Topic: The Power of Training in Fulfilling Destiny!

From scriptures, we understand that we have a glorious destiny in Christ. However, training is one of the vital keys in fulfilling that glorious destiny. As children of God, we should be committed to effective and tireless training if we must see our glorious destinies fulfilled. By training, we mean engaging ‘the know-how factor’ in our field of endeavours.  People have great visions but, they lack the know-how. However, it is the know-how that drives our vision to fulfilment.

It is also important to recognise that our impact in life will only answer to the qualitative training we have acquired over time. For instance, I studied Architecture but when Jesus called me into ministry, I had to train myself for it because I had seen a professor fail in ministry. That means my academic capacity was not relevant because ministry is a profession with its own unique skills that must be acquired. So, I selected and studied 39 biographies of great ministries to be relevant in ministry.  By the time I came into full time ministry, I was 39 years ahead and more matured than my colleagues because I have bought into the minds of 39 great ministries which accelerated my success over the years. Therefore, it was an easy flight for me because there was the know-how. When we check through the biography of great leaders, we discover that they sustained their leadership through sustainable readership in their field. Erroneously, there are people in ministry today who have never read any book on ministry. In fact, there are some with a vision of a big church, but they will never learn how a big church is built.  This is because they are using common sense to build an uncommon church. There are some business men who know next to nothing in their businesses. No doubt, many people have great callings but they see little or no results. It is not that their callings are not genuine, but they lack the know-how, which cannot be impacted but acquired.

Furthermore, it is important to understand that schooling is not the same thing as training. Schooling is periodic but training is for life. This is one of the reasons there are many certified but uneducated people in the world. They have degrees but cannot deliver because they are not trained to do so. The account of David in the cave of Abdullam paints a graphic picture of the benefits of training in the life of any man. We saw how David gathered riffraffs under his tutelage and they became the mighty men of David. Although, they were men of no value i.e. human trash, training brought out the treasure in them.  Remember, it is one thing to know where we are going, and yet another to know what it takes to get there (I Samuel 23:8; Ecclesiastes 10:15).

No doubt, many of us know the city but we do not know what it takes to get there. That is where training comes in.

What are the requirements to get to the city?

Learning: Everyone at the top is a committed learner of arts and skills in his or her field. Don’t be deceived, an endowment is not a substitute for the demand of study. No matter the wisdom endowment we have, it is not a substitute for learning the know-how in our field of endeavours.

Discipline: This represents maintaining an orderly life. It is operating as demanded not as convenient. We need self-discipline to make any progress in life. Therefore let’s discipline ourselves so much that people would identify us only with our divine assignment on earth. In other words, go the extra mile, pay the extra price, take the extra steps and we will see ourselves at the top in no time.

Diligence: This means hard work. Many years ago, I saw in my Bible: Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men Proverbs (22:29).  From that scripture, I understood that how much we invest, in terms of time, energy and resources in our destinies today, would determine to a large extent where we stand tomorrow. In other words, it is the quality of our work that defines our ultimate worth. This is because there is no future for the idle man in the Kingdom. This is why the Bible says: Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap (Galatians 6:7). Therefore, the harder we work, the greater our level of delivery. If we are not hard workers, we would live hard lives.

Sacrifice: Sacrifice is going the extra mile, taking the extra steps and paying the extra price to deliver our vision. However, if it doesn’t cost us anything, then it is not a sacrifice. David said: …Neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the Lord my God of that which doth cost me nothing… (2 Samuel 24:24).

As we all know, there is no star without a scar. It takes the key of sacrifice, to gain access into the realm of sweat-less success. We must always remember that the benefits of sacrifice always outweigh its cost. Many want the success, but they don’t like the sacrifice because they forget that the cost is never greater than the glory. That’s why whenever it’s time to sacrifice, we must ignore the present and look to the future. For instance, Jesus for the joy that was set before Him endured the inconveniences of the cross, the beatings and the pains, so that we can be partakers of His glory (Hebrews 12:1-2).

In conclusion, I like you to understand therefore, that while everyone is a potential leader, only those who are willing to pay the price ever emerge a leaders. Thus, if we must actualise the destiny that God has ordained for us, we must be committed to effective and tireless training

Nevertheless, one step to successful living is being born-again. If you are not born-again, you are not entitled to it. 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 Saviour. Thank You Jesus for saving me! Now I know I am born again!”  For further reading, please get my books: Success Strategies, Success Systems, Maximising Destiny, Exploring the Secrets of Success. 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: Let It Shine! — Tuesday October 24, 2017.

Text: Luke 11:29-36

Key Verse: “Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness” (Luke 11:35).

Jesus drew appropriate lessons from prophet Jonah’s experience in Nineveh. The sign that was given through Jonah was his deliverance from the belly of the whale after he had been there for three days. In the same vein, the sign of Jesus’ resurrection after three days in the tomb would be the signal to His generation that He was indeed from God. Jesus also talked about the Queen of the South who sought Solomon’s wisdom.

Now, Jesus says He is greater than both, and deserves greater attention and honour. He warned therefore that the generations of Jonah and the Queen of the South would rise in judgment against those rejecting His message. Jesus also talked about the light of the body. He illustrated this with God’s true moral light that had come into the world through Him. However, only those who have an unprejudiced and pure heart are able to see this revelation from God. They are able to see because they are humble in heart.

One’s reaction to the light is proof of whether one’s heart is either full of light or darkness, for or against Him. Today, we should reflect on the redemptive work of Jesus on the Cross at Calvary. We should soberly reflect on the light He brought into the world. Having received the Word, we must continue to walk in it and allow our light to shine to illuminate the path of others to the glory of God.

Thought for the day: No man ever enjoys dominion whose spiritual eye is darkened.

Bible Reading in one Year: Ecclesiastes 1-3

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: Hold On To Your Bill Of Right — Tuesday October 24, 2017.

“For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believeth.” – (Romans 10:4 KJV)

Child of God it is important you begin to accept your true nature as a believer. Your nature is not based on what you are doing but on the gift God bestowed on you. God bestowed righteousness on you so that you can do right. What then is righteousness? It is the believer’s DNA. It is your root because you are made in the image of God. Righteousness is right standing with God. God wants you to know that in all conditions you can have right standing with him such that you are not afraid to approach him like Adam was after he fell into sin at the Garden of Eden. He was hiding from the very God he should have run to. Adam did not know that he was righteous.

Righteousness is the believer’s Bill of Right. It is what you wave at the devil in the face of any challenge. I guarantee you that the devil will attack, challenge, accuse and put you down but you must hold on to your Bill of Right. Righteousness is standing before God without any sense of sin, guilt, condemnation, inferiority complex or accusation. Righteousness is standing before God as though sin does not exist. Brother Mike, how did I become righteous? The very moment you accepted the Lordship of Jesus Christ, you became righteous. You do not need to do any other thing because your righteousness is your salvation benefit.

Righteousness is not based on your works as an individual. It is the work of Christ on Calvary that made us righteous. God’s acceptance of the children of Israel in the dispensation of the law for example is because of what Aaron was wearing. Now our High Priest, Jesus Christ has given us a perfect sacrifice. There is no sin in Him and so He perfected it in Himself so that when God sees His holiness in us, we are accepted. It is not about us but about Jesus. That should make you love Him more.

Further Reading: Isaiah 61:1-11, 2 Corinthians 5:14-21

Daily Bible Reading: Morning- Jeremiah 3-5; Evening- 1 Timothy 4

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: Look And Live [Tuesday October 24, 2017]

Scripture: And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:14-15

Thought For The Day: Whatever captures your attention captures your direction, and your attention sponsors distinction.

The background story of our anchor scripture is where the Israelites sinned against God in the wilderness and God sent fiery serpents to bite them and many of them died. But when the Israelites cried unto God, God instructed Moses to make a brazen serpent and hang it on a stick so that whosoever looked up to the serpent on the stick would be saved.

Now, just as Moses lifted up the serpent for deliverance, so was Jesus lifted up on the Cross of Calvary for the deliverance of mankind from the clutches death and eternal damnation through the enemy.

Today, we are being faced with diverse challenges and issues of life. The good news is that the solution is more important and stronger than the problem.

Beloved, it is important to know that you have the choice to either look at what is happening to you or what is written in the Word of God. The existence of the poisonous serpent is not in doubt, but you must be aware that the serpent lifted up will cancel the effect of the venom of the one biting you.

So, the difference in your outcome in life is determined by where you are looking at per time. Whatever captures your attention captures your direction, and your attention sponsors distinction.

Make up your mind to look at God’s solution in His Word instead of analysing the problem of your life.

Remember This: Whatever captures your attention captures your direction, and your attention sponsors distinction.

Assignments:

1. Make up your mind to focus on God’s Word and not your situation.

2. Keep your gaze on God alone.

Prayer: O Lord, I look up to You for the sustenance of my life. I declare that there is no other god besides You Lord, in Jesus’ Name.

FOR FURTHER UNDERSTANDING, GET THIS MESSAGE: LOOK AND LIVE

Daily Reading: Jeremiah 44:24 to 47:7, 2 Timothy 2:22 to 3:17, Psalm 94:1 to 23, Proverbs 26:6 to 8

Quote: You cannot move from where you are until you see beyond where you are. Culled from, 30 SECRETS TO THE TOP by Dr Paul Enenche.

Amazing Facts: The Elephant is the only mammal that cannot jump.

Today In History: 24/10/1945 – The United Nations was founded.

Don’t Forget To Attend: The Power Communion Services tomorrow by 4:45pm and 6:30pm for the preservation of your life and destiny. Invite your friends and loved ones.

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: God Goes Too! [Tuesday October 24, 2017]

But the person who is united to the Lord becomes one spirit with Him. – 1 Corinthians 6:17, The Amplified Bible

I once heard about a great man of God who looked in the mirror every day when he put on his suit and said, “Suit, everywhere you go today, God goes in you.” And you know, he’s right. If you have united yourself to God by receiving Jesus as Lord, everywhere you go today…God goes too!

As believers, we need to start becoming more conscious of that. We need to train ourselves to be constantly aware of God inside of us, talking to us, teaching us, counseling us, empowering us and enduing us with Himself.

We need to continually remind ourselves that we are one spirit with Him. That means that every time we face a problem, every time we face an evil spirit that tries to influence and hinder our lives, God is facing it too. When we meet those things, God meets them. And He’s already overcome them!

Let me encourage you when you get dressed today to look in the mirror and say, “I am united to the Lord and I have become one spirit with Him. Body, everywhere you go today…God goes. God is in you. The power of God is in you. The wisdom of God is in you. The victory of God is in you.”

Say that to yourself every day—many times a day. Keep doing it until you begin to develop the habit of thinking that way. Cultivate a constant awareness of the reality of God living in you!

Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 6:17-20

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: Maintaining Purity in Courtship (4)

Dear Reader,

God is interested in your marriage being successful. As I said in the previous teaching, what you do with the foundation laying stage of marriage, which is courtship, determines how successful your marriage would be. Therefore, to have a successful marriage, the most important thing is to ensure that you follow God’s principles, which He laid down when He designed marriage. The irony is, when we focus on His principles instead of our pleasure, we end up having a very satisfying and pleasant marriage!

Courtship is about open and honest exploration of each other’s lives and families, leading to engagement and marriage. Courtship is about preparation for marriage. You court in order to see if there is any reason you shouldn’t get married. There is no romantic interaction until after the commitment to marriage (wedding). This does not mean that you don’t love your spouse to be. The Bible says: Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these (Mark 12:31). Loving him or her could mean disciplining, correcting and exhorting each other, to change. Other times it may be to quash a selfish desire in your heart in favour of their desires. Basically, it means taking the focus off yourself and looking at what you can invest in the other person.

Therefore, in the context of courtship there are two neighbours that we should love (i.e. keep their best interests at heart). Firstly, there is our future spouse. Keeping his or her best interests at heart would result in things like saving your sexual and emotional purity for her or him, developing your character and preparing resources for a stable marriage with him or her, etc.

Secondly, there is the future spouse of that person you are interested in. Unless you are ready for marriage, you should not be having ’emotional exchanges’ with any member of the opposite sex. You should treat every friend as though they will be someone else’s spouse. Loving that spouse as a neighbour means treating this person as a brother or sister in Christ, not defrauding their emotions or their purity but investing in them without motive for selfish gain.

Some people wonder about a relationship where there is ‘no romantic involvement before marriage’ and the possibility that a couple could get married only to find out they have no sexual or romantic feelings for each other. To clarify, however, my conviction is that you shouldn’t be romantically involved until after the commitment to marriage (wedding). Keep your romantic emotions for your husband or your wife. This is the only way that you only romance one partner in your lifetime.

If you allow the romance before the commitment, then there is the possibility of several romances, with all the pain and emotional baggage that it entails. The Word of God says: So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies (Ephesians 5:28 & 33) Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself. From the above passages you can see the underlined words.

Thus the Bible says: “love the one you married” rather than to “marry the one you love.” That is why the above verses say, “Men love your wives”. Romantic emotions should be reserved for marriage not for courtship. This is because when you get romantically involved and eventually the courtship happens to break due to incompatibility, often times these results in hurt. Therefore, keep all romantic emotions till after the wedding to avoid heart-break and hurt. Have you ever wondered while some in a relationship go mad when the relationship breaks? The Word of God says: What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh (1Corinthians 6:16).

Getting romantically involved is like being joined to become one flesh with whom you are courting. Any break in that relationship will amount to literally tearing the flesh. Be wise and don’t get emotionally involved during courtship. Let your emotions be intact. Guard your heart with all diligence because out of it are the issues that will make your marriage successful. This courtship period is quite a vulnerable period but the boundaries God has set are for the protection and preservation of your heart from hurt. It is also for the protection of your future marriage from shame that comes when the marriage bed is defiled. Take it in good faith because the commandments of God are not grievous, but they are meant to groom us.

From the foregoing, you need the help of God to maintain purity in your courtship so as to enjoy the honour in marriage. This help is obtainable by accepting Jesus as your Lord and personal Saviour as you say this prayer: “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, you are now born -again! If you prayed this simple prayer of faith with me, you are now 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.