The Daily Fountain Daily Devotional of the Church Of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) 15 March 2019 – A Friend In Need

TOPIC: A Friend In Need

READ: Job 6:14-30 King James Version (KJV)

14 To him that is afflicted pity should be shewed from his friend; but he forsaketh the fear of the Almighty.

15 My brethren have dealt deceitfully as a brook, and as the stream of brooks they pass away;

16 Which are blackish by reason of the ice, and wherein the snow is hid:

17 What time they wax warm, they vanish: when it is hot, they are consumed out of their place.

18 The paths of their way are turned aside; they go to nothing, and perish.

19 The troops of Tema looked, the companies of Sheba waited for them.

20 They were confounded because they had hoped; they came thither, and were ashamed.

21 For now ye are nothing; ye see my casting down, and are afraid.

22 Did I say, Bring unto me? or, Give a reward for me of your substance?

23 Or, Deliver me from the enemy’s hand? or, Redeem me from the hand of the mighty?

24 Teach me, and I will hold my tongue: and cause me to understand wherein I have erred.

25 How forcible are right words! but what doth your arguing reprove?

26 Do ye imagine to reprove words, and the speeches of one that is desperate, which are as wind?

27 Yea, ye overwhelm the fatherless, and ye dig a pit for your friend.

28 Now therefore be content, look upon me; for it is evident unto you if I lie.

29 Return, I pray you, let it not be iniquity; yea, return again, my righteousness is in it.

30 Is there iniquity in my tongue? cannot my taste discern perverse things?

THE MESSAGE:

Job has continued to react to his friends’ conviction over his suffering. He described them as pitiless, deceitful and fearful (vs.14-15; 21). They offered him no help. Though Job was disappointed with his friends, he stood his ground and maintained his innocence. How do you relate with your friends who are suffering and need your help? Like Job’s friends, with grievous assumptions? God forbid! A friend loveth at all times (Proverbs 17:17).

The word of God recognises the need for the afflicted and has instructed on what to do to help out. Some of them include: mourn with those who mourn (Romans 12: 15); carry each other’s burden (Galatians 6:2); cloth yourselves with compassion (Colossians 3: 12); let your conversation be full of grace seasoned with salt (Colossians 4:6); do not judge or you will be judged (Matthew 7:1); pray for each other (James 5: 16).

When we willingly obey God’s injunction for those who are suffering, God will make a way for them and they will smoothly overcome their situations. A friend in need is a friend indeed. May we be friends in need in Jesus, Name!

PRAYER: Lord, make me a friend in need to save souls for eternity.

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Topic: Are God’s Thoughts Your Thoughts? [Joyce Meyer Devotional 15 March 2019]

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. — Isaiah 55:8

Whose thoughts are you thinking? If your thoughts are not God’s thoughts, I recommend changing your thinking! If we want to have what God wants us to have, then we will need to learn to think the way He thinks.

In Jeremiah 29:11, God says, For I know the thoughts that I think toward you… (KJV). God has thoughts for you. Do you think about you and your life the way God is thinking about you?

If you’re not thinking the way God is thinking, you are not going to end up with God’s plan for you. The Bible says in Proverbs 23:7, For as he thinks in his heart, so is he… (AMPC).

You can stop God’s plan by thinking your own fleshly thoughts, or agreeing with others’ or Satan’s thoughts, or you can think God’s thoughts and believe and receive the good plan He has for your life. Who are you in agreement with?

Prayer Starter: Father, Help me to think positive thoughts today that agree with Your Word and the good plan You have for my life. Please help me to be more aware of the thoughts I think and the words I speak, knowing they have tremendous power. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

If you missed yesterday devotional, please click to read “Joyce Meyer Daily Devotional HERE’’

From Joyce Meyer’s Ministries.

Positive Declaration by Pastor David Ibiyeomie

Topic: Positive Declaration

Every condition of life is a product of spoken words; negative or positive. The world you live in is determined by the words you speak. The sounds from your mouth determines the things that happen in your life.

Genesis 1:3- And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.

You will never see what you have not declared.

Hebrews 11:3- Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

Ephesians 5:1- Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;

As imitators of God, you should follow His examples to produce impeccable results. Positive confession is simply saying what God’s Word says. Confession precedes possession. What you confess is what you possess.

Proverbs 6:2-Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth, thou art taken with the words of thy mouth.

Also Read: Faith for Prosperity by Pastor David Ibiyeomie

The wrong use of words can endanger you. Your words can make you work wonders and can also make you wander in life. Your words create images and then you end up living in that image. Speaking in line with God’s Words can change circumstances in your life. Justification and condemnation are functions of your words. You create what you continuously say.

Mark 11:23- For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.

Faith speaks your expectations not your experiences. Your words must be in line with your prayers. When God’s Word is conceived in the heart and declared with the mouth, it creates a spiritual force. Don’t change your language even in the face of challenges. Keep speaking positively no matter the circumstances or oppositions because every word spoken is a seed sown.

Proverbs 10:11- The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.

Proverbs 12:6b-but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them.

Proverbs 12:14a- A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruits of his mouth:

Proverbs 12:18b- but the tongue of the wise is health.

Health, protection, prosperity and life are functions of your words. Positive confession is not a gift, it is a choice. Consciously choose and use positive words for effective living.

God bless you!

Also Read: Other Inspiring Messages by Pastor David Ibiyeomie

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Rhapsody of Realities 15 March 2019 By Pastor Chris Oyakhilome – Compelled By The Truth Of The Gospel

Topic: Compelled By The Truth Of The Gospel

For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty (2 Peter 1:16).

The first thing that should compel you about preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the truth of the Gospel. The Gospel isn’t an assumption or some fairytale. Peter said, “We have not followed cunningly devised fables”; this Gospel is truth.

Secondly, the content of the Gospel, what it states, is most compelling: that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, and that He was, and is, the Son of God in truth—God in the flesh. Moreover, He was crucified on the Cross, and died for us. He was buried, and God raised Him from the dead, and He’s alive today; His death on the Cross was a sacrifice for the sins of the world.

When Jesus died, we died in Him; when He was buried, we were buried in Him; when God raised Him back to life, we were raised together with Him, and because He lives, we live. Hallelujah! These are our convictions about Christ and the Gospel! 2 Corinthians 5:21 says, “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”

Think about it: one who knew no sin was made sin for us, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him, so that whereas we were dead in sin, now in Him, we live! What a message! There’s nothing like it in the world; it’s the greatest story ever told; the greatest news of all time!

Now, to think that this is the Gospel that Abraham looked forward to, that Isaac and Jacob and the patriarchs looked forward to and prophesied about; to think that this is the Gospel that we’ve embraced, and has become so real to our spirits, is overwhelming. It’s an unending song, an ever-flowing stream of unending joy.

When you think about Jesus, and what the Gospel means, and all that He’s done for you, you should be compelled to preach it more than ever. Refuse to be quiet; tell it everywhere.

CONFESSION
I’m compelled by the truth of the Gospel to preach it around the world. The zeal of the Lord propels me to proclaim liberty to the captives, and turn men from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God. The Lord Himself is effectually at work in me—His power and desire—to fulfil His delight and please Him in all things. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
Romans 1:16; I Corinthians 9:16-23

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Luke 1:1-25 & Deuteronomy 3-4

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Matthew 23:1-12 & Exodus 24

Click HERE to Read previous Messages

Rhapsody of Realities 15th March 2019 Devotional was written by Pastor Pastor Chris Oyakhilome (D.Sc., D.D.). President of Loveworld Inc. aka Christ Embassy Int’l.

TOPIC: Effective Soul Winning [RCCG Sunday School STUDENT Manual 17 March 2019]

MEMORY VERSE: “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.” – Proverbs 11:30 (scroll down for RCCG Sunday School 17 March 2019 HYMN)

BIBLE PASSAGE: Mark 16:15-16 KJV (RCCG Sunday School STUDENT Manual 17 March 2019)

15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

INTRODUCTION:

Jesus Christ told His followers they would be His witnesses to ‘’the ends of the earth’’ (Acts 1:8) and to ‘’go and make disciples of all nations’’ (Matthew 28:19), which is the essence of winning souls. Believers need to understand that it is not just about preaching the gospel, but more so, about winning souls. This is usually called – fruitful evangelism. Effective soul winning is not just about telling but winning them (John 15:8).

LESSON OUTLINES

1. Keys to effective soul-winning
2. Benefits of effective soul-winning

1. KEYS TO EFFECTIVE SOUL-WINNING

The keys outlined below will enhance believers’ soul-winning efforts and enable them to become successful in leading many to righteousness.

1. You must strengthen your own personal relationship with God. The time you spend alone with God is important; so also is the time you spend meditating on God’s word (James 4:8a; 2Timothy 2:15).
2. You must be different from the world (Romans 12:2; James 4:4). This world has its own twisted and perverted pattern of values and priorities. We must stand out and be peculiar (2Corinthians 6:17; 1Peter 2:9).
3. Make use of God’s blessings in your life to win souls. People want proof; without proof your testimony is useless. Your life should be the evidence that it pays to serve God. In order to become an effective soul-winner, you must put your gifts, talents and resources to use and create positive/attractive results (1Timothy 4:14-15).
4. Be relevant. Your gifts and talents should be developed and deployed in the marketplaces of the earth to solve the problems of the world. Only those who solve the problems of others can become effective soul-winners (Matthew 5:16).
5. Boldly speak to others about Jesus and their need to get saved (2Timothy 1:7-8). A lot of Christians today operate in fear, too timid to talk about Jesus and stand for their belief. Many Christians prefer to be quite about their faith.

2. BENEFITS OF EFFECTIVE SOUL WINNING

Some of the benefits of soul winning are as follows:

1. Divine beautification (Daniel 12:3).
2. Divine presence (Matthew 28:20b).
3. Answered prayers (John 15:16).
4. Soul winners are always celebrated and will always be celebrating here and beyond because they bring joy to God’s presence always (Luke 10:1, 17; 15:7).
5. Reward in Heaven (Matthew 19:27-29).
6. Manifestation of spiritual gifts and protection (Mark 16:15-18).
7. Eternal life (Luke 10:20).

CONCLUSION:

God does not want anyone to perish (2Peter 3:9). All Christians should therefore, be eager to heed the call for soul-winning.

QUESTIONS:

1. Mention at least 4 keys for effective soul winning.
2. What are the benefits of soul winning?

Also Read: RCCG Sunday School STUDENT Manual 10 March 2019, Lesson 28

RCCG Sunday School 17 March 2019 HYMN

1. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
   O how I love Thee well,
   I am happy, it makes me glad
   To rejoice at Thy birth.
2. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day, Thy friendship suits me well,
   Both young and old will sing Thy song,
   We long for Sunday School.
3. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
   Christ was Thy first teacher,
   The Holy Spirit, great teacher,
   Does manifest in thee.
4. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
   This testimony is sure,
   That God, the Father Almighty,
   Poured His blessing on Thee.
5. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
   Though the sun be so bright,
   Or if the clouds black with rain,
   I’ll be in Sunday School.
6. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
   I rejoice to see Thee,
   Will thou pass over me today?
   Without my being blest?

RCCG Sunday School TEACHER’s Manual 17 March 2019 Lesson 29 – Effective Soul Winning

TOPIC: Effective Soul Winning

OPENING PRAYER: Father, help me to be an effective soul winner. (Scroll down for RCCG Sunday School 17 March 2019 HYMN)

MEMORY VERSE: “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.” – Proverbs 11:30 (scroll down for RCCG Sunday School 17 March 2019 HYMN)

BIBLE PASSAGE: Mark 16:15-16 KJV (RCCG Sunday School TEACHER’s Manual 17 March 2019)

15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

LESSON INTRODUCTION:

Jesus Christ told his followers that they would be his witnesses to “the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8) and to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matt. 28:19), which is the essence of winning souls. Believers need to understand that it is not about just preaching the gospel, but more so, about winning souls. This is usually called fruitful evangelism. Effective soul winning is not just about telling but winning. John 15:8.

TEXT REVIEW: MARK 16:15-16

The following key words could be extracted from the ultimate and final instruction and assignment to the believers before the Lord Jesus returned to heaven:

i. Go v.15: If you are born again then you are to respond to the unconditional command. Age or year of salvation wasn’t part of the command. Go without fear, food and friend.

ii. All the world v.15: “All the world” here means all nations, countries, cities, towns, villages, settlements, etc.

iii. Preach the gospel v.15: “Preach” here means speaking about Jesus, teaching His commandments (Matt. 28:19) baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and the Holy Ghost, teach the doctrine of Jesus Christ as presented by the Apostles and as revealed by the Holy Spirit. 1 Cor. 2:10-12

iv. Every Creative v.15: all race, tribes, languages, people, culture, personalities, bound, free, rich, poor, strong, weak, male, female, adult, children, etc.

v. The benefit of accepting the gospel is eternal life through salvation v.16.

vi. The consequences of rejecting the gospel is second death through damnation.

2 LESSON OUTLINES

LESSON OUTLINE 1: KEYS TO EFFECTIVE SOUL WINNING

The following guidelines will enable believers to be effective in soul winning:

i. Maintain a strong personal relationship with God by praying and meditating on the word of God. James 4:8a; 2 Tim 2:15.

ii. Stand out and be peculiar, don’t join the world pattern of life. You cannot be part of the perversion of values and priorities. Rom.12:2; James 4:4; 2 Cor.6:17; 1 Peter 2:9.

iii. Put your gifts, talents and resources into efficient use for God. Be result-oriented. Prove that your God is a God of success and not failure. 1 Tim.4:14-15.

iv. Be relevant. Solve the problems of others. Conceive your dream and interpret the dream of others. Be creative with your gift, talents and knowledge for helping mankind. Matt. 5:16.

v. Speak boldly to others about Jesus and their need to get saved. 2 Tim.1:7-8

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Identify other resources or activities that are essential for effective (result-oriented) soul winning.

LESSON OUTLINE 2: BENEFITS OF SOUL WINNING

i. Divine beautification. Daniel 12:3.

ii. Divine presence. Matt. 28:20b.

iii. Answered prayers. John 15:16.

iv. Soul winners are always celebrated and will always be celebrated here and beyond because they bring joy to God’s presence always. Luke 10:1, 17; 15:7

v. Rewards in heaven. Matt. 19:27&29.

vi. Manifestation of spiritual gifts and protection. Mark 16:15-18.

vii. Eternal life. Luke 10:20.

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: What are the dangers of not winning souls to the Kingdom of God?

SUMMARY: Believers must be effective soul winners to enjoy divine benefits.

CONCLUSION: God does not want anyone to perish (2 Peter 3:9). All Christians should therefore, be eager to heed the call to soul-winning.

EVALUATION: Differentiate some requirements and benefits of effective soul winners.

CLOSING PRAYER: Father, use me to attract numerous souls to your kingdom.

ASSIGNMENT: Identify methods by which soul winners can preserve the soul won for God.

Read previous RCCG Sunday School Teacher’s Manual Here

NOTE:
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RCCG Sunday School 17 March 2019 HYMN

1. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
   O how I love Thee well,
   I am happy, it makes me glad
   To rejoice at Thy birth.
2. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day, Thy friendship suits me well,
   Both young and old will sing Thy song,
   We long for Sunday School.
3. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
   Christ was Thy first teacher,
   The Holy Spirit, great teacher,
   Does manifest in thee.
4. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
   This testimony is sure,
   That God, the Father Almighty,
   Poured His blessing on Thee.
5. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
   Though the sun be so bright,
   Or if the clouds black with rain,
   I’ll be in Sunday School.
6. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
   I rejoice to see Thee,
   Will thou pass over me today?
   Without my being blest?

Topic: The Heart of the Matter [Kenneth Copeland Devotional 15 March 2019]

For the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart. – 1 Samuel 16:7

Too often we ask God to fix the problems around us when what He really wants to do is solve the problem within us. I did that myself for years where my weight was concerned. I prayed and prayed for God to help me lose weight. Yet I experienced repeated failure. I lost literally hundreds of pounds, only to gain them right back again.

Finally one day, I made a firm decision. I told God, “I am not going one step further until I find out what to do about this!” Then I went on a fast, shut myself away from everyone, and determined to hear from God.

During that fast the Lord revealed the real source of my problem. He showed me that I wanted to lose weight, but I didn’t want to permanently change my eating habits. I was like an alcoholic who wants to be able to drink constantly and not be affected by it. I wanted to eat nine times a day and still weigh 166 pounds!

Suddenly I realized God wasn’t content simply to rid me of the extra pounds on the outside of me. He wanted to rid me of the sin of gluttony on the inside of me. So I repented of that sin right then and there. (It was then that I realized just how hard it is for a man who drinks to face the fact that he’s an alcoholic. It hurts to admit something like that.) Then, instead of asking God for deliverance from my weight problem, I asked Him for deliverance from my food problem.

Sure enough, He did it.

If your prayers don’t seem to be changing the problems around you, maybe it’s time to take a look inside. Maybe it’s time to ask God to go to work on the heart of the matter.

Scripture Reading: Psalm 139:1-10, 23-24

If you missed yesterday devotional, please click to read “Kenneth and Gloria Copeland’s Daily Devotional Here’’

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: Healing Is God’s Will [Andrew Wommack Devotional 15 March 2019]

Matthew 8:2, “And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.”

Text: Matthew 8:1-4

Leprosy was a hated disease and its symptoms are described in detail in Leviticus 13:1-46. This leper believed Jesus could heal him, but doubted His willingness to heal him. Jesus showed him His willingness to heal, and since He is no respecter of persons, He established a precedent for us (Rom. 2:11). This leper did not know God’s will concerning healing, but this is not the case with us. The Word of God is the will of God, and it reveals that it is always God’s will to heal.

Isaiah 53:5, makes it clear that when Isaiah said “with his stripes we are healed”, he was speaking of the physical healing of our bodies. Jesus provided for physical healing as well as forgiveness of sins. The very word “save” (Gk.-“sozo”) is translated “made whole” in reference to physical healing in Matthew 9:22, Mark 5:34, and Luke 8:48. James 5:15 says, “the prayer of faith shall save (Gk.-“sozo”) the sick.” Many scriptures mention the healing of our bodies in conjunction with the forgiveness of our sins. Healing is a part of our salvation, just as much as the forgiveness of our sins.

Nowhere do we find Jesus refusing to heal anyone. In light of Jesus’ statement that He could do nothing of Himself, but only what He saw the Father do (Jn. 5:19 and 8:28-29), His actions are proof enough that it is always God’s will to heal. There are certain things Jesus suffered for us that we should not suffer. Jesus died for our sins so that we would not have to pay for them (Rom. 6:23). Jesus took our sicknesses and diseases so that we could walk in health (Mt. 8:17; 1 Pet. 2:24). Jesus became poor so that we, through His poverty, might be rich (2 Cor. 8:9). If God be for us, then no one can successfully be against us.

The Lord has made every provision for you to walk in all He has provided for you today. Don’t put it off a minute longer.

If you missed yesterday devotional, please click to read Andrew Wommack Daily Devotional

This message was written by The Association of Related Ministries International (ARMI) is an extension of Andrew Wommack Ministries (AWM). ARMI is a unique partnership committed to providing resources to help like-minded ministers succeed in a spirit of excellence and to draw from the experience and expertise of both the AWM and Charis Bible College staff. (www.awmi.net).