Topic — The Home: An Institution For Child Training (1)

Dear Reader,

You are welcome to this wonderful month of December. In this concluding month, God will crown the year with His goodness and make your path drop fatness (Psalm 65:11).This is the last series for this year and my focus will be on how to make your home a conducive atmosphere for child training.

The home is the most important institution in the world. It is the first department in which a child learns to become a proper citizen – a man or woman of dignity and value. By home, I mean primarily the members of the family or more specifically, the father and mother.

Among the institutions for child training, the home has the largest share of the responsibilities. If the home fails, the Church, society and the school will be greatly affected. Many atrocities all over the world today, are a direct result of improper home training.

Drug addicts, armed robbers and fraudsters all have a family, because nobody dropped from the sky. Every living being today came from a family. If the respective families that make up a society fail to carry out their responsibilities, then the children which are products of the family will become dregs of the society. “Charity begins at home,” they say.

It is also important to understand that child raising in the home should be allowed to follow a natural process. While the formal method of training is good, you must use every opportunity that presents itself in the home to communicate morals across to the child. These include: mealtimes, when you are in the kitchen together, in the sitting room or even before bedtime. All these times that you may count as informal can be used to train a child.

It is in this atmosphere of love that the Holy Spirit is able to move freely, and the destiny of the child is easily realised. Thus, it is time to work on the atmosphere of your home and make it conducive for the Holy Spirit to move. God cannot dwell in a place where there is strife, fighting, envy and bitterness. Where such things are found, there will be room for all kinds of evil. The Bible says: For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work (James 3:16).

The question you must answer is, “What kind of home do I have?” Is it a place of healing or centre of gossip, where you criticise everybody in your Church or office? I discovered something amazing in Jeremiah 22:29, which says: O earth, earth, earth, hear the word of the LORD. Do you know that even the ground of your home absorbs what you say? So, when you abuse people, backbite or gossip, the ground is absorbing the words of your mouth! In other words, the words of your mouth are seeds being sown into your ground. Unfortunately, you are the one doing the sowing, but it is not only you who reaps it; your children also do. May you be a sower of good seeds!

Most importantly, the place of a woman in raising a child can never be overemphasised. This is because, to a large extent, it is the woman who determines the atmosphere of the home. Do you know that just by entering a home, you can feel the atmosphere in it? If there is bitterness, envy, strife, etc, you can sense it. However, where there is peace, love and joy, it is easy to tell also.

We are told that Napoleon Bonarparte, was asked what the greatest need of France was. He said, “Good mothers!” If I am asked what the greatest need of this generation is, I will also say the same. This is our greatest need because irrespective of your efforts on the adults of today, if you don’t raise responsible children, tomorrow might be bleak! So, child raising is an important aspect of the society.

However, until you are born again, you don’t have what it takes to make child’s training conducive. To be born again, you have to confess your sins and accept Jesus as your personal Saviour and Lord. If you are ready for this new birth experience, please say this prayer in faith: Dear Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me my sins and cleanse me with Your Blood. I accept You as my Lord and personal Saviour. Make me a child of God today. Thank You for delivering me from sin and satan to serve the living God and thank You for accepting me into Your Kingdom.

Congratulations! If you prayed this simple prayer of faith with me, you are now born again and 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).

With this, you are guaranteed all-round rest and peace in Jesus’ Name! Call or write to share your testimonies with me through [email protected], 07026385437 OR 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: Raising Godly Children, Understanding Motherhood, Building A Successful Family 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: Family Dominion, How Possible? (1)

Dear Reader,

Happy new month! This is the last month in this wonderful year and I am sure you have loads of testimonies already. The Bible says: Thou crownest the year with thy goodness; and thy paths drop fatness (Psalm 65:11). Therefore, that which God has for you and your family in this crowning month shall be practically delivered into your hands in Jesus’ name!

The teaching series for this month shall be centred on The Possibility of Family Dominion. You may ask, “Is it possible to have dominion in my family?” Yes! It is possible! As a child of God, you are created in the image of God to dominate. The Bible says: And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth (Genesis 1:26).

So, from the beginning, God intends that you have dominion over all things including your family. It is my prayer that as you take advantage of this article and pay rapt attention to the Word of God, your family shall continue to have dominion over all issues of life in Jesus’ name!

There is so much good packaged for us in marriage, family life, children, business, finances, career, etc; but, the Bible says: If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land (Isaiah 1:19). There are rewards attached to obedience and it is the master key to dominion. Purpose in your heart to obey God and you will see His outstretched arm in the direction of your family, giving you all- round dominion.

What then, is Dominion?

Dominion can be defined as being in charge and in command. From the Scripture above, Genesis 1:26, it is evident that God created you as well as your family for dominion. However, it is important to know how you can achieve this in your family.

Isaiah 60:1 says: Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. God says, “Arise”. That is a commandment from God which does not depend on your feeling or ability. Arise from the previous failures and woes in your family; shake your feet from the dust. As a family, put an instant stop to recounting your past losses and arise in obedience. Rise up from within you and God shall strengthen you!

The Bible says: Then Isaac sowed in that land, and received in the same year an hundredfold: and the Lord blessed him (Genesis 26:12). It was a time of famine, hardship, woes and economic recession. The Word of God came to Isaac; he arose and took action which resulted in his turnaround testimony.

How then, Do You Arise and Exercise Dominion?

Revelation: It takes the light of God’s Word to have dominion (Psalm 119:130). What you do with His Word determines how much dominion your family exercises.

As a man, you are the head of the home; therefore, settle down with God’s Word and give meaningful direction to your household. Don’t go about the affairs of your family without understanding. Enough of foolishness because your family must become the envy of everyone around you this year!

Locate the right direction in the Word and no devil can stop your family from exercising dominion. Arise, don’t starve spiritually; that is, both in your prayer life and study of the Word (2 Timothy 2:15). That is because until you arise, there can’t be a lifting.

On the other hand, Woman, arise from your downcast position (Micah 4:13). Don’t let spiritual laziness destroy or rob you of what God has in plan for your life and family. Turn to the substance of the Word and stop chasing shadows. You are born to shine! Make God your focus and His Word your priority!

Positivity: The Lord is set to do a new thing (Isaiah 43:1); therefore, look ahead of you for a glorious family life and destroy the spirit of heaviness which makes family dominion impossible. Begin to make plans for greater days ahead of your family so as to enjoy dominion.

Root your plans in the Word of God and take steps to accomplishing them. Don’t just sit down; henceforth, begin to see your plan succeed. As a family, make godly plans in your finances, careers, academics, relationships and seal them with the Word of God. Your plans shall succeed in Jesus’ Name!

To enjoy family dominion, you need grace for obedience and total dedication to God. This grace is made available by accepting Jesus as your Lord and personal Saviour. If you are ready to receive grace, please 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! All-round rest and peace are guaranteed you, in Jesus’ Name! 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: Becoming A ‘Help Meet’ (1)

Dear Reader,

Happy New Month! It’s a wonderful month and the Bible says: In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations(Revelation 22:2). So, there is a fruit for you this month and it is my earnest prayer that you receive every package God has ordained for you!

This month, I shall be teaching on, Becoming A ‘Help Meet.’ The first thing that comes to the mind of many when they hear the word “Help Meet” is that it refers to the assignment of a WOMAN. Others see it as a nice way of referring to a servant or slave.

However, God’s Word says: …And the Lord said, it is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him (Genesis 2:18).The word “help meet” implies one who “surrounds with assistance.” God’s decision resulted in the creation of the woman as a solution. She was the perfect help Adam could not find among the animals, trees, plants and other things created.

The word “Man” as referred to in this context, does not imply that only the woman is the ‘help meet’. The word ‘Man’ in the Bible usually covers male and female. Both are created to complement each other by filling up the vacuum in each other’s lives.  This can be seen clearly in the physical build of the man and woman.  While the Man as a ‘help meet’ amongst other duties has the responsibilities of providing, protecting and taking care of his home; the woman on the other hand, reproduces, makes the home and does all other motherly duties.

THE MAN AS A HELP MEET

When the first man (Adam) was given a woman as a help meet, he knew he had the responsibility to help her in return. So he said in Genesis 2:23: …This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.

In actual fact, he knew that he had full responsibility to assist his woman with all she would ever need spiritually, physically, emotionally and materially. To meet this responsibility, God has put in the man: strength, security, protective and provisional force. Therefore, you are expected to surround your woman with every form of assistance. The Bible says: likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered (1 Peter 3:7).

Helping your woman demands that you exercise understanding and honour her.  Being an effective help meet to your wife is very important, as failure to meet this responsibility renders your prayers unanswered. There is nothing as frustrating as praying and receiving no answers to all your prayers, but this shall not be your portion in Jesus’ name!

The man has a responsibility to make his woman become what he wants her to be.  Therefore, if your woman’s weaknesses are still of concern even after you got married to her; then, it means you are not carrying out your responsibilities effectively. You must surround her with help in all areas, no matter how little it may seem.

For example, a man who complains so much that his wife has become too fat, should consider it his fault since he did not marry her a fat woman. If you have an ill-mannered wife, you are to be blamed, because you know her more than any other person. It is your responsibility to take care of her completely as you would do to yourself.  So, why not do a good job at home? Be the man – that is the divine order!

Lending a helping hand and being available makes a lot of difference in relationships. It can be frustrating for a woman to be busy with house chores while the man sits in front of the television enjoying a game of football. Why not take a step, help her around the house; this adds credence to your profession of love.

Read this testimony carefully:

“When the Bishop’s wife taught us the course, Family Life, at the Bible School, one would have thought she had secretly conducted a research on me, because every aspect of the lecture was directed at me.  After the second day of the course, I got home to discover that my wife had to carry 20 crates of soft drinks down the road; at the same time, trying to get dinner ready.

Unknown to her, I packed all the crates into my car and took them there for her. When I got home, my wife was at the door excitedly singing and dancing as a result of my new behaviour! That was all the service I needed to have rendered in my family. Since then, it has been joy and peace galore!”

Husband, there may be times when your wife is down physically. The help you render to her at such times, either in form of support, kind words, a little physical touch, a kiss or a little gift from you will do the magic!

It is no understatement to say God will hold you accountable for anything that happens in your home.  So, rise up to your responsibilities!  I see His grace constantly available to help you carry out this responsibility effectively in Jesus’ name!

This grace is made available, by accepting Jesus as your Lord and personal Saviour. If you are ready for this experience, please say this prayer in 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! All -round rest and peace are guaranteed you, in Jesus’ Name! Call or write, and share your testimonies with me through [email protected] or08141320204, 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: Strength In Weakness — Wednesday December 20, 2017.

Text: Psalm 119:137-144

Key Verse: “Trouble and anguish have taken hold on me: yet thy commandments are my delights” (Psalm 119:143).

Those who would not serve God in difficult or tough times would have much to learn from the Psalmist in our reading today. Those who remember to praise their Creator only when the going is good are still miles away from understanding the dynamics of the Kingdom of God the way the Psalmist did. It is only those who do not falter in the days of trouble that enjoy an even relationship with God.

This is the sum of the Psalmist’s experience. It is also the story of the sincere follower of the Lord. The writer of the psalm, guided by the Holy Spirit, first establishes the fact that God is righteous in both what He does and in the laws He issues to instruct man. He asserts the point that God is faithful in His dealings with man. He then proceeds to declare that “Thy word is very pure: therefore, thy servant loveth it” (verse 140). Once we admit all these sacred truths, it follows that we would serve God and honour Him under any condition.

It is the reason the psalmist is “small and despised yet do not I forget thy precepts,” even when others have forgotten God’s commandments (verse 139). The true believer in Jesus Christ would not abandon God to “follow a multitude to do evil” (Exodus 23:2). He would not succumb to immoral practices or absorb the doctrines of unrighteousness even if he is the last man standing on the matter of holiness. Obeying God’s injunctions during trials, temptations and persecution would be a thing of joy for the Christian whose focus is on heaven.

It will not be the time to make ourselves unavailable for the work in the Lord’s vineyard.” Trouble and anguish have taken hold on me: yet thy commandments are my delights” (verse 143). This should be the testimony of every Christian who is conscious of the fact that he is a pilgrim here.

Thought for the day: Mighty is he whose strength is God’s law.

Bible Reading in one Year: Revelation 21-22

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: Breaking invisible barriers through Praise!

Last week, I showed you on how to engage the Wonders of Praise for the Fulfilment of Prophecy, with some scriptural examples where praise warfare engendered the speedy fulfilment of prophecies. This week, I will be teaching on, Breaking invisible barriers through praise!

Life is a battlefield and not a playground; a warfare not a funfair. Essentially, the battles of life are spiritual and they operate in form of spells, enchantments, generational curses and satanic manipulations. It is written: Then lifted I up mine eyes, and saw, and behold four horns. And I said unto the angel that talked with me, What [be] these? And he answered me, These [are] the horns which have scattered Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem. And the LORD shewed me four carpenters. Then said I, What come these to do? And he spake, saying, These [are] the horns which have scattered Judah, so that no man did lift up his head: but these are come to fray them, to cast out the horns of the Gentiles, which lifted up [their] horn over the land of Judah to scatter it (Zechariah 1:18-21; see also 2 Chronicles 20:22-23; Ephesians 6:12; 2Corinthians 10:3-5).

The horns of the Gentiles are the wicked forces manipulating the destinies of men. However, we must understand that God’s presence is the master key to a world of breakthroughs and praise is the medium through which we invoke His presence. All barriers on the path to our Promised Land are cleared off at the instance of His presence through our praises  because God inhabits the praises of His people and if He is with us, no one can be against us (Romans 8:31; see also  Psalm 22:3; Psalm 114:1-8).

Also, we must understand that praise is what to do in any situation or circumstance, when we don’t know what else to do. This is because it is only what can resist God that can resist the power of praise. For instance, we learn from scriptures that when Judah was confronted by three nations and they engaged the weapon of praise, God set ‘ambushment’ against those nations and they helped to destroy one another and Judah prevailed. This means that praise is our strongest weapon for victory against the toughest battles of life (2 Chronicles 20:1-25).

It is important to note that faith is a covenant guarantee for supernatural victory in the battles of life because it invokes the hand of God over our affairs. As it is written: Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed? (Isaiah 53:1).

The Bible also says: Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked (Ephesians 6:16; see also 1 John 5:4).

Furthermore, we must also understand that faith is doing whatever the Word commands, and one of the great commands of scriptures is to offer praise to God.  As it is written:

Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds’ feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places (Habakkuk 3:17-19; see also Deuteronomy 28:1).

This simply means that when we praise God in any situation or circumstance, He steps into our affairs and opens new chapters to our destinies.

Moreover, praise is the mystery behind our continuous and unending breakthroughs in life. This is why the devil wants us to complain, murmur or be depressed. He knows that when we do so, God takes His hands off our affairs. Therefore, our praises must not end with this month, if our advancement must continue (Psalm 34:1).

Why do we engage in Praise?

Praise is one of the principal commands for supernatural breakthroughs: We must understand that while natural breakthroughs are limited to the human realm, supernatural breakthroughs have no human limitations (Psalm 67:5-7). When we invoke God’s presence through praise, anyone or anything challenging us, has challenged God (Psalm 119:164).

It is the platform for the rise of giants and nobles in the Kingdom: In the midst of praise, God turns His celebrators into celebrities, nonentities into nobles and makes those without identity, governors. For instance, David praised God on the field to the point that when the king needed someone to play the harp in the palace, he was recommended. In addition, when the Israelites needed a king, David was not considered by men but he was God’s candidate (1 Samuel 16:1-23).

In conclusion, we must understand that the battles of life are real, but our God is more real. When we invoke His presence through praise, He intervenes in our favour and our breakthroughs are guaranteed. Thus, it is only what God cannot do that can withstand the power of praise in any battle. That is what makes praise the ultimate spiritual weapon available to the redeemed in any battle of life. Therefore, as you engage in praise warfare as a lifestyle, I decree every obstacle on the way to your Promised Land destroyed and your miracles delivered in the name of Jesus! Remain ever blessed!

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 five services on Sundays, holding at 6:00 a.m., 7:50 a.m., 9:40 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 1:20 p.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]

Topic: A Lifting In A Meltdown [Wednesday December 20, 2017]

Scripture: When men are cast down, then thou shalt say, There is lifting up…Job 22:29

Thought For The Day: Connection to God is an escape route from the meltdown of this generation.

Our anchor scripture communicates the two sides of a coin – a casting down and a lifting up. It is true that everybody is living in the same world, but it is not true that people’s experiences are the same.

It is confirmed that we are in an era of economic meltdown, recession or deflation. Time has also revealed that we are in an age where there is the degeneration in the health of people. You will agree with me that the names of afflictions and diseases we hear and know about today were nowhere to be found even about twenty (20) years ago.

Notwithstanding, in the midst of all these, the eternal design of God for His children is for them to experience lifting and nourishment in all ramifications no matter the situation of the world. For a child of God, it does not matter how terrible it gets for the people of the world, companying with God makes your case different. Association with God delivers you from disaster. Beloved, connection to God is an escape route from the meltdown of this generation.

I prophesy to you, there is a lifting for you. While the world is sinking, you shall be sailing. Any tragedy organized by the enemy in this last month of the year shall not come near you, in Jesus’ Name.

Remember This: Connection to God is an escape route from the meltdown of this generation.

Assignment(S):

1. Determine to have a total stand with God; do not have one leg in church and another in the world

2. Study the Word of God (Bible) to know and appropriate the promises of God for your life and destiny.

Prayer: LORD, I refuse to be buried in the holocaust of this generation. I declare that my case is different, and there is a lifting for me, in Jesus’ Name.

FOR FURTHER UNDERSTANDING, GET THIS MESSAGE: THE GOD OUR DELIVERER

Quote: Those who refuse to bow to the threat of the enemy secure the Help of the Almighty. Culled from PRINCIPLES AND POWER OF PRAYER by Dr Paul Enenche

Daily Reading: Haggai 1:1 to 2:23, Revelation 11:1 to 19, Psalm 139:1 to 24, Proverbs 30:15 to 16

Amazing Fact: A horse’s teeth take up a larger amount of space in their head than their brain.

Today In History: 20/12/1868- American industrialist Harvey S. Firestone was born in Columbiana County, Ohio. He founded Firestone Tire and Rubber Co. and was a close friend of Henry Ford and Thomas Edison.

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: Be Strong And Of A Good Courage — Wednesday December 20, 2017.

“Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them.” – Joshua 1:6 (KJV)

Yesterday, we saw God telling Joshua to arise and the same God is saying to you: Arise. However, to arise, you must be strong and of a good courage. God said to Joshua that He will be with him, however, Joshua still had to fulfil the condition to be strong.

Why was God so emphatic about him being strong and of a good courage? It is because God knew that the devil specialises in throwing tantrums, all in a bid to get your attention. The devil wants you to think you have failed. He wants to show you the impossibilities all around you. The devil knows that he can only stop you successfully if he gets you to agree with him. So he will do all he can to sow seeds of doubt and unbelief in you, but I come today to challenge you to be strong and of a good courage. How can you achieve this?

The answer is verse 8 of the same scripture. Child of God, do you want to succeed? If yes, then you cannot do anything outside full obedience to this scripture. God said to Joshua, “this book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth, but thou shalt meditate therein day and night ..” That is the key to being strong and courageous. Fill your heart with the word of God. Don’t just read the Bible like a novel. Stop, read it slowly, write it down and carry it around and say it to yourself as often as possible. The more you say it, the more real it becomes for faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God.

No matter the challenge you face or are facing, find the word of God in that area, write them down, form a confession out of it. Say it over and over to yourself and don’t get tired of saying it and you will see God manifest Himself in that area.

Further Reading: Joshua 1:1-8

Daily Bible Reading: Morning- Micah 1-3; Evening- Revelation 11

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: Chaos Provokes Your Chorus! [Wednesday, December 20, 2017]

Basic Scriptures: Genesis 1:1-8; Isaiah 45:18

The word “COSMOS” is the Greek interpretation of the organized universe as a whole! The amplified Bible partly puts Vs 2 of today’s text thus: “And the earth was without form and an empty waste …” Oh, I love the words: “empty waste” in the Amplified Bible than the word “void” in King James Version. Another word for “empty waste” is “CHAOS.”

Note that I Genesis 1:2, man was not yet created. That means the God experience a season of chaos in His dealing with angels (Lucifer’s rebellion/fall in which one-third of the angels fell with him). But the good news is that the present COSMOS was born out of the former CHAOS (Hebrew 11:3; 2 Peter 3:5). And the Holy message to you today is that in the year 2017, out of every chaos in your life, family ministry shall arise a future of harmony and beauty. Ecclesiastic 3:11 says that God makes all things beautiful in His time and He will turn that CHAOS disappointment and delay into a BURNINGBUSH that shall give him glory! A bush that supposed to burn became a tourist attraction. CHAOS was turned into CHORUS and that shall be your life’s story if you hold on to God.

Listen to Rainer Maria Rilke: “Be patient over all that is unsolved in your heart. And try to love the questions themselves.” Yes, you have unanswered questions but never forget that sometimes, even to live in act of courage.

Harriet Beecher Stowe wrote: “When you get into a tight place and everything goes against you till it seems you could not hold a minute longer, never give up then for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn.” Lazarus was a chaos (bad thinking case) that became a chorus of praise! That will be the story of your life this year and beyond! Hold on to God!

Prayer Points: Take this song: Because He Lives…

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

2. Lord, turn this chaos in my life and ministry to a chorus of wonders (Mention that bad situation in your life now).

3. Lord, visit me with Your mercy again in Jesus name.

4. Give me a miracle that will make me a tourist attraction.

5. As 2017 ends, I resist discouragement, depression and fear of the future NOW! There shall be ALL-ROUND EVIDENCE this year concerning my life and destiny in Jesus name.

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

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

Topic: Breaking the Silence— Wednesday December 20, 2017.

Read: Luke 1:11–17, Bible in a Year: Micah 1–3; Revelation 11

He will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah . . . to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. Luke 1:17

At the end of the Old Testament, God seems to be in hiding. For four centuries, the Jews wait and wonder. God seems passive, unconcerned, and deaf to their prayers. Only one hope remains: the ancient promise of a Messiah. On that promise the Jews stake everything. And then something momentous happens. The birth of a baby is announced.

You can catch the excitement just by reading the reactions of people in Luke. Events surrounding Jesus’s birth resemble a joy-filled musical. Characters crowd into the scene: a white-haired great uncle (Luke 1:5–25), an astonished virgin (1:26–38), the old prophetess Anna (2:36). Mary herself lets loose with a beautiful hymn (1:46–55). Even Jesus’s unborn cousin kicks for joy inside his mother’s womb (1:41).

Luke takes care to make direct connections to Old Testament promises of a Messiah. The angel Gabriel even calls John the Baptist an “Elijah” sent to prepare the way for the Lord (1:17). Clearly, something is brewing on planet Earth. Among the dreary, defeated villagers in a remote corner of the Roman Empire, something good is breaking out.

Prayer: You have come to us, and we rejoice! Jesus, You are the gift of redemption and hope for us. Thank You.

Once in our world, a stable had something in it that was bigger than our whole world. C. S. Lewis (from The Last Battle)

Insight:

The virgin birth of Christ is not the only miracle in the Christmas story. John the Baptist’s birth was also miraculous. His father, Zechariah, was a priest of the line of Abijah (a priest during David’s time descended from Aaron) who served at the temple in Jerusalem twice a year. John’s mother, Elizabeth, was a cousin of Mary and also a descendant of Aaron (the first high priest). Zechariah and Elizabeth faithfully followed God’s laws, yet they were “very old” and were childless because Elizabeth could not conceive (Luke 1:5–7). God miraculously blessed this elderly couple with a child—and no ordinary child. Their son would be “great in the sight of the Lord” (v. 15) and “make ready a people prepared for the Lord” (v. 17).

What in the Christmas story is most meaningful to you? Alyson Kieda

This message was written By Philip Yancey [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]