Topic: Overflowing Fruit — Tuesday August 29, 2017.

Read: Galatians 5:16–25, Bible in a Year: Psalms 126–128; 1 Corinthians 10:19–33

I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. John 15:16

During the spring and summer, I admire the fruit growing in our neighbor’s yard. Their cultivated vines climb a shared fence to produce large bunches of grapes. Branches dotted with purple plums and plump oranges dangle just within our reach.

Although we don’t till the soil, plant the seeds, or water and weed the garden, the couple next door shares their bounty with us. They take responsibility for nurturing their crops and allow us to delight in a portion of their harvest.

The fruit of the Spirit changes us so we can impact the lives of those around us.

The produce from the trees and vines on the other side of our fence reminds me of another harvest that benefits me and the people God places in my life. That harvest is the fruit of the Spirit.

Christ-followers are commissioned to claim the benefits of living by the power of the Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:16–21). As God’s seeds of truth flourish in our hearts, the Spirit produces an increase in our ability to express “love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (vv. 22–23).

Once we surrender our lives to Jesus, we no longer have to be controlled by our self-centered inclinations (v. 24). Over time, the Holy Spirit can change our thinking, our attitudes, and our actions. As we grow and mature in Christ, we can have the added joy of loving our neighbors by sharing the benefits of His generous harvest.

Prayer: Lord, please cultivate the fruit of the Spirit in our hearts and minds so our neighbors can enjoy Your sweet fragrance in and through our lives.

The fruit of the Spirit changes us so we can impact the lives of those around us.

Insight:

As followers of Christ it’s easy to project an image to those around us that we don’t struggle with sin. But God knows better. The war between good and evil that began eons ago continues today within the believer’s heart. Even though we are redeemed and will one day reign with Christ, we experience the daily struggle between obedience and disobedience. In today’s reading, Paul lists the kinds of attitudes and behaviors that characterize our fallen nature. But he also lists those godly qualities that reflect Christ’s own character and are pleasing to God. The challenge of the Christian life is to yield our hearts to the control and direction of the Holy Spirit so we will bear fruit that is honoring to God and benefits those around us.

This message was written By Xochitl Dixon [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]

Topic: Embrace Grace — Tuesday August 29, 2017.

“For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.” John 1:17 (KJV)

The law makes a demand on you for what you cannot supply but grace supplies to man what he does not deserve. The law will say you should do this and do that and you will find out that you can’t do them. The more you try, the more you fail. That is what religion is all about. But grace supplies to you what you do not earn, merit, or deserve. Whenever you see grace, it is always supplying. It is always giving and it will always say to you: step aside and let me do it for you. Grace removes obstacle! In other words, Grace is saying stop the fight, just sit down and let Me give it to you. Let Me meet you at the point of your need. All you need to do is to believe and receive.

In Mark 5, the Bible introduces us to Jairus who was a religious ruler. What in our modern day, you will call a Pastor. Despite his religious observation and efforts, death visited him. Jairus had to be sincere and honest with himself and say this thing is not working. In spite of all I have done, my daughter is at the point of death; she lies sick and probably will die. So he dropped his religion because it was not working. He came to the end of himself, which is what the law is meant to do. The Law makes you come to the end of yourself. The laws that were given are to make you see your inability to keep them. So that you will know that you need a Saviour.

The law shows you all you are supposed to do in order to be qualified before God which you don’t have the capability to do. It does that so that you can know that someone has to help you. And that is why Jesus came. Jesus is our Saviour. He came to favour you. He has come so that you will have life and have it abundantly. Stop struggling! Embrace Grace!

Further Reading: John 1:16-17, Mark 5:22-24, 37-42

Daily Bible Reading: Morning- Psalms 126-128; Evening- 1 Corinthians 10:19-33

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: Broken Ships — Tuesday August 29, 2017.

Text: 2 Chronicles 20:31-37

Key Verse: “…Because thou hast joined thyself with Ahaziah, the LORD hath broken thy works. And the ships were broken…” (2 Chronicles 20:37).

The saying that when things are sometimes falling apart, they may actually be falling into place had never been truer as in the case of Jehoshaphat. He began well by doing what was right in the sight of God. But he soon got into a relationship that was headed in the wrong direction. He began a ship-building business with an unbelieving king. The business was doomed as God broke the ships, severed the partnership and made sure the venture never worked. While things fell apart, they were actually falling into the path God wanted for him.

There are many kinds of ships that are capable of ruining our testimony and taking us far from God. The devil has so many ships he has constructed to carry people to eternal damnation. Satan can send friendship, courtship, partnership, scholarship, internship, or kingship to take you far from the true purpose of God for your life. It is not everything that is not working in your life that is under attack from the enemy. Not every prayer that is not answered is being hindered by Satan. God sometimes hinders some prayers; breaks some ships, just to save His own. Whatever is falling apart in your life may actually be falling into the place of God’s will for you. Our confidence is in God’s assurance that all things are working together for our good.

Therefore, whatever comes and whatever goes needs to be seen in the light of God’s word and his specific will for your life. People say, a broken courtship is better than a broken marriage. And it is not sin if it was God’s idea. But God is not in support of divorce. So, think intently to see if there is any relationship God has either been preventing you from entering or He is breaking in your life. Rather than resist, you should submit to Him and ask that the will of God be done in your life.

Thought for the day: God breaks any ship that carries His people away from Him.

Bible Reading in one Year: Nehemiah 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: Builders for God — Monday 28, August 2017.

Memorise: Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. – 1 Corinthians 15:58

Read: Nehemiah 2:1-8 (KJV)

1 And it came to pass in the month Nisan, in the twentieth year of Artaxerxes the king, that wine was before him: and I took up the wine, and gave it unto the king. Now I had not been beforetime sad in his presence.

2 Wherefore the king said unto me, Why is thy countenance sad, seeing thou art not sick? this is nothing else but sorrow of heart. Then I was very sore afraid,

3 And said unto the king, Let the king live for ever: why should not my countenance be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers’ sepulchres, lieth waste, and the gates thereof are consumed with fire?

4 Then the king said unto me, For what dost thou make request? So I prayed to the God of heaven.

5 And I said unto the king, If it please the king, and if thy servant have found favour in thy sight, that thou wouldest send me unto Judah, unto the city of my fathers’ sepulchres, that I may build it.

6 And the king said unto me, (the queen also sitting by him,) For how long shall thy journey be? and when wilt thou return? So it pleased the king to send me; and I set him a time.

7 Moreover I said unto the king, If it please the king, let letters be given me to the governors beyond the river, that they may convey me over till I come into Judah;

8 And a letter unto Asaph the keeper of the king’s forest, that he may give me timber to make beams for the gates of the palace which appertained to the house, and for the wall of the city, and for the house that I shall enter into. And the king granted me, according to the good hand of my God upon me.

Bible in One Year: 1 Chronicles 16-18; Ezekiel 32:16-28, Hymn: Sing hymn 14: Take My Life

MESSAGE:

A builder is a person who is capable of handling the design, planning and construction of a building project. A builder is obligated to execute a building project in compliance with the specifications of the blueprint he or she has been given. Throughout the Bible, terms like building, foundation, house, temple, building block and cornerstones, are used figuratively. For example, the Bible presents God as a Builder in Hebrews 11:10, while 1 Corinthians 3:11 presents the Christian faith as a building which has Jesus Christ as the foundation. Consequently, ministers of the gospel are co-labours with God and also builder (1 Corinthians 3:9). Similarly, the duties and responsibilities of a minister of God can be compared to that of a builder in many ways. A builder should be a wise person who is skilled in the art and science of construction. Likewise, a minister of the gospel should be skilful in the art of building the souls of men. No ignorant preacher should be given this sensitive assignment. A builder takes special care to lay the right foundation and selects the right materials to make the building well suited for the foundation. In like manner, ministers of God must be mindful of the materials they use in building the Church of God. Christ is our Living Foundation who requires the use of living stones for building the Church (1 Peter 2:5-6). Sometimes, a builder must first pull down an old structure and remove the resultant debris before laying a new foundation. Ministers of the gospel must also pull down every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and remove the debris of many errors, indiscipline, false doctrines and damnable heresies.

Click HERE to Read: “Open Heavens 29 August 2017: Tuesday daily devotional by Pastor Adeboye – Chosen for a Divine Purpose”

There is an aspect of the building profession that involves creativity and craftsmanship. By these set of skills, much beauty, innovation, artistry, colour and style is achieved in a building project. Similarly, the introduction of creative ideas into various aspects of the work of the gospel has produced enviable results across the world. However, caution must be applied because the Bible views certain creative works as whitewashed sepulchres (Matthew 23:27). The decision to accept or reject any creative work is not driven by the work itself, but is determined by the spirit that motivates the worker. Fine craftsmen can prostitute their talents by producing beautiful idols. The Church of God is a work in progress and every Christian is duty-bound to make their contributions in compliance with the blueprint of Jesus and according to God’s specifications. Let everyone take heed and watch how they build on the foundation of Jesus Christ.

Prayer Point: Father, please don’t let me suffer lost in life and ministry; let my efforts and contributions to the advancement of the gospel be rewarded in Jesus’ Name.

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: Chosen for a Divine Purpose — Tuesday 29, August 2017.

Memorise: But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:  – 1 Peter 2:9

Read: Acts 17:24-31 (KJV)

24 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;

25 Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;

26 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;

27 That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:

28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.

29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device.

30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:

31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.

Bible in One Year: 1 Chronicles 19-21, Ezekiel 32:29-33:9, Hymn: Sing hymn 8: Great Is Thy Faithfulness

MESSAGE:

Many Christians interpret today’s memory verse with the notion that God favours some individuals or groups of people over others. This idea eventually developed into doctrine of “Election”, which suggests that some people are predestined for salvation and others for damnation. Consequently, this doctrine of election has raised a lot of difficult questions in the minds of several people. Why should a just and loving God favour certain individuals or groups of people over others? Why should a loving God command the elimination of some people without mercy? A proper and diligent study of the Bible would lay these questions to rest permanently. Even a cursory look at the word of God shows clearly that God is good to all. He is not partial; neither is He a respecter of persons (Acts 10:34)

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” – John 3:16

The above scripture makes it clear that Jesus was given for all men and women from all nations on the face of the earth, and anyone who believes in Him will obtain salvation. Therefore, those with warped interpretations of Scriptures that present our God in bad light, all in the name of “theology”, are not speaking the mind of God. Through the manifestation of Jesus Christ, the whole world, without exception, stands before God with equal opportunity and access to the grace, mercy, favour and love of God. Romans 10:13 says,

“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

No matter who you are, you can come to Jesus with boldness and He will never reject or turn you down. The statement in 1 Peter 2:9 is therefore absolutely correct for everyone who has accepted the Lordship of Jesus Christ over their lives. If you are one of such people, you can say with certainty that you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, and a member of a holy nation. You are specially chosen to live in holiness and righteousness, to show forth the glory of God in all ramifications of life, and to live in good health, joy and peace. Since you have been chosen for a divine purpose, I pray that you will surely fulfil your destiny in Jesus’ Name.

Action Point: Thank God for who you are in Christ Jesus as revealed in 1 Peter 2:9. Confess each of the titles that describe your standing in Christ in this verse of Scripture.

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: Your “Ram” Is Caught By His “Horns” [Monday 29 August, 2017]

(Genesis 22:1-14)

Today’s scripture says in vs. 13: “And Abraham lifted up his eyes and looked and behold, behind him a ram was caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham ……..offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son.” Tere is a user of this devotional who needs to know that God has provided all that you will need to serve Him and to be happy on planet earth. God provided Abraham a ram. Abraham did not struggle for that ram! Abraham did not even pray for the ram!

The All-Wise- God knew what he (Abraham) would need before the need even arose and the same is your story. Dear minister of the gospel, before God called you and even before you were born, He has provided your needs. All you need to do is to lift up your eyes and look! Look to the hills! If God did not digrace Elijah in severe famine, He will not disgrace you. If God did not disgrace Abraham at the last minute, then He will not disgrace you! Note that the provision of the ram was behind Abraham! That means it required some extra looking and turning to enable him to see it. That extra looking and turning is called, “FAITH”.

Note also that the ram was caught by the horns. Since the horn is the strength of the ram, God tied it by the horns. That means whatever God has given or sent to you must get to you and CANNOT escape or be taken away by others! Stop using your flesh or hustling to work up a life partner! Stop using human styles to raise money in church! Stop lying or seeking men to get promotion! Stop comparing yourself to others! Your own provision (ram) has been held by its horn and it will get to you in due season.

No man can take what is yours! If it does not get to you, that means it was never yours! Look up to God on any matter! Your ram ( your provision) will get to you by fire or by mercy! Amen! Pray now! See page 53 now for a crucial notice!

THE U.S.A. TELEPHONE ANOINTING SERVICE WITH DR CHRIS, IS SEPTEMBER 2ND, 2017. TEL No: +1-712-432-0075 and access code is 374042. Bring your OIL! Time is 6am Central time.

Prayer Points: Take any song of worship in your native dialect and worship God now!

1. Thank God for the Word and pray about your life now.

2. Thank God for that ram ( provision) concerning your expenses or life’s expectations.

3. Repent from past anxiety and worry. Repent from self-comparism or self-pity.

4. No man can take that which belong to you! Scatter any plan to replace your blessings with counterfeit.

5. Pray generally as led on any other issue(s) now.

Get my new books: “Blasting Down Your Walls of Jericho” and “My Womb Must Open by Fire” from any bookshop nationwide.

By Bishop (Dr) Chris E. Kwakpovwe (Cek)
Publisher/Writer Of ODM And

Rev (Mrs) Flora E. Kwakpovwe (Fek)
Co-Publisher/Writer Of ODM.

Topic: Unusual Messengers [Monday 28, August 2017]

Memorise: “And it shall be, that thou shalt drink of the brook; and I have commanded the ravens to feed thee there.” – 1 Kings 17:4

Read: 1 Kings 17:1-5

1 And Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the inhabitants of Gilead, said unto Ahab, 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.

2 And the word of the LORD came unto him, saying,

3 Get thee hence, and turn thee eastward, and hide thyself by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan.

4 And it shall be, that thou shalt drink of the brook; and I have commanded the ravens to feed thee there.

5 So he went and did according unto the word of the LORD: for he went and dwelt by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan.

Bible In One Year: Ezekiel 13-15. Hymn: Sing Hymn 11

MESSAGE:

Messengers are stewards often sent to speak, act, or deliver a message on behalf of their master. In addition to the angelic beings that God sends as messengers to speak, deliver messages, or carry out specific assignments, He also uses humans and other living or non-living beings as messengers.

The purpose of God’s legitimate messengers is always to inform, enable, empower and guide the people of God. But they are sent occasionally to punish. I pray that you will never do anything to provoke divine judgment in Jesus’ Name.

The use of supernatural beings and natural elements as God’s messengers therefore shows God as the Lord of Hosts, with the special ability to make all things work in favour of His beloved children.

Therefore, give your life to Jesus today, and become one of God’s beloved. Then you can be sure that all things will begin to work together for your good according to the Word of God in Romans 8:28.

Prayer Point: Father, please command all things to work together for my good and the fulfilment of my destiny in the Name of Jesus.

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: Catch it Early [Monday August 28, 2017]

Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. – 1 Peter 5:8-9

In the United States, there is an over-the-counter medication advertised as the medicine to take at the first indication of a cold, to keep it from getting worse and becoming full-blown. I take a lot of vitamin C if I have a scratchy throat or a runny nose because it often keeps me from getting worse. Catching something before it goes too far is wisdom.

I recommend that anytime you even begin to feel fearful about anything that you immediately begin to pray and confess, “I will not live in fear.” You will see amazing results. When we pray, God hears and answers. When we confess His Word, we renew our own minds and come into agreement with His plans for us. No matter what God wants to do for us, we must agree with Him in order to receive and enjoy it (see Amos 3:3). We must learn to think like God thinks and talk like He talks—and none of His thoughts or words are fearful.

This thought—I will not live in fear—will help you become courageous rather than fearful. Call it to mind the instant you begin to feel fear, and meditate on it even during the times when you are not afraid.

By doing this you will be even more prepared to stand against fear when it does come. Remember that it will take time; be committed to stick with it until you see change. I still say, “I will not live in fear.” Say it as soon as you feel fearful about anything, and you will be able to keep fear from controlling you. You may still feel fear, but you can move beyond it by realizing that it is merely the devil’s attempt to prevent you from enjoying life or making any kind of progress. Do what you believe you are supposed to do even if you have to “do it afraid.”

Trust in Him: What can you do to “catch it early” and not let fear control you? Trust that God does not want you to live a life of fear.

Topic: Check Your Motives [Friday August 25, 2017]

The righteousness of the upright . . . shall deliver them, but the treacherous shall be taken in by their own iniquity and greedy desire. – Proverbs 11:6

Here’s an important question for you: When you do things to bless other people, why do you do it? Do you bless others because you love them, or do you do it to get them to love you? There was a time in my life when I tried to “buy” protection for myself. I thought if I was extremely nice to people and gave them gifts, I could protect myself from their rejection. It took me a while to learn that my motives were impure and therefore my act of kindness was not acceptable to God.

I was deceived. I really thought I was walking in love until God revealed to me that I was not giving my love freely to others without strings attached. I was giving my love to others in order to get them to love me.

When we give gifts, we should always do so for the joy of giving, not with the ulterior motive of trying to manipulate the recipients in some way so they feel they owe us something.

When our behavior is excessive and out of balance people can sense that something isn’t right about our attitude toward them. When you do things to bless others, be sure to do so out of a heart of love, care, or appreciation for them, not out of a personal need for security.

Love Others Today: Take an honest inventory of your relationships. Are you trying to buy anyone’s friendship for your own benefit instead of blessing that person out of sincere love?

Topic: To Keep Prayer Fire [Friday August 25, 2017]

When prayer lacks revelation it will loose motivation.

Prayer becomes wearisome when it lacks revelation.

The revelation of the wood us what keeps the fire of prayer ever burning. Proverbs 26:20

Therefore throw more word in it, God’s word is the wood.

Lev 6:13,14

Revelation enriches & enfires prayer

Revelation is the fuel to intercession, praying in the Holy Spirit moves the Holy Spirit to bring to your remembrance relevant scriptures to the prayer items.