The Nation Newspaper

Tag: season

  • Omoniwari hands Heartland first win of the season

    Omoniwari hands Heartland first win of the season

    Heartland  laboured but deservedly got their first victory of the 2015/2016 NPFL season after a 1-0 win over Lobi Stars at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri.

    Fortune Omoniwari’s 40th minute goal mouth scramble strike was enough for the Naze Millionaires to sing a melodious song at the end of  regulation time yesterday in Owerri.

    The Pride of Makurdi pulled all strings in their armoury to get the equaliser but Heartland’s defence marshalled by goalkeeper, Ebele Obi and skipper, Chinedu Efugh stood their ground to claim all points.

    Before yesterday’s match, Heartland had played four games without a win with a paltry two points to show but the win over Lobi has taken their points tally to five from five matches.

  • NEW SEASON: Etim Mathew goes spiritual for Rangers

    NEW SEASON: Etim Mathew goes spiritual for Rangers

    •Wants continental ticket jinx broken

    Rangers international defender Mathew Etim has gone spiritual ahead of the Flying Antelopes new season project.

    The Coal City boys begin their campaign against Kano Pillars, a formidable side that is sure to give the Enugu landlords a good run for their strength and skills.

    He noted that Rangers have gone for too long without a trophy revealing that all hands are now on deck for this season in the hope that hard work, grace of God and mother luck will shine on the club.

    “We are preparing and I am praying hard as well.  We need to get back in the continent; I believe we need it to bounce back to our rightful place. We have gone for long with nothing much to present to our teeming fans but I am optimistic this season that we will shine. Blessing of God comes with hard work and that is why we are working very hard ahead of the new season,” he enthused.

    On his take about opening the season against 2014 league champions , Mathew opined that though the Kano-based side are formidable, past achievements will not be at the forefront as the fresh season demands fresh approach and quest for vital points both at home and away.

    “Pillars are strong no doubt but we are neither new nor pushovers,” he told SportingLife Wednesday.

    Etim who re-echoed apologies over CHAN Eagles failure to fly in Rwanda, said all focus is now on the new league season and subsequent championships involving the nation.

    “We know Nigerians were disappointed over the outing in Rwanda and we apologised but now we have to move forward, there is the new season to attend to and other championships involving Nigeria, we have to double efforts and hope for the best,” he added.

    Rangers, who are six-time league champions, last won the league in 1994.  The Flying Antelopes have made two appearances in the CAF Champions league and three appearances in the CAF Confederation Cup.

    Coach of the side Imama Amakpakabo has recently promised the expectant Rangers fans of a good outing this season. The Coal City boys will be opening shop against Pillars at the Sani Abacha stadium, a tie which some have already dubbed season opening cracker.

  • Omoniwari: Heartland will achieve great things this season

    Omoniwari: Heartland will achieve great things this season

    •Commits self to Naze Millionaires

    Heartland striker Fortune Omoniwari has revealed that he is fully committed to the cause of the Naze Millionaires this season and that his Owerri fans will get to see the best of him starting from this weekend.

    Omoniwari was courted by many clubs during the off season; this includes Warri Wolves, Akwa United and Enyimba but the former Sharks forward decided to ignore them all so as to help Heartland succeed in the league this season.

    He told SportingLife that his target is to score as many goals as possible this season and that if fielded against Warri Wolves on Sunday in the league opener, the Seasiders would feel his pulse throughout the duration of the match.

    Omoniwari confessed various offers  almost turned his head but that after he considered the love and affection shown to him by the fans of the club, fellow players and the management, he chose to remain with the team to grab at least a continental ticket.

    The former Sharks player joined Heartland during the last mid-season and he made instant impact for the team and scored some crucial goals as the Naze Millionaires ended the campaign seventh on the log with 56 points from 38 games.

  • Mangos back in season, but be careful

    The good old mango was sighted in some Lagos market last week. That means it has come one month ahead of schedule. These early arrivals may not be juicy, because they are immature and maybe fought to ripen with the use of carbide. Certainly, this is not good for health. So, be careful. The mango is rich in Vitamin A, and possibly Lutein and Zeazanthin, and Carostino, which, like Vitamin A, nourish the eye and give us good vision. For many readers of this column who have begun to enjoy the consumption of fruit or peel skin, beginning with orange peel and banana peel, the mango peel will be yet another addition,very soon, to their collection.

  • Ighalo scores 12th goal of the season

    Ighalo scores 12th goal of the season

    Nigerian international, Odion Ighalo was in blistering form for Watford at the weekend as he guided the Hornets to a comprehensive 3-0 win against Liverpool.

    The 26-year-old scored twice in the encounter to take his tally for the 2015/16 season to 12 in 17 premier league appearances to hand Liverpool their heaviest league defeat against a promoted side since losing 3-0 to Newcastle United in November back in 1993.

    Watford got on the front foot early on as Nathan Ake capitalised on an error from Liverpool keeper, Adam Bogdan to poke home the opening goal of the game inside the first three minutes.

    Hornets Captain Troy Deeney continued his brilliant partnership with Odion Ighalo as he set up the Nigerian for Watford’s second goal before the Nigerian completed his brace with a well timed header five minutes from time and was substituted by Adlene Guedioura afterwards to a rapturous applaud by the home fans.

    ‘It was a very good team performance,’ Ighalo said after the game. ‘From the very first minute, you can see the way we got the first goal. It’s been good and we’ve been working hard together.

    ‘I can remember what Troy said before the game – we don’t have to fear them because we are playing at home. They are the ones who are going to be afraid of us because we went into the game at the back of three wins and they need the win. I am happy I got the goals but it was a team performance from the start to finish.’

    The Nigerian also talked about his partnership with Troy Deeney, especially after the captain’s assist for his first goal, he said: ‘When I saw him with the ball, I just ran behind the defender. It’s nothing we practiced in training, it is all about the connection we have between us.’

    Watford’s win at Vicarage Road was their first win over Liverpool since 1986 and takes them to seventh on the Premier League log with 28 points.

  • Season of inconclusive elections

    Season of inconclusive elections

    Nigerians have been amused by the inconclusive elections that has been witnessed in recent times. Deputy Political Editor RAYMOND MORDI examines the phenomenon.

    THE inconclusive tag associated with the recent Kogi and Bayelsa governorship elections has brought to the fore one of the biggest challenges facing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The commission had been hailed for its conduct during the 2015 general elections. Against stiff opposition from the then ruling party, the commission insisted on the use of Smart Card Readers and the Permanent Voters Card (PVC); two technological innovations that have been used successfully in some countries in Africa and elsewhere in the world. Indeed, the two devices were eventually hailed as the greatest innovations that made the elections to stand out, compared to previous ones since the return to civil rule in 1999.

    But, given the challenges that were associated with the introduction of the technological innovations, observers say they remain a means to an end. With the innovative technologies introduced by the immediate past chairman of INEC, Prof. Attahiru Jega, many Nigerians had heaved a sigh of relief, saying that the era when the desperate bid for power by politicians was the order of the day was coming to an end.

    Indications from recent elections in Kogi and Bayelsa states suggest that politicians and their supporters are nevertheless trying to find new ways to undermine the system, by continuing to resort to the age-old practice of snatching ballot papers and ballot boxes, stuffing of ballots, disruption of voting and fomenting of violence to scare away potential voters in places where their opponent appears to have the upper hand. Curiously, some Nigerians have dubbed the new INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, “an inconclusive chairman” with the way the two recent elections have gone.

    In the case of the Kogi election, INEC had to cancel results in 91 polling units across the state as a result of cases of violence, over-voting, snatching of ballot boxes, among others.

    Subsequently, a supplementary poll was ordered in the affected units. This was premised on the fact that the margin between the two leading contenders then, the late Abubakar Audu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Governor Idris Wada of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was 41,000 votes; whereas the total number of registered voters in the affected polling units was 49, 953.

    The impasse has been resolved, with the declaration of Yahaya Bello, Audu’s substitution, as winner. The APC garnered 6,885 votes in the supplementary poll to bring its total votes to 247,752, having polled 240,857 in the November 21 election. Wada scored 5,363 to take his total votes to 204, 877 votes; he had earlier garnered 199, 514 votes.

    Similarly, the Bayelsa poll was also characterised by poor logistics and violence in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area. INEC’s response initially was to shift voting in area to the next day. But, armed thugs continued to cause mayhem, by disrupting the distribution of election materials. Thus, the rescheduled poll suffered several hitches and had to be cancelled; thereby re-enacting the Kogi inconclusive scenario. INEC said a new date would be announced for the election in the local government, which has 120, 827 registered voters and is the largest among the eight councils in the state.

    This development has put Yakubu on the spotlight. Nevertheless, observers say beyond the use of technological devices that something more incisive is needed to guarantee free and fair elections in the country. One of such observers put it very succinctly when he said: “This has to do with the human factor; specifically the change in attitude and orientation by the major stakeholders; the political gladiators who usually put their selfish interest far above those of the electorates.

    “The truth is that the use of technological tool like the Smart Card Reader does not in itself eliminate the human agency that perpetrates electoral offences such as over-voting. But, the Card Reader still helps to expose the misdeed, by showing in its memory that the ballot papers stuffed in the box is more than the number of persons accredited.

    This is not the first time Nigeria would be witnessing a trend of inconclusive elections and resultant supplementary elections. There was supplementary election for Ekiti State governorship election in 2009. The Anambra Central senatorial constituency also had one in 2011. Others are: the Imo State governorship election in 2011; the Oguta constituency of Imo State 2013; the Imo State governorship election in 2015; and the Anambra State governorship election in 2013.

    This development has always meant different things to different political parties; depending on how it affects their chances of victory. For instance, in Anambra State in 2013, political parties like the APC and the PDP picked holes with the pronouncement of INEC, while the winning All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) was quite indifferent, knowing that it was already coasting to victory with the results so far declared. But, INEC insisted that it would not cancel the entire exercise as canvassed by some of the parties, after the chief returning officer had declared elections in the affected area inconclusive.

     

  • Setting the pace for the season (2)

    HELLO Reader, Compliments of the season to you in the mighty name of Jesus Christ! Without any doubt, I know that the Lord has done so much for you this year. Are you thankful to Him for all His benefits that you have enjoyed this year? Some of which are the gift of life, the benefit of forgiveness, protection, provisions, redemption, so on and so forth!

    Last week, I explained spiritual clean-up as doing away with those things that will destroy your joy, at this holy season of the birth of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. That is the major purpose of this month’s teaching: setting the pace for the season by doing away with those things that may cause hindrance from getting the joy and the spirit of the season into your family. In today’s edition, I shall be teaching on Physical Clean-Up!

    What do I mean by physical clean-up? It is cleaning up your wardrobe in hospitality, reaching out to the needy and also to clean out your home environment. Hospitality simply means a friendly, generous reception and entertainment of guests or strangers, especially in one’s own home. For you to set the pace for the season, you need to give room to hospitality in your home and that will eventually attract angelic visitation. The Word of God Says: Use hospitality one to another without grudging (1 Peter 4:9), Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality (Romans 12:13).

    It is a known fact that when the angels of God are sent to minister to the heirs of salvation, they are there to defend, provide and generally minister to you. So, when you are hospitable, you end up welcoming them into your home without knowing. The Word of God says: Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares (Hebrews 13:2). I don’t know what you have been trusting God for, but I know that as you take heed to the Word of God coming your way today, the God of the season shall visit you in the name of Jesus. Abraham and Sarah entertained angels, and the spirit of barrenness was terminated via that visitation. I see God visiting you too! Husband and wife, it is your duty to both give your home to hospitality, especially this Christmas season. Abraham and Sarah made the visitors feel welcomed, relaxed and refreshed. By their hospitality, they received their son, Isaac!

    We also have the story of the Shunammite woman in 2 Kings, who welcomed the prophet of God into her home and her barrenness was terminated. In that account, she told her husband: Let us make a little chamber, I pray thee, on the wall; and let us set for him there a bed, and a table, and a stool, and a candlestick: and it shall be, when he cometh to us, that he shall turn in thither. And it fell on a day, that he came thither, and he turned into the chamber, and lay there (2 Kings 4:10-11). There are many women today who don’t even want to see their husband’s relatives in their homes, not to mention a stranger. Their facial expressions can put off a stranger from their homes. The Word of God says: And he said to Gehazi his servant, Call this Shunammite. And when he had called her, she stood before him. And he said unto him, Say now unto her, Behold, thou hast been careful for us with all this care; what is to be done for thee? And when he had called her, she stood in the door. And he said, About this season, according to the time of life, thou shalt embrace a son. And the woman conceived, and bare a son at that season that Elisha had said unto her, according to the time of life (2 Kings 4:12-17).

    I often encourage women to always be hospitable, both at home and outside. One of the women in our church testified of how a visitor came to their house and did not have enough money to return to his station. He belonged to another branch of the church. She told him her husband was out of town and the money he left wasn’t enough for them. She, however, sold some food stuff and gave him the money. Before the man left, he made some prophetic utterances and said that God would surprise her. The following week, God began to visit their home with money, materials and foodstuff as never before! Their home, where there was not enough previously, suddenly, became a place of abundance! What a time of visitation!

    Hospitality brings honour and increase. Whatever level you may have attained in life, increase is still possible, and hospitality is the way! Those who give never surfer want in life. Also remember that your giving can yield returns, and it will come in a hundred-fold. Sometimes, hospitality may not be convenient, but as you sow in tears, God ensures that you reap in joy. The Word of God says: They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him (Psalm 126:5-6). Never give in to fear of being impoverished if you feed the needy, because givers never lack and you will always have more than enough to eat and give to others.

    I want to use this opportunity to also encourage the singles to be hospitable. Singles who are hospitable will certainly welcome their life partners unaware. Are you believing God for a life partner? How hospitable are you? May God grant you understanding! The joy of having a life partner can be yours if you will add a touch of friendliness and hospitality to your life. Rebecca is a perfect example of hospitality. When Abraham’s servant came to Mesopotamia to take a wife for Isaac, he prayed to God, saying: And let it come to pass, that the damsel to whom I shall say, Let down thy pitcher, I pray thee, that I may drink; and she shall say, Drink, and I will give thy camels drink also: let the same be she that thou hast appointed for thy servant Isaac (Genesis 24:14). Abraham’s servant knew that Isaac belonged to a family that is addicted to hospitality; so, he prayed for a kind and hospitable wife for Isaac. He knew that any woman who would offer water to a stranger and his camels would be a hospitable person.

    The criteria for his choice were not possessions, height, beauty or education; instead, they were a warm and loving heart. If you are married, it may be your hospitality response to your spouse that drew the two of you together. No one will like to marry an unapproachable, unloving or unfriendly person. So, to continue to enjoy this honour and acceptance, you must continue to be hospitable.

    However, without the grace of God available to you, you cannot be hospitable, and to access that grace, you need to be born again. That means to accept Jesus as your Lord and Saviour. If you want to do so, say this prayer of faith: “Dear Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me of my sins and cleanse me with Your Blood. Deliver me from sin and Satan to serve the living God. I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Make me a child of God today. Thank You for accepting me into Your Kingdom.”

    If you prayed this simple prayer, you are now a child of God. He loves you and will never leave you. Read your Bible daily, obey God’s Word and seek Christian fellowship (John 14:21).

     

    Congratulations! You are now born again! All-round rest and peace are guaranteed you, in Jesus’ Name. Call or write, and share your testimonies with me through contact@faithoyedepo.org; OR 07026385437 and 08141320204.

     

    For more insight, these books authored by me are available at the Dominion Bookstores in all Living Faith Churches and other leading Christian bookstores: Marriage Covenant, Making Marriage Work, Building A Successful Home and Success in Marriage (Co-Authored).

  • Bask in red season

    Bask in red season

    WHAT is hot this season on the fashion scene? The year began with colour-blocking inspired dresses, but these were soon replaced on the runways with the trend of the monochrome and later single colour clothing. And spirited red in diverse shades provides the energy boost needed to revamp your look. It’s the hot colour of the year! It’s exotic, but in a friendly, non-threatening way.

    Celebrities like Osas Ajibade, Colette Otuesho, Dorcas Shola Fapson and many other Nollywood A-listers over the months wear them. They go with flats or wedges and chunky jewellery pieces for a top-of-the-world look.

    Be the centre of attention with a feminine, elegant and hot red dress. Like it or not, red is hot!

  • Season of inconclusive elections

    Season of inconclusive elections

    Nigerians have been amused by the trend of inconclusive elections that have been witnessed in recent times. Deputy Political Editor RAYMOND MORDI examines the phenomenon.  

    The inconclusive tag associated with the recent Kogi and Bayelsa governorship elections has brought to the fore one of the biggest challenges facing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The commission had been hailed for its conduct during the 2015 general elections. Against stiff opposition from the then ruling party, the commission insisted on the use of Smart Card Readers and the Permanent Voters Card (PVC); two technological innovations that have been used successfully in some countries in Africa and elsewhere in the world. Indeed, the two devices were eventually hailed as the greatest innovations that made the elections to stand out, compared to previous ones since the return to civil rule in 1999.

    But, given the challenges that were associated with the introduction of the technological innovations, observers say they remain a means to an end. With the innovative technologies introduced by the immediate past chairman of INEC, Prof. Attahiru Jega, many Nigerians had heaved a sigh of relief, saying that the era when the desperate bid for power by politicians was the order of the day was coming to an end.

    Indications from recent elections in Kogi and Bayelsa states suggest that politicians and their supporters are nevertheless trying to find new ways to undermine the system, by continuing to resort to the age-old practice of snatching ballot papers and ballot boxes, stuffing of ballots, disruption of voting and fomenting of violence to scare away potential voters in places where their opponent appears to have the upper hand. Curiously, some Nigerians have dubbed the new INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, “an inconclusive chairman” with the way the two recent elections have gone.

    In the case of the Kogi election, INEC had to cancel results in 91 polling units across the state as a result of cases of violence, over-voting, snatching of ballot boxes, among others.

    Subsequently, a supplementary poll was ordered in the affected units. This was premised on the fact that the margin between the two leading contenders then, the late Abubakar Audu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Governor Idris Wada of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was 41,000 votes; whereas the total number of registered voters in the affected polling units was 49, 953.

    The impasse has been resolved, with the declaration of Yahaya Bello, Audu’s substitution, as winner. The APC garnered 6,885 votes in the supplementary poll to bring its total votes to 247,752, having polled 240,857 in the November 21 election. Wada scored 5,363 to take his total votes to 204, 877 votes; he had earlier garnered 199, 514 votes.

    Similarly, the Bayelsa poll was also characterised by poor logistics and violence in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area. INEC’s response initially was to shift voting in area to the next day. But, armed thugs continued to cause mayhem, by disrupting the distribution of election materials. Thus, the rescheduled poll suffered several hitches and had to be cancelled; thereby re-enacting the Kogi inconclusive scenario. INEC said a new date would be announced for the election in the local government, which has 120, 827 registered voters and is the largest among the eight councils in the state.

    This development has put Yakubu on the spotlight. Nevertheless, observers say beyond the use of technological devices that something more incisive is needed to guarantee free and fair elections in the country. One of such observers put it very succinctly when he said: “This has to do with the human factor; specifically the change in attitude and orientation by the major stakeholders; the political gladiators who usually put their selfish interest far above those of the electorates.

    “The truth is that the use of technological tool like the Smart Card Reader does not in itself eliminate the human agency that perpetrates electoral offences such as over-voting. But, the Card Reader still helps to expose the misdeed, by showing in its memory that the ballot papers stuffed in the box is more than the number of persons accredited.

    This is not the first time Nigeria would be witnessing a trend of inconclusive elections and resultant supplementary elections. There was supplementary election for Ekiti State governorship election in 2009. The Anambra Central senatorial constituency also had one in 2011. Others are: the Imo State governorship election in 2011; the Oguta constituency of Imo State 2013; the Imo State governorship election in 2015; and the Anambra State governorship election in 2013.

    This development has always meant different things to different political parties; depending on how it affects their chances of victory. For instance, in Anambra State in 2013, political parties like the APC and the PDP picked holes with the pronouncement of INEC, while the winning All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) was quite indifferent, knowing that it was already coasting to victory with the results so far declared. But, INEC insisted that it would not cancel the entire exercise as canvassed by some of the parties, after the chief returning officer had declared elections in the affected area inconclusive.

  • Setting the pace for the season

    HELLO Reader,Thank God it is December, the month of Christmas! I am sure you have every reason to be thankful unto God for His goodness, mercy, protection, healing, provisions and all that He has done for you this year. You may say, “I don’t have any reason to be thankful to God,” but I know that there is no truth in that. This is because the fact that you are still breathing, is a proof that you owe God thanks!

    In this glorious month, I shall be teaching on, Setting The Pace for the Season! I want you to know that there is a need to set the pace for the season, in order to enjoy the blessings therein. You must also understand that this is a season for sober reflection and thanksgiving to God. That is why I shall be focusing on Spiritual Cleansing As You Set the Pace For The Season.

    Give yourself to fasting

    I would like to define fasting as deliberately doing away with physical food so as to pay more attention to spiritual things. Fasting, therefore, is a spiritual device that keeps you in tune with God. As you set the pace for the season, you can set time aside to fast and give yourself to prayer. The Word of God says: Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? (Isaiah 58:6-8). From this scripture, you can see that there are a lot of benefits imbedded in fasting. I don’t know the kind of yoke that is ravaging your life. But I know one thing, as you engage in a fast, you shall have liberty in the name of Jesus!

    Let go of Bitterness

    The spirit of bitterness is what is plaguing so many families today. But as you engage in spiritual clean-up to set the pace for the season, the spirit of bitterness will give way for the blessings, and the spirit of the season will find its way into your family. The Word of God says: If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me (Psalm 66:18). If you want to experience the blessings that God has reserved for this season, you have to do away with every form of iniquity in your life and that of your family life. The Word of God says: Thou crownest the year with thy goodness; and thy paths drop fatness (Psalm 65:11). If you want God to crown the year for you with His goodness and for His paths to drop fatness for you, there are certain things you must do away with.

    Bitterness starts from a very little thing, then grows to become a big mountain. Perhaps, your spouse or a family member has done something to hurt you, and you refuse to forgive him or her. Whenever you remember that incidence, it brings you pain. Watch it! That is a root of bitterness springing up gradually. If it is not dealt with immediately, it will ultimately trouble you. The Word of God says: Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled (Hebrews 12:15). The term “springing up” connotes a thing that starts small, and then suddenly shoots up. Once bitterness gains access into your heart and it is not handled immediately, very soon, it will magnify itself and dominate you. That shall not be your portion in Jesus’ name!

    Another thing about bitterness is that it actually troubles and embitters individuals. In other words, you lose your rest to bitterness. If you are bitter against your spouse, for instance, when he or she is in the sitting room, you will want to be in the bedroom. As a result, there will be no rest within you.

    Also, bitterness makes you to fall short of the grace of God. That means, when you harbour bitterness, you are actually frustrating the grace of God on your life; and what are you without His grace? The Word of God says: But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace (1 Corinthians 15:10). Thus, you need God’s grace to succeed in your family, so, watch that spirit of bitterness!

    Let go of Unforgiveness

    Unforgiveness is one major crack in the wall of many families today. It causes families, husband and wife to hold on to issues, offences, misunderstanding and various hurts of the past, and before long, it tears the family apart. Bitterness is a root that grows into the tree of unforgiveness. Wherever you see unforgiveness, know that bitterness is at its root. Unforgiveness is wickedness! An unforgiving wife, husband or child is a wicked person.

    Don’t be identified with the wicked. The incident in Matthew 18:23-35 is a good example. A man, who owed 10,000 talents, begged his creditor to be patient with him till he was able to pay back the money owed, and his creditor forgave him the debt. But this same man saw a fellow servant, who owed him only 100 pence, and refused to forgive him. Instead, he threw the man in prison. As a result of his unforgiveness, he was classified as being wicked and his Lord was angry with him. Similarly, our unforgiveness invite God’s anger. Therefore, you must let go of unforgiveness, so God won’t be angry with you. In that account, the unforgiving servant was also delivered to the tormentors. That means unforgiveness and bitterness brings torment. Afflictions such as poverty, barrenness, sickness and the like in the family are from the tormentors, as a result of unforgiveness. Unforgiveness opens the door to the tormentors of life. That servant never enjoyed his master’s forgiveness. The same way, embittered people never enjoy forgiveness from God, because what you sow, you will reap (Genesis 8:22). Learn to instantly forgive each other. In fact, you can go a step further by learning to forgive even before offences are committed. Receive grace to do so in Jesus’ name!

    Let go of Anger

    Another thing that will hinder God’s blessing from reaching your family this Christmas season is anger. We all get angry at one time or the other, but the Word of God says: Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil (Ephesians 4:26-27). By holding on to anger, you open the door to sin. If you are upset about the way your spouse or any of your family members does certain things at certain times, rather than exploding and speaking cruel words which can cause irreparable damage, control your emotions. You can also take a walk or go to the prayer closet, until your anger simmers down. Always remember that anger is like a kettle of boiling water; as long as the fire is on, the water boils hotter. To cool the water, you would need to turn off the source of fire, place the kettle on a cool surface and give it time to cool down. Within a few hours, that formerly boiling water can be drunk straight from a glass. Anger is just like that. Therefore, watch it!

    In addition, you need to be born again in order to receive the grace of God to do away with those things that can rob you of the joy of the season. You can say this prayer, if you want to be born again: “Dear Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me of my sins and cleanse me with Your Blood. Deliver me from sin and Satan to serve the living God. I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Make me a child of God today. Thank You for accepting me into Your Kingdom.”

    If you prayed this simple prayer, you are now a child of God. He loves you and will never leave you. Read your Bible daily, obey God’s Word and seek Christian fellowship (John 14:21).

    Congratulations! You are now born again! All-round rest and peace are guaranteed you, in Jesus’ Name. Call or write, and share your testimonies with me through contact@faithoyedepo.org; or 07026385437 and 08141320204.

    For more insight, these books authored by me are available at the Dominion Bookstores in all Living Faith Churches and other leading Christian bookstores: Marriage Covenant, Making Marriage Work, Building A Successful Home and Success in Marriage (Co-Authored).