Topic: The Resurrection Power – Tuesday September 19, 2017.

Matthew 22:23 “The same day came to him the Sadducees, which say that there is no resurrection, and asked him,”

Text: Matthew 22:23

The Greek word used here for resurrection means “a standing or rising up.” The resurrection is a major theme of New Testament teaching. Out of the 13 sermons in the book of Acts, 11 stress or simply mention the resurrection.

Man consists of three parts – a spirit, a soul, and a body (1 Th. 5:23). The body is mortal while the spirit and soul are immortal. At death, man’s body goes through the decomposition process and returns to its original elements.

At the resurrection, man’s departed soul and spirit are called forth from either heaven or hell. The material elements of the body are raised up, reassembled, and united with the spirit and soul. Thus we have the complete personality of the individual reconstituted. Everyone will be resurrected – some to life, and some to damnation.

The hope of the believer is the resurrection unto life. The natural, earthly, terrestrial, corrupt, weak, mortal, vile body is said to be raised, changed and fashioned into a spiritual, heavenly, celestial, incorrupt, glorious, powerful, and immortal body. This is the completion of everything that has been purchased for us in Christ.

Paul said in 1 Corinthians 15:12-17 that if there is no resurrection, then our faith is vain and we are yet in our sins. It is the resurrected life of Jesus that brings spiritual life into us and the resurrection of the body that brings physical regeneration, reconstituting us into the very image of God. The transformation from this physical condition to our glorified bodies will be a huge difference, but the power of God can accomplish it easily. If the Lord can work that miracle, then surely, He can heal our bodies and free us from other bondages.

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: Change Yourself, Change the World [Tuesday September 19, 2017]

Every one of us shall give account of himself to God. — Romans 14:12

I do not quarrel with Karl Marx’s statement that “religion is the opiate of the people.” I never try to defend religion. Religion has spawned wars. Many so-called religious people have been characterized by prejudice, pride, bickering, and even tolerance for slavery. However, I would call you to a simple faith in Jesus, who said, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Are you really concerned? Are you disappointed with society? If you are, I challenge you to take the first step. I challenge you to look at yourself.

Prayer for the day: Forgive me, for so often failing to love my neighbor. May my life speak to others of Your love and compassion, Lord Jesus Christ.

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: A Word About Angels [Tuesday September 19, 2017]

For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. – Psalm 91:11

It’s time to set the record straight. Angels are not kid stuff. They’re not little fat babies with long blonde hair and bows and arrows in their hands. Angels are big, strong warriors. They are real. They are powerful. And if you are a believer, they are a vital part of your life.

We see examples of what angels can do all through the Bible. For instance, when the children of Israel were fleeing from Egypt with Pharaoh’s army hot on their heels, the Bible tells us that suddenly the wheels on the Egyptians’ chariots got fouled up. They just quit rolling!

Who do you think caused that? The angels, of course!

They haven’t retired since then either. Angels are at work today just as they’ve always been.

A few years ago in one of Israel’s major wars, the enemy had their guns trained on Israeli cities. Those guns were the finest military equipment money could buy. They had a range of at least 20 miles and were equipped with electronic gun sights for accuracy.

But something very odd happened. Every time they fired those guns at the Israelis, they either overshot or fell far short of their targets. We know there was nothing wrong with the guns because later the Israelis captured them and fired them back at the enemy with perfect success.

What happened? Angels, that’s what!

My friend, that isn’t just a fairy tale. That’s a real-life example of the involvement of angels in the lives of God’s people today. And, if you’re a child of God, you have a right to expect God’s angels to do the same kind of things for you.

So, start expecting! Say, “Thank You, heavenly Father, for giving Your angels charge over me to keep me in all my ways.” Once you’ve spoken that word of faith, stand fast. Don’t fear. Don’t waver. Just be patient and keep believing, and you will surely see the salvation of the Lord.

Scripture Reading: Acts 12:1-17

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: Jehovah Rapha; Mender Of Lives And Destinies [Tuesday September 19, 2017]

Scripture: ‘..but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.’ Daniel 11:32

Thought For The Day: God has the capacity to suture a future that is ruptured.

It is very clear from God’s word that what a person knows determines what He or she can show. Understanding is key to an outstanding life. Many people are living below average, not because they were created by God to be like that but because they lack understanding.

One fundamental knowledge or understanding a man needs on earth is the knowledge of God (Daniel 12:30).

It is very important to know that God is everything to us in life. One of His treasured names is Jehovah Rapha.

What does this mean? Jehovah Rapha means God is your Mender, Repairer or Tailor. This means that God has the capacity to suture the future that is ruptured. He is the Lord God your Tailor.

A young man testified some time ago that his father and mother had been separated for about 18 years and he was in the service when the word of knowledge about his family came. Not too long after, he came back to testify that after 18 years of separation, the marriage was sutured and his parents were back together.

Only Jehovah can do such a thing.

Beloved, I prophesy that Jehovah Rapha will suture your life, marriage, destiny, finances, business, or physical body in the name of Jesus.

Remember this: God has the capacity to suture a future that is ruptured.

Assignment(s):

1. Ask God to suture every ruptured part of your life.

2. Submit and surrender to the suturing power of God.

Prayer: O LORD, suture every ruptured part of my life and destiny in Jesus’ Name.

FOR FURTHER UNDERSTANDING, GET THIS MESSAGE: JEHOVAH RAPHA.

Daily Reading: Isaiah 3012 to 33:9, Galatians 5:1 to 12, Psalm 62:1 to 11, Proverbs 23:23.

Amazing Fact: The surface area of the lungs is roughly the same size as a tennis court

Today In History: 19/09/1957 – The U.S. conducted its first underground nuclear test. The test took place in the Nevada desert.

Quote: God delivers those who trust in Him…So, if you can trust, you should expect protection and security….Culled from 15 KINGDOM STRATEGIES FOR SURVIVAL 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: The Best Portion of All — Tuesday September 19, 2017.

Read: Psalm 73:21–28, Bible in a Year: Ecclesiastes 1–3; 2 Corinthians 11:16–33

I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation. Philippians 4:12

“His piece is bigger than mine!”

When I was a boy my brothers and I would sometimes bicker about the size of the piece of homemade pie mom served us. One day Dad observed our antics with a lifted eyebrow, and smiled at Mom as he lifted his plate: “Please just give me a piece as big as your heart.” My brothers and I watched in stunned silence as Mom laughed and offered him the largest portion of all.

If we focus on others’ possessions, jealousy too often results. Yet God’s Word lifts our eyes to something of far greater worth than earthly possessions. The psalmist writes, “You are my portion, Lord; I have promised to obey your words. I have sought your face with all my heart” (Ps. 119:57–58). Inspired by the Holy Spirit, the writer conveyed the truth that nothing matters more than closeness to God.

What better portion could we have than our loving and limitless Creator? Nothing on earth can compare with Him, and nothing can take Him away from us. Human longing is an expansive void; one may have “everything” in the world and still be miserable. But when God is our source of happiness, we are truly content. There’s a space within us only God can fill. He alone can give us the peace that matches our hearts.

Prayer: Loving Lord, thank You that nothing and no one can meet my every need like You can.

When we are His, He is ours, forever.

You have made us for yourself, Lord. Our hearts are restless until they can find rest in You. Augustine of Hippo

Insight:

In Philippians 4:12, the key verse for today, the apostle Paul says he’s learned the secret of being content. Yet for Paul, life wasn’t easy—especially life as an evangelist. In another letter written by him, Paul lists the many trials he faced: five times he was brutally whipped, three times beaten with rods, and once pelted with stones. He was in danger at sea and on land, was imprisoned several times, and often went without sleep or food (see 2 Cor. 11:23–27). How could Paul be content in such difficult circumstances? What was his “secret”? He wrote, “I can do all this through him who gives me strength” (Phil. 4:13). Because of the strength God gave him, Paul could be content “whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want” (v. 12).

Do you struggle with contentment? Ask God to give you the strength to be content in your situation.

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

Topic: What The King Told The Gypsy [Monday 18 September, 2017]

(2 Kings 5:15-27).

A King once met a gypsy ( Member of a group of Shepherds based in Europe who are actually Hindus) on horseback on the way home from a journey and the gypsy asked him: “On what account would you prefer to lose your kingship?” The King replied: “On account of wine or women and not because of money.” “Why?”asked the gypsy and the King replied sharply: “Because losing my crown for the sake of money will make me look like a thief.” To the king, a thief is more intolerable than a drunk and a flirt, but as far as God is concerned, on no account should you fall because no evil is more tolerable than the other. Sin is sin and has no category! God wants you to use today’s devotional to answer the questions: “What can make you fall? What is making you to fall?”

Hear Saint Augustine: “The man who lives according to God, owes a perfect hatred to evil men; not that he should hate the man on account of his fault, nor love the fault because of the man.” Get the message: You must hate that weakness and not yourself. Samson fell by women! David, by a woman! Gehazi fell by money! Judas by money! Moses fell by the effect of pride and anger; Lucifer fell by the effect of pride!

Deal with whatever can make you fall or is making you to fall. Robert Wilensky wrote: “No man chooses evil because it evil; he only mistakes it for the happiness, the good he seeks.” That weakness if not conquered can become your window of tears because sin fascinates, then assassinate!

THE LAGOS MOUNTAIN SEPTEMBER ANOINTING SERVICES AT LEKKI On Sunday September 24th. TIME: 7:00am. THEME: SATANIC EMBARRASSMENT MUST STOP. (Bring your oil & any point of contact. I shall lay hands on you and your oil). VENUE: Oando or Chisco B/Stop, Besides Oando Filling Station, Lekki, Lagos. Call: +234-706-3324-784, +234-909-0393-966 for more information.

Prayer Points: Take Song 2: Stand up for Jesus Christ……..

1. Thank God for today’s word and pray as you are led!

2. Ask for the grace to overcome that weak area of your life now.

3. Pray the prayers for self control on page 15 of this booklet today for the next seven days.

4. Lord, keep me from this persistent temptation (Mention it).

5. Pray against setbacks and non-achievement concerning your life and ministry. Uproot stagnation.

6. Pray any other prayer(s) as led.

By Bishop (Dr) Chris E. Kwakpovwe (Cek)
Publisher/Writer Of ODM And

Rev (Mrs) Flora E. Kwakpovwe (Fek)
Co-Publisher/Writer Of ODM.

Topic: Mystery For Mystery [Monday September 18, 2017]

It takes spiritual intervention to tackles spiritual interference.

You cannot escape mysterious reproach except you give life a mysterious approach.

When you are confronted with a mysterious issue, do not wander and watch when you are faced with mysterious situation, phase it out by employing mysterious approach.

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).