Topic: No Longer Two But One! (2)

Dear Reader,

I count it a great privilege to share God’s Word with you again today. Last week, I brought you the introductory part of this month’s teaching. I said an understanding of the concept of oneness will chase away selfishness from homes, and will put an end to fighting and misunderstandings.

This week, by the grace of God, I will reveal a major requirement for oneness in marriage “Maturity!”

In God’s concept, marriage is for men and women, not for boys and girls. God’s Word says: …The rib, which the Lord God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man (Genesis 2:22). Again in verse 24, the Bible says: Therefore shall a man…cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.  Take particular note of the words ‘man’ and ‘woman,’ in the above passages.

Maturity comes in different ways; it is possible for a physical giant to be an emotional dwarf. It is also possible for a fully grown man to be as immature as a 13-year-old boy. It is possible for a beautiful woman to be an emotional child. The connection this has with marriage is that marriage requires physical, spiritual and emotional maturity.

Some adults never outgrow childhood immaturity and they demonstrate it in their marriages. This is one of the reasons many marriages fail! Briefly, let’s consider three characteristics of maturity that make oneness a reality in marriage:

Characteristics of Maturity

Selfless Attitudes & Behaviour

An Indian expression reads: “You do not marry whom you love; you love whom you marry.” Ironically, most married couples today, married whom they love, but the key to success in marriage is to love whom you married, because the choice has been made, and there is no going back.

Unfortunately, many marriage relationships are challenged because some individuals put their selfish desires and needs before their spouses. Infidelity and divorce are usually the results of this.

Maturity speaks of selflessness. This is considered to be the most salient characteristic of marital success. Nothing is more central to success in marriage than selflessness i.e. being more concerned with your husband or wife’s success, happiness or comfort than you are of your own.

Gratitude

Gratitude is a feeling, emotion or attitude in acknowledgment of a benefit that one has received or will receive. Gratitude is a very vital attitude in marriage; it is a positive indicator that a husband and wife find their relationship satisfying. But it’s quite disheartening to know that many husbands and wives hardly know what it means to say, ‘Thank you.’  I believe, the words are absent because the feeling is absent. The understanding of oneness helps you to habitually appreciate and acknowledge your spouse’s input in every circumstance. Gratitude is a very beautiful act to demonstrate, because it usually returns with rich rewards.

Flexibility

Apparently, nothing in your marriage is going to stay the same forever: not you, your spouse, living conditions, income, job status, children, etc. Flexibility makes it easy for you to be in peaceful harmony with your spouse. Husband, do not feel that your wife is incapable of making any sound decisions; thereby, ignoring her completely. Wife, do not feel that your husband is making foolish investments. Rather, cultivate the habit of a friendly discussion, and all misconceptions will disappear.

When you are rigid and unbending, it becomes impossible for you and your spouse to have a perfect synchronization of true love and agreeable freedom. Thus, to make sure that your marriage doesn’t fail, stay flexible, and be ready and able to adapt to changing circumstances.

I want you to know that God, who is the sole designer of marriage, has its blueprint. That means His view on marriage must be taken seriously, if we desire to reap the full rewards. Subscribing to God’s view of marriage is enhanced by your identity with Jesus.

Are you born-again? You get born-again by confessing your sins and accepting Jesus 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 — Provision of Solution; Key to Promotion in Life [Wednesday August 16, 2017]

Scripture: And it came to pass, when the evil spirit from God was upon Saul, that David took an harp, and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him. 1 Samuel 16:23.

Thought For The Day: Those who dodge problems dodge progress.

Two days ago, we looked at what it takes to move from the wilderness (the worst place of life) to the palace (the best place of life), and from the life of David we saw that the distance between the wilderness of life and the palace of life is worship.

Today, we are looking at 2 other factors:

1. Having a problem-solving capacity is one of the keys to moving from the worst place of life to the best place of life. Solving problems is the distance between the worst place of life and the best place of life. The quality of David’s life was changed as he was called to solve a problem; Saul was insane and nobody could help him. David was called to check out the spirit of insanity from Saul through the weapon of worship, and that was the beginning of his journey to the palace.

A problem somewhere equals progress and promotion for someone. Those who dodge problems dodge progress. Those who cannot provide solution cannot experience promotion.

Beloved, do not look for connection, look for solution to offer. Do not struggle for money before you start something, you can start solving problems without money.

2. The knowledge of life’s assignment. David was cunning in playing the worship instrument. Where you are trained is where you will reign. Where you are wise is where you will rise. Where you are developed is where you will dominate. So, investment in knowledge is investment in destiny; investing to know God is investing to secure your future.

Remember this: Those who dodge problems dodge progress.

Assignment (s):

1. Be a problem solver.

2. Make demands on the grace to be a solution provider in your generation at the place of prayer.

3. Study around the area of your assignment.

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

Prayer: O LORD, I receive the grace to be a solution to the problems in my generation. As I deploy myself to offering solutions to problems, take me to the utmost top in life, LORD, in Jesus’ Name.

Quote: To see the favour of God in your life, you must be the best. Culled from, 30 SECRETS TO THE TOP by Dr Paul Enenche.

Daily Reading: Nehemiah 11:1 to 12:26, 1 Corinthians 10:14 to 33, Psalm 34:11 to 22, Proverbs 21: 14 to 16

Amazing Fact: Our brain’s connected neurons look similar to the structure of the universe. In a way, our brains are modelled after the universe.

Today In History: 16/8/1960 – Cyprus gains its independence from the United Kingdom.

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: Not Fear but Faith — Wednesday August 16, 2017.

Read: Numbers 13:25–14:9, Bible in a Year: Psalms 94–96; Romans 15:14–33

The Lord is with us. Do not be afraid of them. Numbers 14:9

“My husband was offered a promotion in another country, but I feared leaving our home, so he reluctantly declined the offer,” my friend shared with me. She explained how apprehension over such a big change kept her from embracing a new adventure, and that she sometimes wondered what they missed in not moving.

The Israelites let their anxieties paralyze them when they were called to inhabit a rich and fertile land that flowed “with milk and honey” (Ex. 33:3). When they heard the reports of the powerful people in large cities (Num. 13:28), they started to fear. The majority of the Israelites rejected the call to enter the land.

But Joshua and Caleb urged them to trust in the Lord, saying, “Do not be afraid of the people in the land” for the “Lord is with us” (14:9). Although the people there appeared large, they could trust the Lord to be with them.

My friend wasn’t commanded to move to another country like the Israelites were, yet she regretted letting fear close off the opportunity. What about you—do you face a fearful situation? If so, know that the Lord is with you and will guide you. With His never-failing love, we can move forward in faith.

Prayer: Loving Father, may I not let my fear stop me from following You, for I know that You will always love me and will never leave me.

Fear can paralyze but faith propels us to follow God.

This message was written By Amy Boucher Pye [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]

Topic: A Firm Foundation — Wednesday August 16, 2017.

These things I command you, that ye love one another. – John 15:17

In Luke 6:47-48, Jesus said: “Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will show you to whom he is like: He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.”

That’s probably a familiar scripture to you. But today I want you to do something new with it. I want you to put it together with what Jesus said in John 15:17: “These things I command you, that ye love one another.”

Love. That one word sums up all Jesus said for us to do. If you’ll build your life on it, even the most violent storms of this world will be unable to shake you. It will make you solid in every area of your life.

If you’ll build your family on love, you can win back those the devil has stolen from you. You can win them to Jesus with the love of God.

If you’ll build your business on love, you’ll prosper beyond your wildest dreams. I had a friend who did that. He went into a television and radio business in his church. He wanted to buy a station from a Jewish man and he offered such a good price for it that the owner was stunned.

“Why would you offer me such a wonderful price?” asked the Jewish owner.

“Because the Word of God says that if I will bless you, God will bless me. So I’m going to see to it that you get the better part of this deal,” answered my friend.

Before it was all over, that Jewish station owner had made Jesus Lord of his life. He and my friend ended up prospering and preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ together on the radio.

When love rules, prosperity can flow!

Commit to living the life of love today. Commit to building your house upon the rock. Then when the storms of life begin to blow—at home, at work or in any situation—you can enjoy the solid security of knowing that love never fails.

Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 13:8-13

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: Hunger for Righteousness — Wednesday August 16, 2017

I will give to the thirsty the springs of the Water of Life—as a gift! — Revelation 21:6 (TLB)

God says that only those who hunger after righteousness will receive it. God thrusts this heavenly manna on no one. You must desire it, above everything else. Your yearning for God must supersede all other desires. It must be like a gnawing hunger and a burning thirst.

Prayer for the day: Almighty God, my soul is parched and I’m so hungry without the spiritual food You so desire to give me. Take away anything in my life that would cause me not to give You pre-eminence.

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: God Answers Prayer – Wednesday August 16, 2017.

Luke 18:7 “And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? “

LUKE 18:1-8

This is not an exact comparison of God to this unjust judge, teaching us that we should badger God until we weary Him and He grants us our request.

Rather, Jesus is contrasting His willingness to answer our prayers with this unjust judge’s unwillingness. The parable is a contrast, not a representation.

Not only do we have God who is a just judge who will avenge His elect speedily, but we also have Jesus as our advocate or attorney who is always making intercession for us. However, we have an adversary (the devil) who is constantly accusing us and misrepresenting God (the judge). This causes men to give up (faint) and not even plead their case with God because they doubt that He will answer them anyway.

Jesus is saying that our Father is not an unjust judge that we have to pressure into doing what is right. Many times we put more faith in people and their willingness to do what is right than we do in God. Satan has deceived us about the willingness of God to answer our prayers and Jesus is countering that deception with this parable. Jesus is encouraging us to pray (petition God) and not doubt His willingness to grant our requests. To teach that we must pester God until He gives in to our pressure is not good theology.

This widow’s actions were commendable. She knew what was rightfully hers and she refused to take “no” for an answer. If we can be that confident and determined when dealing with unjust men, how much more should we persist, despite the devil’s delays, when dealing with our faithful Father. You can trust Him to always come through for you.

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)

Today’s Scripture: “We cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” – (Acts 4:20, NKJV)

Topic: Just Can’t Help It! [Tuesday August 15, 2017]

Have you ever been so in awe by something that you just couldn’t help but talk about it to everyone you know? Maybe you were excited about a new relationship, a job or the birth of a child. But nothing on earth can compare to what God wants to do in your life. He wants to amaze you with His goodness and overwhelm you with His love. He wants to do exceedingly abundantly above all you could ever ask, think or imagine. He wants to do things in your life that you’ve never seen before. He wants to impact you in such a way that you can’t help but talk about Him!

The key is that it starts with us. Our faith in God is what opens the door for Him to move and sets the blessing in motion. God has given every person a measure of faith. He has given us all the ability to believe and receive from Him. Romans 10:17 says that faith comes by hearing the Word of God. As you meditate on His Word and receive His promises by faith, He will move mightily on your behalf. It won’t be long before you just can’t help speaking about His goodness everywhere you go!

A Prayer for Today: “Heavenly Father, thank You for Your goodness and faithfulness in my life. I choose to receive Your promises by faith. I choose to meditate on Your love. Thank You for working in my life. I keep my heart and mind open You in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

Topic: Prepare For Your Assignment [Tuesday August 15, 2017]

Wise people don’t wait to be assigned. Rather they prepare to be assigned.

Placement is largely preparation determined.

When placement catches up with preparation you become unfit for the assignment.

Strive to meet up with the demands of the task and seek the support of people around you.

Nobody wants to know why you are not making it. Expectation on you is high. So work on yourself so as to be able to deliver efficiently.

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.