Topic: Why We Ask “Why?” [Friday October 6, 2017]

Jesus said to her, Did I not tell you and promise you that if you would believe and rely on Me, you would see the glory of God? — John 11:40

Have you ever found yourself in a tragic situation and asked God, “Why? Why is this happening to me?”

For one moment, let’s imagine that God actually answered that question. Would His explanation change anything? The effects of the tragedy would still be with you, and the pain would be just as severe as it was before. What would you have learned?

When we ask God that question, I think what we’re really asking is, “God, do You love me? Will You take care of me in my sorrow and pain? You won’t leave me alone, will You?” Is it possible that, because we’re afraid God doesn’t truly care about us, we ask for explanations?

Instead, we must learn to say, “Lord, I believe. I don’t understand, and I’ll probably never grasp all the reasons bad things happen, but I know for certain that You love me and are with me—always.”

I believe it often takes more faith to go through something victoriously than to be delivered from it. Put your faith in God, and you’ll come out stronger on the other side.

Prayer Starter: God, I believe in You, even when circumstances try to fill my mind with doubt. Help me to remember Your love for me  and to put my faith in You, no matter what happens.

From Joyce Meyer’s Ministries

Topic: What To Seek [Friday October 6, 2017]

To become a man of value in life do not seek for what to be but for what to do.

The cheapest way to crash is to seek for what to be and the cheapest way to rise is to be in pursuit of what to do.

Rather than doing what God assigned Him to do satan went after what to be and that ended him in a crash.

Seek for what to do and be in pursuit of it with all vigour and you will have no energy remaining to seek for what to be. It is those who keep doing something that end up becoming something,

Topic: Follow The Leading Of The Holy Spirit – Friday October 6, 2017.

Matthew 25:14 “For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.”

Text: Matthew 25:14

The parable of the talents continues the theme of being ready for the Lord’s return, but it also makes a strong point that we are accountable to the Lord for the gifts He has given us. The Lord intends us to use these gifts to further His kingdom – not keep them hidden.

This parable also shows the Lord dealing with His servants according to their own individual gifts and abilities. The servants who doubled their Lord’s money were praised equally, even though one had produced two and one-half times as much revenue for His Lord than the other. Every man’s work shall be judged as to what sort it is – not what size it is.

Most people today are preoccupied with quantity of ministry instead of quality of ministry. The Lord is going to reward us based on how well we did, not on how much we did. Those who are not governed by the Holy Spirit in their actions will see all their good works burned up on the day we stand before the Lord and He tries our works. Those who acted only under the guidance of the Holy Spirit will find that their works will endure the test and they will receive a reward.

Many people choose to do good things thinking that God will be pleased. It is our positive response to God’s direction (faith) that pleases God (Heb. 11:6). We were created with a purpose and every individual has a God-given plan for his life. Unless our actions are in agreement with God’s plan for our life, they will not abide the test of God’s fire.

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: Revolutionary Love [Friday October 6, 2017]

Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances and it endures everything [without weakening]. Love never fails–[never fades out or becomes obsolete or comes to an end]. – 1 Corinthians 13:7-8, The Amplified Bible

Love never fails. Nothing works without it, and there can be no failure with it. When you live by love, you cannot fail.

It takes faith to believe that love’s way will not fail. The natural mind cannot understand that because the natural man and his world are ruled by selfishness.

But when you practice love by faith and refuse to seek your own, you put the Father into action on your behalf. As long as you stay in love, God the Father seeks your own. He sees to it that you succeed. Walking in love is to your great advantage!

Agape love is a new kind of power. It makes you master of every situation. No weapon that is formed against you will prosper. No one even has the power to hurt your feelings because you are not ruled by feelings but by God’s love. You are loving as He loves.

This love is revolutionary. If we fully understood the great return from living God’s love, we’d probably be competing with each other, each of us trying to love the other more. And without a doubt, everyone would emerge from that competition a winner! For love is truly the only sure secret to our success.

Scripture Reading: Romans 12:9-21

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: If I Knew Then . . . — Friday October 6, 2017.

Read: 1 Peter 1:3–9, Bible in a Year: Isaiah 26–27; Philippians 2

In his great mercy [God] has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 1 Peter 1:3

On the way to work, I listened to the song “Dear Younger Me,” which asks: If you could go back, knowing what you know now, what would you tell your younger self? As I listened, I thought about the bits of wisdom I might give my younger, less-wise self. Most of us have thought about how we might do things differently—if only we could do it all over again.

But the song illustrates that even though we have regrets from our past, all our experiences have shaped who we are. We can’t change the consequences of our choices or sin. Praise God we don’t have to carry the mistakes around with us. Because of what Jesus has done! “In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead”! (1 Peter 1:3).

If we turn to Him in faith and sorrow for our sins, He will forgive us. On that day we’re made brand new and begin the process of being spiritually transformed (2 Cor. 5:17). It doesn’t matter what we’ve done (or haven’t done), we are forgiven because of what He’s done. We can move forward, making the most of today and anticipating a future with Him. In Christ, we’re free!

Prayer: Dear Lord, I’m so thankful that through You we can be free of the burdens of the past—the mistakes, the pain, the sins—that hang so heavy. We don’t need to carry around regret or shame. We can leave them with You.

Leave your heavy burdens with God.

Insight:

Imagine meeting Jesus face to face—after knowingly denying ever knowing Him. Would we tell Him we haven’t been able to forgive ourselves? Would He know our heart and understand?

During the Last Supper, Peter couldn’t imagine he would deny Jesus once—let alone three times (John 13:37–38). But then the unthinkable happened (Matt. 26:69–75). Later, however, Jesus gave Peter three opportunities to express love to the One who so mercifully forgave him (John 21:15–18).

In that love and forgiveness Peter found a way forward. We too can move forward from the sins of our past through the love and forgiveness of Christ. Mart DeHaan

This message was written By Alyson Kieda [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]

Topic: Reigning By Awareness [Friday October 6, 2017]

Scripture: My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children. Hosea 4:6

Thought For The Day: Every time life is out of control, it is because of the lack of awareness.

From our anchor scripture, we see that God’s people are destroyed, not because of the strength of the devil, but for lack of knowledge. They are not conscious of who they are and the provisions that God has made for them.

When there is lack of awareness, struggle continues. In Luke 15:17-19, it was when the prodigal son became aware of who he was that he got his freedom. Every time life is out of control, it is because of the lack of awareness.

Beloved, for the quality of your life to improve, your mentality must be upgraded; the way you think and what occupies your mind per time must change. Your mindset affects your welfare. What sits on your mind affects how you fare in life.

The Bible says, Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life (Proverbs 4:23).

Renewal of mentality must be a conscious effort because whatever does not cross you mind can never cross your life. Even if it crosses your life without your awareness, it cannot be retained because your mind will be too small to handle the breakthrough.

Remember This: Every time life is out of control, it is because of the lack of awareness.

Assignments:

1. Study the scripture daily in order to discover the provisions that God has for you.

2. Renew your mind daily and act in accordance to God’s provisions in Scriptures.

Prayer: O LORD, I ask for grace to renew my mind continually in Jesus’ Name.

FOR FURTHER UNDERSTANDING, GET THIS MESSAGE: REIGNING BY AWARENESS

Daily Reading: Jeremiah 6:16 to 8:7, Colossians 2:8 to 23, Psalm 78:1 to 31, Proverbs 24:26.

Quote: A person that says he cannot learn from God, man, or anything else, cannot be helped. Culled from BE WISE AND RISE by Dr Paul Enenche

Today In History: 06/10/1956 – Dr Albert Sabin discovers oral polio vaccine.

Amazing Fact: The entire life cycle of the butterfly can range between 2-8 months depending on the species.

Don’t Forget To Attend: The Home Church meeting by 6:00pm tomorrow at a Home Church near you. 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: Our Priestly Order — Friday October 6, 2017.

Text: Numbers 18:1-7

Key Verse: “Therefore thou and thy sons with thee shall keep your priest’s office for every thing of the altar, and within the vail; and ye shall serve: I have given your priest’s office unto you as a service of gift: and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death.” (Numbers 18:7).

Priests in the old covenant stood as intermediaries between God and man. The priesthood was God’s gift to Israel, for without the priest, the people could not approach God. As long as the priests and Levites obeyed the rule, there would be no judgment against the people. The priestly ministry was a sacred matter, for if the priests did not follow God’s instruction, they might die. They were not also to permit a stranger to come near the tabernacle of the congregation. God held Aaron and his sons responsible for offences committed against the sanctuary and the priesthood.

There is however, a tremendous contrast between the priesthood of Aaron in the Old Testament and the priesthood of Christ in the New Testament. Aaron and his descendants were the only ones who could carry out the duties of the priests and approach God’s dwelling place. Now that Christ is our High Priest – our intermediary with God, anyone who follows Him is also called a priest (1 Peter 2:5,9). In the Old Testament times, people did not approach God directly. A priest acted as intermediary between God and the sinful man. With Christ’s victory on the Cross, that changed.

Now we can come directly into God’s presence without fear and we are given the responsibility of bringing others to Him also (Hebrews 4:16; 2 Corinthians 5:18-21). As members of His body, true Christians are joined in His priestly work of reconciling men unto God. Therefore, every Christian is to arise as the royal priest of Christ and judiciously make use of this priestly office such that sinners can be reconciled unto God and spared the trauma of everlasting torment.

Thought for the day: As a priest and king, the believer’s privilege has no comparison.

Bible Reading in one Year: 1 Kings 11-12

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: Living In Death? — Friday 6, October 2017.

Memorise: We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. – 1 John 3:14

Read: 1 John 3:11-16 (KJV)

11 For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.

12 Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother’s righteous.

13 Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you.

14 We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.

15 Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.

16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

Bible in One Year: 1 Corinthians 1-3, Daniel 3:24-4:3, Hymn: Sing Hymn 9 – On The Hill Far Away

MESSAGE:

Do you know that it is very possible for one to be alive but living in death? Any man who does not have the life of God, manifested as new life in Christ Jesus, is dead even though he or she is physically alive. If you have received the new life of Christ, you have the nature of God, and one of the defining characteristics of this nature is love (1 John 4:16). This is why the Lord Jesus Christ emphasised that there is no greater commandment than that which is anchored on love for God and love for fellow men (Matthew 22:37-40). You cannot claim to love God when you have hatred and bitterness towards your fellow men. Where there is no love, there will be deceit. There is a lot of deceit in the interpersonal relationships between people today. Do you really love, or are you pretending to love? If you live a life of love, you are living in Christ; but if you are only pretending to love when deep inside you there is so much hatred and evil-plotting against your brother, then you are living in death. The new life in Christ is a spiritual experience that puts an end to all forms of bitterness, hatred and unforgiveness in your heart. Manifesting love for God and love for others around you showcases the real image of God in you, which is characterised by purity, holiness and righteousness .

Coming up next: Open Heavens 7 October 2017: Saturday daily devotional by Pastor Adeboye – Be Faithful

At the root of all the displacement, destruction and crime witnessed all over the world is the absence of love. Love is at the core of man’s existence. Love is the root of our salvation, and so, nothing genuine can be achieved among brethren if there is no love. When you have love, you will show compassion for those suffering and be willing to help. When you walk in love, you will no longer keep records of wrong done against you by others. Rather, you will let go and let God have His way in your life. True love is not easily offended, and it is always willing to forgive. It is this love that enables you to show kindness to those who hurt you, even though you have the power to harm or punish them. You choose to ignore their deeds because you know that there is nothing you have that you have not received from God. The word of God says prophecy and knowledge will fail, but love will always stand the test of time. Don’t envy others to the point of getting bitter with them. It is not a sign of love. Instead, let us encourage one another. You should not take other people for granted or malign others because you feel superior to them. A child of God should not revenge anything done against him or her, because vengeance is the Lord’s. Are you walking in love, or are you living in death?

Key Point: If you love God, you won’t hate your fellow men

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 — The Strawberry Generation! [Friday, October 5, 2017]

(Joshua 11:3-15)

Years ago, the late Mr. Lee Kuan Yew described Singaporeans born from the 1980’s (eighties) onward as “The Strawberry Generation” because of their percieved lack of resilience and ruggedness in reaction to life’s battles. Those 3 words ” The Strawberry Generation” (TSG) is like lightening in a dry forest, especially as 2017 is running to the finishing tape line. I also call such a generation “The Joshua Generation” (TJG). This is the generation that has not seen wars, pain and hardship. Remember that the Joshua Generation was a generation that never suffered in the wilderness! they were born after Moses died and when Joshua took over! Yes, the Moses generation contended with many battles but Joshua generation were those born in the Promised Land of EASE and PLEASURE without serious battles! Indeed, similarly, many Singaporeans don’t have the experience of living in the World War II period and thus do not understand what hardship really means.

Due to this, they often lose the fighting spirit of their forefathers in overcoming life’s obstacles. But the Holy Ghost wants you to know that once you are born again, you bridge the gap between the Moses generation of bondage and wilderness life and the “the Joshua Generation” of mixed war and peace! Indeed, your being born again does not exclude you from war totally!

The Joshua Generation Is A Generation Of Mixed War And Peace (Pleasure)! That is why you cannot be described as being the STRAWBERRY GENERATION! 2 Tim 2:3 screams this: “Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.” ENDURANCE HARDNESS AS A SOLDIER! In fact, see Psalm 34:19: ” Many are the afflictions of the RIGHTEOUS but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.”

As 2017 ends, remind the devil that you are not a weakling! Remind him that you are a soldier and a warrior! You have the spirit of the Lion of tribe of Judah! You are not afraid of battles and you don’t experience defeat because it is not in your DNA! yes, you are not a slave and cannot be oppressed because you have royal blood running in you! Tell the old, lying devil that you are a Priest and a king born to rule and prevail! Hold on and hold out!

SOW THIS BOOKLET OF OUR DAILY MANNA AS A SEED IN SOMEONE’S LIFE. YOU WILL REAP NEW HELPERS, BETTER HEALTH AND MERCY!

Prayer Points: Take any song of worship as led now.

1. Pray about today’s word generally as led now.

2. I am not a strawberry man or woman! I am strong, courageous and bold! I am not weak! I am Lion because my Father is a Lion! i was born to rule and I shall rule over circumstances! Yea, my life and ministry will never end up in shame because I am the head and not the tail. I am not a quitter and I shall end this year well in Jesus Christ name.

3. Pray in Tongues now!

4.Pray about today seriously and any other issue(s) affecting your peace.

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

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