The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Jesus

  • Follow in His Steps (7)

    FOLLOW IN HIS STEPS (7)
    In the last edition, we got to know the need to hear and obey the voice of the good shepherd-JESUS, to be able to be His follower. Only His word has the power to transform us and make us like Him as we obey Him through the power of the Holy Spirit at work in us.

    To fully understand the scriptures one must first believe in Jesus Christ, He is God’s plan to take away the veil of misunderstanding of the word of God. Some people’s hearts and minds are still covered with thick veil making it impossible for them to understand the word of God- the scriptures. This veil was taken away by the death of Jesus on the cross. So for anyone to understand fully THE WORD OF GOD and His ways, such MUST believe in Jesus Christ- as the Son of God who died to save us from the power and bondage of sin, making us a light of the world and giving us the hope and assurance of making heaven at last. Without believing in Jesus one’s understanding remains dulled.
    For a believer in Christ Jesus, we have no veil covering our hearts and minds so we are to reflect God’s glory as the Spirit of the Lord works within us to become more like Christ.

    In the last edition, I also wrote about how God took me to a remote village for my NYSC just to get my full attention and how He taught me to practice QUIET TIME.
    What is Quiet Time and how is it practiced: As the name implies Quiet Time is a time which is QUIET, devoid of distractions and disturbances; a time set aside to hear the good shepherd and also relate with Him intimately. This builds in us a live long, ever abiding loving relationship with God. Quiet Time should be a daily practice.
    What you will need/How of Quiet Time:
    • Prayer: Ask for God’s grace for without Him it will be very impossible. For we are weak bodily but He is strong- only Him will help you wake at your chosen time and empower you to study, revealing deep truths in His word to you.
    When God was asking me to make my Quiet time earlier than it used to be, at first, it was quite difficult for me to accept mentally. I had so many excuses and reasons I couldn’t do it; waking at such early time. As long as I didn’t accept it mentally and believe in God’s strength to make it possible I couldn’t do it and I was going to miss out of a great opportunity of deeper intimacy with God. The truth remains that for every one who desires to be used to do great things on earth, thereby fulfilling purpose, such cannot do without his/her time alone with God. Until I accepted it and began to pray for God’s help was I able to do it and for years now, God has remained faithful.
    One fateful day, prior to my dad’s demise, we had an emergency; we had to transfer him from the hospital he was in to another one, because he needed to be in the intensive care unit- that night we got back home very late after a very hectic day. I didn’t have up to 2hours to sleep before my quiet time but when it was time, God woke me up very strong, after which I started another round of a hectic day. God’s grace makes it possible, not by might or power. For we are weak but He is ever strong and His power will be at work in you if you believe.
    • To create a regular time- a time you will not be disturbed or distracted. Most ideally, early/ wee hours of the morning; set aside at least one hour daily.
    • A quiet place: where you will not be disturbed.
    What kept Jesus strong to finish His assignment on earth and end well was His intimacy with His Father; His quiet time habit- continually Jesus withdrew from the crowd, daily life activities and the demands of His ministry to be alone with His Father and communicate with Him.
    Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed. Mark 1:35. To be like Him, u must find it important too.
    • A Bible: in a simple translation you can understand. It will be nice to have other translations to compare readings for better understanding.
    • A notebook: where you write down lessons learnt from your study and also your daily dealings with God.
    • Pen and ruler: I usually divide my note book by ruling 2 lines in the middle of the page; on the right I write the lessons learnt and God’s word for me for that day while on the left I write down fully the Bible passage that ministered to me most from the text read. In the middle of the lines, I write the verse of the Bible that ministered most to me.
    Date: Text:
    Sample:

    • Your reading note/devotional booklet: refer to your booklet for more insight on the text. There are a lot in circulation but prayerfully seek the best for you; one that will help you read/study the Bible daily, systematically and deeply. I’ve found DAILY GUIDE to be very good for adults, DAILY POWER for youths and DAILY MILK for children. There are other good ones you can choose from. NOTE: Your devotional booklet should NEVER replace your Bible, it’s meant to help refer you to the text to read from the Bible as systematically arranged for full and better understanding of God’s word, it’s wrong to read only the booklet.

    Aside quiet time, we need to study God’s word always. God’s word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.

    TEXT: I Corinthians 3, John 10, Mark 1:35, Psalm 119:105.

  • Peterside urges Rivers people to emulate Jesus

    Peterside urges Rivers people to emulate Jesus

    Governorship  candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State Dakuku Peterside has urged the people to emulate Jesus Christ’s suffering and sacrifice as they celebrate the resurrection of “our saviour”.

    Peterside, in an Easter message by the Director of Communications of his campaign organisation, Mrs Ibim Semenitari, urged the people to always work for the peace, unity and progress of the state, adding that they should see themselves as one, irrespective of political affiliation and ethnic divide.

    “All of us appreciate the fact that Christ died for the sins and redemption of mankind. That is a classical example of love, selfless service and sacrifice. We must emulate good virtues such as these for the good of our state and society in general.

    “Easter is not only about Christ’s passion and resurrection. It is also about our resolve and determination as individuals to reject slavery, oppression, poverty, hopelessness and injustice. I therefore urge you this Easter, to celebrate His resurrection and ascension with complete cheerfulness and hope. After all, Christ came back to life to take away our fear, doubt, pain and suffering. That is the promise of Easter.

    “So may this Easter bring all our people together for peace, unity, progress and a greater Rivers State.

    Peterside, who described leadership at any level as a huge responsibility, said he is prepared to provide purposeful and first rate government to the people of Rivers State when elected governor. He promised that his tenure would engender peace, unity, progress, equal and more socio-economic opportunities for every Rivers person. The APC candidate added that as governor, he would also govern the state with the fear of God, bearing in mind that if Christ had not paid the supreme price, there would not have been a sane society today.

    He pleaded with the people of Rivers State to come out en mass and vote massively for the APC on 11 March governorship election so that “collectively, we can achieve our dream of a better and greater Rivers State”.

     

  • ‘Jesus changed me from secular to gospel artiste’

    ‘Jesus changed me from secular to gospel artiste’

    He started his music career as a hip-hop artiste but Meshach Budaye, a 300-Level Industrial Technology Education student at the Federal University of Technology in Minna (FUT MINNA), Niger State, who is known on campus as Meshbee, changed his genre of music after his third song. The rapper tells UCHE EKWUEME-DURU (classmate) why he now sings gospel music.

    What genre of music do you do?

    I am into gospel music, where I do rap and R and B.

    What inspired your music talent?

    I cannot really point what inspired me into music but I discovered I had a special likeness for music. I got involved and developed the ability. I found out that I was very good at it; so I decided to go deeper in music. Taking the decision of going into music was not a hard one for me because I noticed my ability for rap.

    Which musicians would you say influenced your choice?

    When I started some years back, I was into secular music. The famous Jude Abaga known as MI in the music industry was my role model. I loved the way he churned out the rap in his songs, so I became attracted to him and his kind of music. Gradually, I started listening to a wider range of music, such as songs by Busta Rhymes, Twista, Tech 9ine and the rest of them. Then, I became motivated also by them. But when I got born again and met with Jesus, my life changed. I stopped doing secular music. I am strictly a gospel artiste now. I now look up to the likes of Lecrea, Da Truth, and Dwayne Tryumph. These are now my mentors.

    Do your parents support your going into music?

    They are not in full support of my choice. They made a suggestion that I should finish my studies first before pursuing my music career.

    How has it been combining your studies with music?

    Mixing the two has not been easy. But I try my best to strike a balance between both sides. I don’t give all my time to one and neglect the other. Whenever I am in school, I focus more on my studies so as to make good grades and when I am at home, I do my music.

    How many songs have you done before now?

    I have four songs to my credit. I am working on the fifth one. Three of the four songs are actually secular while the last is a hip-hop gospel.

    Are you signed to any label yet?

    No. But some music labels have been meeting me for a record deal.

    What is your advice for students that may have this kind of passion?

    My word for them is to put in their best and be the best they can be if they have the passion to do music. Being good at music comes by doing music often. They must not be frustrated in pursuing their dreams.

  • ‘Jesus is calling me’

    ‘Jesus is calling me’

    The remains of Pa Samuel Adekunle Soyebo were interred at his Iperu Remo, Ogun State home town last Friday, writes TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO.

    Few days before he died, he alerted his family he was ready to go that Jesus was calling him. The late Pa Samuel Adekunle Agbolade Soyebo’s widow Busola and daughter a Pastor Olubunmi Obadan were shocked by his statement. Four days after his premolition of death came true as he died peacefully in his Ibadan Oyo State home,  according to Pastor Obadan, in her tribute to him. Pastor Sopyebo’s remains were burried in Iperu-Remo, Ogun State last Friday. The funeral followed a wake keep at his Ibadan home the previous day. He was 72.

    Dignitaries thronged the ancient town as the road leading to the Kesington Adebutu Civic Centre on Ilishan Road, witnessed heavy human and vehicular traffic. Petty traders and road side hawkers made brisk business.

    Indigenes beheld the long line of exotic cars gliding into the town.

    Guests looked splendid in the traditional attires of Buba, Iro and Sokoto. Male children of the deceased wore chocolate aso oke agbada.  Pastor Obadan, the eldest child wore a light-yellow Buba with chocolate Aso Oke, Ipele and gele (headgear). She was with her husband, Pastor Godwin Obadan. The widow, was in blue lace Iro and Buba with a matching gele (headgear).

    Most family members arrived earlier in the town for the event.

    His remains were brought by pall bearers in aso oke amidst singing and dancing.

    After the service, his remains were taken for interment.

    The dust-to-dust rites were performed by his children and immediate family members after the casket was lowered into the grave.

    The train returned to the civic centre for the reception.

    Expressing joy on how her father passed on, Pastor Obadan said; “I had been in Ibadan to visit Dad. On the third day, I went to his bedroom, sat by his bed side to say I was returning to Lagos. He said in Yoruba, “Bunmi, Jesu npe mi ki n maa bo n’ ile. (Jesus is calling me home). I was shocked and said, “Daddy, are you sure of what you are saying or just wish to die?” He said he was sure of what he was saying that Jesus was calling him to take him home, and that angels were already around to take him.

    “I said, “ok. Jesus is calling you; but do you personally want to go?” He said, “Yes.” At first, I protested. But he said, “Bunmi, please, release me.” His next birthday was about a week away. I was worried, confused and, maybe, afraid. But I said, “Well, Dad, I can’t tell you not to heed the Master’s call’; you can answer the call of the Lord.” He was very glad and felt relieved. He expressed joy that I had released him. He prayed for me.

    “I called my mum and told her what was happening. Mum came and asked him if it was in his dream, that he saw Jesus. He said it was not a dream and that the Lord actually appeared to him and said He wanted him to come home. Of course, mummy rejected this. Then Daddy said in Yoruba,”E ma se soro bayii bi awon alaigbagbo ti ko ni ireti lehin iku”. That is, “Do not talk as people who are not born again and so have no hope of eternal life”. With this, mummy gave in. Daddy then prayed for his wife. He appreciated her love of about 50 years and encouraged her again not to sorrow as non-Christians, who have no hope of eternal life.”

    According to Pastor Obadan, the late Pa Soyebo prayed for his children before his departure. “He gave instructions on what we should do after his departure – that we should entertain his neighbours and friends in Ibadan, but bury his body in Iperu. He told me when he sleeps it may be his last – that he may not wake up. I hugged him and bade him good night. He did not go with the Lord that day. Four days later, July 30, he ate his meal and was on the chair in the living room, resting and just slept in the Lord. My mum said before he slept, he kept on talking of his new house. He was smiling and saying, “Ile mi titun, omi iye….” My new house, water of life….” It is with mixed feeling missing our dad, but I am the happiest woman on earth to have seen my dad going to heaven this way,” she said.

    Iperu-Remo is near Ode-Remo, the town of the late Oba Funsho Adeolu of the defunct Village Headmaster series on the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) network. It is one of the most populous towns in Ikenne Local Government Area of the state.

    The agrarian community, founded between the 13th and 14th centuries, became popular in the mid-19th Century when several small towns united to defend themselves during the inter-tribal wars, which ravaged Yoruba land. Iperu controlled the trade routes between the ports in the Niger Delta and the Yoruba mainland until the British occupied the area at the end of the 19th Century.

    The town with its underlay deposits of limestone used in cement production is a home for Agricultural products such as cocoa and kola nuts, which formed the mainstay of the defunct Western Region economy. The town is reputed as one of the largest kola nut collecting centers in the country.

  • Jesus swaps Real deal for Levante

    levante have completed the signing of Real Madrid goalkeeper Jesus Fernandez on a two-year deal.

    The transfer, which was announced on Monday, comes just a day after Keylor Navas left Levante to join the European champions on a six-year deal for an undisclosed fee.

    Navas’ arrival would have left Jesus further down the pecking order at Madrid, with Diego Lopez and Iker Casillas also on the books of the La Liga giants.

    Subsequently Jesus has opted to leave the Bernabeu and head for Estadi Ciutat de Valencia, where the 26-year-old has signed a contract that keeps him at the club until 2016 with the option to extend his stay by a further two years.

    A statement on Real’s official website read: “Real Madrid and Levante have reached an agreement for the transfer of Jesus Fernandez.

    “The club wishes to thank Jesus for his professionalism and dedication over all these years and we wish him the best of luck in his new journey.”

    Jesus moved to Real in 2010 but has featured largely for the club’s B team and made just two La Liga appearances for the club during his four-year stay.

  • ‘Jesus is solution to corruption’

    The District Superintendent of the Apostolic Faith, West and Central Africa, Rev Adebayo Adeniran, has identified Jesus Christ as the solution to the myriad of problems facing Nigeria, including corruption.

    He urged Nigerians to allow Jesus rule their lives in this season and beyond.

    Rev. Adeniran said the acceptance and application of Jesus’ principles would result in a prosperous economy.

    He said: “Jesus is the reason for this season. He is God’s gift to humanity. He came for the mankind through the love of God.”

    Rev Adeniran spoke during the annual Christmas Concert of the Apostolic Faith Church in Lagos.

    He urged Nigerians to embrace love