Topic: Requirements For Gaining Knowledge [Wednesday September 19, 2017]

You must long for it – Prov.2:1-5

Desire to cut off from the old and enter into the new.

Until you are tired with the present you cannot get the future.

Until you sharply react against the old, you cannot enter the new.

Be prepared to purchase it – Prov 23:23; 11 Tim 2:15

Knowledge is never free. There is a price tag on it.

Buy the truth and sell it not

Money, time, energy etc. are all the price to pay.

Topic: Leading a Holy Life — Wednesday September 20, 2017.

Text: 2 Corinthians 6:16-18 (NIV) and 2Corinthians 7:1 (NIV)

What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God … “Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you. I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord.” Since we have these promises … let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.

The power to live a holy life stems from our understanding that in Christ, God has saved us from the power of sin and He has also made us holy in Christ. Our faith in what Christ has done for us purifies our hearts, Acts 15:9. Our understanding of the mercies of God should compel us to present ourselves to God as living sacrifices that are holy and acceptable unto Him, Rom.12:1. The grace of God is not supposed to allow us to continue in sin, but to make us victorious over all sin. Nobody that really understands the grace of God will desire to continue living in sin. He or she understands that God does not forgive us so that we continue in sin; we are forgiven so that we will fear or reverence Him (Psa.130:4) and as such, pursue holiness out of this reverence, as our text above says.

The only reason some believers are not leading holy lives is because they do not believe that it is possible to live holy. Remember that God is able to make all grace abound towards you so that you, always having all sufficiency in all things and at all times, can abound unto every good work, 2Cor.9:8. In Christ, God has given us all that pertains to life and godliness (2Pet.1:3) so we have the ability to live holy just like God. If we are willing to reach out to God for His grace in our time of temptation, He will surely grant it to us abundantly.

By the grace of God, you can say no to sin and can lay aside every weight that has been holding you down, Heb.12:1. By the grace of God, you will live victoriously above sin.

Prayer: I thank you, dear Father for the abundant grace that You have given me to lead a holy life and to live victoriously over sin.
 
Bible In One Year Reading Plan:  Ecclesiastes 4-6; 2 Corinthians 12

Empowered to do Exploits…

CGMI Above Only Daily Devotional, was written by Most Rev. M.E. Benson-Idahosa, Archbishop of Church of God Mission International, CGMI.

Topic: Understanding our redemptive rights to total health!

The Word of God is the principal Balm in Gilead for our total health and it is full of the prescriptions of the Great Physician. As it is written: He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions (Psalms 107:20). We also understand from scriptures that Jesus is the living Word: In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God (John1:1). The living Word is the only authentic source of answers to impossible questions concerning our health. This means whatever the Word prescribes is Jesus’ prescription for our healing.

Furthermore, we must understand that there are no scientific or medical solutions to satanic/spiritual oppressions. No scientific physician can deliver from spiritual oppression, no matter his expertise. For instance, the Bible records that the woman with the issue of blood had spent all her money on physicians for twelve years but was not healed because it was an oppression of the devil. However, when she encountered the healing virtue of Jesus, that oppression ceased and she was made whole immediately (Luke 8:43).

In Luke 13:11-13, we saw a woman plagued by the “spirit of infirmity”, which literarily means sickness, for 18 years. When Jesus said to her, “Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity,” she was made whole instantly. Furthermore, King Asa was plagued with a disease in his foot. It was a clear oppression but he sought solution from a wrong source. As a result, he died of that affliction (2 Chronicles 16:12-13).

It is important to know that Jesus, the Great Physician, is the only One who has authentic answers to the oppression of the devil in our lives; including the spirit of infirmity.  That is, there is no sickness or disease without an answer with Jesus. We either find solution from Jesus or keep searching for it forever. However, it is important to understand our right to total health because it will establish our stand when challenged, and fortify our confidence to be in command (Proverbs 24:5; Daniel 11:32). Nevertheless, it takes an in-depth knowledge of God’s provision on any issue, before we can be truly be confident to pursue same.

Therefore, let’s examine our redemptive rights to total health.

By redemption, we share eternal life with God which is immune to all sicknesses and diseases: At new birth, we were translated from the realm of human life to eternal life. ‘Eternal life’ means the God-kind of life or divine life. That makes us divinity in human flesh, which also connotes our dominion over life’s situations; including sicknesses and diseases which cannot be found in divinity. Therefore, whatever cannot survive in Jesus cannot operate in our bodies (Romans 6:23). Moreover, we are redeemed to be far from oppression, which includes sicknesses and diseases, because we are seated with Christ in heavenly places (Isaiah 54:14; Ephesians 1:21, 2:6).

By the Holy Ghost that dwells in us, we are spiritually empowered to enjoy divine health: Our right to total health in redemption is also established by the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, which quickens our mortal bodies to healthy living. As it is written: But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you (Romans 8:11). At new birth, our spirit-man came alive and began to fellowship with the Spirit of God, who we were equipped with in a measure. Remember, the Bible says that the Holy Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are the children of God (Romans 8:16).

Furthermore, one of the principal prescriptions of the Great Physician is the mystery of the ‘Anointing Oil.’ Concerning Jesus, the Bible records: And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits… And they went out, and preached that men should repent. And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them (Mark 6:7, 12-13). Jesus gave them the oil and called it power. That power has the capacity to heal our bodies of every sickness and disease. David was anointed with oil and the Spirit of the Lord came upon him. That means inside the oil dwells the presence of the Holy Spirit. When we take a shot of the oil, the Holy Ghost goes through our bodies, sweeps it clean and burns the chaff of sickness, and disease, thereby establishing our liberty from every torture of life (Matthew 3:11-12; 1 Samuel 16:13).

Let’s recognise that though God’s Word is the principal balm for our total health, it is putting the prescriptions of the Word to work that guarantees our healing. The prescriptions of God’s Word are not scriptures to quote but instructions to obey. This is because it is not the scriptures we quote that work but the one we apply. Remember that Jesus gave His disciples the oil and called it power. Yet, they had to put the power to use before healings erupted. This is why faith is not just believing God; rather, it is putting God’s Word to work to prove that we believe Him so He can make good His promise (James 2:18).

In conclusion, at new birth, our health issues were settled eternally; for if the Son shall make you free, you shall be free indeed (John 8:36). This makes new birth a vital requirement that qualifies us for wholeness. Are you born again? If you are not, this is an opportunity to do so. Simply say the following prayer: Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me my sins. Cleanse me with Your precious Blood. Today, I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Thank You Jesus for saving me! Now I know I am born again!”

For further reading, please get my books: Keys to Divine Health, The Healing Balm, The Miracle Meal and Fulfilling Your Days. I invite you to come and fellowship with us at the Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, the covenant home of Winners. We have five services on Sundays, holding at 6:00 a.m., 7:35 a.m., 9:10 a.m., 10:45 a.m. and 12:20 p.m. respectively. I know this teaching has blessed you. Write and share your testimony with me through: Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, P.M.B. 21688, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria; or call 01-4548070, 01-4548280; or E-mail: [email protected].

Topic: The Oldest Workman Of God [Wednesday 20, September 2017]

Memorise: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” – John 1:1

Read: Proverbs 8:22-35

22 The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old.

23 I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was.

24 When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water.

25 Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth:

26 While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world.

27 When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth:

28 When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep:

29 When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth:

30 Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him;

31 Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were with the sons of men.

32 Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed are they that keep my ways.

33 Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not.

34 Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.

35 For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD.

Bible In One Year: Amos 5-9. Hymn: Sing Hymn 5 – Oh Spread The Tiding Round

MESSAGE:

The very first indication of God’s work in creation is recorded in the book of Genesis 1. The oldest workman of God would therefore be referring to a person involved in the activities at the beginning of all things (Proverbs 8:22-23).

The oldest worker of God is the person of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Bible says that the Almighty God possessed Jesus in the beginning, before His works of old. This is a mystery. He was with God in the beginning of creation. His excellent knowledge and perfect wisdom is visibly evident everywhere in creation. The Heaven declare His glory, and His perfect creativity is revealed in nature; the beautiful landscape, waterfalls, mountains, valleys, and all the rivers in their places; the beautiful flowers and birds that sing, all the small and great animals of the earth, and the abundant life under the seas; the moon, the stars and the heavenly hosts, the appointed seasons, all these are wonders of His creation. Our Lord Jesus is great in power and excellent in glory, may His Name be praised forever.

Prayer Point: Father, I thank You for a beautiful world, and a magnificent universe.

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: God Is Faithful — Wednesday September 20, 2017.

Text: Joshua 13:24-33

Key Verse: “These are the countries which Moses did distribute for inheritance in the plains of Moab, on the other side Jordan, by Jericho, eastward” (Joshua 13:32).

After hundreds of years have passed, the promise God made to Abraham that his seed would one day inherit the land of Canaan eventually came to pass. Though their unbelief delayed their journey for another forty years in the wilderness, God still kept His promise and brought them to the land flowing with milk and honey.

There were still territories to be captured and numerous enemy enclaves to be conquered and destroyed but Israel had, nevertheless, gained general control of the land. The major battles had been won, the overthrow of pockets of resistance in different territories would be left to each of the individual tribes to whom that territory was allocated. The actual allocation of the land, although carried out by Joshua, was ultimately determined by God Himself by means of the lot, most probably using the Urim and Thummin.

The distribution of the territories and the allocation of each portion was done in a transparent way. Territories already allocated to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half tribe of Manasseh were maintained. They were to have their inheritance in the plains of Moab, on the other side Jericho eastward. They eventually returned to their inheritance after all other tribes got their allocation. Again, the Lord fulfilled the promise to allow them have their inheritance on this side Jordan because the land was suitable for their cattle.

No matter how long it takes, God’s promise to settle His children will eventually come to pass. It is important for every one of us to bear in mind that no matter what happens, God remains faithful to every word He has spoken. The picture of the various tribes of Israel entering into their inheritance is an encouragement to every weary pilgrim of Christ today. Just remain faithful and true to God and He won’t fail you.

Thought for the day: God’s faithfulness is as constant as the northern star.

Bible Reading in one Year: Numbers 31-32

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: The Word Is Reliable — Wednesday September 20, 2017.

‘’Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.’’ (Psalms119:160 KJV)

The world we live in today is changing very fast. The only thing that has not changed and is still constant is the word of God. Every other thing will fail, but not the word. Remember that God’s word to Moses was ‘Go Forward’ and for as long as he heeded to what God said he had victory. God never starts anything without his word. Whenever God wants to do anything on the earth, he sends his word ahead of time and that settles it. The Psalmist says in Psalms 119:89 (KJV) ‘’For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven.’’

That is why you must take a quality decision to stake your life only on the errorless, impregnable and authoritative word of God. One vital decision you must take even as we approach October, our month of consecration, is to always sit at the feet of the Master. As we climax the age, evil will increase and the devil, like a roaring lion, is still in the business of looking for those whom he may devour.

Sitting at the feet of the Master should not just be a mere desire, but you must work at it. That is why you should not choose the services to attend or play church. When you skip services for every flimsy reason, you will not be fully equipped to function like you are supposed to. The amount of the word you have determines the amount of revelation that you can function with. When you refuse to feed on the word, you will definitely function like a servant even though you are a son. Take advantage of your position in Christ, and you will always come out victorious.

When next the enemy comes around, confront him with what is written in the word. Remind him that you are a joint heir with Christ and let him know that the Greater One lives in you and he will flee from you. Beloved, whatever cannot touch Christ cannot touch you.

Further Reading: Hebrews 4:12

Daily Bible Reading: Morning- Ecclesiastes 4-6; Evening- 2 Corinthians 12

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.

Jet lag is a really uncomfortable phenomenon for most air travelers, especially the frequent ones. However, there are a few helpful tips that can help ease the sometimes unavoidable effects of jet lag on the body. Jumia Travel, the leading online travel agency, shares 4 helpful tips to ease jet lag.

Avoid Alcohol and Caffeine

The air inside airplanes is quite dry, as a result, it leaves your skin stretched and dry. It is therefore necessary to drink enough water to keep your hydration levels at a healthy point. However, consuming alcohol or caffeine especially during a flight dehydrates you and makes it more difficult for your body to adjust to new time zones, which worsens jet lag.

Adjust Your Sleep and Eating Schedules

Do this for like a week or a few days before your flight, this gives your body a better chance to adjust to the impending changes. If you’re traveling east, go to bed an hour earlier each night for two to three days before your flight. If you’re traveling west, go to bed an hour later for two to three days too. You should also try to adjust your eating schedules so you have your meals closer to the time you will be eating them at your destination.

Sleep Well Before Your Flight

You should try to get several nights of good sleep in the days leading up to your flight, so you don’t end up sleep deprived when you board the plane because this just makes jet lag worse. To ease jet lag, it is important to maintain a regular sleep schedule or routine in the days leading up to your flight, so it’s easier for your body to deal with jetlag.

Do Light Exercise During the Flight

Sitting at the same spot for hours is enough to make anyone cranky, so try to avoid this by standing up and walking in the aisle of the plane (from time to time) to serve as a light exercise to help move your joints. You can also do some light stretching while in the aisle, such as standing side stretches. Moving your body can help to improve your blood circulation and it can also help you sleep more easily, especially if you go for a short walk before you sleep.

By Damilola Ojo
PR Associate Jumia Travel
+2348101556883

Topic: The Heart of Compassion [Wednesday September 20, 2017]

Scripture: And David spake to the men that stood by him, saying, What shall be done to the man that killeth this Philistine, and taketh away the reproach from Israel? for who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God? 1 Samuel 17:26

Thought For The Day: A heart of a deliverer makes you to be passionate after the welfare of people.

In our previous studies, we have been highlighting the secrets of David and why God anointed him. We saw that passion for God’s presence and a fighter’s spirit are some of the reasons he was anointed by God.

Additionally, the heart of compassion was another secret and reason God anointed David.

David rescued Israel from the hands of Goliath and the Philistines because of his compassionate heart; a heart of a deliverer (1 Samuel 17:26).

A heart of a deliverer makes you to be passionate about the welfare of people. It makes you to be passionate about rescuing people; when you see people suffering or are in pains, it hurts you. You are moved when people are under the bondage of poverty and other afflictions of the enemy.

The heart of a deliverer made Jesus to go about doing good and healing all manner of sicknesses and delivering the oppressed of the devil (Acts 10:38).

Beloved, develop a compassionate heart for people in order to proffer and offer the solutions to their problems. This is the point where a man contacts the anointing.

Remember this: A heart of a deliverer makes you to be passionate after the welfare of people.

Assignment(s):

1. Ask God for the impartation of a compassionate heart.

2. Be concerned about the welfare of people.

Prayer: I ask O LORD, for increased manifestation of the inexplicable, the incredible, the incredulous and the incomprehensible in my life. Give me a compassionate heart towards people, in Jesus’ Name.

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

Amazing Fact: Laughing lowers levels of stress hormones and strengthens the immune system.

Today In History: 20/09/1977 – The first of the “boat people” arrived in San Francisco from Southeast Asia under a new U.S. resettlement program.

Daily Reading: Isaiah 33:10 to 36:22, Galatians 5:13 to 26, Psalm 64:1 to 10, Proverbs 23:23.

Quote: Nothing works where love is not at work. Culled from REASON FOR LIVING 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: Let’s Finish the Race — Wednesday September 20, 2017.

Read: Ecclesiastes 4:9–12, Bible in a Year: Ecclesiastes 4–6; 2 Corinthians 12

Two are better than one . . . . If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. Ecclesiastes 4:9–10

In the 2016 Rio Olympics, two athletes in the 5,000-meter race caught the world’s attention. About 3,200 meters into the race, New Zealander Nikki Hamblin and American Abbey D’Agostino collided and fell. Abbey was quickly up on her feet, but stopped to help Nikki. Moments after the two athletes had started running again, Abbey began faltering, her right leg injured as a result of the fall. It was now Nikki’s turn to stop and encourage her fellow athlete to finish the race. When Abbey eventually stumbled across the finish line, Nikki was waiting to embrace her. What a beautiful picture of mutual encouragement!

It reminds me of a passage in the Bible: “Two are better than one . . . . If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up” (Eccl. 4:9–10). As runners in a spiritual race, we need one another—perhaps even more so, for we are not racing in competition with each other but as members of the same team. There’ll be moments where we falter and need someone to pick us up; at other times, someone may need our encouragement through our prayers or presence.

The spiritual race is not to be run alone. Is God leading you to be a Nikki or Abbey in someone’s life? Respond to His prompting today, and let’s finish the race!

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for the encouragement of fellow believers to help me on my journey. Help me to look for ways to encourage others.

We need each other to get where God wants us to go.

Insight:

Ecclesiastes is a very unusual book. For much of this inspired text, life is examined without God in the picture (1:2). Although the book concludes with moral admonitions (see 12:1–8), the majority of the book has almost a secular feel to it. Yet because King Solomon the Wise is its author, remarkable principles of life surface. Today’s reading blesses the reader with insights on the benefits of meaningful relationships. The journey of life is not to be walked alone but benefits from mutual support of another.

Can you recall a time when God used someone to help you carry your load? Dennis Fisher

This message was written By Poh Fang Chia [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]

Topic: Time to Get Serious [Wednesday September 20, 2017]

O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee…. I [will] remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches. – Psalm 63:1,6

If you’re going to live in divine health, there are going to be times when you’ll have to be downright extreme about the Word of God. Times when you may be facing a sickness so severe that you need more than just a few moments in the Word and a quick prayer to receive your healing.

I want to tell you, in very practical terms, what I would do in a situation like that.

The moment I woke up in the morning, before I did anything else, I’d take Communion. I’d say, “Lord, I dedicate my body all day today to the service of my Lord Jesus Christ. I take Jesus’ pure blood shed for me.”

Then I’d put the devil in his place. I’d say, “I rebuke you, Satan. You’re not going to put any sickness and disease on me today. Regardless of the symptoms, regardless of what my body thinks about it, by the power of Jesus through His Spirit, I have overcome this sickness because He who is within me is greater than he who is in the world.”

Then, all day long, I’d thank God for my healing. I’d choose some teaching tapes that would fill my mind and my spirit with the anointed Word of God, and I’d listen to them throughout the day. In the afternoon, I’d praise God and receive Communion again to remind myself that the blood of Jesus is in my veins, that I’m part of God’s family.

You don’t have to wait until the second Sunday of each month or whatever to receive Communion. Jesus just said, “This do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me” (1 Corinthians 11:25). And if you’re facing a serious attack of the devil, you need to remember Jesus all day and all night. You need to consider Jesus until thoughts of Him push the thoughts of that sickness right out of your mind.

That night before bed I’d receive Communion again, then I’d praise myself to sleep. If I woke up in the night, I’d reach over and get my Bible and read all the healing scriptures and make the devil sorry he woke me.

When the devil launches a serious attack against your body, don’t mess around. Get serious about the Word. Put yourself under its constant care and it will take good care of you.

Scripture Reading: Hebrews 4:9-16

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.