Topic: Don’t Faint! — Saturday 4, November 2017.

Memorise: Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; – 2 Corinthians 4:1

Read: 2 Corinthians 4:15-16 (KJV)

15 For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.

16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

Bible in One Year: 1 John 2-4, Hosea 12, Hymn: Sing Hymn 10 – There Shall Be Showers Of Blessing

MESSAGE:

As children of God, one lesson we derive from Luke 6:38 is that giving precedes receiving. Those who expect to receive when they have not sown are waiting for an empty harvest. Some people may contend with this truth by citing John 4:38, which says,

“I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours.”

Coming up next: Open Heavens 5 November 2017: Sunday daily devotional by Pastor Adeboye – Why Praise Him?

Yes, it is possible to reap where you did not sow, but you will always reap what you sow. If you check the scriptures, you will find out that the privilege of reaping where you did not sow is reserved for the hardworking fellow and not for the lazy. If you consider the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30, you will discover that the servant who had 10 talents was given the extra talent that was taken away from the lazy servant. The Lord justified this action with those words in Matthew 25:29:

“For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.”

If you work hard and excel in whatever assignment the Lord has given you, if you make sacrifices in doing God’s bidding beyond every other person, or if you out-give everyone else, you will not only enter into abundance, but you may also qualify to receive the harvest of the lazy.

Moreover, we see that the lazy servant lost his harvest. May you not lose your harvest to someone else! It is interesting to note that some people lose their harvest not only to laziness but also as a result of lack of patience. A story was told of the pastor of a local assembly, who fasted, prayed and evangelised his community but could not get a harvest. It appeared as if the ground was iron. Unknown to him, God was working out something that would bring a lot of people to that community. Sadly, before God could finish what He was doing, this pastor got discouraged and quit ministry. Just about the same time, another pastor started a ministry in the same community. The people that God caused to relocate to this community, as reward for the toiling of the pastor who quit, now became a harvest for the new pastor. This new pastor must have concluded that ministry was so easy, without knowing what really happened. In light of this, never give up on your assignment! No matter how tough things may be, remain with God and you will reap your harvest.

Key Point: If you remove people out of their rightful harvest, get set to be thrown out of your own harvest, unless you fully restitute.

Sing Hymn 10 – There Shall Be Showers Of Blessing

1. There shall be showers of blessing:
This is the promise of love;
There shall be seasons refreshing,
Sent from the Savior above.

[Chorus]
Showers of blessing,
Showers of blessing we need:
Mercy drops round us are falling,
But for the showers we plead.

2. There shall be showers of blessing:
Precious reviving again;
Over the hills and the valleys,
Sound of abundance of rain.
[Chorus]

3. There shall be showers of blessing:
Send them upon us, O Lord;
Grant to us now a refreshing;
Come, and now honor Thy Word.
[Chorus]

4. There shall be showers of blessing:
Oh, that today they might fall,
Now as to God we’re confessing,
Now as on Jesus we call!
[Chorus]

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: He Never Fails — Friday November 3, 2017.

Text: 2 Samuel 22:11-23

Key Verse: “They prevented me in the day of my calamity: but the LORD was my stay” (2 Samuel 22:19).

David Livingstone, the foremost missionary to Africa, confidently proclaimed, “I go through the hazards of Africa and Jesus is by my side… without Christ, not one step; with Him, anywhere!” Ruth Bryan, the virtuous Puritan author wrote “My precious Jesus is my rest and refreshing, in all my weariness. As I lean on Him, I triumph!”

In our text, David spoke of how God delivered him from all his enemies and upheld him in times of trouble. David triumphed because he was obedient to God’s statutes and made the Lord his Companion in time of trouble. Records abound of many saints of old who greatly enjoyed and testified to the steadfastness of Christ’s companionship, especially when all human help proved worthless. It is futile to try to seek true companionship in money, position, power, occultism, materialism or alcoholism.

A wealthy business tycoon once let out his frustration thus: “I have everything money can buy except peace of mind”. A celebrity regretted that: “I had my ways of hiding my pain – laughing when there was nothing to laugh at; smiling when there was not anything to smile about. That was just my way of getting through life. Pretending like everything was okay.

I guess I did it so well that I really began to believe it. I fooled myself. Using my escapisms was my thing not to feel my pain – whatever would numb the pain… just because you have money doesn’t mean you can’t feel worthless, just because people consider you beautiful doesn’t mean that you feel that way…” Anyone – father, mother, siblings, spouse, children, neighbours, friends and some church members – can disappoint when one needs them most due to inherent limitations in terms of ability, knowledge, understanding and resources. But Jesus will never fail you; He does not have such limitations.

Thought for the day: When all you have is God, then you have all you need.

Bible Reading in one Year: Isaiah 9-12

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: When He Respects You! [Friday, November 3, 2017]

The Word declares, “And the Lord has respected unto Abel and to his offerings” – Gen. 4:4. The Amplified Bible says, “And the Lord had respect and regard for Abel and for his offerings.” The NIV puts it that, “the Lord looked with favour on Abel and his offering.”Note the words, “respect,” “regard,” “favour.”

The president of the United States of America is the most powerful politician on earth and he is highly respected, regarded and favoured on this earth. This is no news!!! However, it is news when the CREATOR of the heavens and earth decides to respect, regard and favour a man who is just a frame of dust. Put yourself in a position where heaven can respect, regard and favour you. Refuse to drag your life, family and ministry out of God’s respect. FROM THE STORY OF ABEL, WE LEARNT THAT GOD CAN RESPECT A MERE MAN! Yes, you can and will attract divine respect as 2017 ends and 2018 begins!

Cain’s life did not attract respect! Jesus was favoured above His mates (His fellows), because of righteousness (Psalm 45:7). Cain attracted God’s anger, Abel attracted respect and Moses attracted respect! Korah attracted divine anger (Num. 16:15), while Esther attracted divine respect! It is your turn now! Heaven will soon announce your life, family, ministry, career and business as the next on the planet that will be DECORATED WITH DIVINE RESPECT! Oh! Walk in righteousness! The Lord asked Cain in Vs 6-7 of Gen. 4: “Why art thou wroth?” And why is thy countenance fallen? If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted?” Note Vs 7 of Gen. 4: “If thou doest well (If you do well).”

God can despise your offerings , faith, sacrifice, etc, and He can also be zealous to respect and favour you IF YOU DO WELL AND LIVE RIGHT. I speak to your life and ministry today that, you are the next person heaven will respect, favour and regard in Jesus name! Amen!

Prayer Point: Take any worship song to God.

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

2. Sin and a wrong lifestyle blocked Cain. Repent today!

3. My father will attract divine respect not divine anger in Jesus name. Lord by the blood of Jesus and His mercy, respect, regard and favour my entire life and ministry from today – (Pray it seriously)

4. Pray for Our Daily Manna publishing crew/distributors! Introduce Our Daily Manna to others. Pray about today as led now. Cancel a mysterious death!

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 Try To Earn God’s Approval — Friday November 3, 2017.

“And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise, work is no more work.” (Romans 11:6 KJV)

Some time ago, I was reading the story of Cain and Abel as recorded in Genesis 4:1-7, and I have heard all kinds of explanations about that story. But if you read that story very well you will realize that God was saying to Cain I don’t want your personal effort. What I want is the sacrifice made on your behalf because your righteousness is like a filthy rag. Cain came with an intention to earn God’s approval and God was telling him you cannot earn My approval because it is a grace thing.

In that account, God said to Cain if you do well you will be accepted. God was saying to Cain in case you don’t know I brought a sin offering and it is at the door of your house so you could offer it and be saved. But Cain by his sacrifice was saying to God you must accept me based on my works. God said to Cain there is sin offering at the door and all you need to do is to offer it as Abel has done and you will be accepted. But he said no I will rather offer my works, I will present my efforts and he was rejected.

If you come to God based on your efforts, rights or privileges you will be rejected. Always come to him saying, Lord, you are my righteousness, my redeemer and sanctifier. When you do so, the doors of heaven will open up for you to come in because that’s what God wants. You will not be rejected. Based on the finished work of Jesus, you are already accepted. You are free from all struggles. You are a new species of being that has never existed before. You are his workmanship created in Christ Jesus unto good works which God had before ordained that you should walk in them.

Further Reading: Romans 3:20-31, 4:1-16

Daily Bible Reading: Morning- Jeremiah 30-31; Evening- Philemon

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: The Dimensions Of The Way Of God [Friday November 3, 2017]

Scripture: Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:6

Though For The Day: You cannot follow God’s way and fail in life. God did not call us to mock us; He called us to make us.

The way of God is the highest way in life. Those who know His way see His acts. To follow His way is to win in life. It was by following the way of God that Daniel, Moses, Paul, Abraham, etc., ended as generational impacters.

The truth is, you cannot follow God’s way and fail in life. God did not call us to mock us; He called us to make us. So, to accept His ways is to embrace His wonders.

What then are the dimensions of the way of god?

1. God will always have His way (Isaiah 43:13).

2. God will always make a way (Isaiah 43: 19). God is a way Maker. No matter how hopeless your situation is, God has the capacity turn to it around for you.

3. God will always find a way: God can never be stranded. He arrested the situation of embarrassment at the wedding in Cana of Galilee when He turned water into wine.

4. God can also be The Way (John 14:6). That is, when other ways have failed, God becomes a way for you.

I prophesy to you, God is becoming a way for you and no devil shall stop you, in Jesus’ Name.

Remember This: You cannot follow God’s way and fail in life. God did not call us to mock us; He called us to make us.

Assignment(S):

1. Give God the way into your life.

2. Determine to devote your time to the study of the Scripture in order to know and understand the ways of God.

Prayer: LORD, I surrender my all to you. Reveal to me Your ways in order to experience Your wonders in my life, LORD, in Jesus’ Name.

FOR FURTHER UNDERSTANDING, GET THIS MESSAGE: THE WAY WITH GOD

Quote: The ways of God are the highways in life. Culled from 365 WISDOM CAPSULES by Dr Paul Enenche

Daily Reading: Ezekiel 7:1 to 9:11, Hebrews 5:1 to 14, Psalm 105:1 to 15, Proverbs 26:28.

Amazing Fact: A human liver has over 400 functions

Today In History: 03/11/1983, U.S. President Ronald Reagan signed a bill creating Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

Dunamis International Gospel Centre (DIGC), is a powerfully anointed church, headquartered at Abuja, Nigeria, with Dr 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: Powerful Baby — Friday November 3, 2017.

Read: Psalm 13, Bible in a Year: Jeremiah 30–31; Philemon

How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? . . . But I trust in your unfailing love. Psalm 13:1, 5

The first time I saw him, I cried. He looked like a perfect newborn asleep in his crib. But we knew he would never wake up. Not until he was in the arms of Jesus.

He clung to life for several months. Then his mother told us of his death in a heart-wrenching email. She wrote of “that deep, deep pain that groans inside you.” Then she said, “How deeply God carved His work of love into our hearts through that little life! What a powerful life it was!”

Powerful? How could she say that?

This family’s precious little boy showed them—and us—that we must depend on God for everything. Especially when things go horribly wrong! The hard yet comforting truth is that God meets us in our pain. He knows the grief of losing a Son.

In our deepest pain, we turn to the songs of David because he writes out of his own grief. “How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart?” he asked (Ps. 13:2). “Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death” (v. 3). Yet David could give his biggest questions to God. “But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation” (v. 5).

Only God can bring ultimate significance to our most tragic events.

Prayer: Where do I turn when a crisis hits me? Do I ever get angry with God when facing grief and loss? Am I afraid to share my true emotions with Him? Have I ever asked God for His peace?

God can do the most with what we think is least.

Insight:

We may be surprised to hear a cry of abandonment coming from David, a man who knew God intimately. Psalm 13 describes David’s struggle. He was threatened by powerful enemies and distressed by God’s seeming prolonged apathy and absence, feeling forsaken in the time of his greatest need. “How long, Lord?” he asks. David questioned if God would ever come to his rescue (vv. 1–2). Even as he felt the sting of abandonment, David turned his turmoil over to God, asking Him for a deeper understanding of his circumstances (vv. 3–4). Anchoring himself in God’s unfailing covenantal love, David renews his trust in God (vv. 5–6).

Like David, you may be going through a rough patch, engulfed by feelings of dread and abandonment. God may seem silent, but He is never absent. Scripture confirms He will never leave or forsake anyone who calls on Him (Heb. 13:5–6).

This message was written By Tim Gustafson [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]

Topic: An Experienced Champion [Friday November 3, 2017]

But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. – Isaiah 40:31

Did you know that the force of faith has the power to rejuvenate your physical body? It’s true. You can see that in the life of Sarah. Most people don’t understand the full extent of what God did in her life. All they know is that He enabled her to have a child in her old age.

But if you’ll look closer, you’ll see that there was more to it than that. When Sarah laid hold of the promise of God by faith, it began to restore her physically to such an extent that when King Abimelech saw her, he wanted her for his wife.

Think about that! At 90 years old, she was so beautiful that a king wanted her in his harem. What’s more, after she gave birth to Isaac, the Bible says she nursed him till he was weaned. Then she kept right on living until that boy was raised!

Now, I’m not telling you you can have a baby at 90 like Sarah did. She had a specific promise from God about that. But I am telling you that if you’ll believe God for renewed strength and health in your old age, He’ll provide it for you. In fact, Psalm 103 says that’s one of His benefits. It says God will fill your mouth with good things so your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

That is God’s desire for you in your old age. A powerful, experienced champion of the Word with your strength renewed by faith. Start confessing that today. Fill your mouth with the promises of God. Say, “Praise God, my youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” You’ll still go to heaven when your work on earth is through—but you won’t just fade away. You’ll fly out of here in a blaze of glory like the conqueror God created you to be.

Scripture Reading: Psalm 92

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: The Love of God [Friday November 3, 2017]

Keep yourselves in the love of God . . . — Jude 21

The Bible is a revelation of the fact that God is love. Many people misunderstand the attribute of God’s nature which is love. “God is love” does not mean that everything is sweet, beautiful, and happy, and that God’s love could not possibly allow punishment for sin.

When we preach justice, it is justice tempered with love. When we preach righteousness, it is righteousness founded on love. When we preach atonement, it is atonement planned by love, provided by love, given by love, finished by love, necessitated because of love. When we preach the resurrection of Christ, we are preaching the miracle of love. When we preach the return of Christ, we are preaching the fulfillment of love.

No matter what sin you have committed, or how terrible, dirty, or shameful it may be, God loves you. This love of God is immeasurable, unmistakable, and unending!

Prayer for the day: My heartfelt gratitude to You, Father, for Your forgiveness and love. I must be acutely aware that in all my dealing with others the only yardstick I have is Your immeasurable love.

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.