Unveiling the Enemies of Praise! By David Oyedepo

Topic: Unveiling the enemies of praise!

Effective of all spiritual weapons at our disposal. To start with, this week, we shall examine the topic: Unveiling the Enemies of Praise!

We discover from scriptures that praise is one of the most powerful spiritual weapons that provoke the acts of God, yet, many are not aware of its potency. On the other hand, those who know are yet to experience the benefit embedded in it. We must understand that while there are several wonders in praise, there are also enemies of praise which stops the acts of God in our lives. This is because it is acceptable praise that works!

Erroneously, many people sing without actually praising God. They sing for different reasons and with different motives, which make their songs of no effect. Thus, it is one thing to engage in praise and another for our praises to be acceptable. To experience the wonders of praise, we must understand what it takes to make it acceptable. Thus, it is important to note certain hindrances to praise which we must watch against.

What then are the Enemies of Praise?

Murmuring and Complaining: It is written: Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer (1 Corinthians 10:10). No matter how legitimate our reasons, “neither murmur ye…” No reason is acceptable to God for complaining. The shortest way to getting destroyed and seeing no results is to have a case against God. When we stop seeing what God has not done, everything keeps getting done in our favour. It’s time to recognise that it is dangerous to give room to murmuring and complaining. Every time we murmur, we invite the destroyer. Everything we murmur about never grows, rather it diminishes. When murmuring stops, accomplishment begins. When complaining stops, triumph begins. When we complain to men, we secure sympathy but when we complain to God, we incur His anger (Numbers 11:1). There is nothing to complain about but there is everything to praise God for.

Also Read: Unveiling the Triggers for Success! By David Oyedepo

Spirit of Heaviness: Heaviness is a spirit. It is one of the key strategies of satan to strip God’s people naked. He knows that with heaviness, God is absent and when God is absent, we become a cheap prey in his hands. It is written: …the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness… (Isaiah 61:3). The reason the devil steals joy is to make victims of men but we have the gift of joy from the Most High God. He has not withdrawn it. If it is not seen, satan has stolen it. Satan calculates heaviness for God’s people because he knows no one can stop the fiery acts of God when man is giving Him quality praise. That is why we must fight heaviness more than we fight any other sin.

Discontentment: Until we are satisfied with Jesus, we will never smell contentment. Our satisfaction with Jesus is what provokes heaven to satisfy us. The Bible says: But godliness with contentment is great gain (1 Timothy 6:6). There is a lot of godliness in the Church today because God’s Word is coming alive but there is not enough contentment to match. People are rating the worth of life with physical possessions. This is unscriptural! Jesus said we should beware of covetousness. Contentment is the treatment for covetousness. Until we are satisfied, we cannot be merry and until we are merry, we cannot sing (James 5:13).

Holding on to the Past: There are so many Christians under this trap. It is playing the fool! It is a slap on God’s face! As far as God is concerned, our lives today cannot be worse than our lives yesterday. Even if we cannot see it, say it the way God has said it. For it is written: But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day (Proverbs 4:18). I have always said that where I am today is the worse place I can ever be. This is because my tomorrow by virtue of Scripture, by revelation and by the Holy Ghost is already eternally programmed and sealed by the blood to be better than today. Thus, we must live in the reality of scriptures not circumstances.

Being Offended in Him: The times we have been offended in God are our stumbling blocks in life. It is written: And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me (Matthew 11:6). Every time we marked God wrong, we make our path crooked. For instance, in Matthew 11:2-3, John the Baptist was facing a great crisis and as such he began to wonder if Jesus was truly the Messiah. If He was, He should have done something about his case. I am persuaded that this is the reason he was beheaded because there is nowhere in the scriptures where it was foretold that he will be beheaded. If we do not want to be beheaded, refuse to be offended in God (Job 9:4).

In conclusion, the Spirit of the Lord exchanges our heaviness with the garment of praise. He releases us into a life of continuous, endless praise that brings us into union with God. However, you must be born again. Are you born again? If you are not, this is an opportunity to do so. Simply say the following prayer: Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me my sins. Cleanse me with Your precious Blood. Today, I accept You as my Lord and personal Saviour. Thank You Jesus for saving me! Now I know I am born again!”

For further reading, please get my books: Understanding the Power of Praise and Wonders of Praise. I invite you to come and fellowship with us at the Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, the covenant home of Winners. We have four services on Sundays, holding at 6:00 a.m., 7:50 a.m., 9:40 a.m., and 11:30 a.m. respectively. I know this teaching has blessed you. Write and share your testimony with me through: Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, P.M.B. 21688, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria; or call 01-4548070, 01-4548280; or E-mail: [email protected]; Face book: www.facebook.com/davidoyedepoministries/; Twitter: @DavidOyedepoMin

Please click HERE to read other inspiring MESSAGES by Bishop David Oyedepo

David O. Oyedepo is a Nigerian Christian author, architect, preacher, and the founder and presiding bishop of the mega church, Living Faith Church Worldwide, also known as Winners’ Chapel

2018 KINGDOM, POWER AND GLORY WORLD CONFERENCE / DECEMBER 2018 BLESSING SUNDAY – 2ND DECEMBER 2018
ANCHOR SCRIPTURE(S): ACTS 20:32
MESSAGE TOPIC: THE BLESSING OF THE WORD OF GOD
BY: DR. PAUL ENENCHE

SERVICE OBJECTIVES:
1. Understanding the Blessing of the Word of God
2. Understanding access to the Word of God
The Word of God is a Depot of the Blessing of God; the Word of God is a Custodian of the Blessing of God; the Word of God is a Container of the Blessing of God; the Word of God is a Fountain of the Blessing of God .

WAYS IN WHICH THE BLESSING COMES FROM THE WORD
1. There is Blessing in reading the Word (Rev. 1:3)
2. There is Blessing in hearing the Word (Rev. 1:3; Luke 11:28)
3. There is Blessing in thinking the Word or meditating on the Word (Josh. 1:8; Ps. 1:1-3)
4. There is Blessing in obeying the Word of God (Luke 11:28; Deut. 28:1-2)
5. There is Blessing in doing the Word of God (Jam. 1:25)

HOW THE WORD OF GOD BLESSES US:
1. The Word of God connects us to our inheritance in God (Acts 20:32)
The Word of God delivers to us our inheritance in God

2. The Word of God builds our faith and faith brings the Blessing (Rom. 10:17; Gal. 3:9)
Every man of faith is a man connected to the Blessing

3. The Word of God is a form of Rain in the Spirit realm designed for the blessing of our effort (Isa. 55:10-11; Deut. 28:12)
When the Word of God comes upon you it is rain, and that rain came to bless the works of your hands

4. The Word of God terminates curses and limitations, thereby favouring blessings and breakthroughs (Ps. 107:20; 105:17-22)
When the Word comes curses break and when curses break, blessings flow

5. The Word of God transmits the life of God and the life of God carries the Blessing of God (John 6:63; 10:10)

HOW TO ACCESS THE WORD OF GOD FOR THE BLESSING OF GOD:
1. Meekness (Jam. 1:21; Ps. 25:9)
2. Excitement (Isa. 12:3; Ps. 119:162)
To get the best out of the Word, you must rejoice at the Word

PRAYERS
Father, I come before You in meekness and excitement to receive Your Word, this morning, in Jesus’ Name. Thank You for Your Word Lord, in Jesus’ Name.

Father, I am available before You today. Connect me Lord to the Blessing of Your Word that is meant for me this morning, in Jesus’ Name

Father, I come in meekness and humility before You today, and I receive the blessing received for me today, in Jesus’ Name

Father, I receive the rain for the Blessing of the works of my hands

COMMUNION FOCUS:
Communion of the Blessing; this 1st communion in the Glory Dome becomes the beginning of the opening of your eyes, ears and spirit. Whatever is called a pain or affliction in your body is uprooted and unplanted by the communion.

PARENTAL BLESSING FOR DECEMBER 2018 (MUMMY):
– This month will release to you the 12th hour miracle
– Everything that was meant to enter your hands since January, they shall enter in this month of December – there shall be no more delays!
– We declare your preservation and the Hand of the Lord shall be upon you

PARENTAL BLESSING FOR DECEMBER 2018 (DADDY):
I prophesy today:
1. This last part of the year shall be your best part of your year!
2. Everything that God had planned for you this year that has not yet entered your hands, this last part of the year shall become your season of recovery!
3. You saw the beginning of this year; you shall see the beginning of next year! No devil shall take you out before your time!
4. Every enemy curse, spell, limitation and embargo placed on your life all these years, today, this end of the year, the curse is broken and the spell is reversed!
5. 31st of December is not permitted to arrive until you expectations come to pass! Every package for you by the Almighty in 2018 shall enter your hands!
6. Every mystery and every puzzle around your life shall be dissolved before the end of the year!
7. Every wisdom or direction you need for your next level in life and destiny is released into your hands!

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
– No devil shall waste you before your time! You shall fulfil your days!
– Every occultic person manipulating your destiny, by the power of God today, they shall be exposed and arrested!
– Because you are hearing the Word of God being preached right now, the Blessing of God is being released on your life, family, endeavours ad resources!
– Everything the devil has blocked is unblocked right now!
– You shall not labour in vain or bring forth for trouble
– Everyone here that is a victim of curses, limitations, satanic yokes and embargoes, today, I declare, IT IS BROKEN!
– Whatever is fighting the Blessing of God in your life is hereby broke and the blessing is released
– The very life of God that is coming out of my mouth today, is released upon your life and your liberty is hereby confirmed!

Also Read: Click HERE to read Other Inspirational Messages by Pastor Paul Enenche

The above MESSAGE was written by Pastor Paul Enenche of the Dunamis International Gospel Centre (DIGC), headquartered at Abuja, Nigeria, with Pastor Paul and Becky Enenche, as the Senior Pastors. It is a power-packed arena where God’s Presence, Principles and Power are at work for the salvation, healing and restoration of human destinies and dignities.

Flatimes Notice Board: Until you are born again, God ever abiding presence will never be with you. You must be born again to enjoy continuous victory. Please say the displayed prayer below in faith:

Lord Jesus, come into my life. I accept You as my Lord and Personal Saviour. I believe in my heart You died and rose from the dead to save me. Thank You Lord for saving me, in Jesus name Amen.

If you just prayed the prayer of salvation online please send your testimonies and prayer request to [email protected], 07026385437 OR 08141320204.

Topic: Talk Like God! [Kenneth Copeland Devotional 3 December 2018]

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.  – Mark 11:23

Jesus didn’t say, “Whosoever shall speak to God about this mountain.” He said we should speak directly to the mountain the desired end result.

From a worldly point of view, that sounds foolish. But 1 Corinthians 1:27 explains that God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise. It’s always going to sound foolish to the world when a Christian talks as if what God has promised is reality, especially when those promises seem to contradict the natural evidence around us. But if you want to keep the enemy defeated, that’s the kind of talking you’d better be doing.

The Bible says God Himself talks that way! In Romans 4:17, it says, “[He] calleth those things which be not as though they were.” God doesn’t wait for circumstances to line up before He speaks. He causes them to line up because He speaks. You can do the same thing if you’ll make your words agree with His and speak them out of your mouth by faith.

“But what if nothing happens right away?” you may ask. “What if the circumstances don’t immediately change?” When Jesus spoke to the fig tree in Mark 11:14, He didn’t go back and check to see if anything had happened to it. No, once He had spoken it, He considered it done.

Follow His example. Let your faith speak. Agree with God’s Word!

Scripture Reading: Mark 11:12-23

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: One In Spirit [Andrew Wommack Devotional 3 December 2018]

Matthew 27:18 “For he knew that for envy they had delivered him.”

Many problems arise from envy. James said, “For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work” (Jas. 3:16). Envy and strife go hand in hand and open the door to the devil to do anything he desires, in our life. Some people would never give place to the devil through confessing the wrong things, yet through envy, they give the enemy freedom to do his worst. God’s kind of love is not envious or jealous because it doesn’t seek it’s own, but seeks the welfare of others. Envy is an indication of self-centeredness.

The Apostle Paul had some opponents who were just like many people who sow strife today. They are against everything and critical of the way those in authority handle things. They make big statements about what they would do if they were in authority, but it’s all talk. They haven’t proven themselves successful in managing even the smallest things, yet they want to be put in charge of big things, just based on their talk. This is not the system of advancement that Jesus advocates (Mt. 25:21; Lk. 16:11-12; 19:17).

The Lord has united every born-again Christian by baptizing us all into the body of Christ. This is already a reality. Like it or not, want it or not, every Christian is completely one in spirit with every other Christian.

Failure to function as one, in our relationships with other believers means someone is not flowing in the Spirit. Our flesh is the part of us that gets in strife with other believers. As we operate in the Spirit more and more, we will come more and more into unity with our brothers and sisters in Christ.

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).

Topic: What About Love? [Billy Graham Devotional 3 December 2018]

Let love be your greatest aim . . .  — 1 Corinthians 14:1 (TLB)

What about love? How can you be certain you’re in love? I suggest these simple measures that you can apply to yourself. Is your love patient? Is it considerate? Can it wait until marriage for physical fulfillment? Experience says that true love’s patience is inexhaustible. True love does not assert itself, claim rights, or demand privileges. It always thinks first of the other person. The biblical phrase is it “is not self-seeking.” True love never thinks evil of the beloved. It is never suspicious, but always supportive and inspiring. True love bears all things. Nothing weakens or undermines it. It is a rock, an anchor, a foundation for all the years to come.

These simple tests are a mirror that millions have used. Physiologists, psychiatrists, and marriage counselors attest their validity. They were first recommended almost two thousand years ago by a man named Paul, in 1 Corinthians, chapter 13. That chapter provides the finest definition of love the world has received.

Prayer for the day: Your limitless love causes me to see the narrowness of mine, Lord Jesus. Fill me with Your loving Spirit.

If you missed yesterday devotional, please click to read Billy Graham’s Daily Devotional HERE

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.

Open Heaven 3 December 2018 Monday Daily Devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – What do you need from God?

Topic: What do you need from God? (Open Heaven 3 December 2018)

Memorise: “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.”- Romans 8:26

Read: Luke 18:35-43 (KJV)

35 And it came to pass, that as he was come nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way side begging:

36 And hearing the multitude pass by, he asked what it meant.

37 And they told him, that Jesus of Nazareth passeth by.

38 And he cried, saying, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me.

39 And they which went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried so much the more, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me.

40 And Jesus stood, and commanded him to be brought unto him: and when he was come near, he asked him,

41 Saying, What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee? And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight.

42 And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee.

43 And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God.

Bible in One Year: Ezekiel 41-42, John 6:52-71

Open Heaven 3 December 2018 Monday MESSAGE:

40 And Jesus stood, and commanded him to be brought unto him: and when he was come near, he asked him, 41 Saying, What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee? And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight. – Luke 18:40-41

It is intriguing that Jesus asked a man who was obviously blind the question that He did in the above scripture. This indicates to us that even though our cries may catch God’s attention, we still need to apply His principles in order to receive anything from Him. The blind man got Jesus’ attention through His persistent cries, but he still needed to fulfill the principle of asking to receive, before his eyes were opened.

There are several lessons we can learn from the story narrated in today’s Bible reading. Firstly, when we cry to God in the Name of Jesus Christ, we receive divine attention, as this blind man did. I pray that you will receive heaven’s attention as you cry to God today in Jesus’ Name. Secondly, the blind man knew what he needed, and he got it. Do you really know what you need from God or are you occupied with what you want? These are two different things. For example, the blind man needed his eyesight, though he might have also wanted food. Priorities differentiate between needs and wants. This is why the presence of the Holy Spirit is paramount in the life of a believer. We may not accurately know what we need, but the Holy Spirit helps us to pray aright in order to receive our petition. Teaching us this all important work of the Holy Spirit in a believer’s life, Romans 8:26 says:

“Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.”

Moreover, we also learn from this story that Jesus did not assume what the blind man wanted Him to do; instead, He asked and listened to what he had to say. The man might have desired to receive food or money, like the lame man at the gate of the temple in Acts 3:5-6. Another lesson we learn today is that the Father will give us whatever we ask in faith in the Name of Jesus Christ. The question is, do we really know what we need from God, and do we have enough faith to receive it from Him?

Open Heaven 3 December 2018 Monday Prayer Point:

Father, please give me that which is Your perfect will for me today, as only Your will is good enough for me.

Also Read: Open Heaven 2 December 2018 – The Purpose of being Alive

Open Heaven 3 December 2018 Monday Hymn 10: My Faith Looks Up To Thee

1. My faith looks up to Thee,
Thou Lamb of Calvary,
Savior divine!
Now hear me while I pray,
Take all my guilt away,
Oh, let me from this day
Be wholly Thine!

2. May Thy rich grace impart
Strength to my fainting heart,
My zeal inspire!
As Thou hast died for me,
Oh, may my love to Thee
Pure, warm, and changeless be,
A living fire!

3. While life’s dark maze I tread,
And griefs around me spread,
Be Thou my guide;
Bid darkness turn to day,
Wipe sorrow’s tears away,
Nor let me ever stray
From Thee aside.

4. When ends life’s transient dream,
When death’s cold, sullen stream
Shall o’er me roll;
Blest Savior, then in love,
Fear and distrust remove;
Oh, bear me safe above,
A ransomed soul!

Open Heaven 3 December 2018 Monday 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. The Open Heavens devotional application is available across all mobile platforms and operating systems: iOS, Android, Blackberry, Nokia, Windows Mobile and PC. Open Heaven 3 December 2018 Monday Daily Devotional.

Flatimes Notice Board: Until you are born again, God ever abiding presence will never be with you. You must be born again to enjoy continuous victory. Please say the displayed prayer below in faith:

Lord Jesus, come into my life. I accept You as my Lord and Personal Saviour. I believe in my heart You died and rose from the dead to save me. Thank You Lord for saving me, in Jesus name Amen.

If you just prayed the prayer of salvation online please send your testimonies and prayer request to [email protected], 07026385437 OR 08141320204.