Topic: More Lessons from the Life of David [Monday September 11, 2017]

Scripture: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Matthew 3:17

Thought For The Day: Rejection is often the birth place of distinction.

God’s utmost desire for His children is for them to please Him (Rev. 4:11). David was called a man after God’s Heart (Acts 13:22). Therefore, in order to please God on earth, it is necessary to learn and follow his footprints.

Yesterday, we looked at some vital lessons from the life of David. We saw amongst other things that rejection is often the birth place of distinction.

Today, other important lessons from the life of David are:

1. The neglected among men are often the needed before God

David was not mentioned initially when Prophet Samuel came to anoint one of the sons of Jesse because he was neglected (1 Samuel 16), but unknown to those who rejected him, he was to become God’s choice for national leadership.
The lesson is: no matter how men reject you, God will remember you for a life turnaround.

2. People tolerated by men are often celebrated by God.

David was also tolerated by his parents and brothers, yet he became God’s candidate for celebration.

Beloved, it does not matter how people belittle you, you shall be celebrated by the reason of the Anointing.

Remember this: Rejection is often the birth place of distinction.

Assignment(s):

1. Ask God for a fresh anointing of His Spirit on your life.

2. Make up your mind to please God with your life.

Prayer: O LORD, I ask for a fresh infilling of Your spirit and power. Help me to please You with my life in Jesus’ Name.

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

Daily Reading: Isaiah 8:1 to 9:21, 2 Corinthians 12:1 to 10, Psalm 55:1 to 23, Proverbs 23:4 to 5.

Amazing Fact: The average distance between the stars in the sky is 20 million miles.

Today In History: In the U.S., four airliners were hijacked and were intentionally crashed. Two airliners hit the World Trade Center, which collapsed shortly after, in New York City, NY. One airliner hit the Pentagon in Arlington, VA. Another airliner crashed into a field in Pennsylvania. About 3,000 people were killed.

Quote: God’s men are God’s machineries, methods and missiles. Culled from GOD IN THIS THY MIGHT 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: Sustainable Family 1 [Monday, 11th September 2017]

For this cause I bow my knees unto God…of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named. Ephesians 3:14-15

Every family in the world, especially those that are in Christ, are important to God. God wants every family to not only fulfil the purpose why He brought them together, but He also want them to be sustainable and progressive. Most times, couples come together without any real plan on how to run their families in an efficient and sustainable way. Every couple should have a plan for their families. God, our Father, has a plan for us, even before we came into the world. He said in Jeremiah 1:5: “I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.”

Scriptures enjoy you in Ephesians 5:1 to “imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children.” Most married couples end their family planning on just how many children they will give birth to. While that is good, it is instructive to note that that is not all there is to family planning. Yes, we don’t have control over future occurrences, but nothing stops us from having future plans in every facet of our families. A future that is not planned for will jolt us. And this jolting is avoidable only if, married couples take their time to plan their families, even before tying the nuptial knot.

This series on ‘Sustainable Family’ will teach us what to and how to plan for the various facets of our families, so that our families can radiate the glory of the Lord. Pay heed to the principles that will be discussed as God will be ministering to our families, whether you are married or intending to get married. God is interested in the sustainability and progressive growth of each family, because He wants to use each family to show forth His wisdom. As we imbibe these principles and do an in-depth family planning, it is my prayer that the beauty of God will be known in our families.

Keep winning daily.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, thank You for every family in the world. I ask that Your glory will be seen in them and that they shall be sustainable and grow progressively, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Topic: Portion for Levites — Monday September 11, 2017.

Text: Deuteronomy 18:1-8

Key Verse: “Then he shall minister in the name of the LORD his God, as all his brethren the Levites do, which stand there before the LORD” (Deuteronomy 18:7).

In 1878, when William Booth’s Salvation Army was beginning to make its mark, men and women from all over the world began to enlist. One man, who had once dreamt of becoming a bishop, crossed the Atlantic from America to England to enlist. Samuel Brengle left a fine pastorate to join Booth’s Army. But at first, General Booth accepted his services reluctantly and grudgingly. Booth said to Brengle, “You’ve been your own boss too long.” And in order to instill humility in Brengle, he assigned him the work of cleaning the boots of other trainees. Discouraged, Brengle said to himself, “Have I followed my own fancy across the Atlantic in order to black boots?” And then, as in a vision, he saw Jesus bending over the feet of rough, unlettered fishermen. “Lord,” he whispered, “you washed their feet; I will black their shoes.”

From our text, the Levites were expected to serve in God’s tabernacle. They were the only tribe not to receive an allotted inheritance among the tribes of Israel. The Lord was their portion; such was their consecration. Levi is the third son of Jacob and Leah. The task of the Levite was to serve in the temple. His role as teacher and spiritual example is to lead others on the path of righteousness and purpose. Moses in his final prayers for Israel before his departure to glory said: “They shall teach Jacob thy judgments, and Israel thy law…” (Deuteronomy 33:10).

In the New Testament, all believers are now levites, consecrated to render unreserved and sacrificial service unto the Lord. As servants in the Lord’s service, we should serve as servants to the Master, seeking no reward because the payday will come when we shall appear before Him at the bema seat.

Thought for the day: A true believer is yoked to his Master.

Bible Reading in one Year: Numbers 5-7

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: Only Jesus — Monday September 11, 2017.

God . . . is the one who invited you into this wonderful friendship with his Son, even Christ our Lord. — 1 Corinthians 1:9 (TLB)

The question remains, “How can God be just-that is, true to Himself in nature and true to Himself in holiness—and yet justify the sinner?” Because each man had to bear his own sins, all mankind was excluded from helping, since each was contaminated with the same disease. The only solution was for an innocent party to volunteer to die physically and spiritually as a substitution before God.

This innocent party would have to take man’s judgment, penalty, and death. But where was such an individual? Certainly, there was none on earth. There was only one possibility. God’s own Son was the only personality in the universe who had the capacity to bear in His own body the sins of the world. Only God’s Son was infinite and thus able to die for all.

Prayer for the day: Lord Jesus, Lamb of God, in adoration I thank You for the love that made You willing to suffer and die on the cross for my sin.

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 Word Produces Fruit – Monday September 11, 2017.

Matthew 21:14 “And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple; and he healed them.”

Text: Matthew 21:12-14

When we, who are the temple of the Lord, are occupied with the cares of this life, the needs of others are not met. However, when we are cleansed (Jn. 15:3), then the Lord can accomplish His ministry through us.

Jesus tells us not to worry or be anxious about our material needs being met. It would be impossible to never think about our physical needs, even Jesus thought about His need for money to pay taxes. We are simply not to be occupied with thinking about riches or spend time worrying about our necessities. They will be added unto us as we seek first the kingdom of God.

Prosperity can be damaging to the Body of Christ. God wants to bless His children with things, but a preoccupation with these things will choke God’s Word and make it unfruitful. If we follow God’s formula for prosperity found in Matthew 6:19-34, then the Word will bring forth fruit and we will enjoy the physical blessings of this life too.

There are people who have received God’s Word, committed themselves to it to the degree that they are able to remain faithful in persecution, but because of being occupied with the affairs of this life, the Word sown in their heart is choked and no fruit is produced. Just as weeds in a garden will steal the nutrients and starve the plant, so the pleasures of this life, if we allow them to dominate our thinking, will stop the fruit of the Word from producing.

It takes time, effort, and diligence to be a fruitful Christian. It’s quicker and easier to raise weeds than it is to raise tomatoes or corn. Let God’s Word produce fruit in you.

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: The One Who Understands — Monday September 11, 2017.

Read: John 1:1–18, Bible in a Year: Proverbs 10–12; 2 Corinthians 4

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. John 1:14

John Babler is the chaplain for the police and fire departments in his Texas community. During a twenty-two-week sabbatical from his job, he attended police academy training so that he could better understand the situations law enforcement officers face. Through spending time with the other cadets and learning about the intense challenges of the profession, Babler gained a new sense of humility and empathy. In the future, he hopes to be more effective as he counsels police officers who struggle with emotional stress, fatigue, and loss.

We know that God understands the situations we face because He made us and sees everything that happens to us. We also know He understands because He has been to earth and experienced life as a human being. He “became flesh and made his dwelling among us” as the person of Jesus Christ (John 1:14).

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. John 1:14

Jesus’s earthly life included a wide range of difficulty. He felt the searing heat of the sun, the pain of an empty stomach, and the uncertainty of homelessness. Emotionally, He endured the tension of disagreements, the burn of betrayal, and the ongoing threat of violence.

Jesus experienced the joys of friendship and family love, as well as the worst problems that we face here on earth. He provides hope. He is the Wonderful Counselor who patiently listens to our concerns with insight and care (Isa. 9:6). He is the One who can say, “I’ve been through that. I understand.”

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for caring enough to humble Yourself and come to earth as a human being.

God understands the struggles we face.

This message was written By Jennifer Benson Schuldt [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]

Topic: The One Who Understands — Monday September 11, 2017.

Read: John 1:1–18, Bible in a Year: Proverbs 10–12; 2 Corinthians 4

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. John 1:14

John Babler is the chaplain for the police and fire departments in his Texas community. During a twenty-two-week sabbatical from his job, he attended police academy training so that he could better understand the situations law enforcement officers face. Through spending time with the other cadets and learning about the intense challenges of the profession, Babler gained a new sense of humility and empathy. In the future, he hopes to be more effective as he counsels police officers who struggle with emotional stress, fatigue, and loss.

We know that God understands the situations we face because He made us and sees everything that happens to us. We also know He understands because He has been to earth and experienced life as a human being. He “became flesh and made his dwelling among us” as the person of Jesus Christ (John 1:14).

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. John 1:14

Jesus’s earthly life included a wide range of difficulty. He felt the searing heat of the sun, the pain of an empty stomach, and the uncertainty of homelessness. Emotionally, He endured the tension of disagreements, the burn of betrayal, and the ongoing threat of violence.

Jesus experienced the joys of friendship and family love, as well as the worst problems that we face here on earth. He provides hope. He is the Wonderful Counselor who patiently listens to our concerns with insight and care (Isa. 9:6). He is the One who can say, “I’ve been through that. I understand.”

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for caring enough to humble Yourself and come to earth as a human being.

God understands the struggles we face.

This message was written By Jennifer Benson Schuldt [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]

Topic: You Need Encouragement [Sunday 10, September 2017]

Memorise: “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33

Read: 1 Kings 19:1-6

1 And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and withal how he had slain all the prophets with the sword.

2 Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by to morrow about this time.

3 And when he saw that, he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beersheba, which belongeth to Judah, and left his servant there.

4 But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.

5 And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat.

6 And he looked, and, behold, there was a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head. And he did eat and drink, and laid him down again.

Bible In One Year: Ezekiel 47-48. Hymn: Sing Hymn 9

MESSAGE:

Based on human experience, life is generally believed to be hard, laborious, burdensome, and full of sorrow. A combination of several factors may be responsible for the dilemma faced by human beings. One of these factors is recorded in 1 Peter 5:8 followed up by saying

“…your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may destroy:”

When a higher responsibility such as being the first child of your parents, school or leadership is added to the ordinary troubles of life, the result is ‘more worries’. For this reason, everyone needs divine encouragement and support daily. Beginning from today, you will receive divine support and encouragement in Jesus’ Name. However, you must first be born-again and meditate on the Word of God (Joshua 1:8-9). You must also invite the Holy Spirit who is the counsellor, into your life. Thereafter, you will begin to experience God’s encouragement. This is the secret of my success as the General Overseer of the RCCG. It is only by His support and encouragement that any man can succeed.

Prayer Point: Father, please encourage and support me so that I may fulfill my destiny 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.

Topic: 4-Fold Dynamic Effects of Faith [Sunday September 10, 2017]

…The just shall live by his faith. Habakkuk 2:4

Faith commits God.

Wherever faith goes, God performs. Luke 1:45.

Faith charts the path that the power of God follows. Luke.17:19; 18:42.

God can do all things, but will only perform to the measure of your belief. It’s unto you according to your faith

Faith is intoxicating.

You can’t believe and not show it in your speech and attitude.

You can’t believe it and not behave it.

Your faith determines your state.

It moves one who believes to act. Mark 5:25-30

Intoxication is final evidence of faith.

Faith puts you in charge of everything that charges against your faith in God.

No door is shut against faith.

It quenches all fiery darts.

It subdues all opposition.Hebrews.11:33-35

– It attracts followership of humans and help from them. John.2:11, Exodus.19:9

Men of faith are men of fame, because they get exceptional results.

The world follows a man of faith.

Topic: Restitution: Evidence Of Salvation I — Monday 11, September 2017.

Memorise: And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.  – Luke 19:8

Read: Luke 19:1-10 (KJV)

1 And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho.

2 And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich.

3 And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature.

4 And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way.

5 And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house.

6 And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully.

7 And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner.

8 And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.

9 And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.

10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

Bible in One Year: 2 Chronicles 24-25, Ezekiel 39:21-40:4, Hymn: Sing hymn 14 – Take My Life

MESSAGE:

When you are genuinely saved, you will desire to find out what you can do for the Lord Jesus Christ. There will be a strong desire in your heart to reciprocate the Saviour’s gesture of love. Is it so with you? When I newly got born again, there were quite a few people around me who got saved at about the same time also. We all had certain characteristics in common, one of which was anytime there was work to be done for God, we volunteered. We did it joyfully, spending our money, time and energy. Unfortunately, when you ask some people who claim to be born again to do some work in the house of God today, they will charge you double the job’s worth, while some unbelievers would just give you a normal bill. Such people need to seek genuine salvation!

Coming Up Next: Open Heavens 12 September 2017: Tuesday daily devotional by Pastor Adeboye – Little Requests Limit God

Moreover, another sign of genuine conversion is the desire to right your wrongs. True salvation yearns for restitution. Nobody will experience genuine salvation without asking questions such as these: How much of my past iniquity can l correct? How much can l salvage of the damage I have done? These questions will come from your heart even without being taught the doctrine of restitution. This happened to Zacchaeus in today’s Bible reading. Immediately Jesus entered his house, Zacchaeus responded to His love with these words in Luke 19:8

“And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.”

Zacchaeus, even without being instructed, decided to give 50% of his wealth to the poor, and offered to return four times whatever he had taken from any man by false accusations. This pleased the Lord. Indeed, restitution pleases God. When you restore whatever you have stolen, and whenever you right your wrongs, it becomes a testimony to genuineness of your repentance. When you make restitution to people you offended or cheated, it softens the ground for you to eventually present the message of the gospel to them. If you hold back what you stole, even after you claim to have been saved, you will retain the enmity of those you defrauded, and because of you, they may never respond to the message of salvation. Is there any pending restitution you need to make? Go ahead and right your wrongs. For controversial and very weighty cases, please seek counselling before going ahead.

Key Point: The practice of restitution gives you a clear conscience before God and man

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.