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PASS ME NOT, O GENTLE SAVIOUR
1. Pass me not, O gentle Saviour,
Hear my humble cry;
While on others Thou art calling,
Do not pass me by.

CHORUS:
Saviour, Saviour,
Hear my humble cry;
While on others Thou art calling,
Do not pass me by.

2. Let me, at Thy throne of mercy
Find a sweet relief;
Kneeling there in deep contrition,
Help my unbelief.

3. Trusting only in Thy merit
Would I seek Thy face
Heal my wounded, broken spirit,
Save me by Thy grace.

4. Thou, the spring of all my comfort,
More than life to me.
Whom have I on earth beside Thee?
Whom in heav'n but Thee?

I AM THINE O LORD

1 I am Thine, O Lord, I have heard Thy voice,
And it told Thy love to me;
But I long to rise in the arms of faith,
And be closer drawn to Thee.

Draw me nearer, nearer, blessed Lord,
To the cross where Thou hast died;
Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer, blessed Lord,
To Thy precious, bleeding side.

2 Consecrate me now to Thy service, Lord,
By the pow’r of grace divine;
Let my soul look up with a steadfast hope,
And my will be lost in Thine.

3 O the pure delight of a single hour
That before Thy throne I spend,
When I kneel in prayer, and with Thee, my God,
I commune as friend with friend!

4 There are depths of love that I yet may know
Ere Thee face to face I see;
There are heights of joy that I yet may reach
Ere I rest in peace with Thee.

I took her hand—it was cool, firm, precise. Her gaze, sharp as obsidian, never wavered.

“Shall we begin?” she asked, motioning toward the pair of velvet armchairs near the center of the room.

As I walked past her, I noticed every detail. The subtle scent of jasmine and oud. The soft click of her heels on the oak floors. The distant hum of a classical piano track playing from hidden speakers.

Her office was a study in controlled opulence. Minimalist in color, yet rich in texture—cream silk curtains, a floating mahogany desk, and walls lined with white orchids and rare books.

Behind her desk hung an oil portrait that dominated the room: her late father, Chief Dapo Alowonle, staring down like an emperor. He had once been Minister of Trade, a political kingmaker whispered to have toppled and built governments with a single phone call.

I placed my recorder gently on the coffee table between us, opened my notebook, and clicked my pen.

She sat opposite me, legs crossed, spine straight. Not a single hair out of place. Her expression was unreadable, but her eyes? They watched me like a hawk measuring the wind before diving for the kill.

“I don’t usually do interviews,” she said with a small, knowing smile. “But I’ve read your work, Mr. Femi Allen. You ask the questions others are too afraid to.”

That threw me. I was used to press agents and curated scripts. Used to billionaires and ministers buttering me up with backhanded compliments. But this? This was different. Her words were a blade wrapped in silk.

“Thank you, Your Highness. That means a lot,” I replied, trying to keep my voice steady as I flipped to a clean page.

“Please,” she said, with a quiet laugh. “Just call me Princess, I dropped the ‘Her Royal Highness’ nonsense when I turned twenty-one. Titles are for people who need them. I don’t.”

Something about the way she said it—offhand, but razor-edged—made me glance again at the portrait behind her. A daughter born into legacy, but not defined by it. At least not outwardly.

And yet… beneath that calm exterior, I could feel it. There was a storm coiled behind her eyes. Power like that never came without a cost.

“Alright, Princess,” I said, pressing ‘record.’ My voice was calm, but beneath it, a current of unease stirred.

She smiled politely, but it didn’t reach her eyes. Not quite.

I’d interviewed CEOs in oil-stained boardrooms, warlords in jungle compounds, dissidents in safe houses that smelled of mildew and fear. I’d learned to feel it—the shift in the air, the quickening of the blood when something unspoken hung in the room like smoke.

With Princess Betty Alowonle, it wasn’t just a hunch.
It was certainty.

There was something behind her charm. A shadow behind her smile.

And if I wasn’t careful, I had the distinct, chilling sense that this story—this woman—could consume me.
Whole.

She crossed one leg over the other, the movement graceful, deliberate. The silver bangle on her wrist caught the light as she adjusted it, the tiny etchings on its surface glinting like symbols of an ancient language. Her posture was relaxed, but I had the distinct impression that it was all a performance. Every glance. Every word. Every breath.

“I’ll keep this brief,” she said, smoothing an invisible crease in her trousers.

“My life is already too public for my liking. I grew up between Lagos and Geneva. My father raised me under the weight of legacy—his, our ancestors’, and the dynasty he hoped I’d one day uphold. My mother…”

Her voice softened, just for a beat. “God rest her soul. She taught me to wear dignity like armor. Even when the world claws at your back.”

🌅 1. Prayer of Thanksgiving

> “Lord, I thank You for bringing me into a new month. Thank You for the breath of life, for provision, protection, and grace. May Your name be praised in all I do this August. Amen.”




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🙏 2. Prayer for Guidance

> “Father, order my steps this month. Let Your wisdom go before me. Help me to make decisions that align with Your will, and grant me clarity and direction in all areas of my life. Amen.”




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🛡️ 3. Prayer for Protection

> “Almighty God, keep me and my loved ones safe in August. Protect us from evil, danger, and unforeseen harm. Cover our homes, journeys, and daily activities with Your divine shield. In Jesus' name, Amen.”




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💼 4. Prayer for Work, School, and Finances

> “Lord, bless the work of my hands this month. Let there be fruitfulness in my job, studies, and finances. Open doors of opportunities and favor, and supply all my needs according to Your riches in glory. Amen.”




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❤️ 5. Prayer for Peace and Emotional Strength

> “This month, I speak peace over my mind, heart, and relationships. Every burden I lay before You, Lord. Strengthen me through trials, comfort me through pain, and fill my heart with joy unspeakable. Amen.”




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🕊️ 6. Prayer for Spiritual Growth

> “Holy Spirit, draw me closer to You this month. Let me hunger for Your Word, live in obedience, and walk in love and humility. Use me to be a light in my family, workplace, and community. Amen.”




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📜 Scripture for the Month (Optional)

> Isaiah 43:19 – “Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it?”

"You Are Worthy" (Praise Song)

Verse 1 (English):
You are worthy, Lord,
Mighty God, You reign above.
From the rising of the sun,
To the going down of the same,
Your name is to be praised!

Chorus (English & Yoruba):
You are worthy, Jehovah,
Olorun mi, You reign forever!
Kabiyesi, Oba awon oba, (Hail the King, King of kings)
We lift Your name on high!

Verse 2 (English):
You healed the sick, You raised the dead,
You made a way where none was seen.
Through the storm, You carried me,
Lord, I give You everything!

Iwo l'Oba ti ko ni parí,
Iwo l'Alagbara aye,
Iwo l'Atobiju Oba,
A o fi ogo fun Oruko Re.

Ogo ni fun Oruko Re,
Oruko t’o ga ju gbogbo oruko lo,
Jesu Kristi, Olugbala wa,
A gbe Oruko Re ga!




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English Translation (Extended):

> You are the King who never ends,
You are the Mighty One of the world,
You are the Most High King,
We will give glory to Your Name.

Glory be to Your Name,
The Name above every other name,
Jesus Christ, our Savior,
We lift Your Name on high!

We filled those hours with dreams and doubts and the comfort of being heard.

One evening, curled up beside me with her legs tucked beneath her, she whispered, “I want to open a café one day. Small. Warm. Books lining the walls. Good food. People would come to read, eat, and feel at home.”

“You know I’d write about it, right?” I said, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “In fact, I’d practically live there. I’d be your in-house chronicler.”

She smiled, and it wasn’t just any smile. It was that rare, inward kind — the one that starts somewhere behind the ribs and glows all the way out.

That was how we grew into each other. Not through fireworks or declarations, but through the ordinary — which, with her, never felt ordinary at all. I learned she hated overly sweet tea, liked it with just a splash of milk. She learned I couldn’t fall asleep without a fan humming near my head, even in the rainy season. She’d tease me about my chaos of a desk — I’d tease her for always picking out the dodo first, like a child hiding treasure. We started becoming each other’s habits, each other’s soft place to land.

One evening, the sky outside bled orange and gold, like someone had cracked open the sun. We sat on the concrete step outside the boys’ quarters, her hand in mine, our fingers tangled in that quiet, familiar way they had started to do without thought.

“You feel like home,” she said suddenly, the words almost carried away by the breeze.

I turned to her. The world slowed. “So do you.”

She rested her head on my shoulder, a deep exhale following. “I used to think love had to be chaotic — that it had to burn and crash and shake everything apart. But this… this quiet, this ease… it’s better than I ever imagined.”

“It won’t always be like this,” I murmured, brushing my thumb over the back of her hand. “There’ll be hard days. Silent days. Maybe even days we don’t like each other much. But I want to try. For real. No pretending. No running.”

She was quiet for a moment, then looked up, eyes steady and warm. “I do too.”

And that was it. No need for fireworks. No swelling music. Just two people, sitting in the golden dusk, making a choice — not out of impulse, not out of fleeting emotion, but something stronger. Something truer. A stillness that said: I see you. I choose you. Again and again.

And somehow, that felt more powerful than any dramatic confession ever could. Because when love comes like this — slow, sure, and quietly intense — it doesn’t just hold you. It roots you.

And once it begins, it doesn't let go easily.

No warmth, no companionship, just me and my thoughts… and a TV that barely distracted me anymore.

The football match playing on the screen reached its conclusion. The referee’s whistle blew sharply, echoing through the room as players exchanged handshakes and swapped jerseys. My team had won. Normally, that would have thrilled me. I’d have cheered, maybe sent a message or two on the fan group chat. But today, I felt nothing. Just a lingering, bitter sense of frustration.

Then came another knock at the door.

Not again.

I turned my head toward the sound, my body still as a statue for a few seconds. Had Ms. Kay come back? Was she here to throw more baseless allegations in my face? What now—blood sacrifice? Occult ties?

I exhaled slowly and dragged myself toward the door, unlocking it with mild dread.

To my relief—and surprise—it wasn’t Ms. Kay.

It was the landlady’s house girl. A skinny teenager with cornrows and bright eyes, she stood there with an innocent smile on her face, holding a small tray with nothing on it.

“Good afternoon, sir,” she greeted politely.

I returned the greeting with a nod. “Good afternoon. How can I help you?”

“Madam say make you come now-now,” she said, in her usual crisp pidgin English. “She say she want see you.”

I raised my eyebrows slightly. “Alright. Tell her I’ll be coming.”

She nodded and trotted off without another word.

The landlady, Madam Abdulrazaq, wasn’t one to summon people unnecessarily. She only sent for tenants when it involved something specific—unpaid electricity contributions, sanitation dues, compound meetings, or maybe complaints about water usage or waste disposal. Routine stuff. Still, with the way things had gone today, my instincts were already on edge.

I sighed again, pulled my bunch of keys off the hook on the wall, locked my door, and made my way toward the main building.

Madam Abdulrazaq lived in one of the flats on the first floor. A stout woman in her sixties, she was a widow with a sharp tongue and an eagle eye. Though she rarely spoke unnecessarily, when she did, people listened. Everyone in the compound treated her with a cautious kind of respect. She lived with her last daughter, a quiet, bookish young woman who I’d heard was studying at the university.

I reached the front steps, climbed them slowly, and stood outside her door. There was a small bell affixed beside the frame. I pressed it.

A few seconds passed.

Then the door creaked open—and there was the house girl again, holding it ajar. She stepped aside wordlessly and motioned for me to come in.

Something in the air told me this wasn’t just about waste disposal.


---

As I stepped into the expansive sitting room of Madam Abdulrazaq's flat, I immediately noticed the quiet tension hanging in the air. The large room, with its ornate curtains and polished marble floor, usually had an air of quiet dignity. But not today.

The landlady, madam herself, was already seated on her favorite cushioned armchair. Dressed in her usual lace boubou and head tie, she looked calm, but I could tell by the way her lips were pressed together that she meant business.

To my surprise, Ms. Kay was also there, seated stiffly on the far end of the long sofa, arms folded across her chest, her expression unreadable. She didn’t even glance at me.

Good move. Competition like this is what we want, a healthy competition.

A Prayer for God’s Protection (In Jesus’ Name)

Heavenly Father,
I come before You today with a humble heart, seeking Your divine protection over my life and the lives of those I love.
You are my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust.
Cover me with Your wings and surround me with Your angels.

In the mighty name of Jesus, I ask that You shield me from every harm, danger, and evil scheme.
Guard my mind, my body, and my spirit.
Lead me away from temptation and deliver me from all forms of darkness.

I declare Psalm 91 over my life—that no weapon formed against me shall prosper, and that You will command Your angels concerning me to guard me in all my ways.
Let Your peace that surpasses all understanding protect my heart and mind in Christ Jesus.

Thank You, Lord, for being my strength, my shelter, and my deliverer.
I place my trust in You alone.

In Jesus' powerful name I pray,
Amen.

Jesus, the Prince of Peace

The title "Prince of Peace" is one of the most profound and comforting names ascribed to Jesus Christ. It originates from the prophecy in Isaiah 9:6, which foretells the coming of a divine ruler:

> “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”



This name speaks to both His identity and His mission — to bring peace not just in a worldly sense, but a deep, spiritual reconciliation between humanity and God.


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1. Peace Through Reconciliation with God

At the heart of Jesus' role as the Prince of Peace is His work of reconciliation. According to Christian belief, sin created a barrier between humanity and God. Jesus came to remove that barrier through His sacrificial death and resurrection. As Paul writes in Romans 5:1,

> “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”



This peace is not merely the absence of conflict but the restoration of a right relationship with the Creator — a peace that surpasses understanding.


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2. Peace in the Midst of Chaos

Jesus never promised a life free from suffering or trouble. In fact, He said in John 16:33,

> “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”



As the Prince of Peace, Jesus provides inner calm even when the world is stormy. His presence offers assurance, not that troubles will disappear, but that we are not alone in facing them. His peace acts like an anchor in the storms of life.


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3. Peace Among People

Jesus also broke down barriers between people — between Jew and Gentile, slave and free, male and female — calling all to be one in Him. In Ephesians 2:14, Paul says:

> “For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility.”



Jesus’ kingdom promotes justice, mercy, and forgiveness. His peace confronts hatred and violence not by force, but by love and truth.


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4. A Future Kingdom of Peace

Finally, Jesus as the Prince of Peace points to a future hope. Christians believe He will return to fully establish a kingdom where peace reigns eternally — a new heaven and a new earth where there will be no more death, mourning, or pain (Revelation 21:4). The longing for this future motivates His followers to live as peacemakers now, reflecting His peace in a broken world.

Igbo Praise Song (Egwu Ekele)

Chorus:
Oma onye, ọ bụ gị ka anyị na-efe,
Chukwu dị elu, Onye nwere ike,
Ị bụ ike anyị, ezigbo nna,
Anyị na-ekele gị, n’obi anyị niile.

Verse 1:
Nna anyi ukwu, onye ozi ọma,
Ọ dị mma ịrụ ọrụ gị kwa ụbọchị,
Ị na-edu anyị n’ụzọ ziri ezi,
Ị na-enye anyị ndụ na chi ọma.

Chorus:
Oma onye, ọ bụ gị ka anyị na-efe,
Chukwu dị elu, Onye nwere ike,
Ị bụ ike anyị, ezigbo nna,
Anyị na-ekele gị, n’obi anyị niile.

Verse 2:
Nwoke dike, onye ọgụ,
Ị na-echebe obodo anyị n’oge egwu,
Ọjọọ anaghị agafe gị,
Ị bụ ike, isi ike anyị.

Chorus:
Oma onye, ọ bụ gị ka anyị na-efe,
Chukwu dị elu, Onye nwere ike,
Ị bụ ike anyị, ezigbo nna,
Anyị na-ekele gị, n’obi anyị niile.

Was she ready to set the record straight? Or was she playing another game, using the press to steer the narrative her way?

Either way, I intended to find out.

At exactly 9:30 a.m., I pulled up to the towering monolith that was Obsidian Place—a shimmering structure of glass and steel that seemed to slice the Lagos sky in two. Its mirrored surface caught the morning sun, throwing blinding reflections onto the cars and pedestrians below. A line of black SUVs was parked along the curb, their drivers standing guard, earpieces tucked discreetly behind their collars.

I took a deep breath, adjusted my blazer, and stepped out of the car. The air was heavy with humidity, thick with the diesel-and-salt scent that defines Ikeja in the summer. But as I passed through the massive revolving doors, the chaos of the city fell away like a shed skin.

Inside, the lobby felt more like a five-star hotel than an office tower. Cool air wrapped around me. The floor was Italian marble, smooth and pale, reflecting golden light from crystal chandeliers. A soft scent of lavender and citrus hung in the air—clearly pumped through the vents by design. Security men in suits eyed me silently from behind polished counters.

The receptionist, a young woman dressed in navy silk and pearls, looked up with a polite smile. “Mr. Femi Allen?”

I nodded. She offered me chilled cucumber water in a crystal tumbler, then gestured toward a private elevator guarded by biometric scanners. “Princess Betty is expecting you.”

Princess. I still wasn’t used to hearing that word outside fairytales or tabloids. But this was Nigeria, where royalty and politics intertwined like a double helix. And Princess Betty Alowonle wasn’t your average monarch.

The elevator hummed upward, silent and smooth, its walls lined with dark walnut panels and backlit touchscreens. As the numbers climbed, so did my curiosity—and something else. A twinge of unease. This wasn’t just a profile piece for The Bliss. This was a descent—or perhaps an ascent—into power’s inner sanctum.

The elevator dinged softly at the top floor. The doors slid open with a hush.

I stepped into a world that seemed carved out of ambition and old money. The penthouse office was cavernous, all clean lines and towering glass walls that offered a panoramic view of Lagos—sprawling, bustling, alive. You could see the ocean from here, a silver thread unspooling toward the horizon.

And there she was.

Princess Betty Alowonle stood by the window, dressed in an ivory power suit that sculpted her silhouette like it had been tailored by the gods. Sunlight glinted off the diamonds at her ears and danced along the slender gold bracelets on her wrist. Her skin was the color of rich mahogany, smooth and flawless. She looked like a queen who had stepped out of time and into a boardroom.

She turned to face me. Slowly. Deliberately.

“Mr. Femi Allen,” she said, extending a hand.

Her voice was low, smooth, and undeniably regal. The kind of voice that had commanded rooms since birth. I took her hand—it was cool, firm, precise. Her gaze, sharp as obsidian, never wavered.

“Shall we begin?” she asked

Title: "Leza Wamaka" (God, You Are Powerful)

Verse 1 (Bemba):
Leza wamaka, twalumba
(Uli) bwino mweka, Lesa wesu
Watileka tefyo, wakatufwa pa Kalvari
Mweo wapela, twatemwa iwe!

Chorus:
Leza wamaka, wamuyaya
Tikukondani, mwamene muli
Praise be to You, Lord Almighty
Forever You reign, our God, our King!

Verse 2 (Nyanja):
Mulungu wathu, ndinu wachikondi
M'moyo mwathu, muli inu
Simungataye ife, tili ana anu
Tipembedza inu, Leza wamoyo

Bridge (English):
You are the Alpha and Omega
The Rock on which we stand
Healer, Redeemer, our salvation
We lift Your name on high!

(Repeat Chorus)

He rushed to alert his assistant, his voice tight with panic. The assistant hurried in, knelt beside Joe, and shook him hard. Nothing. Joe lay still—cold sweat beading his forehead, his chest barely rising.

"What do we do?" the assistant manager asked, eyes wide with fear.

“We need to get him to the hospital—now,” the manager snapped. “Go! Get a cab!”

The assistant manager bolted from the room like a shot. Minutes dragged like hours. Then he burst back in, breathless.

“I’ve stopped a taxi,” he gasped.

“Good,” the manager barked. “No time—get Ade! We need help carrying him!”

Without a word, the assistant spun on his heel and vanished again. Seconds later, he returned with Ade in tow. The three of them rushed to Joe’s side, scrambling to lift him off the bed.

Just as they began to move him, Joe’s eyes fluttered open. He stared at them, dazed, like someone pulled from the depths of a nightmare.

“Oga Joe!” the manager shouted, half in relief, half in disbelief. “You're awake?”

They gently lowered him back onto the mattress, visibly shaken.

“Ah, thank God,” the assistant manager breathed. “Thank God you came to.”

Joe blinked, trying to focus. His mind was a fog. Everything felt unreal.

“What... what’s going on?” he croaked.

“We were expecting you,” the manager said quickly. “When you didn’t show, we got worried. We used the spare key to open the door and found you unconscious.”

Joe's eyes widened. “What?!”

He clutched his head, trying to piece things together. A flash—he had a date. A woman. Her name—Wendy! Yes. He’d met her. They were in this room together. He remembered laughing, drinks, her perfume...

Then—nothing. A heavy darkness. A sleep deeper than sleep.

His heart lurched.

“Where is she?”

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the gift of today. I commit this day into Your loving hands. Guide my steps, cover me with Your peace, and let Your will be done in all that I do. I declare by faith that all is well—in my heart, my home, my work, and my future—in Jesus’ mighty name. Amen.

Kenyan Praise Song – "Bwana Amefanya Mambo" (The Lord Has Done Great Things)

🎶 English & Swahili Mixed Version:

Verse 1:
🎵
Come and see what the Lord has done!
(🌍 Kuja uone aliyotenda Bwana!)
He lifted me, He set me free!
(Ameniinua, amenikomboa!)
I will dance and shout His name!
(Nitacheza, nitapaza sauti!)
For my Jesus lives today!
(Jesu wangu yu hai leo!)

Chorus:
🎵
Bwana, Bwana, ameifanya tena!
(The Lord, the Lord, has done it again!)
Nitamshangilia, Hallelujah!
(I will rejoice, Hallelujah!)
Hakuna kama Wewe, Mungu wangu!
(There is none like You, my God!)
Umeniokoa, umenibariki!
(You have saved me, You have blessed me!)

Verse 2:
🎵
Mountains move when we praise His name,
(Vilima vinasogea tukimsifu!)
Chains are broken, lives are changed,
(Minyororo huvunjika, maisha hubadilika!)
Kenya will rise and lift His name,
(Kenya itainuka, itamtukuza!)
Jesus is King, forever the same!
(Jesu ni Mfalme, habadiliki!)

Cool.
Great work. Keep it coming. An interesting read it is.

People should be careful about what they post.

Catching cruise should be done responsibly.

The Blood of Jesus: A Divine Sacrifice for Humanity

The blood of Jesus is central to the Christian faith. It is not merely a symbol, but a powerful reality of what Christ accomplished on the cross. Through His blood, Jesus established a new covenant between God and humanity—one rooted not in law and sacrifice, but in grace, forgiveness, and eternal love.

1. Atonement and Forgiveness

From the earliest pages of Scripture, blood signifies life (Leviticus 17:11). In the Old Testament, animal sacrifices were required to atone for sin. But these were only temporary, pointing ahead to a greater, perfect sacrifice. That sacrifice came through Jesus Christ, who “appeared once for all at the culmination of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself” (Hebrews 9:26).

Through His blood, Jesus paid the penalty for sin once and for all. As the apostle Paul wrote, “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace” (Ephesians 1:7).

2. Cleansing and Sanctification

The blood of Jesus does more than forgive—it cleanses. “If we walk in the light...the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). This purification is both instantaneous and ongoing. Believers are declared clean in God’s sight and are continually renewed through Christ’s sacrifice.

His blood sanctifies us, setting us apart for God’s purposes. It washes away guilt and shame, giving us a new identity rooted not in failure, but in grace.

3. Access to God

Before Jesus, access to God’s presence was restricted. Only the high priest could enter the Holy of Holies, and only once a year. But when Jesus shed His blood, the veil in the temple was torn in two (Matthew 27:51), symbolizing that the way to God was now open to all.

“Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus... let us draw near to God with a sincere heart” (Hebrews 10:19, 22). His blood grants us bold access to the throne of grace.

4. Victory Over Evil

The blood of Jesus also represents triumph. In Revelation 12:11, we are told that believers “overcame [Satan] by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.” The cross was not a defeat but a decisive victory over sin, death, and the devil. Christ’s blood breaks the power of the enemy and secures our eternal inheritance.

5. The New Covenant

At the Last Supper, Jesus declared, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you” (Luke 22:20). This new covenant fulfills and surpasses the old, offering eternal life through faith, not works. It assures believers of God's unbreakable promise to save and transform them.


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Conclusion

The blood of Jesus is not a relic of religious tradition—it is the lifeblood of our faith. It speaks of mercy, justice, love, and hope. It calls us to repentance and assures us of acceptance. In a world stained by sin, the blood of Jesus is the only thing that truly cleanses. It is the reason we can stand forgiven, live in freedom, and look forward to eternal life.

As the old hymn says:
“There is power, power, wonder-working power / In the precious blood of the Lamb.”

The Blood of Jesus: A Divine Sacrifice for Humanity

The blood of Jesus is central to the Christian faith. It is not merely a symbol, but a powerful reality of what Christ accomplished on the cross. Through His blood, Jesus established a new covenant between God and humanity—one rooted not in law and sacrifice, but in grace, forgiveness, and eternal love.

1. Atonement and Forgiveness

From the earliest pages of Scripture, blood signifies life (Leviticus 17:11). In the Old Testament, animal sacrifices were required to atone for sin. But these were only temporary, pointing ahead to a greater, perfect sacrifice. That sacrifice came through Jesus Christ, who “appeared once for all at the culmination of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself” (Hebrews 9:26).

Through His blood, Jesus paid the penalty for sin once and for all. As the apostle Paul wrote, “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace” (Ephesians 1:7).

2. Cleansing and Sanctification

The blood of Jesus does more than forgive—it cleanses. “If we walk in the light...the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). This purification is both instantaneous and ongoing. Believers are declared clean in God’s sight and are continually renewed through Christ’s sacrifice.

His blood sanctifies us, setting us apart for God’s purposes. It washes away guilt and shame, giving us a new identity rooted not in failure, but in grace.

3. Access to God

Before Jesus, access to God’s presence was restricted. Only the high priest could enter the Holy of Holies, and only once a year. But when Jesus shed His blood, the veil in the temple was torn in two (Matthew 27:51), symbolizing that the way to God was now open to all.

“Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus... let us draw near to God with a sincere heart” (Hebrews 10:19, 22). His blood grants us bold access to the throne of grace.

4. Victory Over Evil

The blood of Jesus also represents triumph. In Revelation 12:11, we are told that believers “overcame [Satan] by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.” The cross was not a defeat but a decisive victory over sin, death, and the devil. Christ’s blood breaks the power of the enemy and secures our eternal inheritance.

5. The New Covenant

At the Last Supper, Jesus declared, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you” (Luke 22:20). This new covenant fulfills and surpasses the old, offering eternal life through faith, not works. It assures believers of God's unbreakable promise to save and transform them.


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Conclusion

The blood of Jesus is not a relic of religious tradition—it is the lifeblood of our faith. It speaks of mercy, justice, love, and hope. It calls us to repentance and assures us of acceptance. In a world stained by sin, the blood of Jesus is the only thing that truly cleanses. It is the reason we can stand forgiven, live in freedom, and look forward to eternal life.

As the old hymn says:
“There is power, power, wonder-working power / In the precious blood of the Lamb.”

🙏 1. Prayer for National Unity and Peace

> Heavenly Father,
We thank You for Nigeria, a nation blessed with diversity and abundance.
We pray for unity among tribes, religions, and regions.
Let Your peace reign from the north to the south, east to west.
Bind us together in love and purpose.
Every force of division and bloodshed, we come against it in Jesus’ name.
Amen.




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🙏 2. Prayer for Godly Leadership and Governance

> Lord Jesus,
We ask for righteous and wise leaders who fear You.
Raise up men and women who will lead with justice, humility, and vision.
Remove corrupt leaders and restore integrity to every level of government.
May Your Spirit guide our president, governors, senators, and all in authority.
Let righteousness exalt Nigeria, in Jesus’ name.
Amen.




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🙏 3. Prayer for Economic Growth and Prosperity

> Father God,
We speak life over Nigeria’s economy.
Open doors of innovation, agriculture, technology, and industry.
Break the chains of poverty and unemployment.
Let Your favor rest on Nigerian businesses, youth, and entrepreneurs.
We declare that our land will flourish, in Jesus’ name.
Amen.




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🙏 4. Prayer for Spiritual Revival and the Church

> Lord of the Harvest,
Pour out Your Spirit on the Church in Nigeria.
Let revival burn in every heart, pulpit, and community.
Empower the Church to speak truth and serve with compassion.
Let light overcome darkness, and Your Kingdom come to every part of our nation.
Strengthen Your people to be salt and light, in Jesus’ name.
Amen.




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🙏 5. Prayer for Protection and Security

> Mighty God,
Be a shield over Nigeria.
Protect our cities and villages from terrorism, kidnapping, and violence.
Disarm every wicked plan of the enemy.
Send Your angels to guard our borders, highways, and homes.
We plead the blood of Jesus over our land.
Amen.




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🙏 Final Blessing

> Lord Jesus,
We declare that Nigeria shall rise and fulfill her destiny.
She will be a light to Africa and the world.
A land of peace, abundance, and justice.
We speak progress, healing, and hope over Nigeria — in Jesus’ mighty name!
Amen.

🩺 1. Healings

Physical Healings

Miracle Scripture References

Healing of a man with leprosy Matt 8:2–4, Mark 1:40–45, Luke 5:12–16
Healing of Peter’s mother-in-law Matt 8:14–15, Mark 1:29–31, Luke 4:38–39
Healing of a paralyzed man Matt 9:1–8, Mark 2:1–12, Luke 5:17–26
Healing of a woman with a bleeding issue Matt 9:20–22, Mark 5:25–34, Luke 8:43–48
Healing of two blind men Matt 9:27–31
Healing of a deaf and mute man Mark 7:31–37
Healing of a blind man at Bethsaida Mark 8:22–26
Healing of a blind man (Bartimaeus) Matt 20:29–34, Mark 10:46–52, Luke 18:35–43
Healing of a man born blind John 9:1–12
Healing of a man with dropsy Luke 14:1–6
Healing of a crippled woman Luke 13:10–17
Healing of a man with a withered hand Matt 12:9–14, Mark 3:1–6, Luke 6:6–11
Healing of ten lepers Luke 17:11–19
Healing of the high priest’s servant’s ear (Malchus) Luke 22:50–51
Healing of a centurion’s servant Matt 8:5–13, Luke 7:1–10
Healing at the pool of Bethesda John 5:1–15



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👿 2. Exorcisms (Casting Out Demons)

Miracle Scripture References

Casting out an unclean spirit Mark 1:23–26, Luke 4:33–36
Healing of a mute, demon-possessed man Matt 9:32–33
Healing of a blind and mute demoniac Matt 12:22, Luke 11:14
The Gerasene demoniac (Legion) Matt 8:28–34, Mark 5:1–20, Luke 8:26–39
The Syrophoenician woman’s daughter Matt 15:21–28, Mark 7:24–30
Boy with an unclean spirit (seizures) Matt 17:14–21, Mark 9:14–29, Luke 9:37–43



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🌊 3. Nature Miracles

Miracle Scripture References

Turning water into wine John 2:1–11
Calming the storm Matt 8:23–27, Mark 4:35–41, Luke 8:22–25
Feeding 5,000 with five loaves and two fish Matt 14:13–21, Mark 6:30–44, Luke 9:10–17, John 6:1–14
Feeding 4,000 Matt 15:32–39, Mark 8:1–10
Walking on water Matt 14:22–33, Mark 6:45–52, John 6:16–21
Withering the fig tree Matt 21:18–22, Mark 11:12–14, 20–21
Finding a coin in a fish’s mouth Matt 17:24–27
Large catch of fish (twice) Luke 5:1–11, John 21:1–14



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🧍‍♂️ 4. Raising the Dead

Miracle Scripture References

Raising Jairus’s daughter Matt 9:18–26, Mark 5:21–43, Luke 8:40–56
Raising the widow’s son at Nain Luke 7:11–17
Raising Lazarus John 11:1–44



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⚠️ Other Signs and Miracles

Miracle Scripture References

Jesus passes through a hostile crowd unharmed Luke 4:28–30
Jesus transfigured before Peter, James, and John Matt 17:1–13, Mark 9:2–13, Luke 9:28–36
Resurrection from the dead (self-resurrection) All four Gospels (e.g., Matt 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, John 20)
Post-resurrection appearances & signs Luke 24, John 20–21, Acts 1:3
Ascension into heaven Luke 24:50–53, Acts 1:9–11



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📌 Total: ~37 Distinct Miracles

(Some overlap between Gospels, but scholars usually count around 37 unique events.)

Good day, dear friends.

Here is another sizzling and fascinating story.

Happy reading.







Beyond the Glamour





Femi Allen is an enthusiastic, young journalist when he meets Princess Betty Alowonle, the glamorous and influential Lagos woman. His profile changes and he keeps moving up the ladder.
He soon realizes that there are lot of sleazes behind wealth and glamour. He fizzles out, but then, he finds peace and contentment.









The newsroom of The Bliss newspaper throbbed with its usual hum of energy. Phones rang off the hook, keyboards clattered like distant gunfire, and editors barked instructions across desks stacked high with paper. Reporters rushed in and out like bees in a hive, chasing leads, checking sources, and arguing over headlines. Over by the glass windows that overlooked the city, I sat at my cluttered corner desk, poring over the latest write-ups from my team.

As the Entertainment Editor, I had grown used to the noise, the chaos, the ceaseless demand to stay ahead of the curve. The entertainment desk was hot these days—celebrity feuds, music releases, high-society weddings—it was a goldmine. But even amid all the glamor and gossip, I still sought something deeper. A real story. One that would make waves. I just didn’t know yet that it was already on its way to me.

My phone buzzed on the desk. The screen lit up with an unknown number. I hesitated a moment, then picked it up.

“Hello?”

A crisp, professional voice came through. “Is that Mr. Femi Allen?”

“Yes, speaking.”

“Good. I am Mr. Lawal, personal assistant to Princess Betty Alowonle. You are invited to her office tomorrow—Friday—for the exclusive interview. Ten a.m. sharp.”

Before I could even respond, the line went dead.

I stared at the phone for a second, my mind racing. Princess Betty Alowonle? That name wasn’t just any name—it was the name.

In Lagos, she was royalty both in blood and in stature. Heiress to the Alowonle dynasty, an old aristocratic Yoruba lineage, Betty had reinvented herself as a philanthropist, socialite, and power broker in high society. From elite fashion galas to hush-hush political fundraisers, she was everywhere, commanding headlines with her effortless poise and elusive aura. Yet despite her fame, she rarely spoke to the press. Rumors of scandal followed her like a shadow, but none had ever stuck.

And now, she had invited me for an exclusive interview.

Adrenaline surged through me. This wasn’t just a feature—it was a career-defining moment.

Her office was located in Ikeja, just a fifteen-minute drive from our Acme Road headquarters. I glanced at the framed newspaper cover on my desk—my first front-page story. A reminder of how far I’d come. And tomorrow might be another headline that bore my name.

That night, I didn’t sleep much. I spent hours researching everything about the Princess—her known business interests, past interviews (there were only two, both over five years ago), and the charitable foundation that bore her name. Whispers of political ambitions floated in blogs and podcasts. There were stories of a bitter family feud, a mysterious offshore account, and an ex-lover who had disappeared under strange circumstances.

Was she ready to set the record straight? Or was she playing another game, using the press to steer the narrative her way?

Either way, I intended to find out

Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus

(Words by George Duffield Jr., 1858; Music by George J. Webb)

1.
Stand up, stand up for Jesus,
Ye soldiers of the cross;
Lift high His royal banner,
It must not suffer loss:
From vict'ry unto vict'ry
His army shall He lead,
Till every foe is vanquished,
And Christ is Lord indeed.

2.
Stand up, stand up for Jesus,
The trumpet call obey;
Forth to the mighty conflict,
In this His glorious day:
Ye that are men now serve Him
Against unnumbered foes;
Let courage rise with danger,
And strength to strength oppose.

3.
Stand up, stand up for Jesus,
Stand in His strength alone;
The arm of flesh will fail you,
Ye dare not trust your own:
Put on the Gospel armor,
Each piece put on with prayer;
Where duty calls or danger,
Be never wanting there.

4.
Stand up, stand up for Jesus,
The strife will not be long;
This day the noise of battle,
The next the victor’s song:
To him that overcometh
A crown of life shall be;
He with the King of Glory
Shall reign eternally.