Topic: Know Your Limit [Monday 18, September 2017]

Memorise: “For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.” – Romans 12:3

Read: Romans 12:3-10

3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:

5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.

6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;

7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;

8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.

9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;

Bible In One Year: Joel 1-3. Hymn: Sing Hymn 5

MESSAGE:

There is a common saying that no man is an island. The meaning of the title ‘Know Your Limit’ is explained in the memory verse for today. God inspired several individuals in the writing of the Bible, there is no book of the Bible that is complete in itself as each one depends on others to give complete knowledge of any aspect of Biblical teachings. Some tell the beginning, while others tell the middle or tail end of the story. For example, the doctrine of salvation, baptism, communion, divine healing, sin and the second coming of Jesus, cannot be fully understood by reading any one of the Bible.

Therefore, in order for us to remain in tune with the Holy Ghost, we as Christians must be conscious of our limitations as human beings. God will not give all the gifts needed for the body of Christ to one individual. This is the only way to remain humble and teachable, the only way to focus on the Giver always, rather than the given. This is the only way to be “approved unto God”.

Prayer Point: Father, please help me to know my limits and be focused on the Spirit in Jesus’ Name.

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: Children Are An Heritage (3)

Dear Reader,

Surely, the good thing the Lord has started in your life and family shall be sustained and completed in Jesus’ name!

Last week, I showed you what to do to raise God-fearing children. In this edition, we shall be considering “God’s view on Child Training.”

There are some basic truths that will be exposed to you now. I believe, by the help of the Holy Ghost, as you apply yourself to these truths, you will experience a turnaround and every sweat over your children shall be turned to sweet in Jesus’ name! Proverbs 13:15 says: Good understanding giveth favour… Also Proverbs 22:6 says: Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

What, then, is God’s view on Child Training?

It is a commandment.

Child training is not an advice, a suggestion or a thing you do at your convenience. It is a commandment from God. This commandment is neither grievous nor burdensome; it is for your sake (1John 5:3). My husband says “God’s commandments are not to grieve you, but to groom you.” Bring your children up in the way of the Lord. If you refuse to do so, you are disobeying God’s commandment, and as far as God is concerned, disobedience is as terrible as witchcraft. 1 Samuel 15:23 says: For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. His Word also says do not suffer a witch to live (Exodus 22:18).

In other words, if you are not bringing up your children in the way they should go, you are cutting short the number of your days. Receive grace from God now, to be obedient to this commandment, on child training in Jesus’ name!

It is the responsibilities of both parents

Take a look at Proverbs 22:6 again. God did not mention here who particularly should do the training, but definitely it is the parents. I mean both parents, because neither the father nor the mother alone can give birth to a child. It is a combination of forces.Therefore, the training must be done by both parents.

Remember, it is a combination of forces that brought the child to be; so it must be a combination of forces that will fulfill that commandment. Both parents must create time for their children, so that those children will not become thorns in their flesh tomorrow.

Training your children in the fear of the Lord is your primary responsibilities. Do not shirk that responsibility! Both parents ought to fulfill their parts and make it a joint effort. The Bible says in Ecclesiastics 4:9: Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.

As parents, pay close attention to your children, create time to listen to them, fellowship together with them, and give them opportunities to ask you questions bothering them.

Learn to create time for fun and excitements and all tension will be defused. Do not allow your children to become products of neglect; do not be too busy to attend to them. I pray for a release of grace upon you now for fulfilment in Jesus’ mighty name!

It is a seed

Whatever you do in life, is a seed and soon you will reap the fruit of your doings. Child training is a seed. Whatever seed of training you sow into your children, you will reap the harvest tomorrow. Genesis 8:22 says: While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.

When you sow the seed of good Christian upbringing into the lives of your children, they will give you joy and fulfilment tomorrow. For your children not to give you heartache tomorrow, you must sow good seeds of proper upbringing into their lives today. There are certain things that were sown as seeds into my life as a little girl; I will never forget my parents for that. I implore you to do the same for your children.

In Jeremiah 35, Jonadab sowed the seeds of good child training that even after his departure, generations still continued to abide in the Word of God. No wonder in verses 18 & 19, God had to make a promise: And Jeremiah said unto the house of the Rechabites, Thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel; Because ye have obeyed the commandment of Jonadab your father, and kept all his precepts, and done according unto all that he hath commanded you: Therefore thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel; Jonadab the son of Rechab shall not want a man to stand before me for ever.

The seeds that Jonadab sowed into his children began to bring forth fruits and it brought them to the throne. Even our Lord Jesus Christ came from his lineage. What a harvest of fruits!

It requires diligence

However, child training must be done diligently, not the way you feel, not as a secondary assignment. It must be done carefully. It does not matter where you work, what your career is, or the position you occupy. Deuteronomy 6:6-9 says: And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.

Child training is your primary assignment which must be done diligently, for it to be effectual. Teach them the Word of God all the time, whether it is convenient or not. Buy spiritual materials that will help them to understand scriptures the more.

Moreover, endeavour to see them put to practice what you are teaching them from the Word. For example, when you teach them on prayer, ensure that you see them pray by themselves, whether you are around or not. When they need to be corrected, do so in love and no devil will tamper with them in future. You will not fail in Jesus’ mighty name!

Raising Godly children will require tapping into God’s grace and that grace is only available to the children of God. If you would want to receive Jesus right now, please pray this prayer of faith with me: “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, youare 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).

Pastor Faith Oyedepo is the wife of Bishop David Oyedepo, the founder of the Living Faith Church Worldwide a.k.a. Winners’ Chapel, and Senior Pastor of Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, Nigeria.

Topic: Our Life Belongs To God – Monday September 18, 2017.

Matthew 22:20-21 “And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? They say unto him, Caesar’s. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.”

Text: Matthew 22:20-22

The image on the denarius, the only small silver coin acceptable for imperial tax payments, was probably that of Tiberius Caesar (reigned A.D. 14-37). The inscription upon the coin read “Tiberius Caesar Augustus, Son of the Divine Augustus” with the reverse side reading “Chief Priest.” This inscription was a claim to divinity and as emperor, the right to be worshiped.

The Jews had tried many times to accuse Jesus on the basis of religious issues and had always failed. Now they approached Him about paying taxes in hopes that His answer might give them the opportunity to deliver Him to Pilate for prosecution.

These Pharisees and Herodians reasoned that any answer that Jesus gave would be wrong. If He approved of the Roman taxes, then He would lose popularity with the masses. If He spoke against the Roman taxes, then the Jews would hand Him over to the Roman government and Pilate would dispose of Him. It looked like they had Jesus trapped. Jesus, however, answered with such simple wisdom that these Pharisees and Herodians were caught in their own trap and made to look like fools.

Jesus declared, “Render (give back) to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s” (Mk. 12:17). People are made in God’s image, so we must render to God the things belonging to God (our lives) and to Caesar the things belonging to Caesar (his money and other benefits of his rule).

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: Wicked Neighbours — Monday September 18, 2017.

Text: Joshua 16:1-10

Key Verse: “And they drave not out the Canaanites that dwelt in Gezer: but the Canaanites dwell among the Ephraimites unto this day, and serve under tribute” (Joshua 16:10).

Someone posted this anonymous prayer on the Internet: “God, Our neighbours have been torturing us for six years. They have shunned us, turned other neighbours against us, lied and lied and lied to us, to law enforcement, and to our other neighbours and others in the community. They have damaged our property and possessions. I pray for a miracle that we may find resolution and peace soon. We are at the end of our rope. We desperately need a miracle and ask for one now in Jesus name.”

From our text, Israel eventually inherited the land of Canaan after many years of wandering in the wilderness as a result of rebellion and unbelief. The children of Joseph were among the first to receive their inheritance, but had to put up with the notorious and stubborn Canaanites because they couldn’t achieve outright victory against them. While the Canaanites in Gezer were said to be driven out, the vast number of those remaining were accommodated and put under tribute due to the difficulty of removing them militarily. Of course, their presence within the inheritance of the children of Joseph, would be a ready source of ungodly influence because of their different cultural, social and religious leanings.

The Canaanites constantly improved their military might in hope of subverting the Israelites whom they saw as occupiers of their land. Israel had to find a way of living side by side with these wicked neighbours. Some of us may be living with so-called friends that never show their true intentions; they are envious of our good fortune and success. They are quick to judge and condemn. As believers, we need wisdom, grace and courage to handle such neighbours with supplication to God to deliver us from all enemies.

Thought for the day: Only God can deliver from secret enemies.

Bible Reading in one Year: Numbers 26-28

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: Be A Giver — Monday September 18, 2017.

“I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.’’ (Acts 20:35 KJV)

One of the lies the devil is sowing in the hearts of believers today is the mentality that we live in the time of shortage and lack and so you do not have to stress yourself when it comes to giving. The mentality of lack and shortage came as a result of the fall because before the fall, Man had access to the vast resources of the earth. In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth and there was nothing lacking.

After the fall, man lost access to the resources and had to labour before he could eat. God said to him “In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread…” However, the good news is that what we lost in Adam, we have gained back in Christ. The irony, however, is that in-spite of our inheritance in Christ Jesus, a lot of us still operate with a shortage mentality and the result is that we are still penny-pinching. We refuse to give and as such we cannot receive all that God has put in stock for us. The result is that the man who thinks lack and shortage will naturally withhold, and will, therefore, experience lack, because as a man thinks in his heart, so he is.

Beloved, you must understand that giving is the way of God. God is the biggest giver – He gave his only begotten Son to die for the whole world. The wisdom of the world emphasizes receiving while the wisdom of God emphasizes giving.

I challenge you to give Him your best anytime you have the opportunity to do so. No man can out give God because when you give, you are actually asking him to multiply your harvest. Don’t ever forget that it is he who gives seed to the sower and bread to the eater. If there was any time to give sacrificially, it is now. As you give cheerfully, expect him to fill your barn and expect your storehouses to overflow.

Further Reading: 2 Corinthians 9:8

Daily Bible Reading: Morning- Proverbs 30-31; Evening- 2 Corinthians 11:1-15

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: Finite Beings—Infinite Desires [Monday September 18, 2017]

For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come. — Hebrews 13:14

One of the basic desires of the soul is to live on and on. Self-preservation is the first law of nature. People may grow tired of aches and pains and the decrepitude of old age, but they do not grow tired of life itself. God has arranged to satisfy this yearning of the soul to live forever, and the desire to be free from pain and sickness and trouble. People are little creatures with big capacities, finite beings with infinite desires, deserving nothing but demanding all. God made people with this huge capacity and desire in order that He might come in and completely satisfy that desire. God made the human heart so big that only He can fill it.

He made it demand so much that only He can supply that demand . . . Jesus Christ is the only one who holds the keys of death. In His death and resurrection He took the sting out of death, and now God offers eternal life to every person who puts his trust and faith in His Son Jesus Christ.

Prayer for the day: Lord Jesus, when I come to the end of this earthly life, You will be there to guide me to my heavenly home. Thank You, my loving Father.

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: Why Did God Create You? [Monday September 18, 2017]

What we have seen and [ourselves] heard, we are also telling you, so that you too may realize and enjoy fellowship as partners and partakers with us. And [this] fellowship that we have [which is a distinguishing mark of Christians] is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ (the Messiah). – 1 John 1:3, The Amplified Bible

Man is something really special. He is made in the image of God. He is made to have fellowship with God.

Some people get the idea that God made man so He’d have someone to dominate. But God is not a dominator. God is love and love needs to have someone to give to. That’s why God made man. He made him, so He could give him His love.

God could have given His love to the angels, and He did that. But giving to angels didn’t provide total fulfillment. Why? Because angels aren’t made in His image.

You’re the same way. Let’s say, for example, you have a puppy as a pet. You can fellowship with that little pet just so much, but then there comes a time when you need someone to talk to. There comes a time when you need to have communication on your own level.

The reason you’re like that is because you’re created in the image of God. That’s how He is. He has a desire to fellowship with someone like Himself.

Dare to believe you’re something really special today—a one-of-a-kind creation made by God in His very own image. Dare to receive His love and dare to love Him back!

Scripture Reading: Genesis 1:26-31

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 Fighter’s Spirit [Monday September 18, 2017]

Scripture: Then answered one of the servants, and said, Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, that is cunning in playing, and a mighty valiant man, and a man of war, and prudent in matters, and a comely person, and the Lord is with him. 1 Samuel 16:18.

Thought For The Day: The fighting spirit is the spirit that runs after lions while others run from them.

Previously, we identified passion for God’s presence as one of the secrets of attracting God’s presence. We saw the passion of David and how God was attracted to him through his deep longing and passion for God’s Presence.

Furthermore, we also identified a life of prayer, fasting and worship as vital ingredients in generating passion for God.

To attract the Anointing of God on a person’s life, developing a fighter’s spirit is another key.

From our anchor scripture, David was called a man of war by the servants of Saul when there was no record of the war he had fought at that time. This was because he already had a fighting spirit in him even when there was no war to fight.

The fighting spirit is the spirit that does not give up on an issue; it is the spirit that runs after lions when others run from them. It is the spirit that lives in the realm of risk.

When you have this spirit, what people fear is what you dare. When God sees a fighter, He releases the anointing because one key purpose of the mantle is to handle battles.

Remember this: The fighting spirit is the spirit that runs after lions when others run from them.

Assignment(s):

1. Develop a fighter’s spirit.

2. Make up your mind not to give up on an issue until you see a turnaround or have a breakthrough.

Prayer: O LORD, I ask for the fighter’s spirit. Help me never to give up on any issue, LORD, in Jesus’ Name.

FOR FURTHER UNDERSTANDING, GET THIS MESSAGE: MAXIMIZING YOUR LIFE.

Amazing Fact: Children laugh about 400 times a day, while adults laugh on average only 15 times a day

Today In History: 18/09/1709 – The creator of the first dictionary of the English language, Samuel Johnson, was born in England

Daily Reading: Isaiah 23:14 to 30:11, Galatians 3:23 to 4:31, Psalm 62:1 to 12, Proverbs 23:19 to 21

Quote: If you do not like the level where you are, you do not fly from there, you fight from there. Culled from 30 SECRETS TO THE TOP by Dr Paul Enenche.

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: Watch the Conductor — Monday September 18, 2017.

Read: Hebrews 12:1–3, Bible in a Year: Proverbs 30–31; 2 Corinthians 11:1–15

Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. – Hebrews 12:1–2

World-renowned violinist, Joshua Bell, has an unusual way of leading the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, a forty-four-member chamber orchestra. Instead of waving a baton he directs while playing his Stradivarius with the other violinists. Bell told Colorado Public Radio, “Even while I’m playing I can give them all kinds of direction and signals that I think only they would understand at this point. They know by every little dip in my violin, or raise in my eyebrow, or the way I draw the bow. They know the sound I’m looking for from the entire orchestra.”

Just as the orchestra members watch Joshua Bell, the Bible instructs us to keep our eyes on Jesus our Lord. After listing many heroes of the faith in Hebrews 11, the writer says, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith”  (Heb. 12:1–2).

Jesus promised, “I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matt. 28:20). Because He is, we have the amazing privilege of keeping our eyes on Him while He conducts the music of our lives.

Prayer: Lord, our eyes look to You this day so we may follow Your direction and live in harmony with You.

Let us keep our eyes on Jesus our Savior as He directs our lives.

Insight:

Have you ever walked away from a parent, teacher, coach, or military officer you thought was being too hard on you?

The men and women of faith listed in Hebrews 11 must have wondered at times whether their God was asking more of them than they could possibly give. Yet through doubt, personal failure, and unfulfilled dreams, the Bible gives all of them honorable mention—as witnesses to the faith that has been entrusted to us.

Now it’s our turn. When we face fears, we have the opportunity to follow the One who asks us to trust Him in a way that lifts us above own natural inclinations. This is a moment to remember the lingering witness of Jesus’s own disciples who so often heard the words, “Don’t be afraid.” From the stories of those who have gone before us, we are reminded that it was on a road of faith that Jesus and His witnesses suffered to bring others to God.

Jesus invites us to experience for ourselves the honor of being witnesses to His faithfulness even when we struggle to trust Him.

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

Topic — Restitution: Evidence of Salvation II — Monday 18, September 2017.

Memorise: Then said Paul, I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest: for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people.  – Act 23:5

Read: Acts 23:1-5 (KJV)

1 And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.

2 And the high priest Ananias commanded them that stood by him to smite him on the mouth.

3 Then said Paul unto him, God shall smite thee, thou whited wall: for sittest thou to judge me after the law, and commandest me to be smitten contrary to the law?

4 And they that stood by said, Revilest thou God’s high priest?

5 Then said Paul, I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest: for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people.

Bible in One Year: Ezra 4-6, Ezekiel 42:15-43:12, Hymn: Sing hymn 14 – Take My Life

MESSAGE:

A sign that confirms whether or not you have experienced genuine salvation is your willingness to make restitution with your fellow men. When you are genuinely saved, the Spirit of Jesus Christ in you will motivate you to right your wrongs and undo your evil deeds. An elderly judge once attended one of our meetings at the Sheraton Hotels, Ikeja (Lagos), and he gave his life to Christ. On his way home after the programme, he just could not contain himself. There was a person he quarrelled with several years before, and he had a burning urge to resolve the dispute; so right from the venue of our programme, he went straight to the house of the person in order to settle the matter. Did you say you are saved, but you still hold grudges, have bitterness and manifest an unforgiving spirit? Please examine yourself to be sure you are truly in Christ.

Similarly, there was a particular king in Ogun State, Nigeria. For several months, I went to preach to him and he would tell me “Before your mother married your father, I have been going to church.” He would show me a Bible that Queen Victoria gave to his grandfather. Repeatedly, I said to him, “Your royal highness, that is not what I am talking about. I am asking you to repent of your sins and surrender your life to Jesus Christ.” Then one day, he yielded and gave his life to Jesus. By that time, he had not seen his wife for years, due to a disagreement they had. Within days of giving his life to Christ, he promptly contacted her, and they resolved their differences. You cannot be genuinely saved and refuse to restitute.

In what areas would you need to make restitution today? If you stole anything from anybody, return it or pay for its replacement if it’s lost. If you bore false witness against somebody, go and uncover the truth. Have you fraudulently acquired your academic certificate? Go and restitute. If you have stolen another person’s passport and impersonated the fellow, using the passport to move around, go and restitute. Are you a second or third wife to a man, or have you as a man married two or more wives? You are living in adultery. Make restitution! Have you received payment for a contract which you did not execute? Go and return the money! Have you been falsifying records and stealing money through that? Go and restitute. If you have tough cases, seek counselling from a pastor in a true Bible-believing church. Also, ask God to help you. If you really want to obey God, He will definitely make a way for you.

Key Point: Salvation straightens your crooked paths with God, while restitution strengthens your crooked paths with men.

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

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