Topic: The Reward of Profitable Stewardship — Saturday 26, August 2017.

Memorise: And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. – Revelation 22:12

Read: Matthew 25:14-23 (KJV)

14 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.

15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.

16 Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents.

17 And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two.

18 But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord’s money.

19 After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.

20 And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.

21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

22 He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them.

23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

Bible in One Year: 1 Chronicles 11-12; Ezekiel 31:10-18, Hymn: Sing hymn 14: Take My Life

MESSAGE:

Christianity entails total submission to the will of God as revealed in His word. A Christian must view God as the ultimate owner of everything, who decides to delegate and distribute a certain measure of His resources to each and every person, according to their ability, for the purpose of making profit. In reality, all that we own isn’t really ours; they are blessings that have been graciously bestowed on us by the Lord (John 3:27). For all that God has given to us, there’s an expectation that comes along with them. The word “stewardship” summarises this arrangement. A steward is a special servant employed to oversee and manage the affairs of a household according to the dictates of the owner. He or she is simply a servant who has been entrusted with the authority to make decisions on behalf of his or her master. All purchases pertaining to the running of a household are made by the steward. Even some very important decisions are made by stewards. For example, Abraham entrusted his steward, Eliezer of Damascus, with the crucial responsibility of choosing a wife for his son Isaac (Genesis 24:2-4). A true Christian operates under the same dynamics today. As a steward over the heritage of God, you should be able to operate without supervision. Everything you do should be done as unto the Lord. You should make certain that the resources you are entrusted with are put to proper use for God and not for personal gain. As God’s steward, you should do everything to ensure that the Lord’s resources are carefully deployed to accomplish His agenda. A steward is a trustworthy ambassador that sometimes stands in the place of God to make decisions and take actions that could have far-reaching effects on people lives. Christian stewardship is therefore an awesome responsibility that should be handled with utmost care. May you never mishandle your responsibility as a representative of the Almighty God in Jesus’ Name.

God has very important assignments He wants to execute in this world, and He has entrusted some of these into your hands. One of such assignments is the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). God has chosen you as His primary tool to accomplish this awesome task, and He has appointed and equipped you to carry His message of salvation to those who are lost in sin. You must therefore take up this responsibility and fulfil the heartbeat of God. In conclusion, here in this world, there are innumerable benefits awaiting all obedient servants of God. However, the most important reward for profitable stewardship is to be a guest of Jesus at His marriage supper, and to stand before God’s throne to receive commendation and the crown of life from the Master. You will make it in Jesus’ Name.

Prayer Point: Father, help me to be worthy of the ultimate reward for profitable stewardship 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: Choose Friends Wisely [Friday August 25, 2017]

I wrote you in my [previous] letter not to associate [closely and habitually] with unchaste (impure) people. – 1 Corinthians 5:9, The Amplified Bible

The company you keep has such an influence on your spiritual life. Fellowshiping with godly people will help speed you on to victory, while fellowshiping with those who are ungodly will drag you down to defeat.

That’s why the Bible has some things to say about your friends. That’s why it tells you to separate yourself from the world. Because evil companions will corrupt you.

Now, I’m not talking about ministry. Jesus Himself ministered to sinners. You have to mix with them to preach to them and pray for them. What I’m talking about here are the people you choose for friends.

If you want to walk in the things of the Lord, don’t choose friends who walk in the things of the devil, people who talk and act ungodly, who don’t give God any place in their lives. They’ll pull you down. As you rub shoulders with them, you’ll expose yourself to temptation. You’ll get so familiar with sin it will start to appear less repulsive to you. Sooner or later, you’ll fall into it.

So choose your friends wisely. Fellowship with those who call on the Name of the Lord out of a pure heart (2 Timothy 2:22). Expose yourself to their love and peace. Let their faith rub off on you!

Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 5:9-13

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: The Purity of Marriage — Friday August 25, 2017

Whatsoever things are pure . . . think on these things. — Philippians 4:8

Nowhere does the Bible teach that sex in itself is a sin. Man in his sinful nature has taken what was intended to be a glorious and complete act of love between two people and has made it something low, cheap, and dirty. The Bible is one of the world’s outspoken books on the subject of sex, and the Bible condemns sex outside the bonds of matrimony.

The fact that immorality is rampant throughout the nation doesn’t make it right; the fact that some clergymen may condone it doesn’t make it right. The Bible says, “There is a way that seemeth right unto a man; but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Proverbs 16:25). Under Jewish law adultery was punishable by death. Under God’s law today it also results in spiritual death.

Prayer for the day: All around me, breaking Your laws is made so enticing, Father. Help me to keep my eyes on Jesus.

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: Jesus Paid The Price – Friday August 25, 2017.

Mark 10:45 “For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”

Text: Mark 10:45

Jesus told His disciples many times of His death but this is the first time He indicated the reason for His death. Now it is clear that His death would be a “ransom”, defined in the Greek as a means of loosing by paying a price.

The words “ransom” and “redeem” were used interchangeably in scripture.

Not only would Jesus pay the price for sin but also His death would be substitutionary. In 1 Timothy 2:6, the word “ransom” is taken from the Greek word “antilutron” which means “a redemption-price.” The Greek word “anti” means “in place of.” In other words, the ransom avails for all who will accept it (Jn. 3:16; Rom. 10:13).

The price paid for our redemption is the life of Jesus, that is, Jesus’ blood (Col. 1:14). This redemption, according to Hebrews 9:12, is eternal and is intended to purify us from all iniquity (Ti. 2:14), and bring us to serve the living God (Heb. 9:14).

This can be illustrated by the way we use trading stamps. First, the stamps have to be purchased, then they are redeemed for the desired product. The purchase is essential but so is the redemption. No one really wants the stamps. They want what the stamps can be redeemed for. The purchase for our total salvation has already been made with the blood of Jesus, but our bodies have not been redeemed yet. That is to say that we have not received yet, all the benefits of this transaction in our physical bodies. This will take place at the second coming of the Lord when we receive our new glorified bodies.

Our spirits are the only part of us that have experienced total redemption.

Thank God for the redemption He has provided for you today.

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: Victory through Prayer and Praise — Friday August 25, 2017.

Text: 2 Chronicles 20:1-19

Key Verse: “And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah” (2 Chronicles 20:3).

Dwight L. Moody was not educated. His letters were full of grammatical errors. His physical appearance was not all that good. His voice and tone were very irritating. But these handicaps did not prevent God from using him to shake two continents at his own time.

True to the foregoing is a replica of character in today’s text – King Jehoshaphat. In this passage, Judah did not do anything to provoke the attack from their enemies. The children of Moab and the children of Ammon, combined with Mount Seir to fight Judah. Jehoshaphat resorted to a warfare of prayer and praise, and sought God’s intervention. He defeated his enemies because God was on his side. At times, you could find yourself in such a situation as this. If it does not happen to an individual, it could happen to a family, a church or a nation. Sometimes, the people you trusted or relied upon may turn against you, rallying forces and wars against you.

Some institutions may close their doors against you. What we do at such a time matters? We should be able to plead our cause before God. If we are in a good relationship with Him, if we have not done anything to warrant the upsurge of the enemies against our lives, families, church or nation, God will come to our defence. King Jehoshaphat could intercede on behalf of Judah before God, knowing fully that their hearts were in a good condition with God. In times of problems, it is not only the leaders that should come to God. All the people, young and old, should come together before God and plead their cause. God is always ready to answer the prayer of His people. He is always ready to send us the best kind of deliverance in times of national calamities and family distresses.

Thought for the day: There is power and victory in the prayer of unity.

Bible Reading in one Year: Mark 7-10

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: Take Responsibility for Your Life — Friday August 25, 2017.

“And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar, and Phares begat Esrom…” Matthew 1:3 (KJV)

In the generation of Jesus Christ, God chose Abraham to be the beginning of the Messianic line. Abraham had Ismael by Haggai and Isaac by Sarah and he had other six children through another woman called Keturah. Isaac became the messianic line and he also had two children Esau and Jacob through Rebecca. Jacob became the next in the Messianic line. Jacob also had twelve sons and a daughter called Diana. In that order, Judah became the Messianic line and he gave birth to Pharez and Zarah through an illicit relationship that he had with his daughter in law Tamar. Imagine a man that carried the messianic mantle and yet gave birth to twins out of wedlock. And when you check the scriptures, you will discover that one of them, Pharez, fell into the Messianic line. Beloved, you don’t have any excuse. Irrespective of your background or the circumstances surrounding your birth, you will bounce back.

There is no accident in God. Every one of us has God’s purpose for our lives. God’s Prophetic hand is upon you. It does not matter what man thinks, what matters is what God thinks. If you are a young person complaining about your family background, know that it is no excuse because we have seen a young person who came from nowhere and went on to become the president of that country. It is not your background that matters but what you do with yourself.

Some believers are so lazy. They blame every person but not themselves. Stop the blame game. Rise up and take responsibility for your life. If you fail to sing your song, somebody else will sing it for you. This is your time. You cannot afford to play games. Rise up to the full potential of who God has made you. So that you become what He has designed you to be.

Further Reading: Genesis 38:24-30, Matthew 1:1-6

Daily Bible Reading: Morning- Psalms 119:1-88; Evening- 1 Corinthians 7:20-40

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: Association with the Best Makes the Best [Friday August 25, 2017]

Scripture: He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed. Proverbs 13:20

Thought For The Day: Who you company with determines what accompanies you.

Our anchor scripture corroborates the fact that who you company with determines what accompanies you. Who you follow determines what follows you.

Beloved, if you are interested in living at your best, associate with the best. Iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17). Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego associated with each other and they made exploits in their generation.

God’s servant, Bishop David Oyedepo said ‘You don’t play your role at the best without a role model.’

Someone once said, ‘To lie down with dogs is to rise up with fleas.’ Show me the people around your life, I can tell you the quality of your destiny. To company with the best is to end as the best.

It is also important to know that you are at your best when you live each day as if it is the last.

Someone once asked John Wesley, ‘Supposing you knew you were going to die today; what would you do?’ He said, ‘I would continue my schedule as usual because my schedule is programmed to take care of any eventuality.’

When Daniel went to interpret Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, he knew that was his last chance. He was told that if the interpretation was not given, he would die with others; and when he was under such a pressure, his best came out.

Beloved, determine to associate with people of exemplary character. Wake up every day of your life with a determination not to waste your lifetime and you will live at your best.

Remember this: who you company with determines what accompanies you.

Assignment(s):

1. Make every day of your life count by maximizing it.

2. Take every step in life according to Divine direction.

3. Examine your association and make sure you are with the right company.

FOR FURTHER UNDERSTANDING, GET THIS MESSAGE: LIVING AT YOUR BEST

Prayer: O LORD, I receive the grace to live with a sense of urgency. Help me LORD, to walk according to your leading, in Jesus’ Name.

Quote: To achieve all that you are meant to accomplish in your lifetime, there must be a high sense of urgency. Procrastination must be avoided. Culled from 365 WISDOM CAPSULES by Dr Paul Enenche.

Daily Reading: Job 16:1 to 19:29, 1 Corinthians 16:1 to 24, Psalm 40:1 to 10, Proverbs 22:1

Amazing Fact: A day in Mercury lasts approximately as long as 59 days on earth.

Today In History: 25/8/1980 – Zimbabwe joined the United Nations.

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: Lured Away — Friday August 25, 2017.

Read: James 1:5–6, 12–15, Bible in a Year: Psalm 119:1–88; 1 Corinthians 7:20–40

Each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. James 1:14

In the summer of 2016, my niece convinced me to play Pokémon Go—a game played on a smartphone, using the phone’s camera. The object of the game is to capture little creatures called Pokémon. When one appears in the game, a red and white ball also appears on the phone’s screen. To capture a Pokémon, the player has to flick the ball toward it with the movement of a finger. Pokémon are more easily caught, however, by using a lure to attract them.

Pokémon characters aren’t the only ones who can be lured away. In his New Testament letter to believers, James, the brother of Jesus, reminds us that we “are dragged away by [our] own evil desire” (1:14, emphasis added). In other words, our desires work with temptation to lure us down a wrong path. Though we may be tempted to blame God or even Satan for our problems, our real danger lies within.

We can escape the lure of temptation by talking to God about the things that tempt us.

But there is good news. We can escape the lure of temptation by talking to God about the things that tempt us. Though “God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone,” as James explains in 1:13, He understands our human desire to do what’s wrong. We have only to ask for the wisdom God promised to provide (1:1–6).

Prayer: Lord, when I’m tempted, show me the door of escape.

Pray your way past the urge to do wrong.

Insight:

The word translated “tempted” or “tempting” (used four times in James 1:13) comes from the Greek word peirasmos, which has two basic meanings. The first is to test the genuineness of one’s faith. This is the meaning in verses 2–4 when James encourages believers who are tempted to rejoice because “the testing of your faith” brings maturity. The second meaning, “to entice to sin or to do evil,” is intended in verses 13–15. God will not tempt or entice us to sin. His perfect holiness, purity, and goodness ensure this. Instead, the enticement to sin comes from our own sinful desires. This is the meaning of peirasmos in Matthew 26:38–41. In the garden of Gethsemane, as Christ was struggling with the necessity of going to the cross, He asked His disciples to pray with Him; instead, they slept. Jesus cautioned, “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation” (v. 41). As we turn our temptations over to God in prayer, He will “provide a way out so that [we] can endure it” (1 Cor. 10:13).

For further study on this subject, reflect on Psalm 119:9–11. What do these verses say will help us overcome temptation? Sim Kay Tee

This message was written By Linda Washington [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]

Today’s Scripture:  “…the appetite of the diligent is abundantly supplied.” – (Proverbs 13:4, AMPC)

Topic: The Reward of Diligence [Thursday August 24, 2017]

God longs to pour out His favor and blessing on you. He longs to show you His goodness and provision. He promises to do His part, but you have to do your part, too. You have to be diligent. First of all, be diligent in seeking His ways and following His commands. Then, be diligent with what you have in your hand, with your time and resources.

In Matthew, Jesus tells a parable about three men whose employer entrusted them with some money called talents. Two of the men were diligent and invested the talents and received a great return. The third man was afraid and buried what he was given. The first two men were rewarded and praised for their diligence while the third man was rebuked.

Follow the example of the first two men and look for ways to be diligent with what you have in your hand. Whatever you do, do it with excellence. Be the best you can be and go the extra mile even when you think it goes unnoticed. Understand that when people don’t notice, God notices and promises to reward the appetite of the diligent.

A Prayer for Today: “Heavenly Father, thank You for Your favor and blessing on my life. Today I choose to be diligent. I choose to live in excellence and do everything to the best of my ability. I give You all the glory in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

Topic: The China Great Walls: Grace to Grass [Thursday 24 August, 2017]

(1 Samuel 13:6-14).

Two-thirds of the 2,300 year-old Great Wall of China has been destroyed by sightseers and fun seekers. The wall which was built by the first Emperor of China, Quin Shi Huang, and is about 21,196km and one of the world’s tourist attractions, is fast crumbling out of existence. Sections are said to have been vandalized by visitors, or covered by signatures, paint or other coloured objects. In fact, part of it has been ripped open for use in coal mines recently. The Worls Monuments Fund which describes the wall as “one of the most extensive cultural lands on earth” placed it on its list of the world’s most endengered architectural sites.

The point of our meditation today is that an object of pleasure has turned into an object of pressure and pain. It was a site of relaxation, which has now become a site of regrets. It was a monument of grace (diginity), which is now a place of disgrace (dishonor). Likewise, God’s gift and callings upon our lives can become burdens instead of blessings! The anointing upon a person if not preserved and guarded jealously can become his/her point of disgrace and shame. Daniel prayed three times a day to preserve the Hand of God in his life!

Jesus took regular times off to preserve the Hand of God upon Him. Do you know that God rejected and regretted raising Saul as a King? Preserve the gifts and callings of God upon your life and ministry jealously, lest they become dry and worn out. As 2017 runs along like the setting sun, always remember that you carry a product older and more precious than the Great Wall of China. Guard it jealously!

THE LAGOS (OGUDU) MOUNTAIN AUGUST ANOINTING SERVICE is Sunday August 27th. TIME: 7:00am. THEME: GOD OF FAVOR, REMEMBER ME. (Bring your oil of favor; label it “Oil of Favor.” I shall lay hands on you and your oil). VENUE: 8-10 Omotayo Banwo Street, Transformer B/Stop, Ogudu-Orioke, Ogudu, Lagos.

Prayer Points: Take any song of worship as led.

1. Thank God for today’s word and pray as you are led!

2. O Lord, send a revival to this area of my life now ( mention it…..). Grant me the grace Lord, to avoid the error of King Saul.

3. The Wall of China is being turned to shame. Lord, grant me the grace not to destroy or dilute the anointing upon my life/ ministry ( Pray it very well).

4. Lord, let my enemies never depart from their wilderness. Pray any other prayer as led.

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.