Topic: Why the Storms? [Tuesday July 18, 2017]

Why are you cast down, O my inner self? And why should you moan over me and be disquieted within me? Hope in God and wait expectantly for Him, for I shall yet praise Him, my Help and my God. — Psalm 42:5

O God, why do You cast us off forever? Why does Your anger burn and smoke against the sheep of Your pasture? – Psalm 74:1

As I think about the storms we all face in life, I can understand why people sometimes ask, “Why the storms? Why do we have so many problems and struggles in life? Why do God’s people have to deal with so much suffering?”

As I considered these questions, I began to see that Satan plants these questions in our minds. It is his attempt to keep us focused on our problems instead of focusing on the goodness of God. If we persist in asking these questions, we’re implying that God may be to blame. I don’t think it’s wrong to ask God why things happen. The writers of the psalms certainly didn’t hesitate to ask.

I think of the story of Jesus when He visited the home of Mary and Martha after their brother, Lazarus, died. Jesus waited until Lazarus had been dead for four days before He visited. When He arrived, Martha said to Jesus, Master, if You had been here, my brother would not have died (John 11:21). She went on to say, And even now I know that whatever You ask from God, He will grant it to You (v. 22).

Did she really believe those words? I wonder, because Jesus said to her, Your brother shall rise again. Martha replied, I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day (vs. 23-24). She didn’t get what Jesus was saying.

I don’t want to be unkind to Martha, but she missed it. When Jesus came, she didn’t ask, “Why didn’t You do something?” Instead she said, “If You had been here—if You had been on the job—he’d be alive.”

When Jesus assured her that Lazarus would rise again, she didn’t understand that it was going to happen right then. She could focus only on the resurrection. By looking at an event that was still in the future, she missed the real meaning of Jesus’ words for the present.

But aren’t many of us like Martha? We want our lives to run smoothly, and when they don’t, we ask why? But we really mean, “God, if You truly loved and cared for me, this wouldn’t have happened.”

Let’s think a little more about the “why” question. For example, when someone dies in an accident, one of the first questions family members ask is why? “Why her? Why now? Why this accident?”

For one moment, let’s say God explained the reason. Would that change anything? Probably not. The loved one is still gone, and the pain is just as severe as it was before. What, then, did you learn from the explanation?

In recent years, I’ve begun to think that why isn’t what Christians are really asking God. Is it possible that we’re asking, “God, do You love me? Will You take care of me in my sorrow and pain? You won’t leave me alone in my pain, will You?” Is it possible that, because we’re afraid that God doesn’t truly care about us, we ask for explanations?

Instead, we must learn to say, “Lord God, I believe. I don’t understand, and I could probably never grasp all the reasons why bad things happen, but I can know for certain that You love me and You are with me—always.”

Heavenly Father, instead of asking for answers to the why questions, help me to focus on Your great love for me. When Satan tries to fill my mind with troublesome questions, help me to feel the protection of Your loving, caring arms around me. Help me always to show my gratitude and devotion for all that You do for me. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Yes, it took some years of pain, agony and shame, but God turned her pain to gain, her agony to glory and her shame to fame. That shall be your story and experience in this fasting programme and beyond.

Topic: Who Has The Final Say? [Tuesday 18 July, 2017]

(LAMENTATIONS 3:31-37; ISAIAH 10:1-2)

Welcome! The story was told by a man of God, of a sister from a polygamous family who broke the demonic law of limitation by being the first and only one to receive a University education out of 17 children from that family. She also broke the rule by being the first and the only one to get married in that family. Other children were unmarried, failures, “area boys/girls,” robbers, and had disgraceful lifestyles in their communities.

On her wedding day, the senior witch and first wife of her father danced to her side and whispered in her ears that their coven only permitted her to go thus far, and from then on, she would never get pregnant! The witch danced away and nobody knew what she said except the bride. From that day and for the next two years, her menstruation ceased completely until serious prayers by a man of God brought forth her turning point. Wow! Great God! Note that the witch told her, she would never get pregnant! That was a satanic judgement and sentence against her marital destiny because she broke a demonic law that nobody would amount to anything in her family bloodline.

But who has the final say? Vs. 37 of today’s scripture sounds like a bomb, “Who is he that saith, and it cometh to pass, when the Lord commandeth it not?” God is a specialist in upturning and overturning demonic sentences, satanic decrees, witchcraft judgements and captivity to the favor of His children (Psalm 126: 1)! Yes, it took some years of pain, agony and shame, but God turned her pain to gain, her agony to glory and her shame to fame. That shall be your story and experience in this fasting programme and beyond.

Recall that in the story above,the witch declared to the sister that “She would never get pregnant.” That was a statement of LIMITATION! It is an evil verdict of a wicked ACHAN (DELAY AGENT)! That was a DEMONIC ROADBLOCK and a TESTIMONY BLOCKER! But the GOD OF TURNING POINT turned it all round and that shall be your story in this fasting programme and beyond. Be at the last-day anointing service at Manna Mountaing Ogudu-Orioke, Lagos Nigeria on Saturday July 22nd 7am. Come with faith, anointing oil, your written prayer points, any point of contact and expectation!

I shall lay hands on everyone present! Don’t quit now! Sow your “ACHAN-MUST-DIE/ ANTI-DELAY SEED” INTO ANY ACCOUNT ON PAGE 29 OF ODM OE PAGE 44 OF “WAR AGAINST HAMAN -12” booklet and get your ANTI-DELAY PSALM which you will pray for 3 weeks. Only YOUR GOD has the FINAL SAY! Hold on and hold out!

Today is DAY 10 of the 14-day fasting programme. PRAY THE GENERAL PRAYERS ON PAGE 93 AND PRAYERS ON PAGE 62 OF THE “WAR AGAINST HAMAN -12 booklet.

Prayer Points: Take song 2: Stand up for Jesus………

1. Satan, you are a liar! Jehovah God has the final say in my life and ministry.

2. PRAY FOR ME DR. CHRIS TODAY! SEE THE CRITICAL NOTICE ON THE INNER COVER OF PAGE & PAGE 53 NOW!

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

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

Topic: Maintain a Sanitised Environment [Tuesday July 18, 2017]

Your environment influences everything about you the people you allow around you will either take you up or keep you down.

Nehemiah was an environmental sanitizer.

Neh 13:23-30

There are people that must never be allowed to exist around you.

Be non compromising and protective of the grace and virtue that you carry.

Don’t sell out like the way Solomon did from loving God to loving strange women.

Neh 13:26

Topic: Satisfaction of Soul [Tuesday July 18, 2017]

Thou shalt rejoice in every good thing which the Lord thy God hath given unto thee . . . — Deuteronomy 26:11

Often the Church has banged away negatively at evils without reminding us that God is tremendously interested in our finding a satisfying way of life here and now. We Christians have talked so much of the negative side of Christian experience that we have forgotten to emphasize the positive, joyous, thrilling, and victorious experience of daily fellowship with Christ. God declared that things will not satisfy. God satisfies! This is the secret of soul-satisfaction: Let your soul delight itself in fatness.

Remove the obstructions, tear down the barriers, and let your soul find the fulfillment of its deepest longings in fellowship with God.

Prayer for the day: There are no words to describe my gratitude to You, my Lord and Savior, for Your loving kindness. Accept my praise and love.

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: The Single Life (3)

Dear Reader,

Are you due for marriage? God’s Word in Isaiah 34:16 says: Seek you out of the book of the LORD, and read: no one of these shall fail, none shall want her mate: for my mouth it has commanded, and his spirit it has gathered them. Please be aware that God has not forgotten you! God cannot mismanage your life. Stop searching for a marriage partner at all cost. Make Jesus your Lord, your Boss and be deeply committed to Him. This is the excellent foundation for your future.

In this teaching, I will be looking at “Godly Character.” I would like us to look at the life of Joseph who exhibited a godly character, even in the midst of negative circumstances.

Joseph’s life provides us with a beautiful example of a person who was totally committed to living a godly life, regardless of the circumstances he encountered. Joseph exhibited the character of God through his faithfulness, integrity, purity and mercy, even while he was forced to endure intense pressure and difficulty (Genesis 37 & 39). The whole life of Joseph teaches us something about Godly character.

The Bible tells us that Joseph was hated by his brothers, who were jealous of him.  He was only a teenager when they decided to kill him and cruelly threw him into a pit. Think of the problem from Potiphar’s wife. Joseph could have, as well, used loneliness, bitterness or self-pity as an excuse for giving in to this woman. And since he was totally alone in a foreign land, no one would ever have known but Joseph had only few seconds to decide if he would maintain his integrity, righteousness and purity or trade them for a few moments of pleasure. Joseph’s choice in this moment of test and temptation would affect his future and the future of Israel forever; so, he decided to flee. To be single is to be whole, outstanding, unique, separate and positively different!

Godly character earned Joseph favour in the sight of God and He was with Joseph. God did not leave him alone in that dungeon. God’s Word says: But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him mercy, and He gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison……. (Genesis 39:21-23). Also, as a slave, Joseph rose from the dungeon to the second highest position in the massive Egyptian empire, where he had enormous power and riches. He was second only to Pharaoh as God rewarded him generously for his righteousness. But he paid the price for the reward. He was abused, hated, betrayed, enslaved, tempted, tested, lied upon, unjustly imprisoned and forgotten (not by God) in a dungeon for many years. But he refused to do evil; rather, he walked in holiness, waited patiently, and maintained a soft and grateful heart before God.

Do you feel imprisoned by circumstances that seem to be beyond your control? Don’t be anxious. Do not panic. Don’t lose hope. “Why?” You know what? I can assure you that it will work out for your good, not against you. This word of assurance in Romans 8:28 is for you. Receive it today. It says: And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. You don’t know what God has in store for you – no matter your age! You know what? God is still in the business of divine connections!

That you are single now does not mean that you are a sub-standard or incomplete being. No, never entertain such feelings or thoughts! In fact, let me state categorically here that being single is not a curse neither is it a disease. It is a blessing, a plus, not a minus, an addition, not a subtraction. It is not weird to be single and is certainly not an evil thing. It is simply a phase of life that holds undeniable benefits for those who utilize it.

God is not an unrighteous God and He certainly is no respecter of persons (Romans 2:11). What He does for one, He is willing, ready, and able to do for another. He is not more righteous to one as to favour him than He is to another. He is rich unto those that call upon His name and that include you! He knows every phase of your life and He has not forgotten you. Don’t live your single years wondering if God has forgotten you or you are under a curse. No! Never! God is too faithful to fail, He is dependable, and He is more than enough – I am a living proof!

Life, as you know, is in phases and singleness is a phase that everyone must of necessity pass through in the journey of life: whether as a married person, a eunuch, a celibate, a career person or whosoever you are. Every stage or phase in life has its inherent benefits, which should be harnessed and singleness is no exception. May you enjoy the added benefit inherent in the single years!

Singleness is a phase of life that you must pass through and the faster you are able to maximize the season and pass the examinations of that phase of life, the faster you move on to the next phase of your life.

When I was single, some of my colleagues only focus on marriage. Nothing else had meaning to them except marital issues. Most of them don’t have much to show for it even now! This is obviously misplaced priority. Life is much more than that. It is very important that you get your bearing in life, now that you are still single.

Godly character brought Joseph in favour with God. Until you exhibit godly character, you can never matter in life. Surrendering your life to Christ is the foundation for godly character. You surrender by confessing your sins and accepting Jesus as your Lord and personal Saviour. If you are ready for this new birth experience, please say this simple 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. 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: A Legend in Your Own Mind [Tuesday July 18, 2017]

For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. – Romans 12:3

Do you want to know one of the secrets of staying in the will of God, of keeping yourself from getting off track?

Don’t overestimate yourself!

Proverbs 16:18 says, “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.” How many times have we seen that borne out! How many times do we see believers get into trouble because they get an overblown idea of themselves. They begin to think they’re so smart that they have it all figured out.

Then, the next thing you know, they’re thinking they have to straighten everyone else out. Instead of just letting Jesus be Head of the Church, they feel like they have to step in and do the job.

Once that happens, it’s just a matter of time before they’re flat on their faces in failure. Why? Because the Bible says God resists the proud (1 Peter 5:5).

Don’t put yourself in a position where God has to resist you. Rate your own abilities soberly. Adopt an attitude of humility. Keep a watch on yourself, and when you catch yourself getting puffed up with your own greatness, repent and remember that every good thing you enjoy and every bit of success you’ve had has come by the grace of God and by His power.

Look back on your life and see how many times you could have lost what God had given you. See how many times, when you were floundering around making every mistake imaginable, His tender and precious mercy pulled you through.

Don’t become a legend in your own mind. Instead, humble yourself beneath the mighty hand of God, and let God do the exalting—that prevents some very painful falls.

Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 5:5-7; James 4:6-17

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: Function in His Abundant Grace [Tuesday July 18, 2017]

“Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 2:1 (KJV)

In-spite of the contrary news about the economy filtering through the news media on a daily basis, I want to encourage you to lean on God’s abundant grace and mercy. Like I have said over and over again, your real strength is that grace will work for you and not the socio-economic postulations and theories of men. If you take a look at what is happening around, you will see that everything is spiraling downwards. And that is because the best of men are still men. No matter how brilliant and sincere they are, they are still men because they are subject to limitations.

Don’t ever be discouraged about the happenings and events around you. Like I have always said and it bears repetition, this is the best time for God to reveal Himself in the lives of His elects. If God was to manifest Himself when everything is working well, people will explain it off. So He waits for a time when men no longer have the answers, to reveal His glory through His people. That is why the Apostle Paul says you should hold fast to the profession of your faith. In other words, hold on to what you have believed and don’t allow circumstances derail you. Things might look tough, just hold on fast. They may look like they would never work, lean on His grace and He will see you through.

I charge you according to the words of God, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. Function in the grace that you have received. Work in that grace. Live in that grace. Allow that grace sustain you. Go to bed and stop the struggle. God is waiting on you to enjoy what He had already made available to you in Christ Jesus. He has it all figured out. Before the challenges you see today came on the scene, God already had the answers. You will not be stranded. God will bless you and cause you to have sufficiency in all things.

Further Reading: Hebrew 4:14-16, 10:23

Daily Bible Reading: Morning- Psalms 20-22; Evening- Acts 21:1-17

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: No Excuses [Tuesday July 18, 2017]

Luke 12:48 “But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.”

LUKE 12:45-48

This verse is one of the clearest references in scripture about varying degrees of God’s judgment according to the knowledge of the person who committed the sin. The whole chapter of Leviticus 4 is written to deal with sins committed in ignorance. Jesus said in John 9:41, “If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth.”

Also, Romans 5:13 says, “sin is not imputed when there is no law.”

Paul said, in 1 Timothy 1:13, that he obtained mercy because he had sinned “ignorantly in unbelief.” The sin he was speaking of was blasphemy, which Jesus taught was unforgivable if done against the Holy Ghost. Therefore, we see that ignorance in Paul’s case entitled him to a second chance. If he would have continued to blaspheme after he saw the truth, he would surely have paid the price. This is not to say that a person who doesn’t have a complete revelation of God’s will is innocent regardless of his actions.

Leviticus 5:17 makes it clear that an individual is still guilty even if he sins through ignorance. Romans 1:18-20 reveals that there is an intuitive knowledge of God within every person to the degree that they even understand the Godhead. This same chapter goes on to explain that people have rejected and changed this truth, but that God did give it and they are without excuse.

No one will be able to stand before God on judgment day and say, “God is not fair.” He has given every person who has ever lived, regardless of how remote or isolated they may have been, the opportunity to know Him.

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: Enjoy Believer’s Companion [Tuesday, 18th July 2018]

…enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts. 2 Timothy 2:20

The people we spend quality time with have huge influence on the kind persons we will turn out to be. We all know what social influence is and how it shapes, not only our social life, but other levels of interaction. Social influence starts from the family down to other levels of social contact. While it is impossible not to come in contact with people who do not know the Lord and would want to influence us in a negative way, we must understand that the people we should spend quality time with are “those who call upon the Lord with a pure heart” (2 Timothy 2:20).

The Bible never said we shouldn’t have engagements with those who are not believers. Jesus Christ spent time, and even ate with those considered as infidels, when He was on earth. But he had His companions, His disciples and it was with them He spent quality time. Being with believers like you brings joy to you, especially when you share God’s Word and pray together. It is something to cherish. It doesn’t just stop in studying and praying, it goes beyond that. They share in your dreams and aspirations, inspire you to achieve what the Lord has laid in your heart, no matter how daunting it might seem to the optical eyes.

When you enjoy something you want to have it all over again and again. This should be our experience. Enjoy the companionship of believers. Some believers would rather not relate with their fellow believers. No matter what the cause might be, it is not the right thing to do. Enjoy their company, set up meeting time outside the normal church meetings. Go out together to fun places, go to picnics, retreats, parks, conferences, etc, with your fellow believers. Remember, “let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near” (Hebrews 10:25).

Keep winning daily.

Wise Action:

Take time out of your busy schedule, during weekends, spend time with your fellow believers. Discuss about life in general, have some fun together. Study the word and pray together. Make it an enjoyable time that will make you want to keep doing it over and again.

A Promise For You From Bible Promises:

Topic: Peace Through His Word [18/07/2017]

Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them. Psalm 119:165. Read: Psalm 119:161-168

In this world, you will have enough troubles to live with because it’s controlled by the trouble maker – the devil. But in God’s Word, you will find unlimited peace of   to live with in this troubled world. Troubled world notwithstanding, you can still live peaceably. The Word of God is Jesus Christ and He is the Prince of Peace just as He is the Prince of life. Isa 9:6, Ac 3:15. The Word of God offers you peace like a river which passes all understanding. Everyone that desire to be peaceful in this troubled world must take seriously the intake of the Word of God.

The psalmist understood this secret, hence he said, Princes have persecuted me without a cause: but my heart standeth in awe of thy word. I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil. This means, no matter what I am going through, your Word is ever before me. No circumstances can take your Word from me because it is the rejoicing of my heart. You must love God’s Word and study it daily for your daily peace of mind in this daily trouble world. The devil would never be tired of bringing countless troubles to you daily, you must not be tired to counter those troubles with God’s Word.

#BiblePromisesThought

* Those who love and tremble at God’s Word enjoy great peace and offends them.