Topic: You Need Not be Perfect [Wednesday, 4th October, 2017]

Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. – 1 Peter 5:7

We’ve all been in situations where we’ve been really hurt, or felt betrayed. Or times where we feel like God left us, or we just can’t feel Him. It’s in times like this that we must remember the promises of God that He’ll never leave us or forsake us, and of how He’s orchestrating all things to work for our good. But sometimes this can get really hard, as we have mixed thoughts and feelings. Some of us even feel stuck as we think we have to say only the things we think God wants to hear.

Truth is, God doesn’t expect us to be perfect. This is because He knows the state of our hearts, and very well understands what we are going through everytime. So He expects us to be honest with Him through hard times, honestly telling Him how we feel. We however should not dwell on how we feel, but move on to the peace that God offers in Christ. That’s where lies our change and victory.

Meanwhile, trying to always be perfect before God is a form of pride. Which tells God we do not need His strength since we’re satisfied in ourselves. But, as John Piper says “God is most glorified in us when are most satisfied in Him.”

We’ll take the practical example of Job, who through his trials bore out his heart to God. And at the end, he was the one God instructed to pray for his friends. Also, Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane. He expressed His true feelings, and cried/prayed His heart out to God, and it was recorded that His sweat was as thick as blood. And because of this, He was strengthened for the journey He was about embarking on.

God already knows what is wrong with you, there’s is no use hiding it from Him. So express your feelings to God, and open yourself up to His peace today.

Keep winning daily.

Wise Action:

Whenever you’re going through a tough time, and you feel like acting perfect before God, remember that He already knows what’s up with you, so you need not hide. For perfect love casts out fear.

By Esun Tekeme

Topic: In Need Of Tender Loving Care — Wednesday 4, October 2017.

Memorise: Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend. – 1 Corinthians 8:13

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

8 But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse.

9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.

10 For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol’s temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols;

11 And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?

12 But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.

13 Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.

Bible in One Year: Romans 11-13, Daniel 2:46-3:7, Hymn: Sing Hymn 1 – My Faith Looks Up To Thee

MESSAGE:

God redeems us from the unfruitful works of darkness through His mercy and grace. When people become newly saved, though they have genuinely surrendered their lives to God and are committed to going all the way in pleasing Him, they are often not immediately well grounded in the things of God. These young converts need special care and attention from mature believers. It is the responsibility of those who have grown deeper in Christ to encourage those who are making efforts to have their faith established in Him. As their predecessor in the faith, young converts are watching and following you as an example. They must be followed up with love and shown good examples of how to live out their faith in Christ. As an older believer, you must show them compassion and understanding, remembering that Christ came to save us all because of His compassion for us. Mature believers have certain roles to play by deliberately denying themselves of certain things that are lawful but not helpful to the growth of these young converts. Like Paul who became all things to all people so that he might win many to Christ, mature believers must also be willing to become all things for the sake of those they want to establish in the knowledge of the truth. 1 Corinthians 9:22 says,

“To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.”

Coming up next: Open Heavens 5 October 2017: Thursday daily devotional by Pastor Adeboye – Occupy Till He Comes

If you are grounded in Christ, you are not to use your liberty to harm those who are growing in the faith. Some of these people have already experienced a lot of disappointments outside the Church of God. Some of them have been defrauded, while some others have been unduly taken advantage of because of their vulnerability. Some lost precious things before coming to the knowledge of Christ. The moment they give their lives to Christ, they are full of great expectations because they’ve heard that the Name of the Lord is a strong tower. They believe the brethren will care for them, unlike what they experienced in the hands of unbelievers. We must therefore do all that is within our power not to make them regret their decision to come to Christ, which will be the case if we don’t extend hands of love to them. We must not give them occasion to stumble; neither should we allow them to stray away by our actions. We must avoid all circumstances that will grieve our fellow brethren and ensure that the word of God remains our standard in our dealings with them. Let us be careful not to offend the weak ones or lay a stumbling block on their way, because we are going to be accountable to God for all those He brings across our path.

Prayer Point: Father, deliver me from errors that will cause others to stumble.

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: Doctrines of Men [Tuesday, 3rd October, 2017]

Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, (Touch not; taste not; handle not;  Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? Colossians 2:20‭-‬22

Truth be told, it is wearisome to learn and do all the doctrines governing the Church and it’s different denominations today. I understand that the reason for the institution of these doctrines is to promote sanctity and morality amongst the brethren, and to preserve the view of the Church in the eyes of “outsiders”. But we get so carried away with the implementation and strict adherence to these rules that we actually lose sight of the true reason of us being Christians, and also in the process chase off those that the message of salvation is for, because of condemnation. This ought not be so.

We are told in our anchor scripture that since we were dead with Christ, we need no longer be governed by the rules placed by men, as they are “just another way of showing off”, as Message translation puts it. What should govern us is our love for God,  commitment to the brethren, and understanding of the things of God. No matter how good intentioned these doctrines made by the different denominations of the church are, if they are not enabling us to focus on God and His love, if they are not helping us to be dependent on God to live to God-life, if they are not helping us love our fellow brethren, irrespective of denomination, then it is faulty.

Most of these laws, which is also termed as church doctrines, have ended up being a divisive factor and have broken the bond of peace and the unity of the spirit among the various denominations. As some folks in a denomination see some other folks in another as unrighteous and unholy. This not ought to be. The laws or doctrines of men amount to nothing but moral standards, which, though may be good, should not shift our focus from Christ and His commandments, which is to love the Lord and love all that we are privileged to know, irrespective of the denomination or whether they are in Christ or not. This alone supersede every other law or doctrine that were propounded by men in the church.

Keep winning daily.

Wise Action:

Be properly guide by Love and the Word before adhering vehemently to doctrines of men you’ve been asked to do or not to do, so that your gaze does not shift from your first Love.

By Esun Tekeme

Topic: Notice the Little Things [Tuesday October 3, 2017]

What time I am afraid, I will have confidence in and put my trust and reliance in You. — Psalm 56:3

One day as I was going into an office building, a man standing nearby opened the door for me. I thanked him and smiled.

“You’re the fifth person I’ve held the door for,” he said, “and you’re the first one to smile and the second to thank me.”

I thanked him a second time, with a smile on my face. Afterward, I thought how much we take others for granted, even in simple things, such as opening a door for a stranger.

We often commend people when they do big things for us, but how often do we appreciate the little things?

When someone does something nice for you and you thank them, it builds them up and encourages them. It means a lot to them, just like it did to that man at the office building.

Did your bus arrive on time today? If so, did you thank the driver? The last time you ate at a restaurant, did you thank the waiter for filling your coffee cup a second time without being asked? This is the point I want to make: Develop an attitude of gratitude toward the people in your life.

Prayer Starter: Lord, keep me aware so that I will notice the little, helpful things people do for me. I don’t want to be ungrateful. Instead, I want to thank them and build them up.

From Joyce Meyer’s Ministries

Topic: The Blessing Of Solitude III [Tuesday 3, October 2017]

Memorise: “Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.” – Psalms 51:6

Read: Daniel 2:16-19

16 Then Daniel went in, and desired of the king that he would give him time, and that he would shew the king the interpretation.

17 Then Daniel went to his house, and made the thing known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions:

18 That they would desire mercies of the God of heaven concerning this secret; that Daniel and his fellows should not perish with the rest of the wise men of Babylon.

19 Then was the secret revealed unto Daniel in a night vision. Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven.

Bible In One Year: Matthew 1-4. Hymn: Sing Hymn 1 – O Lord My God

MESSAGE:

In today’s reading, we learn a lot from the withdrawal approach of Daniel and his friends. The king had a dream that he could not remember, not to talk of interpreting. All the wise men of Babylon and the dream-interpreting soothsayers could neither figure it out nor give interpretation to it. So their lives were put at stake including those of Daniel and his friends. When the news got to Daniel and his colleagues, he demanded for some time to seek the face of their God.

There are lots of lessons we can learn from this story. The first that readily comes to mind is the fact that we must always find time to be in God’s presence because He desires our fellowship. You can be sure that God will always present you with a gift whether you are a guest to Him in His sanctuary or you play host to Him when you invite Him to come into your life. Another lesson in this story is that we must learn how to trust God for good knowledge. The Almighty is the Custodian of good knowledge and He gives it to those who diligently seek it. Beloved seek God today, not in the crowd, but in your personal and quiet life.

Action Point: Choose a place where you will not be distracted for your daily personal fellowship with God.

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: Don’t Take God Out Of The Equation — Tuesday October 3, 2017.

“And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.” (Luke 12:18-19 KJV)

Listen to what this man was saying. I will do this and I will say to my soul. He owns himself! Everything there is about himself, his effort, his expertise, his connection, his pedigree and his history. And so God allowed him. I will do this. I will do that! I will go to church when I want. I am not going to listen to the man of God. I will not obey anything. I have only come to church to worship God. I didn’t come to worship any person. I will do what I want. Listen to what God said in verse 20: “But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?” (Luke 12:20 KJV)

In other words, it is foolishness not to recognize, honour, reverence and worship God. It is foolishness not to give God the prime place in your life. When there are storms all over the place, it is foolishness to think your connections will be enough to see you through. It is foolishness to think it is your pedigree or your family background that will give you victory. The word of God declares that “… for by strength shall no man prevail” (1 Samuel 2:9 KJV)

There are many people today that are depending on the things they have. I drive good cars. I have good houses. I have a fat bank account. I have a good marriage. I am secured. I have children. What else will I need? What a deception! The last time I checked, my bible still says: “Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.” (Psalms127:1 KJV) Beloved, don’t lay a wrong foundation for your life. Victory in life is not about you. Ultimately, victory proceeds from God.

Further reading: Luke 12:15-21

Daily Bible Reading: Morning- Isaiah 17-19; Evening- Ephesians 5:17-33

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: Absolute Obedience — Tuesday October 3, 2017.

Text: 2 Chronicles 25:1-10

Key Verse: “And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, but not with a perfect heart” (2 Chronicles 25:2).

“The man who attempts to keep the commandments of God from a sense of obligation merely because he is required to do so will never enter into the joy of obedience.” – Ellen G. White. One of the earliest recorded acts of Amaziah was the avenging of his father’s murder. But he spared the descendants of the assassin in obedience to a scriptural injunction that children must not be punished for the sins of their parents (Deuteronomy 24:16). In verse 5, he raised a national army of 300,000 soldiers.

He also went as far as engaging another 100,000 mercenaries from Israel. But because a prophet warned him that the deal would be counter-productive, he disengaged them without recovering the monetary resources committed to the pact. Unfortunately, the summary of his life is that “…he did that which was right… but not with a perfect heart” (verse 2). Outwardly, he always acted right but inwardly, he often resented what he had to do.

True believers need to regularly examine themselves in the bid to get rid of every resistance to fully obey God. Half-hearted obedience cannot attract the Lord’s favour which is priceless, enriching and fulfilling. Acting right pleases the Lord. But it must spring from love for Him and from a godly aspiration to conform to His righteous standard. The essence of righteousness is our unalloyed loyalty to the Redeemer. Absolute obedience to God and His commands is the true expression of our professed affection and devotion to Him.

Profession of love for God is empty, hypocritical and vain if there is no obedience. To call the revered name of the Lord in prayer and do not the things He commands is proof of lack of genuine transformation. God requires and deserves absolute obedience.

Thought for the day: True obedience is the outworking of a godly principle within.

Bible Reading in one Year: 1 Kings 5-7

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: How to Have a Successful Courtship (5)

Dear Reader,

To have a successful courtship, I have been able to show you the keys to operate, the length of courtship, the forbidden fruits and how to have a proper marriage. Today, I want to “Show You the Right Purpose for Living.”

Many are living without purpose. But some of those that have purpose are simply living without the right one. The question is: What are you living for? As a youth, single or married, what is your purpose in life? The Bible says: Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding… (Psalm 32:9). What is your essence of living? Why are you on the surface of this earth? The family, we know fully well, makes the Church, the nation and networks the entire world.

What does God require of you in order to have a fulfilled life? Let’s see into the mind of God, the right purpose for living.

And now, Israel, what doth the Lord thy God require of thee, but to fear the Lord thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul (Deuteronomy 10:12). This is what God requires of every member of the family.

As a youth, single or the head of the home, on who rests the responsibility of ensuring a godly family, what is your focus? Do you have the fear of the Lord? Do you teach your children so? As a wife and mother, are you not living for things? Are you not pre-occupied with what to eat and wear? Do these not take every part of your thought and daily living? Do you have time to seek out of the Book of the law to know God’s requirement for you and those He has put in your care? What are you living for, woman? You must get your priorities right this year, if you are to actually see and enjoy the glory that God has promised His children. It is not for the butter-and-bread seeking Christians, but for those who will care to live by every Word that proceeds out of the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4).

WHAT ARE THESE REQUIREMENTS?

Fear The Lord Thy God

‘Fear,’ in this context, is not being afraid. It connotes respect and reverence to God and His Word. Whatever He says, let it be your guiding principle, this year and beyond. As a man, and the head in the home, if you will walk in the understanding that you have a Head (God), who watches over you and your doings you will hold Him in reverence and respect. Whatever He tells you to do; you will do without questions or grumbling.

As a wife, even though you have your husband as the head of your home but you know that God is your ultimate head; you will respect His commandments. Rather than seeing yourself as being subjected to your husband alone, see yourself as obeying the commandments of God through your husband. This is the fear of the Lord. The Word of God says: Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man (Ecclesiastes 12:13).

Walk In All His Ways

You cannot walk in God’s ways, unless you respect and reverence Him. When He says, “Turn to the right,” you don’t turn to the left. When He commands you to wait, you don’t get impatient and move.

Love God

This is the first commandment and God requires your love. Love Him through your actions towards your spouse, children and those around you.

Serve Him

God does not only require you to fear, love and walk with Him, He also requires you to serve Him. How? Serve Him with your heart, means and time. You can’t genuinely serve somebody you don’t love. When your love is in place for God, you will willingly serve Him with your being. Friends, now that you have an idea of God’s requirements, are you living for the right purpose? The Bible says in Lamentation 3:40: Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the Lord.

Living for the right purpose makes for fulfilment. Otherwise, the struggle will continue. God only guides those who obey Him. He hates insults. He says He will only turn to you if you turn to Him. If you don’t want to be a wanderer on the earth, let His requirements be your desires. He wants all your struggles and frustrations to come to an end this year, so He has made His requirements plain to you. If He is truly your Father, then you will obey Him and obtain rest for your soul. See Malachi 1:6; Psalms 111:10; Proverbs 9:10. It doesn’t matter how much fame or possession you may have, the Bible says you are as a foolish man, until the fear of God abides in your heart. When you refuse to obey God, you are as well saying He does not matter to you. This is dangerous, because the Bible says in Psalm 53:1 that such a person is corrupt and has done abominably. You can imagine the consequences. This shall not be your portion.

In addition, when you fear God, men fear you, circumstances and mountains bow to you. My husband, Bishop David Oyedepo, once quoted Martin Luther Junior. As saying “If a man has no purpose for living, he is not fit to live.” It is not enough to have a purpose for living, but much more, to have the right purpose. The right purpose is to fear, love, walk with God and serve Him. If you apply yourself to this truth, you will be fit to live.

Without salvation, you cannot perform these requirements.  Are you ready to be born again? 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).

Topic: How to Have a Successful Courtship (5)

Dear Reader,

To have a successful courtship, I have been able to show you the keys to operate, the length of courtship, the forbidden fruits and how to have a proper marriage. Today, I want to “Show You the Right Purpose for Living.”

Many are living without purpose. But some of those that have purpose are simply living without the right one. The question is: What are you living for? As a youth, single or married, what is your purpose in life? The Bible says: Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding… (Psalm 32:9). What is your essence of living? Why are you on the surface of this earth? The family, we know fully well, makes the Church, the nation and networks the entire world.

What does God require of you in order to have a fulfilled life? Let’s see into the mind of God, the right purpose for living.

And now, Israel, what doth the Lord thy God require of thee, but to fear the Lord thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul (Deuteronomy 10:12). This is what God requires of every member of the family.

As a youth, single or the head of the home, on who rests the responsibility of ensuring a godly family, what is your focus? Do you have the fear of the Lord? Do you teach your children so? As a wife and mother, are you not living for things? Are you not pre-occupied with what to eat and wear? Do these not take every part of your thought and daily living? Do you have time to seek out of the Book of the law to know God’s requirement for you and those He has put in your care? What are you living for, woman? You must get your priorities right this year, if you are to actually see and enjoy the glory that God has promised His children. It is not for the butter-and-bread seeking Christians, but for those who will care to live by every Word that proceeds out of the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4).

WHAT ARE THESE REQUIREMENTS?

Fear The Lord Thy God

‘Fear,’ in this context, is not being afraid. It connotes respect and reverence to God and His Word. Whatever He says, let it be your guiding principle, this year and beyond. As a man, and the head in the home, if you will walk in the understanding that you have a Head (God), who watches over you and your doings you will hold Him in reverence and respect. Whatever He tells you to do; you will do without questions or grumbling.

As a wife, even though you have your husband as the head of your home but you know that God is your ultimate head; you will respect His commandments. Rather than seeing yourself as being subjected to your husband alone, see yourself as obeying the commandments of God through your husband. This is the fear of the Lord. The Word of God says: Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man (Ecclesiastes 12:13).

Walk In All His Ways

You cannot walk in God’s ways, unless you respect and reverence Him. When He says, “Turn to the right,” you don’t turn to the left. When He commands you to wait, you don’t get impatient and move.

Love God

This is the first commandment and God requires your love. Love Him through your actions towards your spouse, children and those around you.

Serve Him

God does not only require you to fear, love and walk with Him, He also requires you to serve Him. How? Serve Him with your heart, means and time. You can’t genuinely serve somebody you don’t love. When your love is in place for God, you will willingly serve Him with your being. Friends, now that you have an idea of God’s requirements, are you living for the right purpose? The Bible says in Lamentation 3:40: Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the Lord.

Living for the right purpose makes for fulfilment. Otherwise, the struggle will continue. God only guides those who obey Him. He hates insults. He says He will only turn to you if you turn to Him. If you don’t want to be a wanderer on the earth, let His requirements be your desires. He wants all your struggles and frustrations to come to an end this year, so He has made His requirements plain to you. If He is truly your Father, then you will obey Him and obtain rest for your soul. See Malachi 1:6; Psalms 111:10; Proverbs 9:10. It doesn’t matter how much fame or possession you may have, the Bible says you are as a foolish man, until the fear of God abides in your heart. When you refuse to obey God, you are as well saying He does not matter to you. This is dangerous, because the Bible says in Psalm 53:1 that such a person is corrupt and has done abominably. You can imagine the consequences. This shall not be your portion.

In addition, when you fear God, men fear you, circumstances and mountains bow to you. My husband, Bishop David Oyedepo, once quoted Martin Luther Junior. As saying “If a man has no purpose for living, he is not fit to live.” It is not enough to have a purpose for living, but much more, to have the right purpose. The right purpose is to fear, love, walk with God and serve Him. If you apply yourself to this truth, you will be fit to live.

Without salvation, you cannot perform these requirements.  Are you ready to be born again? 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).