Topic: A Daily Process [Monday October 2, 2017]

He who hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. — Philippians 1:6

Being a Christian is more than just an instantaneous conversion. It is a daily process whereby you grow to be more and more like Christ. When you start out, you start out as a baby. You must be fed on the simple things of the Bible, and you learn to walk in your Christian life gradually. At first you will fall down and make many mistakes, but you are to continue growing. However, there are many people who have stopped growing. They remain spiritual babes all their lives. I am afraid that this experience is all too common today. Perhaps it is yours.

Do you remember the day when you gave your heart and life to Christ? You were sure of victory. How easy it seemed to be more than conqueror through Christ who loved you. Thousands of Christians have struggles with themselves. The great need in Christendom today is for Christians to learn the secret of daily victory over sin.

Prayer for the day: Father, I fall so many times but how lovingly You give me Your strength to endure.

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: Base Your Relationships On God – Monday October 2, 2017.

Matthew 24:12 “And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.”

Text: Matthew 24:12

The only reason that an abundance of iniquity would make anyone’s love for the Lord wax cold, is if he were not separated from that iniquity. As with Lot, a righteous man can vex his soul from day to day by hearing and seeing the unlawful deeds of the ungodly (2 Pet. 2:8).

We have to deal with the world’s system and those in it, but we need to be careful and maintain proper balance. We should shun relationships with those who influence us negatively more than we influence them positively.

Marriage is one area where this principle is especially true. There is no closer union in life than the marriage relationship. A believer who marries an unbeliever is directly violating this scripture and is toying with disaster. The Lord should be the most important person in our life. How could we possibly become “one” with a person who doesn’t love our Lord?

It is folly to think that after marriage an unbelieving spouse will accept the Lord. Although that does happen, it cannot be guaranteed. In fact, statistics are overwhelmingly against this happening. Regardless of that possibility, a believer who marries an unbeliever is directly violating God’s instructions here. It is not a good start to any marriage to spurn God’s Word.

Being unequally yoked with unbelievers just doesn’t work. Believers and unbelievers are as different as righteousness and unrighteousness, light and dark, Christ and the devil. One has faith and the other has none. One is the temple of God and the other an idol. Any Christian who doesn’t see this conflict is deceived.

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: You Are Invincible — Monday October 2, 2017.

Do you know that the believer is invincible? So the enemy cannot run rough shod over you. To be invincible is to be unbeatable, unconquerable, unshakable, and indestructible. But what makes us naked is ignorance. You must wake up in the morning and begin to declare who you are and you will see the back of the devil on a daily bases. Declare: I am the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. I am a new creation old things are passed away and all things have become new. I have been redeemed from the curse of the law. Christ has been made a curse for me, for cursed is he that hung on the cross.

Having this kind of mind will help you guard against the false teachings that are going on all around. Some of them say let us go and deliver you from the curse of the first born. The last time I read my Bible, the first born is the one who is the heir of the family and therefore carries the anointing of the family and royalty. So why do you accept as the first born that you are cursed. In the scriptures the first born is honoured and respected and so where did you get the idea that as the first born, you should go for deliverance?.

I see so many posters all around and people are running here and there thinking that is where power is. It is ignorance. The devil doesn’t mind you running here and there, just going about struggling because he knows that when you finish you will come again. The person the devil fears, is the man with understanding and revelation. Jesus said upon this rock I will build my church. What rock? It is the rock of revelation. The devil fears the church that understands who they are, their ability, where they are and what they can do in Christ.

Further Reading: John 8:31-32, Romans 8:28-39

Daily Bible Reading: Morning- Isaiah 14-16; Evening- Ephesians 5:1-16

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: Bless the Lord [Monday October 2, 2017]

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. – 1 John 1:9

It’s wonderful to know you’ve been set free from the law of sin and death. It’s glorious to know you never again have to submit to the slavery of sin. But what do you do when, in spite of those wonderful, glorious truths, you still miss the mark? What do you do when you stumble and fall into sin?

Run to your Father and repent!

That sounds simple. But oddly enough we often do just the opposite. Instead of running to God, we let fear and guilt drive us further and further from Him. We start thinking things like, Well, I’ve missed it now. I might as well forget the rest of it and live like the devil.

Don’t make that mistake. Don’t let Satan talk you into sinning in one area of your life just because you missed it in another. When you get off track with God, just confess it and get right back on.

“But, Brother Copeland, I feel so guilty when I tell God what I’ve done that it’s hard for me to make myself do it.”

I know. I used to feel that way too. Then, one day, God said to me, Kenneth, when you confessed that sin wasn’t when I found out about it. I knew about it all the time! When you confessed it is when you got rid of it, when you were cleansed of its effects in your life.

When you make a mistake, when you miss the mark, remember, you have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous (1 John 2:1). Run to Him! He knows what you are going through. You don’t need to be afraid. He didn’t tear you apart for the sins you committed before you made Him Lord of your life, did He? Then how much more merciful and loving do you think He’ll be now that you’re His own? Now that you’re reaching out for Him and have a heart for Him?

Don’t run from God. Run to Him. Receive His forgiveness. Receive His cleansing. No matter how badly you’ve sinned, He’s eager to forgive and to cleanse you of all unrighteousness.

Scripture Reading: 2 Samuel 11:1-5, 12:1-13

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: The Perfect Prayer Partner — Monday October 2, 2017.

Read: Romans 8:31–34, Bible in a Year: Isaiah 14–16; Ephesians 5:1–16

[Jesus] is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Romans 8:34

Few sounds are as beautiful as hearing someone who loves you praying for you. When you hear a friend pray for you with compassion and God-given insight, it’s a little like heaven touching earth.

How good it is to know that because of God’s kindness to us our prayers can also touch heaven. Sometimes when we pray we may struggle with words and feelings of inadequacy, but Jesus taught His followers that we “should always pray and not give up” (Luke 18:1). God’s Word shows us that one of the reasons we can do this is that Jesus Himself “is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us” (Rom. 8:34).

We never pray alone, because Jesus is praying for us. He hears us as we pray, and speaks to the Father on our behalf. We don’t have to worry about the eloquence of our words, because no one understands us like Jesus. He helps us in every way, presenting our needs before God. He also knows when the answers we ask for would not be good for us, handling every request or concern with perfect wisdom and love.

Jesus is the perfect prayer partner—the friend who intercedes for us with immeasurable kindness. His prayers for us are beautiful beyond words, and should encourage us to always pray with thankfulness.

Prayer: Thank You, Lord Jesus, for interceding for me with love. Help me to love and serve You with my prayers today.

There’s no greater privilege than praying with Jesus.

Insight:

From its opening affirmation to its closing declaration, Romans 8 is a powerhouse of encouragement for the follower of Christ. Today’s devotional highlights the reminder that Jesus Himself intercedes for us as we pray (v. 34). But there is even more help for us. Verse 26 tells us, “We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.” Imagine—the Son and the Spirit help us as we pray. What great reassurance that gives!

Do you struggle with your prayers? Knowing that divine help is available encourages us to keep praying—even when we aren’t sure how. Bill Crowder

This message was written By James Banks [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]

Topic: The Blessing of Praise [Monday October 2, 2017]

Scripture: Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee. Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee. Then shall the earth yield her increase; and God, even our own God, shall bless us. Psalm 67:5-7.

Thought For The Day: The pathway of praise is the highway of the blessing of God.

Yesterday, we looked at the products of a blessed life or nation. The blessing of God is indeed needed to make impact in life.

Today, we want to establish a fact that one of the easiest ways to access the blessing of God is to exist as a person of praise. The pathway of praise is the highway of the blessing of God. To follow the way of praise is to be greeted with the blessing of God. Those who understand the language of praise, never struggle to be blessed.

Praise positions the praiser in God’s Presence and to be in God’s Presence is to attract Divine Blessings.

Now, let us take a look at two categories of blessing a praiser experiences when he/she is positioned in God’s Presence by praise:

1. Rest: The Presence of God is the secret of rest. That is, a praiser experiences deliverance from stress and anxiety.

2. Pleasure and Prosperity: The Presence of God is the secret of pleasure and pleasure is the twin of prosperity. The Presence of God brings Divine pleasure along with Divine prosperity.

Beloved, my counsel is, refuse to live a life of praiselessness. This is because, anytime the devil wants to fight your blessings, he causes you to murmur and find faults with God.

Praise God in the beauty of holiness (2 Chronicles 20:21), not in iniquity. Whatever is contrary to the Will and Word of God destroys your praise.

Remember This: The pathway of praise is the highway of the blessing of God.

Assignments:

1. Engage in midnight praise as frequently as possible.

2. Praise God for what He is yet to do in your life.

Prayer: O LORD, I praise You for all You have done for me. I will praise You all the days of my life, Lord in Jesus’ Name.

Quote: Every time you are given to worship, Jesus Himself is the One that will fight your battles for you’ culled from ‘ALABASTER BOX’ by Dr (Mrs) Becky Paul-Enenche

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

Daily Reading: Isaiah 66:1 to 24, Philippians 3:4 to 21, Psalm 74:1 to 23, Proverbs 24:15 to 16

Amazing Fact: Right-handed people tend to chew food on their right side.

Today In History: 2/10/2006: Doctors Craig Mello and Andrew Fire were awarded the Nobel Prize for medicine. The two genetics specialists pioneered research on RNA interference, and brought greater insight into gene expression.

Don’t Forget To Attend: The Healing and Deliverance Service tomorrow by 9:30am. Invite your friends and loved ones.

Dunamis International Gospel Centre (DIGC), is a powerfully anointed church, headquartered at Abuja, Nigeria, with Dr Paul and Becky Enenche, as the Senior Pastors. It is a power-packed arena where God’s Presence, Principles and Power are at work for the salvation, healing and restoration of human destinies and dignities.

Topic: Avoid Unnecessary Fear — Monday October 2, 2017.

Text: 1 Samuel 22:6-10

Key Verse: ” That all of you have conspired against me, and there is none that sheweth me that my son hath made a league with the son of Jesse, and there is none of you that is sorry for me, or sheweth unto me that my son hath stirred up my servant against me, to lie in wait, as at this day? ” (1 Samuel 22:8).

As a man thinks of himself, so he is. The fears within will reflect in our outward disposition and conduct because action speaks louder than words. From our text, Saul conjectured that Jonathan his son had made a league with David to dethrone him. He also accused his servants of disloyalty for not revealing the alleged treason.

It was of course impossible for any of the servants to have shown what did not exist, for there was no such league between David and Jonathan. Due to insecurity, Saul’s sense of reasoning had become beclouded. He had become a hostage to needless fear, a product of his own making. Doeg was mentioned in verse 7, for now he steps forth as a key actor in the drama.

Where there is a scheming leader, there is likely also to be scheming followers. Doeg was such a man. He shamelessly lied to secure a better standing with the king above others. Saul’s conduct and decision reflected that his heart was out of tune with God’s word. Even if the high priest had been guilty, it was illegal to punish the whole family for the father’s crime (Deuteronomy 24:16). Eighty-five priests of the Lord, with the entire population of Nob as well as the farm animals were cruelly wiped out as a result of a needless fear.

It is imperative that we allow God to direct our path instead of making plans that will work against us in eternity. We must look inward to rid our lives of unfounded fears that can result in ungodly acts such as evil speaking, envy and jealousy which are capable of grieving the Holy Spirit. Perfect love casts out fear and the believer has not been given the spirit of bondage again to fear anymore.

Thought for the day: Fear weakens but faith strengthens.

Bible Reading in one Year: 1 Kings 3-4

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: God’s Perfect Plan [Sunday October 1, 2017]

To another [wonder-working] faith [is given] by the same [Holy] Spirit, and to another the [extraordinary] gifts of healings by the one Spirit. — 1 Corinthians 12:9 (AMP)

“God has a perfect plan for your life!” We’ve all heard that phrase, but I don’t think many of us really believe it. Maybe it’s the word “perfect” that troubles us. Nobody is perfect, and the idea of being perfect just adds pressure and stress to our lives.

Perfection seems impossible. And guess what? It is!

God’s plan isn’t perfect because we’re perfect. The plan is perfect because God is the One who designed it. The perfection comes from Him, and He alone is perfect. He knows us better than we know ourselves, and He has designed and set into action a plan specifically engineered for our lives.

Paul tells us in Philippians 1:6 that God saved us and started a good work in us, and His work in us will come to full completion.

As we think about God at work in us, we must remind ourselves that as imperfect as we are, God is perfection. Nothing we can ever do will be good enough to satisfy God’s perfection. Only Jesus, the Perfect One, is good enough. And because we are in Christ, God’s perfect plan is possible for us!

Prayer Starter: Dear Lord, I know that I am not perfect, but thankfully Your plan for me depends on Your perfection, not mine. Thank You so much for developing a good work within me. I trust You to complete it.

From Joyce Meyer’s Ministries

Topic: The Blessing Of Solitude I [Sunday 1, October 2017]

Memorise: ” And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.” – Matthew 14:23

Read: Genesis 32:23-30

23 And he took them, and sent them over the brook, and sent over that he had.

24 And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day.

25 And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob’s thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him.

26 And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.

27 And he said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob.

28 And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.

29 And Jacob asked him, and said, Tell me, I pray thee, thy name. And he said, Wherefore is it that thou dost ask after my name? And he blessed him there.

30 And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.

Bible In One Year: Zechariah 11-14. Hymn: Sing Hymn 1 – O Lord My God

MESSAGE:

One of the characteristics of the eagle is its lonely lifestyle. Its solitary lifestyle is worth imbibing because more of often than not, the crowd can be distracting. Our Lord Jesus Christ, in our memory verse for today demonstrated the need to withdraw and be alone with God periodically.

In our text for today, Jacob was facing a frightening situation and he needed to sort some things out with his Maker. So, he sent his family before him. There are many lessons to learn from this story; firstly, to be alone with God we mist separate ourselves from the crowd. Secondly, to be alone with God requires denying ourselves the luxury of family fellowship and affection. There is a mighty reward for solitary living: being alone with God pays a lot. As you choose to separate yourself unto the Lord and away from the world, I pray that the blessings of the Lord shall characterize your separated life in Jesus’ Name.

Action Point: Decide to dedicate some solitary time for prayer and have a meaningful fellowship with your Maker.

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: The Works Of The Flesh — Tuesday 3, October 2017.

Memorise: That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. – John 3:6

Read: Galatians 5:16-21 (KJV)

16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.

19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,

20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,

21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

Bible in One Year: Romans 9-10, Daniel 2:31-45, Hymn: Sing Hymn 6 – Deeper, Deeper

MESSAGE:

As Christians who are Heaven-bound, the works of the flesh are things we should watch out for, so that they do not bring our soul into damnation. We must do all we can to cherish the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). If we continue to stir up the fruit of the Spirit in our lives daily, it will be difficult for the flesh to have dominion over us. On a daily basis, our thoughts, words and actions must be guided by this scripture which says:

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” – Philippians 4:8

Open Heavens 4 October 2017: Wednesday daily devotional by Pastor Adeboye – In Need Of Tender Loving Care

If you give your heart to these words, it would be difficult for the flesh to have rule over your mind, and consequently, the works of the flesh will not find expression in your life. Such sins as hatred toward others, envy for what is happening in other people’s lives, pride and arrogance will not have a hold on you because you are walking in the Spirit of God.

All those who engage in the works of the flesh have no place in the kingdom of God. If you want to please God, the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches and the lust for materialism, all of which do not allow the word of God to find its rightful place in the hearts of men, will have to go. God commands us to run the Christian race with patience (Hebrews 12:1). There are many who have turned sin into sport. They believe that they are very smart and cannot fall victim of sin. This was the same thinking that Adam and Eve had when they allowed the voice of the serpent to override God’s instructions for their lives (Genesis 3:1-6). Samson also had an idea of the destiny he was meant to fulfil on earth, but he gambled with the anointing of God on his life and died with his enemies (Judges 16:28-30). These examples are there for us to learn from and be wise. As a child of God, you have to drop those weights of sin that easily drag you down. Don’t allow the works of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the mundane things of life to deny you of God’s plan for your life. The moment you decide not to walk in the Spirit, you have resolved in your heart to be independent of God, and from that moment, the real life in you dies! This is a deadly path to take. No one who took this path has ever had a good story to tell, but that will not be your lot in Jesus’ Name. You have to be watchful, prayerful and engage in spiritual discipline from time to time, so as not to fall prey to the wiles of the devil manifested through the works of the flesh.

Key Point: The flesh profits nothing, but the Spirit gives life.

Open Heavens Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer’s Ministries.

iOpenHeavens is the electronic version of the Hard Copy. The Open Heavens devotional application is available across all mobile platforms and operating systems: iOS, Android, Blackberry, Nokia, Windows Mobile and PC.