Vivian Michael's Blog

Word For Today: Christmas Sacrifice

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 26 Dec 2015 06:00:00 +0000

Read: Galatians 4:1-7

When the set time had fully come, God sent his Son. Galatians 4:4

O. Henry’s classic tale “The Gift of the Magi” tells of Jim and Della, a young married couple who are struggling financially. As Christmas approaches they want to give special gifts to each other, but their lack of money drives them to drastic measures. Jim’s prized possession is a gold watch, while Della’s is her long, beautiful hair. So Jim sells his watch in order to buy combs for Della’s hair, while Della sells her hair to buy a chain for Jim’s watch.

Word For Today: A Fragile Gift

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 25 Dec 2015 06:00:00 +0000

Read: Luke 2:1-7

Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! 2 Corinthians 9:15

When we give a fragile gift, we make sure it is marked on the box that contains it. The word fragile is written with big letters because we don’t want anyone to damage what is inside.

God’s gift to us came in the most fragile package: a baby. Sometimes we imagine Christmas day as a beautiful scene on a postcard, but any mother can tell you it wasn’t so. Mary was tired, probably insecure. It was her first child, and He was born in the most unsanitary conditions. She “wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn” (Luke 2:7 nkjv).

Word For Today: Christmas Mystery

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 24 Dec 2015 06:00:00 +0000

Read: 1 Timothy 3:14-16

The mystery from which true godliness springs is great. 1 Timothy 3:16

As Charles Dickens’ story A Christmas Carol begins, there is mystery surrounding Ebenezer Scrooge. Why is he so mean-spirited? How did he become so selfish? Then, slowly, as the Christmas spirits marched Scrooge through his own story, things become clearer. We see the influences that changed him from a happy youth into a selfish miser. We observe his isolation and his brokenness. As the mystery is solved, we also glimpse the path to restoration. Concern for others pulls Scrooge from his self-absorbed darkness into a new joy.

A far more important mystery, and one much harder to explain, is that which Paul spoke of in 1 Timothy 3:16: “Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory.” Extraordinary! God “appeared in the flesh.”

The mystery of Christmas is how God could become man while remaining fully God. It defies human explanation, but in the perfect wisdom of God, it was the plan of the ages.
“What child is this?” He is Jesus Christ—God revealed in the flesh.
This, this is Christ the King, whom shepherds guard and angels sing

God made His home with us so that we might make our home with Him.

INSIGHT:

The mystery of Christmas is that Jesus came to us as God in the flesh. Those who believe in Him are called the body of Christ, the church. Paul uses various metaphors to describe it. In 1 Timothy 3:15 he refers to the church as “God’s household.” He is saying that God is our Father, Christ is our brother (Heb. 2:11-12), and we are God’s children (John 1:12; Gal. 3:26). Because our Father is the God of truth (John 3:33), because Jesus is the truth (14:6), and because the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of truth (15:26), the church is “the pillar and foundation of the truth” (1 Tim. 3:15).

Bible in a Year: Habakkuk 1–3; Revelation 15

By Bill Crowder

Word For Today: One Size Fits All

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 23 Dec 2015 06:00:00 +0000

Read: John 3:10-21

Whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

Like most children, I thoroughly enjoyed Christmas. With great anticipation, I would snoop under the tree to see what toys and games awaited my eager grasp. So I felt deflated when I started getting things like shirts and pants. Grownup gifts were no fun! Then last Christmas, my kids gave me some cool socks with bright colors and designs. I almost felt young again! Even grownups could wear these socks, as the label reassured me: “One size fits all.”

Word For Today: The Drummer Boy

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 22 Dec 2015 06:00:00 +0000

Read: Luke 21:1-4

She out of her poverty put in all she had to live on. Luke 21:4

“The Little Drummer Boy” is a popular Christmas song written in 1941. It was originally known as “Carol of the Drum” and is based on a traditional Czech carol. Although there isn’t any reference to a drummer boy in the Christmas story in Matthew 1–2 and Luke 2, the point of the carol goes straight to the heart of the meaning of worship. The carol describes how a boy is summoned by the Magi to the scene of Christ’s birth. Unlike the wise men, however, the drummer has no gift—so he gives what he has. He plays his drum, saying, “I played my best for Him.”

Word For Today: Amazing Love

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 21 Dec 2015 06:00:00 +0000

Read: John 6:32-40

I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. John 6:38

Approaching the first Christmas after her husband died, our friend Davidene wrote a remarkable letter in which she pictured what it might have been like in heaven when Jesus was born on earth. “It was what God always knew would happen,” she wrote. “The three were one, and He had agreed to allow the fracturing of His precious unity for our sake. Heaven was left empty of God the Son.”

Word For Today: Pax Romana

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 20 Dec 2015 06:00:00 +0000

Read: Isaiah 9:1-7

To us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. Isaiah 9:6

No one can afford the price of war. One website reports 64 nations are currently involved in armed conflicts. When and how will they end? We want peace, but not at the expense of justice.

Jesus was born during a time of “peace,” but it came at the cost of heavy-handed oppression. The Pax Romana (“Roman Peace”) existed only because Rome squashed all dissent.

Word For Today: The Seventh Stanza

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 19 Dec 2015 06:00:00 +0000

Read: Luke 2:8-14

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. Luke 2:11

In the summer of 1861, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s wife, Frances, died tragically in a fire. That first Christmas without her, he wrote in his diary, “How inexpressibly sad are the holidays.” The next year was no better, as he recorded, “ ‘A merry Christmas,’ say the children, but that is no more for me.”

In 1863, as the American Civil War was dragging on, Longfellow’s son joined the army against his father’s wishes and was critically injured. On Christmas Day that year, as church bells announced the arrival of another painful Christmas, Longfellow picked up his pen and began to write, “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day.”

Word For Today: Reaching Out in the Darkness

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 18 Dec 2015 06:00:00 +0000

Read: Psalm 139:7-12

The night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you. Psalm 139:12

Our old dog—a West Highland white terrier—sleeps curled up at the foot of our bed. That’s been her place for 13 years.

Normally she doesn’t move or make a sound, but lately she’s been pawing us gently in the middle of the night. At first we thought she wanted to go outside, so we tried to accommodate her. But we realized she just wants to know we are there. She’s nearly deaf and partially blind now. She can’t see in the darkness and can’t hear us move or breathe. Naturally, she gets confused and reaches out for reassurance. So I just reach down and pat her on the head to assure her that I’m there. That’s all she wants to know. She takes a turn or two, settles down, and goes back to sleep.

Word For Today: Christmas Rest

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 17 Dec 2015 06:00:00 +0000

Read: Matthew 11:28–12:8

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened. Matthew 11:28

As a boy I delivered newspapers in order to earn money. Since it was a morning newspaper, I was required to get up at 3:00 every morning, 7 days a week, in order to have all 140 of my papers delivered to their appropriate homes by 6:00 a.m.

But one day each year was different. We would deliver the Christmas morning newspaper on Christmas Eve—meaning that Christmas was the only morning of the year I could sleep in and rest like a normal person.

Word For Today: Holy Is Your Name

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 16 Dec 2015 06:00:00 +0000

Read: Exodus 20:1-7

You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God. Exodus 20:7

One afternoon I was having a discussion with a friend I considered my spiritual mentor about misusing God’s name. “You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God,” says the third commandment (Ex. 20:7). We may think this only refers to attaching God’s name to a swear word or using His name flippantly or irreverently. But my mentor rarely missed an opportunity to teach me about real faith. He challenged me to think about other ways we profane God’s name.

Word For Today: The Importance of How

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 15 Dec 2015 06:00:00 +0000

Read: Numbers 4:17-32

Assign to each man his work and what he is to carry. Numbers 4:19

While attending Bible college, my friend Charlie and I worked for a furniture store. We often made deliveries accompanied by an interior decorator who talked with the people who had purchased the furniture while we brought it from the truck into the house. Sometimes we had to carry the furniture up several flights of stairs in an apartment building. Charlie and I often wished we had the decorator’s job instead of ours!

Word For Today: Let’s Celebrate

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 14 Dec 2015 06:00:00 +0000

Read: Psalm 150

Praise him with timbrel and dancing, praise him with the strings and pipe. Psalm 150:4

After Ghana’s Asamoah Gyan scored a goal against Germany in the 2014 World Cup, he and his teammates did a coordinated dance step. When Germany’s Miroslav Klose scored a few minutes later, he did a running front flip. “Soccer celebrations are so appealing because they reveal players’ personalities, values, and passions,” says Clint Mathis, who scored for the US at the 2002 World Cup.

In Psalm 150, the psalmist invites “everything that has breath” to celebrate and praise the Lord in many different ways. He suggests that we use trumpets and harps, stringed instruments and pipes, cymbals and dancing. He encourages us to creatively and passionately celebrate, honor, and adore the Lord. Because the Lord is great and has performed mighty acts on behalf of His people, He is worthy of all praise. These outward expressions of praise will come from an inner wellspring overflowing with gratitude to God. “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord,” the psalmist declares (150:6).

Though we may celebrate the Lord in different ways (I’m not encouraging back flips in our worship services), our praise to God always needs to be expressive and meaningful. When we think about the Lord’s character and His mighty acts toward us, we cannot help but celebrate Him through our praise and worship.

How has this psalm challenged you to be more expressive in your praise to God? Spend some time thinking about the greatness of the Lord’s mighty works. Then give Him your praise.

Praise is the song of a soul set free.

INSIGHT:

The last five psalms (146–150) are also known as Hallelujah psalms because each of them begins and ends with “Hallelujah” or “Praise the Lord.” The psalmist calls for “everything that has breath”—every living thing on earth and spiritual beings in the heavens—to worship God for what He has done (v. 6). We praise Him for “his acts of power” and for “his surpassing greatness” (v. 2). God deserves the full and joyous expression of our commitment and devotion, and we can praise Him exuberantly with singing and musical instruments (vv. 3-6).

Bible in a Year: Joel 1–3; Revelation 5

By Marvin Williams |

Word For Today: How to Be Perfect

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 13 Dec 2015 06:00:00 +0000

Read: Romans 3:20-26

For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy. Hebrews 10:14

Christmas is the time of year when the pressure to be perfect intensifies. We imagine the perfect celebration and then put forth our best effort to make it happen. We shop for the perfect gifts. We plan the perfect Christmas Day meal. We choose the perfect greeting cards or write the perfect family letter. But our striving leads to discouragement and disappointment when our ability to imagine perfection exceeds our ability to implement it. The carefully chosen gift receives only a halfhearted thank you. Part of the meal is overcooked. We find a typo in our Christmas greeting after we’ve mailed the cards. Children fight over toys. Adults resurrect old arguments.

Instead of being discouraged, however, we can use our disappointment to remind ourselves of the reason Christmas is so important. We need Christmas because none of us is or can be all that we want to be—not for a month, a week, or even a day.

How much more meaningful our celebrations of Christ’s birth would be if we would give up our faulty concept of perfection, then focus instead on the perfection of our Savior, in whom we are made righteous (Rom. 3:22).

If your Christmas celebration this year is less than ideal, relax and let it be a reminder that the only way to be “made perfect forever” (Heb. 10:14) is to live by faith in the righteousness of Christ.

What expectations do you have for the Christmas season? Are they idealistic or realistic? Think about what you can do to focus more on Christ and the meaning of His birth.

INSIGHT:

In today’s passage the word righteousness stands out. It is important to see how Paul describes it. Righteousness is not achieved by works (v. 20); it is given freely to all who believe by faith (v. 22) and is demonstrated in the sacrifice of Christ (vv. 25-26). As verse 23 says, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” But God makes sinners righteous through the sacrifice of Christ.

Bible in a Year: Hosea 12–14; Revelation 4

By Julie Ackerman Link

Word For Today: A Hunger for God

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 12 Dec 2015 06:00:00 +0000

Read: Deuteronomy 4:9-14

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. 2 Timothy 3:16

A-poe-la-pi is an elderly member of the Akha, a hill tribe people who live on the mountain ranges of Yunnan Province in China. As we visited him on a recent missions trip, A-poe-la-pi told us that he had missed the weekly Bible study because of heavy rains. So he implored us, “Could you share God’s Word with me?”

In Deuteronomy 4, Moses urged the Israelites to listen carefully to the rules and regulations he was teaching them (v. 1). He reminded them that the source and inspiration behind the teaching was none other than God Himself, who had spoken to them “out of the fire” of Sinai (v. 12). Moses said, “He declared to you his covenant . . . which he commanded you to follow” (v. 13).

May A-poe-la-pi’s hunger to hear God’s Word encourage a similar desire in us. As the apostle Paul reminds us in 2 Timothy 3:15-16, the inspired Scriptures have been given for our good and growth—to make us wise in the salvation and ways of God.

Lord, give us a hunger to hear and understand the truth of Your Word. Help us show Your love to others by faithfully living out its instructions for us.

To know Christ, the Living Word, is to love the Bible, the written Word.

INSIGHT:

Verses 11-12 of today’s passage refer to one of the most critical events in Israel’s history—the giving of the law at Mount Sinai. After the Israelites left Egypt, where they had been enslaved for over 400 years and then rescued by God’s intervention, they were led by Moses through the Red Sea and made their way to Mount Sinai. There the people met the God who had rescued them, and His power was displayed in remarkable ways (Ex. 19:16-19). This meeting between God and His chosen people was the first step in turning this large extended family (the twelve tribes of Israel) into a nation with laws—also provided by their rescuing God.

Bible in a Year: Hosea 9–11; Revelation 3

By Poh Fang Chia

NFF releases statement, condoles Stephen Keshi over wife’s death

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 11 Dec 2015 11:09:00 +0000

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), has released a statement, condoling with former coach of the Super Eagles, Stephen Keshi, who has lost his wife, Kate to cancer.

According to reports, Kate died on Wednesday night in the US, after a brief illness.

NFF president, Amaju Pinnick, spoke with Keshi over the phone and sympathized with the former national team skipper.

“This is devastating. To lose a spouse is the equivalent of a tragedy. I pray that Almighty God will give you and the children the fortitude to bear this huge loss,” Pinnick told Keshi over the phone.

He also hailed Keshi as a Nigerian hero and prayed that God will give him strength to bear the demise.

“Keshi is a Nigerian hero and we mourn deeply with him at this time. This has come like a big blow, but we pray that he receives divine strength to cope with the situation, and we also pray that the Almighty God will grant the departed eternal rest,” Pinnick added.

DailyPost

News Headlines Today [Fri-11-Dec-2015]

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 11 Dec 2015 08:35:00 +0000

Below are top headlines from some Nigerian Newspapers, today

Daily Sun

When herdsmen-farmers clashes take centrestage at House of Reps

Excitement as Alaba FFDA leaders chart fresh path

Appeal Court upholds Saraki's election

It's victory for the masses, says Youth Vanguard

Abia erupts in celebration

Abia North: Jubilations as Kalu wins at Appeal Court

Bayelsa: Redeploy DIG, CP ' Guber candidates

Kogi House of Assembly Speaker impeached

Keshi loses wife to cancer

Wigwe advocates transformational leadership to boost Nigeria's devt

MSMEs: CBN plans 1m jobs in 2016

UBA Group celebrates 10 years of operation in Ghana

Microsoft, HP celebrate partners

Court's verdict victory for democracy ' Uzor Kalu

Boy, 18 goes wild for failing to win lady's love

Ambode launches 'Power Committee' to boost power supply to homes, businesses

Dokpesi to remain in custody till Monday

Jacob Zuma is taking South Africa's economy from bad to worse

Bayelsa killings: Bruce berates security agents, vows to drag perpetrators to ICC

Abacha loot: Arms are not roads, electricity, health, SERAP tells Okonjo-Iweala

PDP broke, says no money to complete N11.5bn secretariat

Senate hails CBN gov for admitting TSA abuse

Boy, 18, goes wild for failing to win lady's love

FG tasked to encourage local content policy in oil, gas

Kogi speaker impeached

Daily Times

House of Assembly Speaker Impeached in kogi State

Nigeria lacks control over oil resources ' Akinjide

Yoruba leaders' summit: A step towards unity

PDP on the March again

Stolen funds will be recover -EFCC Promise

Ex-Governor Akala set to join APC

Why Labour Party Secretary, Ajulo, resigned

A country divided against itself

Where has PDP's large purse gone

Marking Human Rights Day

WAEC names Adenipekun new head of Nigeria office

ASUU LASU seeks probe of atrocities under ex-VC

Bayelsa guber: Group demands immediate deployment of DIG, CP

Amnesty beneficiaries to receive outstanding stipends Tuesday

Umahi presents N101b for 2016 fiscal year

Soyinka condemns terror tactics by security forces

Reps flay social media Bill, back Buhari's anti-graft crusade

Ambode urges private sector to Improve in electricity supply

Writer 'loses suit' to transporter

Nigeria still 'under pressure' ' Kimono

Enugu SWAN tasks Rangers on signing quality players

CBN to support Nigerians get access to banking culture

Harmattan haze: NCAA cautions pilot over poor visibility

Computer Village Expo'15 Nigeria To Showcase Africa Largest Technology Market

ICT hubs will soon be establish across Nigeria, says Osinbajo

Simi: The relentless & fearless entertainer

British High Commission hosts winners of The Future Awards Africa 2015

Metro FM Fyne 2.0 set for all flavour Christmas concert

The Punch

RT Briscoe, UNILAG set up auto centre

BUA Group to pay off protesting workers

NBCC pledges to help redeem Nigerias image

Naira slides to 257 against dollar

South Eastern soups are the most nutritious ' Expert

250 substances in cigarette harmful to your lungs

Dasuki: Oshiomhole faults Okonjo-Iweala on $322m arms deal

It'll be disaster if APC fails Nigerians 'Dogara

Choice of spokesperson tears APC apart

We won't take issues with politicians, says Army

EFCC begins fresh probe into Dokpesi's N8bn sport deal

Bayelsa: Steer clear of poll, PDP tells military

CBN plans soft loans for one million graduates

Caution security forces, Soyinka tells Buhari

Kogi Assembly impeaches Speaker, elects new officers

A'Court sacks Sekibo, two Rivers PDP Reps

Africa needs local solutions to climate change

After stroke, Ogundaisi returns with Pardonable Unforgivable

FG’ll pay great attention to roads, others Fashola

Stop stealing our songs, Dbanjs manager tells Olamide

Reps pass 130 bills for first reading in one day

Reps grill Tukur, Baraje over N1tn railway projects

Keshi loses wife to cancer

Ambodes six months in office a waste PDP

Governors performance will shock Lagosians - APC

Water transport key to solving gridlock – Ambode

Ondo APC consults Lagos for winning formula

Oil falls to $39, threatens FGs savings plan

Lagos targets 24-hour power supply

World Bank reviewing activities in Nigeria

Vanguard

Islamic State menace rising in Africa, experts warn

Govt must recover stolen funds from corrupt public officials ' Lawmakers

APC spokesman: Oyegun, Frank clash

Senatorial seat: Kashamu's rough road to victory

Osun state Traditional Council Of Obas: Ooni Ogunwusi's first litmus test

FG signs MoU with Huawei to train 2000 Nigerians on ICT

CLO to FG: Deploy energies to crush B/Haram, not armless IPOB protesters

DAVID MARK: Middle Belt youths condemn Appeal Court judgment

Umudara community to fight unemployment with skill acquisition

Ortom suspends e-system

Bayelsa poll: Murray-Bruce vows to drag perpetrators of violence before ICC

Power: Lagos adds 220MW, inaugurates advisory c'ttee

Labour calls for review of power sector privatization

Senate, Reps battle over Frivolous Petitions Bill

Bail request: Dokpesi knows fate Monday

Why terrorism, violent crimes thrive

Yakubu: Two elections, two inconclusions

The proxy war in Kogi

BAYELSA POLLS: A genuine contest halted by flawed values

Renewable power solution'll underdevelop Africa 'Ayade

December deadline: Another trip to Maiduguri

I'll bring devt to African football ' Prince Ali Bin al-Hussein

NFF condoles Keshi over wife's demise

Dalung orders immediate payment of players' allowances

Nigeria face Algeria in U-23 final tomorrow

60 Nigerians to become millionaires in Airtel's new promo

Bimbo Akintola dazzles at youth empowerment programme

YouTube Rewind: Nigeria's top videos of 2015

This Day Live

The Wine Entrepreneur

Nyesom Wike: Governor for All

Nigeria's First Phone Insurance Service Launched

Eventful Sets Record with West Africa's Biggest Food Fair

Wills: Environmental Issues are Crucial to Sustainable Devt

Dealing with Smoking Addiction

Provide Adequate Healthcare in IDP Camps

99% of Commercial Drivers Are Hypertensive, LASG Says

The Folly of a Frivolous Bill

Ethiopian Wins Employer Choice Award

Beware of Wonder Banks, CBN Warns Public

CIMA Announces Offer for New Members

There's a Lot of Potential in Destination Weddings

Equities Market Rebounds on Gains by Banking, Consumer Goods Stocks

Expert Identifies Challenges of Investing in Aviation Sector

Fire Kills Baby in Lagos as Police Investigate Death of Six in Canal

Senate Moves to Separate Traffic Wardens from Nigeria Police

NEMA Denies Awarding Contracts for Landscaping, Car Park

NIMET Warns Pilots, Airlines on Harmattan Haze

Yahaya Bello Unfolds Development Agenda for Kogi

AVM Atawodi Denies Link to Arms Deal

Wigwe: Nigeria's Economic Challenges Provide Opportunities for Innovation

99% of Commercial Drivers are Hypertensive, LASG Says

Osinbajo: FG to Focus on Creating Enabling Business Environment

Amnesty Beneficiaries to Be Paid Next Week Tuesday

Jonathan to Present Keynote Address at 2016 Hope Global Forum in Atlanta

The Guardian

Indian women in battle against Mumbai mosque ban

Dollar ticks up as expected Fed rate hike draws closer

Clinton: Trump no longer funny

357m sexually transmitted diseases occur yearly

Experts seek private sector-driven reforms in air sector

Mosquitoes engineered to wipe out their species

Uncertainty over MTN's plan to cut Nigerian workforce

Rev King knows fate over death sentence Feb. 26

MASSOB declares revolution on Igbo leaders

Expectations heighten as Floodgates of Heaven climaxes at Holy Ghost Congress

Costa reflects on bib incident, Mourinho relationship, potential Atlticoreturn

NAMA takes steps towards hitch-free yuletide

Wanted! Education in a Knowledge Era

Why people who work out tend to drink more than those who dont

This Boko Haram insurgency will end, may be not this soon

Kia Cadenza looks sharper, elegant ahead of 2017

Pepsi Academy showcases talents, as at Festival of Youth ends today

Reece still waits on LGAN trustees for justice after election

Donaldson opens with 63 to lead Thailand Championship

Smokin Hills Resort plans first Royal tourney

Mourinho apologises to fans after victory against FC Porto

Weah, Fish, endorse Next2Nones Africa walk against human trafficking

Baseball, Softball Association to rejig for 2016

Australia outshines West Indies in Cricket test series

NNPC Junior Tennis Masters serves off December 14

Batum inspires Hornets after 21 games

Medview Airlines begins operations to Jeddah

Digital Broadcasting Migration is Nigeria’s Hope to Fight Content Piracy

Leadership Newspaper

Jonathan Bags Grand Dream Child Award

Kidnappers Demand N18m For Victims In Kogi

Ado Bayero's Son Drags Emir Of Kano To Court

Kerekou Was A Pursuer Of International Peace ' PMB

Reps Call For Urgent Funding Of IPCR

Sigma Pension 'll Commence Process Of Consolidation Next Year ' Modibbo

5m Nigerian Women Suffer From Endometriosis ' NORDICA Boss

Biafra: Agitation For Autonomy Must Be Within The Law ' Tony Momoh

Fiscal Federalism Panacea To National, Regional Conflict

Sultan Urges Muslims To Look For New Moon Of Rabi'ul Awwal Today

We Were Not Involved In N1trn Railway Contracts ' Ex-NRC Chairmen

100 Kano Employees Benefit From FG's GIS Training

Death Sentence: Supreme Court Decides Rev King's Fate Feb 26

It Will Be Disastrous If APC Fails Nigerians ' Dogara

Cash Reserve: CBN Threatens To Increase CCR If Banks Will Not Increase Lending

Kogi Governorship And The Constitution: What Lawyers Say

I Will Quit Nollywood If Mediocrity Continues ' Dakore

Standout Albums Of The Decade

Huge Crowd At Owerri Glo Concert Stuns Gov Okorocha

Brazillian, Spanish Beauties Converge On Calabar For Carnival

My Event Was An Evening To Remember ' Angel Twani

Tonto Dikeh's Husband, Olakunle Churchill, Segun Arinze, Halima Abubakar, Others Honoured At Nigerian Goodwill

Hon Ejiro Okpihwo CEO Most Beautiful Girl In Abuja Officially Declares Intention To Contest For Wuse Ward Councillorship

NERC Enforces Local Content Regulation To Check Expatriate Exploitation

NLPGA Seeks End To Controversial N1.7trn Kerosene Subsidy

OPEC Says Cheap Oil To Hit Rival Supply Harder In 2016

Globacom Unfolds Benefits Of Strategic Partnership With Vodafone

Nissan Named Among Top Most Admired Brands In Africa

CBN To Stop Banks' CRR Funds

The Nation

PDP, Reps, Anenih, Ayu, others named in N30b 'loot

Govt investigating Dokpesi for another N8b fraud allegation

Ex-director: I delivered $47m in 11 suitcases to Dasuki

CBN to banks: fund SMEs or lose CRR refunds

Bad day for senators, reps at Appeal Court

WAEC gets new chief

Soyinka: disobeying court orders is invitation to anarchy

Nigerian youths wasting away, says research

NCAA warns airlines, pilots against adverse weather

Tukur, Baraje, Shuni deny awarding multi-billion rail contracts at hearing

Free telemedicine services

Prostate, breast cancers are preventable, treatable

Anatomists seek review of Act

Ex-minister scores health sector high

Excess alcohol 'll affect puberty rate in adolescents

Work-readiness training for 29, 000 graduates

Don urges entrepreneurs to invest in processing

96 FGGC set members decry decay of alma mater

New EKSU VC receives hand over notes

Varsity where there are no backseats

Greenlife sponsors writing contest for pupils

Principals, head teachers, should acquire PGD in Educational Leadership, NIEPA

Foundation rewards indigent students

Resolving a college's financial woes

ASUU petitions Buhari over MOUAU VC

Reward for excellence

Nigeria, Japan trade hits $5.28b

Word For Today: DIVINE VISITATION

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 11 Dec 2015 06:00:00 +0000

Memorise: Then spake Joshua to the LORD in the day when the LORD delivered up the Amorites before the children of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel, Sun, stand thou still upon Gibeon; and thou, Moon, in the valley of Ajalon. Joshua 10:12

Read: Luke 1:26-33,

26 And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,

27 To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.

28 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.

29 And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.

30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.

31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus.

32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:

33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.

Word For Today: Like Shooting a Fly

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 10 Dec 2015 06:00:00 +0000

Read: 2 Corinthians 4:1-6

Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. 2 Corinthians 5:14

Macarena Valdes’s skill in mapping underground mines made a real difference in the rescue of the 33 Chilean miners trapped after an explosion in October 2010. Drilling to find the exact place where the men were located was like “trying to shoot a fly from 700 meters away,” she said. With her mining experience, Valdes was able to guide the probe to where the miners were entombed, which helped bring about their dramatic rescue.

Word For Today: Just the Ticket

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 09 Dec 2015 06:00:00 +0000

Read: Ephesians 1:1-10

In him we have . . . the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace. Ephesians 1:7

When a police officer stopped a woman because her young daughter was riding in a car without the required booster seat, he could have written her a ticket for a traffic violation. Instead, he asked the mother and daughter to meet him at a nearby store where he personally paid for the needed car seat. The mother was going through a difficult time and could not afford to buy a seat.

Although the woman should have received a fine for her misdemeanor, she walked away with a gift instead. Anyone who knows Christ has experienced something similar. All of us deserve a penalty for breaking God’s laws (Eccl. 7:20). Yet, because of Jesus, we experience undeserved favor from God. This favor excuses us from the ultimate consequence for our sin, which is death and eternal separation from God (Rom. 6:23). “In [Jesus] we have . . . the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace” (Eph. 1:7).

Never stop thanking God for His amazing grace.

Some refer to grace as “love in action.” When the young mother experienced this, she later remarked, “I will be forever grateful! . . . And as soon as I can afford it I will be paying it forward.” This grateful and big-hearted response to the officer’s gift is an inspiring example for those of us who have received the gift of God’s grace!

Dear Father, thank You for giving us what we don’t deserve. You have forgiven my sins and provided a way for me to be reconciled to You through the gift of Your Son. Help me to always be grateful for Your grace.

God’s gift is grace.

INSIGHT:

The city of Ephesus was “the capital of . . . the western part of Asia Minor. It was colonized principally from Athens. In the time of the Romans it bore the title of ‘the first and greatest metropolis of Asia.’ It was distinguished for the Temple of Diana, who there had her chief shrine; and for its theatre, which was the largest in the world, capable of containing 50,000 spectators. It was, like all ancient theatres, open to the sky. Here were exhibited the fights of wild beasts and of men with beasts (1 Cor. 4:9; 9:24, 25; 15:32). Many Jews took up their residence in this city, and here the seeds of the gospel were sown immediately after Pentecost (Acts 2:9; 6:9).”

Bible in a Year: Daniel 11–12; Jude

By Jennifer Benson Schuldt

Word For Today: The Perfect Gift

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 08 Dec 2015 17:45:00 +0000

Read: Romans 12:1-8

Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; bring an offering and come into his courts. Psalm 96:8

Every year our local botanical garden hosts a celebration of Christmas around the world. My favorite display is a French nativity. Instead of the traditional scene showing shepherds and wise men with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh gathered around the manger, it shows French villagers bringing their gifts to baby Jesus. They bring bread, wine, cheese, flowers, and other items that God has given them the ability to produce. This reminds me of the Old Testament command to bring the firstfruits of our labor to the house of the Lord (Ex. 23:16-19). This depiction of the nativity illustrates that everything we have comes from God, so the only thing we have to give is something that God has given us.

News Headlines Today [Mon-07-Dec-2015]

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 07 Dec 2015 09:00:00 +0000

Below are top headlines from some Nigerian newspapers today...

The Sun

Senegal 2015: Siasia admits tough Senegal encounter

Wrestling: Oborodudu, others for Brazil Cup

Dalung summons contractors over expiring N280m equipment

15th Lagos Governor's Cup gets underway

Why FG should drive listing on Stock Exchange 'Gwarzo, SEC DG

Nigeria's economy in dire strait 'Orji Kalu

Nigeria rakes in $293bn in oil taxes

World Bank, IFC unveil off-grid lighting solution for Nigeria

Saraki lobbies French Parliament on B/Haram, economy, Lake Chad project

Tukur escapes attempt on his life

Indian hospital performs heart transplant on 30-year-old

Governor El-Rufai allegedly attacked by mob

Senator Melaye Operates US Bank Account, Violating Nigeria's Code Of Conduct

Ayade to extend Calabar monorail to airport

Resign, if you can't pay salary, Aremu tells govs

South-East APC urges Ndigbo to support Buhari to build progressive nation

28 states technically bankrupt 'Ajimobi

2 DSS operatives arrested for robbery

Boko Haram: 3 soldiers die, others injured as military penetrates Sambisa

IFAD wins Development Partner of the Year

African Ministers seek remedy to acute climate risks

Nigeria will not be divided – Ganduje

Bayelsa poll:2 brigade commander,commander, others deployed in Southern Ijaw

BREAKING NEWS: Yahaya Bello wins Kogi election

Daily Times

Ogbomoso indigenes urged to be proud of town

Opponents of anti-frivolity Bill urged to make input

Biafra: Igbo in North 'condemn Onitsha unrest

Army 3 Div promotes 176 Officers

Caring for Nigeria's disabled persons

Ikpeazu inaugurates board for SMEs, others

Four students rape 16-yr old girl to coma in Ebonyi

Guber poll: Abatemi-Usman congratulates Kogi on APC's victory

Kogi: PDP rejects INEC's verdict, heads for tribunal

Bayelsa gov poll: Uncertainty as PDP claims victory

Pro-Biafra protest: Time for truce

Kogi inconclusive elections and the Nationality Question

Group raises concern over death of Commonwealth citizens

Okpella monarch to Dangote: Disregard negative report on my community

Anger, protest in Ebonyi community over planned takeover land

Atiku greets Ooni of Ife

BBOG tasks Buhari on Chibok girls

TETFUND: Olanipekun tasks Buhari on private varsities

N'Delta: Israel ready to partner Nigeria on amnesty beneficiaries

Umahi flags off work on 62.2 km roads in Ebonyi

Focus on rural devt, 'Rep urges Buhari

1.5m Lekki residents want alternative routes ahead of mall operation

FG'll re-integrate IDPs, says Osinbajo

Bode George didn't collect a dime from Dasuki, says group

Medical, Dental Council to sanction erring doctor

Abuja CJ backs Criminal Judge Act

Emir of Lafiagi urges Nigerians to support Buhari on graft

The Punch

NSE charges dealing clerks on integrity

Shareholders approve PZ Cussons merger with subsidiaries

Commodity Exchange needs governments support Experts

Lagos pays N1.5bn to 238 retirees

Yuletide: Food prices rise amid poor fuel supply

ARM diversifies, gets more subsidiaries

Lagos-Ibadan Expressway now for completion in 2018

Private sector key to economic growth Akande

Power firms poorly funded

Pressure on banking stocks to continue Analysts

Ignore Dasuki, Dokpesi supporters, Falana tells Buhari

Biafran agitators wont succeed

Boko Haram cells: Police heighten security in FCT

Lai Mohammed visits Borno, urges support for troops

Minimum wage: NLC mobilises workers for strike

Jonathans officials stole N197bn monthly Sanusi

Dickson leads as INEC declares winner today

Scores feared dead as troops invade Sambisa

El-Rufai sends team to understudy Al-Makuras GIS

Ogun pensioners accuse Amosun of neglect

Lekki residents want alternative routes before malls operations

Creative steps needed to tackle unemployment LASG

No alternative to one Nigeria

DSS arrests officers involved in N310m robbery

Buhari losing focus, says Fasehun

PDP scores Ambode 10%

FG plans partial autonomy for refineries

Naira drops to 251/dollar, external reserves now $29.7bn

NAICOM removes 108 insurance brokers from list

Risk management vital to growth NAICOM

Vanguard

Bayelsa polls: Dickson ahead, wins in 4 LGs

New VC laments ABSU's poor academic ranking

Widow cries out as fire guts her shop in Umuahia

Can Nigeria states go bankrupt' (2)

Is there nothing good about the so called illegal refineries

IPMAN protests sealing of members' filling stations

My pledge to LCCI, economy 'Nike Akande

My frustration with Halliburton, other corruption cases ' Ribadu

Ayandele urges schools to stimulate intellectual growth with music

Ambode approves 105 additional road maintenance gangs

Looking beyond positive GDP growth rate

State of economy: Why we need national conversation ' Oshiomhole

Finance sector worries over rising rules violations

Pioneering rapid growth in technology via CSR

Training, key to unlocking e-commerce potential in Nigeria ' Akinde

Global economic changes, accountability drive high demand for data ' Kale

NIA, CIIN bid to reposition insurance in financial services sector

Why Nigeria SMEs die with first generation, by Omoigui-Okauru

Giwa takes NFF to CAF over league match ruling

Leading English Premier League scorers

Does CBN mastermind the brazen rape of the treasury

Nuggets from the king' Ile -Ife is top priority

Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II: 'the Man, his Passion and the Crown

All 51 Ooni's Of Ile-Ife in history

ORIKI Ooni Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ojaja Keji

Ooni Ogunwusi' choice of the gods, blessing to the people- Prof . Aderibigbe

This Day Live

May & Baker Highlights Potential as Brokers, NSE Laud Firm

Gaius-Obaseki: Right Leadership, Decisions Will Revive Nigeria's Oil Industry

PETAN Honours Gaius-Obaseki, Okwuosa, Others

Seriki Bags IT Personality of the Year Award

Insight Emerges Most Decorated Agency at LAIF 2015

Sumptuous African Receives 2015 Inglewood Award

DMO, NSE Plan Product for Retail Bond Investors

Senate: Those Opposed to Anti-Frivolity Bill Have Opportunity to Make Input

LASG: DPR, NPA Approved Tank Farms without Due Process

NMA Frowns at FG over Non-implementation of Medical Tax Promises to deal with negligent members

THE NEED FOR CLEAR ECONOMIC DIRECTION

Infrastructure Development Stimulant for Economic Growth, Says TIB Boss

Expert Urges FG to Privatise Railways

BAYELSA GOVERNORSHIP RESULTS

Over 1,000 Security for Ooni's Coronation

Uwazuruike Renames MASSOB, Now Biafra Independent Movement

Governor Ikpeazu's Mum Passes on at 87

Royal Fathers Give UPU Factional Leaders Red Card

Boko Haram: Military Commences Strikes Deep into Sambisa Forest

Minimum Wage: NLC Urges APC, PDP to Call Governors to Order

NEMA, UN, Others to Provide Temporary Shelter to Over 2m IDPs in N'East

Sokoto to Declare State of Emergency in Education Sector

Two DSS, One Soldier Arrested Over Bureau De Change Robbery

INEC Returning Officer Faults Nullification of David Mark's Election

THE ARMS DEAL PROBE: Anti-graft War or Score Settling

X-raying Akpabio's Model of Opposition

Only Supplementary Election Can't Make Bello Kogi Governor - Coalition

The Guardian

Lagos completes Badagry asphalt plant, pledges to fix more roads

Dissecting Titus Okereke's Our father's land (1)

Governors and the minimum wage

Govt set to give states 30% shares in Discos

The Guardian wins DAMEs photography, child-friendly awards

NDLEA raids cannabis warehouse in Aba

DESOPADEC may drop projects to offset N10b debt

Senate to engage CBN on forex for fuel importers

DSS arrests two operatives for alleged N310 million robbery

MASSOB rebrands as Arewa youths sue for peace

It will be a sad Christmas for us

Anxiety mounts over OPECs stance on oil output

I cant be Bellos deputy, says Faleke

PDP leads in Bayelsa gov election amid violence

Reps plan reversal of Abuja land swap scheme

When Akwa United stars experienced essence of Dakkada

Ozil: I am playing the best football of my life

Oxford group, NESG strategise on Nigerias diversification

Financial stocks contribute 87.7% to NSEs turnover in one week

Govt plans migration to new accounting model

JCD launches PREVIS concept to boost property ownership in Nigeria

Lafarge launches studio-model affordable housing project

NBCC commences Lekkis N450m Plaza

UN to strengthen climate resilience in worlds most vulnerable countries

Professionals urge collaboration against building collapse

Delta sets up committee to identify undeveloped plots in Asaba

Developer debunks estate residents claims on management contract

Leadership Newspaper

How I Started Halliburton Investigation ' Ribadu

N1bn Scam: EFCC Arrests 8 Amnesty Programme Contractors/Consultants

Ayade To Extend Calabar Monorail To Airport

Nigeria Army Winning The War Against Boko Haram ' FG

Senate Begins Assessment Tour Of NNPC Depots Over Fuel Scarcity

New APC Emerges In Kaduna

FG Anxious To Complete East-West Road ' Minister

Gov Ikpeazu Loses Mother

$6bn Armsgate: Suspects' Rights Not Violated ' Falana

28 States In Nigeria 'Technically Bankrupt'' Gov Ajimobi

Fuel Scarcity: Senate To Engage CBN On FOREX Sales To Marketers

Nigeria Seeks US Assistance On Technology Transfer

80% Of Nigerian Airlines Insured Abroad ' Expert

Transcorp Hotels Issues N9.758bn Bond

14 Millionaires Emerge In Dangote Cement Promo

The Banker Names GTB Bank Of The Year

Direct Cash Settlement Will Reduce Share Fraud

Nigeria's Insurance Market Premium Yet To Hit N1trn ' Wiggle

IGR: Ondo Govt Realises N10bn In 11 Months

Traders In Calabar Attribute High Cost Of Food Items To Bad Roads

EPL Round-up: Wijnaldum Clobbers Klopp's Army

Team Tombim Wins Inaugural NCC Tennis League, Pockets N5m

Why Soludo Is Wrong On Buhari's Economic Policy (1)

Alleged Corruption: As Suswam Is Vindicated

Governors And The Phobia For N18, 000

How The Biafrans Lost Me

Anti-Social Media Bill: Before They Enter Yaba Left

Can Yahaya Bello Be The Next Churchill For Kogi

The NATION

$2b arms: EFCC weighs its options on Jonathan

PDP leads in Bayelsa poll

The Nation hauls five awards at DAME

Battle shifts to court as Bello is declared governor-elect

Kogi: PDP declares Wada poll's winner

Inside the world of oil marketers bleeding Nigeria

N310m robbery: DSS arrests operatives

APC: Fayemi's performance earned Ekiti budget transparency award

Ribadu opens up on $60b looted funds, $15m bribe from Ibori

Reckless spending responsible for dwindling resources, says NLC

Manufacturers spend N500b yearly on power

SEC verifies N5b investors compensation fund's beneficiaries

LPG use 'll save govt $1b yearly kerosene subsidy

Kia Rio gets Car of the Year award

Govt should protect local businesses

With The Job Show getting a job is as simple as ABC

An eye on 2016

The armsgate in perspective

The agbegi lo do metaphor

Terrorism prosperity

Protest against Oshiomhole funded by PDP

Judiciary is defending democracy, says Omoworare

He acted the role of king in school

Ooni: Custodian of Yoruba cradle

Oshiomhole should apologise to Igbinedion

How we want Ooni to rule

Ile-Ife's pre-eminence in Yoruba land

Instead of four, Ogunwusi obtained his HND in three years

Tribune

Prof Akinyemi for Engr (Rev) Etteh's annual lecture

Fasehun accuses FG of muzzling press, hounding opposition

No opposition to PDP in my constituency 'Mark

Senate's attempt to muzzle Nigeria's social media unnecessary 'HRW

Multiple accidents: Driver confesses to falling unconscious

Orji Kalu backs Buhari on corruption fight

Taxi driver, Okada rider die queueing for petrol in Ilorin

Oyo NUJ kicks off week with Jumat service

Kwara gov approves N3.2bn for capital projects

NOUN's configuration 'll not allow for unionism 'VC

FG approves promotion of 907 FRSC officers

Don't use tyres to roast meat

Saraki lobbies French Parliament on B/Haram, economy, Lake Chad project

Boko Haram: We are on course, Army chief insists

Don't deny Nigerians freedom of expression, GOCOP tells Senate

Abacha's loot: 11 questions Okonjo-Iweala must answer 'SERAP

Bayelsa poll: PDP wins 4 out of 5 announced LG results

N1 trillion rail contracts scam: Reps summon Tukur, Baraje others

Germany warns Saudi Arabia over Islamists funding

British airstrikes in Syria illegal ' Assad

Obama addresses Americans after California attack

US ex-President Jimmy Carter says cancer in brain is gone

Burkina Faso coup leader charged over Sankara murder

CBN to review N15bn SWIFT collateral mandate for banks

Money market awaits higher rate, aggressive mop up due to excess liquidity

Stanbic IBTC Bank opens Satellite Town branch

NSE: Investors gain N1.2bn, as returns increase by 0.05%

Start early to secure financial freedom, NSE advises youths

Hardship, economic crisis as calls for naira devaluation intensify

Why will a man cheat? - Juliet Ibrahim

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 07 Dec 2015 06:51:00 +0000

Cheating is a subject that has brought arguments between people, time and again. While some people believe men are born cheats, others believe cheating is influenced...

So, beautiful Ghanaian actress Juliet Ibrahim shared a post on this delicate topic (see below) on social media last night and as expected, a lot of people reacted with their own views on the subject.

One of her followers says "the fact is men cheat and women cheat too... Let's not make excuses for anyone..."

Wondering why a man will cheat?Simplest answer among all others: because there's always a woman out there willing to cheat with him #facts
— Juliet Ibrahim (@julietibrahim) December 7, 2015

Do you agree with Ms. Ibrahim? Please share your thoughts.

Word For Today: A Faithful Servant

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 07 Dec 2015 06:00:00 +0000

Read: Joshua 14:6-15

If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 4:11

Madaleno is a bricklayer. From Monday to Thursday he builds walls and repairs roofs. He is quiet, reliable, and hardworking. Then from Friday to Sunday he goes up to the mountains to teach the Word of God. Madaleno speaks Nahuatl (a Mexican dialect), so he can easily communicate the good news of Jesus to the people in that region. At age 70, he still works with his hands building houses, but he also works to build the family of God.

Word For Today: The Birth of Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 06 Dec 2015 06:00:00 +0000

Read: Luke 1:26-38

When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. Matthew 1:24

When the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary and then to shepherds with good news for the world (Luke 1:26-27; 2:10), was it good news to this teenage girl? Perhaps Mary was thinking: How do I explain my pregnancy to my family? Will my fiancé Joseph call off the betrothal? What will the townspeople say? Even if my life is spared, how will I survive as a mother all alone?

When Joseph learned about Mary’s pregnancy, he was troubled. He had three options. Go ahead with the marriage, divorce her publicly and allow her to be publicly scorned, or break off the engagement quietly. Joseph chose option three, but God intervened. He told Joseph in a dream, “Do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit” (Matt. 1:20).

God's love fills our hearts when we walk with him.

For Mary and Joseph, Christmas began with submitting themselves to God in spite of the unthinkable emotional challenges before them. They entrusted themselves to God and in doing so demonstrated for us the promise of 1 John 2:5: “If anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them.”

May God’s love fill our hearts this Christmas season—and every day—as we walk with Him.

Fill my heart, Lord, with rejoicing at the gift of Your love and forgiveness found in Your Son Jesus.

Obedience to God flows freely from a heart of love.

INSIGHT:

The announcement that Mary would become pregnant and give birth to the Messiah is nestled in the middle of another pregnancy story—that of Zacharias and Elizabeth, relatives of Mary. This too was a miraculous pregnancy, as the couple was old and had never been able to have children. Their child, who would be John the Baptist, would preach repentance and prepare the way for the Messiah.

Bible in a Year: Daniel 3–4; 1 John 5

By Albert Lee