Topic: Be Responsible Socially [Monday, 21st August 2017]

Ese Ehimare Dave

But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him. Luke 10:33

One of the key commandments the believer is enjoined to adhere to is to “love…thy neighbor as thyself” (Luke 10:25). This is very important to us as sons and daughters of God. Our neighbors, as Jesus explained further in Luke 10, are not restricted to just people living within our neighborhood, but every single being on earth, mostly within the society were we live in. Loving them, goes beyond mouthing it, it is to be committed to their progressive success. The idea of the Parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10, by Jesus, was to show us that we are responsible socially to them.

They Lord wants us to be socially responsible and committed to people within our sphere of influence. To care for them and meet their needs. The Samaritan in Luke 10 has no cultural affinity with the man whom he took care of and paid his medical bills. But He did it anyway, because he was socially responsible to his neighbor. Jesus said that, whatsoever we do to the least of people, we do unto Him. And the least of people are the downtrodden, the vulnerable, the homeless, the orphans, the out-of-school children, the internally displaced people. The list could go on and on. We need to be socially responsible for these folks. They desperately need us.

Are you part of any organization that is socially driven? Today, we have organizations that provide social entrepreneurial programs. They are both profit and non-profit organizations. Maybe you might want to join an NGO today and provide social entrepreneurship programs for the people in your society. Join them to develop, fund and implement solutions to social, cultural, or environmental issues. You will be contributing to social integration of people, who otherwise are excluded from the society because of lack of access to the basic amenities they need for survival.  Some churches have the department of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and this is very commendable, but we can still go beyond church, so we can do more. Be socially responsible.

Keep winning daily.

Wise Action:

If you don’t have the financial capacity to be socially responsible alone, join an NGO or a club like Rotary, Lion’s Club, etc, and become socially responsible to your sphere of contact.

Topic: The Church Of God I — Tuesday 22, August 2017.

Memorise: 22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, 23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all. – Ephesians 1:22-23

Read: 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12 (KJV)

1 Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:

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

3 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;

4 So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:

5 Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer:

6 Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;

7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,

8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:

9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;

10 When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.

11 Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power:

12 That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Bible in One Year: 1 Chronicles 1-3; Ezekiel 28:25-29:9, Hymn: Sing hymn 14: Take My Life

Open Heavens 22nd Tuesday, August 2017 Message:

Topic: When Three Rules Were Broken and Protocol Suspended -1 [Monday 21 August, 2017]

(John 9:29-41).

Welcome to today’s devotional write-up! The Holy Ghost is telling me to remind you that everything created by God is governed by rules. There are spiritual rules, there are economic rules, there are political rules, there are medical rules, but all these are natural rules. A rule is an established way of doing things. A rule can be described as an ordinance, a command, a pronouncement, a convention, a pattern which cannot be broken by any man. Rules are organised by laid down protocol or procedure. Rules when carelessly broken have severe consequences. However, your God is the Rule Changer and the Protocol Breaker. I call Him JEHOVAH BULLDOZER! He bulldozes rules and scatter protocol just to get His people to their destiny land and that’s what God will do for you today and at the next Lagos Anointing Service.

In today’s scripture, the life of this blind man broke three rules (LAWS):

1. He broke the rule of asking and receiving! In Verse 36, he asked: “Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him?” That means he didn’t even know who Jesus Christ was and the greatest shocker: he did not even ask or pray. Wow! The man did not pray! The law of asking and receiving was broken/suspended for this man! The Lord just healed him! As we continue tomorrow on the second and third rules that were broken, never forget the God who broke the rules for the sake of Hannah. Her son became a priest in Israel even though he was not from the priestly family of Levi. That same God will also change rules and break protocol for you ( 1 Samuel 1:21-28). Pray seriously 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, arise and change the rule for my sake in every area of my life and destiny.

3. Holy Ghost, arise and connect me to a higher rain of favor and special mercy.

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.

CHECK PAGE 72 (GEMS FOR SUCCESS) AND PAGE 88 (BUSINESS SECRETS) TODAY!

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

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

Topic: Reason Your Way Out [Monday August 21, 2017]

Reasoning is the mental process to finding solutions to bugging problems of life.

You must posses a ‘there is a way out’, mentality at all times – 1Corthians 10:13.

You can device your way out of any situation – Proverbs 16:9, 20:5, 25:2

There are several ways of solving problems.

If one way closes, several others will open to you.

Reason and re-reason think and think over again.

There is no end to reasoning; the more you reason, the better result you access, and the brighter your life becomes.

Those who think cannot be trapped.

A system that lacks reasoning leader(s) will certainly rust just as a body that has no head.

To be headless is to be lifeless in practical terms. Without head there cannot be an headway.

The prodigal son made an headway only when he put his head to work. Luke 15

The first church forged ahead inspite of satan’s subtle scheme of murmuring among women that badly threatened the further existence of the young vibrant church. Acts 6:1-3

Going ahead is always what results whenever the head goes to work. Acts 6:7

Topic: Don’t Just Talk, Communicate! (3)

Dear Reader,

Welcome to today’s edition of your usual column in Jesus’ name!  Without any doubt, I know that you have really taken time to decipher the truth of God’s Word regarding communication.

This week, I will yet be unveiling to you what I subtitled “Ways of Enhancing Communication!”

Communication is a two-way process that involves talking and listening. The better couple and children communicate; the closer they become. Communication can be enhanced better than you may envisage, by paying strict attention to the following:

Learning to Listen!

Listening is a crucial prerequisite for an effective communication. Since it involves talking and listening as seen in Proverbs 18:13. A wise man once said, “Good listeners are good lovers.”  Some women tend to talk too much that they don’t give room for their husband to say anything. Hence, such husbands keep hearing what the woman says without listening. Meanwhile, communication goes beyond hearing, to being attentive. This enables one to be able to make sound decisions and pass good judgment on various issues.

Truthfulness!

Ordinarily, truthfulness means constancy or sincerity in action or character.  Truthfulness is also an attribute of God.  God detests lies and exaggeration. Husbands, wives and children must be very truthful in their communication to one another. My husband often says, “When Christianity lacks character there is nothing more to it.”

Correct Timing!

Words, we know, can be likened to eggs.  They are fragile and delicate. God’s Word says: …A word spoken in due season, how good is it! (Proverbs 15:23). That is, you must know your spouse so well that you know when to say what and how to say it. Important issues should be wisely but thoroughly discussed. Even when you feel so overwhelmed by a matter, you can always compose yourself to wait for an appropriate time to speak.

Pleasing Each Other!

One of the essences of effective communication is to enhance intimacy, unity and love.  Remember, motive is the main focus here.  It is important for you to be willing to admit when you are wrong; don’t be too proud to say so. Before engaging in heartfelt discussions, especially when crucial issues are to be ironed out, you may need to ask yourself questions like:  What is my motive?  Will it destroy our intimacy or make my spouse lose respect for me? Why am I saying this? Will it make us a better couple? Finding sincere answers to these questions will go a long way in enhancing your communication skill, thereby presenting to both your spouse and you better way of pleasing each other.

It is a fact that the longer you live together with someone, the more you are able to read his or her body language. For example, a look from your husband can send a clear message to you, which no one else may understand.

In concluding this segment, let me say here that communication is not only vital for husbands and wives, but for all members of the family. Both verbal and non-verbal types of communication are required and should, therefore, be employed by members for a fruitful family relationship.

Keep the communication lines open; don’t allow the enemy to tamper with it. This can only be achieved by surrendering your life to Jesus. It starts by confessing your sins and accepting Jesus as your Lord and personal Saviour. To do this, please say this prayer of faith with me: “Dear Lord Jesus, I come to You today acknowledging that I am a sinner who needs Your forgiveness. I believe You died for me and rose again on the third day. Forgive me my sins, wash me with Your Blood and write my name in the Lamb’s Book of life. Thank You Lord for saving me.”

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, and 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: The Presence of God and the Success of Man [Monday August 21, 2017]

Scripture: Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. Psalm 16:11

Thought For The Day: The best of man comes in the Presence of God.

Success is not a destination; it is a journey. This implies that you can never arrive at success. Every step of success positions you for the next step.

On the journey of knowing what it takes to live at our best from the life of Daniel, we are looking at the fact that:

1. You are your best when you live in God’s Presence. When you make God’s Presence your house you will live at your best. Daniel could never be kept out of prayer (the Presence of God); impossible! (Daniel 6:10). The best of man comes in the Presence of God. You live in His presence by living in the Word, worship, and in God’s Presence is fullness of Joy at His right hand are pleasures forevermore. (Psalm 16:11).

You cannot remain in God’s presence and end in mediocrity.

2. You are at you best when you live to learn.

You are at your best when you make the universe your university. You are at your best when you keep on striving to become a better Christian, husband, wife, leader, pastor, employee, employer, etc., both through practice and through receiving instructions.

Daniel said, I understood by books (Daniel 9:2); he was given to learning and he had no alternative to living at his best. You live at your best when you refuse to arrive, take every opportunity to learn seriously and you will never end in mediocrity.

Remember this: The best of man comes in the Presence of God.

Assignment(S):

1. Always create an atmosphere of God’s Presence around you.

2. Learn something new today that will benefit you tomorrow.

3. Refuse to arrive at success; continue to move ahead in all you do.

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

Prayer: FATHER, Your Presence is everything to me. Give me the grace to continually abide in Your Presence and open my mind to continuous learning, LORD, in Jesus’ Name.

Quote: You may lose anything in life, but one thing you must never lose is the Presence of God. Culled from 30 SECRETS TO THE TOP by Dr Paul Enenche.

Daily Reading: Job 1:1 to 3:26, 1 Corinthians 14:1 to 17, Psalm 37:12 to 29, Proverbs 21:25 to 26

Amazing Fact: Most babies are born with blue eyes. Exposure to ultraviolet light (the sun) and melanin are what eventually bring out their true eye colour

Today In History: 21/8/1888 – The first successful adding machine in the United States was patented by William Seward Burroughs.

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: What Heaven Will Be Like — Monday August 21, 2017

And there shall be no more curse; but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him. — Revelation 22:3

The Bible indicates that Heaven will be a place of great understanding and knowledge of things that we never learned down here. Sir Isaac Newton, when an old man, said to one who praised his wisdom, “I am as a child on the seashore picking up a pebble here and a shell there, but the great ocean of truth still lies before me.” And Thomas Edison once said, “I do not know one millionth part of one percent about anything.” Many of the mysteries of God-the heartaches, trials, disappointments, tragedies, and the silence of God in the midst of suffering-will be revealed in Heaven.

Prayer for the day: All the questions will be answered, loving Father, when I take my place in heaven to praise You.

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: Hell Can’t Put Out the Light — Monday August 21, 2017.

In Him was Life, and the Life was the Light of men. And the Light shines on in the darkness, for the darkness has never overpowered it…. – John 1:4-5, The Amplified Bible

Whenever things around you get dark and you feel the devil is about to overpower you, remember this: You have the Light of the world in you, and try as they may, all the forces of hell can’t put it out!

Even when you’re at your weakest, even when you feel like the light within you is small, the devil’s darkness is no match for you.

Let me show you what I mean. Imagine for a moment that you’re in a large auditorium that has no windows or doors to let in outside light. The place is so black you can’t see anything, not even your hand in front of your face. There’s nothing around you but complete darkness!

Now, imagine one little lightning bug flying around that auditorium. Every eye in there would turn toward it. As small as that little light is in comparison to the great darkness around it, you would still be able to see it. That massive blackness wouldn’t be able to do a thing to shut off that bug. Everywhere he flew, the darkness would just have to yield. It would always be dispelled by his light.

When the circumstances around you begin to get black and you’re tempted to despair, think about that lightning bug. Meditate on the fact that Jesus Christ, the Light of the world, is in you. When the revelation of that hits you, you’ll never again let the darkness back you into a corner. You’ll start chasing it down—overcoming it with your light!

Scripture Reading: Ephesians 5:8-16

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: Trust In Jesus As Your Savior – Monday August 21, 2017.

Matthew 19:16 “And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?”

MATTHEW 19:12-20

On the surface, it appears that this rich young ruler was “right on” in the way he approached Jesus and sought salvation. He ran, kneeled down to Jesus, and openly professed Him as a Good Master. What could be wrong with that?

First, he acknowledged Jesus as good but not as God. This is a pivotal point.

Every major religion of the world acknowledges that Jesus lived and will even admit that He definitely was a good man, but they won’t recognize Him as God. If Jesus was only a good man, He couldn’t save anybody. Jesus didn’t just come to show us the way to God. He was the way, the only way unto the Father.

No man could come unto the Father, but by Him (Jn. 14:6). Jesus had made this point publicly many times before. This is the reason that Jesus responded to this young man’s question the way He did. Jesus was saying, “God is the only one who is good. You must accept me as God or not at all.” Jesus was either who He claimed to be or He was the biggest fraud that ever lived. He has to be one or the other. He cannot be both.

Second, he asked what he could do to produce salvation. He trusted in himself and believed he could accomplish whatever good work Jesus might request. This is completely opposed to the plan of salvation that Jesus came to bring.

Jesus obtained salvation for us through His substitution and He offers it to us as a free gift. All we must do is believe and receive. This rich young ruler wasn’t looking for a Savior. He was trying to be his own savior. This is the reason Jesus referred him back to the commandments. He either needed to keep all of the law perfectly or he needed a Savior. Jesus desired to turn this man from trusting in himself by showing him God’s perfect standard, which no one could keep, so that then he would trust in a Savior.

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: Be Still — Monday August 21, 2017.

Read: Psalm 46:1–11, Bible in a Year: Psalms 107–109; 1 Corinthians 4

The Lord Almighty is with us, the God of Jacob is our fortress. Psalm 46:11

“We’ve created more information in the last five years than in all of human history before it, and it’s coming at us all the time” (Daniel Levitin, author of The Organized Mind: Thinking Straight in the Age of Information Overload).  “In a sense,” Levitin says, “we become addicted to the hyperstimulation.” The constant barrage of news and knowledge can dominate our minds. In today’s environment of media bombardment, it becomes increasingly difficult to find time to be quiet, to think, and to pray.

Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God,” reminding us of the necessity to take time to focus on the Lord. Many people find that a “quiet time” is an essential part of each day—a time to read the Bible, pray, and consider the goodness and greatness of God.

Each day we need to be still and listen to the Lord.

When we, like the writer of Psalm 46, experience the reality that “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” (v. 1), it drives our fear away (v. 2), shifts our focus from the world’s turmoil to God’s peace, and creates a quiet confidence that our Lord is in control (v. 10).

No matter how chaotic the world may become around us, we can find quietness and strength in our heavenly Father’s love and power.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we bring our noisy lives and our cluttered minds to You so that we can learn to be still and know that You are God.

Each day we need to be still and listen to the Lord.

Insight:

Getting away to a quiet place can be a way to settle our thoughts. But sometimes the thought of being alone with our thoughts is uncomfortable. Psalm 46 speaks to us about being quiet in the presence of “the God of Jacob,” who is our fortress. Jacob (later named Israel) was a rascal, a liar, and a fugitive from his family.

Jacob struggled with God and God determined Jacob would know Him (see Gen. 32:22–32). It is through Jacob’s line centuries later that Jesus was born to offer us peace and forgiveness.

What could it mean to be still before God, who desired to lovingly father people like Jacob and who desires to be in intimate relationship with each of us? Mart DeHaan

This message was written By David C. McCasland [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]