Topic: Create Value [Wednesday, 5th April 2017]

Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them. – Acts 9:39

Scriptures say in Proverbs 10:7 “we have happy memories of the godly, but the name of a wicked person rots away.” People are remembered for the value they create in the lives of others. When I was in my early teenage age, I had a friend that I liked so much. We always hang out then and sing together. But one thing I will never forget about her was that she was the first person that encouraged me to be a writer. I used to write articles and give to her to read. Her words were always filled with appraisals of how good I was in writing. The value her words of created in my life is still being felt till date. Those are the kind of things God has created us to do.

Creating value not only goes a long way in blessing and enhancing lives, it also have its effect in your life in a positive way, even more than you could ever imagine. Dorcas, in Acts 9, would never have imagined that the value her good works created in the lives of people will spur them to  bring Peter to resurrect her when she first died. She would have been doing what she did with a loving heart, which is very essential, without expecting much from them, but at the end, the value she created with the coats and garments she made for the people within her sphere of influence, influenced them to send for Apostle Peter to come bring her back to life. And yes, he did just that for them, and I am certain she continued creating value.

Products and services in the business world can only survive if they continue to create affordable value for the people that use them. Affordable here is relative and since this is not a business school, I will skip that. But essentially, every product and services must create value for people if not they will go into extinction. We are called by God to create value. Our lives are fueled by the value we create. It is what keeps us going and spurs us to do more. Find your niche and space so you can create the value God has called you to create in the lives of people. Don’t settle for anything less than a life that is valuable to your sphere of contact.

Keep winning daily.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, thank You because You chose and ordained me to create value in my sphere of influence. By Your Spirit that is at work in and through me, I create the right value and enhance the lives of the people in my sphere of influence, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Habits are like glue. When it gets stuck, it either becomes indelible or takes forever to remove. This is why it’s not advisable to allow a habit overwhelm you because it requires painstaking efforts to abandon. If you, however, continue with these habits, it will affect your health and general wellbeing over time. Thus, Jumia Travel, the leading online travel agency identifies habits that are putting your health at risk.

Sitting all day

Since jobs are now performed mostly with computers in the 21st century, it is very possible that you will sit in front of it for hours without taking breaks. This is not good because the longer you sit, the more you are susceptible to heart diseases. Therefore, the import of breaks can’t be overemphasised.

Smoking

This is not new. A large number of people are smoking today disregarding the instruction that smokers are liable to die young. The health hazards associated with all kinds of smoking are unlimited. Even electronic cigars have not be certified safe.

Eating junk food

The food eaten today are not a balanced diet, no thanks to tight schedules. Consequently, we turn to processed or packaged foods that unhealthy. Generally, eating junk food can hurt our health. Take time out to cook.

Not wearing sunscreen

Not wearing sunscreen whenever it is sunny raises your chances of having melanoma, an eye disease. It is easy to overlook this but the consequences are dire. Your eyes need protection from sun rays.

Downing too alcohol

Too much of everything is bad. Alcohol is the gold many cannot resist. At classy hotels and bars in Lagos, you find people downing alcohol like water. There is nothing wrong with taking alcohol for some people. It is advisable though you drink moderately if you cannot do without it.

Not getting enough sleep

Sleep can help boost creativity. But very few persons are getting enough sleep. They are too busy. And at other times when they have the opportunity to sleep, they are distracted by their smartphones. If you cannot sleep the recommended 7 or 8 hours, try to sleep soundly even if you are sleeping for several hours.

By Adeniyi OGUNFOWOKE
PR Associate at Jumia Travel
+2348090747241

Topic: We Need Each Other [Wednesday April 5, 2017]

That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. – John 17:21

It’s time we, as believers, began to enter into the oneness Jesus prayed for in John 17:21. It’s time we held on to one another in good times as well as bad. It’s time we realized that we need one another.

We do, you know. I need your faith as much as you need mine. Together, we can face anything and win in Jesus.

Let me show you why. In John 3:34, God says Jesus was given the Holy Spirit without measure. He was more powerful than all the demons of hell and all wicked spirits of all classes, including Satan himself. He was able to defeat their power combined.

Now consider this. We are His Body. Each of us has been given the measure of faith according to Romans 12:1-3. That measure is enough to take care of our own personal needs. However, there is more involved here than just our own personal lives.

We have a world to win! We are the end-time generation. We need all the help we can get. But, thank God, we can get all the help we need!

How? By joining together. Ephesians 4:13 says that when we all come together in the unity of the faith, we’ll have “the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.”

In other words, when the Body of Christ comes together and begins to function as one, we’ll have the Holy Spirit without measure—just like Jesus did! We’ll begin to see ministries functioning in the fullness of their callings. We’ll begin to see manifestations of the Holy Spirit in full measure. We’ll see Jesus in fullness as we’ve never seen Him before.

Then the world will know the Father sent Him.

Step into that oneness today. Start today making a daily effort to make yourself available to God to pray for others. Start your day by saying, “Holy Spirit, use me to pray for someone today. I offer You my measure of faith.”

Once we truly join together in faith, all the demons of hell won’t be able to overcome us. We’ll march right over them in the fullness of the power of Jesus and bring the age to a glorious close!

Scripture Reading: Ephesians 4:1-16

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.

Topic: What a Savior! [Wednesday April 5, 2017]

It was written long ago that the Messiah must suffer and die and rise again from the dead on the third day. — Luke 24:46 (TLB)

What was the power and influence that changed the cross from an instrument of bloody torture into the most glorious and beloved of all symbols? The Romans crucified thousands of people before and after Calvary. If Jesus had not risen from the dead, no right-minded person would have glorified anything so hideous and repulsive as a cross stained with the blood of Jesus. By the miracle of His rising from the grave, Jesus placed the seal of assurance upon the forgiveness of our sins.

A dead Christ could not have been our Savior. An unopened grave would never have opened heaven. By bursting the chains of the tomb, Jesus proved Himself to all ages the conqueror of sin. The sacrifice on Calvary had fulfilled its purpose; the ransom price paid for your sins and mine had been accepted by God. Hallelujah, what a Savior!

Prayer for the day: Each time I see the empty cross, let me be reminded of Your suffering and Your victory, Lord Jesus.

Written by Billy Graham, Founder of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association(BGEA). BGEA exists to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ by every effective means and to equip the church and others to do the same.

Topic: How To Solve Problems [Tuesday April 4, 2017]

Acts 6:1-7

First of all realize that problems are real; don’t be surprised by it.

To be confronted by a problem is not strange. It is normal.

Have a right attitude, never react, rather respond to problems.

Approach problems, don’t avoid or dodge them.

Identify the cause of the problem

In the early Church, a problem arose because, their widows were neglected.      

Never assume that the problem will take care of itself.

Then the twelve called the multitude

Take practical stePsalm

Brethren, look ye out among you

Solution is available right at the problem spots. Where the murmuring rose from is the same place where solution will rise from.

Get people to look into the problem on ground.

Give problem a business approach to be able to solve them.

Every problem is a spring board to increase. When they face you, phase them out to access your new phase of life.

And the word of God increased; and the number of disciples multiplied. Acts 6:7

Topic: Have You Talked to God Today? [Tuesday April 4, 2017]

In the morning You hear my voice, O Lord; in the morning I prepare [a prayer, a sacrifice] for You and watch and wait [for You to speak to my heart]. — Psalm 5:3

I think some people don’t begin their day talking to God because they don’t realize what a great honor and privilege it is to be invited to do so. We hear so often that we need to pray that perhaps we tend to over-spiritualize the idea and end up seeing it as something that is a job or an obligation rather than an honor.

It doesn’t have to be eloquent, or even necessarily long, but trying to live without it is foolish. It’s asking God to meet your need or someone else’s. It’s praising Him and thanking Him. It’s about committing things to Him and honestly sharing your worries and concerns with Him.

There is no subject off limits with God—you can talk to Him about anything without the fear of being misunderstood, judged critically, or reproached for your faults.

When we talk to God, we open the door for Him to come into our day—into our problems and situations—and do what we cannot do on our own. We are actually inviting the power of God into our lives. Talking to God about your life doesn’t immediately change your circumstance, but it does change something in you and it gives you the strength you need go through your day with a smile on your face. It helps you believe that you are not alone, and that is important for all of us.

Topic: Characteristics of the New Covenant III [Tuesday 4, April 2017]

Memorise: He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so. – Matthew 19:8

Read: Matthew 5:31-32 (KJV)

31 It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement:

32 But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.

Bible in One Year: Leviticus 8-9, Jeremiah 7:8-26

MESSAGE:

The paradigm shifts introduced by the Lord Jesus Christ ever since He came to reveal the perfect will of the Father to us are indeed numerous. One of these is in the area of divorce and remarriage. The Jewish leaders hated the teachings of Jesus and the change He came to introduce; for this reason, they wanted him dead fast! Indeed, no man ever spoke like Jesus did. The amazing thing is that these leaders believed they were doing the will of God by killing Him. John 11:49-50 says,

“49 And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all, 50 Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.”

Just like these Jewish leaders of yesteryears, some church leaders and pastors today try to justify their error in the area of divorce and remarriage, thinking that they are doing what is expedient for themselves or for the parties concerned. In our Bible reading for today, in opposition to the accepted standard of His time, Jesus revealed the perfect will of God concerning this. Hear what He said:

“But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.” – Matthew 5:32

In Matthew 19:3-10, when Jesus was confronted by the Pharisees on the issue of divorce as applied from the time of Moses, they were shocked to learn His standpoint on this matter. Jesus revealed to them that they had been living under the permissive will of God in this area (Matthew 19:8), and He also reinforced what He had already said about divorce and remarriage in His Sermon on the Mount. Just as so many people are perplexed by this teaching today, even the disciples of Jesus were also perplexed by it (Matthew 19:10). However, that is the verdict of the new covenant. We have to accept the standard the Master has set and walk in it. Whoever has ears, let them hear what Jesus Christ is saying to those who want to enjoy the provision of the new covenant in His Blood.

Prayer Point: Father, help me to meet up to the standard of the requirements of the new covenant, and bless me through it, in Jesus Name.

Open Heavens Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer’s Ministries.

iOpenHeavens is the electronic version of the Hard Copy. The Open Heavens devotional application is available across all mobile platforms and operating systems: iOS, Android, Blackberry, Nokia, Windows Mobile and PC.

Topic: Rekindling the Fire of Love in Your Marriage!

Dear Reader,

With great joy and happiness, I bring God’s Word your way again this month. By the help of the Holy Spirit, I will be sharing with you on a topic titled: Rekindling the “Fire of Love” in Your Marriage.

Marriage, like some others think, is not a trap. It was instituted for the good of man. In the beginning, God saw that it is not good for man to be alone; so, He instituted marriage.  I believe God must have said to Himself, “I want it to be good for man; so, I will make a help meet for him.”  I make bold to say that marriage was actually designed to make life great for mankind.

The subject of marriage actually begins, when two individuals, man and woman, make a decision to marry each other. However, when that marriage is not founded on God, the joy, excitement and satisfaction the couple had at the outset, are short-lived. It soon wears off. It’s like owning a car; with time, new models come out and what was once new begins to age. The car owner now desires to change the once new car for the latest sensation. Why? This is because the old one does not excite him anymore.

However, when God is at the centre of a marriage, you find that instead of getting tired of loving each other, your excitement and satisfaction increase as the years go by, making the relationship go from good to better, and from better to best!

According to God’s concept, marriage is good; though this assertion is contrary to man’s claims on the subject.  Therefore, whatever man’s concept you have heard about marriage, put it aside and believe what the Bible says, because that is the only authentic view.

Buttressing the fact that marriage is good, Paul says: Marriage is honorable in all… (Hebrews 13:4). If marriage is not good, it cannot be honourable at the same time. That is why any experience that is contrary to the Word of God should be thrown away.

Ever before I got married, I discovered and accepted God’s concept of marriage at the expense of man’s concept. To the glory of God, I am not only enjoying the goodness in marriage, I am also moving towards the perfection of it.

A woman once came to my husband for counselling. She began by making a sweeping statement that every home has its own peculiar problem. My husband had to cut in to correct her by pointing out that there are exceptions. Having problems in marriage is not the rule. That you are sick, for instance, does not mean that everybody else is sick. God intends that believers’ marriages be a heaven-on-earth experience, where they can enjoy the Kingdom of God and the abundance it has to offer.

You, also, can enjoy your marriage, because the same God is rich unto all, and He is no respecter of persons!

To effectively understand and walk in the covenant of marriage, you need to accept Jesus, Who designed the marriage institution, as your Lord and personal Saviour by saying this prayer: “Dear Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me of my sins and cleanse me with Your Blood. Deliver me from sin and satan to serve the living God. I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Make me a child of God today. Thank You for accepting me into Your Kingdom.”

If you prayed this simple prayer, you are 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).

Congratulations! You are now born again! All-round rest and peace are guaranteed you, in Jesus’ Name. Call or write, and share your testimonies with me through [email protected]; OR 07026385437 and 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).

A Promise For You From Bible Promises:

Topic: Do Not Be Afraid To Fail [04/04/2017]

Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD shall be a light unto me. Micah 7:8. Read: Mic 7:8-10

A man that has never failed has never tried anything and will remain a failure forever. Don’t be afraid to fail in life. In fact, failed attempt is better than no attempt at all. If you have ever tried doing something and failed, try again, keep trying until you break through. You are not a failure when you try once and fail, you only become a failure when you refuse to try again. You see in the race of life, to fail is inevitable, but you must encourage yourself not to quit trying. Prophet Micah in our text fell, instead of him to wallow in frustration, he told his enemy not to rejoice over him because he is determined to rise again and when he shall rise, shame shall cover them, thanks is the spirit you should have towards your goals in life. A righteous man will fall seven times and shall rise (if he is determined) again. God is not angry at you because you have failed ones or even more, He is angry because you fail to try again. Get up, dust yourself and take that step again. Take that exam again. Go for that interview again, success awaits you. In spite of Uzza’s death, David went back to bring the Ark God by doing the right thing. Gather yourself together and doing it again in the way.

#BiblePromisesPrayer
* In the name above all other names, as you go back to take that step, your testimony is sure