Topic: Focus On The Things Above – Sunday August 13, 2017.

John 11:44 “And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.”

JOHN 11:44

Symbolically, Lazarus is like many Christians. The Bible speaks of us passing from death unto new life when we get born again. But it is also true that in the physical and emotional realm, we bring our “graveclothes” from our old life with us (i.e. habits, attitudes, etc.), and we need to be “loosed” to fully enjoy our new life.

Our emotions and attitudes follow what we think. When we focus our attention on our problems, they are magnified out of proportion. When we neglect our problems and think on God’s provision, the answer is magnified and the problem shrinks. Whatever we think upon is going to dominate us. If we think on depressing things, we’ll be depressed. If we think on uplifting things, we’ll be uplifted. If we think, “by His stripes, we are healed”, we’ll be healed. If we think on sickness, we’ll be sick.

Godly contentment isn’t dependent upon circumstances. That is totally opposite of the way most people think today. No one really desires depression but very few feel any responsibility or authority to maintain positive emotions in the face of negative circumstances. They think emotions follow circumstances. That’s not true. Emotions follow the way we think, and we can chose to think on things that are lovely, true, of good report, and so forth regardless of our circumstances. As we think, is how we respond emotionally.

Focus your attention on the invisible truths of the spiritual realm that are eternal, instead of the visible things of this physical world that will pass away.

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: Life-Changing Power — Sunday August 13, 2017

Christ died and rose again . . . so that he can be our Lord both while we live and when we die. — Romans 14:9 (TLB)

With a frequency that is amazing, the Bible affirms the fact of the bodily resurrection of Christ. Perhaps the most direct of all its statements is Luke’s account in the book of Acts, where he reports, “To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days” (Acts 1:3). What are we going to do with these “many infallible proofs”? Someone asked my colleague George Beverly Shea how much he knew about God. He said, “I don’t know much, but what I do know has changed my life.” We may not be able to take all of this evidence into a scientific laboratory and prove it; but, if we accept any fact of history, we must accept the fact that Jesus Christ rose from the dead.

Prayer for the day: All the arguments concerning Your existence are refuted, Lord Jesus, as I feel Your presence each day. It causes my soul to rejoice knowing that You, my living Lord, are with me!

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.

A Promise For You From Bible Promises:

Topic: Congratulations. Pt One [12/08/2017]

Now Elisabeth’s full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son. And her neighbours and her cousins heard how the Lord had shewed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her. Luke 1:57-58. Read: Gen 21:1-7

When a man achieves a major breakthrough in life, men congratulate him. They pay him/her courtesy visit. They rejoice with him in his celebration mood. They spread his news and achievements. When you are successful in life, men associate themselves with you, but when you’re in need, you would hardly see committed friends. Everyone want to be seen and associate  with the high and mighty in the society. In this Month of Visitation, God will visit you, evidence of His Visitation shall be seen in your life and men shall congratulate you in Jesus Mighty Name. When Zechariah and Elizabeth had waited for the fruit of the womb for years, the day God answered them and Elizabeth gave birth, neighbours and cousins came to congratulate her and they rejoiced with her. They might have been calling her barren but now the story has changed. God will change your story to glory and celebration in Jesus Mighty Name. That nickname given to you because of your predicament shall change today. She was called the woman with the issue of blood. Her problem replaced her real name. I decree into your life, your problem shall not replace your original name; your problem shall not swallow your name and glory in Jesus Mighty Name.

When God finally fulfilled the promise He made to Abraham in Gen 21:6-7, And Sarah said, God hath made me to laugh, so that all that hear will laugh with me. And she said, Who would have said unto Abraham, that Sarah would have given birth? for I have bore him a son in his old age. This shall be your song as a testimony this season.

#BiblePromisesPrayer

* Whoever that has nicknamed you shall change their mind when they see the evidence of God’s Visitation in your life in Jesus Name

Topic: Saved By Grace [Saturday, 12th August 2017]

Ese Ehimare Dave

Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost. Titus 3:5

There was actually only going to be just one way man could have access to salvation. It was never going to be by the effort of man or his perceived work of righteousness, it was always going to be by faith in the grace of God which brings salvation. No matter how much good works a man does it will never get Him saved. We’ve held stories of people who say as long as they do good to humanity and help others, they will be acceptable to God without faith in Jesus. So because of this, we’ve seen so many philanthropic activities from people who have not put their faith in the grace that brings salvation, which has actually appeared unto all men, that is, it is accessible to all men (Titus 2:11).

There was a man mentioned in the Bible who was so generous to people and prayed to God regularly. This man, called Cornelius, was a devout man. But, you see, no matter how many arms he gave to people, and how much prayers He made to God, he could not get the salvation that God has brought to all men. But God, Who doesn’t want any man to perish, but that all men should be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:4), showed him a vision where he was instructed to send for Apostle Peter, who would come to preach the gospel of grace to him so he and his household could get saved. Of course, he got saved after he heard Peter’s sermon, and him and his household were all filled with the Holy Spirit.

It is very important we know this. No amount of good works, done with good intention or a righteous mind, outside Christ guarantees salvation. We are not saved  by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to God’s mercy we are saved, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost (Titus 3:5). Our salvation will always be based on the grace and mercy of God, through the washing of regeneration, which is by the blood of Jesus and the renewal of our spirit that the Holy Ghost carries out.

Keep winning daily.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, thank You for Your grace and mercy which brought salvation to me, and not just me only, but to all men. I am saved only by Your grace and not by works. I am excited about Your grace. Be praised forever, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Do you know that the bigger the star, the bigger the scar?

Topic: I Am Too Down To Be Grateful To God [Saturday 12 August, 2017]

(2 Corinthians 4:1-18)

I receieved the mail below from a user of this devotional sometime ago, and I am being led to use it again to reach souls in similar situations:

“Dear Pastor Chris, I am the sister who called you two months ago. Today is my fourth marriage anniversary and I do not want to continue the marriage in such auster ( difficult) conditions. All my income has been invested in trying to raise my husband financially but everything has gone down the drain. I loathe him, despise him and blame him in my heart. Please, my family needs deliverance! Please get in touch with me before a child of God /Pastor’s wife commits the unthinkable. I am too down to be grateful to God.”

Oh, when I read this sincere mail, then, my hearty ‘bled’ within. I saw in the spirit, a sincere woman expressing an outburst of agony in the midst of the battles of life. I saw a woman after God’s heart, who had been bruised and battered by the inevitable battles of life. Oh! A Pastor’s wife! As I read that mail, 2 Cor. 4:1 struck my spirit: “Therefore seeing we have the ministry, we faint not.” Do you know that every child of God has a ministry and Satan is sad about that? He will do all he can to drop arrows of frustration through any means – sickness, delayed marriage or child bearing, financial blockades, betrayal by friends, slow ministry growth, disappointments, serious marital heartaches or rebellious children, etc. The truth is, as long as you have a ministry received by mercy, then the gates of hell are in confusion/ anger because of you. Do you know that the bigger the star, the bigger the scar? Do you know that the bigger the ministry, the bigger the misery?

Do you know that it is wounds that birth wisdom? God is saying to a user of today’s devotional: “No matter the attacks and even when the breakthrough delay defies explanation, refuse to faint.” In all things, give thanks! In all circumstances, hold on and wait for that which God will do in His due season! Don’t be too down to be grateful because Satan meant something worse for you! Shalom! Shalom! Shalom!

Pray for me, Dr Chris, against a blackmailing syndicate that is determined to “pull down” this vision if I don’t give them money and a house. The battle is the Lord’s! Also, some journalists who claim to be from Sahara Reporters and other sites send me daily texts asking for money or they would publish “sensational stories” about me! My hands are EVER CLEAN BY HIS GRACE and the LORD will CONTEND with them! PRAY FOR ME DAILY! SCATTER THEIR GANG-UP- AGAINST ODM! See page 53 and read more!

Prayer Points: Take any song of worship.

1. Pray the morning and evening devotional prayers . Pray for the discouraged today. Pray any other prayers as led.

2. Pray for the sister used in this write-up that God will perfect all that concerns her.

3. Pray about today seriously as led now. Men shall not tell you “SORRY”.

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

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

Topic: Captives Of The Mighty — Sunday 13, August 2017.

Memorise: If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. – John 8:36

Read: John 5:1-9 (KJV)

1 After this there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.

2 Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches.

3 In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water.

4 For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had.

5 And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years.

6 When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole?

7 The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me.

8 Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.

9 And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath.

Bible in One Year: 2 Kings 10-11; Ezekiel 23:35-49, Hymn: Sing hymn 4: Through The Love Of God Our Saviour

Open Heavens 13th Sunday, August 2017 Message:

The reason why many people are so helpless in life today is because they are in captivity. Many are in the bondage of sin, sickness, poverty, addition, demonic possession and other evil conditions. The resultant effects of captivity include loss of freedom, psychological imbalance, and emotional trauma, loss of contact with loved ones, hopelessness and dejection. A captive is a person with a lost identity. Such a person may have been royalty before being captured by the enemy, but he or she has become a slave and must now live at the mercy of his or her new owner. A captive loses dignity and suffers from low self-esteem and emotional trauma from thinking about the situation that led to his or her captivity. A captive is in a worse situation than an ordinary prisoner because a prisoner’s jail term is fixed, but a captive has no hope of being set free. Above all, the situation of a captive is hopelessly filled with regret. The big question is, can a captive find true freedom? The Holy Spirit answers this question in Isaiah 49:24-25

“24 Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captive delivered? 25 But thus saith the LORD, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children.”

Hallelujah! A captive can indeed be set free. Jesus in Luke 4:18 declared that He came to set the captive free:

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,”

I bring you good news today: no matter how difficult your experience in captivity has been, and no matter how heavy the chain of your affliction is, JESUS is here to set you free!  Jesus Christ is the promised Messiah, Redeemer and Deliverer, sent to set everyone who will accept Him as the Lord and Saviour of their lives from the bondage of Satan, the world and the flesh. What is your problem? Are you operating under the powerful grip of a secret sin, sexual immorality, a secret society, a blood covenant or any form of addition? Jesus, in John 8:36, has those words for you:

“If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.”

Jesus came to set the captives free; call on His Name for your deliverance now!

Prayer Point: Lord Jesus, Please manifest your power to set me free from every form of captivity I am experiencing today.

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: Sometimes Wait [Friday, 11th August, 2017]

And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.  Luke 24:49

We’ve all, at one point or another, received promises from God. Promises by our entitlements in Christ, by truths in His word, that are explicitly stated to us. For some of us, we have to wait for these promises to come to manifestation, and that can get tiring. Sometimes you’d feel like trying to bring to fruition the promises yourself. But, we wait, not because God cannot make things manifest immediately; for He is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all we could ever ask or think (Ephesians 3:20). Let’s see some persons that waited, and why they had to wait.

Joseph. Now Joseph received the promise of rule and superiority over his family at a very tender age. He had his first vision in Genesis 37:5, the second came in verse 9 of the same chapter. He however did not see the manifestation until Genesis 41:41 and Genesis 42:9. For Joseph he had to work the path of sorrow and challenges to sharpen his skills (Genesis 39-40), and to teach him to deal with pride, to learn to trust God absolutely. This can be seen from the turn of events in his life.

Paul. Paul’s own calling was of a different class, and no one expected it. But the Lord said of Paul in Acts 9:15-16 “…for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:  For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.” He had to wait three years (Galatians 1:16-18). He had to learn the gospel to enable him teach it (Galatians 1:11-12).

If God gives you a promise, and then tells you to tarry, it is expedient you tarry, as the lesson He desires to teach you is very much needed for you to efficiently manifest the promise to His glory.

Keep winning daily.

Prayer:

Dear Father, thank You for the promises You have set out for me. Teach me to learn to wait and learn of You, so Your manifestations through me would be to the fullest, and to Your Glory, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

By Esun Tekeme

Before the last day of 2017, your faith in this God will be rewarded. Your life shall be another miracle of the Red sea.

Topic: The Miracle Of The 10-Inch Water [Friday 11 August, 2017]

(Numbers 23:19; Isaiah 49:17-23).

Welcome to another hour of mercy! Never forget that with God you serve, all things are possible. Consider this familiar, devotional story which I love so much:

“A boy was sitting on a park bench with one hand resting on Exodus 12 and was shouting, “Hallelujah, Hallelujah, God is great.’ Then came a professor – a scientist, to the boy. He asked the boy about the reason for his excitement. The boy started laughing again and said, ‘God opened up the waves of the Red Sea and ledthe whole nation of Israel right through the middle. Oh, my God is great.’ The Professor replied sharply and tried to disprove the Red Sea story by saying that modern scientific research had shown that the Red Sea in that area the Jews crossed, was only 10 inches deep at that time.

He said it was there fore not a problem for the Israelites to wade across. The boy was confused a little bit, but the Holy Spirit flashed a great idea across his spirit. He said, ‘Oh Professor, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, my God is really awesome. He is greater than I thought. Not only did He lead the whole nation of Israel through the Red Sea, He capped it all by drowning the best army in the world then – the Egyptian army – in 10 inches of water! Oh, thank you professor for this scientific confirmation of the vast power of my God.” The professor covered his face in shame and ran into the crowd.

God is reminding you that even when the floods of life surround you and you cannot find sleep at night or even if problems have stolen your appetite for food, he is still God. He is not a man that He should lie. He said they that wait on Him will NEVER be ashamed – (Isaiah 49: 23). Before the last day of 2017, your faith in this God will be rewarded. Your life shall be another miracle of the Red sea. Hold on! Never, never, never give up now! (Pray for me against a blackmailing Syndicate. Scatter their plans).

Prayer Points: Take any song in your native dialect.

1. Pray about the Word as it has touched you.

2. Vow to God that you will not dwell in doubt, depression or self pity again.

3. Pray about that issue (s) affecting your peace. Lay in in His hands and trust.

4. Pray about today! Pray the deviotional prayers of pages 7-9 daily! Loose a SPECIAL OPEN DOOR!

5. Pray any other prayers (s) as led. See page 7.

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 Steadfast Heart [Friday August 11, 2017]

My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is steadfast and confident! I will sing and make melody. – Psalm 57:7

In order to experience victory in our lives and achieve great things for God, it is crucial that we choose to be determined. The Bible says that Jesus steadfastly and determinedly set His face to go to Jerusalem (Luke 9:51), and we can do the same thing as we live for God. If we are going to accomplish anything worthwhile, it is important we “steadfastly and determinedly” set our face in that direction and not give up.

When you receive Christ as your Savior and Lord, Satan will oppose you at every turn. He wants you to give up! The devil is not going to roll out a red carpet for us just because we decide to receive Christ. But Jesus has already overcome the devil. Satan is a defeated foe. His opposition is not strong enough to stop you if you are close to God, walking in His strength and will for your life.

Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that everything in life should be easy for us. Ask for God’s help, receive His grace, and be determined to do the will of God, to stay positive and happy, and to walk in the peace of God no matter what.

Press on with holy determination, and God’s plan will be fulfilled in your life.

Topic: Tricks of the Devil II — Saturday 12, August 2017.

Memorise: Be not desirous of his dainties: for they are deceitful meat. – Proverbs 23:3

Read: Luke 4:5-8 (KJV)

5 And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time.

6 And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it.

7 If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine.

8 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

Bible in One Year: 2 Kings 9; Ezekiel 23:22-34, Hymn: Sing hymn 7: O Jesus, I Have Promised

Open Heavens 12th August 2017 Message:

Today, we are considering another trick of the devil, which is trapping a person through inordinate desires. This tactic often takes the form of a sweet and generous offer used in sugar-coating a poisonous pill. Such offers can come as a gift, an appointment or a promise of greatness. The packaging of such offers is always tasteful, attractive and elegant, but inside lies destruction. The devil tried to play this trick on the Lord Jesus Christ Himself in today’s Bible reading. In many cases, no matter how much you try, you may not see anything wrong with the whole arrangement at the initial stage, but at the end of the day, you will find yourself entrapped to do the bidding of your “benefactor” against your wish. The rich and powerful of this world deploy this trick in getting what they want. They use the luxuries they can provide to entrap the less wealthy and vulnerable, who may feel obligated to do their bidding. Many victims of this scam have been disappointed, enslaved and some have even lost their lives. I enjoin Christian youths to be warned that those who are addicted to pleasure, who always have their eyes roving and seeking for a luxurious lifestyle, will easily be sucked in and entrapped by these wicked predators. The language of Satan and his agents is “All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them” (Luke 4:6). I pray that you will not be deceived or fall victim of such mean and wicked deceivers in the mighty Name of Jesus.

For diverse reasons, this particular trick of the devil is especially potent and effective in this generation more than any other time in the history of mankind. We are in a world where instant riches, riotous living, exhibition of immorality and the pursuit of extreme pleasure have become attractive to people. Now, wealth and fame derived from participation in vices (such as corruption, gambling and drug-trafficking) are being celebrated, even among some so-called Christians. Some attributes that used to be highly valued in society, such as integrity, diligence, moral principle and godliness, have become things of the past and are now looked down on. The younger generation seems to have a warped idea of what success really means. Consequently, predators are using the weapon of deception to entice vulnerable individuals into evil deeds, such as sexual gratification in exchange for favours, drug-related businesses, human trafficking, organised crime, internet fraud, and many others, promising quick money, political appointments, business opportunities, rapid job promotions etc. Is anyone promising you something in exchange for “nothing”? Ensure that you do not fall for any deceptive proposal of the devil. The rich and powerful do not give away their favours for free. They always ask for something in return, and their demand is usually much greater than their initial investment. If care is not taken, you may lose your own soul in the process. Don’t be carried away by any “delicious” offer, because it is really nothing but deceitful food laden with poison. You’ve been warned!

Prayer Point: Father, please keep me from ever falling for the tricks of the devil or becoming a victim of fraudsters.

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.