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.

Topic: O Rain of Grace………. [Sunday 17 September, 2017]

(1 CORINTHIANS 15:1-13).

In this second half of the year, the Lord wants you to know that walking with Him and possessing your possession is by His GRACE alone. “By STRENGTH shall no man prevail” can also be interpreted to man, “by BRAIN shall no man prevail.” Yes! By HUMAN CONNECTION or effort shall no man prevail. Paul knew this and he boldly declared: I AM WHAT I AM BY THE GRACE OF GOD! Note this: All that you will ever be for yourself or for your God will come because of GRACE and not because you are so prayerful, connected or so holy! These things are very necessary to sustain the GRACE of God that is shown to you, but they do not initiate that GRACE.

Do you know that it is possible however, to frustrate that GRACE of God (Galatians 2:21)? For example, sin, careless living,laziness in spiritual things, etc, are GRACE FRUSTRATERS while holiness, prayerfulness, fasting, etc, are GRACE MULTIPLIERS. I decree: special GRACE is coming upon you that shall lead to manifestation of all that you have waited for. Get ready for a special season of GRACE OUTPOURING which is about to come upon you. Ah! GRACE means FAVOR Minus LABOR. GRACE means Promotion without QUALIFICATION. When GRACE speaks, Protocols is suspended.

Ask Esther! When GRACE speaks, Laws are broken. Ask King David! When GRACE speaks, Educational Qualifications are Useless! Oh! Peter will tell you! When GRACE speaks, Connections are needless. Ask Joseph from Prison to Prime Minister! Today and in the upcoming Lekki anointing programme, THE GRACE OF GOD will fight your battles and EVERY SATANIC EMBARRASSMENT MUST STOP for good in Jesus Christ name. Amen.

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 any song of worship as led.

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

2. Declare Zechariah 4:7 seriously now.

3. Declare Zechariah 4:7 but mention at least 5 prayer points and declare GRACE, GRACE unto them.

4. O rain of GRACE and mercy, locate my life family and ministry afresh ( Pray until you have peace to stop).

5. Pray about today seriously and any other issue(s) affecting your peace.

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

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

TOPIC: THE SECRET PLACE [SUNDAY, 17TH SEPTEMBER 2017]

MEMORY VERSE: “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” – Psalm 91:1

BIBLE PASSAGE: Psalm 91:1-16

INTRODUCTION:

The term “secret place” comes from the Hebrew word “cether” which means “to hide or be concealed”. Other words for secret place include shelter, covering, or a dwelling place. One who abides in the secret place of God dwells in an ascended place of rest, lifted up above principalities and powers. It is a place of protection from trouble; where God surrounds you with deliverance (Psalm 32:7). It is a place of His holy concealment in all things, where God reveals heavenly secrets to you.

LESSON OUTLINES

1. How to enter the secret place

2. Benefits of being in God’s secret place

HOW TO ENTER THE SECRET PLACE

We can gain access into God’s secret place through a life of holiness (Psalm 15:1-5), praise, thanksgiving and prayer of faith (Psalm 100:3-4; Jeremiah 33:3). We must walk away from the clamour and enticements of the world (1John 2:15). Our hearts must be quiet before Him as we allow Him investigate those inner thoughts we reveal to no one else (Isaiah 30:15; Psalm 139:2). To connect with God, we must avoid distractions (Matthew 6:6; Mark 1:35). We cannot join God in His secret place unless we are willing to be transparent and honest with Him (Psalm 69:5; 139:7). We must not dwell with the ungodly (Psalm 1:1; 2Corinthians 6:17).

A consecrated and sanctified life is a prerequisite to gaining access into God’s secret place (Leviticus 20:7; Psalm 24:3-4).

BENEFITS OF BEING IN GOD’S SECRET PLACE

The benefits of dwelling in God’s secret place include:

1. Closer fellowship with God (James 4:8).

2. Living a holy life becomes possible (Isaiah 6:1-5).

3. Self-assessment of our faith will be enhanced (2Corinthians 13:5).

4. Fruit of the spirit takes root and grows (Galatians 5:22).

5. Our gaze is focused on Christ and things of eternal value (Matthew 6:19-21; Hebrews 12:2).

6. Divine protection and deliverance (Proverbs 18:10; Psalm 91:13-14).

7. Divine authority and attention (1Kings 17:1).

CONCLUSION:

God wants us to dwell in His secret place; not to visit. In God’s secret place, no evil can come near us.

QUESTIONS

1. How can a believer enter into God’s secret place?

2. What are the benefits of dwelling in the secret place?

TOPIC: THE SECRET PLACE [SUNDAY, 17TH SEPTEMBER 2017]

MEMORY VERSE: “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” – Psalm 91:1

BIBLE PASSAGE: Psalm 91:1-16

INTRODUCTION:

The term “secret place” comes from the Hebrew word “cether” which means “to hide or be concealed”. Other words for secret place include shelter, covering, or a dwelling place. One who abides in the secret place of God dwells in an ascended place of rest, lifted up above principalities and powers. It is a place of protection from trouble; where God surrounds you with deliverance (Psalm 32:7). It is a place of His holy concealment in all things, where God reveals heavenly secrets to you.

LESSON OUTLINES

1. How to enter the secret place

2. Benefits of being in God’s secret place

HOW TO ENTER THE SECRET PLACE

We can gain access into God’s secret place through a life of holiness (Psalm 15:1-5), praise, thanksgiving and prayer of faith (Psalm 100:3-4; Jeremiah 33:3). We must walk away from the clamour and enticements of the world (1John 2:15). Our hearts must be quiet before Him as we allow Him investigate those inner thoughts we reveal to no one else (Isaiah 30:15; Psalm 139:2). To connect with God, we must avoid distractions (Matthew 6:6; Mark 1:35). We cannot join God in His secret place unless we are willing to be transparent and honest with Him (Psalm 69:5; 139:7). We must not dwell with the ungodly (Psalm 1:1; 2Corinthians 6:17).

A consecrated and sanctified life is a prerequisite to gaining access into God’s secret place (Leviticus 20:7; Psalm 24:3-4).

BENEFITS OF BEING IN GOD’S SECRET PLACE

The benefits of dwelling in God’s secret place include:

1. Closer fellowship with God (James 4:8).

2. Living a holy life becomes possible (Isaiah 6:1-5).

3. Self-assessment of our faith will be enhanced (2Corinthians 13:5).

4. Fruit of the spirit takes root and grows (Galatians 5:22).

5. Our gaze is focused on Christ and things of eternal value (Matthew 6:19-21; Hebrews 12:2).

6. Divine protection and deliverance (Proverbs 18:10; Psalm 91:13-14).

7. Divine authority and attention (1Kings 17:1).

CONCLUSION:

God wants us to dwell in His secret place; not to visit. In God’s secret place, no evil can come near us.

QUESTIONS

1. How can a believer enter into God’s secret place?

2. What are the benefits of dwelling in the secret place?