Topic: When Robbers Visited That Home! -1 [Wednesday 13 September, 2017]

(1 CORINTHIANS 10:6-14).

I got this from a brother and it is appreciated. It is about a popular video of robbers entering a house, asking for all the money and valuables. After they collect what they can, they give the man of the house a gun with instructions to shoot his wife or else he would be shot himself. The man gets the gun, points it at his wife and hesitates. He was thinking of what he had gone through in life with his wife and how she had suffered and sacrificed for him. He hands back the gun and says, “I am sorry I can’t do this……”

The boss of the robbers silently grabs the gun from him and passes it on to the wife with the same instructions. The wife gets the gun and without any single hesitation, points to her husband’s head and pulls the trigger. But at last, the gun had no bullets in it. The robbers get their gun and walk out of the house laughing. Now if you were the man in that house, how would you react towards your wife? If you were the wife, what explanation would you give to your husband? The truth is that in the Lord’s prayer from today’s scripture, we are asked to pray not to be led into temptation.

Indeed, this temptation was a big one for the wife or the husband. No wonder today’s scripture verse 13 says: “God will never allow the temptation greater than you come your way.” Decree that the battle greater than you, the battle you cannot handle, the battle that will consume your marriage, your ministry, your integrity, your family, your children shall pass over you! Tomorrow we shall discuss what the man or the woman should have done! But please pray seriously now concerning temptations not sent by God!

Pray for me, Dr Chris, against a blackmailing syndicate that is determined to “Pull down” this vision if I don’t give them money and a house. The battle is the Lord’s! Also some journalist who claim to be from Sahara Reporters and other sites send me daily texts asking for money or they would publish “sensational stories” about me! SOME HAVE STARTED PLEADING FOR FORGIVENESS! PRAY FOR ME DAILY! SCATTER THEM AND ANY GANG-UP AGAINST MY LIFE/ ODM! See page 53 and read more!

Get my new books: “Blasting Down Your Walls of Jericho” and “My Womb Must Open by Fire” from any bookshop nationwide.

Prayer Points: Take any song of worship now.

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

2. Lord, lead me not into any temptation that is bigger than me (Pray it for 7 days).

3. My Father! My Father!! Every temptation that You have not sent, let it pass over me and my family in Jesus Christ name.

4. 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: He Deserves Your Thanks — Thursday 14, September 2017.

Memorise: O give thanks unto the God of gods: for his mercy endureth for ever.  – Psalm 136:2

Read: Psalm 121:3-5 (KJV)

3 He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.

4 Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.

5 The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand.

Bible in One Year: 2 Chronicles 31-32, Ezekiel 40:35-47, Hymn: Sing hymn 3 – How Great Thou Art

MESSAGE:

It is very important for you to give God thanks always. One reason why this is necessary is because there are several battles God fights for you that you know nothing about. Some people are so conservative when it comes to giving God thanks. They think they are clever, and so they only give God thanks when they believe He has earned it. In other words, they only thank God when He has done something very “tangible” for them. If however it appears that He has not done anything for them, they hold back on offering thanks to Him. Such people may think they are smart, but they are not. When you are asleep, do you know the various battles waged against you by the enemies of your soul? How can you fight for yourself in a realm you are oblivious of or when you are asleep?

Coming Up Next: Open Heavens 15 September 2017: Friday daily devotional by Pastor Adeboye – A Divine Curse

Many years ago, while still lecturing at the University of Ilorin (Kwara State, Nigeria), I had an experience that left its mark on my mind. In those days, I could travel from one end of the university campus to the other end within fifteen minutes. After my morning lectures, I could leave the campus, return home for lunch, and rest a while before returning for evening lectures. I was also the pastor of our church parish over there, and so people kept coming in and out of our living room. After my meal one afternoon, I lay down on the couch and closed my eyes so that I could get some rest. As I lay down, I put my two hands together on my head and closed my eyes. Suddenly, someone entered the room, held my two hands with one hand and held my two legs with the other hand and tried to kiss me. At first, I thought it was my wife, but then it dawned on me that whoever could hold me up this way must be a very tall fellow. I therefore opened my eyes and the creature disappeared. A cold shiver ran down my spine as I asked myself what this was. Eventually, I pushed the incident aside. Intending to drive back to the campus, I got into the car, but all of a sudden I had a running stomach and began to vomit. I virtually crawled from the car into the toilet. Then I began to ask, “How could this happen to me?” God’s responses was, “Son, I just wanted you to see a little of the battles I fight for you, which you know nothing about.” For you to sleep peacefully every day, God does not sleep. He continues to watch over you. Why don’t you become really generous in thanking the Almighty God, who alone deserves all your thanks?

Prayer Point: Father, thank You for all You do for me, particularly for all the battles You fight on my behalf which I know nothing about.

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: The Secret of Honour in Marriage! (2)

Dear Reader,

You are welcome back to this exciting edition. Last week, I told you that marriage is a covenant relationship between God and man (man and wife). Man, adhering to the terms and conditions laid down by God, is what guarantees an honourable marriage.

This week, I will be sharing with you one main secret that makes for honour in marriage, and it is what I captioned: “Keeping the marriage bed undefiled”. Let’s start by knowing the meaning of the word ‘defile’. To defile means to make dirty or unclean. I am glad to let you know that, marriage can be one of the sweetest experiences on earth, especially when it is handled God’s way.

God’s Word says: Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled (Hebrews 13:4). Marriage is an honourable thing, when the bed is undefiled. However, once the bed is defiled, that marriage has lost its honour.

Also, what you do with the bed during courtship amounts to laying a foundation for what your marriage will be like when you eventually get into it. The law of sowing and reaping still holds here. The Bible says: Whilst the earth remaineth, seed time and harvest shall not cease (Genesis 8:22). Since the earth is still remaining, whatever a man sows, he will reap. When the bed is defiled, the seed is sown and you can be sure that it will produce and when harvest time comes, it will manifest.

However, some born again singles actually begin their courtship quite well in the spirit, but later fall short by engaging themselves in the works of the flesh. All categories of uncleanness are referred to as the works of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21). Since courtship is not marriage, you have no marital rights over the other person until marriage is consummated.

Moreover, wild emotions or impure emotions can lead to the defilement of the marriage bed in courtship, but when you are spiritually, emotionally and physically mature for marriage, you will be able to control various aspects of your life and be in control of your emotions.

To the redeemed of the Lord, abundant grace is released to keep the marriage bed undefiled during courtship. If you are not yet redeemed, and would like to partake of this grace, then say this prayer of faith: “Dear Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me my sins and cleanse me with Your Blood.Deliver me from sin and satan to serve the living God. I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Make me a child of God today. Thank You for accepting me into Your Kingdom.”

If you prayed this simple prayer of faith with me, congratulations, you are born again! You are 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).

Topic: Receive the Touch of Jesus 2— Wednesday September 13, 2017.

Text:  John 9:1-5 (NKJV)

Now as Jesus passed by, He saw a man who was blind from birth. And His disciples asked Him, saying, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him. I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”

No matter the situation and the number of years you may have endured it, Jesus has come to touch and set you free. The cause of the situation does not matter to Jesus, so stop worrying about it. Stop giving that situation permission to remain in your life because of what you think may have caused it. Whether it was what you did or what your parents did does not matter to Jesus. What matters to Jesus is your willingness to allow Him to shine His light and show forth His great love for you by manifesting His great power in your life.

Isaiah 53:6 says, “we all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.” God has laid upon Christ whatever the cause of that situation is. Jesus came to set the captives free and John 8:36 says, “if the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” Realize that, that situation is the work of the devil and that Jesus came to destroy all works of the devil, 1John 3:8b. And because Jesus succeeded in destroying the works of the devil, you are already free from that situation.

What you may be going through right now is an opportunity for Jesus to manifest the works and the glory of God in your life. If you believe, you will see the glory of God, John 11:40. Jesus did not come to condemn you, but to set you free. So believe and receive your freedom today. This is your day to receive Jesus’ divine touch. Your life and situation will turn around right now.

Faith Declaration: I believe in what Jesus did for me. Every work of the devil in my life has been destroyed. Jesus has set me free.

Bible In A Year Reading Plan: Proverbs 16-18; 2 Corinthians 6

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: Laugh Now and Weep Later — Wednesday September 13, 2017.

Text: Ezekiel 21:1-17

Key Verse: “And it shall be, when they say unto thee, Wherefore sighest thou? that thou shalt answer, For the tidings; because it cometh: and every heart shall melt, and all hands shall be feeble, and every spirit shall faint, and all knees shall be weak as water: behold, it cometh, and shall be brought to pass, saith the Lord GOD. “ (Ezekiel 21:7).

A convicted, hardened robber thought he would ‘enjoy’ his ignoble criminal life for ever. Sighting the execution stakes on the day he was to die, his joy and strength left him; he became a pathetic shadow of his former self.

From our text, Israel was unconcerned about the coming judgment. Ezekiel the prophet was informed by God that both the wicked and the righteous (by human standard) would be affected. A sword was used by the Lord to symbolize the destruction that was coming upon Jerusalem. Ezekiel was thus called upon to sigh and weep bitterly for the land; and when the people asked him the reason for this, he was to then break the news of the coming judgment to the people; which, perhaps, was meant to inspire them to halt their idolatry and return to pure worship.

They appear to understand the requirements of God but willfully refuse to listen and obey. They appear to be so drunk with the pleasures and vanities of sin that they were now just living for the moment, refusing to pay attention to the danger coming until their prophets resort to mourning and weeping for them. The lesson we learn here is that those who refuse now to listen to the voice of reason will have their laughter turned into mourning in the coming days if they continue to rebel against God. The people who willfully reject all entreaties to turn a new leaf and repent will themselves weep and cry for attention when they eventually end up in eternal damnation.

The question each one of us should be asking ourselves is: do I want to laugh now and weep later or should I rather weep for my sins now and obtain God’s pardon and forgiveness to enable me laugh for joy throughout eternity? The choice is wholly yours.

Thought for the day: The wise will laugh last but the foolish will cry forever!

Bible Reading in one Year: Numbers 11-13

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: It’s All In You — Wednesday September 13, 2017.

‘’That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,’’ (Ephesians 1:17-19 KJV)

As a result of the fall of man in the Garden of Eden, many believers still see themselves as ordinary in-spite of the enormous deposits of God in their lives. Many have been reduced to a second-class life because they do not have a clear understanding of the finished work of Christ and the benefits that accrue thereof. When Jesus died, he paid in full. In other words, his death did not only deliver to you the gift salvation but every other thing you would ever need. It came as a total package.

That was why Apostle Paul in writing to the Ephesian brethren, prayed that ‘the eyes of their understanding be enlightened that they may know the hope of his calling, and the riches of his inheritance and also the exceeding greatness of his power to those who believe.’ What he was saying in effect was that you cannot access what you don’t know.

Everything you would ever need to be all that God has ordained for you is already provided for in Christ. You were made in the image and likeness of God. By the new birth, you became a brand new creature, one who has never existed before. Consequently, you need to see yourself in your inner man and not in the flesh. You need to see yourself as God sees you – a winner, a victor and not a victim, an overcomer and not a failure. You are the head and not the tail. That’s who you are!

Your part is to recognize what God has put into you and appreciate it. Stop seeing your human weaknesses and frailties, but rather see yourself attaining to great heights through Christ. In Christ, you are ushered into a life of endless possibilities.

Further Reading: 1 Peter 1:2-5

Daily Bible Reading: Morning- Proverbs 16-18; Evening- 2 Corinthians 6

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: Where Is Jesus Christ? [Wednesday September 13, 2017]

Everything else is worthless when compared with the priceless gain of knowing Christ Jesus . . . —Philippians 3:8 (TLB)

“Where is Jesus Christ?” Innumerable students are studying Him and deciding whether or not Christ and the Gospel really matter-whether He is relevant in this modern age. C.S. Lewis, a professor of Medieval and Renaissance Literature at Oxford and later at Cambridge, had to do the same thing. He spent his life exploring the great literature of centuries. In his remarkable autobiography, Surprised by Joy, he tells of his pilgrimage from atheism to Christianity.

His turning point came with the realization that the writing with the deepest meaning and greatest content was based on a deep, personal faith in God, by men like Augustine, Blaise Pascal, George Macdonald.

Prayer for the day: There is nothing more I desire, Lord Jesus, than to walk closely with You—my Savior and Lord.

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: The Battle Is In The Mind – Wednesday September 13, 2017.

Matthew 21:21 “Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.”

Text: Matthew 21:21

Jesus makes it very clear that we must have faith and doubt not. Every believer has faith, but most believers also have an abundance of doubt that negates their faith. It is when we purify our faith and only believe, that victory comes.

Every Christian is at war. There is a perpetual struggle against Satan and his kingdom where there are no “leaves” or “discharges.” Our enemy goes about as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour (1 Pet. 5:8). Those who resist the devil will see him flee (Jas. 4:7). The only ones whom he devours are those who don’t actively fight against him.

The mind is the battlefield where thoughts and reasonings that are contrary to God’s Word, need to be captured and submitted to Christ, our Commander.

Just as enemy soldiers are captured in war, so rebel thoughts must be taken captive and made to submit to Christ. Our battle against the devil takes place right between our ears. The spiritual weapons given to us are designed for the express purpose of taking EVERY thought captive and making them obedient to Christ. Keeping our minds completely stayed upon the Lord is an obtainable goal.

These weapons of ours are for the casting down of two things: Imaginations; and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God. Both of these areas are dealing with the mind. Focus on the good in every area of your life. Failure to recognize God’s blessings in every day living will cause care and anxiety. Recognizing God’s hand in even the smallest thing will cause peace and keep our hearts and minds following hard after the Lord.

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)

A Promise For You From Bible Promises:

Topic: You Need The Holy Spirit To Deliver [13/09/2017]

And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left. Isaiah 30:21. Read: Jn 16:7-14

A multi Christian millionaire was asked how he makes his money, he said so simple. When I wake up in the morning, I pray and ask the Holy Spirit where He wants me to go and wherever He ask me to go, I will go and stay there until business transaction comes to meet me. How I wish every Christian could be like this man following the leading of the Holy Spirit. The work of the Holy Spirit is not limited to comforting us, He also guides us into all truth and abundance. He can guide you into the business you can do if you care to ask Him about it.

Many Christians fail in life often because they present their plans for Him to approve instead of them to seek counsel from Him as per what He wants them to do before proceeding on whatever He says. For Him to guide you through all your decision making process, you must know and understand how He speaks to you. Though God can speak to you in any form or any way using any medium, but every child of God has a primary way God communicates with them which you must discover for yourself. Understanding His leading will land you in your high place and path in destiny. Don’t follow the crowd, be led by the Spirit of God to deliver your glorious destiny. Listen to His voice.

#BiblePromisesPrayer

* Father, through daily study of Your word, help me to understand the voice of Your Spirit and His leading in Jesus Mighty Name

Topic: Stay Awhile — Wednesday September 13, 2017.

Read: Hebrews 11:8–13, Bible in a Year: Proverbs 16–18; 2 Corinthians 6

All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth. Hebrews 11:13

During a discussion of The Lord of the Rings movie trilogy, a teenager said he prefers his stories in books rather than movies. When asked why, the young man replied, “With a book, I can stay there as long as I want.” There is something to be said for the power of lingering in a book, especially the Bible, and “inhabiting” the stories there.

Hebrews 11, often called “the faith chapter” of the Bible, mentions nineteen people by name. Each one traveled a road of difficulty and doubt, yet chose to obey God. “All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth” (v. 13).

How easy it is to rush through our Bible reading without pondering the people and events in the text. Our self-imposed time schedule robs us of going deeper into God’s truth and His plan for our lives. Yet, when we are willing to stay awhile, we find ourselves caught up in the real-life dramas of people like us who chose to stake their lives on God’s faithfulness.

When we open God’s Word, it’s good to recall that we can stay as long as we want.

Prayer: Father in heaven, thank You for Your written Word and the examples of people who lived by faith. Help us to follow You as they did.

Linger in God’s Word and you’ll find stories of faith.

Insight:

Hebrews 11 provides examples of how authentic faith leads to a changed life. Belief and action produce acts of courage and perseverance. As we ponder the deep and impressive faith our spiritual ancestors demonstrated through their actions, it encourages us to follow in their footsteps. The examples of those who have preceded us—those who lived as “foreigners and strangers on earth” (v. 13)—help us to fix our eyes on Jesus (12:2).

As you reflect on today’s reading, how are you inspired in your walk with Christ?

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