating Ycee | See these tweets

They have been speculations that singer Simisola Bolatito Ogunleye, and Omo Alaji crooner Ycee,  are dating, well seems they have both confirmed her relationship with, in a series of tweet.

Simi recently debunked a relationship rumour with Falz and Adekunle Gold, but in a series of tweets, she has admitted that she's dating Ycee. 

Some fans asked if Ycee is not too young for her but she replied that age is just a number. See their tweets below...

Newly married Funke Akindele and JJC loved up in new post-wedding photos

Newly, married celebrity couple, Funke Akindele and JJC Skillz were pictured having fun at Mc Abbey's iLaff event in London over the weekend.
They look so good together! 

'You deserve someone who isn't embarrassed to love you..loses sleep to taalk to you'- Toke Makinwa still gushing about her new found love

Toke Makinwa has been all about love these days since the news of her new found love became public. 

The media personality shared this quote above about the kind of love ladies deserve..She even captioned it: 'Corny. Mushy. Love and everything in between. ❤'

Hmmmm... she is obviously so in love right now.

Recall that after Toke Makinwa's marriage to longtime boyfriend/estranged husband Maje Ayida crashed months ago, she moved on and found love in the arms of one US based Oluseyi Kuye.

Ladies do you agree with her quote? Then what do men deserve? Lol

This 24-year-old security guard was caught fingering employer’s 10-year-old daughter (photo)

Ossai Sylvester was, on Monday, arrested by the Lagos State Police Command for allegedly sucking the breast of the 10-year-old daughter of his employer, at their private apartment on Teslim Elias Close, Victoria Island, Punchng reports.
A police source said, “The incident happened at about 11.30pm on Saturday. Sylvester allegedly lured the girl to a secluded spot in the house and sucked her breast. He also dipped his left finger into her private parts, before being caught by his boss. He has confessed to the crime.” 

The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmos, confirmed the arrest. She said, “The victim has been taken for a medical examination. The Commissioner of Police has directed that the case be transferred to the gender unit at the state command headquarters for further investigation.”

'You can now call me papa somebody'- Comedian Akpororo gushes over his new born baby (photo)

Comedian Akpororo and his beautiful wife, Ijeoma Josephine welcomed a cute baby girl yesterday, August 30, 2016. They got married on Saturday, November 14, 2015.

The excited daddy, shared the photo on his Instagram page with the caption: "You are welcome to my world the princess of RORO KINGDOM, thank you for bringing JOY to our world. Now u can call me papa somebody, @jose_bowoto you are the best woman in the world, I love you like kilode"

Trigger happy police sergeant kills father of five in Lagos

The police in Lagos State have detained a sergeant, identified only as Isaac, who allegedly shot dead a motorist, Fatai Ajani, in the Orile-Iganmu area of the state.
It was learnt that Isaac, who is attached to the Special Protection Unit, was arrested around 7pm on Sunday when the incident happened, Punch reports.

The ugly incident happened after the sergeant, had, at about 6.30pm, escorted a Toyota Land Cruiser, with number plate, PF 742 SPY, to the area.


It was learnt that the sergeant had ordered everyone to move away for the vehicle, during which he allegedly started shooting into the air. The commercial bus driver, Ajani, who was heading for the bus stop with a friend, Kehinde Ganiyu, was hit in the process and he died because he was hit in the stomach by the policeman’s stray bullet.

The matter was said to have been reported at the Orile Police Division. The sergeant and the driver of the vehicle were subsequently arrested.
He said, “We received the report at about 7.30pm. The deceased and his friend, Ganiyu, who lived in Iledu Street in the Oko Afo area of Badagry, were going to the bus stop to see a friend. The Toyota Land Cruiser was parked near the bridge and the police sergeant began to shoot sporadically.

“The jeep was driven by one Tope Omolayo, who lived in Ibadan, Oyo State. He suddenly stopped and the sergeant came out of the jeep and ordered everybody to get out of the road. That was when he began to shoot and Ajani was hit in the stomach. He died instantly.

“When the operatives got to the scene, the police sergeant was arrested; the driver and the jeep were also taken to the station to avoid a mob action.”

 Ajani’s corpse has been deposited in a public morgue in the Yaba area.

Aggrieved motorists and pedestrians were said to have blocked the Orile end of the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, to protest the killing of Ajani, said to be a father of five children.

The protest continued on Monday with bus drivers refusing to ply the Orile to CMS route.

A witness, identified only as Suraju, said, “The deceased and a friend had brought a coastal bus to the area for repairs.

“They were both going to Oko Afo, when the commotion started. I was buying some snacks in a shop when I heard gunshots. Everyone quickly fled the area, as we thought it was a robbery operation.

“When we returned to the scene, the man was dead, and policemen were trying to take his corpse away.

“People became angry and wanted to burn the jeep and the occupants, but the policemen prevented them. The sergeant must not go unpunished.”

Our correspondent learnt that the case would be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, Yaba, for further investigation.

The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Dolapo Badmos, said investigation was ongoing into the matter.

These four armed robbers turned off their victim's generator and robbed his family for 6 hours (photo)

The Anti-Robbery Squad of the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, Yaba, has arrested a four-man gang that had allegedly been terrorizing residents of the Ikorodu area of Lagos State, Punch reports.

It was learnt that the suspects – Akin Ayotunde, Isaac Ogbonna, Sola Dede and Sodiq Lawal – specialised in lurking around houses at night and switching off their victims’ generators before attacking them.

They, however, met their Waterloo last Thursday when they were arrested after invading the apartment of one Bello Hakeem in the Igbe area.

The suspects spent six hours in the victim’s duplex and went away with his car, generator, money, phones, Automated Teller Machine cards, modems, laptops and cash.

They also stole his wife’s jewellery and withdrew N100,000 using one of the ATM cards.

Hakeem, revealed that around 11.09pm on Tuesday, he observed that his generator suddenly went off and he asked two of his children to go outside and fix the problem.

“About five minutes after they left, they were forced back into the house by four men, who were armed with knives.

“They ordered us to cooperate with them. They searched the house and made away with three laptops, six phones, three ATM cards, a new 3.5KVA generator, one 75alms battery, two modems, jewellery, cash, and my Toyota Corolla. They held my family hostage for six hours before leaving at about 6am the next day,” he added.

Hakeem, an environmental scientist, said he reported the incident at the Ijede Police Station, adding that the suspects were able to withdraw N100,000 from his First Bank account before he deactivated all the stolen ATM cards.

He said two days after the incident, a friend called him that a car that looked like his own had been put up for sale.

He said operatives from the SCIID, Yaba, were alerted and the suspects were rounded up.

The four suspects, who confessed to the crime, said they operated with knives to avoid bloodshed.

The gang leader, Ayotunde, 27, said, “I used to sell garri with my grandma in a market before a former Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Fashola, demolished shops in the market. I tried another job, but it didn’t work.

“I then sold the idea of robbing houses to my friends and we agreed to use only knives and not guns. We always lurk around developing areas in Ikorodu at night, look for any house that had its generator on, scale the fence and put off the generator. When the occupants of the house come out to check the generator, we attack. We made N60,000 from our first operation in March.

“I was arrested when the man whom I had given the man’s car to called me that he had found a buyer. He said the buyer had paid N700,000 for the vehicle and that I should come for my share. We agreed to meet at a restaurant in Ojota. But on getting there, I discovered that it was a set up and I was arrested.”

Ogbonna, 23, an indigene of Ebonyi State, said he was looking for money for the treatment of his elder sister when he was invited to join the gang.

“My sister needed blood transfusion and I had to look for money by all means. I got N25,000 from the operation,” he added.

The third suspect, 24-year-old Dede, from Ondo State, said he joined the group because he was told nobody would be killed, adding that he needed money to change his apartment.

He said, “An Alfa told me to move out of my family house because there was a spiritual force working against the success of men in the house. I needed money to change my apartment.”

The police also arrested the receiver of some of the stolen items, Akeem Lawal, who claimed that the suspects lied to him that the goods were imported.

The Police Public Relations officer, SP Dolapo Badmos, confirmed the arrest, adding that investigations were ongoing.

She said, “The last house they robbed belonged to a couple who quickly alerted the police. They were trailed and arrested. They are currently undergoing interrogation at the command.”

13-yr-old girl pregnant after rape by 60-yr-old man, two others whenever her mother goes for vigil

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a 60-year-old man and two others alleged to have repeatedly gang-raped a 13-year-old primary six pupil until she became pregnant, in Majidun area of Lagos. 

There is, however, a twist to the rape saga as the victim’s mother has raised the alarm over threat to her life by the suspects: Baba Ijebu, 60, Kingsley and Henry, for reporting the matter to the police. 

The suspects, who all live in the same area with the victim, were alleged to have been sleeping with her since May. 

As at yesterday, the teenager, identified simply as Ijeoma, was said to be three months pregnant. A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, disclosed that “she was raped consistently by these three persons. 

They usually slept with her whenever her mother went for vigil and at the end, they would give her N100 or N200.” 

The bubble burst after a neighbour, who discovered the ongoing abuse of the teenager, advised her to tell her mother but she was said to have declined, arguing that her mother would kill her. 

Speaking with Vanguard, the victim’s mother, who refused to disclose her name, said she became suspicious after she noticed some changes in her daughter and when taken to the hospital, she was discovered to be three months pregnant. 

She said: “They were arrested by policemen at Owutu Division, but released. Now they are threatening me for reporting to the police. Kingsley and Henry live in the same compound with us, while Baba Ijebu lives at the opposite compound. 

“Baba Ijebu offered me N1,000 to take care of my pregnant daughter, but I did not collect it. Kingsley claimed he only fingered my daughter.” 

Meanwhile, the girl she was charmed’ “The first time was with Uncle Kingsley. That night I was passing in front of his room, when he said he wanted to send me on an errand. 

Immediately I entered his room, he closed the door and when I asked him why he did that, he carried me to his bed and slept with me. “

The second man is Baba Ijebu. I went to his place to collect one of the things we used to make soap. When I got inside, he touched me with something in his hand and I did not know what happened until I found myself in his bed with my pants off, while he was beside me. “Immediately I realised this, I cried and shouted, but he said I would die if I told anyone. 

The third man’s name is Henry. In his case, he called me into his room and said that my mummy sent him to me. But when I got to him, he pinned me to his bed and raped me. I shouted, but nobody was there to help me. I couldn’t tell my mummy because I was afraid she would kill me.” 

Meanwhile, Project Director, Community Women’s Right Foundation, Alhaji Lateef Akinborode, has vowed to get justice for the 13-year-old girl and her mother. 

He said: “It is unfortunate that people are taking advantage of the less-privileged in the society, and by God’s grace, we will see this case to its logical conclusion by making the offenders serve as deterrents to others.”

Wednesday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye ( Open Heavens 31 August 2016) – How to Overcome Fear

Topic: How to Overcome Fear [Wednesday 31, August 2016]

Memorise: Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; – Psalms 91:5

Read: Psalms 91:1-9 (KJV)

1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

2 I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.

4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;

6 Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.

7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.

8 Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.

9 Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;

Bible in One Year: Jeremiah 7:30-9:26, Psalms 45

MESSAGE:

God has a reservoir of power to protect His children each time they are in trouble. This is why there is nothing as good as making God the source of your power. God is the most secure place to keep your life. There are many conflicts in this world, there are many happenings that cause fear but we are sure and confident of our victory through the blood that was shed on the cross of Calvary. God is the one who can deliver us from all the dangers of life when we trust in Him. God is the Secret Place that keeps one from the enemy. I decree into your life; those who want to attack you will fall into destruction in Jesus’ name. Those who put their trust in God have nothing to fear.

As far as God is concerned, fear is not allowed for His children. You cannot have God as your father and live in fear, because the spirit of fear is not part of your destiny as a child of God. Your portion is the spirit of boldness and a sound mind. Shedrach, Meshach and Abednego did not give in to fear because they knew that the God they serve will never let them down and they demonstrated this boldness before the King and all the people by not bowing before the image of the King. They overcame their fear with their conviction in the Almighty God. The King made the furnace seven times hotter, yet they were not afraid, neither did they change their minds, because they knew God will wait for them inside the fiery furnace. For a reader of this devotional, I prophecy into your life; all those arrows that the enemies are throwing in order to put fear into your heart shall lead to your promotion in Jesus’ name. When it appears that you are dropping and about to hit the ground, just remember that His everlasting hand is waiting to lift you up.

The children of Israel were afraid of the giants in the land they were to possess. They saw themselves as grasshoppers before the giants because they suddenly forgot that the same God that opened a path for them to cross through the red sea was the same God that wanted them to overrun the land. You need to trust God and never doubt His promises. The moment you doubt God, you are challenging His ability and existence. Those who doubt God usually pay for it and it is not always pleasant. As chicks flee for safety under the wings of the hen, so must we run to the protection of God. There are numerous dangers around, but we know that the God we serve and the power in His Word delivers us from all dangers and fears. As we set our minds on Him, all those things that cause us to worry are taken care of. He will give answers to pressing prayers. He will deliver those who are threatened with different kinds of trouble. He will give you long life by keeping you in perfect health. This is why I want to tell a user of this devotional whose medical report indicates a limited time to live; the Almighty God will change such report in your favour in Jesus’name.

Prayer Point: Father, I receive victory over every fear and doubt in my life in Jesus’ name.

Open Heavens Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer's Ministries.

iOpenHeavens is the electronic version of the Hard Copy. The Open Heavens devotional application is available across all mobile platforms and operating systems: iOS, Android, Blackberry, Nokia, Windows Mobile and PC.

APC admits being elected to do the impossible, Biafra group names new leader and other major headlines you missed today!

Monalisa Chinda & husband are set to shut down Greece with their white wedding (Photos)

Mona and coker at their trad wedding

 

Beautiful actress and mother of one Monalisa Chinda, and her husband Victor Coker have arrived in Greece for their white wedding ceremony which comes up on 1st of September. See first photos below:

  

The couple got married few months ago traditionally in Port Harcourt while the bride had her burlesque themed bridal shower a few days ago (HERE).

Mark Zuckerberg and his love for his signature grey T-shirt (photos)

Mark in his grey Tee in Lagos today

When Mark Zukerberg visited Lagos today, many Nigerians were surprised to see him rocking a simple grey tee on a pair of Jeans trousers.

A KFB commenter even wrote "Always on Tees, and a jean pant, yet he's the 7th richest in the world. Kudos. A Nigerian of same age and wealth would be dressed like his going to the moon or a music show."

Well, if you are an ardent follower of the Billionaire business man and Facebook founder, , then you will know by now that he has a signature grey T-shirt.

 Mark Zuckerberg is not a fan of too many colours in his wardrobe, he literally wears the same thing every single day.

His closet

In 2014, Zuckerberg explained why he wears the same grey T-shirt every day.

The Facebook boss defended wearing almost identical T-shirts every day on the grounds that he refuses to ‘spend any of my energy on things that are silly or frivolous’.

Mr Zuckerberg said he owns multiple versions of the same T-shirt, as clothing, along with breakfast, is a "silly" decision he doesn't want to spend too long making. He is also too busy looking after the world's largest social network.

"I really want to clear my life so that I have to make as few decisions as possible about anything except how to best serve this community.
"I'm in this really lucky position where I get to wake up every day and help serve more than 1bn people, and I feel like I'm not doing my job if I spend any of my energy on things that are silly or frivolous about my life, so that way I can dedicate all of my energy towards just building the best products and services."

Mark and his baby

rocking the grey tee

Mark and the signature Tee

Mark and family

Mark at a conference

He wears it when he goes out with his Dog too

What then does he do with all his money??????

Nigerians on twitter react to Mark Zuckerberg visit and trekking on the streets of Yaba ( See hilarous screenshots)

Like we had posted earlier, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg is in Lagos, Nigeria at the moment. He was spotted at CoCreation Hub, Yaba.
After a while there, he decided to trek along the road all by himself and Nigerian on twitter has written some hilarious comments about his simplicity.

See some below....

And the Ben Bruce wrote:












Adding to the fun, CNN Africa also tweeted but didn't specify Nigeria as trhe Sub-Saharan country Mark Zuckerberg is visiting. Nigerians on Twitter didn't find it funny.