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  • Theme: Jesus Christ – the one who satisfies! (6)

    Theme: Jesus Christ – the one who satisfies! (6)

    • By Henry O. Adelegan

    As the Lenten season continues, we are drawn again to the enduring truth that Jesus Christ is the One who truly satisfies. The world may write off people based on their past, but with Jesus, no story ends in shame. One such example is the Samaritan woman at the well, a figure society had cast aside as a serial failure. But when she encountered Christ, her life took a divine turn. The shame that once defined her was replaced with honor. Her voice, once silenced by brokenness, became a trumpet of good news. From being hated and forsaken, she became a joy to generations. Jesus took her from the pit of dissatisfaction and lifted her into a life of fulfillment and divine joy.

    This testimony reminds us that with Christ, it is never over. The same power that called Lazarus out of the grave still works today. As Job 14 declares, there is hope even for a tree cut down, for at the mere scent of water it will bud again. In this same way, no life is beyond restoration. No matter how far gone things seem, Jesus is able to restore, rebuild, and reposition. The Psalmist affirms in Psalm 91:16 that God satisfies with long life. This promise means that no demonic agenda can abort your destiny when the Lord of satisfaction is on your side. As Galatians 6:17 puts it, the mark of Christ will be upon you, distinguishing you for preservation and elevation. Where others stumble, you will stand. More than that, you will be recognized as outstanding in your calling.

    Long life, however, is not merely about breathing—it is about living with joy, purpose, and wholeness. Psalm 63:5 captures this when it says, “My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness, and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips.” In God’s satisfaction, life is full, and testimonies flow. You will rejoice in your marriage, thrive in your career, witness financial breakthroughs, and build fruitful relationships that span across nations. That is what Jesus promises—abundance in every sense. But to step into this life of satisfaction, one must move from Sychar to the city, just as the woman did. Sychar, mentioned only once in the Bible, is symbolic. Its Greek translation—“liar” or “drunkard”—paints a picture of disgrace and disillusionment. It is a place where reality does not match perception: smiling faces hiding pain, lives weighed down by unspoken regret, dreams stifled by invisible chains. Sychar represents a life beneath divine standard, marked by disappointment, failure, and sadness masked as joy.

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    The woman’s entanglement with Sychar was more than geographical—it was relational. Her repeated marital failures stemmed from destructive associations. By the time she encountered Jesus, she was with a sixth man who wasn’t even her husband. Her emotional hunger led her from one empty well to another until she finally met the Fountain of Living Waters. And then, everything changed. Today, the message is clear: life outside Christ is an illusion. True satisfaction is found only in Him. Yet, His gift of satisfaction is not randomly given—it is reserved for the soul that longs for righteousness. As Jesus said in Matthew 5:6, “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” This Lent, let us lay aside the habits that choke our spiritual appetite. Turn from sin. Abandon deceit, immorality, and pride. These things only destroy destinies and rob us of divine joy.

    Equally important is the company we keep. Psalms 1 reminds us that blessings are tied to wise associations. Relationships are not by force, but by choice. While love is a command, friendship must be chosen carefully. Anyone not going in your divine direction should not command your association. A wrong relationship can suffocate your purpose, but a godly one can catapult you into your destiny. Don’t pity someone into friendship; choose wisely, for your relationships shape your reality. This Lenten season, take a bold step. Surrender your life to Jesus. Make a firm commitment to flee from sin and cling to righteousness. Just like the woman at the well, you can become a witness, a vessel, a voice. You can win souls for Christ and trust Him with the rest. He who began a good work in you will surely bring it to completion. You will reach your divine destination, and your life will overflow with His satisfaction.

    Prayer: Lord, please take me from where I am to the citadel of Your divine satisfaction that You have promised Your children, in the name of Jesus.

  • Jesus Christ – The One Who Satisfies (5)

    Jesus Christ – The One Who Satisfies (5)

    • By Henry O. Adelegan

    As the Lenten season deepens, believers are reminded once again of the unfailing truth: Jesus Christ is the One who satisfies the longing soul. This sacred period offers not just an opportunity for reflection, but a divine invitation to encounter Christ anew, just as the Samaritan woman at the well once did.

    Her story, recorded in the Gospel of John, is one of transformation. A woman burdened by dissatisfaction and searching for fulfillment met Jesus and, in that encounter, found living water that quenched far more than physical thirst. She left her water pot behind—a symbol of her past life—and rushed into town to proclaim the message of a man who had told her everything she ever did. That moment marked her transition from an ordinary, struggling woman to a passionate evangelist. Her life was rewritten by the mercy of Christ, and her joy became unstoppable.

    It is this mercy that continues to call out to us. As Psalm 90:14 says, “O satisfy us early with thy mercy; that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.” Without the mercy of God, no joy can truly last. But when God steps in with mercy, judgment is overturned, and testimonies of divine joy begin to unfold. James 2:13 reminds us that mercy triumphs over judgment, and this triumph can extend not only to individuals but to entire families and generations. The chains that may have bound one’s lineage can be broken by a single act of surrender.

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    Beyond mercy, God satisfies with His favour. In Deuteronomy 33:23, Naphtali is described as “satisfied with favour and full with the blessing of the Lord.” Favour elevates, it opens doors, and it changes stories. The rules of men are set aside for the purposes of God. Just as He did for Moses, Esther, Daniel, and Joseph, God is able to lift a person beyond their qualifications and birth them into greatness. When God satisfies with favour, barren lands flourish, and positions thought unattainable become reserved for the least expected. In Job 38, it is written that He causes buds to spring forth in desolate places. That is the power of divine satisfaction.

    But the Lord does not stop at mercy and favour—He satisfies with goodness as well. Jeremiah 31:14 declares His intention to fill His people with His goodness, and Psalm 107 proclaims His wonderful works to the children of men. “For He satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.” This truth is not confined to ancient times. The Lord is still in the business of satisfying hungry souls today. His power has not diminished. Hebrews 13:8 affirms, “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever.” His ability to bless remains eternal.

    This means He is still able to provide good jobs in times of recession, faithful spouses in a world of broken promises, homes, cars, and thriving children—even when circumstances appear bleak. As Job 22:29 puts it, “When men are cast down, then thou shalt say, There is lifting up.” God has promised to satisfy His people in famine and make them flourish like a watered garden, with springs that never run dry. The prophet Isaiah confirms this in Isaiah 58:11, and Joel 2:26 echoes it: “You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied.”

    This Lent, the call is simple yet urgent: return to God. Drop the water pot of sin and self-dependence, and allow Jesus to take the wheel of your life. Let Him steer your journey from brokenness to satisfaction, from emptiness to abundance. When Jesus is in control, your story will change, just as it did for the woman at the well in the name of Jesus Christ.

    Prayer: Lord, take the water pot of sin and flesh from me. Please take me from where I am to where you had destined for me in the name of Jesus.

  • Jesus Christ – the One who satisfies! (3)

    Jesus Christ – the One who satisfies! (3)

    • By Henry O. Adelegan

    As we journey through this Lenten season, it is important to reflect on where we seek true satisfaction. In John 4:13-14, Jesus declared, “Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again… But whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst.” This statement reveals a profound truth: nothing in this world can provide lasting fulfillment except Christ.

    Many people place their trust in human beings, believing that wealth, power, relationships, or achievements will bring them happiness. However, the reality is that human beings are limited in time, knowledge, and power. Jeremiah 17:5-6 warns against trusting in the arm of flesh, for it ultimately leads to disappointment. No leader, no matter how powerful, can grant complete satisfaction. Even the most influential figures in the world, such as presidents and kings, have limitations. True and lasting fulfillment comes only from God. This message is beautifully captured in the well-known hymn In Christ Alone, written by Stuart Townend and Keith Getty. The lyrics remind us that Christ is our ultimate hope, our strength in times of trouble, and the foundation of our faith. The hymn declares, “No power of hell, no scheme of man, can ever pluck me from His hand.” It is in Christ alone that we find peace, joy, and security.

    The story of the Samaritan woman at the well in John 4 illustrates how people often seek satisfaction in the wrong places. Before her encounter with Jesus, she struggled with dissatisfaction in three key areas of her life. She had faced multiple failed marriages, having been married five times and living with a man who was not her husband. Like many in the world today, she sought happiness in human relationships but found only disappointment. She also depended on material things, believing that physical water from the well would satisfy her, but Jesus showed her that only the “living water” He provides can quench the thirst of the soul. Furthermore, she lived with occupational dissatisfaction. Before meeting Jesus, she was focused on drawing water, a routine task that did not fulfill her. However, after encountering Christ, she left her water pot behind and ran into the city to share the good news, becoming an evangelist.

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    In the same way, many people today struggle with dissatisfaction because they have not aligned themselves with God’s purpose. Every individual has been created for a divine assignment. When a person walks outside of their calling, they experience frustration and a lack of fulfillment. God did not create anyone to be a burden to society but to be a light in the world. True satisfaction comes when a person discovers and embraces their divine purpose.

    During this Lenten season, it is essential to take time to reflect and seek God’s guidance. Ask Him to reveal His plan for your life. Pray for the wisdom to understand what will bring you lasting fulfillment. The world may offer temporary pleasures, but only Christ can provide eternal satisfaction. When a person fully surrenders to God, they experience peace that surpasses understanding. As Isaiah 58:11 promises, “The Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your soul in drought, and strengthen your bones. You shall be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.” This is an assurance that when we trust in God, He will meet our deepest needs.

    To find true satisfaction, you must come to Jesus with a repentant heart, leaving behind anything that does not align with His will. It is important to be intentional about following Christ, making decisions that reflect faith and obedience. Choosing godly influences and committing to sharing the message of salvation are key to living a life of true fulfillment. As you embrace this time of reflection, I pray that you come to the understanding that only in Christ can you find the satisfaction that your soul truly long for.

    Prayer: Lord, please come through for me this Lent. Lead me to my divine assignment and grant me lasting satisfaction in You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

  • Jesus Christ – the One who satisfies! (1)

    Jesus Christ – the One who satisfies! (1)

    • By Henry O. Adelegan

    As we journey through this sacred season of Lent, we are reminded that true satisfaction is found only in Jesus Christ. In John 6:35, He declares, “I am the Bread of Life. Whoever comes to Me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in Me will never be thirsty.” These words point us to an eternal truth—nothing in this world can truly satisfy the human soul except Christ. King Solomon, who had seen the heights of wealth and power, confessed in Ecclesiastes 5:10 that those who love silver will never be satisfied with it, and those who seek abundance will never find fulfillment. His words echo the reality that earthly desires—money, power, relationships, achievements—can only bring temporary contentment. Lasting peace and joy come only from above. The Apostle Paul affirmed this when he told the Athenians in Acts 17:28, “For in Him we live and move and have our being.”

    When we seek satisfaction in the things of this world while neglecting Christ, we set ourselves up for disappointment. Trusting in people, wealth, or status to fulfill us leaves us vulnerable to heartbreak, anxiety, and despair (Jeremiah 2:13). The same crowds that once shouted Hosanna! later cried, Crucify Him! Human loyalty is fleeting, but Jesus remains constant—the same yesterday, today, and forever(Hebrews 13:8). If we chase after worldly pleasures while ignoring Him, we will always find ourselves restless, wandering through life’s uncertainties without peace.

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    Jesus made this clear when He addressed the multitudes who followed Him for food. They desired bread, but what they truly needed was the Bread of Life. The physical bread they longed for could only sustain them temporarily, but the spiritual bread that Jesus offered brings eternal satisfaction. A similar truth unfolded in John 4, when Jesus met the Samaritan woman at the well in Sychar. She came to draw water, unaware that her soul was thirsting for something greater. Jesus told her, “Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water I give will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give will become in them a spring welling up to eternal life” (John 4:13-14).

    At what point of need do you find yourself today? Are there desires in your heart that seem out of reach? Are you struggling through a difficult season, feeling empty despite your efforts to find fulfillment? Here is the good news—Jesus Christ, the Living Word (John 1:3), is more than able to meet you at your point of need. He is the Creator of the universe (Genesis 1:3, Colossians 1:16-17), the One who laid the foundations of the heavens and the earth (Hebrews 1:10). If you turn to Him, He will satisfy your soul, filling you with joy and peace beyond understanding. No matter what holds you captive—materialism, addiction, unhealthy desires—He is able to set you free and bring you into true abundance.

    During this Lenten season, come to Jesus with a humble heart. Ask for His mercy, surrender your burdens to Him, and invite Him to take His rightful place as Lord and Savior of your life. Seek Him in prayer and trust that He will answer. Before this season of spiritual renewal ends, you will have every reason to testify of His goodness and faithfulness in the name of Jesus Christ.

    •Prayer: Lord, forgive me for trusting in the things of this world to satisfy me. Come into my life and fill me with the peace and joy that only You can give. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

  • The essence of Easter

    Adeyinka Akintunde

     

     

    Easter is a celebration observed by Christians all over the world. It is a season that marks the major essence of the Christian faith, the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

    As recorded in the Holy Bible, after the fall of man, fellowship was lost between man and God. Man kept on sinning against a holy God, which led to the destruction of the world, by water. A certain man called Noah was however saved, with his family, with God hoping that the new generation would live without sin. But that turned out false, as sin started again, this time from the house of Noah.

    The Bible also tells us of prophets, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Daniel, Hosea and even John the Baptist who prophesied ahead of time of a coming Messiah, who would take away the sins of the world. The Messiah came, and was named Jesus Christ.

    He lived his life on earth without sin, but according to the plan of God, he was later betrayed with a kiss by one of his disciples after he and his disciples had the “last supper”, accused of claiming to be the son of God, and he was crucified with two thieves.

    Jesus died, and rose again, three days later. He became the ultimate sacrifice of sin, paying the highest price of death, shedding his blood to reconcile man back to God.

    This forms the essence of Easter. It is a period to reflect on Jesus Christ, the savior of mankind, who came to die for the sins of the whole world, so that all men who believe in him, through his death can live a triumphant life on earth, and gain full access to the holy God.

    Easter is usually celebrated somewhere within the first four months of the year. There are some who stay away from meat and pork during the period of the Easter season, especially on Good Friday, the day Jesus died (as widely accepted), unlike the Christmas, where chicken becomes the major food to enjoy. Some Catholic members in Nigeria believe that eating meat or any of those sorts on Good Friday amounts to eating the flesh of Jesus.

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    Prominent Nigerians have addressed the nation on the essence of Easter and lessons to learn from it. According to President Muhammadu Buhari, Easter is a time to emulate the love, sacrifice and forgiveness shown by Jesus Christ.

    “The Christian festival commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ is also a time to emulate the virtues of love, sacrifice, forgiveness, humility, courage and endurance, which Christ embodied and remarkably demonstrated during His earthly ministry. Let us use this auspicious season to show love to our neighbours, and cater to the needs of the less-privileged in our midst.”

    For former President Goodluck Jonathan, there is hope of triumph ahead for the nation, and it will not be wise to give up now.

    “I urge us not to give up on our ourselves and our nation no matter the challenges that confront us today. Through our faith and collective actions, we will overcome the tempests of violence, misery and insecurity that threaten our nation. We are more than conquerors and the future of our nation is bright, if we work as one.

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode told Nigerians to see this season as one “that presents us the viable opportunity to think about how we can help to steer our nation back on the road to peace, stability and prosperity, by working in the spirit of togetherness because no nation can make any meaningful progress in an atmosphere riddled with pockets of violence and killings. This is the time for us to avoid all divisive, parochial, ethnic and religious sentiments and rivalries, and begin to live more harmoniously with one another, as Jesus Christ enjoined us to.”

    Easter is a time of reflection. It is a time to see how best we can reconcile back to Jesus Christ, and live the life he taught us to live, for the world to be better. It is a season of love, sacrifice and forgiveness. It is important to note this fact, and live by it.

    Adeyinka Akintunde is a graduate of Philosophy from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife Nigeria. A social commentator and Online Reporter

     

  • FG declares Friday, Monday Public holidays

    The Federal Government has declared Friday 19 and Monday 22, April 2019, Public Holidays to mark this year’s Easter celebration.

    Minister of Interior, Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau, (rtd), who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, enjoined all Christians to emulate the exemplary attributes of Jesus Christ amongst which are tolerance, love and peaceful co-existence.

    According to a statement by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Barr. Georgina Ekeoma Ehuriah, the minister urged all Nigerians at home and abroad to use the occasion to pray for the Peace, Unity, and Progress of our great country Nigeria irrespective of diversity in religious beliefs.

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    Dambazau, while wishing all Nigerians a happy and peaceful Easter celebration, further called on them to support the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari in its determination to take the country to the next level.

     

  • Xmas: Obaseki enjoins citizens to emulate Jesus, spread love

    Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has enjoined Edo people and residents to emulate Jesus Christ as they celebrate Christmas.

    In his Christmas Message issued on Monday in Benin City, Obaseki said: “On behalf of the government of Edo State, I rejoice with all Edo people, at home and in the diaspora as well as residents, as we celebrate Christmas.”

    According to the governor, “Christmas season is an auspicious occasion to show love and reflect on the life of Jesus Christ, whose birth we are commemorating.

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    “As we celebrate with our friends, relatives and neighbours, I enjoin you to spread the message of oneness, love, generosity and hope for greater things as demonstrated by Jesus Christ.”

    He expressed the state government’s gratitude to the people for their support for his administration.

    “As a government, we are grateful to all Edo people and residents who have stood by us in our pursuit of a united and prosperous state, where we all can realise our dreams. It is with great joy that I wish you a merry Christmas.”

     

  • Nigeria ‘ll overcome challenges, says Bishop

    Nigeria will overcome its security and political challenges, Senior Pastor of the City of Refuge Ministries International, Bishop Oscar Ossai has said.

    In his Easter message at the church’s headquarters in Lagos, he said whatever problems Nigerians currently face was temporary.

    Bishop Ossai regretted that it was not God’s plan for citizens to be agitated, suffer, be killed or be poor, adding that they must believe that God who raised Jesus from the dead can also lift them from poverty, pain and misery to a new height of victory.

    The cleric urged political leaders to exercise their powers with the fear of God, saying: “It is an abomination for leaders to do evil, because righteousness establishes a throne; therefore, political leaders must pursue righteousness.”

    Bishop called for patience and perseverance, saying the Easter season was an opportunity to renew faith in God’s promises.

    According to him, the resurrection of Jesus Christ was the ultimate fulfillment of God’s agenda for humanity and to free man from the clutches of evil.

    “God’s intention is to bring freedom to mankind and set him free from the shackles of slavery, fear and intimidation,” he said.

    Bishop Ossai explained that Christians’ victory was tied to Christ’s proclamations. Reading from Luke 4:18, he quoted Jesus as saying: “The spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free.”

    “The season of Easter is a reassurance from God that the church shall take its rightful place,” he added.

  • Easter: Be Hopeful for a Better Nigeria – Bello

     

    Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello has called on Nigerians not to be despondent but be hopeful for a better Nigeria.

    Just as he charged Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of hope the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ brought to mankind.

    In his Easter message, Governor Bello stressed on the need for everyone to be prayerful and hopeful for better days for the state and country.

    “The lesson of hope that the death and the resurrection of Jesus Christ taught us should be a propelling force for all Nigerians not to be despondent but hopeful for the emergence of a greater and new Nigeria, where peace, unity, love and meaningful progress shall be the order of the day.

    “Most importantly I urge you all to learn and emulate the lessons of love, humility, selflessness, forgiveness and perseverance shown by the Lord Jesus Christ through his death and resurrection especially at this critical period of our national life.

    “I felicitated with Christians on the occasion of Easter celebration and I urged you all to embrace and praticalize the lessons attached to season. As we commemorate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ for the salvation of mankind, let us be prayerful and hopeful for better days for our dear state and country”, the message read.

    The Governor then advised all not to relent in their prayers for continuous unity, progress and peaceful coexistence among the people, adding that the country is currently being sustained by the fervent prayers by all well meaning Nigerians.

  • Buhari is working painstakingly to right Nigeria’s wrongs – Peterside

    The Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dakuku Peterside, has stated that President Muhammadu Buhari is working painstakingly to right the wrongs of the past and put the country on a sure footing.

    He also urged the people of Rivers State, especially the Christians, to continue to be prayerful and look unto God to raise leaders that would bring good to all parts of the Niger Delta state.

    Peterside, who was the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the 2015 election in Rivers, noted that the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ exemplified courage, perseverance, pain and triumph over even the most difficult challenges.

    He stated these on Saturday in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, in an Easter message by his media team.

    The NIMASA chief said: “There have been challenges and difficult moments that have faced the Federal Government, led by President Buhari, but like in the significance of the season, he is being courageous, patient and unwavering in his desire to take Nigeria out of the woods and place it on a sound pedestal.

    “I want to thank Nigerians for their support so far and I can only ask for more. The times may have been challenging, but the difficult moments are beginning to give way to hope, economic prosperity and fulfilment of our hopes and aspirations.”

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    Peterside, a former member of the House of Representatives, also stated that Jesus Christ, as the only son of God, could have used his position and powers to avert his betrayal and eventual crucifixion, despite being aware, but chose to lay down his life to prove triumph over death and the redemption of mankind.

    He tasked Rivers people to exhibit courage, selflessness, generosity and good neighbourliness, pointing out that displaying such virtues would bring about a better society.

    The APC chieftain lauded Christians in Rivers state for their steadfastness, prayers and cooperation for making sure that governments at various levels kept to their promises, in order to make the society a better place.

    He praised Rivers people for uniting to fight against societal ills that negate the reason for the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

    Peterside added: “The period of Easter is also a season for friendship, forgiveness, love and rededication to the ideals of Christianity.

    “As Christians, the significance of the season must not be lost on us. We must do things that promote peace, progress and development of humanity.”