Topic: Clothes for the Climate — Wednesday September 27, 2017.

Read: Colossians 3:8–17, Bible in a Year: Isaiah 3–4; Galatians 6

Over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Colossians 3:14

While removing the price tag from an item of winter clothing I had purchased, I smiled at these words on the back: “WARNING: This innovative product will make you want to go outdoors and stay there.”  When properly clothed for the climate, a person can survive and even thrive in harsh and changing weather conditions.

The same principle is true in our spiritual lives. As followers of Jesus, our all-weather spiritual wardrobe has been prescribed by the Lord in His Word, the Bible. “As God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. . . . Forgive as the Lord forgave you” (Col. 3:12–13 emphasis added).

These garments that God provides—such as kindness, humility, and gentleness—allow us to meet hostility and criticism with patience, forgiveness, and love. They give us staying power in the storms of life.

When we face adverse conditions at home, school, or work, the “clothing” God tells us to wear protects us and enables us to make a positive difference. “And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity” (v. 14).

Dressing according to God’s guidelines doesn’t change the weather—it equips the wearer.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to put on Your garment of love so that I am prepared for whatever life brings me today.

Kindness is the oil that takes the friction out of life.

Insight:

What does it take to dress for spiritual success? When writing to followers of Jesus in Colossae, the apostle Paul may have been influenced by the regional clothing industry. The city (in an area of modern-day Turkey) was famous for their beautiful dark-red wool cloth (colossinum).

What we do know, however, is that Paul’s allusion to being clothed in Christ is more important than a regional textile industry or global custom. In behalf of Jesus, Paul urged them—and us—to clothe ourselves in the kind of love that does far more than call attention to ourselves. It is a caring that binds all goodness together in the eye-catching unity of Christ. Mart DeHaan

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

Topic: Principles, Not Tears — Wednesday 27, September 2017.

Memorise: For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. – Psalm 119:89

Read: Genesis 13:14-18 (KJV)

14 And the LORD said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward:

15 For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever.

16 And I will make thy seed as the dust of the earth: so that if a man can number the dust of the earth, then shall thy seed also be numbered.

17 Arise, walk through the land in the length of it and in the breadth of it; for I will give it unto thee.

18 Then Abram removed his tent, and came and dwelt in the plain of Mamre, which is in Hebron, and built there an altar unto the LORD.

Bible in One Year: Esther 1-3, Ezekiel 47:13-48:7, Hymn: Sing Hymn 9 – On The Hill Far Away

MESSAGE:

If your giving reflects a financial status below the level God has placed you on, this would amount to demoting yourself. A wise fellow would rather promote himself or herself by giving beyond the level of his or her current financial status, so that God will upgrade him or her to that level. Some people look at me with envy, thinking that God is partial. No, He is not! God is not a respecter of persons, but He is a respecter of principles. When Peter realised this truth in Acts 10:34-35, He said:

 “34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: 35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.”

Coming up next: Open Heavens 28 September 2017: Thursday daily devotional by Pastor Adeboye – Heed This Invitation

When you simply do what I do and follow the Bible principles that I fellow, you will get the results that I get. I am not boasting, but if you think it is boasting, then I am simply boasting in the Lord. My God is not a God that is ruled by emotions. He is not moved by your tears or by you rolling on the ground. If there is something He expects you to do in accordance with His word, but you leave it and begin to cry your eyes out or roll on the ground for days and weeks, at the end of the day, He will still be waiting for you to do what He expected of you before He fulfils His promise to you. So the earlier you obey God, the sooner His intervention will come. Some people think they can manipulate God with their tricks. No they can’t. God would rather wait for you to obey, even if it takes years, before releasing a desired blessing. Unfortunately, some people out of stubbornness are making God wait almost their entire life time!

“Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee:” – Genesis 12:1

When God called Abraham and gave him some promises, He also gave him three conditions he had to meet to access those promises. Abraham met two of these conditions, but he considered one of them not to be as important. He took Lot, his kindred, along with him. Probably he believed that his family would consider him a wicked fellow if he left his late brother’s son behind. For as long as he did not fulfil the condition of leaving his entire kindred, God also refused to fulfil His promises. This continued until Abraham began to feel the consequences of not separating from his relatives as instructed by God. It was after he obeyed and separated from Lot that God resumed discussions with him concerning His promises. Abraham lost 13 years to disobedience! Don’t be so wise in your own sight. Obey God today!

Key Point: Noise, acrobatics and tears do not move God: simple obedience does.

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: How to Have a Successful Courtship (4)

Dear Reader,

I welcome you to this teaching in the mighty name of Jesus Christ! I have explained the keys to a successful courtship, the length of courtship and the forbidden fruit. Today, I will be teaching on “Having a Proper Marriage.”

Today, we have couples who have been living together for years and even have children without being properly married; no dowry has been paid, nor have they had any form of formal engagement. The account of the first marriage recorded in Genesis 2 clearly shows us that a form of formal wedding was conducted in the Garden of Eden. Adam did not just rise up to find Eve wandering about in another part of the garden, then took her home and they started living together. No! The Word of God says: …Brought her unto the man… (Genesis 2:22). God has to physically deliver her to Adam.

However, it is important to know that marriage is the basis for the family. If you must enjoy a sweet and a successful family, then you must first be properly married. You have to follow God’s own laid down principles for marriage which guarantee God’s blessings. You must pay the dowry which is scriptural. That you are a Christian does not override the payment of that which is due to the parents. The Word of God says: And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s (Mark 12:17). Dowry payment is the right of the bride’s family, so ensure you give it to them.

The Book of Genesis records a very graphic picture of a typical wedding and all that is required to be done. Abraham sent his servant to get a wife for his son, Isaac, from among his brethren.  God prospered the servant’s journey and he found Rebekah (Genesis 24:51-53). I want you to know that precious things were given to Laban, who was at this point acting as the head of the family and to Rebekah’s mother too.

Also, I must mention that in the payment of dowry, you should watch the kind of things you present. Anything you know that will affect your Christian testimony should never be given. I remember what happened when my husband and I were to get married. My parents gave my husband a list of items to bring as dowry, and the list contained some items that would affect our Christian testimony. My husband simply discussed with them how such an act could affect us in future, in the light of the Word of God; those items were taken off the list. You have to let them know your stand, because no parent wants to jeopardize the future of their children. All it takes is a right word spoken in season. The Bible says: How forcible are right words! … (Job 6:25). If you approach your parents with the right words, I am definitely sure they will listen to you. Just ask for the help of the Holy Spirit to speak as you ought to, and to make you sensitive to right timing. That way, you will win them over on your side.

Having performed all that is required, you must ensure you obtain parental blessings. There is something about the blessings your parents pronounce on you that stick to you until all their good wishes be established in your life. Abraham’s servant did not just grab Rebekah and disappear with her. The Bible records in Genesis 24:58-60: And they called Rebekah, and said unto her, Wilt thou go with this man? And she said, I will go… And they blessed Rebekah, and said unto her, Thou art our sister, be thou the mother of thousands of millions, and let thy seed possess the gate of those which hate them. These blessings became a practical reality in her life, and indeed we are all part of the thousands of millions prophesied upon Rebekah (Galatians 4:28). You shall also experience this dimension of blessings in Jesus’ name!

The place of a holy Christian wedding is also very important in marriage. In Genesis 2:22, we see God’s practical involvement in the institution of marriage. He was the one who gave Eve out to Adam. It will therefore, be unsafe to imagine you can survive the wickedness and attacks of the devil in the marriage institution without God. If truly God is your father, and only a bastard will desire to go outside his father’s house to get married, you need to get God’s blessing upon your marriage. The presence of God makes all the difference in life.

What happens at Christian weddings is that God is invited to be a part of the union, occupying His primary place. That cannot be overlooked. So, ensure a proper Christian wedding. In case you are already living together or you were never married in the church, it is important that you get your pastor to arrange to bless your union, even if you cannot have an open church wedding like it is done with new couples.

Moreover, it is very important to have the proper legal documentation of your union. In God’s dealing with man, He always ensures there is a token; which acts as a constant reminder of the terms of the covenant. A legal backup for your marriage is not a safety device, as the world would consider it. It is simply a point of contact to remind God that you have fulfilled all righteousness concerning your marriage, and therefore, the enemy must have no access into your family.

It is the presence of God that makes all the difference in your marriage. Do you want God to occupy the primary place in your marriage? Why not surrender your life to God if you are not born again?  Pray 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: The Truth About Divine Healing [Tuesday September 26, 2017]

Scripture: Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses. Matthew 8:17; KJV

Thought For The Day: You are not a sick person trying to get healed; you are the person Jesus already healed that the devil is trying to make sick.

The Bible says you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free (John 8:32). There are truths we need to know that will make us free from every form of bondage in life.

When the knowledge of this truth is not in place, people suffer untold hardship. Some people were healed by the power of God but because they did not know the truth about their healing, they became sick again.

Therefore, what is the truth about your healing?

Jesus on the cross of Calvary already bore your grief, carried your sorrows and by His stripes, you were healed (Isaiah 54:3-5).

This means that every sickness afflicting your life was borne by Jesus Christ on the cross. Jesus bore everything that should make you shed tears or make you sorrowful and mourn; He bore it and by His stripes you were healed.

Each of the strokes He received represented an affliction category. Every single type of sickness was transferred by the lash. So When He said ‘It is finished’, fibroid, blindness, barrenness, tuberculosis, sickle cell anaemia, paralysis, hypertension and all manner of sicknesses and diseases were finished.

Therefore, you are not a sick person trying to get healed; you are the person Jesus already healed that the devil is trying to make sick.

Remember this: you are not a sick person trying to get healed; you are the person Jesus already healed that the devil is trying to make sick.

Assignment(s):

1. Ask God for a deeper revelation of the finished work on the cross.

2. Believe in the finished work of Christ on the Cross and receive your healing.

Prayer: O LORD, thank You for healing me on the Cross. I decree the death of every affliction in my life, LORD, in Jesus’ Name.

FOR FURTHER UNDERSTANDING, GET THIS MESSAGE: THE TRUTH ABOUT YOUR HEALING.

Quote: Those who trust in God cannot rust in life. Culled from 30 SECRETS TO THE TOP by Dr Paul Enenche.

Daily Reading: Isaiah 48:12 to 50:11, Ephesians 4:17 to 32, Psalm 69:1 to 18, Proverbs 24:5 to 6.

Amazing Fact: Humans share 50% of their DNA with bananas.

Today In History: 26/09/1981 – The Boeing 767 made its maiden flight in Everett, WA.

Don’t Forget To Attend: 2 Power-packed Communion Services tomorrow with friends and loved ones for the preservation of your life and destiny by 4:45pm & 6:30pm. God bless you as you come.

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: You Can Preach! [Tuesday September 26, 2017]

And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world . . . — Matthew 24:14 (TLB)

We are stewards of the Gospel. The power to proclaim the greatest news in heaven or on earth was not given to the angels. It was given to redeemed men. This was addressed to humble laymen. Some think that only ministers are to preach, but that is wrong. Every Christian is to be a witness; every follower of Christ is to preach the Gospel.

We can preach by sharing our experience with others. We can preach by exalting Christ in our daily lives. Sermons which are seen are often more effective than those which are heard. The truth is: the best sermons are both heard and seen. They are a sort of audiovisual testimony. We can also preach by giving to others, so they may preach. Missionary gifts, church offerings, and charitable contributions all speak eloquently of your unselfishness and Christian generosity.

In all these things, we are partners with God. We are helping by His grace to redeem the world. God needs our time, our talents, our witnessing, and our money, today more than at any other time in history. Become a full, working partner with God.

Prayer for the day: Wherever I go today, make me conscious of the people I meet. They need Your love. So whether I can speak of You to them, say a kind word or minister in any way, I would be like You, Lord—ever loving, ever giving.

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: You Can Preach! [Tuesday September 26, 2017]

And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world . . . — Matthew 24:14 (TLB)

We are stewards of the Gospel. The power to proclaim the greatest news in heaven or on earth was not given to the angels. It was given to redeemed men. This was addressed to humble laymen. Some think that only ministers are to preach, but that is wrong. Every Christian is to be a witness; every follower of Christ is to preach the Gospel.

We can preach by sharing our experience with others. We can preach by exalting Christ in our daily lives. Sermons which are seen are often more effective than those which are heard. The truth is: the best sermons are both heard and seen. They are a sort of audiovisual testimony. We can also preach by giving to others, so they may preach. Missionary gifts, church offerings, and charitable contributions all speak eloquently of your unselfishness and Christian generosity.

In all these things, we are partners with God. We are helping by His grace to redeem the world. God needs our time, our talents, our witnessing, and our money, today more than at any other time in history. Become a full, working partner with God.

Prayer for the day: Wherever I go today, make me conscious of the people I meet. They need Your love. So whether I can speak of You to them, say a kind word or minister in any way, I would be like You, Lord—ever loving, ever giving.

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: Give Agape Love – Tuesday September 26, 2017.

Matthew 23:12 “And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.”

Text: Matthew 23:10-12

In Romans 12:10 we are admonished to desire the welfare of others more than our own; to like others better than ourselves. That is an awesome command that is only obtainable through God’s supernatural love. If this very simple, yet very profound truth could be understood and applied, then strife would cease (Prov. 13:10). The world would see Christianity as never before, and we would discover the true joy that comes from serving someone besides ourselves.

There is much confusion today on the subject of love because we have only one English word (love) to describe a broad aspect of meanings. For example, if I said, “I love my wife, I love apple pie, and I love my dog,” obviously I am not talking about love in the same degree or definition.

God’s type of love; the highest kind of love, is AGAPE. This is when we seek the welfare or betterment of others even when we don’t feel affection. AGAPE love does not come from one’s feelings. Jesus displayed this AGAPE kind of love by going to the cross and dying for us even though He didn’t feel like dying. Jesus sought the betterment of you and me, regardless of His feelings.

We, too, can AGAPE love our enemies even though we don’t have a warm feeling of affection for them. If they are hungry we can feed them; if they are thirsty we can give them a drink. We can choose to seek the betterment and welfare of others regardless of how we feel.

If anyone becomes a servant and humbles himself with the motive of being exalted, then he is not truly fulfilling Jesus’ command. Jesus is teaching about a true, servant’s heart, that loves others more than itself and will joyfully go without so that someone else may prosper.

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: Give Agape Love – Tuesday September 26, 2017.

Matthew 23:12 “And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.”

Text: Matthew 23:10-12

In Romans 12:10 we are admonished to desire the welfare of others more than our own; to like others better than ourselves. That is an awesome command that is only obtainable through God’s supernatural love. If this very simple, yet very profound truth could be understood and applied, then strife would cease (Prov. 13:10). The world would see Christianity as never before, and we would discover the true joy that comes from serving someone besides ourselves.

There is much confusion today on the subject of love because we have only one English word (love) to describe a broad aspect of meanings. For example, if I said, “I love my wife, I love apple pie, and I love my dog,” obviously I am not talking about love in the same degree or definition.

God’s type of love; the highest kind of love, is AGAPE. This is when we seek the welfare or betterment of others even when we don’t feel affection. AGAPE love does not come from one’s feelings. Jesus displayed this AGAPE kind of love by going to the cross and dying for us even though He didn’t feel like dying. Jesus sought the betterment of you and me, regardless of His feelings.

We, too, can AGAPE love our enemies even though we don’t have a warm feeling of affection for them. If they are hungry we can feed them; if they are thirsty we can give them a drink. We can choose to seek the betterment and welfare of others regardless of how we feel.

If anyone becomes a servant and humbles himself with the motive of being exalted, then he is not truly fulfilling Jesus’ command. Jesus is teaching about a true, servant’s heart, that loves others more than itself and will joyfully go without so that someone else may prosper.

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).