This God will release provision for the visions of your life, family and ministry if you refuse anxiety!

Topic: The World’s Biggest Miracle [Tuesday 15 August, 2017]

(Psalm 34:8-10; 37:23-28)

Just consider Moses leading between 2 to 3 million people requiring food in the desert years ago, according to the Quartermaster General of the American Army, it was reported that Moses would have had 1500 tons of food everyday, requiring two freight trains, each one and half kilometers long. They would have to have had firewood for use in cooking the food. This would take 4,000 tons of wood and more freight (cargo) trains, each one and half kilometers long just for one day. And just think about it, they were forty years in transit, in a wilderness. And oh yes, they would have to have had water. If they only had enough to drink and wash a few dishes, it would take 11 million gallons each day and a cargo train with tanks that are 2,500 kilometers long just to bring water.

And then another thing –they had to cross the Red Sea at night. Now, if they went through a narrow path, double filed, the line would be 900 kilometers long and would require 35 days and nights to get through. So there had to be space in the Red Sea, 4 kilometers wide so that they could walk 5000 abreast to get over in one night. Lastly, they required a campground which could have been two thirds of the city of Accra, or two thirds of the city of Rhode Island in USA or two third of Lagos. This has been called by experts as the world’s biggest miracle!

Do you think that Moses planned with these data in mind before stepping out? Don’t you think that the God that did this for Moses can also take care of your life, family, academics, business and ministry even as you run your daily race and fight your battles? This God will release provision for the visions of your life, family and ministry if you refuse anxiety! Read today’s scripture again and trust in the God called JEHOVAH JIREH; INSIDE-THE-WILDERNESS-PROVIDER! Your provision shall be sure! Resist anxiety! Trust God! Trust God!

Prayer Points: Take any song of worship as led.

1. Lift up your hands and worship your God as you are led.

2. Worship Him for that present need in your life, family and ministry. He is a present help in trouble!

3. Every evil computer system working against my life in the demonic world, shatter to pieces in Jesus Christ name.

4. I decree: Every cycle of confusion operating in my life, break, in the name of Jesus of Nazerath NOW!!!

5. As 2017 skips along, every lying tongue against me; roast by FIRE, in Jesus Christ name . Pray about today ! Loose UNCOMMON PROMOTION this week! See page 7 for prayers!

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 King of Kings — Wednesday 16, August 2017.

Memorise: And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. – Revelation 19:16

Read: Daniel 4:34-37 (KJV)

34 And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation:

35 And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?

36 At the same time my reason returned unto me; and for the glory of my kingdom, mine honour and brightness returned unto me; and my counsellors and my lords sought unto me; and I was established in my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added unto me.

37 Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase.

Bible in One Year: 2 Kings 16-17; Ezekiel 25:8-26:6, Hymn: Sing hymn 3: How Great Thou Art

Open Heavens 16th Wednesday, August 2017 Message:

In the New Testament, there are three instances where the title “King of kings” was used. In each of these three instances, it was used along with the title “Lord of lords”. Obviously, the two titles are linked, but they also have their marked differences. The underlying thought of kingship is the exercise of authority, while that of lordship is the exercise of power. A military junta may have the power to overthrow the government of a nation but it lacks the authority to do so, thereby make it an illegitimate government. On the other hand, a policeman can simply use his upraised hand to stop a heavy truck. He is able to achieve this by the authority vested in him, which is well recognised by the truck driver. Similarly, kingship, authority and submission always go together. Any edict issued by a king must be expressly obeyed. Refusal to comply is interpreted as civil disobedience, anarchy or rebellion. It is important to note here that from eternity past, Jesus has continuously reigned in majestic splendour as the only Potentate, the King of glory and the Lord of all (1 Timothy 6:15)

When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea, angles celebrated and worshipped Him as King (Hebrews 1:6, Luke 2:10-14). He grew up, lived among the people and went about doing good: healing the sick, delivering those oppressed by the devil, and spreading the good news of the kingdom. Yet, at His triumphant entry into Jerusalem, only those who believed in Him cried, “Hosanna, blessed is the king that comes in the Name of the Lord” (John 12:12-13). A day also came that Jesus was presented to His own people by Pontius Pilate saying, “Behold your King!” The people however responded with a great roar, “Away with him, crucify him.” He was therefore crucified with a crown of thorns on His head (John 19). Therefore, He died, rose from the dead and was received into Heaven. Very soon, He is coming back again. This time, He is not coming with a crown of thorns on His head but with many glorious crowns, and He will rule the nations of the earth with rod of iron in His hands. He is returning in power and glory to establish His kingdom on earth, covered with glory and accompanied by the hosts of Heaven’s armies. His title shall be boldly written upon His clothing and on His thigh: “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS”. While we are waiting for the appearance of the soon-coming King, let us totally submit to His authority and acknowledge His Lordship over our lives. We must worship His majesty and offer Him the sacrifice of praise. Let us bow down before the throne of the everlasting King in total adoration of His royal majesty. All hail the King of glory. Hallelujah!

Action Point: Worship God as the King of kings, and live your life in submission to Him.

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: Reward For Service — Tuesday August 15, 2017.

Text: Numbers 18:8-19

Key Verse: “This shall be thine of the most holy things, reserved from the fire: every oblation of theirs, every meat offering of theirs, and every sin offering of theirs, and every trespass offering of theirs, which they shall render unto me, shall be most holy for thee and for thy sons.” (Numbers 18:9)

Martin Luther said “If we consider the greatness and the glory of the life we shall have when we have risen from the dead, it would not be difficult at all for us to bear the concerns of this world. If I believe the Word, I shall on the last day, after the sentence has been pronounced, not only gladly have suffered ordinary temptations, insults, and imprisonment, but I shall also say, O, that I did not throw myself under the feet of all the godless for the sake of the great glory which I now see revealed and which has come to me through the merit of Christ!” God commanded the Israelites to bring their tithes and offerings to the tabernacle.

These tithes and offerings were for the consumption of the priests. However, in this passage, God instructed the priests to give part of whatever they received back to the temple for the use of the High Priest. God wanted the priests themselves to give out of what they had been given. God took all these steps to ensure that adequate provision was made for the care and sustenance of the priesthood in general and the High Priest in particular.

The principle of giving in Bible days is still applicable today. You are to give your best to the Lord and for His work. The leadership of the church must also give of what has been given for the development of the work of the Lord. God blessed you so that you may be able to give for the furtherance of His work and the care of His Body.

The local church too must give for ministry. Just like the priesthood in the Old Testament, it is through our faithful giving that the mission work is sustained and physical developments come to our churches. This is part of God’s plan to reward His servants. The beauty of it all is that on the final payday, the Lord will give rewards to all His children who obeyed His instructions to give. And God’s rewards will be far better in comparison to the little seeds you are sowing today.

Thought for the day: Givers will not lack in time and eternity.

Bible Reading in one Year: Jeremiah 31-32

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 Beyond The Challenges And Be Thankful — Tuesday August 15, 2017.

“In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Beloved, in order for the believer to be thankful, he must see clearly and accurately. The believer must see beyond any other image that the enemy is showing him; in his family, finances, health, business, spiritual life, and in every other area of life. You must constantly see that you belong to an unshakable kingdom. Therefore, you cannot suffer loss, irrespective of what is happening around you. Your vision must align with God’s vision for you that, come rain, come sunshine, you are victorious! This is why you have to be thankful. You are thankful because you know beyond every shadow of a doubt that your God is too faithful to fail. He never lies, and He won’t start now. Every word He has spoken concerning you will come to pass. That is what you must be focused on.

The God of all sufficiency knew ahead of time what the global economic situation will be. He knew exactly the situation that will be confronting you right now. He also knew, ahead of time, that you may be tempted to give up and throw in the towel. Yet, He still declared that abundance is your portion. Therefore, you must not settle for less than what God has purposed for you. He is able to fulfil all that He has said. The Bible says not a word failed of any good thing which the Lord had spoken to the house of Israel. All came to pass. The Bible also tells us that so shall God’s word be that goes forth from His mouth. It shall not return to Him void. But it shall accomplish what He please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which He sent it. Beloved, God is more than able to bring His word to pass in your life.

See beyond every challenge that you’re facing. Let your worship and reverence for God not dwindle. Be determined to be committed more than ever before.

Further Reading: Joshua 21:43-5, Psalm 103:1-22

Daily Bible Reading: Morning- Psalms 91-93; Evening- Romans 15:1-13

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: Understanding Christian Courtship (2)

Last week, I started teaching on Understanding Christian Courtship and we examined the purpose of the courtship period. This week, I will be teaching on “How long and how far you should go with courtship.”

Courtship does not have a particular duration. There are ‘no scriptural references that say exactly how long courtship should be. Most Biblical examples vary from couple to couple like Isaac and Rebecca, Jacob and Rachel, Jacob and Leah in Genesis 24, 29:1-30. However, the Word of God in Ecclesiastes 10:10 says: ….Wisdom is profitable to direct.  Since marriage is a lifetime affair it is not a thing to be rushed into but it is important to be sure you know each other well enough. Even though courtship is not how long but how well; the period should be reasonably long enough for both of you to get to know each other well and to be able to live together all the days of your lives.

My husband and I courted for six years and its effect is still speaking as it gave me ample time to know all about what he was doing and what to expect in future. You cannot know someone completely, no matter how long you court but the longer, the better. If you court for only a week or less, then, you will need God’s special grace in your marriage.  Why? Because, knowing each other will last almost a lifetime while learning about each other will also take time, but you are better off, when you know quite a lot about someone.  A reasonable length of courtship period is a necessity you cannot afford to overlook. In Genesis 29:20-30, Jacob courted Rachel for seven years but was given Leah. Even after that, he still had to court again for another seven years for Rachel!  In fact, it was seven years and seven days with Leah’s week inclusive.

Do not rush into marriage. Spend some time to look before you leap.  Many have rushed into marriage, only to discover the true identity of the person they are living with, at a time that is too late. A lady once came to me to inform me of her marriage intentions. I wanted to find out a few things from her and ask her a few questions. So, I booked an appointment with her. It happened that the appointment could not hold, and the next time I met her, she was already married. The look on her face showed that she needed help. I later discovered that the man she married had been living outside the country for many years and had just come back, so they did not really know each other.  She, of course was in a hurry to get married so she could travel back with him.

While there is nothing wrong with a woman wanting to travel with her husband after marriage, there is everything wrong in wanting to marry a man just because you want to go outside the country with him.  The man, I guess, knows himself and his spiritual limitations and had tried to delay the marriage, but she succeeded in convincing him since she was ready to shoulder all the expenses. As soon as the marriage was conducted, she discovered the real nature of the man she married. He was a man who was not just interested in the things of God. She wanted to call it quit, but God would not permit it.

If only she had been patient enough, she would have known the true nature of the man before rushing into marriage. Now, she had to live the rest of her life in an uncomfortable situation. It can be very dangerous not to know the one you are going to spend your life with especially, in a world so advanced in technology that people get married everyday via computer/internet. It is wise to ensure you know yourselves well enough before going into marriage.

What, then, are some of the benefits of knowing your partner long enough?

The benefits of knowing your partner long enough are innumerable.  Some of the benefits both of you stand to gain include:

• All round maturity spiritually, emotionally, physically etc. This is because of the increased level of understanding that both of you will have, from knowing each other for long. You will enjoy the benefit of knowing the peculiar characteristics, likes, dislikes, weaknesses of each other and how well to handle them (Genesis 5:22-23).
• You will be able to conclude better on decisions such as the location, finance, number of children, vision and other plans that are important foundation for your future home.
• It allows you the benefit of a friendly relationship. This kind of friendship is the one that is mentioned in Proverbs 18:24 which says: A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. It allows you the benefit of being ‘best friends’.
• Finally, it allows you to confidently decide whether to marry the person or not. Since courtship is not marriage, it can be broken. If while courting, you find out that your relationship is not going on well, or you discover that you both disagree more often than you agree, then wisdom demands that you break the relationship.

God knows all, sees all and knows every man’s heart.  When you accept Him, He will help to reveal the true identity of your partner to you, irrespective of pretences.  To accept Him, you have to confess Jesus Christ as your Lord and personal Saviour.  If you will like to do this, please 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. 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: The Last 24 Hours [Tuesday August 15, 2017]

Scripture: Watch out! Don’t let your hearts be dulled by carousing and drunkenness, and by the worries of this life. Don’t let that day catch you unaware, like a trap. For that day will come upon everyone living on the earth. Keep alert at all times. And pray that you might be strong enough to escape these coming horrors and stand before the Son of Man. Luke 21:34-36 (NLT)

Thought For The Day: Do it now!

One major peculiarity of this generation is the plague of carelessness, especially with regard to spiritual matters. We live in a careless generation. People prepare for wedding and spend a lot of money on it but they never prepare for marriage. That is why many weddings succeed but the marriages fail. Imagine a very successful wedding ceremony that ended in a marriage that is a total mess. People prepare for classroom examinations but they never prepare for eternity or life after death. Very pathetic!

One of the vital questions we need to answer in life if we must examine how we live daily is, what would you do if you have only twenty four (24) hours to live?

This is crucial because one day, everyone will have only 24 hours to live.

Now, imagine having only 24 hours left; are you going to ensure that you catch that girl you have been pursuing for immorality? Are you going to ensure that you make all the money you have been trying to make in a hurry?

I believe that if you are left with just 24hours, you would try and make sure that your relationship with God is in order. You would make sure that there is no unconfessed sin in your heart. You would forgive everyone who hurt you. I believe you would make sure you do everything possible not to arrive in God’s Presence and He says, ‘Depart from me you worker of iniquity.’ I believe you are going to be determined to impact one more person positively for God.

Beloved, what would you do if you have only twenty four (24) hours to live? My counsel to you is, do it now! Do not wait for tomorrow because there were many people who planned to serve God tomorrow but tomorrow never came for them.

Remember this: do it now!

Assignment (s):

1. Determine to live with the consciousness of eternity.

2. Sincerely answer this question: Where will you spend your eternity?

3. Think of whatever you are not doing right and start doing it right.

FOR FURTHER UNDERSTANDING, GET THIS MESSAGE: WHAT WILL YOU DO?

Prayer: LORD, I receive the grace to please You in everything I do. Please do not let me stray. Guide my steps in the path of righteousness LORD, in Jesus’ Name.

Quote: To conquer anything in this world, you must first conquer yourself. Culled from 21 FOOLISH THINGS PEOPLE DO by Dr Paul Enenche.

Daily Reading: Nehemiah 9:22 to 10:39, 1 Corinthians 9:19 to 10:13, Psalm 34:1 to 10, Proverbs 21:13

Amazing Fact: The human brain can read up to 1,000 words per minute.

Today In History: 15/8/1960 – Republic of the Congo (Brazzaville) became independent from France

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: Under His Wings — Tuesday August 15, 2017.

Read: Psalm 91, Bible in a Year: Psalms 91–93; Romans 15:1–13

He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge. Psalm 91:4

When I think of protection, I don’t automatically think of a bird’s feathers. Though a bird’s feathers might seem like a flimsy form of protection, there is more to them than meets the eye.

Bird feathers are an amazing example of God’s design. Feathers have a smooth part and a fluffy part. The smooth part of the feather has stiff barbs with tiny hooks that lock together like the prongs of a zipper. The fluffy part keeps a bird warm. Together both parts of the feather protect the bird from wind and rain. But many baby birds are covered in a fluffy down and their feathers haven’t fully developed. So a mother bird has to cover them in the nest with her own feathers to protect them from wind and rain.

The image of God “[covering] us with his feathers” in Psalm 91:4 and in other Bible passages (see Ps. 17:8) is one of comfort and protection. The image that comes to mind is a mother bird covering her little ones with her feathers. Like a parent whose arms are a safe place to retreat from a scary storm or a hurt, God’s comforting presence provides safety and protection from life’s emotional storms.

Though we go through trouble and heartache, we can face them without fear as long as our faces are turned toward God. He is our “refuge” (91:2, 4, 9).

Prayer: Father God, help me trust that You are bigger than any fear I have.

When fear causes hope to fade, flee to God, the refuge you can reach on your knees.

Insight:

Psalm 91 is a beautiful expression of confidence in the Lord’s presence and protection. The writer speaks of both physical protection (from arrows, disease, pestilence, plague) and emotional protection from the evils and disasters happening all around (vv. 5–6). But this psalm is also a conversation. The Lord responds to the faith of those who trust Him by saying, “I will rescue him” (v. 14). J.R. Hudberg

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

Topic: Like A Thief In The Night – Tuesday August 15, 2017.

Luke 17:24 “For as the lightning, that lighteneth out of the one part under heaven, shineth unto the other part under heaven; so shall also the Son of man be in his day.”

LUKE 17:24-31

This scripture and the parallel scripture in Matthew 24:27 make it very clear that the second return of Jesus will be no secret to anyone. In Matthew’s account, it is especially clear that this statement about the lightning was made so that we wouldn’t be deceived by false Christs. Just as lightning is visible to everyone, so the second return of Jesus will be witnessed by the whole world. That’s the reason we don’t have to be fearful about missing His second coming and anxiously follow every report that Christ has come.

These verses completely destroy the claims of the Bahai religion and others who claim that Jesus has secretly come back the second time.

Just as Jesus had warned His disciples not to be deceived by false Christs because His second coming would be visible to everyone, He also explains that until the very day of His coming, the world will continue on its present course. People will not discern the signs of His coming just as the people during Noah’s day didn’t realize their impending judgment. This corresponds exactly with Jesus’ prophecies about His coming being like the appearance of a thief in the night. Jesus is emphasizing that the unbelievers will not recognize that He is coming until it is too late. He is stressing that His coming will take the world by surprise.

The Lord is pointing out the urgent need to be ready for His return. In the same way that a thief comes when people are the least prepared, so our Lord will return in a time when people are not looking for Him. There will be a condition of apathy in the latter days that will tend to lull even the faithful to sleep if they don’t take heed to His words. He urges us to be watchful so we will be prepared.

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: Evidence of a Miracle — Tuesday August 15, 2017.

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. – Hebrews 11:1

Don’t ever short-circuit a miracle by trying to see it in progress! So many believers do that. They’ll lay hands on someone and pray for healing or deliverance and then, when they don’t see any immediate, outward change take place, they’ll withdraw their faith and assume nothing happened.

The Lord taught me an unforgettable lesson about that once when I was in Jamaica. I was preaching to a group of about 150 people in a church that was lighted only by a single kerosene lantern. It was so dark I couldn’t see anyone’s face. All I could see was my Bible and the feet of the man right in front of me.

Suddenly I realized that I’d always depended on the facial expressions of the people I was preaching to to determine how my sermon was being received. Knowing what I did about faith, I knew that was dangerous. So I made a quality decision at that moment never to preach another sermon except by faith. I would not be swayed by the expressions of people.

Before that series of meetings was over, I saw just how important that decision could be. The Jamaicans, who tend to show very little expression anyway, sat through every sermon without any outward reaction at all.

One lady was completely healed of blindness during one of those meetings. She never let on that anything had taken place. She was almost rigid when she found me outside and said simply, “Brother Copeland, I was blind, but now I can see. Thank you.” That was all! A miracle had taken place, and by watching, you wouldn’t have been able to tell anything had happened at all.

Next time you’re tempted to evaluate what God is doing by the looks of things, don’t do it. Remember instead that it is faith, not appearances, that makes miracles happen. It’s the only real evidence that you need!

Scripture Reading: Hebrews 11:1-13

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: Wonders of Nature — Tuesday August 15, 2017

These things that were written in the Scriptures so long ago are to teach us . . .  — Romans 15:4 (TLB)

In the wonders of nature we see God’s laws in operation. Who has not looked up at the stars on a cloudless night and marveled in silent awe at the glory of God’s handiwork? Who has not felt his heart lifted in the spring of the year, as he sees all creation bursting with new life and vigor? In the beauty and abundance around us we see the magnitude of God’s power and the infinite detail of His planning; but nature tells us nothing of God’s love or God’s grace.

Conscience tells us in our innermost being of the presence of God and of the moral difference between good and evil; but this is a fragmentary message, in no way as distinct and comprehensive as the lessons of the Bible. It is only in its pages that we find the clear and unmistakable message upon which all true Christianity is based.

Prayer for the day: As I read Your Word, almighty God, clear my mind of needless thoughts, so that I may be aware of Your message for me this day.

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.