Today's Devotions Morning November 26

Isaiah 8:19-20 (NIV) ¹⁹When men tell you to consult mediums and spiritists, who whisper and mutter, should not a people inquire of their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living? ²⁰To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn.

One of God's complaints against his people was their willingness to seek direction from mediums and spiritists. When people turn their heart away from God, they will want to know what the future holds so that they can prepare for it. Their fear is not their impending judgment, but circumstances they hope to avoid. They will not inquire of God because God would tell them to change their ways.

This fascination with knowing the future stems from a lack of faith and trust in God. If a person is walking in the Spirit, they trust God for each day. If there is a need to inquire about direction in life, they wait upon the Lord. The Great Shepherd cares for His sheep today and in the future. Only those who are wandering from the sheepfold will be desperate to know what tomorrow will bring. King Saul was such a person. He dared not inquire of God for he would not repent, so he sought out a witch to act as a medium.

Evil sources of information will often contradict what God has said. In this passage, Isaiah was told to not be like the people he lived among. He was told to continue to fear the Lord. The mediums will often bring up a person who will speak in contradiction to the word of God. They had no light in life, and they have none in death. The dead have finished their time in this life. How can they help others where they failed? Jesus is the one that is victorious in life and death.

Consider: Wait upon the Lord. Seek Him. He will be our guide, even unto death.

Evening

November 26

James 1:25-27 (NIV) ²⁵But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it–he will be blessed in what he does. ²⁶If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. ²⁷Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

James is a very practical preacher. His letter tells us that if the Word does not change us, it is our own fault. He describes the Word as a mirror for our soul. We can look into it and see the ugliness that needs to be changed, or we can walk away and forget what we have seen. The man who continues to look (notice how he switches to hearing) and takes action on what he hears is going to be blessed. Do you want to be blessed? Keep looking into the Word and acting on it. You will be freed from the bondage of sin.

If you do not continue to look and act on the Word, your life will show it. You may say you are a religious person, but your speech will betray you. Your communication will show that the religion you profess is worthless to you. It is worthless because you have not allowed it to change you.

Real religion that is acceptable to God is the kind that takes action. It helps those in need, and it keeps you from wallowing in the filth of the world.

Consider: Is your religion worthless, or the kind that God accepts as pure and faultless? Are you acting on what you see in the mirror of the Word?

Today's Devotions Morning November 25

Isaiah 6:3-5 (NIV) ³And they were calling to one another: "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory." ⁴At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke. ⁵"Woe to me!" I cried. "I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty."

In Isaiah chapter 5, Isaiah was pronouncing words of woe to the corrupt society in which he lived. In chapter 6, the king had died. Isaiah went into the house of God and saw a vision of God's throne. Angelic beings were flying about the throne singing to each other, "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory." The sound of their voices was so powerful that the doorposts and foundations shook.

Isaiah was no longer pronouncing woes on others. There in the presence of God, in the light of His holiness, Isaiah saw his own sinfulness. He pronounced woe upon himself. A vision of God's holiness reveals the depths of our sinfulness. The realization of his own depravity caused him to say he was ruined. The Hebrew word can be translated 'unraveled'. Like a rug that had come unwoven, Isaiah felt as if he had fallen apart.

The first thing he noticed was the words he had spoken. The words we speak reveal our wicked heart. We live around people who are constantly speaking unkind, corrupt, and ungrateful words. We tend to speak like those we are around. In the light of God's perfections, Isaiah saw this as his most blatant rebellion against God. We need a greater revelation of God to see by contrast how great our sin is and how desperately we need to change.

Consider: Jesus said that whoever loves truth comes to the light. Step into the light and let your need be revealed.

Evening

November 25

James 1:13-15 (NIV) ¹³When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; ¹⁴but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. ¹⁵Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

Man tends to think that the temptation in front of him is from God. God never tempts us to sin. He does test us. There is a difference. To tempt is to entice to act contrary to God's character. Why would God ever do such a thing?

If a temptation is not from God, then we assume it is from the devil, just as the serpent tempted Eve. James says that temptation comes from our own evil desire. The devil only acts on the evil desire already in our heart. Don't look outward when you give in to temptation. Look within your own heart. There is an evil desire there that is not surrendered to the lordship of Christ.

James draws an interesting picture of the process of that developing desire. You have probably seen it in others' lives or even your own. First, the evil desire drags them away. That implies that the person is not totally willing to go in that direction. Desire can be a powerful force. Then it seduces your thoughts. The desire gives birth to sin. The grandchild of desire, through its son, sin, is death. The wages of sin is death. What a horrific chain of actions take place in the lives of those who allow evil desires to drag them away.

The only way out of the cycle is to submit your desires to the life changing power of Christ. If you have been crucified with Him, the desire is brought to the cross and dealt with.

Consider: Evil desires are like venomous snake pets. You may think you can handle them, but eventually they will kill you.

Igbo’s Pillar of Defence Battle must start soon because they have been pushed to the wall in Nigeria.

Biafra Map with Provinces

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My Dear Readers,

It is my pleasure to thank each and everyone of you to pray for Africa, Israel, Middle East and more especially the Igbos living in the Eastern part of Nigeria whose right of sovereignty was denied in the past.

Africa is plagued by corrupt Leadership. The problems of the Boko Haram in Nigeria requires splitting of the Country and permitting the Igbos, that the Biafra that was fought for from 1967-1970 to exist as a Sovereign nation from Nigeria.

The Igbos from Eastern Nigeria have suffered immensely both in the hands of the corrupt leadership of Nigeria and the present mayhem of Boko Haram.

If the attention of the global community is not channeled to Nigeria and more especially to the splitting of Nigeria to Southern Christian Nigeria and Northern Islamic Nigeria. I want to tell the global community to expect crisis greater than Sudan in a shortest time from Nigeria.

The Igbos are still massacred in every sport and in a smallest provocation in Nigeria. The massacring of the Igbos led to Nigeria civil war.  The same thing has continued unaddressed by the Federal government of Nigeria. 

If this massacring of the Igbos is not addressed. The Igbos will stand up as other people and suppressed nation to deliver their territory from the corrupt administrative system by their hands and I believe that the God of justice will fight for them.

The massacring of the Igbos in Nigeria is the next global agenda that must be addresses before it becomes unbearable to the Igbos. I advice whosoever that needs peaceful co-existence in that West African part of the world to act today because a stitch in time saves nine,

Best Regards,

Uchenna C. Okonkwor.     

ALL YOKES MUST BE BROKEN BY UCHENNA C. OKONKWOR

http://yourlisten.com/channel/content/16926129/ALL_YOKES_MUST_BE_BROKEN

Flood Menace: Obi calls for FG’s intervention * Insists Oil Field Belongs to Anambra State

 
Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State wept on Wednesday as he visited communities that were ravanged by flood in  his State. He was accompanied by officials from both Federal and State Emergency Management Agencies.  The communities are Ossomala, Ochuche, Umuodu, Akili-Ogidi, Akili-Ozizor and Atani in Ogbaru Local Governemnt Area and  Oroma Etiti, Ezi-Anam, (Umuikwu and Umudora), Umuenwelum, Umueze-Anam, Umuoba-Anam, Nmiata, Innoma, Ukwalla, Owelle, Igbedor, Odekpe, Odemagu, Nzam and Igbokenyi in Anambra West.

 

At both Local Governments, Governor Obi consoled with the affected communities and assured them that the State would stand by them at a period he described as “hopeless for them”.
 After visiting  the affected communities, the Governor, in a broadcast to the State expressed shock at what he discovered. His words: “The level of devastation suffered by these communities is much more than what we were even told. Numerous farms were destroyed and washed ashore, while houses were submerged in the flood. Closer to the banks of the River Niger on Ogbaru area, the over-flowing river has also caused a dangerous coastal erosion that has made the relocation of those living within the affected axis a necessity.”
 
Though he said that the State Government had taken immediate measures within her capacity, he called on the Federal Government to intervene by declaring the affected local Governments flood disaster areas and embarking on measures to manage the situation and save lives and property of these communities from further devastation.
 
In another broadcast, he expressed shock at the claims by some groups and States to the oil field   discovered in Anambra State. He wondered why the claims started after the successful commissioning of   Orient Petroleum facilities by the President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan when he visited Anambra State on the 30th of August.
 
Tracing the formation of Orient to Anambra, he said “It is pertinent to recall that Orient Petroleum Resources Plc was formed during the Government of Dr. Chinwoke Mbadinuju in 2001 and allocated oil fields domiciled in Anambra State.  The Board is peopled by prominent Nigerians of Anambra extraction such as Chief Emeka Anyaoku (Chairman), Dr. Alex Ekwueme (Vice-Chairman) and Chief Arthur Mbanefo, among others.  Its management is led by Engr. Emeka Nwawka.”
He added that “Though Dr. Mbadinuju did not make any direct monetary contribution, under Dr. Chris Ngige (2003-2006), Anambra State Government invested the sum of N100 Million naira (N100 Million) in the project.”
Continuing, Governor Obi remarked: “under our Government (between 2006-2009), Anambra  State, with the vision and belief in the positive impact of the project on the economy of the State and country, invested, directly and indirectly,  the sum of Four Billion, Four  Hundred million Naira (N4.4 Billion), which bolstered the confidence of other investors to invest in the venture that made its commissioning a reality.
Whilst my predecessors never visited the site, I personally laid the foundation of the refinery. I have also visited the site severally since 2006, without any group or State interfering in its ownership as is now the case following the announcement of drilling of oil there.                           
It is also pertinent to note that till date, neither the grousp nor the States laying claim to the oil field have, directly or indirectly, invested a  kobo in the project, while Anambra State and her people have invested several billions.
Let me at this juncture state that Anambra State believes in good neighbourliness and will, in conformity with our nature, always admire and celebrate other States which may become producers of oil or any other mineral resource in the future. However, we believe that people’s hardwork, sacrifices and investment should be allowed to match their opportunities.
Anambra State will remain a good neigbour and will continue to pray for oil to be discovered in other States so that Nigeria will emerge an economic giant in the comity of nations in the world,” Obi concluded

Anambra NULGE Donate Relief Materials To Flood Victims

The surging flood in some parts of Anambra state has sacked local government, judiciary workers and the police in Ogbaru council area.

Other affected buildings in the area where the ravaging flood had continued to cause havoc included schools, churches, health centers farmlands and houses. The story was the same in Anambra west and some parts of Anambra East local government areas where thousands of inhabitants have been displaced and quartered in various camps.

Touched by the plight of the flood victims the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees in the state led by its president, Mr Jerry Nnubia, during  weekend visited the various refugee camps in Ogbaru, Anambra west and Anambra East council areas and donated 20 bags of rice each to the three local government areas.

The NULGE president who described the natural disaster as unfortunate told the people to be calm while efforts were being made by governments at various levels to alleviate their plight.

Nnubia thanked the state governor, Mr Peter Obi for the efforts he had made so far towards alleviating the sufferings of the victims, particularly by providing them with camps and some relief materials.

He appealed to the federal government, public spirited individuals, non governmental organizations, the WHO and UNICEF among others to come to the rescue of the flood victims.

" We have come to sympathize with you and to tell you to bear it because it is a natural disaster and only God who knows why it happened that would find a lasting solution to your predicament", he advised them.

The deputy chairman of Anambra East, Mr Emeka Akwaobi and the transition chairman of Ogbaru local government, Mr Steve Chukwuma while receiving the food items thanked NULGE for the gesture and prayed God to continue to guide them in all their undertakings.

Chukwuma told journalists that workers of the local government had deserted their offices because of the ravaging flood, saying that it amounted to risk for any staff to continue to come to work in a submerged office blocks.

TRAGEDY AVERTED AS OBI SWIMS THROUGH FLOOD AT OSAMALLA


As at 11.00pm on Sunday, Governor Peter Obi had concluded arrangements concerning Independence Day celebration – the match pass, the reading of Mr. President’s Speech and visit to the less privileged. However, everything changed when, at 11:30pm, the Secretary to the Government, Mr. Oseloka Obaze brought the message of impending doom at Ogbaru if the people were not evacuated. Immediately, Governor Obi ordered evacuation to start and promised to join the team at 5:30am. With this, he delegated the Independence Day ceremonies to his deputy. He agreed that Anambra people must be alive first to celebrate Independence.

At 5:45am, Governor Obi was at Ogbaru.

What would have been a major tragedy was averted when the Governor insisted on talking to the people directly to leave all their property and be evacuated to safe places. When he was coming out from Osamalla, flood had already covered the entire road though which he would leave. The Governor and his team had to wade through the flood, which reached their waists, to safety.

At each of the community - Akili-Ogidi, Akili-Ozizor, Amiyi, Atani, Mputu, Obeagwe, Ochuche, Odekpe, Ogbakuba, Ogwu-Aniocha, Agwuikpele, Ohita, Okpoko, Ossomala, Umunankwo, Umuodu, Umuzu, the Governor explained to them why they should be evacuated and promised them that Government would continue to assist them till the flood is over and even to rehabilitate them thereafter.

The Governor also toured part of Onitsha that are also affected by flood, especially Habour Industrial Area. He waded through flood to visit all the factories affected by flood some of which are Pokobros, Krisoral, Bororo pipes and profiling, among others. He assured them that Government would stand by them at this time of trial.

One of the Chief Executive Officers of the companies visited, Chief Emmanuel Eziokwu thanked the Governor for coming to sympathise with them and lamented that they suffered heavy losses as the flood had destroyed equipment and products worth billions of naira.

The Governor also visited Iyi-owa Odekpe areas of Ogbaru, where canoe peddlers are making money evacuating people. He encouraged them to move to camps set up by Government and that they would be adequately taken care of.

Speaking, the Anglican Bishop of Ogbaru Diocese, Rt. Rev. Samuel Ezeofor who was part of the rescue and evacuation team thanked the Governor for identifying with the people.

Many buses were seen along the road evacuating people to safe areas.

ANAMBRA STATE FLOOD DISASTER COORDINATION COMMITTEE VISITS CAMPS - from MOICT Awka

The Anglican bishop of Mbamili Diocese, Right Reverend Henry Okeke says Governor Peter Obi intervention has restored the hope and confidence of flood victims in the State, Bishop Okeke was speaking when accompanied some members of the State Flood Disaster Coordination Committee on a visit to some resettlement camps in Onitsha. He said the victims now felt encouraged and proud because the Governor and State Government threw their weight into the situation and have sustained efforts in giving them succor. He recalled that his prompt response to the flood crisis and effective mobilization and sensitization of the people saved a lot of lives, noting that people in the various camps are well provided and cared for.

 At thevNew Bethel Primary School Camp Onitsha, Bishop Okeke debunked media report of rape and robbery in some camps and made clear that no case of rape or robbery has been recorded in any of the camps as there are effective internal and external security.

 A member of the committee and Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Professor Chinyere Okunna said the committee headed by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Oseloka Obaze, met daily to update the flood situation and tour the various camps to access the welfare of victims, as well as identify more areas of need for prompt government intervention. She explained that in addition to the general welfare of the flood victims, government is particular committed in ensuring that every child in the camps should be  enrolled by  their parents in the nearest school around the camps.

 Also speaking, another member of the committee and Commissioner for Local Government, Mrs. Azuka Enemuo noted that the visit afforded them opportunity access the impact of Government intervention and find out more ways to improve the welfare of the victims. She  lamented that the State is the worst hit in the flood disaster as it is located at the lowest point of the River Niger.

 At Bishop Crowther Memorial Primary School Onitsha, the Commissioner announced that the Government has arranged with the Holy Rosary Specialist Hospital, Waterside Onitsha to provide medical services to the flood victims at Government expense while Medical team from the Ministry of Health and Local Government Councils will equally be at hand to provide services.She explained that short and long term measures have been designed to tackle the various challenges of the flood while the committee is working closely with Local Organising Committees and camps management committee to provide prompt services.

 Also speaking, a member of the Anambra West Transition Committee, Mrs. Theresa Onyekwe confirmed that the camp is well stocked with relief materials while Bishop Okeke has continued to compliment efforts of the State.

Some of the victims who spoke expressed gratitude to the government for providing with all their needs and regretted that those in charge of the camp were not living up to expectation.

CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS REMAINS ONE OF OUR PRIORITIES - OBI

Gov. Obi, inspecting the on-going construction of  the  Headbridge-Upper Iweka road.

Governor Peter Obi said that the construction of roads in all the parts of the State had remained one of the priorities of the State Government as his Government had taken necessary measures to ensure that all road projects executed in the State stand the test of time. Governor Obi was speaking while inspecting work on the Nkpor-Amawbia road yesterday
 
Governor Obi said Government was expending huge resources to execute the projects and was determined to give the people of the State value for their money. He explained that already, the contractors must give at least seven years guarantee on all roads completed.
 
The Governor said the Nkpor-Amawbia road, though a Federal road, was strategic as it offered alternative to the collapsed Onitsha-–Enugu Express road. He directed the contractor to ensure that adequate drainage system is put in place and water properly channeled so that it does not flow into people’s compounds.
 
In similar development, Governor Peter Obi assured that the on-going reconstruction of Upper-Iweka to Bridge Head axis of the Onitsha –Enugu Expressway will be completed before the next rainy season. Governor Obi, who was speaking while inspecting the project, said the project funded by the State Government was important to the Federal and State Government.
 
The Governor said the road had been expanded to ten-lane carriage-way with ten box culverts out of which five had been completed and others were on-going, while the fencing of the area would soon commence.
 
Governor Obi explained that work is also on-going on the five slip roads at the Upper Iweka Inter-change while the contractor is being paid as and when due.
 
While disclosing that government will equally reconstruct Iweka road through the Fly over to enhance movement in the area, he directed traders who are still doing business on the road to vacate within one week or government will take measures to force them out..
 
The project manager of the firm handling the project, Mr. Ali Chani, assured that the project would be complete on schedule and as when due.