Topic: Your First and Highest Calling [Monday October 9, 2017]

God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. – 1 Corinthians 1:9

Do you know what God wants you to do more than anything else today? He wants you to fellowship with Him.

He wants you to walk with Him and talk with Him. To discuss the things of life with Him. He wants you to draw near to Him and partake of His very nature.

So many of us get so caught up in striving to please God in the things we do that we forget our first and highest calling is just to be in fellowship with Him.

That’s right. God longs for us just to want to be with Him.

Have you ever considered how much it would mean for you to just come to God and say, “Father, I didn’t really come today to get anything. I’ve prayed about my needs already and Your Word says they’re met according to Your riches in glory by Christ Jesus. So I just came to be with You. If You have anything You’d like to tell me, I’m ready to listen…and I want You to know that whatever I see in Your Word, I’ll do it. I’ll put it into effect in my life.”

Why don’t you tell that to God today? He’s waiting to have fellowship with you.

Scripture Reading: 1 John 1:1-7

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: From Worms to War — Monday October 9, 2017.

Read: Judges 6:11–16, 36–40, Bible in a Year: Isaiah 32–33; Colossians 1

The Lord said to [Gideon], “Peace! Do not be afraid. You are not going to die.” –  Judges 6:23

It was ten-year-old Cleo’s first time fishing, and as he looked into the container of bait he seemed hesitant to get started. Finally he said to my husband, “Help me, I-S-O-W!” When my husband asked him what the problem was, Cleo responded, “I-S-O-W! I’m scared of worms!” His fear had made him unable to act.

Fear can paralyze grown men too. Gideon must’ve been afraid when the angel of the Lord came to him as he was threshing wheat in secret, hiding from his Midianite enemies (Judg. 6:11). The angel told him he had been chosen by God to lead His people in battle (vv. 12–14).

Gideon’s response? “Pardon me, my lord, . . . but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family” (v. 15). After being assured of the Lord’s presence, Gideon still seemed fearful and asked for signs that God would use him to save Israel as He promised (vv. 36–40). And God responded to Gideon’s requests. The Israelites were successful in battle and then enjoyed peace for forty years.

We all have fears of various kinds—from worms to wars. Gideon’s story teaches us that we can be confident of this: If God asks us to do something, He’ll give us the strength and power to do it.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for the assurance that You are with us.

To take the fear out of living, put your faith in the living God.

This message was written By Anne Cetas [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]

Topic: Strength From Knowledge [Monday October 9, 2017]

Scripture: A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength. Proverbs 24:5

Thought For The Day: To be enlightened is to be emboldened; to be informed is to be reinforced; to gain revelation is to gain momentum.

Knowledge connotes the facts, information, and skills acquired through experience or education. It is the theoretical or practical understanding of a subject.

Knowledge, especially of the truth, is critical to freedom. There can be no freedom without revelation and information, both spiritually and physically.

On the other hand, ignorance sponsors oppression; ignorance is the reason for tolerance of negative and oppressive situations. There are situations you may be tolerating now because you do not know better.

Our anchor scripture tells us that …a man of knowledge increaseth strength. That is to say, when a person lacks knowledge especially in spiritual matters, he is bankrupt of confidence, audacity and authority. He becomes very timid; everything frightens him.

When you are informed, your story must change. When you receive light (revelation/insight), it shows you your rights. Your light connects you to might and might sponsors your fight. At the end of the fight, you gain flight or freedom.

Beloved, to be enlightened is to be emboldened, to be informed is to be reinforced. To gain revelation is to gain momentum.

My counsel to you is: if you are weak in any area of your life, acquire knowledge in that area. I see you rising to the top, in Jesus’ Name

Remember This: To be enlightened is to be emboldened; to be informed is to be reinforced. To gain revelation is to gain momentum.

Assignments

1. Ask God for a greater knowledge of His WORD

2. Spend time with God’s Word daily

Prayer: O LORD, I ask for a greater knowledge of Your Word in Jesus’ Name.

FOR FURTHER UNDERSTANDING, GET THIS MESSAGE: STRENGTH FROM KNOWLEDGE

Daily Reading: Jeremiah 12:1 to 14:10, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-2:8, Psalm 79:1-13, Proverbs 24:30-34.

Quote: When His Presence becomes your residence, then your strength becomes unbeatable. Culled from GO IN THIS THY MIGHT by Dr Paul Enenche

Today In History: 09/10/1855 – American inventor Isaac Singer patents sewing machine motor.

Amazing Fact: It would take less than six months to get to the moon by car at 60mph (95kmph).

Don’t Forget To Attend: The Healing and Deliverance Service tomorrow by 9:30am. 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: A Righteous Judge — Monday October 9, 2017.

Text: Job 31:13-23

Key Verse: “For destruction from God was a terror to me, and by reason of his highness I could not endure” (Job 31:23).

“Conscience is an open wound. Only the truth can heal it,” so says a sage. Someone whose conscience is void of offence towards man, no doubt, has applied the therapeutic balm of truth assiduously to it and can stand before God to defend his record. Eliphaz, one of Job’s friends had in Chapter 22 insinuated that Job’s troubles stemmed from his moral deficiency.

Job’s gutsy push-back on these allegations revealed an impeccable record of sound moral judgment on socio-economic issues of his time and how patently uncharitable and groundless the accusations were. He meticulously and mercifully dealt with all matters concerning the poor. The widows and orphans received special attention. He actually responded to their needs instinctively. He wrapped up his defence with a curse upon himself if he were found guilty as charged.

Believers must not be deterred by the insinuations of people who seek to smear their character. However, we must learn from Job never to lose sight of God’s character of holiness which will not permit the wicked to escape punishment nor deny the righteous of commendation. “Destruction from God was terror to me…” (verse 23). Mortal man cannot play God. Whatever we have, we received from God. All possessions, visible and invisible are fleeting phenomena.

What defines a man is the integrity of his heart, his morality and his penchant for helping others to discover and realise their goals in life and ministry. These enduring virtues ultimately shape our relationship in a way that pleases God. We must repent of all moral indiscretions and stay meticulously away from the path of divine wrath.

Thought for the day: A clear conscience fears no accuser.

Bible Reading in one Year: 1 Kings 17-18

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: Representing God? — Monday 9, October 2017.

Memorise: Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. – 1 Timothy 4:12

Read: 2 Thessalonians 3:1-8 (KJV)

1 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:

2 And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.

3 But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.

4 And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you.

5 And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.

6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.

7 For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;

8 Neither did we eat any man’s bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you:

Bible in One Year: 1 Corinthians 10-11, Daniel 4:28-37, Hymn: Sing Hymn 9 – On The Hill Far Away

MESSAGE:

Who are you? If you are a child of God, then you must behave like God and reflect all that He represents. God is love. He is pure and there is not darkness in Him. If you are a child of the devil, your life will be patterned after the devil. I am a branch of Jesus because I am permanently rooted in Him. What about you? As a child of the Most-High God, you are expected to demonstrate His nature everywhere you find yourself. You are an ambassador of Jesus Christ, called to show forth the praises of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvellous light (1 Peter 2:9). To be a representative of God to the world and a role model among believers, it is required of you to surrender yourself solely to Him. By so doing, you will be laying a good foundation for others to emulate. In many churches today, their modus operandi is “do as I say” and not “do as I do”. This was not the example that the believers of old showed us. Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 11:1 boldly said:

“Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.”

Coming up next:Open Heavens 10 October 2017: Tuesday daily devotional by Pastor Adeboye – I Shall Not Be Poor

He saw himself as a worthy follower of Christ, and he was not ashamed to tell us to follow his footsteps.

As an ambassador of Christ, you have a mandate to fulfil for the Lord in this generation. You have been positioned at such a time as this to be relevant in the scheme of things. Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego stood out from the crowd. They did not allow the privileges of royalty to deny them their place in God. They were role models for the world to see, and they did great exploits for God because they had an understanding of the times and season they lived in. Do not engage in any despicable act that will cause men to despise your God. Do not engage in folly and a questionable lifestyle that will destroy what God has planned for you. The world must know that you are a believer, not just in words but also through your deeds. Let your life be an epistle for people to read. Do not do anything in secrecy that will tarnish your image, because the devil is going round looking for great soldiers in God’s battalion to discredit. The devil will never go after those who have nothing to offer. He is after the “Esthers” because he wants to stop them before they get to the king’s palace. He is after the “Daniels” because he wants to stop them from being relevant in life and in governance. He is after the “Nehemiahs” because he can’t stand them rebuilding the broken walls of godliness. To finish well, you must be resolute and determined. Irrespective of the odds against you, you must push through, break barriers and fulfil your destiny in grand style. Be a model of Christ to all men in word, in conversation, in love, in hospitality and in godliness.

Key Point: If you steadfastly take a stand for God, you will not fall by the wayside of life.

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: Divine Provision [Sunday 8, October 2017]

Memorise: “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:19

Read: Matthew 17:24-27

24 And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute?

25 He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers?

26 Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free.

27 Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee.

Bible In One Year: Matthew 14-17. Hymn: Sing Hymn 6 – What A Friend We Have In Jesus

MESSAGE:

Divine provision is in play when you know that what you have is not by your strength, power or ability. For example, when you read a little and exactly what you read is what came out in the exams, you can be sure that the blessing is from above. On the contrary, when someone read so much and the little he did not read is what came out in the exam, you can be sure that the fellow needs divine provision. God will give you high grades this season in Jesus’ Name.

Divine provision begins with the provision God made for the atonement of sins. God gave His only begotten Son as provision for our sins. Having settled the problem of sin, the Lord now makes available to us the abundance of His riches. The death of Jesus Christ cancelled the curse that subjected us to a life of failure and made available to us divine provision. I pray for you; the Almighty will cause His divine provision to come upon you and meet you at the point of your needs in Jesus’ Name.

Prayer Point: Father, I present my needs to You today, please meet them all in Jesus’ Name.

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: Worry Is Selfishness in Disguise [Sunday October 8, 2017]

So do not worry or be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will have worries and anxieties of its own. Sufficient for each day is its own trouble. — Matthew 6:34

Too often, people give in to worry without realizing how destructive it is. When you get to the root of it, worry is a sin. Worry certainly doesn’t come out of faith, and Romans 14:23 states that whatever does not originate and proceed from faith is sin.

Most of the time, worry is based on one sin in particular: selfishness. Usually when we worry, we’re concerned about how our selfish desires are not being fulfilled. The more selfish desires you have, the more you have to worry about, and the more complicated your life becomes.

God wants us to simply focus on serving Him.

It is God’s will that we live our lives free from all anxiety and distressing care. He wants us to be free to serve Him without being drawn in diverging directions (1 Corinthians 7:34). We must not allow the worries of this world to divert us from His purpose for our lives.

Pray for God to help you recognize and get rid of selfish desires. This will keep your life simple and help you overcome worry. Then you can wholeheartedly pursue God’s great plan for your life.

Prayer Starter: Father God, thank You for showing me that worry is a sin. Hope me to get rid of my selfish, ungodly desires so I can simply pursue Your destiny for me.

From Joyce Meyer’s Ministries

LESSON SIX (6): DEDICATION [SUNDAY OCTOBER 8TH, 2017]

MEMORY VERSE: ‘’Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.” – John 4:34

BIBLE PASSAGE: 2 Corinthians 11:22-31

INTRODUCTION:

Dedication is an act of setting apart or consecration of a thing or being to a deity. Christians are expected to be devoted wholly and earnestly to God and the purpose for which He has called them. Our Lord Jesus Christ was dedicated to His course for living, so also were the prophets and apostles of old (John 4:34). You too must prove to God that you are dedicated to Him.

LESSON OUTLINES

1. What is dedication?

2. It calls for self-discipline

WHAT IS DEDICATION?

Dedication is the yearning desire in the Christian that makes him/her spend all it costs to ensure that the work is completely done (2Corinthians 12:15). When others have retired or tired, he/she wants to see that the work is done. He will always say, “having done all, I stand”… (Ephesians 6:13). It is the will to want to pray often, fast often, watch often and even die daily for Christ’s sake (1Thessalonians 5:17; 1Corinthians 15:31; 2Corinthians 11:14-18). It is a godly desire to keep pressing forward no matter what, running with patience the race that is set before us until the victory is won (Philippians 3:13-14; Hebrews 12:1), knowing that the race is not a fast/short one like a hundred metre dash but a marathon.

IT CALLS FOR SELF DISCIPLINE

Dedication calls for a high degree of self-discipline or control. When others want to quit, it takes the dedicated to continue, knowing that “winners don’t quit and quitters don’t win” (1Corinthians 9:24-27). He is therefore, a champion, that is one who remains fighting consistently even when the battles are over (Romans 8:37-39, Philippians 1:27). The dedicated must have control over his passions, tongue and flesh if he is to finish well and strong (Proverbs 16:32; James 3:2; Romans 6:12).

CONCLUSION:

We have just studied one of the cardinal virtues that must be found in a heaven-bound Christian. Dedication is not impossible for the Christian who has the enabling grace of Christ flowing in his veins. Pray for this divine ability today and it shall be yours in Jesus’ Name.

QUESTIONS:

1. What exactly is dedication?

2. Mention what it involves to be dedicated.

Topic: How to Love [Sunday October 8, 2017]

These things I command you, that ye love one another. — John 15:17

How are we to love? We are to love as God loves us . . . we are to show acceptance and appreciation . . . [to] accept each other as God accepts us. Too many parents refuse to accept and appreciate their children for what they are. That is why a million American children ran away from home last year. A team of Yale researchers has concluded that the majority of these runaways were attempting to escape an unhappy family situation. They yearned to be appreciated.

The causes of delinquency, we are told, are broken homes, poverty, lack of recreational facilities, poor physical health, racism, working mothers, and so on . . . The experts never seem to mention the lack of love, or the lack of faith in God. Yet these are the two most important elements for an adolescent’s successful maturity.

How long has it been since you praised your children instead of criticizing them? David prayed for Solomon and daily praised him, and we are to praise our children daily. Praise your wife. I have found that praise goes a lot further than criticism. Everybody needs to be appreciated.

Prayer for the day: It is so easy to criticize those close to me; but Lord, give me Your unreserved love so that they may know how deeply I appreciate them.

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.

Topic: Escape Condemnation – Sunday October 8, 2017.

Matthew 26:2 “Ye know that after two days is the feast of the passover, and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified.”

Text: Matthew 26:2

In Israel, crucifixion was a common sight. This practice was first mentioned in scripture as one used by the Egyptians (Gen. 40:19). Anyone hung upon a tree was accursed by God according to the Mosaic law (Dt. 21:22-23).

Failure to obey the law brought on the curse. Praise God that Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law by bearing the curse for us. Now, through Christ, we will never receive any curse from God even though we still disobey the law in some way. Justice was satisfied when Jesus died for the law that we broke, thus paying the prescribed penalty and bearing the curse.

There is no condemnation awaiting us from the law; for we died in Him.

A Christian who still walks in condemnation is being condemned by the devil or himself. It’s not God who condemns us (Rom. 8:34). It is the law that brought God’s adverse sentence against us.

When the government condemns a building it is declared unfit for use and must be destroyed. Likewise, when Satan condemns us, he makes us feel unfit for use and ready to be destroyed. Since the Christian is no longer under the law, he should no longer be condemned or feel unfit for use. We have been accepted by the Father through Jesus.

God convicts of sin but He doesn’t condemn (Rom. 8:34). Conviction is solely for our profit with no malice, while condemnation includes punishment. Satan is the one who condemns the Christian, but the Holy Spirit has given us the power to escape that condemnation.

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).