Topic: Who Gets God’s Mercy? [Teens’ Open Heavens Thursday 18, January 2018]

Memorise: “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.”  – Matthew 5:7

Read: Exodus 20:4-6

4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth:

5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;

6 And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.

Bible In One Year: Genesis 42-43, Matthew 13:33-58

MESSAGE:

GOD is sovereign. Being the highest of all, He cannot be queried over what He does. He went into a crowd of sick people, healed one man and left (John 5:2-9). What made Him pity this particular man? Sheer mercy! The man did not pray, neither did he know the person of Jesus. After his healing, when people asked him why he was carrying his bed on a Sabbath day, he said the one who healed him asked him to carry his bed. When he was asked for the person’s name, he had no clue. He did not do anything to qualify for that healing, but God’s mercy singled him out. Are you presently in a situation where you do not qualify for God’s blessings? God’s mercy will speak in your favour today in Jesus’ name.

Who are the recipients of God’s mercy? Matthew 5-7 says that if you sow mercy, you will reap mercy in return. If you want to receive mercy, avoid everything that has to do with wickedness. In addition, Psalms 103:11 says the fear of God gives you access into God’s abundant mercy. Loving God and keeping His commandments can also earn you mercy. What are you doing to receive God’s mercy?

Key Point: Back up your request for mercy with works of mercy.

Hymn 12

1 Let us with a gladsome mind
praise the Lord for He is kind:
For His mercies shall endure,
ever faithful ever sure.

2. He, with all-commanding might,
filled the new-made world with light:
For His mercies shall endure,
Ever faithful, ever sure.

3. All things living He doth feed,
His full hand supplies their need:
For His mercies shall endure,
Ever faithful, ever sure.

4. Let us then with gladsome mind
praise the Lord, for He is kind
For His mercies shall endure,
Ever faithfully, ever sure.

Open Heavens Daily Devotional for Teen’s 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.

Topic: The Word Of God Is Like A Seed [TREM’s Daily Thursday January 18th, 2018]

“Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.” (Luke 8:11 KJV)

After teaching on the parable of the sower, Jesus said anyone who understands this parable will understand how the kingdom operates. The seed which is the word of God is incorruptible and has life in it. Just like a natural seed, the mystery of a seed cannot be explained. For instance, a seed of corn can produce a whole factory of cornflakes. But you first must plant it. Once it is planted, it takes root and it produces.

Jesus, in explaining the parable said the seed is the word while the soil is the heart. He now gave four types of soils. The first soil is people who hear and they are excited about it, they jump up, it enters through one side and goes out from the other side. The second soil represents those who receive it with joy, they are excited about it, but the root is not deep. When persecution begins to come, they give up on it and it does not produce. The third one represents those who receive the word and it gets root, it grows, sprouts and then suddenly the deceitfulness of riches shows up to choke the word. It means that at this point, you are getting blessed. God begins to do things in your life then suddenly you begin to desire other things that are not necessary. Lust for other things here are not necessarily just sin, they are things that distract you from taking further root. They choke the word. The word suddenly dies and you start going down.

The fourth one represents those who receive the word, they took time to meditate on it so that it could get root because it is only what grows the root in you that will produce the fruit. When you hear the word of God concerning the area that has to do with you, pick it up and begin to meditate on it. Whether it looks like it or not, speak it to yourself until you become fully persuaded more than anything you are facing. That is when you are ready for manifestation.

Further Reading: Mark 4:1-20

Daily Bible Reading: Morning- Gen. 43,45/ Evening- Matthew 12:24-50

Written by Dr. Mike Okonkwo; Is the Presiding Bishop of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM); a versatile man of God with over 30 years of dedicated service unto the Lord.

Topic: Harvest Eaters /Wasters Must Die! [Our Daily Manna ODM Thursday, January 18th, 2018]

Basic Scripture: Exodus 3: 1-10

Harvest WASTERS or EATERS are agents of Satan sent to OPPRESS your labour and their aim is that after all your EFFORT and LABOUR all you get is TEARS! judges 6:3 – “And so it was, when Israel had sown, the Midianites came up, and the amalekites, and the children of the east, even they came up against them.” Did you get that?

The MIDIANITES and their host made sure that Israel did not taste of their HARVEST AFTER SOWING! Harvest EATERS are WASTERS of profit and wasters of RESULT. Judges 6:5″ For they (THE MIDIANITES and their demonic hosts) came up with their cattle and their tents, and they came as grasshoppers for multitude; for both they and their camels were without number and they entered into the land to destroy it.” oh, wickedness! The result of HARVEST EATERS and HARVEST DESTROYERS; Judges 6:6 -” And Israel was greatly impoverish because of the Midianites and the children of Israel cried out unto the LORD. ‘The result is REDUCTION, FINANCIAL AND GENERAL DEMOTION, POVERTY AND TEARS! Note:”…. and the children of Israel cried unto the LORD.”

Use this 21-day programme to cry unto the Lord and use the WORLD ANOINTING CHANGE OF GARMENT DECORATION NIGHT to cry unto the LORD! There shall be a DIVINE ARREST of every power EATING your HARVEST! Determine to stop every evil agenda, complete this fast and sow your “Harvest Eaters arrest seed” also called the CHANGE OF GARMENT DECORATION SEED in this fasting programme and be at the WORLD ANOINTING CHANGE OF GARMENT DECORATION NIGHT with your prophetic dress/garment /shirt which you will tear that night (not the one you wore to the programme)!

Get ready! Remember when they cried to the LORD, HE SENT THEM A PROPHET (VS 8). Therefore, pray the DECORATION PSALM which will be sent to you after sowing! WHATSAPP AND EMAIL ARE BETTER AND CONTAIN FULLER PRAYERS than just texts! This is your year!

TODAY IS DAY 13 OF THIS FASTING PROGRAMME! Turn to page 64 of the “WAR AGAINST HAMAN – 13” booklet and pray today’s prayers. Then be at the TV SHOW Lagos on Friday January 26th 7pm for the change of garment world anointing decoration night! Bring a second dress you can afford to tear after prayers! It will be great!

Prayer Points: Take song 1; Draw me nearer……

1. Thank God for today’s word and Pray as you are led!

2. Decree that harvest eaters, shall waste themselves in Jesus name.

3. See your “WAR AGAINST HAMAN – 13 BOOKLET NOW and pray the above prayers!

4. Pray about today seriously and any other issues affecting your peace.

By Bishop (Dr) Chris E. Kwakpovwe (Cek)
Publisher/Writer Of ODM And

Rev (Mrs) Flora E. Kwakpovwe (Fek)
Co-Publisher/Writer Of ODM.

Topic: Dealing with Delay [Our Daily Bread 18th Thursday January, 2018]

Read: Genesis 45:1–8, Bible in a Year: Genesis 43–45; Matthew 12:24–50

So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God. Genesis 45:8

A global computer system outage causes widespread flight cancellations, stranding hundreds of thousands of passengers at airports. During a winter storm, multiple auto accidents close major highways. The person who promised to send a reply “right away” has failed to do so. Delays can often produce anger and frustration, but as followers of Jesus, we have the privilege of looking to Him for help.

One of the Bible’s great examples of patience is Joseph, who was sold to slave traders by his jealous brothers, falsely accused by his employer’s wife, and imprisoned in Egypt. “But while Joseph was there in the prison, the Lord was with him” (Genesis 39:20–21). Years later, when Joseph interpreted Pharaoh’s dreams, he was made second in command in Egypt (ch. 41).

The most remarkable fruit of his patience occurred when his brothers came to buy grain during a famine. “I am your brother Joseph,” he told them, “the one you sold into Egypt! And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. . . . So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God”  (45:4–5, 8).

In all our delays, brief or long, may we, like Joseph, gain patience, perspective, and peace as we trust in the Lord.

Prayer: Father in heaven, in all of our delays may we trust Your faithful hand of guidance and experience Your presence with us in every situation.

Confidence in God enables us to live out our faith patiently.

Insight:

When we are going through a difficult season, we can find comfort and encouragement by looking at how God worked in Joseph’s difficult—even seemingly hopeless—circumstances. We learn to ask the questions: Why does God have me here? What does He have in store for me or want to do through me? Joseph came to realize that it was God who had placed him in his situation (see Genesis 45:8; 50:20).

We also learn something about God’s timing. It only takes a few moments for us to read Joseph’s story, but his trial lasted for years. His imprisonment may have been to fulfill God’s purposes (interpreting Pharaoh’s dreams) but the timing was also God’s.

How does knowing that God is in control help you as you wait for Him to work? J.R. Hudberg

This message was written By David C. McCasland [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]

Topic: Kenneth and Gloria Copeland’s [Kenneth and Gloria Copeland, Thursday January 18th, 2018]

Can two walk together, except they be agreed? – Amos 3:3

When it comes to faith, a lot of believers feel like they have one foot nailed to the ground. No matter how hard they try, they just can’t seem to make any progress.

If you’ll watch them, you can see why. They literally haven’t “gotten themselves together.” One minute they’ll be telling you, “Oh yes, amen, I believe the Word,” and the next minute they’ll be spouting unbelief like it’s going out of style. “I know God says He’ll prosper us, but I’ll tell you what, my business is doing so badly, it’s about to give me ulcers. I can’t sleep at night for worrying.”

Dig a little deeper and you may find out that they’ve pulled their actions out of line with the Word as well. “Well, you understand, brother, I can’t possibly tithe with my income like it is. I’d go under!”

Faith just won’t work for a person like that.

You see, you’re a triune being. You are a spirit. You have a soul, which consists of your mind, will and emotions. And you live in a body. Each of those areas has a specific role to play in your faith walk. You have to get all three in agreement before you can go anywhere at all!

Start by feeding your spirit on the Word of God. Just like the body produces physical strength when you nourish it with food, the spirit produces spiritual strength when you nourish it with the Word. That spiritual strength is called faith. Develop that faith, and instead of your spirit being dominated by the other two areas, it will be the one in charge.

Next, bring your soul in line. Set your mind on “things above.” Meditate on the Word until your thoughts begin to agree with it. Keep your attention on it until even your emotions yield.

Finally, bring your body in line. Once you truly get your spirit and soul established on the Word, that won’t be hard. The body is a follower, not a leader. It will do whatever you train it to do. Begin teaching your body to act on the truth you’ve planted in your mind and spirit, and it will follow right along.

Don’t try to walk in faith with your foot nailed to the ground. Get yourself together! Bring your spirit, soul and body in harmony—and the Word will take you as far as you want to go.

Scripture Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:14-24

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: Believe The Word [Andrew Wommack’s Daily Thursday January 18th, 2018]

Matthew 2:1, “Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem.”

Text: Matthew 2:1-12

How could this be? The greatest event in the history of God’s dealings with mankind was taking place and the leaders of God’s people didn’t even know about it. Foreigners who were unfamiliar with the covenants of God perceived what God was doing more than His own chosen people! (Eph. 2:12)

The apparent answer to this is that these Persian wise men were more in tune to the prophecies of scripture than the Jews were. Daniel had been promoted to be the head of all the wise men of Babylon (Dan. 2:48). While in Babylon, Daniel had come through the lions’ den victoriously and had no doubt gained the reputation as the greatest wise man of all (Dan. 6).

It was during this time that Daniel wrote the prophecy of Dan. 9:24-27, which pinpointed the time of the Messiah’s birth. This no doubt provided the inspiration for these wise men. The star simply served as a sign that the prophesied event had come and directed them towards where the king was born.

The Jews had these same prophecies. They just weren’t waiting in anticipation for the birth of the Messiah. The Word of God only profits us if we believe it (Heb. 4:2). Let’s not make the same mistake. Mix the truths that you know from God’s Word with faith.

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: The Tragedy Of Looking Back [Seeds of Destiny Thursday January 18th, 2018]

Scripture: And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God. Luke 9:62.

Thought For The Day: To turn back from following God is to end in eternity in hellfire.

The devil is the enemy of God and humanity. His mission is to destroy what God has built in your life (John 10:10), but he will never succeed in your life in Jesus’ Name.

One of the missions of the devil is to make people who are dedicated to following God look back and go back from following Him. Meanwhile, to look back from following God is to be lost in life and destiny; to look back from following God is to be lost in eternity in hell.

One of the strategies of the enemy in making dedicated people to look back is organising pressures and distractions around their lives. There are people who stopped on the way while on their journey with God because of the pressures of life.

One example of such persons was Lot’s wife.

When God instructed Lot and his household that they should not look back while running away from Sodom, Lot’s wife was carried away by the pressure and cares of this world. She seemed to have been carried away by the material treasures she had left behind in Sodom and the pressures and chaos of the destructions behind her. When she turned back, she became a pillar of salt (Genesis 19:26).

Apart from pressure, there are people who turn back from following God because of prosperity. When their lives change and they have more money, they do not go to church anymore.

Beloved, to turn back from following God is to end in eternity in hellfire. That shall not be your portion in Jesus Name. Therefore, do not let pressure or prosperity stop you from following God.

Remember This: To turn back from following God is to end in eternity in hellfire.

Assignments:

1. Make up your mind never to turn back for following God.

2. Be focused in life on God either in pressure or prosperity.

Prayer: O Lord, I ask that You give me the grace to be doggedly focused on You. Help me never to turn back from following You despite pressure or prosperity, LORD, in Jesus’ Name.

FOR FURTHER UNDERSTANDING, GET THIS MESSAGE: UNDERSTANDING DEDICATION.

Amazing Fact: Three hundred million cells die in the human body every minute and every day, an adult produces 300 billion new cells.

Today In History: 18/01/1896 – The x-ray machine was exhibited for the first time.

Daily Reading: Genesis 37:1 to 38:30, Matthew 12:22 to 45, Psalm 16:1 to 11, Proverbs 3:27 to 32.

Quote: The strength of your character determines the weight of your destiny. Culled from 30 SECRETS TO THE TOP by Dr Paul Enenche.

Today’s devotional 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.

Topic: Eyes to See [Billy Graham’s Daily Thursday January 18th, 2018]

To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light… — Acts 26:18

The blind man, Bartimaeus, threw off his cloak and ran trembling to Jesus. And Jesus said, “What do you want me to do for you?” He said, “Lord, that I may receive my sight.” In that moment as he said, “Lord,” his spiritual eyes were opened. And Jesus said, “Your faith has made you whole.” Notice-not your intellectual understanding, not your money, not your works-but your faith. Faith! That’s all it takes! Immediately Bartimaeus, who had been blind all of his life, began to open his eyes, and the first thing he saw was the face of Jesus.

What an experience-to open one’s eyes and look straight into the strong, tender face of Jesus! Bartimaeus met Jesus and the record says he “followed Jesus in the way.” When you go back to your business, or your home, or your neighborhood, or your friends, or your school, you don’t go alone. Christ goes with you.

Prayer for the day: Thank You, Lord Jesus, for healing me from my spiritual blindness!

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.