Topic: The Motivation For Total Commitment — Friday November 17, 2017.

“And Ruth said, Entreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God:” (Ruth 1:16 KJV)

When you truly recall the faithfulness and goodness of God in your life, it will motivate you to service and sacrifice. You will go beyond yourself. You will pay the price and people will be wondering. What is special, why is he doing all that he’s doing? It is because you remember where he brought you from. As a matter of fact, you will be the one asking what can I do? What can I do to honour Him? What can I do to exalt Him? You will stretch yourself. You will go beyond yourself. That was the motivating factor behind the life of Ruth.

Ruth was willing to make sacrifices because she remembered where she was coming from. She was serving idols until she was introduced to the true God. She could tell the difference that when she made a choice to follow the God of Naomi, her life was different. It is not about things, it is not about a husband, it is about God. So I will follow Him whether He gives me anything or not – that is true commitment!

Same thing applied to Esther, the queen in the book of Esther. According to the account in Chapter 4, after Haman had perfected the plot to destroy the Jews, Mordecai came to Esther and asked her to go before the king to intercede for her people. Esther wanted to make an excuse but Mordecai reminded her that God might have raised her up for such a time. In other words, remember that you were a nobody, but God, out of all the maidens, picked you from the back and made you a queen because there is an assignment for you. And Esther straightened up and declared if I perish, let me perish (Esther 4:16). She remembered how God lifted her from nothing and crowned her queen of Persia. When you remember how God saved you, you will pay any price to see that the kingdom advances.

Further reading: Ruth 1:11-18 Esther 4:8-16

Daily Bible Reading: Morning- Ezekiel 5-7; Evening- Hebrews 12

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: Focus On The Past – The Bane Of Destiny [Friday November 17, 2017]

Scripture: Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before. Philippians 3:13

Thought For The Day: There is no future in the past and there can be no destiny in history.

The word past connotes the lapse of time. It also refers to the moment or period of time that no longer exists. It is the period of time that has already happened or passed.

There is a perpetual and perennial conflict between the past and the future on the journey of destiny fulfillment

The truth is, there is no future in the past and there can be no destiny in history. The major thing history leaves you with is story. So, refuse every form of conformity with the past. Until you forget the past, (especially bitter or negative past) you cannot lay hold on the future.

Never allow where you are coming from to arrest where you are going. Where you are going is more important than where you are coming from. The reason the eyes are in front is so you can face forward and move ahead. That would be disaster in motion.

You cannot walk backwards into the future. So, never allow your past to bury your future. You must let the past pass.

I prophesy to you the grace to let go of past hurts and mistakes. I take authority over every spirit of the past tormenting your life and resisting your progress in life, in Jesus’ Name.

Remember This: There is no future in the past and there can be no destiny in history.

Assignment(s):

1. Daily ask God for the grace to forgive offences and offenders.

2. Let go of every past hurts, mistakes and errors

Prayer: O Lord, I ask for the grace to forgive offences and offenders. Deliver me from the torments of past hurts, errors and mistakes in Jesus’ Name.

FOR FURTHER UNDERSTANDING, GET THIS MESSAGE: WISDOM FROM THE LIFE OF JOSEPH- PART 3

Quote: Don’t lament what you cannot amend; if it is not amendable, it is not lamentable. Culled from 365 WISDOM CAPSULES by Dr Paul Enenche

Daily Reading: Ezekiel 35:1 to 36:38, James 1:1 to 18, Psalm 116:1 to 19, Proverbs 27:23 to 27

Amazing Fact: A day-old baby cockroach, which is about the size of a speck of dust, can run almost as fast as its parents.

Today In History: 17/11/1831, Ecuador and Venezuela separated from Greater Colombia

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 Back The Fire Of Old [Friday, November 17, 2017]

Basic Scriptures: Scripture Isaiah 52: 1-8

Wake, Awake, put on strength! The battle is hotter and the summer is nearly ended; yet the harvest is not accomplished.

And the Lord said, “Who will go for us?” The labourers are busy after temporary pursuits of vanity. Awake oh Zion! Take back the fire of old; the hot zeal and passion for the lost. Did you remember how years ago, you cried and prayed for souls in the night? Yea! The Lord shall heal you again!

An atheist once thought aloud:

“If truly, firmly, and consistently believe as millions say they do, that there is heaven and hell, Christianity should be to everything. I would cast earthly enjoyment as dross (rubbish), earthly cares as follies and earthly thoughts and feelings as vanities. Soul winning would be my first waking thought and my last image when sleep sinks me into unconsciousness.

Oh Lord! Set us on fire again! Jude 3 says, “contend earnestly for the faith that was once delivered to the saints. “I was a faith of fire and blood. FIRE and BLOOD is what I call “F and B.” Yes, it was a faith of F and B, but not the F and B of today! Today’s F and B is what I call ‘FOOD and BEVERAGE Christianity,’! It is also called, ‘Bread and Butter Christianity.’ Vs. 7 of today’s scripture is a good , concluding appeal: How beautiful upon the mountains (problems) are the feet of him that brings good news; that published peace …that published salvation.”

Do all you can in all the ways you can, in all the places you can at all times, to all the people you can, as you can. Join the minority! Move along the narrow road! Take back the faith of old.

MY SPECIAL BIRTHDAY THANKSGIVING SERVICE IS ON SUNDAY NOVEMBER 26TH. TIME: 12PM. COME AND CELEBRATE WITH ME HIS AMAZING GRACE AT OGUDU!

Prayer Points: Take song of worship as led.

1.  In your own words, pray about the word as led now.

2.  Ask for hot and fire for souls again (Pray it until something happen in your soul).

3.  Lord, use my life to make a name for Yourself.

4.  Pray for those in different levels of government today. Loose peace concerning your nation!

5.  Lord, let my life announce Your glory and Your kingdom. Action point: Talk to someone about Christ today, tomorrow and every day you live.

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

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

Topic: Serve and Be Served — Friday November 17, 2017.

Read: Philippians 4:10–19, Bible in a Year: Ezekiel 5–7; Hebrews 12

You were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. – Philippians 4:10

Marilyn had been ill for many weeks, and many people had encouraged her through this difficult time. How will I ever repay all their kindnesses? she worried. Then one day she read the words of a written prayer: “Pray that [others] will develop humility, allowing them not only to serve, but also to be served.” Marilyn suddenly realized there was no need to balance any scale, but just to be thankful and allow others to experience the joy of serving.

In Philippians 4, the apostle Paul expressed his gratitude for all those who shared “in [his] troubles” (v. 14). He depended on people to support him as he preached and taught the gospel. He understood that the gifts provided for him when he was in need were simply an extension of people’s love for God: “[Your gifts] are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God” (v. 18).

It may not be easy to be the one on the receiving end—especially if you’ve usually been the first one to help other people. But with humility, we can allow God to gently care for us by a variety of means when we need help.

Paul wrote, “My God will meet all your needs” (v. 19). It was something he had learned during a life of trials. God is faithful and His provision for us has no limits.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for caring for us through Your people. May we graciously give and receive help.

Receive love. Give love. Repeat.

Insight:

Paul was a tentmaker by trade and often worked to support himself while he ministered to people in various cities (see Acts 18:3). However, at times Paul relied on the giving and generosity of others (see Phil 4:14–16). He also encouraged generosity among the churches, calling on members of the global body of Christ to meet each other’s needs (see 1 Cor. 16:1–4).

Many times God provides for us through the giving of others. Reflect on how God has provided for you or used you to meet the needs of others. J.R. Hudberg

This message was written By Cindy Hess Kasper [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]

Topic: The Power to Create [Friday November 17, 2017]

Therefore be imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example] as well-beloved children [imitate their father]. – Ephesians 5:1, The Amplified Bible

Creating new things, changing old things. Because you and I are made in the image of God that’s something we’re always trying to do. But if we’re to be successful at it, we need to learn a lesson about it from the Creator Himself, our very own heavenly Father.

You know, He didn’t just come upon creation by accident and say, “Well, what do you know! There’s light!” No, before He began to make His universe, He first had a desired result (an inner idea, or image, of what He wanted to create) and then said, “Light be!” and light was.

If we’re going to imitate Him, we’re going to have to put the principle of the inner image to work too.

“But, Brother Copeland,” you say, “that was God. Surely you don’t expect me to try to act like God.” I most certainly do. Ephesians 5:1 says to!

Let me warn you about something though. Don’t waste your time sitting around trying to dream up a positive inner image all on your own. That’s nothing more than positive thinking, and while it’s better than negative thinking (or not thinking at all), it will eventually fall flat.

If you’re a born-again child of Almighty God, God has given you the principle and the power to make permanent changes in your life and in your circumstances.

Think again about creation. God wanted light. So He said, “Let there be light.” The words He spoke were directly related to His inner image. He used His Words to get that image from the inside to the outside.

What you need to use as the basis for your inner image and for the words you speak is the Word of God. The Word has supernatural power. And if you fill that Word with faith and speak it out, it will work for you to change your life and circumstances as surely as it did for your Father.

Find out what real creativity is all about. Dig into the Word of God and start rebuilding your world today.

Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 4:6-13

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: Our Life Is Not Our Own [Friday November 17, 2017]

Luke 22:49 “When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword?”

The Lordship of Jesus is one of the central themes of scripture. It is clear that many times the word “Lord,” when referring to Jesus, is equivalent to the divine name “Yahweh” or “Jehovah.” To acknowledge Jesus as Lord is to acknowledge His deity (Jn. 20:28).

What it means to give Jesus Lordship in our lives, is to recognize His right to rule in our lives, by right of creation (Jn. 1:3) and right of redemption.

“For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1 Cor. 6:20).

One of the most damaging attitudes of our time is the exaltation of self over others. Personal rights have been promoted at the expense of others. This is not good for society and it is certainly not the way God expects His body to operate.

As Christians, we need to develop a continual awareness that our lives are not our own. We do not have the liberty to do as we please. We should present our body as a living sacrifice unto God, recognizing that this is just our reasonable duty to the one who gave His life for us (Rom. 12:1).

The Lordship of Jesus should be the determining factor in every action of a Christian (Rom. 14:7-10). Every thought and action should pass the test, “Is this what my Lord Jesus wants me to do or think?” If the answer is not a definite “yes,” then it shouldn’t be done. “Whatsoever is not of faith is sin” (Rom. 14:23).

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: Integrity [Friday November 17, 2017]

Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do . . . — Philippians 4:9

Integrity is the glue that holds our way of life together. What our young people want to see in their elders is integrity, honesty, truthfulness, and faith. What they hate most of all is hypocrisy and phoniness. That is why it is important for us to go to church, to read the Bible, and to say grace at the table. Let them see us doing what we would like them to do.

Prayer for the day: Take away the “front,” Father, that so often creeps into my life. I would live in such a way that young people will be drawn to You, too.

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.