Prayer for New Week

Declaration of new levels of favor for you, new doors of opportunity, God is breaking you free from limitation and discouragements; He is taking you to a new and higher level. It is not over yet until God says it’s over; so, keep pressing forward. “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”. Failure is not your portion, God by His grace and mercy is taking you higher, and moving your life forward. Yokes of financial limitation, debt, hardship, joblessness, stagnancy and delays shall be broken. God shall restore that which you have lost in years in the name of Jesus.

I decree the unmerited favor of God and healing upon your life and destiny. Regardless of your location, position, situation or circumstances right now, God will bring you out of the pit of shame and place you on higher ground. God will turn your mess to a message, and your disappointments will become a point of divine appointment. You may be at a low point right now, or situation may be very discouraging; it is not over yet. ”For though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again” You will rise again, you will have favor with people, and you will prosper in all that you lay your hand on in Jesus mighty name.

Happy new week folks from us ASB-WORLD

Mata Pens a Unique Open Letter to Chelsea fans

Mata & new manager. Image from Man Utd via Getty Image.

His departure from Stamford Bridge brought to an end a stellar two-and-a-half year stay for the Spain international who enjoyed a rich relationship with the club's fans.

The 25-year-old heads north as a Champions League, Europa League and FA Cup winner and despite heading to a club Chelsea fans considers as bitter rivals, he wrote a letter to them to explain the move.

Here, we pick out some of the choice quotes from his lengthy goodbye.

- Thanking the fans

"This letter is written from my heart, and first of all I would like to say that I will never forget all the affection given to me by the Chelsea fans. From the very first day until the last, with your support and affection I have grown up as a player and I have had an amazing time both on and off the pitch. I will always feel the gratitude towards you. Always. No words are enough to give back all the things I have received."

- On winning European trophies to being out of the first-team picture.

"There have been plenty of good moments: the FA Cup, my first trophy as a Blue; the immense happiness of winning titles for the first time in the club's history, such as that magical Champions League night in Munich  and the Europa League... On the other hand, I have experienced some complicated situations from a personal point of view, mainly during the last six months."

- On why he accepted the move to Manchester.

"Thank you so much for the way you have treated me, you have been unbelievable. I hope you understand that after going through a complicated and, for me, new situation in the last few months, I believe this is the best choice in order to carry on with my football career and to keep enjoying this sport. Before last summer, my intention was to stay here for a long time; as long as the club wanted me to, and to keep winning trophies for Chelsea FC.

"However, as you all know, things changed after the pre-season. From feeling like an important player, I started to experience some difficult situations and I felt unable to help the team to the extent that I wanted and was used to. Obviously, I fully respect the circumstances."

- On those he played with.

"I thank all my former team-mates for these two and a half years and I wish them the best, personally and professionally, for the future. Of course I have been closer to some of them, but the most important thing is that my years in Chelsea have left me with great friends."

- On manager Jose Mourinho, who ultimately oversaw his exit.

"(Thanks) to Jose, for making me a stronger player, because in difficult moments, I have learnt to remain positive and to keep working hard. Lastly, I want to thank the club, and in particular its owner, Roman Abramovich, for trusting me and making an important investment when signing me."

Source: independent.ie

Solution To All Problems

TEXT: MATTHEW 9:1-13

Key verse: “...They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick” (Matthew 9:12).
Jesus Christ is the Saviour of the world. He alone possesses the ability to deliver man from the tenacious grip of sin. He also has the power to heal those who are suffering from sicknesses and diseases.

Christ’s power to save and heal is evident in the healing ministered to the paralysed man, and the forgiveness of sin freely offered him. This man, no doubt, attracted the sympathy of his friends; they did their best for him by bringing him to Jesus Christ who alone was equipped to take away all the problems of life. 

Mere sympathies are not usually enough for people suffering from sicknesses and diseases. In fact, sympathizers sometimes have nothing more to offer than words. Christ Jesus is the only One who can offer a lasting solution to man’s problems. Apart from the ability to heal, He also has the power to save from sin.

 

When we are at the crossroads of life and all efforts appear futile and hopeless, our unwavering confidence in God will yield result and our expectations will be met. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came into the world to save sinners. He was anointed with the Holy Ghost and with power and went about doing good, healing all that were oppressed of the devil. No matter how great your trouble might be, whether it is an incurable disease that has defied all medication or a problem that erupted suddenly, Jesus will heal as you put your trust in Him.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Jesus has remedies for all maladies.

Never Be A ‘Dissension-er’

Women are powerful o! They can make or mar you, destroy or build you up! You don’t believe me? Read this story below:

Now it came to pass, when Isaac was old and his eyes were so dim that he could not see, that he called Esau his older son and said to him, “My son.”
And he answered him, “Here I am.”

2 Then he said, “Behold now, I am old. I do not know the day of my death. 3 Now therefore, please take your weapons, your quiver and your bow, and go out to the field and hunt game for me. 4 And make me savory food, such as I love, and bring it to me that I may eat, that my soul may bless you before I die.”

5 Now Rebekah was listening when Isaac spoke to Esau his son. And Esau went to the field to hunt game and to bring it. 6 So Rebekah spoke to Jacob her son, saying, “Indeed I heard your father speak to Esau your brother, saying, 7 ‘Bring me game and make savory food for me, that I may eat it and bless you in the presence of the LORD before my death.’ 8 Now therefore, my son, obey my voice according to what I command you. 9 Go now to the flock and bring me from there two choice kids of the goats, and I will make savory food from them for your father, such as he loves. 

10 Then you shall take it to your father, that he may eat it, and that he may bless you before his death.” - Genesis 27: 1- 10 (NKJV)

We may all be very familiar with the story above. The story of how Jacob swindled Esau of his father’s firstborn blessings. Several interpretations have been given to this story but I would want to concentrate on what Rebecca, their mother, did. She was the one who brought up the suggestion that Jacob should pretend to be his brother Esau. She even gave him good tips on how to go about it. She capitalised on the fact that Jacob and Esau did not see eye to eye, or how else would you explain how Jacob could flow with the idea and not resist it? It’s obvious there must have been some form of rift between them before Rebecca cooked up her plan. But that’s not where I’m going. Rebecca did what most women do not hesitate to do – She caused dissension between brothers!

Dissension is sowing discord, disunity, disagreement, tension, strife etc. Sure, men do this too but have you noticed that it is where women are gathered that it is most prevalent? And of course we have a biblical example to back that up….lol
But seriously, how does God feel about this?

Proverbs 6: 16-19
These six things the LORD hates,
Yes, seven are an abomination to Him:
17 A proud look,
A lying tongue,
Hands that shed innocent blood,
18 A heart that devises wicked plans,
Feet that are swift in running to evil,
19 A false witness who speaks lies,
And one who sows discord among brethren. (NKJV)

How many times have you seen the word ‘hate’ alongside God? How can a God who is Love personified be capable of hating? It is because He knows the damage discord can bring. He hates the act, and it is impossible to sow discord and be in love. In other words, anyone who causes conflict and strife among brethren (Brethren here meaning God’s people, not necessary a congregation – going beyond the 4 walls of a church) does so with the intention of spreading the bile of hatred, causing dis-unity. Where there is discord, there you can find every evil practice, and prayers can never be answered!
Can I implore of you today - If you are guilty of causing faction, sowing discord for your own selfish gain – 3 words: STOP IT PLEASE! It profits nothing.

 Instead do the following highlighted in the Book of Ephesians chapter 4 (NIV) 2-3: Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 
Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body

29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen

31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

May we grow up spiritually to realise that the goal of loving our Heavenly Father who loves us is more important than allowing the ‘little foxes that destroy the vine’ remain in our lives. 

Remember, Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, CANNOT love God, whom they have not seen – 1st John 4:20 (NIV).

-By Dedy

CHAN 2014: Nigerian Eagles secure dramatic 4-3 win over Morocco

Nigeria's home based Eagles came from behind to secure a dramatic 4-3 victory over Morocco after extra time to qualify for the semifinal of the African Nations Championship(CHAN)

It was a game of two halves as both Nigeria and Morocco put up a great spectacle in an entertaining quarter-finals match.

The Eagles looked a shadow of the team that defeated South Africa as they were completely dominated by the Atlas Lions of Morocco in the first half.

Stephen Keshi’s team tuned off and paid for their laxity, conceding three goals in a space of seven minutes, going into the break with a three-goal deficit.

Chigozie Agbim would have been scratching his head over his performances as he watched the goals go past him.

Morocco got the first goal after they were gifted possession in the midfield and quickly countered to net the opener.

A pass was laid for Mohsine Moutaouali who lobbed Chigozie Agbim to score the first goal, and the other two goals followed in quick succession.

In between the goals scored by Morocco, Nigeria's best chance fell to Gbolahan Salami whose effort went inches wide from finding the net.

Mouhssine Iajour found a way past Nigeria's wall in a free-kick to net the second goal, beating Agbim at the near post.

Morocco now in the ascendancy further punished Nigeria, with Moutaouali grabbing his second of the game catching Agbim wrong-footed to score from the edge of the box.

However Nigeria regrouped and started the second half the hungrier of both sides, with Stephen Keshi rejigging his side with some tactical changes, bringing out Salami for Barnabas Imenger. 

Ugonna Uzochukwu started the comeback for Nigeria, bringing down the ball with his chest and shooting from the edge of the box to pull one back.

Rabiu Ali scored another goal to ignite hope, shooting an unstoppable shot inside the box after Imenger knocked down the pass to him to make the scores 2-3 .

The Eagles had chances to score but were made to be patient for the goal, trying hard to carve openings for a goal.

And when it was almost the 90th minute Ejike Uzoeynyi stepped up with the miracle, dribbling a player to belt an unstoppable shot that drew Nigeria level at 3-3 forcing extra time.

With the momentum now with Nigeria, the Eagles marauded the Moroccans probing for the fourth goal.

And it duly came in the second half of extra time when Uzoenyi made an in-swinging cross into the box, but the Moroccan keeper spilled the ball and Abubakar Ibrahim capitalized to slot the ball into the net.

Nigeria saw out the game and have now qualified for the semifinals,where they will meet the winner of the game between Ghana and DR Congo.

It was a performance that has seen Nigeria so far emerge as the highest goal scorers in this competition, accounting for 12 goals.

Culled from: nigerianbulletin.com

WOMAN TO WOMAN

Woman to Woman someone will always be prettier. Someone will always be smarter. Someone's house will be bigger. Someone will drive a better car. Someone will earn more. Someone will travel more. Just let it go. Take care of yourself.

 Love yourself and your circumstances. The prettiest, slimmest woman in the world may have sadness in her heart. The most highly favored woman in your office may not be able to have children. That married friend of yours might not be happy in her marriage. The richest woman you know may have the car, the house, and the clothes - but might be very lonely.

So, love yourself Love who you are right now. Tell yourself "I am too blessed to be stressed." Be well. Be happy. Be blessed. Pass this on to encourage another woman because, "To the world you might be one person, but to one person you just might be the world".

Remember Only God is perfect! We are His creatures we need Him at one time or the other for our own perfection. God Bless you real good!

-By Bolanle.

Egusi Soup(Melon Soup)

Egusi soup is a soup most Nigerians loved and also one of the most popular soup right, lol.?  There are different ways people make Egusi soup : those who fry the egusi, those who boil the egusi...whatever method used, the most important thing is that it tastes yummy abi? What method do you use?

INGREDIENTS

Salt

Egusi

Onions

Ponmo

Palm Oil

Vegetables

Knorr Cube
Locust Beans (optional)

Ground Crayfish

Chopped Pepper

Chicken/Meat/Turkey/Fish

RECIPE

• Heat up a pot and add palm oil, enough to fry the egusi (not deep fry oh) 

• When the palm oil is hot add onion, stir a bit then add chopped pepper. If you use blended dty pepper you don't need to add it at this stage. I add Iru (locust beans) too  but that's optional.

• Add the blended melon  and stir continuously. Egusi quickly burns and when it does, the taste don comot. Add blended crayfish and blended dry pepper (if that's what you have) Stir for about 5 minutes.

• Add stock if you have or just use water, I'd rather use stock, makes it yummier!

• Add some water to the mixture, add your boiled beef/meat/chicken, cover and allow to boil, stir it frequently. I add my beef/chicken at this stage because I want the egusi juice to marinate the beef/ponmo,chicken. If I'm using fish or soft chicken/turkey I add it right befor I add my vegetables. 

• When it's cooked you will see the oil floating a bit on the top. Taste for salt...if the spice from the stock is not enough then add some more. It's better to wait to add stock before adding salt/knorr when cooking to avoid over salting the food. 

• Now you can add your vegetables. I love using spinach but I couldn't find any so I used Ugwu leaves. 

• Mix the vegetable with the Egusi and cover to allow it cook properly.

• Serve with Amala, Pounded Yam. Semo even Rice! By Sisi Yemmie's recipe