Topic: Change The Rules For Me, O Lord! [Wednesday 23 August, 2017]

(Mark 2:23-28).

When God changes the rule for your sake, IT STIRS SPECIAL MERCY / FAVOR:

Matthew 12:4 says: “How he (David) entered into the house of God, and did eat the showbread, which was not lawful for him to eat, neither for them which were with him, but only for the priests?” Mark 2:26 puts it this way: “How he (David) went into the house of God in the days of Abiathar the high priest, and did eat the show bread, which is not lawful to eat but for the piests, and gave also to them which were with him?” That means in the days of David, Abiathar was the high priest and the rule was that only the priest could eat of that special bread called showbread. But David in his desperate condition and state of acute hunger when he was running away from King Saul broke this rule and yet survived.

He did not only survive, those that were with him survived. That was why I was led to begin today’s write-up by these lines: “When God changes the rule for your sake, IT STIRS SPECIAL MERCY/FAVOR.” Oh! The grace of God! David and his crew would have dropped dead if Jehovah God did not BULLDOZE away the rules! Don’t forget that Uzzah died instantly because he touchd the ark of God when he was not a priest.

I decree today: The special mercy that David enjoyed shall come like a mighty flood over your life, ministry and family in Jesus Christ name! In this second half of the year, the God who changed the rule for Daniel’s sake and whose enemies were eaten up in his place, shall cause your enemies to fall into the trap they have set for you (Daniel 6:7-26).

In this closing month of the year, the God that changed the rule for Joseph’s sake and he possessed the DOUBLE PORTION that was meant for the first born of Reuben, shall also cause the special favor of DOUBLE-DOUBLE to overtake you (Genesis 48:20-22; 49; 3-4; 22-26). I see rules changing in your favor! I see every protocol that will stop you, being bulldozed by the Holy Ghost! I see special mercy locating your name! I see a special favor locating your children, loved ones and helpers just as it was done to those who ate the showbread with David and survived. Refuse to give up now. Hold on and hold out!

Pray for me, Dr Chris, against a blackmailing syndicate that is determined to “pull down” this vision if I don’t give them money and a house. The battle is the Lord’s ! My hands are EVER CLEAN BY HIS GRACE and the LORD will CONTEND with them! PRAY FOR ME DAILY! SCATTER THEIR GANG-UP AGAINST THIS VISION! See page 53 and read more!

Prayer Points: Take any song of worship as led.

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

2. God of David, show me special favor that You showed to David and to those who ate the showbread.

3. Every power that hates to see me dance, or laugh, DRY UP NOW in Jesus Christ name (Pray it seriously).

4. Lord, as the year comes to an end, give me a DOUBLE PORTION and cause me to OVERTAKE.

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

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

Topic: The Ultimate Goal [Wednesday 23, August 2017]

Memorise: “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven ” – Matthew 5:3

Read: Matthew 5:1-10

1 And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:

2 And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,

3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Bible In One Year: Lamentation 1-2. Hymn: Sing Hymn 4

MESSAGE:

An understanding of your spiritual poverty is the only gateway into entering into the provision and abundance of the Almighty God. It is acknowledging that you can’t achieve the ultimate goal that God has lined up for you without divine help that will make you succeed. The moment God is removed from your life, you have nothing more to give to life. This is why you have to be humble before God.

It is important to know that all things will always work together for good in the lives of those who allow Jesus to be their personal Lord and Saviour. As long as you remain in the perfect will of God, you can be sure that you will get to your destination.

Dare to trust God and stop struggling to fight your battles yourself. With God on your side, you will reach your goal.

Key Point: The plan and purpose of God for a man is the best that can ever happen to him.

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: Too Much Talk Leads to Sin [Wednesday August 23, 2017]

In a multitude of words transgression is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is prudent. — Proverbs 10:19

We all need to learn how to establish and maintain boundaries with our words. Proverbs 10:19 in the NIV states, When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise. In other words, people who talk a lot will often find themselves in trouble.

Because our words carry so much power, we need to learn to say only what needs to be said. Almost every time we have a problem with somebody, it’s over something we have said or that person said. There may be other elements—something somebody is doing, for example—but the main cause of the argument most of the time is something that was said. If we learn to speak only what is wise and necessary, then we will have much more peace.

Power Thought: I speak words of wisdom that are filled with God’s power.

Topic: The Church of God III — Thursday 24, August 2017.

Memorise: That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. – Ephesians 5:27

Read: Ephesians 1:1-4 (KJV)

1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:

2 Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

Bible in One Year: 1 Chronicles 6-7; Ezekiel 30:5-19, Hymn: Sing hymn 6: Deeper, Deeper

MESSAGE:

The Church of God is a living entity that thrives upon the life of God. The life of Jesus circulates freely through His Church, just as blood flows through the human body. The Church of God feeds on heavenly food, which is the word of God, breathes the atmosphere of heaven, which are the commandments and principles that guide her operations, and thrives on the life of God that flows through her veins, which is the Holy Spirit. By implication therefore, the primary qualities and attributes of God automatically become the primary characteristics and nature of His Church.

In Isaiah 6:3b, the primary quality and nature of God is announced in this proclamation from Heaven:

“Holy, holy holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.”

For this reason, today’s Bible reading declares that the Church of God was chosen by God to be holy and without blame before Him in love. Holiness is the moral excellence of God that unifies His attributes and is expressed through His actions. The Bible presents holiness as a nature that includes moral purity, separation from evil and a devotion to God’s glory. God is Holy, His Name is Holy, His words and everything about Him is Holy. As a result, in the Old Testament, the place of worship, the altar, the priests and the people had to be sanctified and made holy before rendering service to God (Exodus 29:44). To be dedicated to God’s service, we also in this new dispensation must be set apart from the sins of this world. Hebrews 10:22 says,

“Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.”

God’s holiness provides a pattern of His people to emulate (1 Peter 1:16). Holiness simply means separation from sin and devotion to God (2 Timothy 2:19). As a child of God, sin should not have dominion over you (Romans 6:14). You are expected to make holiness your lifestyle by walking in the fear of God always (2 Corinthians 7:1). To this end, Colossians 3:5a says,

“Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth;”

This means you should put to death or destroy everything that is carnal in you, using the sword of the Spirit (Hebrews 4:12). It means your heart should continually be cleansed from carnality, using the water of God’s word. Even though you are genuinely born again, your body still has passions, desires and appetites that must be allowed to break out beyond their legitimate bounds in the Lord. Be holy, and be sanctified!

Prayer Point: Father, grant me grace to keep myself under the control of Your Holy Spirit 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: No Longer Two But One! (3)

Dear Reader,

It is my privilege to welcome you again to the presence of the Most High God and share His Word with you. Last week, I taught on maturity as a major and practical requirement for “oneness in marriage”. I said the connection that maturity has with marriage is that anyone who is mature for marriage should be able to accept responsibility for his actions.

This week, I shall be shedding more light on the “Parents-In-Law Factor” in making oneness a reality in the home.

It is God’s will that nothing should put your marriage asunder–not even your in-laws (Matthew 19:6). Marriage is a unique relationship that has its root in divinity (Genesis 2:22).

God’s Word says: Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour (Ecclesiastes 4:9). The mystery of two becoming one is a thing of joy, pleasure and high esteem at creation. When a man and a woman come together as husband and wife, they are expected to have entered a better way of living.

However, in some culture this mystery does not usually impress parents. The bride’s parents find it difficult to accept that they have given their daughter’s hand in marriage to the husband’s family. Likewise, the husband’s parents also do not recognize that it is no more their usual son, but a combination of their old son and a new daughter.

Some parents fail to recognize that what now emerges in marriage is neither the man nor the woman but the fusion of these two personalities which should automatically redefine their relationship. Parents from both sides are friends to the couple, but not part of their decision making. Thus, they should not intrude into their affairs.

Any private discussion with parents by either of the couple MUST come to an end once marriage is contracted. That is, neither the husband nor the wife can hold exclusive discussions with parents, without the knowledge of the other person. This is because they are no longer two but one. The husband now owns the wife and vice versa.  Thus, parents from both sides must relate with the couple at the same time and in the same way.

Secondly, because you are no longer two but one, visits to parents must be planned together and at the same time. Your meal should be served together whether at home or outside the home. You shouldn’t, for any reason, move to your mother’s room (as if to suck some breast); thereby, leaving your partner in the cold thinking of when he/she will in turn go to suck the mother’s breast.

Whatever your parents cannot tell you in the presence of your spouse is probably not good for your home and is not worth it. Even if your parents believe that information is not for your spouse’s consumption, his/her presence with you will protect you and your home. Do not leave your spouse behind with his/her parents; your becoming one flesh can be jeopardized that way.

Thirdly, when it comes to giving to parents or meeting relatives’ needs do it together. Needs arising from both sides should be treated with one mind. Sit together on the couch, while they present their needs.

Even when parents write you separately, reply jointly with two of you sending your regards. That way, they will get the message that nothing is done behind the other’s back; thus, no hanky-panky would set in. Gradually, they will realize that truly, you are no longer two but one.

Making decisions is another area you need to treat with all seriousness. When one person makes a decision without the other’s approval, it often leads to feelings of regret or selfishness. Making decisions together and as a family is very vital in marriage.

Learn to delay decision making on any issue of concern, especially if it has to do with the home, wait until your spouse is around, so that you don’t have to alter the previous decision. This way, you build trust and respect for each other, thereby, forming a stronger marital bond.

This “oneness relationship” can only be secured in God by confessing your sins and accepting Him as your Lord and personal Saviour.  If you are set for this, 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. Deliver me from sin and satan to serve the living God. I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Make me a child of God today. 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: Confidence in God’s Word — Wednesday August 23, 2017.

Text: Psalm 119:41-48

Key Verse: “I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed” (Psalm 119:46).

Kate, 55, still recalls with nostalgia her childhood days when her mother used to carry her in her laps and read the story of “a man who came from heaven”, showing her many beautiful pictures of what He did. Now as a mother, grandmother and Christian leader, she spends a lot of time with her children reading Scriptures to them.

The desire of the Psalmist to keep in touch with the word of God always as his hope and to enable him keep obeying it forever, forms a major theme of today’s text. He prayed for mercies and salvation from God so he could properly answer those that reproached him. Keeping the word of God helped him “to walk at liberty” and enabled him speak of God’s testimonies before kings without being ashamed. His love for the word of God and resolve to meditate on it concludes the text.

Knowing God is about knowing His Word. Nobody can claim to have a good and working relationship with God who does not have a good understanding of His Word. Our Lord Jesus counsels, “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me” (John 5:39).

The word search, means to carefully and diligently look for or look at something. It takes time and concentration. “Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart…” (Jeremiah 15:16). Just as Joshua needed the word of God to succeed in the great task before him (Joshua 1:8), so every believer needs to be acquainted with the word to be strengthened and fortified for the battles of life and for a safe passage to eternal glory. “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein…” (Revelation 1:3).

Thought for the day: To know God is to know His Word.

Bible Reading in one Year: Mark 1-3

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: See Yourself as the Righteousness of God — Wednesday August 23, 2017.

“For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” – 2 Corinthians 5:21 (KJV)

When Christ came into you, you receive a totally and completely new image that is born of the Spirit of God. You are now of the class of God. You are not a child of circumstance, you are not a child of your tradition, you are not a child of the condition in your environment, you are a child of God. And your God is not limited. You are not a sinner. The fact that you committed sin doesn’t make you a sinner. If you have invited Jesus into your heart, you are not a sinner.

Think of it: God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. So you are righteous. When you see yourself as a sinner, you will keep on committing sin. When the image you have built into you is the image of sin, no matter how much you pray and ask God to forgive you, you will keep on committing sin. But when you begin to see yourself as the righteousness of God, you will be living a life of victory over sin. That is why God speaks to our strength. God does not speak to our weakness. When you allow your strength to take over, your weakness will bow to your strength. The enemy delights in speaking to your weakness. He builds the image of your weakness and your shortcomings and your mistakes inside you. With the result that you are so concerned about them but you are not concerned about that which God has done. Every time you say anything negative and contrary to what God has done, you are saying in effect that what God did is not perfect? You are saying in effect that Jesus did not pay a hundred percent price. Your righteousness is perfectly perfect in Christ! See yourself as righteous.

Further Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:30, 2 Corinthians 5:15-21

Daily Bible Reading: Morning- Psalms 113-115; Evening- 1 Corinthians 6

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: Leaving the Low Life Behind — Wednesday August 23, 2017.

For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. – Matthew 16:25

The high life…or the low life? God’s kind of life…or the world’s kind of life? You can’t have them both. It’s one or the other. You have to choose.

You may try to put off that choice. You may try to hang on to the low life while reaching out for the high life at the same time, so you can see if it’s something you really want before you give up everything the world has to offer. But, believe me, you’re not that tall!

You’ll never be able to sample the high life for yourself until you’re willing to let go, until you’re willing to take God at His Word and trust Him to take care of you.

What will happen to you when you do that? You’ll start living the kind of life God describes in Psalm 1. You’ll be like “a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; [your] leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever [you] doeth shall prosper” (verse 3).

In West Texas talk that means your roots will go down so deep that no drought can dry you up and no storm can blow you down. No matter what happens in the world around you, you’ll prosper.

The stronger the wind blows, the more you’ll bend in the breeze. Depression and inflation won’t be able to break you. When the rains stop coming and everyone else is withering away, you’ll just keep on thriving and bearing the fruit of the spirit because you’re drawing up nourishment from the riverbed!

That’s what the high life is like and there’s nothing that the world has to offer that can even compare. I know that from experience. Once you dare to let go and trust God…so will you.

Scripture Reading: Matthew 16:13-26

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: Where You Stand and How You End [Wednesday August 23, 2017]

Scripture: 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. – I King 17:1

Thought For The Day: Where you stand determines what you can face.

Our anchor scripture confirms that where a person stands determines how he ends. When we talk about stand, we are talking about where the confidence and strength of a person is.

Abraham stood before the Lord; the Lord was his strength and confidence so he ended in the covenant blessing. Elijah said, before God whom I stand; God was his strength and he ended in power and authority.

When a child stands in front of his father, he can talk to older children anyhow and would not be afraid of being beaten or hurt. Where you stand determines what you can face.

There are five categories of people as far as where they stand is concerned and today, we shall look at two of the categories, and subsequently, we will see the remaining.

1. People who stand on their natural abilities (wisdom, talent, intelligence, energy, beauty and handsomeness etc.): It is possible to be swift and still lose a race; it is possible to be strong and still lose a battle (Ecclesiastes 9:11). It is possible to be intelligent and still fail a test. It is possible to be smart and still lack money. Those who stand on natural abilities, end in frustration in this world and in eternity.

2. People who stand on human connection: When people make man their confidence, they end in abysmal failure and disappointment. When you trust in a Governor, Senator, President or any rich person you know, God said, ‘you are under a curse’ (Jeremiah 17:5).

Beloved, look up to God and He will provide all you need.

Remember this: where you stand determines what you can face.

Assignment(s):

1. Take your mind off anyone you put your trust in.

2. Refuse to rely on your natural abilities.

3. Look up to God for the solution to the challenge you may be facing.

FOR FURTHER UNDERSTANDING, GET THIS MESSAGE: WHERE ARE YOU STANDING?

Prayer: O LORD, You are my Hope. My life and my future are in Your Hands. I will trust You till the end because I know that in You are the answers to my questions. Thank You for the answers, Lord in Jesus’ Name.

Quote: To rely on human wisdom is to attempt to carry your problem on your head. That is tantamount to collapse.

Daily Reading: Job 8:1 to 11:20, 1 Corinthians 15:1 to 28, Psalm 38:1 to 22, Proverbs 21:28 to 29

Amazing Fact: According to Astronauts, space smells like seared steak, hot metal and welding fumes

Today In History: 23/8/1991 – The World Wide Web is opened to the public.

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: Our Guilt Is Gone — Wednesday August 23, 2017.

Read: Psalm 32:1–11, Bible in a Year: Psalms 113–115; 1 Corinthians 6

I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin. Psalm 32:5

As a young girl, I invited a friend to browse with me through a gift shop near my home. She shocked me, though, by shoving a handful of colorful crayon-shaped barrettes into my pocket and yanking me out the door of the shop without paying for them. Guilt gnawed at me for a week before I approached my mom—my confession pouring out as quickly as my tears.

Grieved over my bad choice of not resisting my friend, I returned the stolen items, apologized, and vowed never to steal again. The owner told me never to come back. But because my mom forgave me and assured me that I had done my best to make things right, I slept peacefully that night.

I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin. Psalm 32:5

King David also rested in forgiveness through confession (Ps. 32:1–2). He had hidden his sins against Bathsheba and Uriah (2 Sam. 11–12) until his “strength was sapped” (Ps. 32:3–4). But once David refused to “cover up” his wrongs, the Lord erased his guilt (v. 5). God protected him “from trouble” and wrapped him in “songs of deliverance” (v. 7). David rejoiced because the “Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in him” (v. 10).

We can’t choose the consequences of our sins or control people’s responses when we confess and seek forgiveness. But the Lord can empower us to enjoy freedom from the bondage of sin and peace through confession, as He confirms that our guilt is gone—forever.

Prayer: Lord, when we confess our sins and receive Your forgiveness, please help us believe our guilt is completely and forever wiped away.

When God forgives, our guilt is gone.

Insight:

A burdened conscience is a heavy weight to carry. Ever since the fall of man in the garden of Eden, our response to sin has been either to blame others (Gen. 3:12–13) or take responsibility for our transgression before God (1 John 1:9). The penitent in today’s psalm acknowledges his transgressions to his Creator and Redeemer and experiences the cleansing of his conscience and with it the lifting of a burdensome load. Clearly this psalm teaches us that we can experience freedom from the bondage of sin through divine forgiveness.

When has guilt and remorse racked your soul? How did God’s forgiveness and cleansing provide freedom? Dennis Fisher

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