Topic: Edifying The Body Of Christ [Monday July 17, 2017]

Text: Ephesians 4:11-16

Key Verse: “For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:12).

The Apostle Paul revealed in our text that when Jesus ascended into heaven, He gave some believers ministry gifts to function as apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. These gifts are different from personal spiritual gifts.

They are referred to as five-fold ministry gifts for ministers which the Holy Spirit gives to the church to develop the members, help them to discover and use their personal spiritual gifts. These gifts in the church are for the purpose of edification, equipping, growing and maturing believers so that they will grow from spiritual babes to mature believers. And they foster unity among believers. Apostles refers to certain men called directly by Jesus Christ and given special authority to lay doctrinal foundation in the church. The prophet is gifted to speak unto men edification, exhortation and comfort. He also has the supernatural ability to receive and declare revelation from God about future events.

The evangelist is specially gifted to point sinners to Christ and challenge fellow believers to win souls. The pastor/teacher is endowed with a supernatural ability to communicate and clarify the details of God’s word and lead the flock to God. He combines the qualities of a shepherd and extraordinary skills of a trainer. All teachers may not necessarily be pastors, but all pastors must be teachers. God wants His people to grow and come to unity and perfection in Christ (Ephesians 4:13).

The goal is that all believers in Christ must attain the full stature of Christ-likeness and become productive members of the Body of Christ. This growth will be achieved when the believers are united in faith, holiness and love. Have you discovered your own ministry gift? Pray through and receive, so that you experience great revival, blessings and be a co-labourer with Christ.

Thought for the day: The saved is gifted to serve the Body.

Bible Reading in one Year: Exodus 1-4

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: Your Mouth, Your Life [Monday July 17, 2017]

Your life is at the mercy of your mouth.

Your mouth is the rudder of your life.

Your mouth organizes and directs your life.

Life opens in the direction of your mouth.

Don’t close your mouth if you don’t want your life to close.

Don’t use your mouth to describe your situation., Rather use it to declare your expectation.

God is committed to perform only what your moth releases.

Now, take full charge of your life

Nu.14:28; Is.44:26, Mk.11:24

Topic: Go With the Flow [Monday July 17, 2017]

Brethren, for this reason, in [spite of all] our stress and crushing difficulties we have been filled with comfort and cheer about you [because of] your faith (the leaning of your whole personality on God in complete trust and confidence). — 1 Thessalonians 3:7

Go with the flow, and stop being anxious about things that may never happen. If you really trust God, you don’t need a backup plan. Faith means that you have peace even when you 12 don’t have all the answers.

Life will always be stressful if you constantly try to rearrange it. For example, getting upset in a traffic jam doesn’t get you out of it any sooner. But planning for obstacles will inspire you to leave a little earlier for your appointments and keep you from hurrying. Grow in wisdom, and place high priority on keeping your peace in spite of any jams you get into today.

Topic: You Shall Dance Your Dance! [Monday 17 July, 2017]

(1 Samuel 18:6-12)

Welcome to another divine encounter with our God! See this testimony:

“Dear Bishop, God healed me of secondary hemorrhage. Since September last year, my menstrual flow ceased. I did many tests and took all the drugs that the Doctor prescribed but to no avail. But on the 29th of January this year, just after the WORLD ANOINTING SERVICE NIGHT, I receieved my healing. This can only be the God of this commission. Please withhold my name. Miss P.U.”

The God of OUR DAILY MANNA restored her song and her dancing and that shall be your story in this fasting programme and beyond! See also these amazing testimonies from an ODM user in MALAWI:

“I am a lady from Malawi and have been using ODM for the past three years. God has been good and very faithful, but this year, the testimonies have been too hot to handle. It has left me in tears. During the last 2017 January 21-day fasting program, I had three petitions:

1. To remove ROADBLOCKS that caused unknown DELAY for me not to graduate from my Masters programme. The answer came like a fllod withing the fasting period whereby I was sent a schedule for submission of papers for award presentation. Dates were then scheduled for the graduation (June 2017).

2. To romove the EMBARGO that stopped my husband’s promotion after working in the same position for over 10 years. God answered it by fire in February when my husband received a letter of promotion. In April, favor fell on him again when his company awarded him a scolarship for further studies in his career.

3. To provide me with a good job at the organization where I was working which would enable me to spend much time with my family at home. In April, God provided an answer miraculously when I was offered to be interviewed for the position that never existed before, but God created it. The process of interviews was not easy but God actually handpicked me and offered me the post. Glory to God!

Pastor, all these testimonies look like a lie to us and when I am sharing them, they sound like I am boasting but this is real. EVIDENCE after EVIDENCE within a short period of time. Glory be to GOD! From Chikodi, Blantyre( [email protected]).”

WONDERFUL GOD! I prophesy again to you as I am commanded: The testimony that will look like a LIE, yet it is TRUE shall locate you in this fasting programme and beyond in Jesus Christ name. You shall be selected above your superiors! Just as today’s scripture Vs. 6 said the women danced with David, so shall men and women dance with you in Jesus Christ name!

Pray the prayers in the “WAR AGAINST HAMAN -12” booklet as indicated below, then be at the Lagos Anointing Service or your viewing centres ( See page 52 of ODM ). I shall lay hands on everyone at the Lagos service. Never forget to sow your “ACHAN-MUST-DIE / ANTI-DELAY SEED” and you will get an ANTI-DELAY Psalm to be prayed for 3 weeks! Oh! God is writing your new song! Amen!

Today is DAY 9 of the 14-day fasting programme. PRAY THE GENERAL PRAYERS ON PAGE 53 AND PRAYERS ON PAGE 62 OF THE “WAR AGAINST HAMAN -12” booklet.

Prayer Point: Take Song 1: Through the love of God…………

1. Pray about today’s word generally as led 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: The Power of Hospitality (3)

Dear Reader,

With great delight, I welcome you this week to your refreshing column. I have enjoyed the past two weeks of teaching this exciting topic, ‘Hospitality’. I have equally learnt new things and I have no doubt in my mind that you also have been refreshed. I hope you are putting into practice the things you have gained.

In the past two weeks, I have taken time to dig a little deep into the importance of hospitality. God’s perspective towards being hospitable is not a secret; it originated from Him. He demonstrates this towards us on a daily basis.

This week, I shall be dwelling on “Hospitality: My Defence.” From the scriptural perspective, I shall be throwing more light on the power that hospitality has for your defence and I shall be examining this by going through the various areas of defence.

Defence from Destruction

Abraham, the Patriarch, took his nephew along with him, when he embarked on his divine assignment in the land of Canaan. Lot was like a foster child who grew up with him.

Things went well for the two of them where they sojourned until this fateful day. Abraham, unknown to him, entertained the angels that would have destroyed his nephew. And said, My Lord, if now I have found favour in thy sight, pass not away, I pray thee, from thy servant: Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree: And I will fetch a morsel of bread, and comfort ye your hearts; after that ye shall pass on: for therefore are ye come to your servant. And they said, So do, as thou hast said (Genesis 18:3-5).

As a result of God’s respect for Abraham, He decided to save the righteous in the land of Sodom and Gomorrah; but this righteous man too, was given a hospitality test. It was recorded in the Bible: The two angels arrived at Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gateway of the city. When he saw them, he got up to meet them and bowed down with his face to the ground. “My lords,” he said, “please turn aside to your servant’s house. You can wash your feet and spend the night and then go on your way early in the morning

“No,” they answered, “we will spend the night in the square.” But he insisted so strongly that they did go with him and entered his house. He prepared a meal for them, baking bread without yeast, and they ate (Genesis 19:1-3 NIV)

Lot was a man given to hospitality; like his uncle Abraham, he too entertained these angels and he was not destroyed with the ungodly. This must have been a tradition in the house of Abraham. If I may ask you: What legacy do you have for your children or those that live under your roof? Begin to train them now, before they go out of your house.You shall not be a partaker of the destruction out there in Jesus’ name.

Defence from Untimely Death

 When Job was protesting against his sickness, one of the virtues he said he never neglected was hospitality. In the Book of Job 31:32 he said: The stranger did not lodge in the street: but I opened my doors to the traveller. That’s not surprising, because the Lord himself said that Job was an upright man who feared God and turned away from evil (Job 1:1).

In the history of God’s people from the beginning, one of God’s appointed duties for the righteous is hospitality, which simply means willingness to welcome strangers into your home. It will interest you to know that the righteous will not be forsaken in his trouble. The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles… Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all (Psalm 34:17-19)

Do you want God to promptly act when you call? Then give yourself to hospitality. It is a powerful weapon of defence. I see God defending you and your household. You shall know no sorrow! This year, the God of exemption will send His angels to keep you in all your ways. If you will like to key into this new way of life, you need to invite Jesus into your heart. If you are set to accept Jesus into your heart and become a child of God, then pray this prayer of faith with me: “Dear Lord Jesus, I come to You today acknowledging that I am a sinner who needs Your forgiveness. I believe You died for me and rose again on the third day. Forgive me my sins, wash me with Your Blood and write my name in the Lamb’s Book of life. Thank You Lord for saving me.”

If you prayed this simple prayer of faith with me, congratulations, you are born again! 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, and 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: Make Hell Tremble [Monday July 17, 2017]

For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. – 1 John 3:8

Is the devil giving you fits today? Is he causing trouble for you at every turn?

If so, turn the table on him. Start making him miserable for a change. You have the power to do it, you know. You have the power residing in you to destroy his works, to heal, to deliver, to set the captives free. You have so much power in you that every time your alarm clock goes off, the devil should wail, “Oh no! That troublemaker is up again!”

A few years ago, I got a letter from a little girl who had attended one of my healing services in Los Angeles. Although she was far too young to understand theology or anything like that, the Lord gave her a very simple and profound revelation as she watched people being healed.

She said that as she looked up at the platform, she couldn’t see me at all. She just saw Jesus. And she also saw a devil. Do you know what the devil was doing? He was lying on the floor crying, “This can’t be! This can’t be! This can’t be!”

Right now, at this very moment, the power of the Lord Jesus Christ is at work within you. And it’s not just there to get you to heaven someday. It’s there so you can give the devil a fit right here on earth. It’s there so you can build the kingdom of God now—while there’s still time.

Line up with God’s Word and will for your life. Let the Anointing of Jesus go forth from within you. All of hell will tremble. And you will never be quite the same again.

Scripture Reading: 1 John 5:4-20

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: Stewards of God’s Grace [Monday July 17, 2017]

Luke 12:42 “And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his Lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season?”

LUKE 12:42

A steward is a person who has been entrusted with administering someone else’s wealth or affairs. The possessions a steward controls are not his own and he does not have the freedom to do with them as he wishes. He is supposed to carry out the desires of the one who made him steward.

A banker is a steward. He has been entrusted with other people’s money. He is free to invest that money wisely in a way that will benefit his depositors and stockholders, but would be sent to jail if he took all that money and simply consumed it upon himself. A steward is accountable (Lk. 16:2) to someone else for the use of that person’s money. The money does not belong to him even though it is in his possession.

This parable, and other scriptures (1 Cor. 4:1; Ti. 1:7; 1 Pet. 4:10), describes every believer as a steward of God’s grace. The wealth, talents, and abilities we possess, as well as the revelation of God’s love that we’ve been given, are not our own to do with as we please. We have received these things from God and are therefore accountable to Him for the use or misuse of these gifts. Keeping this in mind is essential for fulfilling our obligation to God as stewards of His “manifold grace.”

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: Jesus to the Rescue [Monday July 17, 2017]

God is our refuge and strength, a tested help in times of trouble. — Psalm 46:1 (TLB)

Scripture tells us that God tempts no one. Temptation always comes from the devil. God will test us and allow us to endure the temptation, but the devil does the tempting. How do we overcome it? A little girl once told her method. “When the devil comes knocking at the door,” she said, “I don’t answer it. I send Jesus to the door.” And that is exactly the way to take care of it. Send Jesus to the door!

Prayer for the day: Lord Jesus, help me to remember the power of Your holy name!

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: You Have Received the Abundance of Grace [Monday July 17, 2017]

“For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.’’ Romans 5:17 (KJV)

You have received an abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness and you are called to rule and reign. What do you think that means? It simply means that you are the one in charge, not by what you have done or could do, but by what Jesus Christ did. Yes, you are righteous even if you don’t feel like it. It is not about how you feel but about the truth.

Forget about all the things you have done wrong because God does not see them. He can’t see them because He sees you in Christ. Don’t let the devil jump on your shoulder and remind you of what you did not do right. Don’t look at what you did wrong, but rather look at what Jesus did right. Look at what He’s done and what He has made you and say ‘’Yes’’ to Him. That is the reason why He shed His blood on the cross at Calvary. His blood made a way for you. That is why you can come boldly to the throne room of grace to obtain mercy and find grace to help in the time of need. The truth remains that He bled on that old rugged cross to wash away your sins, past present and future.

Beloved, begin to see yourself differently on the basis of the finished work in your life. God’s love is bigger and more powerful than the worst sin you have or could ever commit. You are valuable to Him and He loves you dearly. So rather than run away from Him, you must run towards Him. You must stop walking around with your head bowed down with guilt and condemnation.  You are free, justified, holy and without blame. The devil can no longer hold you down. It has all been paid for. Your salvation was fully paid for. Your health was fully paid for. Your victory is assured.

Further Reading: Romans 3:24-26, Hebrew 4:16

Daily Bible Reading: Morning- Psalms 18-19; Evening- Acts 20:17-38

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: Just Like Dad [Monday July 17, 2017]

Read: John 5:17–20, Bible in a Year: Psalms 18–19; Acts 20:17–38

The Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. John 5:19

Isn’t it endearing to see a child mimicking his parents? How often we’ve seen the young boy in a car seat, gripping his imaginary steering wheel intently while keeping a close eye on the driver to see what Daddy does next.

I remember doing the same thing when I was young. Nothing gave me greater pleasure than doing exactly what my dad did—and I’m sure he got an even bigger kick watching me copy his actions.

Jesus, thank You for showing us the way to the Father.

I would like to think God felt the same way when He saw His dearest Son doing exactly what the Father did—reaching out to the lost, helping the needy, and healing the sick. Jesus said, “the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does” (John 5:19).

We too are called to do the same—to “follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love” (Eph. 5:1–2). As we continue growing to be more like Jesus, may we seek to love like the Father loves, forgive like He forgives, care like He cares, and live in ways that please Him. It is a delight to copy His actions, in the power of the Spirit, knowing that our reward is the affectionate, tender smile of a loving Father.

Prayer: Jesus, thank You for showing us the way to the Father. Help us to be more and more like You and the Father each day.

The Father gave us the Spirit to make us like the Son.

Insight:

The theme of following God appears throughout all of Scripture. In the Old Testament, Moses warned the Israelites not to live like the Canaanites when they entered the Promised Land: “Do not follow their practices” (Lev. 18:3) or “imitate the detestable ways of the nations there” (Deut. 18:9). Instead they were to obey and follow God’s laws (Lev. 18:4, 26–30). They were His chosen people. “The Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples . . . to be his people, his treasured possession” (Deut. 7:6–7; 14:2; 26:18).

In the New Testament, the apostle Peter says that believers in Christ are also “a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession” (1 Peter 2:9). Therefore, we are to imitate God: “Just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do” (1:15). We are to live radically different from the world, to “be perfect, as [our] heavenly Father is perfect” (Matt. 5:48), to “be merciful, just as [our] Father is merciful” (Luke 6:36), to love as God loves (Eph. 5:1–2).

As we reflect on the challenge to imitate God, we can ask, If I am not following God’s example, who am I imitating? Sim Kay Tee

This message was written By Leslie Koh [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]