Topic: The Madness of the Gospel [Saturday September 16, 2017]

We preach Christ crucified . . . — 1 Corinthians 1:23

One of the great needs in the church today is for every Christian to become enthusiastic about his faith in Jesus Christ. This is the essence of vital spiritual experience. The apostles had been with Christ, and they could not help but testify to that which they had seen and heard. Every Christian should become an ambassador of Christ with the splendid abandon of Francis of Assisi. Every Christian should be so intoxicated with Christ and so filled with holy fervor that nothing could ever quench his ardor.

The Gospel that Paul preached seemed madness to the world of his day. Let us have this madness! Let us capture some of the magnificent obsession that these early Christians had! Let us go forth as men and women filled with the Spirit of God!

Prayer for the day: Create in me, Lord, the abandonment to reach out unreservedly with the message of Your love.

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: Righteousness Depends On God, Not On Self – Saturday September 16, 2017.

Matthew 21:28-30 “But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard. He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went. And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not.”

Topic: Matthew 21:23-24; Mark 11:27-33; 12:1-2; Luke 20:1-9

This parable was given in response to the religious leaders rejecting Jesus’ authority. Through this parable, Jesus reveals God’s rejection of the Jews in response to their rejection of His Son. Jesus is showing that those who do the will of God are actually the ones invested with God’s authority.

These leaders had a form of godliness like this second son, but they were not doing the will of God. The publicans and harlots had no form of godliness, but when confronted with the preaching of John, many of them repented and began to do the will of God like the first son in the story.

These religious Jews, who sat in the seat of Moses, disqualified themselves from being God’s representatives here on earth, because of their hypocrisy and hard hearts. Even the publicans and harlots, who repented at John’s preaching, were ahead of them. There is no sin more frequent among religious people than that of self-righteousness; that is to honor the Lord with the mouth when the heart is far from Him.

These sinners were entering the kingdom of God ahead of the very religious Jews because they knew they were sinners and they put their faith in a Savior. One of the deadliest things about religious self-righteousness is the deception that we will be saved because of our good deeds. We cannot save ourselves regardless of how good we act. Who wants to be the best sinner that ever was sent to Hell?

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: Anger Management— Saturday September 16, 2017.

Read: Ephesians 4:15, 26–32, Bible in a Year: Proverbs 25–26; 2 Corinthians 9

In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry. Ephesians 4:26

As I had dinner with a friend, she expressed how fed up she was with a particular family member. But she was reluctant to say anything to him about his annoying habit of ignoring or mocking her. When she did try to confront him about the problem, he responded with sarcastic remarks. She exploded in anger at him. Both parties wound up digging in their heels, and the family rift widened.

I can relate, because I handle anger the same way. I also have a hard time confronting people. If a friend or family member says something mean, I usually suppress how I feel until that person or someone else comes along and says or does something else mean. After a while, I explode.

Maybe that’s why the apostle Paul in Ephesians 4:26 said, “Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.” Providing a time limit on unresolved issues keeps anger in check. Instead of stewing over a wrong, which is a breeding ground for bitterness, we can ask God for help to “[speak] the truth in love” (Eph. 4:15).

Got a problem with someone? Rather than hold it in, hold it up to God first. He can fight the fire of anger with the power of His forgiveness and love.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, please guard us from uncontrolled anger. May the words that we speak bring honor to You.

Put out the fire of anger before it blazes out of control.

Insight:

One reason it is sometimes hard to admit we are angry when someone offends us is that we fear what others might think of us. But acknowledging anger and providing a time limit on resolving issues is essential in keeping harmonious relationships intact. “Speaking the truth in love” (Eph. 4:15) to the one who has offended us is vital, even if it means stepping outside our comfort zone. This scriptural approach to conflict resolution helps to clear the air and restore relationships. Explaining to the offending party what was hurtful and listening to the other person’s perspective lays the groundwork for healthy relationships. When we keep love in the picture, our goal becomes restoration.

This message was written By Linda Washington [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]

Topic: You Can Avoid Wastage — Saturday 16, September 2017.

Memorise: For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety.  – Proverbs 24:6

Read: Luke 15:11-16 (KJV)

11 And he said, A certain man had two sons:

12 And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living.

13 And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.

14 And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want.

15 And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.

16 And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.

Bible in One Year: 2 Chronicles 35-36, Ezekiel 41:12-26, Hymn: Sing hymn 7 – O Jesus, I Have Promised

MESSAGE:

In life, some people experience provision before they ever need it, while some get provision just in the nick of time. Some others only get the provision they need after the time of need is past. One Bible character who experienced provision before need is the prodigal son in today’s Bible reading. All he would ever need was already provided for and safely kept by his father. Nevertheless, what was his response to his father’s wisdom and grace? He foolishly asked for all that was his, and he wastefully spent it all. Luke 15:13 says,

“And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.”

Coming up next: Open Heavens 17 September 2017: Sunday daily devotional by Pastor Adeboye – Worship First, Request Last

May you never waste God’s provision for your life! There are so many people who engage in wasteful spending. There are some people God has blessed with the funds to buy a piece of land, which they can develop as God enables them, but they use the provision to acquire a flashy car or attempt to live “big” while they are still in a rented apartment. This amounts to foolishness. There are some youths who get some big money from legitimate ventures, but because they had no financial intelligence and never sought counsel, they wasted it and struggled thereafter.

“If the iron be blunt, and he do not whet the edge, then must he put to more strength: but wisdom is profitable to direct.”- Ecclesiastes 10:10

To manage financial provision, you need wisdom. In fact, the Scripture above says that you can get results from a cutlass whether it is sharp or blunt; the difference is that wisdom helps you make the best decisions to obtain the best results. If you have financial wisdom, you would avoid wasteful spending and increase whatever you have. Do you have financial resources beyond what you need for the moment? Ask God for wisdom to manage it. Also, ask for guidance. Follow the counsel in today’s memory verse: ask those who know better. Ask from experienced fund managers and people skilled in financial investments. More importantly, find out from God, the Provider of that provision, what the purpose of the provision is. If you can diligently ask Him, He will guide you on  how to spend it in such a way as to guarantee repeated provision. You do not need to spend on every item you see or like. Humbly surrender your desires to God and let Him reign over them.

Key Point: You can completely avoid wastage when you submit your finances to Jesus asking Him for direction and approval of your budget.

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: That They May Believe! Lord, Do It Now! Vigil Day! [Friday 15 September, 2017]

(Exodus 8:16-19; John 11:42)

Vs 42 of today’s 2nd scripture says: “And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that htou hast sent me.” Jesus said that there was a need for people to believe, otherwise how do we accomplish our mission of winning the lost for him? Do you know that at least 100 souls die every minute worldwide? Do you know that the devil is determined to draw billions along with him to hell? Do you know that Satan knows that HIS TIME IS SHORT and he is working overtime to also win souls to hell? That is why Jehovah God must arise through miracles, signs and wonders in your life and ministry to show the world that He is thr true and only way!

Miracles are not wrong and they are needed to shut up the enemies of our God. When I got to the MASSAIMARA region of Kenya, I saw a man who boasted to me that he had killed a lion like David. And he was right! Men from the MASSAI tribe as a tradition, kill lions to show their entry into manhood. And I cried out to Jehovah” “Make A Difference Between The Egyptian And The Jew.” I Cried Out The More: “Lord Make A Difference With My Life In This Generation.” How Will They Believe If The Extra Ordinary That Cannot Be Explained Does Not Happen?

Why are the churches in Europe dying? A Man told me: “There is no God. Medical science (my doctor) is my God.” Another told me that science means miracle-in-action. He said that scientists are gods. Another said that, he had no need for God because all his need were met and supplied by the social security programme of his government! And I cried out there more: “Make A Difference Between The Egyptian And The Jew. Do A Thing In My Generation That Science Will Call The Finger Of God As In The Days Of Old.”

I Prophesy: THROUGH YOUR LIFE AND MINISTRY, this world and every Pharaoh and his magicians shall know that THE FINGER OF GOD is not withered! Pray now! Pray tonight!

Prayer Points: Take any song of worship now.

1. Lord, that men would believe that I serve you, turn my life, family and ministry into a RIVER flow of MIRACLES!

2. Lord, that they may believe that I serve You, settle me maritally, financially, spiritually, academically……..(Mention more cases).

3. Lord, that they may believe that I serve You, do the EXTRA ORDINARY THAT CANNOT BE EXPLAINED in Jesus Christ name ( Pray it for 7 days and 7 nights).

4. Lord, that they may believe I serve You, do the UNCOMMON THAT CANNOT BE EXPLAINED OR COMMONISED in Jesus Christ name(Pray it for 7 days and 7 nights).

5. Lord, that they may believe that I serve You, do a thing THAT CANNOT BE EXPLAINED and that will be called THE FINGER OF GOD in Jesus Christ name ( Pray it for 7 days and 7 nights).

6. Lord, do a thing THAT will make the magicians of Pharaoh to know that there is no God but you in Jesus Christ name (Pray it for 7 days and 7 nights).

7. Pray about the upcoming Anointing Service of September 24th seriously as led now.

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

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

Topic: Seeing Others the Way Christ Sees Them — Friday September 15, 2017.

Text:  2 Corinthians 5:14-16 (NIV)
For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer.

The love of Christ that compelled Him to die for all men should be the greatest determinant of how we see and relate with them. We should be eager to let people know what Christ has done to save and bless them. For those that are saved, we should be even more eager to help them grow in this knowledge so that they can maximize the things that the death of Christ has provided for them. Jesus wants us to love people just the way He loves us, John 15:12. He wants us to be graceful to people. Luke 9:51-56 (NKJV) records the story of how Jesus sent some of his disciples to make preparations for Him in a Samaritan village. However, the people of that village did not receive Him. In response, two of Jesus’ disciples became so angry that they asked Jesus if they could call down fire to consume the villagers, just as Elijah had.

When Jesus heard what His disciples said, the Bible records that He turned around, rebuked them and said to them, “you do not know what manner of spirit you are of. For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them.” Do you know the Spirit that you are of? Because you are of the Spirit of Christ, you should always see people as Christ sees them and respond to them the way Christ would respond to them. Like we studied some time ago, because you are God’s child, you do not need to be afraid of attacks or plots against you because they will fail and you will be victorious over them. They will divinely work out together for your good. You should defend yourself when necessary, but your utmost desire should be for the touch of God and the salvation and transformation of the souls of all men.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I receive your grace right now to love and see people just the way that Christ sees and loves them. Help me to affirm Your image in all men.

Bible In A Year Reading Plan: Proverbs 22-24; 2 Corinthians 8

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: Divorce Forbidden — Friday September 15, 2017.

Text: Matthew 19:1-12

Key Verse: “And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery” (Matthew 19:9).

More and more people seem to forget Henry Ford’s wise advice when asked on his 50th wedding anniversary for his rule for marital bliss and longevity. He replied: “Just the same as in the automobile business, stick to one model.” From our text, Christ’s teaching about divorce and remarriage is explicit.

Moses gave permission for divorce, not because it was so from the beginning but due to the people’s hardness of heart. Jesus insisted that in the sight of God, marriage is a lifetime relationship that should never be severed by human action. God hates divorce (Malachi 2:16). His perfect will is the preservation of future generations and society through lasting marriages. God will give anyone great help in sustaining a marriage relationship or reconcilling estranged marriage partners. Christ’s exception for ‘fornication’ in our text covers unfaithfulness before the actual marriage is contracted.

The experiences of couples who went through divorce are not encouraging. A study of divorced couples with preschool children shows that after a year of divorce, 60% of men and 73% of women feel they made a mistake and should have tried harder to make their marriage work. People have no idea how much anguish and stress is caused by divorce. This is a lesson to our godly fathers and mothers. They must ensure their children marry in the Lord. Friendship with ungodly families is like sowing the seeds of corruption in your own family. This unholy union of our sons and daughters with unbelieving spouses has introduced corruption in our families and churches.

Our role models are not the pop singers, film stars and fashion models who seem to change marriage partners like they change their robes. People may hold whatever views they want on divorce, but God, who is the Judge of the whole world has already spoken His mind in scriptures. He affirms that His sheep hear His voice; so, seek His face for guidance or reconciliation with your spouse and He will answer you.

Thought for the day: God forbids divorce and remarriage while your legitimate spouse lives.

Bible Reading in one Year: Numbers 16-18

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: Standing With God [Friday September 15, 2017]

Scripture: “…As the Lord God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word.” I kings 17:1

Thought For The Day: Your stand with God compels your generation to stand at attention for you.

From our anchor scripture, the Bible reveals that Elijah had a stand with God at the place of prayer. That was what commanded the attention of his generation.

When Israel sinned against God through the worship of Baal, Elijah brought the whole of Israel to a standstill for God. This means that your stand with God compels your generation to stand at attention for you.

A stand with God was also the secret of David. He was so passionate for God’s Presence and that was the only desire of His life (Psalm 27:4).

What David became was not written on his face; it was his content that determined his greatness.

The problem of our generation is that people think that a man’s future is written on his face; people think that they can determine your future by the look of your face. When they look at your container, they think that they can determine your content. It is impossible!

Beloved, do not allow anyone judge you according to your outward appearance. Rather, develop a buoyant spirit by living a life of consistent prayer and intimacy with God.

Remember this: Your stand with God compels your generation to stand at attention for you.

Assignment(s):

1. Develop a stand with God at the place of prayer.

2. Do not allow anyone write you off in destiny.

Prayer: O LORD, I ask for a perpetual stand with You at the place of prayer. Help me LORD, to fulfil my destiny, in Jesus’ Name.

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

Daily Reading: Isaiah 19:1 to 21:17, Galatians 2:1 to 16, Psalm 59:1 to 17, Proverbs 23:13 to 14.

Amazing Fact: The Earth weighs 6,500 million million million tons

Today In History: 15/09/1955 – Betty Robbins became the first woman cantor.

Quote: Public victories are products of private or closet prayers. Culled from PRINCIPLES AND POWER OF PRAYER 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: How’s Your Spiritual Maintenance? [Friday September 15, 2017]

The cares and anxieties of the world and distractions of the age, and the pleasure and delight and false glamour and deceitfulness of riches, and the craving and passionate desire for other things creep in and choke and suffocate the Word, and it becomes fruitless. – Mark 4:19, The Amplified Bible

Did you know that the seemingly innocent things in your everyday life can suffocate your spiritual life if you allow it?

A friend of mine said the Lord told her in prayer one day that this nation had become a nation of maintenance men. You have so many things to maintain, He told her. You maintain your house. You maintain your car, your yard, your machines, your hair….

It’s true. You can become a maintainer of so many natural things that you don’t have any time left to maintain your own spirit!

When you find yourself in that situation, it’s time to simplify your life. I’ve had to learn that myself. Now when I’m considering something I think I need, I don’t just count the cost in dollars and cents. I think about how much time it will take to maintain it. I check to see if I can spiritually afford it.

Second Timothy 2:4 tells us not to get entangled in the affairs of this life. One thing I’ve learned over the last 45 years: Nothing is as important as spending time in prayer and in the Word with the Father. Absolutely nothing in my life is as vital as that.

Scripture Reading: Mark 4:18-24

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: Lay Aside Every Weight — Friday September 15, 2017.

“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,” (Hebrews 12:1 NKJV)

These days, there are so many things begging for our attention. Whether it be work conditions or family issues, health challenges or financial constraints, the truth is they all encumber us and threaten to take our attention away from that which is the truth of the word of God. That is why I have come to encourage you to put them aside.

Whatever the devil has decided to lure or mislead you with, put it aside. Pay no attention to what the devil is doing for his intention is to distract you in your walk with God. What exactly has God instructed you to do in our text scripture? You are to ‘lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and run with endurance the race that is set before you.’ When you get rid of the baggage and refuse to acknowledge the enormity of the challenges, you have won the battle halfway.

Now, it is important that you keep your mind engaged. If all these things are not supposed to be on your mind, then what should be? What should you occupy your mind with? The race that is set before you. Everyone has a divine calling. You have something that the world needs. You are an answer to a particular problem. God has equipped you to provide the answers to some of the challenges facing the world. Focus on your calling. Focus on your race. Don’t allow the enemy to cheat you out of your inheritance.

Get busy in God’s work. Keep yourself busy and results will begin to come to you. Every little effort will bring a great reward. This is your season of celebration. You will overcome every challenge that comes your way in Jesus name.

Further Reading: 1 Corinthians 9:24

Daily Bible Reading: Morning- Proverbs 22-24; Evening- 2 Corinthians 8

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.