A 2003 infestation of Mormon crickets caused more than $25 million in lost crops. The crickets came in such numbers that people couldn’t so much as take a step without finding one underfoot. The grasshopper-like insect, named for attacking the crops of the Utah pioneers in 1848, can eat an astounding thirty-eight pounds of plant material in their lifetimes, despite being merely two to three inches long. The impact of infestations on famers’ livelihoods—and the overall economy of a state or country—can be devastating.
The Old Testament prophet Joel described a horde of similar insects ravaging the entire nation of Judah as a consequence for their collective disobedience. He foretold an invasion of locusts (a metaphor for a foreign army, in the minds of some Bible scholars) like nothing previous generations had seen (Joel 1:2). The locusts would lay waste to everything in their path, driving the people into famine and poverty. If, however, the people would turn from their sinful ways and ask God for forgiveness, Joel says the Lord would “repay [them] for the years the locusts have eaten” (2:25).
We too can learn from Judah’s lesson: like insects, our wrongdoings eat away at the fruitful, fragrant life God intended for us. When we turn toward Him, and away from our past choices, He promises to remove our shame and restore us to an abundant life in Him.
Today’s Reflection What can you ask God’s forgiveness for today?
Topic: Hit Him With the Rock [Kenneth Copeland Devotional 1 February 2019]
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. – Psalm 23:1-2
Have you ever thought about David and wondered how a shepherd boy could become a man after God’s own heart—a man so strong in spirit that God chose him to be king of Israel? I have.
In fact, I asked God about it, and He showed me that revelation was what turned David into such a spiritual powerhouse—revelation that came to him through hours of thinking about the things of God. I imagine the day he wrote Psalm 23 he was just sitting and singing praises to God and meditating on His goodness. Just fellowshipping with Him when suddenly the anointing of the Lord came upon him and he said, “The Lord is my Shepherd!”
Suddenly he thought about the sheep he watched over as a boy, I faced death for those sheep. I led them where pastures were green and waters were cool, clean, deep, and peaceful. He kept on meditating on that until it started to thrill him. When the lion and the bear came, didn’t He prepare a table before me in the presence of those enemies? He gave me victory. My God! My God will fight for me. The Lord is my Shepherd! I shall not want!
That revelation welled up in David so strong that the devil couldn’t beat it out of him. So when Goliath tried to make a fool out of Israel, David went after him. Goliath was able to scare off everyone else, but he couldn’t shake David because he had a revelation inside him that said, Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for my God is with me. That revelation enabled David to say, “I come against you in the name of the Lord of Hosts” and to send a rock sailing into that giant’s brain.
Is the devil out to destroy you? Do what David did. Meditate on God and His Word. Sing praises to your King. Fellowship with Him until the revelation of who He is in you starts to thrill your soul. Then tell the devil, “You’re not going to kill me. The Lord is my Shepherd!” Hit him with the rock of revelation knowledge, and you’ll knock him flat every time.
This message was written by Kenneth and Gloria Copeland, the leader of the Kenneth Copeland Ministries (www.KCM.org) that specializes in teaching principles of bible faith – prayer, healing, salvation and other biblical topics.
Mawarire was one of more than 1,000 people arrested recently in a government crackdown on protests against dramatic fuel price hikes in Zimbabwe.
He has been charged with subversion and faces 20 years in prison if convicted.
Mawarire told reporters that President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government was no better than that of former leader Robert Mugabe.
With the country’s flag wrapped around him while he held a Bible, he said: “Once again we have to run and hide. It breaks my heart.
“I was locked up with over 300 young men whose limbs were broken after being beaten by soldiers and police. It is a tragedy, it is a shame.
“There are 16-year-olds who have been locked up.”
It is unclear if any of the prisoners in the jail on the outskirts of the capital, Harare, have received any medical care.
Action by the police and army followed a breakdown in law and order in Harare and Bulawayo two weeks ago which led to some looting and rioting.
Twelve people were shot dead by police while many more were assaulted amid the worst violence seen in Zimbabwe in ten years.
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Pelosi, DeVos Address Christian Educators on Policy and Faith
WASHINGTON (RNS) — Hours before post-shutdown conversations began on immigration and border security on Capitol Hill, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi told a group of Christian educators gathering in the nation’s capital this week that she intends to uphold her responsibility to “act upon our beliefs in the dignity and worth of every person.”
Those people include refugees seeking to cross our borders, Pelosi told the Presidents Conference of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities on Wednesday (Jan. 30).
“We’re hoping that we can find common ground as soon as possible so that we can not only meet the responsibility to protect our border and treat people coming here with dignity and respect but also to keep government open,” she said.
The opening session of the three-day CCCU conference, held at the Dirksen Senate Office Building, also featured a talk with Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos. Both spoke of their faith as an integral part of their work as government leaders.
Pelosi said she hopes decision-makers on both sides of the debate over the wall at the Southern border can agree on funding for key needs in Latin America as well as the U.S.: food and medical care for people crossing the border, assistance for the countries from which they are fleeing and additional federal judges to adjudicate their cases.
Michael Overd was detained in Fore Street, Bridgwater on Saturday 26th January. He is accused of breaking the conditions of a dispersal order – Section 35 direction which barred him from entering the town centre.
The 54-year-old from Arundells Way in Creech St Michael is scheduled to appear at Taunton Magistrates Court on 28th February.
According to the This Is The West Country news website, Mr Overd says he plans to plead not guilty.
Dispersal orders allow police to move individuals on from an area and stop them from returning for up to 48 hours (not including residential areas).
They can be issued in order to remove or cut the likelihood of members of the public becoming “harassed, alarmed or distressed” or “the occurrence of crime or disorder”.
Included in the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003, they also gave officers greater powers to break up groups of people. Dispersal orders are granted by local councils – with input from partner organisations.
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The Bible Belt isn’t as unique as it once was in American culture. But revitalizing churches in the area often still requires some unique considerations.
This Week’s Question:
FROM AARON — I am finishing my seminary degree this semester and feel called to pastor in the Bible Belt. Since a lot of church revitalization is needed in the Bible Belt, what are some unique challenges of pastoring in the Bible belt?
Episode Highlights:
There’s not as much of a cultural divide in the Bible Belt as there used to be.
When we truly start to love Jesus more, we will start to love our neighbors more.
Just because someone may have joined a church earlier in life doesn’t make them truly a Christian.
Anyone who believes they are entitled to something from God, know the adversary has put that thought in you, not the Holy Spirit.
The seven reminders we cover are:
Understand what is not unique about the Bible Belt.
Clarify the “why” behind your sense of calling.
Understand the plague of cultural Christianity
Tactical patience is always important, no less so in the Bible belt
Deal with the issue of unregenerate membership
Be prepared to deal with an entitlement mentality
Remember, a Great Commission outward focus is key wherever you serve
Resources mentioned in this episode include:
Revitalize & Replant is sponsored by the North American Mission Board and ChurchReplanters.com. More than 10% of churches in…
A Glorious Beginning (Part 3) By Pastor Faith Oyedepo
Topic: A Glorious Beginning (Part 3)
Dear Reader,
I count it a great privilege to bring God’s Word your way again. Today, I shall be talking on budgeting. Do you have a financial budget?
It is a fact that those who fail in life do so because they failed to plan. As you begin a new year, planning is a vital requirement if you desire financial stability. Plan your expenditure pattern. If you don’t, impulsive spending can rob you of a glorious financial future.
Many families do not see the need for a budget. If you take time to survey how many families have financial budgets, you will discover that only two, out of 10 families sampled, have for their families. A family that desires to prosper financially should have a laid down rule for spending money. So, plan out your family’s weekly and monthly expenditures especially in this new year. The Bible says: For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?… Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand? (Luke 14:28-31).
‘Sitteth down first’ means to map out a plan. One man of God said, any army general that wants to go to war must win the battle on paper first, before he takes his men to the battle-field or else they will be slaughtered. He must first sit down and draw a strategy of attack on paper. He should also have alternatives in case of a surprise attack. The same thing applies if you desire to have a financial future. You need to plan how you are going to spend your money on paper first.
What is planning? Someone said, “Planning is thinking plus writing. Think about the things you need to spend money on during the month, list them out and calculate so when the money comes you know where to put it. This also involves projecting into the future because as you think, “What do I need money for this month?” you are thinking ahead. For the believer in Christ Jesus, this is the essence of “the gift of a sound mind.” But we have the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16).
Planning and budgeting are necessary for proper financial management. How will you know how much you need per month if you have not sat down to write out what your expenditures for the month are. Also, if you find out that what you earn is not enough, sitting down to plan will help you tailor your expenditure. As a child of God, you ought to cut your coat according to your cloth. You must therefore:
Beware of waste
A waster is a person who uses resources wrongly. To waste what you have is an offence to the Lord. The Lord Jesus gave us this example when He said, “gather the fragments that nothing be wasted” (John 6:12). The scripture says: I created the waster to destroy (Isaiah 54:16). This means a waster is also a destroyer. He destroys good things without knowing.
Spend wisely
In spending money, DISCIPLINE is a major requirement. Engage in priority spending. It is being able to ascertain the things needed and buying them first before other items. Not all spending is right. If you’re indebted, understand that debt is not the will of God for you, whether you entered into it as a result of pressure from legitimate needs or lack of contentment with your present position or possession. So, stay clear of indebtedness for God hates it. The scripture says: Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. (Romans 13:8). You can be free from debt. Mix prudence with contentment and enjoy great gain. Learn to order your priorities right. There are certain things you collect on credit that could wait till later. Please live your size per time. Cut off from friends who drive you to live above your means. The Word of God says: All things are lawful but not all are expedient (1 Corinthians 6:12). Expedient means suitable and necessary. Engage in buying things that are necessary and vital per time; if not, you may end up selling the things that you need, that will not be your portion in Jesus name! Remember God hates waste (John6:12).
You need the grace of God to do what is required to enjoy a glorious financial future. If you are not yet born again and you desire to do so right now, please pray this prayer with faith in your heart: Dear Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me my sins and cleanse me with Your Blood. I accept You as my Lord and personal Saviour. Make me a child of God today. Thank You for delivering me from sin and satan to serve the living God and thank You for accepting me into Your Kingdom.
Congratulations! If you prayed this simple prayer of faith with me, you are born again and 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).
With this, you are guaranteed all-round rest and peace in Jesus’ Name! Call or write to share your testimonies with me through [email protected], 07026385437 OR 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)
Pastor Faith Oyedepo is the wife of Bishop David Oyedepo, the founder of the Living Faith Church Worldwide a.k.a. Winners’ Chapel, and Senior Pastor of Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, Nigeria.
Sarah Sanders also told Virginia-based Christian Broadcasting Network that he had done a “tremendous job” in advocating for American believers.
The 36-year-old said: “I think God calls all of us to fill different roles at different times and I think that He wanted Donald Trump to become president.
“That’s why he’s there and I think he has done a tremendous job in supporting a lot of the things that people of faith really care about.”
Sanders also said evangelical believers were “sticking” with Mr Trump because “he’s delivered on all the things he said he would do”.
She went on to say: “I would argue he’s the most conservative president that we’ve ever had.
“You look at the judicial nominations alone I think that will be one of the greatest legacies that the president has after his eight years in office is how he has completely remade the judiciary and started to stop this activist court that we’ve started to see over the last eight years.”
CBN News sits down for an exclusive interview with White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders tomorrow on The 700 Club. Check local listings. pic.twitter.com/RNA8C6cQ7l
My father owned a bakery so I grew up eating the freshest, hottest bread you can imagine. I had bread every other day and I had it with virtually everything, eggs, sardines, fried fish, beans, chicken (all manner of chicken; boiled, fried, grilled, roasted, etc.), suya, akara, moin-moin, even with locust beans; and of course I also had lots of bread and stew. Again I tried bread with all sorts of stews and soups especially fish stew, beef stew, efo riro, and egusi soup.
Bread is such a universal food, it’s eaten in one form or the other across the whole world. The sheer varieties of bread available is breath taking.
Across West Africa, hard dough and sweetened bread is the most common and it is most often eaten for breakfast and seldom for lunch or dinner.
Now a days, I have bread and stew as a complete meal as it could be really satisfying and filling. Serving the stew into a hollow piece of bread as shown is a tidy way to serve this epic dish which shows similarities to some bread dishes eaten in the West Indies and South Africa.
You’ve got to try it, especially if you have some left over fish or meat stew in your fridge.
What you need: For the stew:
700g Beef (cut into small bite size chunks)
1 large red bell pepper (the more peppers used the thicker the stew)
1 small onion
2 tin of plum tomatoes
1 small scotch bonnet chilli (optional)
Some cooking oil
Salt
What to do:
Season beef pieces with some thyme and salt. Place meat pieces in a pot, add some water and boil until meat becomes soft. Set aside.
Blend tomatoes, peppers (the scotch bonnet chilli, if using) and onion into a smooth paste. Add water to enable easy blending.
In a separate sauce pan, heat some oil, then transfer blend. Allow to cook for about 5 minutes, then add the meat including the stock from step 1. Continue to cook under medium to low heat to reduce the stew down. This will also allow the meat to cook to tender perfection. The resultant stew should be of a reasonably thick consistency.
Cut a piece of bread and create a hollow in it. Toast all sides of the bread to make it more rigid. Spoon the stew into the bread and serve hot.
Nigerian Bread & Stew
Variations: Try serving your bread with other stews or bean dishes. Also try serving the beef stew with other types of bread like naan, pitta etc.
The Encounter – Stranded in the middle of nowhere, five strangers find themselves marooned in a small deserted roadside diner. An arrogant businessman, (Steve “Sting” Borden), a lonely single woman, (Jaci Velasquez), a couple on the verge of divorce, and a youthful runaway, all come face to face with the diner owner who serves them more than temporal nourishment.
This very nice host called Nazarene, (Bruce Marchiano) who knows all of their secrets and possesses the answers to all of their problems, if only they would trust him. It is this miraculous Encounter that will leave them all changed.
The Encounter is an inspirational and intriguing faith-filled family drama about five people who are brought faced to face with Jesus and encouraged to examine the true condition of their lives.
“I am the light of the world. He who believes in me shall not perish.”
It follows 5 strangers living in California: Nick, a former NFL player and owner of a chain of burger restaurants; Hank and Catherine, a married couple whose marriage is falling apart; Melissa, a Christian on the way to visit her boyfriend (who is an atheist) and Kayla, a hitchhiker escaping her horrible living conditions in Los Angeles. When a detour road is closed off, the 5 are stranded in a diner with its omnipresent owner, who discreetly reveals himself to be Jesus, and attempts to help each of the patrons to face the truth in their life, particularly its dark side, to seek repentance and go for reconciliation.
Along with serving them Jesus helps Hank and Catherine re-establish dialogue as a couple, helps Melissa think of the long term difficulties she will face in a relationship, and marriage, with her boyfriend who is a non-believer, and helps Kayla find it in her heart the strength to forgive her abusive stepfather, despite everything he has done.
Each patron at the diner ends up being either born-again or is brought to a life changing decision by Jesus except for Nick, whose pride and selfishness block him and causes him to reject all questioning on his life style and purpose, in spite of acknowledging having been deeply loved by his grandmother. Officer Deville (the police officer who first informed the patrons of the road being closed off) returns and tells everyone that the road has been re-opened. Nick happily leaves with Deville, who gloats that he has taken one with Jesus saying he has saved four in rebuttal.
As the other patrons leave the diner, they learn from an officer on the road that the road is closed again, because of a most serious car accident. They come to know that Nick was involved in the crash, which killed him instantly. He also reveals that he has never heard of a Police Officer called ‘Deville’. Then Kayla realizes that Deville was actually the Devil in disguise based on the pronunciation of his surname.
The next day, Hank and Catherine find that the diner has mysteriously vanished, possibly because Jesus has managed to accomplish his mission of turning their lives around. In Thailand, Jesus shows up as a waiter, alluding to the 2012 sequel film, The Encounter: Paradise Lost.
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