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.

Topic: Is It Well With Your Soul? [Friday September 15, 2017]

And how does a man benefit if he gains the whole world and loses his soul in the process? For is anything worth more than his soul? — Mark 8:36,37 (TLB)

In the world in which we live, we give most attention to satisfying the appetites of the body and practically none to the soul. Consequently, we are one-sided. We become fat physically and materially, while spiritually we are lean, weak and anemic. The soul actually demands as much attention as the body. It demands fellowship and communion with God. It demands worship, quietness, and meditation. Unless the soul is fed and exercised daily, it becomes weak and shriveled. It remains discontented, confused, restless. Many people turn to alcohol to try to drown the cryings and longings of the soul.

Some turn to a new sex experience. Others attempt to quiet the longings of their souls in other ways. But nothing but God ever completely satisfies, because the soul was made for God, and without God it is restless and in secret torment.

Prayer for the day: Dear Lord, I thank You that when my soul cried out for forgiveness and love, You were there. Today help me to live as Your child should.

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: Faith Is A Muscle – Friday September 15, 2017.

Matthew 21:26 “But if we shall say, Of men; we fear the people; for all hold John as a prophet.”

Text: Matthew 21:23-27

Proverbs 29:25 says, “The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe.” These men were seeking to snare Jesus in His words, but they couldn’t because He was safely trusting in the Lord. It was easy for Jesus to “turn the tables on them” and catch them because they feared man (Jn. 5:44).

Jesus had already shown that all of their works were done so that they could be seen of men (Mt. 6:5). They were not really seeking to please God, but were doing all their religious works for the praise of men. It is totally vain for a man who is bound by the fear of man to try to intimidate a man whose trust is totally in the Lord.

When David fought Goliath (1 Sam. 17), everyone mocked him because of his belief that he could win. Goliath was a giant and he was only a small boy. But David said something very important in his defense. In 1 Samuel 17:34-37, David revealed that this was not the first time he had depended on God for a victory against something bigger than himself. He had already killed a lion and a bear with his bare hands. He KNEW he could defeat Goliath with God’s help. Faith must be developed much like a muscle. Those who wait until the day of the contest to start training are going to lose. That’s not the way it works in the natural or the spiritual.

What is life all about? What is the purpose of one’s existence? What is to be gained in life? What do people live for? When we say “so and so” is my life, we mean that all of our attention, our focus, and our purpose for living, is directed towards and revolves around that person. In a similar way, we need to be totally consumed with Christ and His life. True life is only to be found in Christ. It is not to be found in prestige, fortune, fame, or things, but only in the one who is life – Jesus Christ.

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: What’s Your Father’s Name? — Friday September 15, 2017.

Read: John 8:39–47, Bible in a Year: Proverbs 22–24; 2 Corinthians 8

To those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. John 1:12

When I went to buy a cell phone in the Middle East, I was asked the typical questions: name, nationality, address. But then as the clerk was filling out the form, he asked, “What’s your father’s name?” That question surprised me, and I wondered why it was important. Knowing my father’s name would not be important in my culture, but here it was necessary in order to establish my identity. In some cultures, ancestry is important.

The Israelites believed in the importance of ancestry too. They were proud of their patriarch Abraham, and they thought being part of Abraham’s clan made them God’s children. Their human ancestry was connected, in their opinion, to their spiritual family.

Hundreds of years later when Jesus was talking with the Jews, He pointed out that this was not so. They could say Abraham was their earthly ancestor, but if they didn’t love Him—the One sent by the Father—they were not part of God’s family.

The same applies today. We don’t choose our human family, but we can decide the spiritual family we belong to. If we believe in Jesus’s name, God gives us the right to become His children (John 1:12).

Who is your spiritual Father? Have you decided to follow Jesus? Let this be the day you trust in Jesus for the forgiveness of your sins and become part of God’s family.

Prayer: Dear Lord, You are my heavenly and eternal Father. Thank You for Jesus, my Savior.

God is our Eternal Father.

Insight:

The Israelites of Jesus’s day had many Old Testament heroes, but three soared above the rest. David was the great king who established the city of Jerusalem and stabilized the kingdom. Moses was the leader who was given the law of God. He was God’s instrument of deliverance and led the Israelites to the threshold of the land of promise. But their most ancient hero was Abraham—the father of the faithful and the man whose faith was counted to him as righteousness. Jesus, however, surpasses this great heritage, for through Him we become children of God Himself.

This message was written By Keila Ochoa [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]

Topic: A Divine Curse — Friday 15, September 2017.

Memorise: Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation.  – Malachi 3:9

Read: Mark 11:12-14, Mark 11:20-21 (KJV)

12 And on the morrow, when they were come from Bethany, he was hungry:

13 And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet.

14 And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And his disciples heard it.

Mark 11:20-21:

20 And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots.

21 And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away.

Bible in One Year: 2 Chronicles 33-34, Ezekiel 40:48-41:11, Hymn: Sing hymn 6 – Deeper, Deeper

MESSAGE:

When you go through the Scriptures and see the effect of a divine curse on those who were cursed, you would do just about anything to avoid a curse from God. Although a curse from one man to another can have terrible effects, if spiritual help is sought from someone operating at a higher level than the source of the curse, such curses can be terminated. It’s a dilemma however, if the source of a curse is God. There would be no one to run to in such cases. When God cursed the ground after the fall of Adam, from that moment till now, the earth has not been yielding produce to its full potential. Wait until you see what this same ground can produce after the curse is lifted during the millennial reign of Christ! Similarly, when God cursed Cain, it had a terrible effect on him (Genesis 4:9-15). Cain was supposed to be the first born of the whole earth, but when he was cursed, he became a vagabond. Virtually everyone he met desired to kill him, even without offending them. No wonder he cried to God for clemency. Genesis 4:13-14 says,

“13 And Cain said unto the LORD, My punishment is greater than I can bear. 14 Behold, thou hast driven me out this day from the face of the earth; and from thy face shall I be hid; and I shall be a fugitive and a vagabond in the earth; and it shall come to pass, that every one that findeth me shall slay me.”

Moreover, in today’s Bible reading, Jesus cursed a fig tree which appeared to have fruit but had only leaves. By the following morning, the tree had completely withered from its very roots. When God places a curse, it begins to operate from the root upwards. I once visited the capital of a state in Nigeria some years ago. This state had a lot of mighty rivers, yet the state capital had no pipe-borne water. Surprised, I made some inquiries on why this was so, and I was told, “Sir, there is a tree in the center of the capital that should not be uprooted. They even had to build a road around it. As long as the tree remains, nothing good happens to this town.” I said “Is that so?” then I quietly added, “No problem, we are here.” I then cursed the tree in the name of the Lord. That very night, there was a storm in the town and by the following morning, the tree was uprooted completely. Any evil tree tying down your progress is cursed today in the Name of Jesus! I command it to dry up and be uprooted in Jesus’ Name! Are you under a divine curse? Immediately run to the cross of Calvary in repentance and make your way right with God, and thereafter, seek His face for mercy. May you find favor in His sight today!

Action Point: Examine yourself to see if you have brought a divine curse upon yourself and your family by your actions, and immediately return to God in repentance and restitution.

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.