Topic — Tears: Raw Materials For Triumph! [Tuesday, November 21, 2017]

Basic Scriptures: 2 Corinthians 2:3-14

When I was a child and my grandmother died, I could not understand why my eyes were dry. But that night, as my Dad tried to lighten the mood with some tickling at bedtime, my giggles turned to tears, to my horror and belief. So it came as no surprise to learn that researchers believe that crying and laughing come from the same part of the brain. Just as laughing has health benefits (lowers blood pressure and boosts the immune system), scientist are discovering that crying has as well!

The survey carried out at the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, a private university in Daytona beach, Florida, U.S.A, showed that 85% of women and 73% of men reported feeling better after crying. Tears enable self-discovery. Sometimes, we don’t even know we are upset till we cry. Apart from acting as a stress reliever sometimes, tears attract help from other people. People become milder and less aggressive and they are more likely to provide support and comfort. Holding back tears of anger or grief/bitterness can be bad for our bodies. It leads to high blood pressure, heart problems and even cancer.

As 2017 ends and 2018 travel nearer, may your life be full of joy and your days with pleasure! But heaven’s emphasis to you today is that God will turn whatever situation you are in, to your good. The last word concerning your life is not with the devil but with God! Rejoice! There is a mystery in the cross as a route to the throne! There is a mystery of affliction giving birth to glory ( 2 Cor. 4:17)!

There is a mystery of pain producing power! There is a mystery of tears provoking triumph ( 2 Cor. 2:4)! You may not understand why God allows the tears, but understand this (Vs.14): God will ALWAYS cause you to triumph –even through thorns and tears! If you are patient, I see people celebrating you- soon! Yes! Very soon in Jesus Christ name! Hold on! Look up!

THE LAGOS MOUNTAIN INETRNATIONAL ANOINTING SERVICE is this Sunday November 26th: TIME: 8am-11:30am. VENUE: Manna Mountain Ogudu Orioke. Theme: “POWER PASS POWER: EVIL SERPENTS MUST CATCH FIRE!” Come with your anointing oil or any point of contact. Something great is about to HAPPEN!

Prayer Points: Take Song 3: Because He lives……..

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

2. Thank God for your past, present and tomorrow.

3. Pray specifically about any trial or pain in your heart.

4. Lord, turn every tear in my life to a glorious testimony!

5. No matter how 2017 has been, thank God for His great plans for you. Decree that in all things, triumph is your destiny.

6. Lord, restore whatever I have lost this year! Pray about today seriously as led now. Shout 7 Halleluyahs now! I see GREAT VICTORY!

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

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

Topic: Miracle-Producing Obedience [Tuesday 21, November 2017]

Memorise: “His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.” – John 2:5

Read: John 2:1-11

1 And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there:

2 And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage.

3 And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine.

4 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come.

5 His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.

6 And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece.

7 Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim.

8 And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it.

9 When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom,

10 And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now.

11 This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.

Bible In One Year: Acts 20-21. Hymn: Sing Hymn 5 — Oh Spread The Tiding Round

MESSAGE:

Many people do not know the secret of daily miraculous living. They do not know that a life of obedience enhances the supernatural intervention that results in miraculous events. It is unfortunate that even some children of God are missing out this truth as well. In our Bible reading for today, we can see the confirmation of the title today’s reading. There was a marriage ceremony in Cana of Galilee and our Lord Jesus, His family and disciples were present. There came a need that only God could meet. The mother of Jesus Christ knew that the Representative of God was on ground to do what was humanly impossible.

Afterwards, Jesus Christ instructed the servants to fill the empty water pots with water and asked them to go ahead and serve it as wine. I decree to someone using this devotional; whatever potential shame the enemies are planning concerning you or your parents, God will intervene with a miracle that will nullify it. Beloved, perfect obedience will change your story, just be willing to do whatever God asks you to do.

Prayer Point: Father, give me the spirit that trembles at Your Word and does whatever You want me to do.

Sing Hymn 5: Oh Spread The Tiding Round

Oh, spread the tidings ’round, wherever man is found,
Wherever human hearts and human woes abound;
Let every Christian tongue proclaim the joyful sound: The Comforter has come!

Chorus:
The Comforter has come,
The Comforter has come!
The Holy Ghost from heav’n,
The Lord’s dear promise giv’n;
Oh, spread the tidings ’round,
Wherever man is found,
The Comforter has come!

2. The long, long night is past, the morning breaks at last;
And hushed the dreadful wail and fury of the blast,
As o’er the golden hills the day advances fast!
The Comforter has come!
Chorus:

3. Lo, the great King of kings, with healing in His wings,
To every captive soul a full deliv’rance brings;
And through the vacant cells the song of triumph rings:
The Comforter has come!
Chorus:

4. O boundless love divine! how shall this tongue of mine
To wond’ring mortals tell the matchless grace divine
That I, a child of hell, should in His image shine!
The Comforter has come!
Chorus.

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: Love & Marriage (3)

Dear Reader,

It is a new week of great opportunities and lines are fallen in pleasant places for you! Indeed, God will give you a goodly heritage this week. Just be filled with expectations because your marital story is about to change!

Marriage is very precious in the sight of God. He has laid down principles in His Word for both the man and the woman to follow, if they must find joy and fulfilment in it. However, it is important to note that in exercising the mantle of leadership, the man must be a loving leader and not a taskmaster.

Love is a necessary ingredient for effective leadership. Without it, those who are being led may eventually refuse to follow and choose to go their own ways. Jesus Christ heads the Church with the rod of love. Likewise, every husband will need the same rod of love, to get the effective followership of his family members.

When a husband demonstrates his love for his wife and children, he will be able to lead his home with ease. The truth is that no one hates to be loved. As a husband, don’t just rejoice at the fact that you are the head of the home; be ready to fulfil the responsibilities attached – make your home a loveable place.

The first home ever created was Eden which means ‘delight’, ‘pleasure’ or ‘enjoyment’. God’s original intent is for the home to be a place of peace and quietness – not in the sense of silence, but of rest.

Some spouses find it hard to say, “I am sorry,” “Please forgive me,” etc., because of their ego. However, anyone that desires his/her marriage to be “heaven on earth” won’t let ego stand between him and his spouse or children. Learn to say, “I am sorry,” when you offend your spouse. It works! If you do that, the countenance of your spouse will change.

As a husband, you need to always compliment your wife’s good qualities and that will bring out the best in her. Everyone loves to be praised, either for what he or she has done or simply for who they are. No one is perfect; so express your appreciation in areas your spouse is good at, whether small or great. You can also show appreciation by giving little gifts. Make room for praise in your home!

As couples, you must learn each other’s love language. If your spouse responds positively to physical touch, then learn to do that. If he likes words of encouragement, speak encouragement often to him or her. If he or she is the type that responds to acts of service, then be pro-active and always try to give a helping hand. This is how you make each other feel good.

Love is something you must choose to express, by choosing to be patient, pleasing, forgiving, trusting, understanding, and also learn to grow, encourage, help, be truthful, faithful, unselfish, and hopeful. Communicate in love with your spouse for the rest of your life. This is a choice you must make today.

Even if you are troubled in your marriage or your partner is not responding as you would like him or her to, you must still choose to love. Do not let your heart become hardened. It may not be easy to do all of these in the energy of the flesh. But help is available for you, as you ask God for the strength you need to choose to “love” sacrificially and unconditionally, beginning from today.

To be able to truly walk in love with all sincerity of heart, you need to become a bonafide child of God.  You become a child of God by confessing your sins and accepting Jesus as your Lord and personal Saviour.  If you are set for it, 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.