Topic: Seed of Faith [Sunday October 8, 2017]

For verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. – Matthew 17:20

Someone once said that the reason I can live like I do is because I have “special faith.” But, you know, that’s just not true. I don’t have “special faith.” God has given me the same measure of faith He’s given to you and every other believer. The only reason my faith looks like it works better is because I use it!

If you’ve been living in the shadow of a mountain, waiting for God to give you some kind of special faith, make a change today. Step out and put the measure of faith you have to work moving the spiritual, physical, mental or financial obstacles Satan has brought against you.

Romans 12:3 says God has dealt to every man the measure of faith. Believe Him! Step out in faith about that faith! Say, “Heavenly Father, I thank You that through faith in Jesus Christ, You have shared Your nature and Your Spirit with me. I am grateful for the measure of faith imparted to me as a believer.

“I make the decision today to walk in that faith—to put it to work on the situations around me. I commit myself to operate in mountain-moving faith, for I know that it is impossible to please You without it (Hebrews 11:6).

“As I plant this faith and water it with Your Word (Romans 10:17), I expect it to grow and overcome the mountains in my life and in the lives of those for whom I intercede.

“Thank You, Father, that as I do this, nothing shall be impossible to me! In Jesus’ Name. Amen.”

Scripture Reading: Luke 8:41-56

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: Enough — Sunday October 8, 2017.

Read: 2 Kings 4:42–44, Bible in a Year: Isaiah 30–31; Philippians 4

They ate and had some left over, according to the word of the Lord. 2 Kings 4:44

When my husband and I were first asked to host a small group in our home, my immediate reaction was to decline. I felt inadequate. We didn’t have seats for everyone; our home was small and couldn’t hold many people. I didn’t know whether we had the skills to facilitate the discussion. I worried that I’d be asked to prepare food, something for which I lacked both passion and funds. I didn’t feel like we had “enough” to do it. I didn’t feel I was “enough” to do it. But we wanted to give to God and our community, so despite our fears, we agreed. Over the next five years we found great joy in welcoming the group into our living room.

I observe similar reluctance and doubt in the man who brought bread to God’s servant, Elisha. Elisha had instructed him to give it to the people, but the man questioned whether twenty loaves could feed so many—one hundred men. He seems to have been tempted to withhold the food because—in his human understanding—it wouldn’t be sufficient. Yet it was more than enough (2 Kings 4:44), because God took his gift, given in obedience, and made it enough.

When we feel inadequate, or think what we have to offer isn’t sufficient, let’s remember that God asks us to give what we have in faithful obedience. He is the one who makes it “enough.”

Prayer: Lord, when I fear what I have to give is insufficient, help me to give to You anyway and trust You to make it “enough.”

An offering given in faithful obedience is just right.

Insight:

We may wonder about the purpose of the miracle recorded in today’s passage. It becomes a little clearer when we back up a few verses. In verses 38–41 Elisha had performed another food miracle where he made a pot of poisonous stew safe to eat. Because there was a famine in the land, the provision of food would have been one of the top concerns of the people. So both of these miracles—the curing of the poisonous stew and 20 loaves of bread feeding 100 people—are signs of God’s provision. It is interesting to note two key phrases in verses 43 and 44 that address the doubts of Elisha’s servant: “this is what the Lord says” and “according to the word of the Lord.” The power of the Lord is what provides when we have little or nothing to offer.

Reflect on a time when your resources were inadequate. How did God provide? J.R. Hudberg

This message was written By Kirsten Holmberg [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]

Topic: The Power of Knowledge [Sunday October 8, 2017]

Scripture: But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased. Daniel 12:4

Thought For The Day: The absence of knowledge is the reason for bondage.

It is clear that we are in the end times where there is the explosion of diverse kinds of knowledge. We are in the information age where virtually all kinds of information, even beyond imagination, can be found on the internet.

Knowledge is power, be it the right or the wrong knowledge, but it takes the right knowledge to counter the wrong knowledge.

When Adam and Eve ate the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil that God asked them not to eat, they were instantly destroyed.

How powerful is knowledge?

1. Knowledge is key to stability

Wisdom and knowledge bring stability (Isaiah 33:60). As a child of God, the things you know determine your stability in life. Ignorance, therefore, facilitates instability.

2. Knowledge brings inner strength

The Bible says in Daniel 11:32, but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits. Wisdom and knowledge bring strength. Your spiritual experience is strengthened by the things you know.

3. Knowledge delivers

The absence of knowledge is the reason for bondage (Proverbs 11:9). Where people do not know what they are meant to know, they wallow in bondage.

Remember This: The absence of knowledge is the reason for bondage.

Assignments:

1. Make the study of the Word your daily priority.

2. Read books and listen to tapes of the person/people who are ahead of you either in your career or in ministry.

Prayer: O LORD, I thank You for Your Word to me today. Grant me the grace to continue to learn in order to prevail in life and destiny, Lord in Jesus’ Name.

FOR FURTHER UNDERSTANDING, GET THIS MESSAGE: THE POWER OF KNOWLEDGE.

Daily Reading: Jeremiah 10:1 to 11:23, Colossians 3:18 to 4:18, Psalm 78:56 to 72, Proverbs 24:28 to 29.

Quote: Wisdom brings profit; folly brings losses. Profitability in life is a proof of wisdom availability. Culled from BE WISE AND RISE by Dr Paul Enenche.

Today In History: 08/10/1998 – Canada and Netherlands were voted into the United Nations Security Council.

Amazing Fact: Only female mosquitoes bite humans and animals; the males feed on flower nectar.

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: Heartfelt Cry To God — Sunday October 8, 2017.

Text: Psalm 119:145-152

Key Verse: “I cried with my whole heart; hear me, O LORD: I will keep thy statutes” (Psalm 119:145).

People resort to crying and weeping when their burden seems to have become unbearable without any hope of reprieve. Their tears flow out of burdened hearts and restless souls. This often has a sobering effect and God is touched by the tears of His loved ones.

The Psalmist had been overwhelmed by oppression and anxiety. He had to rise up early to cry unto God, knowing that vain was the help of man. Most of the night, he was sleepless and troubled beyond what he could bear. Then, he sought help and hope through prayer and meditation on the Word. Praying and meditating on the testimonies and past deliverances of God gave him sustaining hope. He then asked God for a personal revival.

Those who had no regard or respect for the word of God were those who oppressed him. Every true believer should expect to be victimized or mocked at one time or other in the course of his Christian journey, since the values we hold dear contrast sharply with those of the world. Since oppression is anticipated, what matters therefore is our attitude during those trying moments. We should use the occasion to seek for personal revival from God and for a closer walk with Him.

We must never succumb to despair in the face of intimidating odds but diligently seek the Lord through entire consecration and prayer till He releases abundant rain of revival in our lives and in the land.

Thought for the day: Storms should not alarm anyone, for they have a short shelf life.

Bible Reading in one Year: 1 Kings 15-16

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.

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

OPENING PRAYER: Almighty father, help me to do your will at all times.

BIBLE PASSAGE: 2 Corinthians 11: 22-31

22 Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? so am I.

23. Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft.

24. Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one.

25. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;

26. In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;

27. In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.

28. Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.

29. Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not?

30. If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities.

31. The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore, knoweth that I lie not.
Teacher’s to note the text Review.

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.

LESSON 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 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.

TEXT REVIEW:

2 Corinthians 11:22-31.The eleventh chapter of 2 Corinthians shows practical examples of the cost of dedication. Apostle Paul presented his unbeatable credentials in V.22-23 as Hebrew, as an Israelites, as a seed of Abraham and as a minister of Christ. Those who carried these kinds of credentials, humanly speaking, were exclusively respected in their society. They should have access to the High Priest and the Authority- Act 25:21-23. Therefore, nobody could maltreat them. However, Apostle Paul narrated his long ordeal as if he was nobody. He was beaten several times. He suffered imprisonments, perils of robbers, several fasting, accusation from false brethren, etc , 2 Cori. 11:28-33. He became weak for the weak, he was burnt by fire of offences and glorified in the things which concerned his infirmities. 2Cor.11:28-33. He submitted himself to this hardship for Christ’s sake and did not accuse God for his travail, rather he blessed the Lord, “father of our lord Jesus Christ which is blessed for ever more” 2Cor.11:31. What a life dedicated to the cause of the cross.

LESSON OUTLINES

LESSON OUTLINE 1: What Is Dedication?

i. It is the yearning desire in Christians which makes them to pay all costs to do the work of God perfectly. 2 Cor. 12:15

ii. Dedication keeps the Christian standing and willing to do more when present assignment has not been completed and when in actual fact other fellows are tired. Eph. 6:13

iii. Dedication propels believers to pray, watch, fast often and die daily for the sake of Christ and his love for the kingdom assignment. 1thes.5:17; 1 cor. 15:31, 2 cor11:14-18

iv. Dedication is the believer’s wheel of progress that pushes him forward in patience till victory when other fellow would have tired. Phil.3:113-14; Hebrew 12: 1.

Class Activity 1: Identify those actions you can observe in your local parish to show whether people are committed to Christ or not.

LESSON OUTLINE 2: It Calls For Self Discipline

i. Dedication calls for high degree of self-discipline or self-control.

ii. To be self-discipline is to remain on your course when others are calling it quit. 2Cor. 9:24-27.

iii. Self-discipline keeps a fighter on the firing line or battle field until battles are won and remain steadfast when battles are now over. Rom 8:37-39; Phil 1:24-27.

Iv. Self-discipline helps the dedicated believer To control his passion, tongue and flesh to enable him/her finish strong. Prov 16:32; James 3:2, Rom 6:12.

Class Activity 2: What role does self-discipline play in a successful Christian life?

SUMMARY:

Self-discipline is a vital tool for dedication.

CONCLUSION:

Christ requires from every believer commitment to the race. Such commitment has a huge cost which is attached and can only be paid through self-discipline.

EVALUATION:

What is the role of self-discipline in dedication?

CLOSING PRAYER:

Father, help me to be self-disciplined.

Help me to remain focused and committed to Christ.

ASSIGNMENT:

Identify role does self-discipline in nation building.

Topic: God’s Kind Of Love — Sunday 8, October 2017.

Memorise: But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. – Romans 5:8

Read: 1 Corinthians 13:1-8 (KJV)

1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;

7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.

Bible in One Year: 1 Corinthians 7-9, Daniel 4:19-27, Hymn: Sing Hymn 2 – What A Friend We Have In Jesus

MESSAGE:

Today’s memory verse gives us a glimpse of what God’s kind of love is all about. This scripture reveals one truth about God’s kind of love, which is that it is unconditional. God loves unconditionally, and His love prompts Him to forgive unconditionally! If God had chosen to wait until we became saints before extending His saving love to us, no one would be saved. Some years ago, one of my sons illustrated the unconditional nature of God’s love. In his place of work, his secretary did something unprofessional, and so he moved him out of his office to another role within the department. While suspending this man from his role as secretary, my son strangely instructed him to hold on to the computer he had been working with, and told him to retain all the files that were on it. Some months later, he reinstated this fellow to his old role as secretary. Surprised at his reinstatement, this secretary was initially not comfortable at his former desk, but my son reassured him that he had been forgiven. He said to him, “I had forgiven you even before you asked for forgiveness. Why do you think I told you to hold on to the computer and keep all the files? I forgave you and restored you even as I was suspending you from office. I planned your reinstatement right from that day, and l didn’t want you to return and start from scratch, which is why I left the computer with you even though you were no longer my secretary. This secretary was dumbfounded.

Coming up next: Open Heavens 9 October 2017: Monday daily devotional by Pastor Adeboye – Representing God?

In today’s Bible reading, we are enlightened on the characteristics of God’s kind of love. The Holy Spirit in these verses first declares the importance of this kind of love, without which life is worthless and meaningless. He then begins to list the characteristics of God’s love. Only God’s type of love suffers long and shows unusual kindness. God is sovereign and all-powerful, so He needs not envy anyone, neither does He need anybody to pump up His ego. God’s love contains no evil (James 1:13) Contrary to some people’s perception, God’s kind of love does not condone or rejoice in iniquity. Some pastors think that the best way of showing God’s kind of love is not to rebuke sinners. Nothing could be further from the truth! God’s kind of love is what Paul instructed Timothy to demonstrate in fulfilling his ministry, by reproving, rebuking and exhorting those he was ministering to with all longsuffering and doctrine (2 Timothy 4:2). My advice to you is that you embrace God’s love as personified by His Son, Jesus Christ, who died for the sins of the whole world.

Prayer Point: Father, let Your love be shed abroad in my heart by the Holy Spirit in Jesus Name.

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: Learn to Take Life As It Comes [Saturday October 7, 2017]

At once the father of the boy gave [an eager, piercing, inarticulate] cry with tears, and he said, Lord, I believe! [Constantly] help my weakness of faith! — Mark 9:24

Like most people, I resist things I don’t like that I can’t really do anything about. One day the Lord said to me, “Joyce, learn to take life as it comes.”

I believe this is a lesson for all of us. What He was saying to me was that I needed to stop fighting the things I could do nothing about.

If we are traveling somewhere and suddenly find ourselves in heavy traffic due to an accident or bad weather, it doesn’t do any good to resist it. Only time or God’s supernatural intervention will change the situation. Why not relax and try to find some way to enjoy the time?

God has equipped us to handle life as it comes, which is why He tells us to only focus on today. He knows that if we spend time worrying about issues beyond our control, we will become tired and frustrated.

You don’t need to waste time trying to change and control things that are outside of your control. Set your mind to do what God has placed in front of you and let Him take care of the rest.

Prayer Starter: Lord, I realize that I can’t control everything, but I can trust You. Right now, I make a decision to do my best with what You’ve given me and leave the rest to You.

From Joyce Meyer’s Ministries

Topic: Value People [Saturday October 7, 2017]

Wise leaders will always regard people as his greatest asset.

You will always need people, you cannot do without people. Therefore, value people.

If you don’t have value for people you can’t get value from people.

If you don’t respect them then don’t expect them to support you, if you don’t raise them, they will erase you.

If you trample upon them they will trap you.

Topic: Forever Linked [Saturday October 7, 2017]

. . . this is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world. — John 4:42

History, philosophy, theology, and—in many centers of learning—even the sciences are being studied to discover what they have to say about Jesus Christ. The records of the Early Church are being reexamined for their testimony to Him. Archaeologists are digging to discover new evidence.

Some say that Jesus Christ is a myth, and He never existed in history. Others say that He was merely a man, that there was nothing supernatural about His birth, and that His resurrection was a hallucination. Others talk about a Christless Christianity. Some say that no matter what one thinks about Christ, it does not affect Christianity. They are wrong!

Christianity is forever linked with the Person of Christ. Carlyle recognized this when he said, “Had this doctrine of the deity of Christ been lost, Christianity would have vanished like a dream.” The historian Lecky remarks, “Christianity is not a system of morals, it is the worship of a Person.”

Prayer for the day: Lord Jesus, You are the living Christ whom I love and revere.

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.