Topic: Marriage: Companionship — Saturday 23, December 2017.

Memorise: And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him. – Genesis 2:18

Read: Genesis 2:15-18 (KJV)

15 And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.

16 And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat:

17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.

18 And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.

Bible in One Year: Proverbs 17-20, Zachariah 11:1-14, Hymn: Sing Hymn 16: God Give Us Christian Homes!

MESSAGE:

Quite a number of people today enter into marriage for all the wrong reasons, which is why we need to ask ourselves this question: Why marriage? The first reason is companionship. To fully understand God’s purpose, let’s take a look at the beginning. After God created the firmament, the seas, all plants and animals, He afterwards made man in the Garden of Eden. However, as He watched life unfold, He realized that of all the creatures, it was only Adam who had no one of his kind. The trees could reproduce through their seeds; the animals also had male and female species and could thereby multiply. Adam only was the lone ranger in this earthly paradise. Yes, he was in charge. Agreed, he was the god of the whole earth as at that time. Indeed, all animals, birds and fish submitted to him, and true, he had a great relationship with them all, but God still saw that there was an issue of loneliness with Adam that no pet or animal could solve. In Genesis 2:18, the Bible says,

“And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.”

God categorically said it is not good for a man to be alone. It is great to go through bachelorhood and spinsterhood during your youthful days. It is an experience you may never get back after going past that stage in life. Nevertheless, at some point, God wants you to be married. He wants you to have a worthy companion. Today, in many homes, companionship is still lacking even after marriage. This is quite unfortunate! Couples marry and stay far apart from each other; this is a recipe for disaster and negates the basis for marriage in the first place. A marriage relationship cannot be what it was meant to be as long as the vital ingredient of companionship is missing. For this reason, if a couple who have been married for 30 years become separated for some 10 to 15 years, by the time they come together again, they would be like total strangers to each other. Are you married? Is your spouse your companion? Some people are ashamed to attend social outings with their wives; why then did you marry her? Do you spend time in each other’s company? Do you enjoy the company of your spouse or do you prefer to keep company with other people? Your legally wedded spouse should be your ideal companion! Is it so with you?

Key Point: Pets are fast replacing human spouses as companions! We are really in perilous times.

Hymn 16: Good Give Us Christian Homes

1. God give us Christian homes!
Homes where the Bible is loved and taught,
Homes where the Master’s will is sought,
Homes crowned with beauty Your love has wrought;
God give us Christian homes;
God give us Christian homes!

2. God give us Christian homes!
Homes where the father is true and strong,
Homes that are free from the blight of wrong,
Homes that are joyous with love and song;
God give us Christian homes;
God give us Christian homes!

3. God give us Christian homes!
Homes where the mother, in caring quest,
Strives to show others Your way is best,
Homes where the Lord is an honored guest;
God give us Christian homes;
God give us Christian homes!

4. God give us Christian homes!
Homes where the children are led to know
Christ in His beauty who loves them so,
Homes where the altar fires burn and glow;
God give us Christian homes;
God give us Christian homes!

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: Sow Always — Saturday December 23, 2017.

Text: Matthew 13:1-23

Key Verse: “But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty” (Matthew 13:23).

The parables of our Lord Jesus Christ, numbering about 30 in the three synoptic gospels, are graphic stories that the Lord derived from aspects of nature and human life. They are packed with powerful, dramatic and convincing lessons that compel attention and readiness for soul-winning and for preparing one for life in God’s kingdom. One of the most famous stories has remained the parable of the sower which some call the parable of the four soils.

Our Lord seeks to lead us into a harvest of instructions about the experience of one sower working with several seeds on four different soils. These are familiar images to the audience of our Lord during the age in which He ministered. That the seeds (the word of God) of the sower (soul winner) do not all fall on good ground (the heart willing to repent) should not discourage evangelism work. We are only reminded that there will always be different types of responses – hardened, shallow and worry-wracked souls, all getting the same word of God from the preacher. But not all the word preached goes to the unfruitful and unwilling souls.

Our merciful God directs a great deal of the sower’s seeds “into the good ground… that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty” (verse 23). This is God’s way of telling believers to preach at all times. The Bible declares: “In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thy hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper either this or that…” (Ecclesiastes 11:6).

How true this is, given the experience of missionaries in unfamiliar territory all over the world. They always return with stories of signs and wonders that followed the sowing of God’s word in the souls of thousands of people.

Thought for the day: A preacher does not give up in the face of challenges.

Bible Reading in one Year: Proverbs 7-8

DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.

Topic: Ingredients of The Prayer That Preserves [Saturday December 23, 2017]

Scripture: He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Psalms 91:1

Thought For The Day: Nothing punctures the potency of prayer like iniquity.

Ingredients can be defined as elements or components that make up a thing. It is one of the substances present in a mixture, especially food.

Before a soup is said to be ready for maximum consumption, some vital ingredients must be added. As it is in the physical, so it is in the spiritual. There are some ingredients to be added to and mixed with prayer before it releases its preservative capacity.

Below are some of the ingredients of the prayer that preserves.

1. Trust in God: To trust in God is to possess an absolute confidence in God. To trust in God is to triumph in life. You cannot trust God and rust in life.

The truth is, it is possible to be called a servant of God, attend church, engage in fasting, pray, and still suspect God. If your prayer must deliver the power of preservation, it must be enveloped in trust in God.

2. Consistent declaration of God’s preservation: This is the consistent positivistic, optimistic and enthusiastic declarations. This is the refusal to speak negatively.

3. Maintenance of God’s presence in communion: Prayer is not just an action but an attitude. It is not just an incident but an atmosphere. Spiritual sensitivity is a foundation for destiny security.
4. Righteousness: Where the conscience is clear, confidence is strong. Nothing punctures the potency of prayer like iniquity. A life of righteousness is a necessary ingredient for the prayer that preserves.

I decree that your prayers shall produce desired results for you, in Jesus’ Name.

Remember This: Nothing punctures the potency of prayer like iniquity.

Assignments:

1. Go through the study again.

2. Apply the ingredients to your prayer life.

Prayer: LORD, I make demands on the grace for the appropriate application of the above ingredients of prayer to my prayer life. I refuse to pray a wasted prayer, Lord, in Jesus’ Name.

FOR FURTHER UNDERSTANDING, GET THIS MESSAGE: THE PRESERVATION POWER OF PRAYER

Quote: Until you are desperate to know the mysteries around your life, God will not reveal it. Culled from UNVEILING AND DISSOLVING MYSTERIES by Dr Paul Enenche

Don’t Forget To Attend: The six-over flooded services tomorrow by 6: am, 7:20am, 8:40am, 10:00am, 11:20am and 12:40pm. Invite friends and loved ones. God bless you.

Daily Reading: Zechariah 4:1 to 5:11, Revelation 14:1 to 20, Psalm 142:1 to 7, Proverbs 30:21 to 23

Amazing Fact: Horses are capable of seeing nearly 360 degrees at one time.

Today In History: 23/12/1672: Giovanni Cassini discovered a moon of the planet Saturn (Rhea).

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: Family Dominion, How Possible? (3)

Dear Reader,

Last week, I showed you how unity among family members fosters family dominion.

This week, our teaching centres on Rest! God assures believers of a place of rest in Him. He says you have been battered and wounded enough; thus, come unto Me and obtain rest for your soul. The Bible says: There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God (Hebrews 4:9). That is, you can enjoy rest in your family life, career, business, finances and children because a family that is restful is one that can exercise dominion.

You may ask, “Where is this place of rest, how do I get there and what does it take to get there?” These are the things I want to bring across to you. I pray that your eyes of understanding will be enlightened and every form of unrest in your family life will be destroyed in Jesus’ name!

A state of rest is a state of ease and tranquility. Jesus said: Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest… (Matthew 11:28-30). Rest is obtainable, but only in Christ. You have been battered by the happenings all around you. Jesus says that, come and I will give you rest! No matter the mountain or how big the burden has been, Jesus, the Burden Bearer, invites you.

2 Chronicles 15:15 says: And all Judah rejoiced at the oath: for they had sworn with all their heart, and sought him with their whole desire; and he was found of them: and the Lord gave them rest round about. When Jesus carries your burden, you can be rest assured that the case is settled forever. All He requires of you is to come to Him in faith because He can do all things and never fails. Whatever causes you heartache and makes you sigh and shed secret tears, see Jesus walking by your side and lifting those burdens off you to give you liberty.

It is Christ’s absolute desire to give you rest in life. He said: The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly (John 10:10). It is the devil that gives unrest; but Jesus, the Author of life says that if you come now to Him, He will give you rest.

As a family, you might have been experiencing failure, stress and stagnation which have become a burden. For instance, you wake up every morning with no breakfast or lunch not in view; not because you are fasting, but because there is nothing to eat. All it takes is to come to Jesus, the Author of rest.

Some may be wondering who this Jesus really is; He is the Word of God made flesh and the water of life (Isaiah 55:1). Take refuge in the Word against all the odds of life and every form of unrest.

Are you bothered by your spouse’s ungodly actions or your child’s unruly behaviour? All you have to do is to turn to the Word because there is no rest in any other place. True and absolute rest can only be found in the Word of God. Furthermore, genuine dominion only comes from a restful soul. It is in coming to Him that you have total rest. Come to Jesus today, dedicate your family to Him and hand over everything. He is able!

How do you come to Jesus? God’s Word says: That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation (Romans 10:9-10).

It doesn’t take more than this to have perfect rest and all-round dominion in your family. If you want this rest, then you should say this prayer of faith: Dear Lord, I come to You today.  I am a sinner.  Forgive me of my sins.  Cleanse me with Your precious Blood.  I accept You as my Lord and Saviour.  Now I know I am born again!

Congratulations, you are now born again! I believe that you will begin to experience the reality of the price that Jesus paid for you at Calvary. Please call or write, and share your testimonies with me through [email protected] or 08141320204, 07026385437.

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).

Pastor Faith Oyedepo is the wife of Bishop David Oyedepo, the founder of the Living Faith Church Worldwide a.k.a. Winners’ Chapel, and Senior Pastor of Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, Nigeria.

Topic: When You Are Dry [Saturday, December 23, 2017]

Basic Scriptures: Matthew 12:43-45; Psalm 42: 1-11

My beloved country Nigeria is a producer of oil and a leading OPEC member. Yet, Nigeria is still an IMPORTER of the oil which we have in abundance. What a paradox! Import in Nigeria averaged 1, 642,66.67 Million(about $834 Million) form 1981 unit 2015, reaching an all time high of 1554732.90 NGN Million ($7.9 Billion )in march of 2011 and a record low of 167.88 NGN Million ($0.85 Million) in May of 1984. Imports in Nigeria are reported by the national Bureau of statistics, Nigeria.

But do you know that likewise, the oil river in most believers today have dried up? They born again, go to church and still IMPORT oil from other believers! They seek direction power from others! They seek power from others! Ah! They seek fresh anointing from others! In summary: THEY ARE DRY! Dryness spiritually is a sign of serious danger! The devil know it and loves to dwell in dry places (Matt. 14:43). He wants to cut off oil supply and shut down your spiritual oil refinery.

Psalm 68:6 declares that the rebellious also dwell on dry lands. The rebellious (DEMONS) dwell in DRY LANDS! Dry lands mean dry lives! Demons dwell (MANIPULATE) dry lives! But after today’s devotional and in this 4th quarter of 2017, the water springs of God shall gush into every dry region of your life, family and ministry with a fresh package of a new prayer life, prosperity, revival fire and peace in Jesus name! This is your REVIVAL SEASON! But catch this fact: In the spirit world, you cannot borrow or import oil! The 5 foolish virgins forgot this fact! Oil stands for fresh power, daily study of the Word with revelation, pray with zeal and results, etc.

When this these things are missing, then you are dry and the RESULT IS DEMONIC REBELLION AGAINST YOU! Declare a fast and take back what your busy schedule, job or the devil has stolen. You life and ministry are grounds for demonic activities/manipulation. STOP IMPORTING OIL! Repair your oil refinery (your daily quiet time)! Yes, the secret of fresh oil is your daily time ALONE WITH GOD. Those who keep their daily appointment with God don’t get disappointment from men! A final reminder: The God you relate to, the God you experience! Begin today and make the devil mad! NOTE; If spiritual dryness continues or IF YOU ARE DRY, see your pastor immediately and be at the Manna Mountain tomorrow for power-packed Christmas service for FRESH OIL. Come with 5 prayer points. Pastors have special attention. YOU SHALL NOT IMPORT OIL AGAIN! Start preparing for fresh power to end well!

Prayer Points: Take your best worship song to God.

1. In your own words, pray about today’s word as led.

2. The devil shall not find rest in your life. I shall not experience the portion of the five foolish virgins in Jesus name.

3. Holy Ghost, shake away dryness! Holy fire of revival, fall afresh on me in Jesus name (pray it seriously).

4. Declare with boldness Psalm 92:10 (as many times as led).

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

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

Topic: Don’t Give Up — Saturday December 23, 2017.

“Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward’’ – Heb. 10:35

I feel constrained in my spirit to challenge you to hold on to this word of assurance; that no matter what you are passing through today, know that it is not your end. Often times when we are faced with challenges or roadblocks that the enemy brings our way, we are tempted to throw up our hands and say it is not working.

The miracle you are expecting may not have come yet, but let me assure you that the God you serve never comes late and when He appears on the scene, He is right on time. So never you think for once that the enemy has won the battle over your life. The strategy of the enemy is to continually suggest to you that God has abandoned you so that you can slow down in your commitment to God, but don’t give in to him.

In Lk. 9: 10-17, the Lord Jesus demonstrated to His disciples that anyone who was committed enough to follow Him, even into the desert place could never be stranded; right there in the desert, where it looks almost impossible, He fed 5000 men not counting women and children and they had twelve (12) baskets left. That is El-Shaddai at work. If it can happen in the desert, then it can happen where you are now. Like I would always say, it is not about your location, but it is all about your God.

Don’t give in to the lie of the devil, don’t slow down on your commitment. Trust God completely, Hold on to His word and He will come through. I encourage you to cut loose from your comfort zone, step up on your commitments to God and be ready to stake your life. I can assure you that as long as God is with you, that desert will flourish again. This coming year will be for you a year of joy and celebration in Jesus’ name. Don’t give up and don’t give in. If anyone should give up, it should be the devil. You are more than a conqueror.

Further Reading – Luke 9:10-17, Heb. 10:35-39

Daily Bible Reading: Morning- Nahum; Evening- Revelation 14

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: God with Us— Saturday December 23, 2017.

Read: Matthew 1:18–23, Bible in a Year: Nahum 1–3; Revelation 14

The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel. Matthew 1:23

“Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ within me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ at my right, Christ at my left . . .” These hymn lyrics, written by the fifth-century Celtic Christian St. Patrick, echo in my mind when I read Matthew’s account of Jesus’s birth. They feel like a warm embrace, reminding me that I’m never alone.

Matthew’s account tells us that God dwelling with His people is at the heart of Christmas. Quoting Isaiah’s prophecy of a child who would be called Immanuel, meaning “God with us” (Isa. 7:14), Matthew points to the ultimate fulfillment of that prophecy—Jesus, the One born by the power of the Holy Spirit to be God with us. This truth is so central that Matthew begins and ends his gospel with it, concluding with Jesus’s words to His disciples: “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matt. 28:20).

St. Patrick’s lyrics remind me that Christ is with believers always through His Spirit living within. When I’m nervous or afraid, I can hold fast to His promises that He will never leave me. When I can’t fall asleep, I can ask Him to give me His peace. When I’m celebrating and filled with joy, I can thank Him for His gracious work in my life.

Jesus, Immanuel—God with us.

Prayer: Father God, thank You for sending Your Son to be God with us. May we experience Your presence this day.

God’s love became Incarnate at Bethlehem.

Insight:

We can only imagine the emotions Joseph experienced when he discovered his fiancée was pregnant. But in a dream he was told that Mary’s child was conceived supernaturally by the Holy Spirit. In obedience to this divine revelation, Joseph took her as his wife and did not consummate the marriage until she had given birth to the child.

The Father, Son, and Spirit all share in our redemption. God took on human form and came to Earth to live among us. Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit and the Spirit now dwells within us (1 Peter 1:11; Gal. 4:6; 1 Cor. 6:19).

How does knowing Christ is present in your life through the ministry of the Holy Spirit encourage you? Dennis Fisher

This message was written By Amy Boucher Pye [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]