Topic: Occupy Till He Comes — Thursday 5, October 2017.

Memorise: Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. – John 15:2

Read: Luke 19:11-13 (KJV)

11 And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear.

12 He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return.

13 And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.

Bible in One Year: Romans 14-16, Daniel 3:8-23, Hymn: Sing Hymn 13 – Wonderful Story Of Love

MESSAGE:

God’s expectation of you in these end times is that you would live for a cause that is greater than yourself – a cause that will serve the purpose of advancing His Kingdom on earth. What worthy cause in God’s Kingdom keeps you awake at night? What burden are you carrying in your heart? When Nehemiah heard that his people back home had been put to shame and that worship services in the temple of God had been halted, he was overwhelmed with a burden to “occupy” for God and his people (Nehemiah 1:4). He immediately wanted to effect the necessary changes that would restore the image of God’s people. Many Christians are not bothered about making it a duty to occupy in the place of prayer for those in authority. Many Christians are not even concerned about the rate at which many sinners are going to Hell. As long as they are comfortable, they care less about the situation of others. Some people are so self-centred that as long as their immediate family is saved, the salvation of their extended family members is far from their mind. It is our duty as believers to bring all people to the knowledge of God. We must occupy by directing the souls of men to God through prayers and by witnessing to them until they give their lives to God. Although Nehemiah was comfortable in a king’s palace, he was troubled by the discomfort of God’s people. We ought to share this same spirit.

Coming up next: Open Heavens 6 October 2017: Friday daily devotional by Pastor Adeboye – Living In Death?

The burden for revival in the hearts of men was what led to the outburst of many moves of God in the world since the days of the apostles. The burden for holiness has led many to occupy in the place of prayer for certain territories. Our burden for the business of God’s Kingdom should lead us into prayer and fasting, so that we can become fruitful in our missionary assignments. As a branch of the Vine, you must be ready to bear fruit if you don’t want the Vine to cast you off. The Vine is committed to supplying all you need for the assignment; there is therefore no excuse for you not to occupy till His return (Philippians 4:19). Also, everything that the Vine’s expects you to do as His branch is done through the strength supplied by the Vine (John 15:5). As long as the branch remains attached to the Vine, it will be able to fulfil all that is expected of it (Philippians 4:13). I remember when I was in the university and I was trusting God for His help in winning the soul of one of my professors. I would do a lot of rehearsals on how I would present the message to him, but each time I saw him, I would lose my confidence. However, God helped me and eventually succeeded in this assignment. It is only through God’s help that you can occupy till the very end.

Prayer Point: Father, may l not have to give excuses on the day of accountability.

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: Appreciate Honesty from Other People [Wednesday October 4, 2017]

Therefore encourage (admonish, exhort) one another and edify (strengthen and build up) one another, just as you are doing. — 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Everyone loves compliments, but very few know how to handle constructive criticism. No one likes to be wrong, which makes it hard when people need to tell us things we don’t want to hear.

But we need to be thankful for honesty in other people. I once heard someone say, “Only two people will tell you the truth about yourself: someone who is angry with you and someone who loves you very much.” God uses both types of people in our lives, but He especially uses the honesty of friends and loved ones.

When someone can, in love, honestly show you how you can improve, the results are so much more valuable than empty, ego-stroking compliments. It’s this kind of relationship that the Bible describes as “iron sharpening iron.”

I urge you to be thankful for people who tell you the truth about yourself, even if it’s not what you want to hear.

When you hear the truth—especially something you weren’t aware of—you can change. Ultimately, honesty will make you a better person.

Prayer Starter: Lord, thank You for placing truly honest people in my life. Their honesty may make me uncomfortable at times, but I know that when I listen to them, You can help me become a better person.

From Joyce Meyer’s Ministries

Topic: Endure Till The End [Wednesday 4, October 2017]

Memorise: “And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” – Mark 13:13

Read: Mark 13:3-13

3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives over against the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately,

4 Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled?

5 And Jesus answering them began to say, Take heed lest any man deceive you:

6 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.

7 And when ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars, be ye not troubled: for such things must needs be; but the end shall not be yet.

8 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows.

9 But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them.

10 And the gospel must first be published among all nations.

11 But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost.

12 Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and children shall rise up against their parents, and shall cause them to be put to death.

13 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

Bible In One Year: Matthew 5-6. Hymn: Sing Hymn 10 – When The Trumpet Of The Lord Shall Sound

MESSAGE:

The Christian race is not a short one, but a marathon; you know that there is a finish line, bit you can’t see it. To endure suggests that one would have to live with some things that are not compatible to with his nature. Our Lord Jesus Christ said that we should come and learn of Him. In the process of learning from Him, we must take His yoke upon us. The burden of our Lord Jesus Christ is justice, righteousness, love for God and acceptable service to humanity, particularly those in the household of faith.

Beloved, as we journey through the wilderness of this world towards our heavenly home, don’t let us forget that this road is a narrow one. It takes a lot of discipline and self-denial to scale through successfully. Let us forge ahead and the Lord will see us through to the heavenly Canaan in Jesus’ Name.

Prayer Point: Father, please see me through the journey of life and don’t let me perish with the world.

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: Respect for Authority [Wednesday October 4, 2017]

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All [authority] is given unto me in heaven and in earth. — Matthew 28:18

Have respect for authority. Jesus Christ was under the authority of His Father in heaven . . . He lived for one thing: to fulfill the will of the Father. Everyone is subject to some kind of authority. There is one chain of command and the ultimate authority at the top is God.

What is the authority in your life? Is it your selfishness? Your lust? Your greed? Or have you turned it all over to God and said, “Lord, You are going to be my authority?” When you are under authority, you are then able to assume authority.

Prayer for the day: There are still areas in my life that need to come under Your authority, Lord Jesus. Give me Your grace and strength to yield everything to You.

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: Our Hope Is In Eternity – Wednesday October 4, 2017.

Luke 21:18-19 “But there shall not an hair of your head perish. In your patience possess ye your souls.”

Text: Luke 21:15-22

Jesus says the disciples were betrayed by parents, brothers, relatives, friends, and some disciples were even put to death. Yet, the amazing statement of Christ is that not a hair of their head will perish. The context of this statement speaks of some of the disciples dying, so this is not a promise that no physical harm will ever come. This could only refer to the resurrection.

The Greek word for “resurrection” means “a standing or rising up.” The resurrection is a major theme of New Testament teaching. Out of the 13 sermons in the book of Acts, 11 stress or imply the resurrection.

The hope of the believer is the resurrection. The natural, earthly, terrestrial, corrupt, weak, mortal, vile body is said to be raised, changed and fashioned into a spiritual, heavenly, celestial, incorrupt, glorious, powerful, and immortal body. This is the completeness that has been purchased for all of us in Christ.

The Lord views everything in the light of eternity. Man tends to view things in the context of his brief life on earth. From man’s perspective, a person who dies for his faith in Jesus has lost a great deal. From Jesus’ viewpoint, a martyr hasn’t lost a thing. Even the very hairs on our head are numbered.

The patience that Jesus is speaking of here is the calm assurance that God knows every hurt that we feel and He will abundantly recompense us in the resurrection. This knowledge enables us to control our emotions in the face of persecution (i.e. possess our souls) instead of letting our emotions of fear dominate us.

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: In Christ You Are Connected To Divinity — Wednesday October 4, 2017.

And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.” (Luke 5:5 KJV)

In Luke 5:1-11, you will find the account of a man called Simon. He was a fisherman and he was an expert. He had skills in fishing. The scripture tells us that he went to fish at night. He knew the right time to fish. He went with his net. He knew the right tools to use. He went with his partners. He had the right partners. Everything was perfect. Yet he toiled all night and caught nothing.

All he depended on failed, until he connected to Jesus, the rock of ages, the ancient of days, our rest in our weary land, the way maker. The God that shuts and no one opens. He opens and no one shuts. When you connect to divinity, you won’t be ordinary. As believers, we are not ordinary because in Christ we are connected to divinity. We are connected to Grace. That is our right. That is our heritage. You are connected. Christ is our head, we are his body. The head and body cannot be separated. The benefits he has we have. The victory he has, we have too.

When Peter connected to divinity, he caught the type of fish he has never caught in his life. Then it dawned on him that he had connected to a superior platform, the grace platform. When he laboured and toiled there was no fish but as soon as  he connected to grace, fish came. From this moment forward, you will no more struggle because you are connected to divinity. You have been anointed to succeed. You will never fail. Every utterance that is affecting your manifestation is nullified. Your season has come. The rain is on in your desert because in Christ you are connected to grace. This month, the outstretched hand of the Mighty God shall manifest in your life.

Further reading: Luke 5:1-11, 2 Corinthians 5:17

Daily Bible Reading: Morning- Isaiah 20-22; Evening- Ephesians 6

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: Divine Interruptions — Wednesday October 4, 2017.

Read: Luke 18:35–43, Bible in a Year: Isaiah 20–22; Ephesians 6

Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” “Lord, I want to see,” he replied.  Luke 18:40–41

Experts agree that a staggering amount of time is consumed each day by interruptions. Whether at work or at home, a phone call or an unexpected visit can easily deflect us from what we feel is our main purpose.

Not many of us like disruptions in our daily lives, especially when they cause inconvenience or a change of plans. But Jesus treated what appeared to be interruptions in a far different way. Time after time in the Gospels, we see the Lord stop what He is doing to help a person in need.

While Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem where He would be crucified, a blind man begging by the side of the road called out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” (Luke 18:35–38). Some in the crowd told him to be quiet, but he kept calling out to Jesus. Jesus stopped and asked the man, “‘What do you want me to do for you?’ ‘Lord, I want to see,’ he replied. Jesus said to him, ‘Receive your sight; your faith has healed you’ ” (vv. 41–42).

When our plans are interrupted by someone who genuinely needs help, we can ask the Lord for wisdom in how to respond with compassion. What we call an interruption may be a divine appointment the Lord has scheduled for that day.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, fill us with Your wisdom and compassion that we may respond as You did to people in need.

Interruptions can be opportunities to serve.

Insight:

In Acts 8 we read of another divine interruption. Philip had a fruitful ministry in Samaria (Acts 8:4–25), so he may have wondered why God would tell him to leave and take “the desert road—that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza” (v. 26). In obedience, Philip took the road few used. But God had sovereignly arranged for Philip to meet with an Ethiopian—a Gentile who himself had embarked on a long journey as he earnestly sought after God (v. 27). Philip made contact with the Ethiopian just as he was reading a prophecy about Jesus (vv. 28–34). The man believed in Christ, and Philip baptized him on the spot (vv. 36–38). Imagine how Philip must have felt when he realized he had been sent out on a divine assignment of leading a person to faith in Christ! Philip being on the road less traveled was no accident; he was there by divine leading.

What might the Lord be prompting you to do today? Sim Kay Tee

This message was written By David C. McCasland [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]

Topic: The Blessing Of The Word [Wednesday October 4, 2017]

Scripture: And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. Genesis 1:26-28.

Thought For The Day: Every time the Word comes in contact with you, it empowers you unto fulfillment.

It is clear from Scriptures that the Word of God is a custodian of the blessing of God. The blessing of God is packaged in His Word.

In Genesis 1:28, when God released His Word at creation, it impacted the earth with the blessing of God. God cannot bless a person outside His Word.

Now, what does it mean to be blessed by the Word of God?

1. The Word of God empowers people unto progress, prosperity and success. It is the Power in the Word that makes the blessing happen (Ecclesiastes 8:4). Every time the Word comes in contact with you, it empowers you unto fulfillment.

2. The Word of God connects man to his inheritance in God. The Word of God connects you to your Bill of Rights in God. To be disconnected from the Word, therefore, is to be disconnected from your rights or what is yours in God.

Now, how do we receive blessings from the Word of God?

Through the reading of the Word of God

There is blessing in reading of the Word of God. (Revelation 1:1-3). When you read God’s Word, you irrigate your mentality, both spiritually and physically. Reading the Word gives you something to meditate on, and meditation leads to faith and faith fuels relevant positive actions.

Remember This: Every time the Word comes in contact with you, it empowers you unto fulfillment.

Assignments:

1. Develop a habit of reading and studying your Bible every day

2. Use the scriptures in the Seeds of Destiny as a daily reading guide.

Prayer: O LORD, I ask for the grace to read and study Your Word daily. Open my eyes LORD, to understand mysteries out of Your Word in Jesus’ Name.

FOR FURTHER UNDERSTANDING, GET THIS MESSAGE: THE BLESSING OF THE WORD.

Daily Reading: Jeremiah 2:31 to 4:18, Colossians 1: 1 to 17, Psalm 76: 1 to 12, Proverbs 24: 21 to 22.

Quote: To be in touch with the Word is to be in touch with the life of God. Culled from MAKING FULL PROOF OF MINISTRY by Dr Paul Enenche

Today In History: 04/10/1824 – Mexico became a republic.

Amazing Fact: There are at least 6 people in the world who look exactly like you. There’s a 9% chance that you’ll meet one of them in your lifetime.

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 Inheritance — Wednesday October 4, 2017.

Text: Joshua 15:48-63

Key Verse: “As for the Jebusites the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the children of Judah could not drive them out: but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Judah at Jerusalem unto this day” (Joshua 15:63).

Inheritance means something important or valuable that passes to another person to own and enjoy after the original owner dies. It can be an item of property or title. It should be noted that taking full possession of our inheritance is crucial. From the text, the boundaries and division of the Promised Land were very specific for each of the tribes of Israel.

The tribe of Judah was able to take possession of the cities that were in the mountains and those in the wilderness. But Jerusalem was said to have continued in the hands of the Jebusites; the children of Judah could not drive them out because of their sluggishness and unbelief. Had they attempted it with vigour and resolution, God would surely have given them success. The Lord expected the children of Israel to have confronted their challenges in full obedience to His command.

He expected them to appropriate His blessings for them by absolute trust. In like manner, believers are not to be satisfied with anything less than the perfect will and portion of God for their lives. In the battles of life, victory and solution to challenges often lie in acting prayerfully with faith in God and not in beating a hasty retreat in the face of challenges. Believers in the New Testament have been admonished not to spare their old fallen nature after they are saved, but to mortify them, that is, put to death all the habits of the old life.

We must understand that there are forces to contend with if we desire a higher spiritual life. If our desire is to live the deeper and richer life of righteousness and holiness, we have to fight the good fight of faith and continually put our flesh under subjection so we can obtain “an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for [us]” (1 Peter 1:4).

Thought for the day: The truly redeemed is a partaker of God’s inheritance.

Bible Reading in one Year: 1 Kings 8

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.

A Promise For You From Bible Promises:

Topic: The Best Decision I Have Ever Made [04/10/2017]

And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. Luke 19:8. Read: Lk 19:8-10

When you take statistics of the best decision many people have ever taken, you might probably hear many responses like; the best decision they’ve ever made was the day they decided to get married, took that financial decision which led to their breakthrough, the day they relocated or the day they secured a better job. Some will tell you the day they gained admission into the university etc.These are great responses.

In the sight of God the greatest decision a man can ever make in life is the decision to make the Lord Jesus his or her Saviour and Lord. This decision makes heaven to rejoice. When Zacchaeus made this pivotal decision of his eternal destination (which everyone of us must make either it’s positive or negative), Jesus rejoiced. The greatest decision I have ever made is giving my life to Jesus which brought me out of darkness into His marvelous light. Like Jonathan Butler wrote in His song that, “Falling in love with Jesus was the best thing he ever did”. What would you say was your best decision ever in life?

#BiblePromisesPrayer

* Father, guide me daily and always to make the right decision most especially that of my eternal destination. Amen