₦airaland Forum

please all these humans advertising here...kindly create your own thread and run your thing.
I dont just know why some humans cant make use of their.... anyway i am warning

meanwhile.

Vacancy
Accountant needed urgently must have a 1st class 2:1 in accountancy with any reputable University, experience on the use quick books will be an added advantage. send cv to info@byteworks.com.ng

Mass Reading & Meditation for September 1, 2014
Catholic Meditations



Meditation: 1 Corinthians 2:1-5





So that your faith might rest not on human wisdom but on the power of God. (1 Corinthians 2:5)

It has been said that the greatest chasm in the world is the distance between the mind and the heart. So when St. Paul went to Corinth, he didn’t focus on sublime teaching about God or argue about moral issues. He simply presented Christ crucified, risen, victorious, powerful. He didn’t give the people teachings about Christ as much as he gave them Christ himself. He wanted to bridge that chasm!

Paul’s words were so effective because he showed the heart-to-heart, person-to-person relationship that Jesus came to give us. He showed that Jesus is more than a great teacher; he is our salvation. He is not just an idea; he is a person. Jesus himself is the very foundation of our faith.

So let’s connect with Jesus on a personal level, a “heart” level, today. Let’s allow the Scriptures to bring us face to face and heart to heart with the Lord. Reread today’s Gospel and place yourself in the scene. As the synagogue members listen to Jesus and note the graciousness of his words, they still can’t bridge that gap between their minds and their hearts. They are impressed with him intellectually and emotionally, but they still can’t get past what they know of him. He grew up with them; they played together as children; they worked together at their trades. He couldn’t possibly be more than they already know! And so their polite approval changes to fury when Jesus exposes their closed hearts.

Jesus’ heart must have ached to see his neighbors unable to accept him.

What about you? Will you go deeper than what you know about the Lord? Will you let him—Jesus, the person, and not just the ideas about him—touch your heart?

“Lord, I believe that you are more than I know. I don’t want to be just convinced about who you are. I want to meet you and know you personally. Jesus, come and be the foundation of my faith!”

Psalm 119:97-102; Luke 4:16-30

HAPPY NEW MONTH MY BELOVED PEOPLE....Remember,there is nothing difficult for God to do.
Was the last month not so good for you?
Were you disappointed?
Did you see yourself not achieving what you set out to do?
Are you doubting the promises made over your life?




But you are alive to see this new month,so cheer up...we have a loving Father who see and knows the best for us.
Always trust in him,even in the most difficult situation
HE IS ABLE
MARANATHA

After hearing so many bad things about the Nigeria Police force,i didnt know that one day i will fall victim to their wicked and corrupt mind.
One my way yesterday in Lagos State,while my cousin was driving down the National Stadium Surulere onward to shitta and down to lawanson.As we were approaching the traffic light infront of the stadium (which had two traffic lights that work almost simultaneously),before the light changed to orange my cousin having passed the first traffic light which was few steps away from the second stopped.

In less than few seconds,three female police officers standing by came and started questioning us.
One said " why didnt you stop since and its now that the light was changing to orange that you will stop.Before we knew what was happening the other ladies jumped inside the backseat.
The second lady asked us to park in front of the stadium,but my cousin and i insisted that we didn't commit any traffic offense.Yet the refused and asked us to drive into the stadium.Because we refused, the lady started shouting that we want to kidnap her? (someone who forcefully entered your car is now raising alarm).....this was where the whole drama unfolded.

Unknown to us,they actually led us to a police station inside the National stadium.Immediately we where confronted by two men who looked hungry and unpleasant in their uniform.This was the DPO and another officer or whoever they were.They started accusing us of trying to kidnap the ladies and secondly breaking the traffic rules.Meanwhile these ladies have already disappeared and gone back to their duty post ( waiting for another victim).

The DPO told us that our offense is 80,000naira else we will be taken to alausa...at that point we felt weak and cold,knowing that this was not going to end up in a funny way.
We started pleading after trying to prove we didn't commit any offense....before we knew what was happening they called a stand by vulcanizer who deflected our tires.At this point we felt helpless and we told them we didnt have much money on us,but just about 5k ( the DPO busted into serious anger and shouted at us,that we think he is all these road side touts that can just collect anything? that is it either we pay 20k or forget the car for now)...not knowing what to do.My cousin now told the police officer to call back the guy to pump air back into those tires,let him try and figure out a way out...the vulcanizer came and said that to pump each tire is 1000 naira.This sent some cold air down my spine and i was like is this really happening or was i dreaming.The poor man told us that since it was the officer that asked him to pump the tire,he needs to buy him some cool recharge cards,so that is why he is charging us that huge amount.

My cousin started calling his office people and explaining what happened.After some minutes (thanks to the closeness of his office to the National Stadium),two of his colleagues came and demanded to speak with the DPO....who refused to entertain any discussion.

Unknown to me,they have already contacted another DPO at IJORA side,who requested to speak with the man in-charge.....while the colleagues were persuading the man to speak with the oga on phone,he started ranting that who the hell is it they want him to speak to.Afterward he collected the phone and from his salutation one could easily detect who the person on the other end was.Within some few minutes the call was over and the officer out of anger told the guy to pump back the tires and insisted he needs to settle those ladies...we said NO,BUT IT WAS OBVIOUS ANOTHER DRAMA WAS ABOUT TO BEGIN....

AFTER SPENDING OVER 3HOURS THERE,WE WERE RELEASED AND LEFT THE PLACE
THIS IS MY STORY

I wonder how many innocent citizens have fallen prey to the hands of these wicked and corrupt men who should be doing the right thing...NOT TO TALK OF THOSE LADIES WHO ARE STATIONED THERE TO CATCH VICTIMS AND DRAIN THEM OF THEIR MONEY.
I ask,what is the government doing? has it really gotten this bad? who are we to blame? even in the heart of the town such things happen and no one is speaking against it?

FINALLY,NIGERIA HAS A LONG WAY TO GO,BUT OUR POLICE FORCE IS A TOTAL DISGRACE .

Kendor Consulting is currently sourcing the right candidates to take up strategic roles in her client organizations.

Client 1
Our client is a leading Insurance Corporation with a twenty three year track record in General and Life businesses.

1. Job Reference Number: HPDC1
Job Title: Head, Product Development and Channel Innovation
Reports To: Group Managing Director
Location: Victoria Island, Lagos
Description: To identify and commercially develop innovative business ideas across different market segments including Retail (especially the mass market), SME and Corporate.
Internal Interface: Sales Business Units, Brand Unit, All Employees
External Interface: Customers

Responsibilities:
• Identify clients, understand their needs and preferences, design new products and/or enhance existing ones according to customer needs, develop costing and pricing, conduct pilot tests, develop a product launch strategy, and provide marketing support.
• Designing innovative delivery channels for current and new products and services through identifying, developing, and monitoring the product channel mix.
• Working collaboratively with our technology, underwriting, claims and actuarial functions to develop new strategies and products by providing valuable new insights into customer needs, new technologies or business partners.
• Managing a research programme to keep abreast of new and emerging trends and technologies.
• Defining, building and delivering concepts for new value creation through innovation in channels, products and services.
• Collaborating with internal and external partners to drive innovation initiatives through full process from idea to commercialization.
• Managing the Innovation team and budgets to demonstrate return on investment within a reasonable time-frame.
• Carrying out other assignments delegated by the Group Managing Director from time to time.

Education Requirements:
• B.Sc in related field, M.Sc
• Professional Qualification

Experience:
• Ten years’ experience in similar role
• Experience in the financial services sector
• Flair for Marketing and Product Development
• Experience in Strategic Planning

2. Job Reference Number: IDHS1
Job Title: Integration Director/Head of Strategy
Reports To: Group Managing Director
Location: Victoria Island, Lagos
Description: Provide leadership and direction in the development and implementation of best practice strategic initiatives across multiple business functions to support the delivery of the commercial and regulatory obligations of the organization to its employees, customers and stakeholders.
Internal Interface: All Employees
External Interface: Consultants, Service Providers, Organisations

Responsibilities:

Integration
• Providing advice, leadership and oversight for the implementation of the mergers and related activities for the Company while working cross-functionally across the whole deal lifecycle including: pre-deal analysis, the development of integration project plans and post-deal implementation.

• Establish kick-off and training materials to communicate approach and tools to be leveraged; Facilitate lessons learned meetings to identify opportunities for continuous refinement for the methodology and toolset
• Directly managing all planning, execution, separation, integration and organizational restructuring activities related to post merger initiatives.

• Bringing added structure, focus, and speed to the merger integration project.
• Deploying deep commercial and operational expertise to help teams identify and evaluate synergy opportunities and develop the integration plans to realize synergy value.
• Using a structured post-merger integration approach to capture revenue, cost and capital synergies.
• Program Management -Analyse and document program objectives and requirements across the organization
• Synergy/Budget Tracking and Reporting -Collaborate with Finance and the Value Realization team to plan for synergy achievement and associated budget to achieve; Confirm and rollout synergy and budget tracking tools and templates for use across the integration team; Define process, timelines for ongoing tracking and reporting activities; Collect, refine and consolidate synergy/budget data for integration team and executive reporting.
• Overall Program Tracking and Reporting - Define timing, tools and process for collecting updates across the integration team relating to progress on key activities, deliverable completion, issues, decision status, etc.

Strategy
• Developing actionable strategies that create measurable long-term value for the company.
• Uncovering hidden opportunities and providing evidence-based analysis executive management needs to make informed decisions.
• Working with Senior Executives to establish a framework for sustained innovation and growth.
• Set timetable and process for review of the strategic plan, and advise on redevelopment in the run up to the next strategic period
• Ensuring strategic plans are working effectively and that the company will remain competitive in the industry.
• Effectively communicating the businesses strategic objectives with senior management to drive the business forward.
• Providing high level strategic, planning and policy advice to the Group Managing Director, Executive Management Team and Board on all matters affecting the future business operations, capacity and sustainability of the services provided by the company.
• Develop, direct and control the strategic and operational planning frameworks and planning outcomes for the company in the short, medium and long term
• Assisting the Group Managing Director and the Executive Management Team execute approved corporate strategies.

Education Requirements:
• Bachelor's Degree
• Post Graduate Degree and/or Professional Qualification

Experience:
• 10 - 15 years experience in Business Management
• Experience in the financial services sector
• Significant track record of business development
• High level understanding of strategic communications
• Demonstrated ability to tackle complex strategic problems
• Solid project management capabilities; comfortable working under deadlines and producing key deliverables
• High attention to detail.

Client 2
Our client is Africa's largest online mall and a leading provider of technology enabled business processes, serving their clients' logistics needs.

1. Job Reference Number: SMSM1
Job Title: Senior Manager Sales & Marketing
Reports To: Managing Director
Location: Victoria Island, Lagos
Description: To plan and implement sales, marketing and product development programs, both short and long range, targeted toward existing and new markets.

Responsibilities:
• Formulate and implement marketing strategies to maximize customer acquisition, brand visibility and profitability
• Drive new product development strategies to achieve a diversified and competitive portfolio
• Increase market share of the company’s products to meet targets
• Achieve and deliver overall budgeted profitability
• Manage team and individual performance through regular reviews
• Report directly to the senior management
• Give suggestions on product brand and market analysis on each product. • Source and develop clients referrals
• Maintain an awareness of all company products, promotions and advertisements
• Manage E-presence
• Assist in brand management
• Manage sales and achieve targets
• Developing and implementing creative marketing strategies that will make an impact.
• Support the brand and drive sales

Qualifications:
• University degree in Marketing, Business Admin or related discipline
• MBA would be an added advantage
• Minimum of three years work experience in similar role in online retail marketing or related industry
• Experience with technology and the internet especially e-commerce
• Proficient in MS Office (Excel, power point and word)

Requirements:
• Must be very conversant with USA and UK e-commerce retail sites and services
• Must be a good team player, must be innovative and proactive
• Must be customer service oriented
• Target driven
• Technology savvy
• Good people skill with ability to communicate effectively

2. Job Reference Number: BDM1
Job Title: Business Development Manager
Reports To: Senior Manager Sales & Marketing
Location: Victoria Island, Lagos
Description: To maximize sales and profitability of the business through the development and implementation of strategic partnerships and relationships with corporates such as retail chains, fashion and apparel stores, financial institutions, and other strategic industries. To provide overall support to the Company’s sales, gross margin, and turnover objectives

Responsibilities:
• Build and manage relationships with our merchants, suppliers and strategic partners this includes retail stores, and financial institutions.
• Manage and negotiate discounts and deals with suppliers
• Work closely with account representative from each company on various orders
• Track and review sales from each retail store
• Ensure all aspects of the channel relationship with suppliers are intact, and provide proactive communication with suppliers.
• Develop marketing plans and strategic plans to increase sales
• Communicate directly with upper management on status and progress notes with each supplier.

Qualifications:
• University degree in Marketing or related discipline.
• 4 - 7 years’ experience preferably as a buyer/analyst/business development specialist for a major retail merchant in the beauty, fashion, apparel and clothing sector or equivalent experience at marketing agency which serves the retail or fashion industry.

Requirements:
• Must be very conversant with USA and UK e-commerce retail sites and services
• Ability to travel in short notice to meet with clients.
• Demonstrated initiative to acquire and engage merchants and suppliers across retail sectors
• Able to analyse and improve processes, measure results and achieve financial goals.
• Excellent negotiation, organizing and prioritizing skills with great attention to detail
• Capable of closing deals in a short time period.
• Ability to communicate, both verbally and in writing, clearly and concisely as well as interact effectively at all levels across the company and with clients.

3. Job Reference Number: MIO1
Job Title: Market Intelligence Officer
Reports To: Senior Manager Sales & Marketing
Location: Victoria Island, Lagos
Description: To continually collect and analyse relevant market and competitor information to assess market position and identify threats and opportunities.

Responsibilities:
• Responsible for gathering and compiling market and competitor data to define market size, market share, opportunities and threats, across all the company’s product categories and markets.
• Undertake and analyse customer needs and customer satisfaction through undertaking specific market research projects: quantitative and qualitative to include client segmentation and making recommendations based on research and profitability analysis.
• Make recommendations for short and long term tactical plans.
• Assess the need and business case for purchasing market intelligence resources, for example subscription, reports or analysis tools.
• Consult with internal clients to understand business requirement, plan projects, and deliver to time, cost and quality benchmarks.
• Present regular market intelligence reports to key stakeholders in the business.
• Support the assessment of new market or product opportunities through delivery of relevant and timely market intelligence.
• Ensure that relevant data held within the company’s CRM system is up to date and fit for purpose.
• Working with the sales and wider marketing teams to identify relevant contacts for targeted sales and marketing campaigns, whether sourced internally or externally.
• To support the marketing communications team and wider sales force with accurate market statistics.
• Monitor and initiate responses to market developments that impact upon the company and its clients across all sectors.

Qualifications:
• A relevant university degree.
• 3 years’ experience in a similar role.

Requirements:
• Must be very conversant with USA and UK e-commerce retail sites and services
• Proven track record of delivering astute commercial analysis to senior management/board level that can influence strategic thinking and new business development.
• Ability to identify key opportunities to grow market share and evidenced success in this aspect.
• Good knowledge of market data sources, market research techniques and analysis tools.
• Project management skills
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral
• Good interpersonal skills, able to build relationships with and influence colleagues and external contacts
• Highly proficient in the use of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel
• Strong qualitative and quantitative analytical skills
• Confident in presenting findings
• Experience of making recommendations for short and long term tactical plans
• Experience in identifying key opportunities to grow market share
• Good networking skills to establish and develop key information sources

• Flexible and adaptable to a changing working environment

How to apply

Please send qualified CVs to recruitment@kendorconsulting.com indicating the reference number. Applications without reference will not be processed. Application deadline is 5/09/2014

We are hiring - Control Room Operator with min of 5years experience onshore/offshore. All CVs to Career@jhmenergyconsulting.com, with position title on subject line.

This is a good news....but on the other hand,its so sad how we Nigerians are only interested in oil.
When other countries are discovering other means of sustaining their economy to boost their production and develoment,we are jubilating when a state or community declares they have found oil....what is happening now is that most countries will gradually stop the official buying of our crude oil,especially America and some european countries.Right now, America is increasing its oil RESERVE for the next 20 to 30 years time,because they have future projection....what are we doing?.

I ask,what will happen when our export rate falls,how will the economy grow....yes, it may improve our local market.but aside that what else do we have to offer the outside world.
Please never bring in politics to my comment....i based my point on the general notion which is what we are facing now.

The young ones are not even helping matter,they feel when its time i will join in the league and "EAT MY OWN OIL MONEY".
In the next 10 years,if nothing is done Nigeria will as a whole suffer it..

But thanks to all those who are going back to the FARM.....keep it up and i pray more improvement will come in


NOTE- DON'T QUOTE ME FOR ANY SARCASTIC COMMENT,YOU ARE ON YOUR OWN.

His name is Bankole Cardoso, and according to City People, he is the only child of late Dr. Ameyo Stella Adadevoh, the doctor who diagnosed Liberian/American, Patrick Sawyer, at First Consultant Hospital and subsequently died from the disease on Tuesday, 19 August.

He has a degree in Business Management and Accounting from the Boston College, and also studied at Rugby School, UK.

Bankole started his career with ‘PricewaterhouseCoopers’ in New York before going on to join ‘The Carlyle Group’ after which he returned to Nigeria following a 12-year stay abroad.

He is the co-founder and CEO of Easy Taxi, and earlier this year, Forbes listed him in their list of 30 Most Promising Young Entrepreneurs.


So sad for the death of your mother.....indeed you are blessed with a great intellect and i pray you excel far above your mother and make her proud too.

OK ooo, i av hear

SME1: Yea we know. But all we are saying is ur HOME MADE shawama does not contain the complete ingredients and publishing such might mislead those who might want to try this out at home or start a shawama business. In other news, this was not to make a fuss about ur HOME MADE shawama it was only to add more info to what u know initially and try something new. Anywayz enjoy d Debbie home made shawama Lool. Just joking ooo. Prolly I could try it out someday but I already know the end result of it and i'd rather keep the remark to myself. Ok bye

HAHAHAHA bros you don reach here?
woky be my person naa

jnrbayano: Debbie,

Now I see why Woky nwokeoma can't let you be.

NOTE-i said this was my HOME-MADE method used...thanks

SME1: in as much as I love shawama and know all the recipes and methods to be used, urs is so different and incomplete. Maybe u should read online and develop ur method and get the correct ingredients of a Nigerian made shawama. Gracias

I used isi ewu..to get the variety i needed,

Ingredients-one full goat head,potash9 very little),utazi leaf,crayfish,fresh pepper,onions,palm oil,there is these local seeds they sell in the market ( will get the names for you),ugba......




uote author=Roland17]

Nne,

Ngwa ngwa, share your secret recipes and steps with me biko...[/quote]

Just passing and whistling along ....

ibkgab001: Time registered: September 26, 2005

Time spent online: 15 days & 8 hours

nooooooo,not chemistry things oo

mindworx: experiment like boiled plantain with okro ?

Alright people......the next will be how to make pizza at home.

I bet you...home made food is the best,especially when prepared well.....

holyboss: Shawarma I hate that shit


D first nd only one I ever tasted, had a weird tastein my mouth



Shawarma can go to hell for all. I care

yes oooo,cooking is my hobby.....but funny enough i love to experiment.

Bazinga: ur profile pics is mouth watering. na u cook all those delicacies?

hahahahaha,guess i registered when obi was a boy and ada was a girl
Oga seun oya where is my trophy or medal ......long service things

hazyfm: DEBBIE, YOU REGISTERED IN 2005
9 YEARS ... WOW!!
[size=18pt]ONE FREE SHARWAMA FOR YOU THERE...[/size]

Time to give the recipe and all the steps i used.....
Note-THIS IS MY METHOD

Ingredients-
Dough ( which you can get in a bakery or big shops where they sell bread)
Hot dog(canned),
cabbage(small size)
chicken( broiler preferable,cos its softer and fast to cook.....i prefer the breast side which is boneless and easy to cut out)
Some shops sell minced chicken which makes it easier for you to just cook and use.
spice cubes,onions,vegetable oil(small quantity)
pepper(fresh for the natural taste and aroma),
mayonnaise,ginger,salt,nutmeg and thyme..........

1. Boil your chicken with the seasoning,ginger and onions till its very soft( add very little water while doing this,so that the chicken will not be water,but creamy-like when done.

2.Wash and cut your cabbage into tinny strands,either with knife and chopping board or with a grater....depending on the one you have.

2a.Wash the cabbage after cutting it with water and salt and put in a sieve to drain the water.

2b.Cut the hot dog into tinny round pieces,some prefer to cut theirs into cube form( set it aside when done).

2c. Mix the cabbage with little mayonnaise( you can make it to be creamy as much as you want),but don't make it look too sleepy.

3.When the chicken is done, put it in a flat plate and take time to cut them into very tinny pieces and keep aside.

4.Put very little oil in a frying pan and set on fire to heat for few minutes.Then add the chicken and hot dog with the pepper,ginger and onions.Stir for some minutes till you get the aroma and the taste you want.

Note- if you have just one frying pan,you can use a small pot to fry it..this is because you will be using a dry pan later and there is no need pouring out the content inside it,so its better you use something else.but if you have another pan....good too.

Now that your chicken,cabbage, and every other thing is set.....get your dough which will be used in wrapping all these together
5.take two flat dough put them in a flat plate or tray,one placed closely on top the other.With your spoon,put small quantity of the chicken and then the vegetable,make sure the are all balanced and well spread in the middle.Dont put too much to avoid finding hard to wrap.
Now wrap the dough with its content ( roll it in a smooth way so that the content can balance well inside).

6. If you notice that the content is not staying put after wrapping,you can use a toothpick to hold the ends together like in the picture i posted.Repeat step 5 with all the dough you have and ensure you wrap it well.
7.Set your pan on fire and allow it dry up a little.Then put each of the wrapped dough inside the frying pan to heat up and give it the brownish color...allow for few minutes,until you think its warm.
8.If you have a microwave,then you don't need STEP 7,from 6. put the wrapped dough inside the microwave ( two at a time),set to heat up for 2 minutes or less.....

NOW YOUR HOME MADE SHARWAMA IS SET......SERVE WITH A GLASS OF CHILLED DRINK,JUICE OR WHAT HAVE YOU

THANK YOU.

Hope you also know the steps in preparing it....carry go

Roland17: Nne,

This your Nkwobi no gree me sleep since yesterday eee...I don dey gather my ingredients small small sha, although most no easy to find, but na me and this Nkwobi this coming weekend..

The ngu thing is safe and good for anyone,as it is a natural source and alternative to potash....its like ashes.
You have to also soak it in water and sieve out the chaff.....from there you proceed with your preparation.

moca: I have heard of that ngu.
Abeg fire away.
Maybe I can do it this weekend.
Thank u.

Sorry i do not know,what am doing is just to help spread the news

sleekytoolz: Please wat position are dey recruiting for so as to know how to fashion one's cover letter.
Thank you.

Though am not a fan of potash either,but it didn't purge all those that ate it....the best is NGU from palm tree,used in the east in place of potash! But since I couldn't get it,I had to use potash

moca: This nkwobi looks take away.
Bia, come debbie, tell us how u did it pls.
Did u use potash?
Poash dey run my tummy

Wasn't dear! Just wondering why u cm ask me that

babyosisi: That was a compliment
Stop fussing

>:

purge? naaaaaa...mine is all natural

oluseyioba: Lol,u sure say dem no purge

hahahaha, first learn it and am sure to make it wont be hard......so you wont need my magic fingers

cmgoat: why not come to my house dis weekend and prepare something like this for "us"

There is no food one can not prepare,only learn and follow the steps needed.
So on a bright Saturday evening i prepared this sharwama and it was yummy.....everyone in my house enjoyed it..


Oya hang on for the recipe and the steps

So you think i cant prepare such? anyway to you those who prepare it have 20 fingers?

babyosisi: Are you sure?
It looks too professional

My home made nkwobi...did it yesterday afternoon after church

GOOD MORNING MY PEOPLE..AS WE EMBARK ON TODAYS HUSTLE,LETS TAKE TIME TO REFLECT ON THESE WORDS.remember,no matter how hard the road seem,we have a God who is more than ABLE.so cheer up and keep your faith alive.


Mass Reading & Meditation for August 25, 2014
Meditation: Matthew 23:13-22


Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees! (Matthew 23:13)

Aah, the Pharisees! We are all familiar with the many times they publicly harassed Jesus. It’s easy to let a quick reading of the Gospels give us a negative view of them. But who were they really?

The Pharisees came into existence just after the Maccabean Revolt around 175 b.c., when Jews were under intense pressure to abandon their faith and adopt Greek practices. The Pharisees were lay people, many of whom loved God and tried to help their people hold fast to the Law of Moses. In fact, the word “Pharisee” comes from a Hebrew word meaning “separate,” emphasizing their desire to stay pure.

By the beginning of the first century a.d., the Pharisees were an educated group who studied the Scriptures and taught their fellow Jews how to follow God’s laws. After the Temple was destroyed in a.d. 70, the Pharisees survived as the predominant Jewish religious group, and they are considered the precursors to modern Judaism.

This doesn’t sound too bad, does it? So what was the problem with the Pharisees? Some of them—not all—had a very hard time accepting the idea that Jesus could be the Messiah. He didn’t fit into their expectations of ritual purity Saint Louisor adherence to Jewish traditions. Many of them saw Jesus as a revolutionary whose new teachings threatened their people’s identity as the chosen race. Their zeal for the Law kept them from being open to the new thing God was doing through Jesus.

We can all fall prey to the same challenges that trapped these Pharisees. We can balk in the face of something that upends our comfortable ways of looking at God or our faith. We can hold on to our traditions so tightly that we aren’t open to God doing something new and exciting.

So the next time you see the Pharisees in the Gospels, try not to look down on them right away. Remember their devotion and their love of God’s Law. Remember their heroic efforts to preserve Judaism in a hostile culture. But remember, also, to keep your heart open to the eternal newness of God’s plan!

“Jesus, you loved the Pharisees just as much as you love everyone else—including me! Help me to put aside anything that keeps me from being open to you!”

2 Thessalonians 1:1-5, 11-12; Psalm 96:1-5

Accountant in an Hospitality Firm in Lekki
We currently have opening for an Accountant with at least 3 years experience in the Hospitality or Food /Chain industry for an immediate employment. Candidate must be a member of ICAN or Student member. The ideal candidate must reside on the island. CVs should be sent to hr@tacgroupng.com