Topic: What Attracts The Anointing [Wednesday September 13, 2017]

Scripture: So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came upon David in power. Samuel then went to Ramah. 1 Samuel 16:13 (NIV).

Thought For The Day: It does not matter where you are kept, your portion and place in God cannot be taken by another person.

The Anointing, which is the Presence of God with a man, is a non-negotiable requirement in the fulfilment of destiny. Everyone needs the Oil in order to fulfil God’s purpose for their life on earth.

However, God does not anoint people anyhow. God’s oil only falls on the right heads.

In 1 Samuel 16, God was in search of someone to anoint in order to take the place of the disobedient king Saul. So, all the sons of Jesse were presented before Prophet Samuel to be anointed as king but the anointing could not be poured on any of them because they were the wrong heads. Eventually, David who was forgotten was the right person and the Anointing came upon him.

It is very important to note that when you make up your mind to do the Will of God, it does not matter where you are kept, your portion and place in God cannot be taken by another person. Your place can only be taken by another person if you fail to rise up to take your responsibilities.

Beloved, ensure that you maintain a solid relationship with God. Instead of struggling to compete and contend with men, give your life to the service of God.

Remember this: It does not matter where you are kept, your portion and place in God cannot be taken by another person.

Assignment(s):

1. Make up your mind to be the right candidate for the anointing.

2. Develop a strong relationship with God at the place of prayer.

Prayer: O LORD, I ask that You make me the candidate for Your Anointing. Give me the grace to maintain a righteous life, LORD, in Jesus’ Name.

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

Amazing Fact: If you are struck by lightning, your skin will be heated to 28,000 degrees Centigrade, hotter than the surface of the Sun.

Today In History: 13/09/1788 – The Constitutional Convention decided that the first federal election was to be held on Wednesday the following February. On that day George Washington was elected as the first president of the United States. In addition, New York City was named the temporary national capital.

Daily Reading: Isaiah 12:1 to 14:32, 2 Corinthians 13:1 to 13, Psalm 57:1 to 11, Proverbs 23:9 to 11

Quote: Any step taken outside God is a step unto disaster. Culled from 15 KINGDOM STRATEGIES FOR SURVIVAL 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: Release Your Burdens & Trust Him [Tuesday September 12, 2017]

One of the ways we can discern that we are truly trusting God, rather than merely trying to trust Him, is whether or not our souls are resting in God’s faithfulness. If I say I am trusting God, but I continue to carry the weight of the burden by worrying and being anxious, then I have not released the burden to the Lord. I may want to. I may be trying to. But I have not done it yet.

Understanding this has helped me to learn what real trust in God is. It is more than words—it is releasing the weight of my burden; a decisive action that brings rest to my soul (mind, will, emotions).

Just imagine that you are carrying a backpack filled with rocks everywhere you go. You take it to work, to the market, to church, and it is a heavy burden, but you continue to carry it. Now imagine that you decide to drop it—just think how much better you would feel and how much easier everything would be.

That’s the way it is when we worry and carry the weight of burdens with us instead of entrusting them to God. We continue functioning and doing what we need to do, but the weight of the burden places a great deal of stress on us and makes our life very difficult. You can decide to drop your burden today by trusting God, if you choose to, and you will be glad you did.

Topic: Giving Determines Promotion — Wednesday 13, September 2017.

Memorise: Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the LORD thy God which he hath given thee.  – Deuteronomy 16:17

Read: Deuteronomy 16:16-17 (KJV)

16 Three times in a year shall all thy males appear before the LORD thy God in the place which he shall choose; in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles: and they shall not appear before the LORD empty:

17 Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the LORD thy God which he hath given thee.

Bible in One Year: 2 Chronicles 29-30, Ezekiel 40:20-34, Hymn: Sing hymn 10 – There Shall Be Shower of Blessing

MESSAGE:

When God commanded all males in Israel to appear before Him in today’s Bible reading, He specifically instructed that they should not come before Him empty-handed. He also instructed that whatever they brought to Him must be a reflection of the level of blessings they had received from Him. Based on these two parameters, can you say you have followed the divine pattern whenever you appear before God? Today, when God’s people assemble before Him, many of them do not care about what they bring as an offering, as long as they bring something. Do you know that God cares about this? For this reason, 2 Corinthians 8:12 says,

“For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.”

Coming Up Next: Open Heavens 14 September 2017: Thursday daily devotional by Pastor Adeboye – He Deserves Your Thanks

One year, during our annual thanksgiving service for pastors and ministers of our church, I told them that God expects them to bring an offering that reflects how much He has blessed them individually. Then I asked them this question: “Brethren, do you know that many of us demote ourselves by the offering we give? “They appeared surprised to hear this. So I further explained that God knows us individually, and He knows the level to which He has blessed each one of us. He knows those whom He has taken to a level that can conveniently give Him N1000 at each offering. He also knows those who can afford to give N500 and those who are unable to give more than N100. If you are in the category of N1000 but give N500 per offering, you are indirectly saying to God, “Dear Lord, you made a mistake placing me in the category of givers of N1000. You should have left me in the category of givers of N500,” Then the Lord would reply, “I thought I promoted you, but if you want to demote yourself, no problem.” This is why some people are experiencing financial dryness. You are the one who told God that the level He placed you at is too high and that He should take you lower.  I shared with my children that at the beginning of every year, I draw up a budget stating what I want to earn as my income for the year. Then I tell God that this is where I was last year but this is where I want to be by the year’s end. Thereafter, I start giving to reflect my expectations based on my target. I promote myself by giving beyond my present level, and I can tell you in unmistaken terms that God has never failed me, not even once. Before the end of the year, I would have already surpassed the limit I set for myself. How has it been with your life of giving? Make necessary adjustments today and key into your joy.

Key Point: Giving at a level that matches the financial status of your expectations is a way to compel God to supernaturally upgrade you to that expected level.

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: How to Have a Successful Courtship (2)

Dear Reader,

Last week, I showed you the keys to a successful courtship.  This week, I shall be teaching on “The Duration of Courtship.”

Courtship does not have a particular duration. There are no scriptural references that say exactly how long courtship should be. Most Biblical examples vary from couple to couple like Isaac and Rebecca, Jacob and Rachel, Jacob and Leah in Genesis 24, 29:1-30. However, the Word of God in Ecclesiastes 10:10 says: …Wisdom is profitable to direct. Since marriage is a lifetime affair and not a thing to be rushed into, it is important for you to be sure you know each other well enough. Even though courtship is not judged by how long but how well, the period should be reasonably long enough for both of you to get to know each other well enough, in order to live together all the days of your lives.

For instance, my husband and I courted for six years, but its effect is speaking now, as it gave me ample time to know all about what my husband was doing and what to expect in future. You cannot know someone completely, no matter how long you court but the longer, the better. If you court for only a week or less, then, you will need God’s special grace in your marriage. Why? Because, knowing each other will last almost a lifetime, while learning about each other will also take time, but you are better off, when you know quite a lot about someone. A reasonable length of courtship period is a necessity you cannot afford to overlook. In Genesis 29:20-30, Jacob courted Rachel for seven years but was given Leah. Even after that, he still had to court again for another seven years for Rachel! In fact, it was seven years and seven days with Leah’s week inclusive.

Do not rush into marriage. Spend some time to look before you leap. Many have rushed into marriage, only to discover the true identity of the person they are living with, at a time that is too late.  A lady once came to me to inform me of her marriage intentions. I wanted to find out a few things from her and ask her a few questions. So, I booked an appointment with her. It happened that the appointment could not hold, and the next time I met her, she was already married. The look on her face showed that she needed help. I later discovered that the man she married had been living outside the country for many years and had just returned, so they did not really know each other. She, of course was in a hurry to get married, so she could travel back with him.

While there is nothing wrong with a woman wanting to travel with her husband after marriage, there is everything wrong in wanting to marry a man just because you are desperate to travel out. The man, I guess, knowing himself and his spiritual limitations tried to delay the marriage, but she succeeded in convincing him since she was ready to shoulder all the expenses.  As soon as the marriage was conducted, she discovered the real nature of the man she had married. He was a man, who was not just interested in the things of God. She wanted to call it quit, but God would not permit that.

If only she had been patient enough, she would have known the true colour of the man before rushing into marriage. Now, she had to live the rest of her life in an uncomfortable situation. It can be very dangerous not to know the one you are going to spend your life with; especially, in a world so advanced in technology that people get married everyday via computer/internet. It is wise to know yourselves well enough, before going into marriage.

The benefits of knowing your partner long enough are innumerable. Some of the benefits both of you stand to gain include, all-round maturity i.e. spiritually, emotionally, physically etc.  This is because of the increased level of understanding of each other that both of you will have. You will enjoy the benefit of knowing your partner’s peculiar characteristics, likes, dislikes and how to handle them (Genesis 5:22-23). You will be able to conclude better, on decisions such as the location, finances, number of children, vision and other issues that are important as a foundation for your future home.

Knowing each other long enough, allows you the benefit of a friendly relationship. This kind of friendship is the one that is mentioned in Proverbs 18:24 which says: A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. It affords you the benefit of being best friends. Finally, knowing the person long enough, allows you to confidently decide whether to marry him/her or not.

Since courtship is not marriage, it can be broken. If while courting, you find out that your relationship is not going on well, or you discover that both of you disagree more often than you agree, then wisdom demands that you break the relationship. If during courtship you discover that two of you cannot “walk” together; that is, you are not compatible and, therefore, cannot make it together, a u-turn is permitted (Amos 3:3).  If you feel you have made a wrong choice, call off the relationship! A broken courtship is permitted, if necessary. It is better to break a courtship than to end a marriage in divorce. After all, a broken courtship is not the same as divorce!

Some young men and women are in such a hurry to tie the nuptial knot that they do not take time to know each other or refuse to be true to each other. The courtship period is a time to prove all things about your mate.  It’s true that you have decided to spend the rest of your lives together, but you must not take things for granted either.

The grace you need to go through the length of your courtship is available with God when you surrender your life to Christ. If you want to give your life to Christ and be born again, please say this prayer: “Dear Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me my sins and cleanse me with Your Blood. I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Make me a child of God today. Thank You for delivering me from sin and satan to serve the living God and thank You for accepting me into Your Kingdom.”

Congratulations, you are now born again! If you prayed this simple prayer of faith with me, 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: A Most Worthy Name — Tuesday September 12, 2017.

Text: Psalm 111:1-10

Key Verse: “He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name” (Psalm 111:9).

The following quote is taken from William Shakespeare’s work titled “Othello”: “Good name in man or woman, dear my lord, Is the immediate jewel of their souls; Who steals my purse steals trash; ‘tis something, nothing; T’was mine, ‘tis his, and has been slave to thousands; But he that filches from me my good name robs me of that which not enriches him, And makes me poor indeed”.

Our text this morning calls for praise to the Almighty; both His name and works are specially mentioned as reasons to praise Him. His work is said to be honourable and glorious, it is to be remembered from generation to generation. The redemption of Israel from the Egyptian bondage is then attributed only to God. He is reverend, awesome, fearful and set in a class of His own. When we look into the entire Bible, we will find that the word “reverend’ refers only to God. The lone instance of the word, found in Psalm 111:9 in the King James Version, says: “He [God] sent redemption unto his people: He hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name.” God alone has a name worthy of reverence. No man has a name worthy of such respect or worship.

Whole chapters in the book of Psalms are dedicated entirely to extolling and praising the name of the Lord our God. It’s expected therefore, that every prayer, every worship service and every ministration of any kind begins with praise to our eternal God. When you have a good name, you have something of real value. Believers should always comport themselves to preserve the name of the Lord they bear. All God’s children bear His name. The implication is: let everyone that bears the name of the Lord departs from iniquity.

We need to learn that there’s something we own that’s really worth some value. If you have a good name, you already have something that’s very valuable. According to a Japanese proverb, ‘Life is for one generation. A good name is forever’.

Thought for the day: God‘s name is hallowed and must be feared!

Bible Reading in one Year: Numbers 8-10

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: Change the Image [Tuesday September 12, 2017]

For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. – Romans 8:24-25

According to Romans, hope is actually looking at something you can’t see. How do you do that? You do it by looking at the promises of God in the Word until with your inner eyes—the eyes of your spirit—a picture is formed.

For example, one of the hardest things I ever had to do was face the fact that the inner image I had of myself physically was fat. It didn’t matter how hard I tried to change, it wouldn’t go away. I was always on a diet. I must have lost (and regained) hundreds of pounds over the years.

I finally had to admit that as long as my inner image of myself was fat, my outer self was going to match it. Remember, it’s faith that changes things, and without the inner image of hope, faith cannot work.

So I decided to fast for seven days. I searched my Bible for every scripture I could find on food and eating and I found many.

I meditated on every one of those scriptures and prayed in the spirit for seven full days. What was I doing? I was laying hold on a different inner image.

This is not something you can do overnight. It takes time. Especially if the inner image you’re changing has been there for years.

But you can do it. Go to the Word of God today and begin to change the images inside you. Change them from images of despair to images of hope. Get a blueprint in your heart and your faith will build on it!

Scripture Reading: Romans 4:16-21

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: Be Fully Persuaded — Tuesday September 12, 2017.

“And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able to perform. And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.’’ (Romans 4:21-22 KJV)

Being fully persuaded simply means you have a confident assurance that God has your back covered even in the face of failure. It is a state of refusing to waver even when the evidence is on the contrary. You know in whom you have believed and you choose to stake your life on him rather than believe the evil report of the enemy.

Do you remember the story of the woman with the issue of blood? She settled it in her heart that all she needed was just a touch. That was why she was not deterred by the crowd that thronged around Jesus, neither was she slowed down by the fact that she was bleeding. What she wanted was a healing and that was what she got.

She pushed her way through the crowd and touched the hem of Jesus’ garment and that was it. That woman would never have gotten her healing if she considered the obstacles on her way. She refused to think about failure. She refused to consider how she would feel if nothing happened after touching Jesus. She even refused to think of the disciples who could have prevented her from coming close. All she ever thought of was her healing. She was fully persuaded.

As a child of God, always remember that your victory is already assured because you are in Christ. You are seated in heavenly places, and that means that whatever cannot touch Christ cannot touch you. You may not have seen the manifestation of what you desire yet, but remain fully persuaded that it will surely come to pass. You will not be denied in Jesus name.

Further Reading: Romans 8:37-39, Matthew 9:20-22

Daily Bible Reading: Morning- Proverbs 13-15; Evening- 2 Corinthians 5

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 Greatest Physician [Tuesday September 12, 2017]

Scripture: Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go! It will be done just as you believed it would.” And his servant was healed at that very hour. Matthew 8:13 (NIV).

Thought For The Day: God has the ability to diagnose and also treat whatever is wrong with you.

One of the benefits of redemption is Divine health. The healing of our infirmities and diseases is a benefit accrued to us by redemption. We are saved, amongst other things to enjoy Divine health and Divine healing. That is why the Bible says that we are healed by the stripes of Jesus Christ (Isaiah 53:5).

However, it takes beyond a mental knowledge to access this healing. It takes a revelational knowledge of the Word of God to access our healing on the cross.

Our God is also known as Jehovah Rapha. One meaning of Rapha is healer, physician or doctor. In essence, Jehovah Rapha means God our healer, Physician or

Doctor. Indeed, God is the greatest Physician.

God has the ability to diagnose and also treat whatever is wrong with you.

Beloved, God is your Doctor. Perhaps you have been to different hospitals and doctors have told you they do not know what is wrong with you. Or perhaps you are trusting God for the fruit of the womb and you have done all the necessary tests yet there is no way forward.

I have good news for you: The Lord that heals knows exactly what is wrong. As your Physician, He knows what is wrong and He knows what to do. Therefore, submit your life to Him so that He can treat all areas of your life.

Remember this: God has the ability to diagnose and also treat whatever is wrong with you.

Assignment (s):

1. Submit and surrender your life to God.

2. Ask Him to diagnose and treat every area of your life.

Prayer: O LORD, I ask that You diagnose and treat every area of my life, in Jesus’ Name.

FOR FURTHER UNDERSTANDING, GET THIS MESSAGE: JEHOVAH RAPHA.

Amazing Fact: Eyes are the only part of the human body that functions at 100 percent ability at any movement.

Today In History: 12/09/1873 – The first practical typewriter was sold to customers.

Daily Reading: Isaiah 10:1 to 11:16, 2 Corinthians 12:11 to 21, Psalm 56:1 to 13, Proverbs 23:6 to 8.

Quote: Whenever you are confronted by the storms of life, always remember that Who is behind You is stronger than who is before you. Culled from RIDING THE STORMS OF LIFE by Dr Paul Enenche.

Daily Reading: Isaiah 10:1 to 11:16, 2 Corinthians 12:11 to 21, Psalm 56:1 to 13, Proverbs 23:6 to 8.

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: Receive the Touch of Jesus — Tuesday September 12, 2017.

Text: John 5:5-9 (NKJV)

Now a certain man … had an infirmity thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there,.. , He said to him, “Do you want to be made well?” The sick man answered Him, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me.” Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked. And that day was the Sabbath.

In John 10:10, Jesus warned that the thief comes to kill, steal and destroy but that He has come so that you may have life more abundantly. When Jesus suffered and died for you, He paid the price for you to be set free from sin and the bondage of the devil. He also paid the price for you to be restored back to God and to experience all of God’s will for your life. Christ died so you might be completely free and saved in every area of your life. He took away your sins and He took away your sickness and diseases, 1Pet.2:24. He carried away your grief and sorrows, Isa.53:4. He also took away your shame.

Since He took them, they are no longer yours to contend with. All you have to do now is to believe and you will receive the manifestation of God’s power in your life. No matter the evil and havoc that the devil has caused in your life, I have good news for you, child of God. Jesus has come to you right now. As you believe in what He has done regarding your situation, you shall receive His glorious touch right now.

In the authority of Christ, Apostle Paul commanded a man to rise up and walk once he realized that by listening to him the man had faith to be healed (Acts 14:8-10). As you receive this message, I declare unto you to arise right now and receive that which you are believing God for. Jesus has done it already. It is already yours. It is finished. That situation is over. Jesus has given you the victory. By faith, receive His touch right now and rejoice.

Prayer: I believe and I receive the glorious manifestation of the saving, healing and transformative power of Jesus right now.

Bible In A Year Reading Plan: Proverbs 13-15; 2 Corinthians 5

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: The Almighty God [Tuesday 12, September 2017]

Memorise: “For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth.” – Romans 9:17

Read: Exodus 5:1-4

1 And afterward Moses and Aaron went in, and told Pharaoh, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Let my people go, that they may hold a feast unto me in the wilderness.

2 And Pharaoh said, Who is the LORD, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the LORD, neither will I let Israel go.

3 And they said, The God of the Hebrews hath met with us: let us go, we pray thee, three days’ journey into the desert, and sacrifice unto the LORD our God; lest he fall upon us with pestilence, or with the sword.

4 And the king of Egypt said unto them, Wherefore do ye, Moses and Aaron, let the people from their works? get you unto your burdens.

Bible In One Year Daniel 4-5. Hymn: Sing Hymn 7

MESSAGE:

God is the Creator of Heaven and earth. He is the Beginning and the Ending, the First and Last, the One who knows all things and can do all things. All power in Heaven and on earth belong to Him, which is why He is called the Almighty God. It is not possible for man to fully understand God, but a better understanding of His creative power, wisdom and authority can be made visible by considering the works of His hands (Psalms 8:3-4).

Because of the Almightiness of God, whenever He says ‘yes’ it stays so, and one cannot help but wonder why anybody would try to oppose Him. Striving against God is fruitless. Do not resist the Holy Spirit, or be found arguing with God. Don’t ever try to attack God’s people or practice unbelief, lest you be found guilty of striving against God!

Prayer Point: Father, please don’t let me ever be found in opposition to Your Word in Jesus’ Name.

Open Heavens Daily Devotional for Teen’s 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.