Topic: Who Is Saved? [Sunday July 23, 2017]

Luke 13:23-24 “Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them, Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.”

LUKE 13: 22-27

Jesus said that many will seek to enter salvation and will not be able to. There are many reasons for this, but it is not because God refused salvation to anyone. “The grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men . . .” (Ti. 2:11) and God “is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Pet. 3:9).

There is effort involved in obtaining salvation. The effort is not for the purpose of earning salvation. That is a free gift (Rom. 5:15); but we do have to fight the good fight of faith (1 Tim. 6:12). Faith in Jesus’ goodness is what saves us – not our own goodness – and Satan is constantly trying to destroy our faith. We have to earnestly contend for the faith. True salvation is not just mental assent, but a real heart-felt commitment.

Many people today think that going to church and associating with Christians will provide them with salvation. Some people think that they are Christians because their parents were. But salvation is having a personal relationship with the Lord. You cannot inherit salvation through the natural birth process. “You must be born again.”

We can rest assured that all those who hunger and thirst after righteousness shall be filled (Mt. 5:6). “Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

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: Sufficient to Meet Your Needs [Sunday July 23, 2017]

I am with you, that is all you need. My power shows up best in weak people. — 2 Corinthians 12:9 (TLB)

A director of a camp whose purpose is to lead young hoodlums to Christ says, “Being a Christian is the toughest thing in the world. What’s tougher than loving your enemy?” One boy, who developed into a rugged disciple of Christ at this camp, said, “In this outfit we’re all brothers and we’re all men. It was too tough for me at first, but then I heard that through Christ everything is possible.

Then the roughness went away. I say a man is not a man, not a full man, until he gets to know Jesus Christ.” Yes, the Christian life is tough and rough; but it’s challenging. It’s worth everything it costs to be a follower of Jesus Christ. You will soon find that the cross is not greater than His grace. When you pick up the cross of unpopularity, wherever you may be, you will find God’s grace is there, more than sufficient to meet your every need.

Prayer for the day: Lord Jesus, teach me the lesson that Your grace is abundantly sufficient to meet my every need.

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: Can Strangers See Jesus in You? [Sunday July 23, 2017]

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. – Acts 4:13

How would you like to be so full of the glory of God that it’s unmistakable to those around you? How would you like for people to be able to know just by looking at you that you’d been with Jesus? It’s entirely possible if you are born again and filled with the Holy Spirit. The same mighty power that changed you inwardly when you were saved can so revolutionize you outwardly that even strangers on the street will be able to see Jesus in you.

One of my favorite testimonies is the one Jerry Savelle tells of the time he was in a shopping mall with his wife, Carolyn. He was sauntering from one store to another, casually passing time until Carolyn finished her shopping.

A woman walked up to Jerry and said, “Will you pray for me?” Since he didn’t know the woman, he was puzzled. “Out of all the people in that mall, how was it that you picked me out?” he asked.

She said, “The Lord told me to come to this mall and someone would be here who could pray for me. I came here looking for that person. I noticed a beam of light. It would go into one store, wander around, then go to another store and wander around some more. I followed the light until I found where it was coming from—and it was coming from you!”

What was that light? The glory of God! It was shining from Jerry much like it shone from the face of Moses when he came down from Mount Sinai. And that radiant presence of God brought healing to that woman when Jerry prayed.

Just as the fact that Peter and John had been with Jesus was unmistakable, so was the fact that Jerry Savelle had been with Jesus when that lady walked up to him in the mall.

When you spend time with Jesus, it will be undeniable. His power and His glory will be reflected in you to the world. And His presence upon you will meet needs everywhere you go. Take time to be with Jesus today!

Scripture Reading: Acts 4:1-20

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: Retribution against Sin [Sunday July 23, 2017]

Text: Ezekiel 16:44-52

Key Verse: “Thou also, which hast judged thy sisters, bear thine own shame for thy sins that thou hast committed more abominable than they: they are more righteous than thou: yea, be thou confounded also, and bear thy shame, in that thou hast justified thy sisters”

With man, in various institutions or works of life as in every generation, is the tendency and possibility of partiality in judgement. With man we find favouritism, hypocrisy and miscarriage of justice in favour of the rich, wealthy and influential, as against the poor.

However, with God there is no tendency or possibility of partiality or miscarriage of justice in judgment. God is always faithful and gives the right judgement to every man according to their works. From the text, we can see that Jerusalem, God’s people at this time, had given themselves over to iniquity and evil deeds, which were more in proportion to the iniquity of Sodom and Samaria. And because God is impartial and would not overlook the sin of the unrepentant, judgment came upon them. From here, we learn that to sin with impunity is dangerous.

No child of God should take God or His word for granted. If God did not spare sin in the sinner or sinful nations who failed to repent, neither will He overlook sin in the believer or righteous nation who departs from righteousness and lives in hardness of heart. The right thing to do when sin comes in is to repent immediately and sincerely. God is “not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance”. It is dangerous to live in sin. Repent and live, or refuse and perish. It is even more damning to think that God will wink at sin. He never does! Instead, God punishes unrepentant sinners.

Thought for the day: Whatever a man sows is what he shall reap.

Bible Reading in one Year: Exodus 23-25

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: The Beginning and the End 2 [Sunday, 23rd July 2017]

Ese Ehimare Dave

“I am the Alpha and the Omega—the beginning and the end,” says the Lord God. “I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come—the Almighty One.” – Revelation 1:8

Scriptures say in Proverbs 23:18 that “surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cut off.” Which means there is always an end to a beginning. No matter how long the end lingers, “surely there is an end…” It is certain and nothing can change it. Jeremiah 29:11 says: “for I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” God promises to give us the end that we are anticipating. It will definitely come.

But what end am I referring to? In Romans 8:18 scriptures say: “for I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” The end is where glory is. At the end of every race, there is a winner’s prize or medal that is given. No wonder Apostle Paul said “I press toward the mark for the PRIZE of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:18). The end of the work God has began in your life is full of glory and celebration. There is a prize waiting for you at the end. This is why you must allow the Beginning and the End finish His work. If not you will miss out on the prize.

Some folks are impatient. They want the end to come as soon as the beginning starts. While some take their eyes from the Lord when there is delay they did not anticipate. But scriptures advice us to look “unto Jesus the author (beginning) and finisher (end) of our faith…” (Hebrews 12:2). Keep your focus on Jesus, don’t take your eyes off Him, like Peter did, which made him began to sink. The Lord will complete and perfect His work in your life, and I can assure you that it’s going to be a glorious ending. You are going to celebrate the prize at the end.

Keep winning daily.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, thank You for I am assured of a glorious ending, as long as I keep my gaze on You. Thank You for Your good thoughts of blessings and victory at the end of Your work in my life. Be praise, oh Lord, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Topic: Keep Advancing: Don’t Stop [Sunday July 23, 2017]

“And the Lord said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward:” Exodus 14:15 (KJV).

In Exodus 14, you will notice that after the Israelites had left Egypt, Pharaoh and his army pursued them with horses and chariots in order to bring them back to slavery. You can see that the devil would always fight the plans and purposes of God over your life, but it’s too late because your God is always a step ahead. At the Red sea, we are told that God’s people became stuck and Pharaoh intensified his pursuit thinking he had them pinned down. But unknown to him, it was a set up to wipe them all out. In verse 15, God commanded Moses to tell the people to go forward. Moses would have thought to himself, how can we go forward when the Red Sea is right in front of us? However, all he ever heard was go forward. As impossible as it sounded they went forward.  God had spoken and there was no going back. God was saying in effect: you may not see a way through the sea, but I am going to make a way for you even where none exists.

The clincher was that Moses obeyed what God had said, simply by acting on what God said, the people walked through the sea supernaturally and without any struggle.  They continued their journey as if nothing happened. This year, no plan of the enemy concerning your life will come to pass. God will prove Himself in your life. You will experience the supernatural.  Beloved, God has given you His word, therefore, expect great things to happen for you. It is a decision you must take. You must choose to believe God for what He has said. Don’t cancel yourself out.

Stay connected to God’s word which is the only thing that is constant. Every other thing will fail but not the word. Remember that God’s word to Moses was ‘Go Forward’ and for as long as he took heed to what God, said he had victory.

Further Reading: Exodus 14:1-31

Daily Bible Reading: Morning- Psalms 33-34; Evening- Acts 24

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: Didn’t Get Credit? [Sunday July 23, 2017]

Read: Colossians 4:7–18, Bible in a Year: Psalms 33–34; Acts 24

Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.  Matthew 5:16

Hollywood musicals were wildly popular during the 1950s and 1960s, and three actresses in particular—Audrey Hepburn, Natalie Wood, and Deborah Kerr—thrilled viewers with their compelling performances. But a huge part of the appeal of these actresses was the breathtaking singing that enhanced their acting. In fact, the classic films’ successes were actually due in large part to Marni Nixon, who dubbed the voices for each of those leading ladies and who for a long time went completely uncredited for her vital contribution.

In the body of Christ there are often people that faithfully support others who take a more public role. The apostle Paul depended on exactly that kind of person in his ministry. Tertius’s work as a scribe gave Paul his powerful written voice (Rom. 16:22). Epaphras’s consistent behind-the-scene prayers were an essential foundation for Paul and the early church (Col. 4:12–13). Lydia generously opened her home when the weary apostle needed restoration (Acts 16:15). Paul’s work could not have been possible without the support he received from these fellow servants in Christ (vv. 7–18).

The secret of true service is absolute faithfulness wherever God places you.

We may not always have highly visible roles, yet we know that God is pleased when we obediently play our essential part in His plan. When we “give [ourselves] fully to the work of the Lord” (1 Cor. 15:58), we will find value and meaning in our service as it brings glory to God and draws others to Him (Matt. 5:16).

Prayer: Lord, help me to obediently do my part in the role You have chosen for me.

The secret of true service is absolute faithfulness wherever God places you.

Insight:

What role has God given you in your service for Christ? Whether it is a visible one or you work behind-the-scenes, ask God for His help to do your best with a humble heart.

This message was written By Cindy Hess Kasper [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]

Topic: Dangers of Financial Storms I [Sunday 23, July 2017]

Memorise: The poor is hated even of his own neighbour: but the rich hath many friends. – Proverbs 14:20

Read: Proverbs 14:20-22 (KJV)

20 The poor is hated even of his own neighbour: but the rich hath many friends.

21 He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.

22 Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good.

Bible in One Year: 2 Samuel 21-22; Ezekiel 13:20-14:11, Hymn: Sing hymn 4

Remind God daily of this word (covenant of long life). Stand in the gap for your loved ones using the same covenant. You will not die before your time! You cannot be touched and you cannot be killed.

Topic: I Refuse Emergency Death! [Saturday 22 July, 2017]

(Hebrews 9:27; Psalm 91:1 -End)

Welcome to today’s devotional with the Shephard of your soul. In this second half of the year, the Holy Ghost wants you to know that there is a difference between being killed and dying. To be killed means to die before your time without fulfilling your destiny or fulfilling the number of your God-appointed days! But to die means to fulfil the number of your God-appointed days. In this year of EVIDENCE, the Holy Ghost is asking you to cancel DEATH BY MISTAKE which is also called EMERGENCY DEATH. Death by mistake or emergency death is also called, THE DEATH OF A FOOL ( 2 Samuel 3:33). I am led to ask: “If Jesus tarries on His return, will you be killed or will you die on this earth?”

Note that te life expectancy of an African has risen to between 59 and 60 years. European life expectancy is between 75 and 81 years. North American life expectancy is between 77 and 81 years. Years ago, The UNO (United Nations Organisation) forecasted that most Africans would not see their 48th bithday. Wow! While the United Nations continue to release reports of caution and fear, you must listen to what the “Covenant of long life” says concerning you and your family: Heb 9:27 proclaims: “It is appointed for a man to die but once………”Notice that it did not say, “It is appointed for a man to be killed but once.” So in this fasting programme and beyond, decree that you shall not be killed by armed robbers, sickness and diseases, accidents, hired assasins or manipulation such as witches and wizards, etc.

Psalm 91:16 declares: “With a long life will I satisfy him and shew him my salvation.” The, Isaiah 46: 4 summarizes: “And even to your old age, I am he, and even to hoars hais( gray hairs) will I carry you. I have made and I will bear; even I will carry and will deliver you.” Yes! This is the covenant of long life: Death in old age with satisfation! Remind God daily of this word (covenant of long life). Stand in the gap for your loved ones using the same covenant. You will not die before your time! You cannot be touched and you cannot be killed. Your life and ministry are too hot for Satan now! But stay within the hedge and long life will be your EVIDENCE! Amen!

TODAY is the last-day anointing service at Manna Mountain Ogudu-Orioke, Lagos Nigeria, Time: 7am. Come with your written prayer points and expectations! I shall lay hands on everyone present! Don’t quit now!

Today is DAY 14 of the 14-day fasting programme. PRAY THE GENERAL PRAYERS ON PAGE 93 AND PRAYERSON PAGE 84 OF THE “WAR AGAINST HAMAN -12” booklet. Sow your “ACHAN-MUST-DIE /LONG LIFE SEED” INTO ANY ACCOUNT ON PAGE 29 OF ODM OR PAGE 44 OF “WAR AGAINST HAMAN -12” booklet and get your ANTI-DELAY PSALM which you will pray for 3 weeks.

Prayer Point: Take any worship song as led.

1. Thank God for today’s word and pray about it as led.

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

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

Topic It’s Like Going to the Bank [Saturday July 22, 2017]

… Because of our faith in Him, we dare to have the boldness (courage and confidence) of free access (an unreserved approach to God with freedom and without fear). — Ephesians 3:12

We should never feel insecure when we approach God in prayer. He knows all of our weaknesses and loves us anyway. God wants to give us more than enough, not barely enough, and we need to ask boldly.

Approaching God boldly in prayer can be likened to going to a bank to make a withdrawal. If I know I have fifty dollars in the bank because I deposited it there last week, I will not hesitate to pull up to the drive-through window and cash a fifty-dollar check. I know I have the money; it’s mine, and I can get it out of the bank if I want to. When I present my check, I fully expect to get my fifty dollars.

We need to approach God with that same kind of boldness, not because of our own righteousness, but because of the privilege of being joint heirs with Jesus. We need to understand what is available to us because of Jesus and we need to pray confidently, with full expectation that we will receive what belongs to us. God has made incredible provision available to us in Christ and we simply need to ask in Jesus’ name for the blessings He has already purchased for us.

When we struggle with feelings of unworthiness, we should go to God’s Word and let it remind us of our privileges as children of God. Ask the Holy Spirit to help us enter boldly into God’s presence and receive the help we need because, the Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ (Romans 8:16-17 NKJV). He will speak to us and remind us that we belong to God!

God’s word for you today: You are God’s child and He is looking and longing to be good to you.