Topic: Acceptable Fellowship — Wednesday August 30, 2017.

Text: Ephesians 5:10-20

Key Verse: “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret” (Ephesians 5:11,12).

A Christian youth worker, warned of the danger of fraternizing with his former club members, told his counsellor that there was nothing to worry about as he was spiritually strong enough to resist their attempts to lure him back. One evening, a former friend in the club rushed to his house and gave him a bag to keep for him and that he would return later to take it.

Soon after, the police, acting on a tip off, came in hot pursuit of the man and not finding him arrested the Christian worker and when the bag was searched a short gun was found neatly wrapped and concealed in the bag’s interior. Promptly, the Christian worker was arrested and taken away. Paul here, admonishes against slipping back to the world to have fellowship with old acquaintances who were yet to taste of the salvation of the Lord. Their acts were still evil. There was so much immorality and yet the teachers around never bothered to call a spade a spade but painted fornication and adultery in colours of moral goodness. The believers today should be wary of old relationships especially with those who still relish their habits of sin.

False teachers might teach error but “Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience”. We, as children of God, are standing by grace, but this grace should not be taken for granted. The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and is plenteous in mercy (Psalm 103:8). Yet, He is a consuming fire. Let us, therefore, at all times, abstain from all appearance of evil.

Thought for the day: There is no friendship between light and darkness.

Bible Reading in one Year: Nehemiah 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: Sure Avenues to Comfort — Wednesday 30, August 2017.

Memorise: For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.  – Romans 15:4

Read: Romans 15:4-5 (KJV)

4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

5 Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:

Bible in One Year: 1 Chronicles 22-24, Ezekiel 33:10-20, Hymn: Sing hymn 16: God Give Us Christian Homes!

MESSAGE:

We are blessed to have a God that does not desert those who belong to Him. In Hebrews 13:5, God promised never to leave nor forsake His own. The divine presence of the Great Shepherd strengthens His sheep, so much so that they entertain no fear. If you are His sheep, He is always with you; even when you cannot feel Him. Do you know that in those moments when it appears as if God has gone on a journey, He is much more around you than you can imagine? When He promised to be with us always, He was not joking (Matthew 28:20). Are you a sheep of the Great Shepherd? Are you feeling lonely or does it appear that God has forsaken you? He has not. He is right there by your side. He can hear your voice and your whisper. He can even hear your unvoiced wishes, and He will answer you. However, do everything to remain His sheep. Remain within His fold and shun every temptation to stray to the left or to the right.

If Jesus is the Shepherd of your soul, you will not lack comfort because He has promised to comfort you through His rod and staff (Psalm 23:4). No one can make it through this pilgrim’s way without the comfort of the Great Shepherd. One way we receive comfort today, as followers of Jesus Christ, is through the Holy Spirit. Hence, John 14:16 says,

“And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;”

When you go through loss or experience some very painful situations, you need the comfort of the Spirit to restore you to a state of peace. The Holy Spirit is so good at this. If however you create a gulf between yourself and the Holy Spirit, how would you then be comforted in the time of need? From experience, the comfort you get from fellow human beings is grossly inadequate. Why? At best, man’s attempt at comforting you may satisfy mainly physical needs, but the comfort of the Holy Spirit can reach out to all areas of need, particularly the realm of the soul. Another way of accessing real soothing comfort is from the word of God. Romans 15:4 says that this kind of comfort does not only deal with the unrest in your heart, but it also gives you hope. This is one reason why you should never be far from the Bible. The word of God inspires hope. If you feel hopeless, check yourself; you may find out that God’s word is scarce in your heart. Are you feeling hopeless or in need of comfort? Reach out for God’s word today.

Key Point: One crucial time you need the comfort of the Holy Spirit is when you are passing through a wilderness experience.

Open Heavens Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer’s Ministries.

iOpenHeavens is the electronic version of the Hard Copy. The Open Heavens devotional application is available across all mobile platforms and operating systems: iOS, Android, Blackberry, Nokia, Windows Mobile and PC.

Topic: The Great Invitation [Tuesday 29, August 2017]

Memorise: “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” – Isaiah 1:18

Read: Matthew 11:28-30

28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Bible In One Year: Ezekiel 16-17. Hymn: Sing Hymn 4

MESSAGE:

There are numerous invitations we receive during the course of our lifetime, but there is an invitation that changes the life of person permanently and that invitation is only found in Jesus.

It does not matter how far you have gone into the world of sin, Jesus is asking you to come. There is no sinner without a future and there is no saint without a past, but in Jesus everything becomes new.

One finds peace and rest of mind by understanding that his sins are forgiven by the grace of God through the Blood of Jesus. You can cast all your worries and anxiety on Jesus; it is a part of your redemption right because all those troubles have been exchanged for peace through His death. However, you must know that the glory of God is His holiness. His dwelling is in holiness. His way is holy, and His invitation to us is not an invitation to lawlessness but an invitation to holiness.

Key Point: There is no sin that is beyond the redemption at the Cross.

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 — One Whole Lump: Marriage 2 [Tuesday, 29th August 2017]

Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it. Ephesians 5:25

In Mark 10:7, Jesus said “for this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife.” Did you notice that He said “for this cause…” One thing that we have come to know about God is that He does things with a cause in mind. We can conveniently substitute the word ’cause’ with ‘purpose’. Every family that comes together, as long they are part of the kingdom of God, are joined together for a purpose. It is needed for every intending couple and already married couples, who are part of the kingdom of God, to know the purpose of their union.

Marriage, like I said yesterday, is not contracted just because the intending couple are off age. There is a cause – purpose – for the union to fulfil. God, in whom all families in heaven and earth is named, have got His kingdom in mind when bringing two of His own into the marriage union. Adam was meant to rule over the earth, as an extension of the kingdom of God. Eve was meant to be a support suitable for him so he could fulfil his mandate. Their union was for the purpose of the kingdom.

Don’t go into union with one without a purpose for the kingdom. Jesus came into union with us for a purpose, that’s why you need to get into the marriage union with a purpose in mind, a purpose that is kingdom oriented. Although we individually have our purposes to fulfil, for married couples, marriage synchronizes and bonds them into one. And it is this purpose that the union of marriage seeks to fulfil. So, intending couples must ask themselves, ‘what purpose is our union going to achieve for the kingdom?’ Already married couple need to ask themselves ‘what purpose are we fulfilling for the kingdom?’ Marriage is for a purpose. Marry for that purpose.

Keep winning daily.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, I pray for every intending couple to find Your purpose for their union. And also for married couples to fulfil the purpose for their union, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Topic: Understanding Christian Courtship (4)

This is the concluding part of the teachings on Understanding Christian Courtship and this week we shall be examining the “ENGAGEMENT” period as the peak of every successful courtship.

What is Engagement?

Engagement is what succeeds a satisfactory courtship period. It is when you and your partner have made up your mind to spend the rest of your lives together in marriage. At this time, you are both formally introduced to your parents, pastors, friends and relations. It is also the stage at which the dowry or bride price is paid in most cases as a demonstration of love for your would-be spouse.

Genesis 24:53 says: And the servant brought forth jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment, and gave them to Rebecca: he gave also to her brother and her mother precious things. Notice the words “precious things”. Whatever things that are presented for dowry must be precious, not sinful and not contrary to the Word of God. These things ought to be given willingly. Contrary to what many believers think, it is scriptural to pay dowry but the things you offer should be precious and not things that will dishonour God or tarnish your Christian testimony.

When my husband and I were about to marry, certain things were included on the list of items that he was to bring as the bride price. We knew that we couldn’t take those things and my husband would rather never be married than present those things, because of our stand for God and our future. Yes, we love each other and we were looking forward to getting married, but we loved God more.

When my husband got the list, he did not respond. Then one day, my parents said to him, “We sent so and so paper to you and you didn’t respond”. God gave him wisdom to reply them, and he said, “You see, there are certain things on the list, that if we get involved in them now, we would become problems to you tomorrow.”  My father agreed with him and said, “Cancel whatever is against your future on the list” and that was it! Don’t sell your birthright today else you will regret your actions tomorrow!

The engagement period, being the peak period of courtship, is also a time when your partner and you will need to spend more time praying, fasting and gathering knowledge from the Word of God concerning His promises and commandments needed for a successful family life. Many couples tend to get carried away with various activities during this period that they never seem to find time to seek God. If there is any time to seek God more, it is at this time because both of you will face several challenges, distractions and contrary reactions that may cause you to easily lose grip, if your relationship with God is not firm.

At this period too, other conclusions such as the materials needed for a home together, must be in place. This is not the time to start hunting for a job (if you are unemployed) but that you already have a job. You should be prepared enough to embrace the responsibilities that marriage and your future family will demand from you (2 Chronicles 27:6).

Sincerity that is void of every form of pretences is a MUST at this time. You have to be open, hiding nothing from each other and keeping no skeletons in your cupboard. Let your partner know even the smallest details about you. I have seen a lot of ladies fallen victim to this, simply because they would not let go of secrets and pretences. If for example, as a lady you like to wear red lipstick, then don’t pretend that you don’t wear lipstick at all; only for your husband to stumble on you, wearing one after you are both married. Let your partner accept you for whom you truly are without assumptions.

So much is demanded of you and God’s help is available when you accept Him through His Son, Jesus Christ.  When you confess Jesus Christ as your Lord and personal Saviour, God recognises you as His child and He begins to direct your steps in order to ensure that you do not fall victim to mistakes, hurts and sorrows. If you are ready to accept Jesus Christ now and become born again, please say this prayer of faith with me: “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: Just As I Am — Tuesday August 29, 2017

You are living a brand new kind of life . . . more and more like Christ who created this new life within you. — Colossians 3:10 (TLB)

A long-haired blonde from a southern university seemed to be enjoying a satisfactory student career when her grades began to slip. “Life had become one long case of the blahs,” she confessed later. “I wasn’t walking around with a steady load of blues, but I wasn’t enjoying life. Small things made me blow up. I met some kids who seemed to know something I didn’t know, but I couldn’t get in on it. We went to several meetings, and one night the speaker said that we don’t earn God’s love. He takes us as we are. It was then I realized it wasn’t a matter of clocking up a certain number of hours doing good deeds. Instead, I had to make myself available. Through faith, I had to let Him take over. It came together all at once, when I accepted Christ as my personal Savior. I know that God is in me in everything I do.

My life has taken on a new dimension.” Does your life have this new dimension? It can! Just begin now with Jesus Christ! When you make this beginning, it will be your first step toward realizing personal fulfillment, meaning, and joy.

Prayer for the day: By faith, loving Father, I ask You to take over every part of my life—draw me closer to Your Son, my Savior, Jesus Christ.

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: Relieve Each Other’s Burdens – Tuesday August 29, 2017.

Luke 19:23 “Wherefore then gavest not thou my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have required mine own with usury?”

Text: Luke 19:23

The Greek word for “usury” means primarily “a bringing forth, birth, or offsprings.” It is used metaphorically for the profit received by a lender.

The Law of Moses attempted to protect both borrower and lender. In Israel, borrowing and lending was not for big, commercial enterprises but rather to help the poor and needy who lacked everyday necessities. In lending, the lender had the opportunity to help the poor in need. It was an act of love in which the lender actually lifted a burden by helping his fellow Israelite through a crisis, but was forbidden to charge usury. To relieve the burden of the poor, debts were released every seven years and property restored during the year of Jubilee.

In the New Testament, the practice of lending money at interest seemed to be accepted as normal business procedure. Although Jesus never condemned interest directly, in general, He was hard on the improper attitude toward riches and on the oppression of the poor, just as was the Old Testament. The principle of making money from someone else’s hardship is not really a godly way of doing business. It was permitted, and even encouraged in this instance, but Deuteronomy 23:19-20 makes it clear that interest was never to be charged to a fellow Israelite. Today, that would be equivalent to never loaning money with interest to a fellow Christian. Borrowing money is not condemned in scripture unless you interpret Romans 13:8 as speaking of borrowing. However, the scriptures make it clear that borrowing is not God’s best. Deuteronomy 28:12 lists never having to borrow as a blessing, while Deuteronomy 28:44 lists borrowing as a part of the curse of the law. Proverbs 22:7 says, “The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.”

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 Power of a Clear Conscience [Tuesday August 29, 2017]

Scripture: And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men. Acts 24:16.

Thought For The Day: When the conscience is clear, guidance is easy.

A major secret of life is anchored on two major things: a conscience that is clear with God and a conscience that is clear with man. If our relationship with God and man is clear, reaching where we are meant to reach and becoming what we are meant to become on earth is a certainty.

With this in mind, the enemy has decided to constantly organize diversities of situations to make us offend God and to cause our hearts to be bottled up with offences towards our fellow human beings, even the brethren.

Now, what makes a clear conscience powerful?

1. A clear conscience imparts the boldness of faith in a person’s life (Proverbs 28:1). A clear conscience equals strong confidence at the place of prayer and in life generally.

So, anything that makes God not to be happy with you is indirectly fighting the boldness of your faith. Whoever and whatever constitutes an offence in your heart is tampering with your boldness and confidence towards God.

2. A clear conscience gives one access to Divine direction. When the conscience is clear, guidance is easy; and when guidance is lost, disaster is inevitable. In Proverbs 20:27, the Bible says, ‘The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD,…’. So, when the spirit is injured by offence, it cannot function effectively.

Beloved, anytime someone comes your way to constitute an offence, he is fighting your direction, and the accuracy of your spirit; resist the temptation and refuse to habour bitterness.

Remember this: When the conscience is clear, guidance is easy.

Assignment (s):

1. Disengage from anything that displeases God in your life.

2. Forgive anyone who offended you.

FOR FURTHER UNDERSTANDING, GET THIS MESSAGE: THE POWER OF A CLEAR CONSCIENCE.

Prayer: O LORD, I receive the grace to forgive those who offended me. Give me a heart of love, LORD, in Jesus’ Name.

Daily Reading: Job 31:1 to 33:33, 2 Corinthians 3:1 to 18, Psalm 43:1 to 5, Proverbs 22:8 to 9

Quote: Our ability or inability to forgive, affects our lives in eternity. Culled from AM I BITTER? by Dr Becky Enenche.

Amazing Fact: Earth’s atmosphere is the only atmosphere discovered till date that humans can breathe in.

Today In History: 29/8/1831 – Michael Faraday discovered electromagnetic induction.

Dunamis International Gospel Centre (DIGC), is a powerfully anointed church, headquartered at Abuja, Nigeria, with Dr Paul and Dr 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: You Hold the Key [Tuesday August 29, 2017]

I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. – Matthew 16:19

The Greek text of that scripture would literally read, “I give you the keys of the kingdom. Whatever you declare locked on earth is locked in heaven and whatever you declare unlocked on earth is unlocked in the heavenlies.”

The heaven Jesus was talking about there isn’t the heaven where God resides. He was talking about the battle zone, about the heaven where Satan’s forces are operating.

He was telling us that God has given us power to bind the wicked spirits in heavenly places and to loose the angelic powers of God to work in our behalf.

Philippians 2:9-10 says, “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth.” Where? In heaven, in earth and under the earth. That covers it all!

As believers, we have total authority over the powers of Satan. We can take authority over the evil spirits that are trying to destroy this nation. We can take authority over them in the Name of Jesus and pull down their strongholds.

It is time we began to realize how important we are to world affairs. Since the day Jesus gave us the Great Commission, the life or death of the world has been in the hands of the Church. We are the ones who have the mighty Name of Jesus and the awesome strength of the gospel to bring life and abundance to every creature. We are the ones whose prayers can change every office of authority in this land.

It’s up to you and me to begin to intercede right now and use the power God has given us. We may come from different lands with different backgrounds, but we all have one thing in common—Jesus Christ is our Lord. And that alone is enough to alter the spiritual complexion of this earth.

Scripture Reading: Acts 4:1-14

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.