Topic: Power of Commitment in Leadership [Saturday September 16, 2017]

Real Leaders in the real sense are solution providers.

Solution providers are not necessarily intellectually outstanding otherwise no intellectual person should have their problems linger beyond a day.

Solution providers are just simply committed to life.

It is commitment that puts intelligence to work.

It takes commitment to give value and worth to intellectualism.                

Commitment is the participation of the heart with the mind in reasoning out a way forward.

It is the combination of the will and knowledge of a man.

Wherever there is a will, knowledge will be driven to trace and chart the way.

Therefore to be a leader of worth, get committed by becoming a solution provider.

Pastor Chris Ojigbani

I am here to correct an error made by one Pastor Suleman Johnson. I watched one of the videos where he spoke on divorce. He actually encouraged divorce and I cried in my heart.

I was so shocked when I watched the video. The most annoying part of it is the fact that he used the law court to support his teaching. In Christianity, it is very wrong to use the law as your basis of teaching. In Christianity, we use the Holy Bible as our basis of authority. So let us go to the Bible and correct the wrong teaching.

What has the Bible got to say concerning divorce? The first thing I would like you to know about marriage is that marriage is a covenant, a covenant between a man and his wife, and God confirms it. What I have just said now, can it be found in the Bible? Yes! In the book of Malachi 2:14, the Bible says that marriage is a covenant between you and the wife of your youth. And the Bible also says in that verse that the God is a witness in the covenant. In other words, when a man gets married, he has entered into a covenant with his wife and in that covenant, God is a witness. God confirms the covenant.

The next question is: Can a lie before a marriage dissolve the marriage covenant? The answer is no. The moment a person enters into a covenant, nothing can dissolve it. A covenant simply means an agreement. Once you enter into an agreement with someone and another person signs as a witness, then nothing can dissolve that covenant. So what I have just said, can it be found in the Bible? Yes!

In the book of Galatians 3:15, the Bible says, though it be but a man’s covenant yet if it be entered into and is confirmed, it can no longer be disannulled. The moment you enter into a covenant, it can no longer be dissolved. That is the simple truth.

Apostle Johnson Suleman

The next question I would like to answer is this: is there any one that was deceived into marriage in the Bible? Let’s find out if someone like that exists and let’s find out whether the marriage was dissolved after the deceit or the marriage stayed. Somebody like that exists and his name was Jacob. Jacob was deceived into marrying Leah. He didn’t want to marry Leah. He hated Leah. He loved Rachael. He thought he was getting married to Rachael. He did not know it was Leah because Leah’s face was covered. In the morning, he realized it was Leah he got married to and there was nothing he could do about it because he was already married. He had already entered into the covenant, so he couldn’t do anything about it and the marriage stayed. It is very clear. In Christianity, we do not support people to divorce because the woman does not have a womb or because the man is impotent. That is very wrong. Rather than teaching them to divorce, it is better you pray for them. You should pray for the woman to have a new womb. You should pray for the impotent man to impregnate his wife. God is still in the business of performing miracles. He has not stopped performing miracles. Rather than asking people to divorce, pray for them and they will have their desired miracles. That is what Christianity is all about, especially if you are a man of God.  You should pray for people to have their desired miracles rather than teaching them to divorce.

Do you know the extent of damage this wrong teaching has done to the kingdom, in the Christian community?  Do you know how many people are planning to divorce now because of this wrong teaching?

I would like to state here that this is not a personal spite against Pastor Suleman Johnson. No! It is not at all. I don’t even know him personally. All I am doing is to correct the wrong teaching so that people are not led astray.

So why am I correcting it? Because it is a mandate from God. The next question is: Is this mandate in the Bible? Yes! It can be found in Book of 2 Timothy 4:2. In that scripture, the Bible says rebuke and correct wrong doctrines and that is exactly what I am doing. I also want to use this opportunity to sound a note of warning to others. Make sure you don’t teach wrong doctrines, especially in the area of marriage. Because if I hear any wrong doctrine that is being taught, I will correct it. And I will not correct it in the secret. I will correct it in the openly just as the Bible prescribes. Enough is enough! We are tired of wrong teachings. They are too many. The marriage institution has been destroyed today because of wrong teachings. Enough is enough! Let’s make sure that every message we teach is correct before teaching. If you are not sure it’s correct, please don’t teach it.

If you are not yet married, please understand that when you get married, you are not going to divorce. Divorce is not an option. Make sure you have understood it before going into marriage. Don’t just go into marriage if you are not sure. But if you are sure, then go ahead and get married understanding that you are not going to divorce your spouse.

And if you are married, please do not divorce your spouse because your spouse is impotent or because your spouse does not have a womb. God can give your wife a new womb. God can heal your husband if your husband is impotent. There are so many impotent people who have impregnated their wife. There are so many women who do not have womb but today God gave them new womb and they have children. There are so many like that.

Divorce is never the solution. Please don’t divorce your spouse. If Jacob was deceived into marrying Leah and that marriage stayed. The marriage was not dissolved because Jacob had already entered into the covenant. If you are already married, do not divorce your spouse. Look for solution to your problem. God will help you. Our God is a God of miracle. He will intervene and help you in the name of Jesus Christ. Don’t forget what Jesus said. He said for this reason shall a man leave his father and mother and shall cleave unto his wife and they two shall be one flesh. And he said, wherefore they are no longer two but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let no man put asunder?

God bless you

Sent in By Pastor Chris Ojigbani

Topic: The Rule of Intimacy [Saturday, 16th September 2017]

But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. 2 Corinthians 3:18

Looking at a couple who has been married for a while, or  an unmarried couple that has been courting for some time, you’ll notice that they sort of look alike. Even two friends that hang out a lot together, you notice that they begin to look alike, not only in their actions and reactions, but also physically. This is as a result of intimacy. The rule of intimacy states that when two persons spend time together for a period of time, they “exchange” both character and physical traits, which results in a likeness in the looks and behaviour of the both of them.

This is true also in our relationship with God. Whenever we spend time with God, in studying His Word, praying and fellowship with Him, we begin to look and act like Him. It is trite law that every relationship needs intimacy to succeed, and this intimacy not only brings the partners closer to one another, but also allows there to be a transference of “spirit” in the inward and outward traits between them.

The beauty of our relationship with God is that we already have His nature in us through salvation (2 Corinthians 5:17). And we have received His spirit with which we are sealed (Ephesians 4:30), and by whom we have also received the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). So when we spend time in fellowship and communion with God, the Spirit of God within us enlightens the eyes of our understanding and then we begin to manifest all that has been placed within us. And we are changed from glory to glory, looking more and more like God, our Father. Spend time with God, get intimate with your Father, and see yourself manifest all His character and physical traits placed within you by His spirit.

Keep winning daily.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You so much for Your nature that You have made me. Thank You that I have access to all Your goodness in me by Your Spirit. Teach me and help me to spend intimate time with You, so I can begin to look more like You, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Topic: Running with the Gospel of God’s Peace — Saturday September 16, 2017.

Text:  2 Corinthians 5:19-20 (NIV), Ephesians 6:14-15 (NIV)

that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. *Stand firm then,… with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.

Every evil prevailing in the world today resulted from the fall of man that caused him to become separated from God. But do you know what? According to Colossians 1:21-22, by Christ’s death on the cross, God has already reconciled all men back to Himself. Because Jesus sacrificed His life, God is already at peace with all men. There is no other price or sacrifice that anyone needs to pay or make to become at peace with God. Christ is our peace, Eph.2:14. All we have to do is believe and they will be saved. They will experience the forgiveness of their sins and their absolute reconciliation back to God. They will experience the fullness of God’s grace, power and blessings in their lives. Their lives will become new and transformed.

This is the wonderful gospel of peace that our second text above refers to. The gospel of peace is the gospel of Christ. It is the good news about man’s absolute restoration back into relationship with God because of what Jesus has done for us on the cross. This wonderful gospel of Christ is the power of God to save and deliver both from sin and the devil’s bondage and from every kind of situation that any man or woman finds themselves in, Rom.1:16. All that Christ has done to save and reconcile all men back to God will be wasted if we do not passionately run with this great message and tell men about it. We need to share in Christ’s burden to reach out and save the lost. That same passion that drove Christ to the cross must drive us to serve as a witness of the gospel to the lost, no matter what we may face.

Prayer: Dear Lord, please stir up in me a greater passion for going all out to passionately preach the gospel of Christ to others today.

Bible In A Year Reading Plan: Proverbs 25-26; 2 Corinthians 9

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: See The Bigness Of Your God — Saturday September 16, 2017.

‘’I am the Lord: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.’’ (Isaiah 42:8 KJV)

God, the El-Elyon, sees all things and knows all things. There is nothing under the sun that happens to man without his foreknowledge and permission. Even when you seem to be wallowing in the pits of life with so many challenges barraging you here and there, God is still aware and he will never let you pass through any temptation that you cannot bear. He has equipped you with enough strength to come through the challenge triumphantly.

All the devil tries to do is to make the issue seem bigger than it actually is. You begin to see the enormity of the situation and shift from the bigness of your God. But I challenge you today to speak to the devil, yes, I know I am going through this challenge, but I know that as God lives whom I serve and believe, I shall overcome because I am more than a conqueror. I refuse to look at the problem and choose to focus on the bigness of my God. I want you to know that that problem though it may seem like a heavy burden to you is but a little thing in the eyes of our God. He can perfect that situation with just a word from his lips.

Anytime the devil tries to magnify a challenge, learn to find out what God is saying concerning the situation. When you discover what God has said concerning the issue, open your mouth and declare it, speak to it daily and you shall have that which you desire. What is God’s stand? Is it sickness? “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and by his stripes, we are healed.” – Isaiah 53:5 KJV Every sickness no matter the name given to it falls under this category. By his stripes, you are healed.

The work of Christ on the cross is a complete one. He said, “IT IS FINISHED”. Meaning, every situation is settled. That disease has gotten a quit notice today. Celebrate your healing and thank God for it.

Further Reading: Psalms 89:6-18

Daily Bible Reading: Morning- Proverbs 25-26; Evening- 2 Corinthians 9

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: The Secret of The Anointing [Saturday September 16, 2017]

Scripture: Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. – Psalms 45:7

Thought For The Day: The Anointing raises a man from grass to grace.

It has been established that one of the functions of the Anointing is the raising of a person above his or her fellows. The Anointing raises a man from grass to grace. This was clearly seen in the life of David. He was in the wilderness but by the power of the Anointing, he was relocated to the palace.

Now, what was the secret of David’s Anointing?

It was Passion for the Presence of God!

This was shown clearly in Psalm 42:1 when David said, “As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.”

Another statement that confirmed his passion for God’s presence was in Psalm 27:4, “One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life…”

In Psalm 63:1-2, he also said, “Oh God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary”

Beloved, develop a deep passion for God in order to attract the Anointing upon your life.

Remember this: The Anointing raises a man from grass to grace.

Assignment (s):

1. Develop passion and hunger for God’s Presence.

2. Draw near to God daily by embarking on a personal persistent prayer.

Prayer: O LORD, I ask for a deep hunger for You. Draw me to the closet LORD, for a deep intimacy with You, in Jesus’ Name.

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

Amazing Fact: A flamingo can eat only when its head is upside down.

Today In History: 16/09/1908 – General Motors was founded by William Crapo “Billy” Durant. The company was formed by merging the Buick and Olds car companies.

Daily Reading: Isaiah 22:1 to 24:23, Galatians 2:17 to 3:9, Psalm 60:1 to12, Proverbs 23:15 to 16

Quote: You may lose anything in life but one thing you must never lose is God’s Presence. 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: Stand Up And Be Counted [Saturday September 16, 2017]

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. – 1 Timothy 2:1-2

We are commanded to pray for our country and our leaders. But having prayed, God expects us to act. The elections in the United States are vital to the future of this nation. Our country is in the midst of a spiritual outpouring, and it’s vitally important that the right people be elected. We must see to it.

Don’t wait until election time is upon us before you start seeking God for whom to vote. Begin to pray now so that the news media and other voices from every corner cannot influence you and cannot draw you in a direction away from the Spirit of God. Pray so that you won’t be influenced by natural reactions and natural responses to cleverly designed commercials and ideas.

Start praying now about the coming elections. Whether they are small local elections or major national elections, make them a part of every prayer you pray. Then thank the Spirit of God for His wisdom concerning for whom to vote. Thank Him for giving you His wisdom about what to say and when to say it to others. Thank Him for giving you wisdom to declare the Name of Jesus and declare that this shall be a God-indwelt, God-ordained, God-overseen administration.

So register. Pray. Vote. Then stand up and be counted by the power of the living God.

Scripture Reading: 1 Timothy 2:1-8

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 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.]