Topic: You Must Develop Patience [Tuesday November 28, 2017]

Before I formed you in the womb I knew [and] approved of you [as My chosen instrument], and before you were born I separated and set you apart, consecrating you; [and] I appointed you as a prophet to the nations. — Jeremiah 1:5

When you and I say to God, “Change me,” we need to understand what we’re saying because all of the changes we need to make won’t happen overnight. Instead, what God is going to do is give us an opportunity, through opposition, to grow as we change.

James 1:4 tells us how important it is to have patience when we’re changing and facing opposition. Patience is a fruit of the Spirit that only develops and grows under trial, and it’s something we need. Scripture tells us that when we have it, we’re perfect and entire, lacking nothing. However, there’s just no way to get it without going through something in order to receive it.

If we really want to be victorious Christians who serve God and make a difference in the world, then we are going to have to go through some challenging things. The devil will try to discourage you every chance he gets, but God is greater than your enemy, and He can bring you through any challenge victoriously.

So today, choose to let God work through you, even in the face of opposition. As your patience grows and develops, you will step into a life of great victory.

Prayer Starter: Lord, I want You to change me, and I know that means I’ll have to go through challenges. Give me Your strength to endure and be steadfast when I’m going through trials so I can have patience and be fully developed in Christ.

From Joyce Meyer’s Ministries

Topic: Sustaining the anointing!

From scriptures, we recognise that the anointing of the Holy Spirit, among others empowers the redeemed to command exploits. For instance, Jesus Christ was a carpenter’s son for 30 years without an identity. However, when He returned in the power of the Holy Spirit, He was loaded with divinity and the Bible records that His fame went throughout all Judea and to the entire regions roundabout. We also saw from scriptures how 120 fearful disciples, who hid in the Upper room after the death of Jesus commanded exploits in Jerusalem and around the world after being empowered by the Holy Ghost (Luke 4:18-John 20:19-22; Acts 2:1-41).

However, as we all know, the reason many precious things don’t last with us is because we don’t know how to maintain them. For instance, it is not enough to acquire a car but we must also understand the need to maintain it, if it must keep serving us. Likewise, it is one thing to be anointed; it is yet another to sustain it. People who do not know how to maintain the anointing will eventually lose it. While some people only manage to sustain the unction upon their lives for 5 years, very few retain it for 15 years. There are men who used to be renowned in times past, but who have lost relevance because their anointing is stale.

Unfortunately, when the anointing leaves a man, he loses relevance and as such everything about him is affected. But that is not God’s plan for the redeemed. In actual fact, God’s plan for us is not only for the anointing to last our lifetime, but to outlive us, just as experienced by Elisha. Remember, even when Elisha was in the grave, his bones could revive a dead man placed in the same grave with him. That means, he carried his anointing with him to the grave. Jesus who also did same was quickened from the dead by the Spirit of God. As it is written: But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you (Romans 8:11).

With this, we understand that it is possible to sustain the anointing of the Holy Ghost. Nevertheless, there is no short cut to maintaining the anointing as there are vital forces for preserving it; when they are engaged, we will remain freshly anointed all the days of our lives.

It takes consecration: Consecration is the first vital price to pay to preserve the anointing. It is impossible to sustain the anointing when we are living in sin. Sin stinks and sinks. Thus, once we become comfortable with it, we are on the way to losing the anointing. So, it is wisdom to do something definite to arrest the sin that easily besets us, or it will hinder the flow of the anointing upon our lives like it did to Samson. We saw how Samson the anointed, became a toy in the hands of his enemies as a result of the sin of adultery. This shows that sin is a trap that destroys great destinies. Beware!

It takes fellowship: A fellowship centre is a place of fire. Remember that the spirit of man is the candle of the Lord. But if by chance that candle goes out, when we come into a fellowship centre where the fire is burning, the fire can be rekindled(Proverbs 27:17; Hebrews 10:25).

It takes Kingdom Service: Serving God and the interest of His Kingdom offers unmatchable returns, which in turn, sustains our anointing. That means, we are bound to be anointed with fresh oil when we are dedicated with Kingdom service.

Fasting and prayer: Fasting and prayer is another platform for sustaining the anointing. It is important to understand that while we pray to be empowered, we need fasting to walk in power. On the other hand, fasting and prayer enhances our access to the Word which in turn, sustains our anointing.

It takes the Word: What wood is to fire is what the Word of God is to the Anointing. When we stop putting in the wood, the fire is bound to go out. So it is with the Word of God. Remember, no Word; no Anointing! So to always maintain the fire of the Holy Ghost already kindled in us, we must constantly engage the Word of God. Staying anointed requires that we stay in the Word.  Every moment we spend in the Word will count in sustaining the anointing.

Nevertheless, sustaining the anointing begins with being born again, otherwise, your effort to sustain it will be wasted. 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: Anointing for Breakthrough, Understanding the Anointing, Anointing for Exploits, Release of Power. 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: Living as a Family (4)

Dear Reader,

I welcome you to this last segment of our teaching in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. May the good Lord bless you and your family in Jesus’ name!

This week I shall be teaching on, Make no provision for Divorce. That is, do all you can within your power to avoid divorce. Divorce engenders hatred in the family and even among the children. Malachi 2:16 says: For the Lord, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away: for one covereth violence with his garment, saith the Lord of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously.

God hates putting away! Therefore, what God hates, you should hate too. What God has joined together, nothing should put it asunder (Matthew 19:5-6).

When there is a challenge in your home, divorce should not be the first option that comes to mind. Rather, it is important to first identify and analyse the challenge. Then, make proposals and choose a possible solution. This way, most problems can be solved.

What you don’t confront you never conquer. Be committed to deal with problems, not walk away from them. If you sleep with problems, you will still wake up to meet them the next day!

Divorce can be likened to marital amputation. It causes a lot of grief, pains, and wounds that only God can heal. Even when a wound is healed, the scar remains; and in most cases, for life. Give no room for divorce. Remember, prevention is better than cure.

So, divorce was not part of God’s plan for marriage from the beginning. One of the greatest tragedies of our days is the many marriages that end up in divorce. Divorce is always tragic and traumatic. The breakdown of the family unit is one of the greatest calamities our society faces today. The partners go through untold agonies, not to talk of the shattered lives of children, who go though turmoil and devastation. God views husbands and wives as having been bound together in a permanent marriage relationship, and nothing should be allowed to put them asunder.

Probably, you have been considering divorce because you have concluded that there is no way out. Hold it! Who knows, this might be the reason God gave you the opportunity to be reading this column. If only you accept to follow God’s master plan concerning your family and marriage, your story will change for the better.

Now, let me make it clear at this point that God is a God of a second chance. If you have gone through divorce, do not live with a sense of condemnation. Straighten things out with God and with men. Make sure that your present marital status is such that will not rob you of eternity with God. With this, you are set to make the most of life.

With this understanding of God’s plan, get set to begin constructing a successful family life, free from failure, pressure, shame and unproductivity.

However, for you to enjoy family life and your marriage according to the design of the Almighty God, then you have to accept Him as your Lord and personal Saviour. By so doing, you confess your sins to Him and tell Him you will not go back to them again. Are you ready to give Him your life? If you are ready 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 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: 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: Figs In Two Baskets — Tuesday November 28, 2017.

Text: Jeremiah 24:1-10

Key Verse: “One basket had very good figs, even like the figs that are first ripe: and the other basket had very naughty figs, which could not be eaten, they were so bad” (Jeremiah 24:2).

According to the BBCgoodfood.com, one of the world’s oldest trees, the fig, can be traced back to the earliest historical documents and features prominently in the Bible. Figs are native to the Middle East and the Mediterranean region. They were held in such high regard by the Greeks that laws were once enacted to prevent their export.

Figs are high in natural sugars, soluble fibre and minerals including potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron and copper; and are a good source of antioxidant vitamins A, E and K that contribute to health and wellness. The passage for meditation tells of a revelation God showed to Jeremiah. He saw in the temple two baskets filled with figs. One basket was full of ripe and “very good” figs while the other was filled with naughty, “completely evil” and inedible figs.

God said that the captive Israelites who allowed the experience to soften them, bow to His sovereign will and turn away from their sinfulness, represent the good figs in the basket. He would forgive, cleanse and restore them. On the other hand, the team led by King Zedekiah who chose to seek alliance with Egypt instead of going to exile, represents the evil figs in the second basket. God promised to oppose them and fight them until they are eventually forced to lose their land to the enemies.

We need understand that every individual represents one of two baskets of figs. You might be the good fig or the evil one. Humility and submission to the will of God in every area of life will make one become a good fig. On the other hand, resistance or careless attitude to the Word will make one to be useless. God is unhappy with such figs because He cannot use them. Such are His enemies in time and eternity. May God grant us grace and wisdom to be a good fig always.

Thought for the day: Better to be good for God’s use than be useful in Satan’s kingdom.

Bible Reading in one Year: Ezekiel 43-44

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: Meeting Needs – A Therapy To Personal Challenges [Tuesday November 28, 2017]

Scripture: And they found an Egyptian in the field, and brought him to David, and gave him bread, and he did eat; and they made him drink water…1 Samuel 30:11-12

Thought For The Day: Those who avoid people avoid possibilities. Those who take people for granted get stranded in life.

The background story of our anchor scripture is the raid of the Amalekites on Ziklag. The Amalekites invaded Ziklag and had taken captive their women and children and looted their possessions (1Samuel 30:1-3).

While David and his men were looking for the Amalekites, they came across a man in the field that was almost at the point of death because he had not eaten for three days. David and his men abandoned their challenges, picked the man and fed him. Afterwards, he was revived. Unknown to David, the man was a servant of an Amalekite who invaded Ziklag. Through his assistance, David located the Amalekites’ camp, had his vengeance on them and got the restoration of all that they had taken from him.

Thus in meeting the man’s need, they got their needs met.

Beloved, those who avoid people avoid possibilities. Those who take people for granted get stranded in life. The value you place on people determines the value you get in life. Maybe, David’s journey would have ended in frustration if not that he met a stranger’s need on his way.

So, meeting the needs of others is a therapy to having your own needs met.

Remember This: Those who avoid people avoid possibilities. Those who take people for granted get stranded in life.

Assignment(S):

1. Shift your focus from your challenge(s) and locate a person with a need, meet the need.

2. Determine never to turn a blind eye to people’s needs if you are in the position to help.

FOR FURTHER UNDERSTANDING, GET THIS MESSAGE: SECRETS OF RESTORATION. PART 5

Prayer: O LORD, I connect with the mantle to solve problems in the lives of people. I receive the passion for compassion Lord. Help me to be a solution provider and an answer in my generation, Lord in Jesus’ Name.

Quote: Meeting needs is superior to needing things. Culled from 365 WISDOM CAPSULES by Dr Paul Enenche

Daily Reading: Daniel 5:1 to 31, 2 Peter 2:1 to 22, Psalm 119:113 to 128, Proverbs 28:19 to 20

Amazing Fact: Horses can sleep both lying down and standing up positions

Today In History: 28/11/1893, Women voted in a national election for the first time, in the New Zealand general election.

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: Take Charge! — Tuesday November 28, 2017.

“And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.” (Revelation 5:10 KJV)

God intends for us to reign here on earth. That is His desire and the original purpose for us as heirs of salvation, and He cannot lie. By the law of the first mention, in Genesis chapter 2, the Bible tells us that God made man in His own image and likeness. In other words, we have the life of God. The Zoe type of life is in us. So we ought to function like God. How does God function? He takes charge. He created the heavens and the earth and all that is in it. And when he saw chaos and void on the earth, He spoke to it.

God showed us how to exercise dominion when what He created was void. He took charge by speaking into the situation. He didn’t just watch things go bad; rather, He took charge of the situation. You don’t fold your hands and allow the devil run roughly over you while you are busy calling on God instead of taking charge.

How do you take charge? By your words. All truth is parallel. The President of the country is not omnipresent – in other words, he is not everywhere at every time. Yet, the presence of the government is felt. How? It is simply by the words he releases. When the President makes an address, either at major events or just on the state of the nation, everyone stops to listen and a few minutes after, you see everything respond to the direction of the President’s speech. If it has to do with the economy, prices of stocks suddenly jump up or crash, whichever is applicable. If that is true of a man, how much more God. When you speak the words of the King of kings and the Lord of lords, everything should respond to you. You are the one in charge where God has planted you, so take charge. Be bold, stand firm and heaven will back you up.

Further Reading: Revelation 1:4-6, Genesis 1:1-4, 2:1-7

Daily Bible Reading: Morning- Ezekiel 33-34; Evening- 1 Peter 5

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.