Topic: We Must Decrease — Wednesday August 23, 2017

Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the Lord. — Lamentations 3:40

Our modern philosophy of self-reliance and self-sufficiency has caused many to believe that we can make the grade without God. “Religion,” they argue, “may be all right for certain emotional people, but you can’t beat a man who believes in himself.” But this self-confident generation has produced more alcoholics, more dope addicts, more criminals, more wars, more broken homes, more assaults, more embezzlements, more murders, and more suicides than any other generation that ever lived.

It is time for all of us to take stock of our failures, blunders, and costly mistakes. It is about time that we are putting less confidence in ourselves and more trust and faith in God.

Prayer for the day: As I examine my heart, I see so much of self there. I ask that You would forgive me, Lord—my confidence will be in Your leading.

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: It’s Not What You Do – Wednesday August 23, 2017.

Matthew 20:8 “So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the labourers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first.”

Text: Matthew 20:1-16

This parable begins with Jesus’ statement that the kingdom of heaven is likened to a man who is a householder (owner of an estate). He went out early in the morning to hire workers to work in his vineyard for the day. An agreed upon price was set at a penny, the normal wage paid daily for a laborer. Later, around 9 a.m., the landowner encouraged others, standing idle in the marketplace, to work in the vineyard, not for a set wage but for “whatsoever is right.” The landowner employed more laborers at noon, at 3 p.m. and even some at 5 p.m. when there was only one hour left to work.

According to Jewish law, wages must be paid each evening before the sun sets. When it came time for the steward to pay the laborers, he began with those working the shortest amount of time and paid each man a penny (a full day’s wage). Those working the entire day murmured, for they supposed they would have received more. They agreed, however, to work for a penny, the stipulated wage agreed upon.

The context of this parable supports the teaching that it is impossible to earn the generosity of the Master. This is a lesson on grace. Regardless of whether or not our performance is better than someone else’s, we all need God’s grace because we have all come short of God’s standard. The landowner gave freely, making all equal. Jesus is saying that the benefits of the kingdom are the same for all who have become subject to its King, regardless of what they have done. Therefore, those who are last (or least) in the sense that they have not served the Lord as long or as well as others, will truly become “first” when they share equally of the Lord’s goodness with those who “have borne the burden and heat of the day” (Mt. 20:12).

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)

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35)

Technology is a beautiful thing. The Internet has been used as a powerful tool to spread the love of Jesus and the life-changing message of the Gospel around the world. It’s also misused on a daily basis by so many of us. The world sees one Christian’s behavior and associates it with all Christians. They see one person’s actions and assume it represents the God we are supposed to serve.

Our behavior, particularly our interactions online, are always under a microscope. The problem so many encounter is that they lose sight of that fact.

One of my favorite passages of Scripture is found in Romans 12, which gives an outline – or how-to guide – for living the Christian life. In fact, in the ESV version, Romans 12:9-21 appears under the heading of “Marks of a True Christian.” The truths expressed in this passage give us a roadmap to how to exhibit true Christian behavior. When these “marks” are represented in our real life, it’s only natural that they’ll come through in our interactions online.

Love people genuinely. Love is critical in the life of a follower of Christ. In fact, it’s a command. “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:34-35). It’s our identifying characteristic. Everything we do on social media should reflect love – real love. “…let us not love in word or talk but indeed and in truth” (1 John 3:18).

Be Empathetic. One of the reasons there is so much cruelty on the Internet, and much of it from Christians, is because we have a hard time understanding the feelings of others. We think our views are the only right views, and it’s impossible to fathom another’s. We need to take time to listen and understand our brothers and sisters. As the old saying goes, “God gave us two ears and one mouth for a reason.” It’s to listen twice as much as we speak.

Overcome evil with good. When someone hurts us, our tendency is to want to hurt them back. But, Jesus tells us to “bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you” (Luke 6:28). Jesus’ brother, James, puts a fine point on it: “With [our tongue] we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so” (James 3:9-11). We need to remember that the people we encounter online – especially the ones with whom we disagree the most – are made in the image of God. Jesus died for them, just as He died for us.

Before posting anything online, we should ask ourselves:

Is this loving? Is it honorable? Am I being empathetic? Is it bringing peace, or is it divisive? Am I being prideful? Am I trying to overcome darkness with more darkness? If we can’t answer all of these questions the way we ought, perhaps we should step away from the keyboard.

Prayer:

Father, thank you for choosing us. Thank you for allowing us to have a relationship with You. Please forgive us for the occasions when we allow our earthly desires to take precedent over what you would have us to do. Thank you for the technology you have given us. Help us to be good stewards, and through your Holy Spirit, leads us in how we use it. When we interact online, helps us to be full of love, empathy, grace, mercy, peace, humility and goodness. Amen.

Written by Brent Rinehart

Today’s Scripture: “In peace I will both lie down and sleep, for You, Lord, alone make me dwell in safety and confident trust.” – (Psalm 4:8, AMPC)

Topic: Dwell in Safety and Trust [Tuesday August 22, 2017]

All throughout Scripture, God has promised to be your Protector, Defender, your Strength, your Shelter and so much more. Even when the storms of life come against you, as long as you are dwelling in Him, you dwell in safety and trust—nothing can take away your peace and joy. What does it mean to dwell in Him? One of the definitions of the word “dwell” means to keep your attention directed toward something. The more you keep your attention directed toward God, the more you will know Him, and the more confidence you will have in Him. When you focus your heart and mind on the Word of God and declare His promises over your life, you are dwelling in Him. When you lift your voice in worship and give Him glory and honor, you are dwelling in Him. When you spend time meditating on Him and connecting with Him through prayer, you are dwelling in Him.

Are you facing a difficult situation? Give your attention to the Father. Do you need His peace and protection? Focus your heart and mind on Him. As you dwell on Him, you will see His goodness, and you’ll live in peace and victory all the days of your life!

A Prayer for Today: “Father in heaven, thank You for Your promise of peace and safety in my life. I choose to give my attention to You. Have Your way in me and let everything I do bring glory to You in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

A Promise For You From Bible Promises:

Topic: He Repented And Returned [22/08/2017]

I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee. Luke 15:18. Lk 15:17-21

We have been looking at the story of the prodigal son and the lessons we can actually learn from his rash decision and avoid taking the same wrong decision but applying the good ones to our lives. He was a son when he was connected to his father. He became a prodigal son when he was disconnected and became a lost but found son when he returned and was reconnected. Yesterday, we saw how his father yearned for his return daily because of his love for him in spite of his grave misbehavior against him.

Here, you discover that in spite of his father’s yearning for his return, his daily prayer for him to return home, if he had not returned, he wouldn’t have been restored and reconnected. Though his father’s love and prayers of intercession worked for him, he himself had to take the bold step of returning. First, repented and then made a resolution within, even if my father refuse to take me back as a son because of my grievous offense, I will beg him to take me as a servant. This means, no matter what you have done and how far you might have gone in your sin against God, if you can sincerely repent and return to him and ask Him for forgiveness, He will not only accept you back but restore you. Are you willing to repent and return?

#BiblePromisesPrayer

Father, I humbly come in repentance of all my wrongs I might have committed against You, please, restore me in Jesus Mighty Name

Topic: Be Super-Filled [Tuesday, 22nd August 2017]

Don’t drink too much wine. That cheapens your life. Drink the Spirit of God, huge draughts of him. Ephesians 5:18 MSG

Daily, the Lord wants us to, not only have a taste of the Holy Spirit, but to be super-filled with Him. Our lives will be much better, more enjoyable, more smooth, less worrisome and more joyful if we daily are super-filled with the Holy Ghost. We will be more enabled to do the works that the Lord has asked us to do, we will also be more capable to perform at a high and excellent rate in our personal endeavors when we are super-filled with the Holy Spirit. Note, this is not the Holy Ghost baptism, this is rather a fresh filling that we experience from time to time.

In Acts 4, after Peter and John were arrested for healing and preaching in the name of Jesus, they were released with a stern warning to stop preaching in the name of Jesus. But they went back to the company of disciples, and after narrating their ordeal, they prayed together in one accord. Scriptures recorded that “while they were praying, the place where they were meeting trembled and shook. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak God’s Word with fearless confidence” (Acts 4:31 MSG).

They were not just filled with the Holy Ghost, it was an experience that charged them up to continue to preach in the name of Jesus with FEARLESS CONFIDENCE. They were super-filled to the extent that no form of intimidation could cow them. Also, “with great ability and power the apostles were continuously testifying to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace [God’s remarkable lovingkindness and favor and goodwill] rested richly upon them all” (Acts 4:33 AMP). This happened when they were super-filled with the Holy Spirit, after engaging in prayers. This is what God wants us to experience daily. Don’t miss out on this. Be super-filled with the Holy Ghost daily.

Keep winning daily.

Prayer:

Pray in other tongues, as you open your heart to the Lord, so He can fill you.

Topic: When Three Rules Were Broken And Protocol Suspended! – 2 [Tuesday 22 August, 2017]

(John 9:29-41)

We continue today on the second and third rules that were broken when that blind man who did not pray a prayer was released from captivity! The second rule was:

THIS MAN WAS NOT A BELIEVER! REMEMBER THAT HE ASKED JESUS WHO HE WAS! THAT MEANS HE NEVER EVEN KNEW WHO JESUS WAS! OH! HE WAS NOT QUALIFIED! Amazing! This is a case of God looking for this man to qualify him! And that shall be your story! Special mercy and favor shall be shown to you and that favor shall qualify you for your EVIDENCE and testimony. The mercy of God is the qualifier of man and that mercy will pass millions to locate you. Amen!

The third rule that was broken was that the Lord healed this blind man by fixing clay with spittle from His mouth. To the average Jew in those days, the spit from your mouth was medicinal but MUST NEVER BE USED ON A SABBATH DAY! But the Lord deliberately healed this man on a Sabbath day to break the rule of TIME and DATE. That means any rule of human calendar or human timetable concerning you will catch fire today. Every human timetable will be suspended today and at the Lagos Service this weekend. Where they said your time is over, they shall welcome you! Where age was a barrier to your marriage or breakthrough, it shall scatter today!

No human calendar shall stop you again because special favor is being released on you now and at the weekend anointing service. MERCY shall be your name! GLORY shall be your nickname! And testimony shall be your canopy! Prepare to be in that Lagos program and pray seriously now because something new is about to happen. I see rules catching fire and I see every protocol bowing to your feet of destiny. Amen! Pray now!

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 God, give me a miracle that will make me to forget my past troubles, I Jesus Christ name.

3. Every power that hates to see me laugh, scatter unto desolation now in Jesus Christ name.

4. Every satanic policeman enforcing evil rules and protocol against my life, scatter and catch fire now in Jesus Christ name.

5. Pray about today seriously and any other issue(s) affecting your peace.

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

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

Topic: A Powerful Compass [Tuesday August 22, 2017]

And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state] to which as [members of Christ’s] one body you were also called [to live]…  – Colossians 3:15

People who do things they don’t have peace about have miserable lives and don’t succeed at anything. If you are doing something, like watching television, and you suddenly lose your peace about what you are doing, you have heard from God. He is saying to you, “Turn it off. Go the other way.” If you lose your peace when you say something unkind, God is speaking to you. It will save you a lot of trouble if you will stop talking or apologize right away.

God leads His people through peace. Anytime you lose your peace you are hearing from God. There is nothing more powerful than the compass of peace in your heart. Follow after it. Follow peace!

Topic: Understanding Christian Courtship (3)

Welcome to the third teaching on Understanding Christian Courtship.  I am sure that what you have learnt so far has been of great blessing to you. May you begin to enjoy your courtship as you put those facts into practice in Jesus’ Name! This week, I will be teaching on “Some major characteristics of a good Christian courtship.” These are necessary things to watch out for in your courtship as it will help you to know whether you are on the right track or not.

Agreement

The bedrock of marriage is agreement and the first stage takes place in courtship. There must be an agreement between you and your partner from day one.  Both of you must have agreed to spend the rest of your lives together in marriage. Both of you must be able to agree on pressing issues that concern your future together. God’s Word in Amos 3:3 says: Can two walk together, except they be agreed? Where there is no agreement, there will be confusion, disorderliness, disunity and that home will definitely become a workshop for the devil.  A solid agreement will go a long way in ensuring the success of your relationship, even after your courtship period.

Christian Character

Character is like smoke; no matter how hard you pretend, it cannot be hidden. You and your partner must have good Christian characters that speak. Both of you must be God-fearing and doers of God’s commandment on truthfulness, commitment to the things of God like fellowship, Kingdom service, tithing, offerings etc. This is why God commands that you join yourself with someone of like belief and faith. The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 6:14-15: Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness?  and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? Or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?

The character of the two of you must radiate the fruits of the Spirit mentioned in Ephesians 5:9 and Galatians 5:22-23. A good Christian character will guide your partner from acting the way any natural person would, thereby saving you from sorrows and hurts.

Progress

A Christian courtship must progressively culminate in engagement and then marriage.  Proverbs 4:18 says: But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. This means constant progress/advancement is being made towards your goal i.e. marriage. Therefore, progress must be made physically, spiritually, materially, mentally and in every other area.

Lack of progress leads to defilement (Proverbs 13:12) or stagnation and ‘stagnant water, they say, stinks.’ The success of every good courtship period is that it should end in something more meaningful.

Pre-Marital Sex

Many begin quite well in the spirit and end up messing themselves up by engaging in the works of the flesh. Galatians 5:19-21 lists the various works of the flesh. Since courtship is not marriage, you have no marital rights over each other.  God’s Word in Hebrews 13:4 says: Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled… What you do with the bed during courtship is laying a foundation for what your marriage will be like when you get into it.

There is no room for sexual relationship or anything that leads to it while in courtship. Yes, you intend to marry, but as long as you are not yet married, it is sinful for you to go into it.  Pre-marital sex does not only defile, it also destroys trust, honour and respect from your spouse in marriage. It is like a wound. Even when it’s healed, the scar still remains.

With the AIDS scare terrorizing the world today; even the skeptical world has discovered the need for purity. It has suddenly realized that there is no safer precaution than choosing a life of purity and chastity. It is possible to say ‘No!’ to pre-marital sex. Just choose to seek the Lord uncompromisingly and He will preserve the treasure He created in your bodies.

The misery of promiscuity can be avoided, if you would accept Jesus as your Lord and personal Saviour. You can accept him right now by saying 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: How to Access Power [Tuesday August 22, 2017]

God does not give power to those who deserve it nor to those who demand for it.

God gives it to those whom he likes. He doesn’t like people without basis. He doesn’t like people arbitrarily. Likeness is by attraction, he likes those who serve Him.

Nothing impresses Him like our service towards Him.

To impress God is to please Him and when He is pleased He releases grace for enlistment.

1 Chronicles 28:4, Psalm 89:20, Genesis 6:1-8