Saturday, February 27, 2016

'Saved Through Faith'‎

‎The Word For Today

'You have been saved through faith.' Ephesians 2:8 NKJV

The Bible says, ‘By grace you have been saved through faith.’ Faith in Christ alone gives us the assurance of Heaven. Poet Henry van Dyke put it like this: ‘I am standing upon the seashore. A ship… spreads her white sails to the morning breeze and starts for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength. I stand and watch until… she hangs like a speck of white cloud where the sea and sky come to mingle with each other. Then someone at my side says, “She’s gone!” “Gone where?” Gone from my sight. That’s all. She’s just as large in mast and hull and spar as she was when she left… Her diminished size is in me, not her. And just at the moment when someone says, “There, she’s gone!” there are other eyes watching her coming, and other voices ready to take up the joyful shout, “Here she comes!” And that is dying.’ You say, ‘But I wasn’t raised in church. Where do I go to find faith?’ 

DL Moody said: ‘I prayed for faith and thought it would come down and strike me like lightning, but faith didn’t seem to come. Then one day I read the tenth chapter of Romans, “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” I closed my Bible and prayed for faith. Then I opened my Bible and began to study— and faith has been growing ever since.’ You say, ‘But I don’t know how to pray.’ Simply say, ‘Lord Jesus, I repent of my sin. I place my trust in You today and accept You as my personal Lord and Saviour.’ 

Did you pray that prayer? Did you mean it? Yes? Then you are ‘saved through faith’.‎

Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Glee's Hope Haven: Lessons for the Journey: Ibukun Awosika

Glee's Hope Haven: Lessons for the Journey: Ibukun Awosika: It is an act of faith; business is a journey of faith. It is really about if you believe it enough to make a move – Ibukun Awosika The...

Saturday, February 20, 2016

What does it mean to give a sacrifice of praise (Hebrews 13:15)?

Question: "What does it mean to give a sacrifice of praise (Hebrews 13:15)?"

Answer: Hebrews 13:15 says, "Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise--the fruit of lips that openly profess his name." The terms "sacrifice" and "praise" might seem to be opposites. We think of sacrifice as offering something at great cost to ourselves. Praise, on the other hand, sounds joyful as it bubbles from a grateful heart. However, in the spiritual realm, sacrifice and praise are intertwined.

Praise does not always cost us something. We praise our dogs for fetching the ball and people for a job well done. Praise is often our response to some action that directly benefits us, and we feel generous because we extend it. We often find it easy to praise God from the same motivation. When He has blessed us, helped us, and protected us, we feel generous toward Him. We can sing, worship, and talk about how good He is because we can see it. That kind of praise, although worthwhile, does not cost us anything. It is not a sacrifice.

Then there are those times when God did not come through the way we thought He would. The medical test comes back positive. The spouse wants a divorce. A child is wayward. The mortgage company calls in the loan. God seems very far away, and praise is the last thing to bubble up from our hearts. We can't see His goodness, and circumstances scream that He has forgotten us.

To praise God in those times requires personal sacrifice. It takes an act of the will to lay our all on the altar before a God we don't understand. When we bring a "sacrifice of praise," we choose to believe that, even though life is not going as we think it should, God is still good and can be trusted (Psalm 135:2; Nahum 1:7). When we choose to praise God in spite of the storms, He is honored, and our faith grows deeper (Malachi 3:13-17; Job 13:15).

The command in Hebrews 13:15 says that this sacrifice is to be offered "continually." Our praise of God is not to be based on our opinion of His job performance. Praise cannot be treated as a "reward" we give God for His obvious blessings. Isaiah 29:13 says, "These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me." Real praise continues regardless of circumstances. It flows continually from a worshiping heart in good times and bad (Acts 16:23-25).

The "sacrifice of praise" comes from a humble heart that has been purified by fire. It rises from a spirit that has chosen to honor God in spite of the pain that life is causing. Psalm 51:16-17 expresses this idea best when it says, "You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise."

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

RCA Inspiration Celebrates Two Wins At The 2016 GRAMMY Awards 

CD100_outRCA Inspiration celebrates a stellar year in music, with multiple GRAMMY® award-winning superstars Kirk Franklin and Israel Houghton dominating two gospel categories at last night’s 58th Annual GRAMMY® Awards. Kirk Franklin (Fo Yo Soul Recordings/RCA Records), wins the category of Best Gospel Performance/Song for his hit single “Wanna Be Happy?” and Israel Houghton & NewBreed (RGM/NewBreed/RCA Inspiration) win in the category of Best Gospel Album with COVERED: ALIVE IN ASIA (LIVE).
“Wanna Be Happy?” is the first single off of LOSING MY RELIGION, Kirk Franklin’s chart-topping eleventh studio album released in November 2015. The single debuted at #1 and broke the record to become the best first-week digital single in gospel sales history. Celebrating twenty years in music, Franklin is now a 10-time GRAMMY® Award winner. “1, 2, 3 Victory” is Franklin’s latest single and is sure to be featured during his upcoming 20 Years In One Night Tour, which kicks off in Miami on March 15, 2016.
Israel Houghton, the now six-time GRAMMY® Award winner, released the acclaimed live project COVERED: ALIVE IN ASIA (LIVE) with NewBreed in July 2015, and aired a companion concert and documentary film in a special one-night engagement at U.S. movie theaters in January 2016. Houghton’s tenth album together with NewBreed was recorded at sold-out stadiums in five countries across the continent of Asia including Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea, Japan, and the Philippines. The album debuted at #1 atop Billboard’s Top Gospel and Top Christian Albums charts and features the GRAMMY® nominated “How Awesome Is Our God” featuring Yolanda Adams.
RCA Inspiration is excited about the success of their artists’ latest awards and their releases. “We are very proud of Kirk and Israel and their honors from The Recording Academy at this year’s GRAMMY® Awards,” said Geo Bivins, General Manager of RCA Inspiration. “We congratulate the innovating and inspiring work that they have done and continue to do.”

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

Grammy 2016: And The Gospel Winners Are; 

Gospel singer  Kirk Franklin (C) accepts the award for the Best Gospel Performance/Song, Wanna Be Happy?, with other young Gospel singer onstage during the 58th Annual Grammy music Awards in Los Angeles February 15, 2016.  AFP PHOTO/  ROBYN BECK / AFP / ROBYN BECK        (Photo credit should read ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images)
Gospel singer Kirk Franklin (C) accepts the award for the Best Gospel Performance/Song, Wanna Be Happy?, with other young Gospel singer onstage during the 58th Annual Grammy music Awards in Los Angeles February 15, 2016. AFP PHOTO/ ROBYN BECK / AFP / ROBYN BECK (Photo credit should read ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images)
Check out the Grammy 2016 Gospel Winners below...
Gospel Performance/Song
“Worth [Live],” Anthony Brown and Group Therapy
“Wanna Be Happy?,” Kirk Franklin- WINNER
“Intentional,” Travis Greene
“How Awesome Is Our God [Live],” Israel and Newbreed featuring Yolanda Adams; Neville Diedericks, Israel Houghton and Meleasa Houghton, songwriters
“Worth Fighting For [Live],” Brian Courtney Wilson; Aaron Lindsey and Brian Courtney Wilson, songwriters
Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song
“Holy Spirit,” Francesca Battistelli- WINNER
“Lift Your Head Weary Sinner (Chains),” Crowder; Ed Cash, David Crowder and Seth Philpott, songwriters
“Because He Lives (Amen),” Matt Maher
“Soul on Fire,” Third Day featuring All Sons & Daughters; Tai Anderson, Brenton Brown, David Carr, Mark Lee, Matt Maher and Mac Powell, songwriters
“Feel It,” Tobymac featuring Mr. Talkbox; Cary Barlowe, David Arthur Garcia and Toby McKeehan, songwriters
Gospel Album
“Destined to Win [Live],” Karen Clark Sheard
“Living It,” Dorinda Clark-Cole
“One Place Live,” Tasha Cobbs
“Covered: Alive in Asia [Live] (Deluxe),” Israel & Newbreed- WINNER
“Life Music: Stage Two,” Jonathan McReynolds
Contemporary Christian Music Album
“Whatever the Road,” Jason Crabb
“How Can It Be,” Lauren Daigle
“Saints and Sinners,” Matt Maher
“This Is Not a Test,” Tobymac- WINNER
“Love Ran Red,” Chris Tomlin
Roots Gospel Album
“Still Rockin’ My Soul,” the Fairfield Four- WINNER
“Pray Now,” Karen Peck and New River
“Directions Home (Songs We Love, Songs You Know),” Point of Grace
Congratulations to all the winners!

Sunday, February 14, 2016

Etestifies Story Story; #MyValStory | Omoadesanya

#MyValStory ‎
Well, for me I decided to cool down. I had been bragging of many dates days back but last night I Titi that I had decided not to go. My reason was...if I will go on a date on a day like this, it had to be someone I was already into... that I could get cosy with at maybe the cinema but I couldn't do that with any of them (you know that feeling of having someone who is yours beside you). I won't allow other couples to do fori fori for me neither will I fake it. I cancelled all dates in my mind, decided on excuses to give if anyone called me for one.
So, I attended 1st-3rd service in church, joined other singles to play games that the church had provided for singles. I had fun playing ludo with church members whom I didn't even know. While doing this, someone asked me out for a date for the following week and I think I might just oblige. I left around 1:30pm and returned home.

#MyValStory | Adesanya Oluwadamilola‎

Etestifies Story Story: #MyValStory | Tunvene

#MyValStory; I went to service as usual nothing unusual is the usual thing..went to service later in the evening where I felt like a star because nobody ever tasted punch (a fruit drink) and I made it..so business opened for two birthday parties and a church love feast..

Also got a beautiful text from someone dear to my heart and lastly in church this evening I got a small but appreciated gift for taking second position in Bible quiz. I intend to retire to bed with my cooked fried rice and coleslaw..I'm happy I have wonderful people in my life. I'm happy I have a wonderful family.Beautiful friends because to me that's the biggest gift.
#MyValStory Oladoyinbo Oluwatunmise‎

Etestifies Story Story: #MyValStory || Awesome EmmyG


Of stories told
To realities realized
Their opinions I observed
I had no val

So I wondered 
The stories of mine would be
Of fun it should be
Cuddled with lover could be
Yet I had no val

Age to age, 
like rocks heaped my heart sank
Waters of weary I drank
At the sea of forgetfulness 
Still I have no val

To this day of lovers as usual
before sunrise, stamp of new feet
Myself assured, yet of Nature's failure
Swallowed Soaked shrinked sheets 
Yet no Val

Till fate found me
At sunset when hope dims
At tunnel's end lies she
Twisted turn path clean
What story of mine would be
I found my Val



#MyValStory || Oduntan Emmanuel A.‎

Etestifies Story Story: #MyValStory ||| BornTisa

As for #MyValStory, I had to turn a date down and I'm happy i did becauses my roomate, another friend and I had a nice time together though its sort of a girl-only thing. We had planned a week earlier that we were going to go to the plaza( this is a very popular fun place, where corp members relax and have fun). We were going to contribute a thousand naira each, that's 3k for d 3 of us. 

Immediately after church service, we went there, had fun and we ended up not spending a dime. Of course, courtesy of some males who had money to spare. We didn't plan on going to the cinema but we eventually did...courtesy of these fathers...I mean fathers. When we were about leaving, we had to go one by one because they were bent on collecting our contacts and of course inviting us "in". 
I was really scared through this...but it was fun and wild. We had a good laugh wen we came back home safe and sound...with our dignity intact

#MyValStory -Olaosebikan Bolape

Etestifies Story-Story: #MyValStory ||| Aquarius

About 10:53 pm on the 13th of February 2016, I had switched off my phone as it was time for me to meditate and reflect on the day. Earlier that day I had received an early birthday cake, which from the look was very expensive and an expensive perfume. How did I know this? I Googled it. It was way over 10k. I'd leave you to guess. 

By the way, my birthday isn't until 18th of this month but the giver had to travel to calabar for a shoot. I was glad not because I received the gift, but because so many things had happened in the past few weeks that really broke my heart and it was a relief to know that someone still treasured me. While on my bed, I let my mind travel through the last few weeks. There and then, I slept off. 

Waking up today the 14th,i noticed my phone was dead. And there was no power supply, the inverter had died the night before. Then I remembered that my phone was only on 2% when I put it off.  Got up, said my prayers, and started the day. 

Every Feb 14th, I make it a point of duty to visit the orphanage. But this one, was different. Why? Thanks for asking. I AM BROKE. and extremely so.  So I stayed home. 


So, at about 2: 30 pm. Almighty PHCN restored power. I was practically dancing. I could finally charge my phone. After charging for about 20 minutes, the power ceased. BAD BUSINESS. I was heartbroken. My battery however managed to grab what it could and I have been instagraming since then. 
NOTE : I haven't taken a bath. 😬‎


Munirah Alabi Aquarius

Etestifies Story Story: #MyValStory ||| Asa

Can you do this for me
Whisper a prayer
Something's happening
I'm so scared
What I waited so long for is finally here
Why does it feel so wrong
Why the tears

I always gave love
Never thought I deserve
To be the one to get love
Oh no

So I locked my heart away
Didn't need it anyway
Maybe somethings aren't meant to be
Over mountains over sea
Where I thought no man could reach
How did love find me
How did you find me

I was trying to live
Without any water
I was trying to breath
Without any air
I Was losing the fight
And now I realize
That I wasn't even alive

So I locked my heart away
Thought I didn't need it anyway
Now I know differently
Over mountains over sea
Where I thought no man could reach
Love finally found me
My love you have found me

You found me
I'm so glad you
Found me

Friday, February 12, 2016

Acclaimed Artiste @ToddDulaney Launches Album Cover and Pre-Order For Live Album ”A Worshiper’s Heart” to be Released On April 15th

Todd Dulaney-A Worshipper's Heart-Album cover artHit recording artist, songwriter, producer and worship leader Todd Dulaney has launched the worldwide release for his much-anticipated upcoming sophomore album A Worshipper's Heart, revealing the album cover, track listing, and the new song "Victory Belongs To Jesus," with the album pre-order available now on iTunes, Amazon, and Google Play.  Calling a worshipper's heart, "a heart that thirsts for any and every opportunity to be in the presence of God Almighty," Todd Dulaney's aptly-titled album captures a transcendent live worship experience, unifying listeners under God's powerful love and guidance, from the album's live recording in Naperville, IL.
Scheduled for release on Friday April 15, 2016, Dulaney adds, "This album being released is one of the greatest faith victories I've ever experienced. I trusted that God would give me a chance to sing for Him, and He has."  Featuring 15 tracks, A Worshipper's Heart includes the triumphant "Victory Belongs To Jesus," and Top 10 hit gospel single "The Anthem" (from Planetshakers), praising God's power, loving sacrifice, and unifying kinship under faith, as well as "Higher," "Free Worshipper," "Fall On Us," "Put the Attention on Jesus," and more.
Moving audiences around the world with his powerful worship, Dulaney will be hitting the stage to perform at the Stellar Awards Pre-Show on Friday February 19thin Las Vegas, NV, as well as performing at his album release celebration in his native Chicago, at the Living Word Christian Center on Wednesday April 6th in Forest Park, IL, among other upcoming dates.

Watch Todd Dulaney's performance of "The Anthem" from his live recording

Hear Todd Dulaney's new song "Victory Belongs To Jesus"

Todd Dulaney: A Worshipper's Heart, album pre-order

iTunes: Receive 2 tracks instantly "The Anthem" and "Victory Belongs To Jesus"

Amazon

Google Play

Todd Dulaney: A Worshipper's Heart album Track Listing:
Release: April 15, 2016 (Light Records/Entertainment One Music)
  1. "Intro" (feat. Smokie Norful)
  2. "Dance In The Rain"
  3. "Free Worshipper"
  4. "The Anthem"
  5. "You Are Everything"
  6. "Fall On Us"
  7. "Greater"
  8. "Unchurched"
  9. "Victory Belongs To Jesus"
  10. "Victory Belongs To Jesus (Reprise)"
  11. "Put the Attention On Jesus"
  12. "Worship You Forever"
  13. "Worship You Forever Extended (Consuming Fire Flow)"
  14. "Worship You Forever (Holy Ghost Fire)"
  15. "Higher"

Stay connected with Todd Dulaney at:
Facebook: ToddDulaneyLand
Twitter: @ToddDulaney
Instagram: @todddulaney1
Periscope: @ToddDulaney

Tuesday, February 9, 2016

The Pilgrims On Earth Mission To Hold 20 Outreaches In 2016 

poem-4
The Pilgrims on Earth Mission (POEM), a Christian organization whose mandate since 2012 is to take gospel to concert and entertainment to the loss privileged is set to hold nothing less than twenty outreaches in Nigeria, Ghana and Cote‘vore in this year.
The events which will take place at prisons, Orphanages, Leper colonies, persecuted Christian refugees, Juvenile correctional Homes and Bostal training institutions in Nigeria, Ghana and Cote’vore will be graced by gospel ministers like Psalm Ebube, Psalm limos, Ayan jesu, Luke worship, Chris Delvan, Kenny Kore, POEM praise crew, Aboki for Christ, Lanre Adegboye and the host of others is kick-starting on Sunday 7th, February, 2016.
The reason for organizing event like this in these special places is to respond to the desire of Jesus in Mathew 25 as 31:40, to put smiles on the faces of the less priveled in our society and also to extent the unfailing love of Jesus to them.
The pilgrims on Earth Mission (POEM) believes that your support will go a long way in organizing these events. Your intention to support in any form will be highly welcomed.
Thank you for joining hand with us toward the mission to put smile on faces.
You can also advise your cash donations to this account : Bank: UBA, Account Name: Pilgrilms On Earth Mission, Account No:2086344959.
poem-1

JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise Jets to the Top 10 with 4th Radio Single “You’re Mighty”- @JJ_Hairston 

image1-4For over a dozen years, JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise has been one of the most popular choirs in the USA. Their hit songs "Incredible God, Incredible Praise," "After This," "Lord of All" and "Resting on His Promise" have served as the soundtrack to the lives of scores of Millennial-age churchgoers. JJ & YP can now add another hit to their impressive resume with their new single "You're Mighty" cracking the Top 10 on Billboard Magazine's Gospel Airplay chart landing at #9 with +63 spins and #15 on its Hot Gospel Songs Hybrid chart (week ending February 12). "You're Mighty" is being played on 41 of 46 Nielsen BDS stations that make up the chart panel. Additionally, the single is #11 on the Mediabase Gospel Airplay Chart.
"You're Mighty" marks the fourth consecutive radio single from JJ & YP's best-selling #1 album I SEE VICTORY (Light Records/Entertainment One) to reach Top 25 on the Billboard Gospel Airplay chart with singles "It Pushed Me" (#13 peak), "Bless Me" featuring Donnie McClurkin (#3 peak) and "You Are Worthy" (#25 peak). "Congrats are in order for truly one of God's anointed... J.J.'s star continues to rise and we are being blessed as a result," says Lee Michaels, Program Director for Baltimore's Heaven 600.
The project has earned JJ & YP two Stellar Gospel Music Award nominations in the category of Choir of the Year and Contemporary Choir of the Year. The 31st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards will take place Saturday, February 20 at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas. JJ will be making several appearances during Stellar Award weekend.
Additionally, JJ and his wife Trina who is a certified marriage coach have been promoting their latest venture entitled the#AmazingLove campaign. Most recently, they've made appearances on News One Now with Roland Martin (TV One) and nationally syndicated radio shows The Rickey Smiley Morning Show, The Willie Moore, Jr Show and The Nightly Spirit with Darlene McCoy speaking to broken marriages. Tune in this Sunday, February 14 at 7:15 PM - 8:15 PM ET as JJ and Trina host a Valentine's Day call for broken marriages. Dial in number is (605) 475-6333 and Access Code: 3776408.
Get JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise's hit album, I SEE VICTORY in-stores and online now.
iTunes "You're Mighty EP:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/youre-mighty-ep/id1081575930?app=itunes

To connect with JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise, visit: http://www.youthfulpraise.org
or their social media platforms atTwitter.com/JJ_Hairston,facebook.com/Youthful.Praise,instagram.com/JJHairston and Periscope:@JJ_Hairston

Friday, February 5, 2016

7 English Words Nigerians Use Everyday Which Don’t Exist In The Dictionary


Here are 7 words Nigerians use every day which don’t exist. These are the kind of words you type into your phone or computer and it draws a red line underneath it. Please read on and educate yourself.

(1.) GO- SLOW

Although the word ‘go-slow’ appears in the dictionary, it is wrongly used by many Nigerians. The word go-slow means a form of industrial action in which work or progress is deliberately delayed or slowed down. It does not mean congested traffic, so it is wrong to use it in that way.

(2.) INSTALMENTALLY

There is no such word in the English dictionary, this word exists only in the Nigerian edition dictionary (if such a book exists). The correct thing to say is ‘in installments’

(3.) OPPORTUNED

How many times do you say ‘I was not opportuned to come’? The correct variants that exist are ‘opporteune’ or ‘opportunity’. The word ‘opportune’ has no past tense.

(4.) CUNNY

“That guy is very cunny”. This is wrong, the word is ‘cunning’, not cunny. If you want to refer to someone who is sly or deceitful, use the word ‘cunning’, ‘cunny’ simply does not exist.

(5.) WAKE-KEEPING

I’m sure most people will argue with this, but argue as you may, what you will find in the dictionary is ‘wake- keep’.

6.) SCREENTOUCH PHONE

Oyinbo people made these devices and called it ‘touchscreen’, by the time the phones go enter Naija, we rename them ‘screen touch’

(7.) DISVIRGIN

No, you did not dis virgin that babe, you deflowered her, you took away her virginity, but you certainly did not disvirgin her, because the word ‘disvirgin’ simply does not exist!