Topic: Beyond Labels [Tuesday July 18, 2017]

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

A church in my city has a unique welcome card that captures the love and grace of God for everyone. It says, “If You Are A . . . saint, sinner, loser, winner”—followed by many other terms used to describe struggling people—“alcoholic, hypocrite, cheater, fearful, misfit . . . . You are welcome here.” One of the pastors told me, “We read the card aloud together in our worship services every Sunday.”

How often we accept labels and allow them to define who we are. And how easily we assign them to others. But God’s grace defies labels because it is rooted in His love, not in our self-perception. Whether we see ourselves as wonderful or terrible, capable or helpless, we can receive eternal life as a gift from Him. The apostle Paul reminded the followers of Jesus in Rome that “at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly” (Rom. 5:6).

The Lord does not require us to change by our own power. Instead He invites us to come as we are to find hope, healing, and freedom in Him. “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (v. 8). The Lord is ready and willing to receive us just as we are.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your amazing love in Jesus.

God’s forgiveness defies our labels of failure or pride.

Insight:

The biblical solution for those who feel alienated from God because of their sin is clearly addressed in today’s reading. Paul tells us that the sinner can be reconciled to a holy God because of the sacrifice of Christ the Righteous One on the cross. Now our sins can be transferred to Him in exchange for His righteousness. Our Lord is ready to receive us just as we are.

Have you trusted Christ to forgive your sin and give you the gift of eternal life? Dennis Fisher

This message was written By David C. McCasland [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]

Topic: Walk Uprightly [Tuesday July 18, 2017]

Text: Psalm 101:1-8

Key Verse: “I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart” (Psalm 101:2)

A business friend invited Dr. Walter Wilson to attend an event which was confessedly not proper for a Christian. “Thank you” said Dr. Wilson, “I’ll be there; and may I bring my friend with me?” “Of course , you may – by the way, who is your friend?” “He is the Lord Jesus Christ,” said Dr. Wilson. “Well” came the reply, “I don’t think that He would enjoy the party.” “If He wouldn’t enjoy it, neither would I. I must respectfully decline your invitation”, said Dr. Wilson.

In the text, David, in his song of praise, acknowledged God’s mercy and judgment. He vowed to behave himself wisely in a perfect way, as he expected the coming of the Lord. To achieve this, he would walk with a perfect heart, set no wicked thing before his eyes, hate the work of backsliders, depart from frowardness, dissociate from slanderers and the proud, the deceivers and all evildoers. Instead, he would befriend the faithful and the righteous.

Many believers who had been consecrated like the psalmist, are finding it difficult to sustain their consecration to walk in the integrity of their hearts. Due to the prevailing economic crunch the world over, it is common to find people making friends with unbelievers, spending too much time on the computer, cell phone, Internet to the detriment of their prayer lives and the study of the Bible. Others are now more concerned with what they view on television and tubes; they also participate on social media commentaries. This usually takes a toll on the believer’s relationship with the Lord and service to Him. You need to renew your consecration and avoid stains on our garment, if you do not want to miss the Rapture and perish with the people who are making carnal, human and fleshly choices today.

Thought for the day: He who is thoroughly focused on God, will not walk in darkness.

Bible Reading in one Year: Exodus 5-7

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 Tragedy of Bitterness [Tuesday July 18, 2017]

Scripture: And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men. – Acts 24:16

Thought For The Day: People you assisted may try to resist you but you have to make up your mind not to be embittered into hell.

I heard the story of a woman of God who had preached for about 33 years. One fateful day, she came home and caught her husband in adultery. Shocked, confused and angry, she carried a gun, shot her husband, shot the woman she caught with him and shot herself.

What a waste of a whole lifetime! Three people arriving in hellfire at the same time. Thirty-three years of ministerial labour wasted because of anger and bitterness.

Afterwards, someone who saw a vision of hellfire saw all three of them in hell, and their quarrelling continued even in the midst of the fire.

Beloved, offence is a luxury that we cannot afford; it is expensive. Whoever or whatever constitutes an offence in your heart is tampering with your faith, boldness and confidence in God.

I have experienced all manner of provocations and irritations from people but nobody is anointed by the devil enough to embitter me into hell.

Beloved, people you prayed for may turn against you. People you raised may try to erase you. People you assisted may try to resist you but make up your mind not to be embittered into hell. God will give you the grace, in Jesus’ Name.

Remember this: People you assisted may try to resist you but make up your mind not to be embittered into hell.

Assignment(s):

1. Clean your heart of every form of bitterness; forgive anyone who hurt you.

2. Ask God for a heart of love.

3. Guard your heart with the shield of God’s Word by studying the Word of God daily and consistently.

FOR FURTHER UNDERSTANDING, GET THIS MESSAGE: THE POWER OF A CLEAR CONSCIENCE.

Prayer: Father, help me to forgive whoever offended me or whoever will offend me. Give me the grace to maintain a clear conscience with You and with men, Lord, in Jesus’ Name.
Daily Reading: 1 Chronicles 26:12 to 27:34, Romans 4:13 to 5:5, Psalm 14:1 to 7, Proverbs 19:17

Quote: A life of bitterness leads to a life of torment. Culled from AM I BITTER? By Dr Becky Enenche.

Amazing Fact: A shrimp’s heart is in its head.

Today In History: 18/07/1968 – Intel was founded in Mountain View, California.

Dunamis International Gospel Centre (DIGC), is a powerfully anointed church, headquartered at Abuja, Nigeria, with Dr Paul and Dr Becky Enenche, as the Senior Pastors. It is a power-packed arena where God’s Presence, Principles and Power are at work for the salvation, healing and restoration of human destinies and dignities.

Topic: What About Your Household? [Tuesday 18, July 2017]

Memorise: One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; – 1 Timothy 3:4

Read: Acts 21:8-9 (KJV)

8 And the next day we that were of Paul’s company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him.

9 And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.

Bible in One Year: 2 Samuel 12:13; Ezekiel 10:20-11:13, Hymn: Sing hymn 16

MESSAGE:

Philip was a church planter, obedient, submissive to authority, had a servant spirit and was a man of good report. Beyond these, another valuable trait he had which made God use him mightily for signs and wonders is the fact that he was a man of total commitment to God. Philip served God, but it did not end with him alone; he ensured that his family members followed the same godly path. Like Joshua who declared to the children of Israel that he and his household had decided to follow the Lord alone (Joshua 24:15), Philip decided in a determined way that everyone in his household would serve God. In our Bible reading, we are told that he had four virgin daughters, who were all saved, filled with the Holy Spirit and operated in the gift of prophecy. This clearly shows us that he led his household in the way of the Lord. It also means that he was a good role model to his children. They saw how real the Christian faith was in the life of their father and they desired it. Do your children follow the Christ you claim to follow? Are you a good role model for them? Does your life attract them to become true children of God?

Joshua in Joshua 24:15 said,

“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

Contrary to this stance, it is very unfortunate that today, some parents make excuses for the lukewarmness or even godlessness exhibited by their children and wards. Such parents may say, “Sir, you don’t understand; my children are now in the university.” Are they implying that children in the university should not obey their parents anymore, or that such children are incapable of doing God’s will? Some will even say, “We believe that when it comes to the issue of faith, it should be voluntary.” Is it right if your children voluntarily go to hell? No way! No child should be left to take such a foolish decision! It is your duty to instruct your household after you in the way of the Lord. My biological children, who are now adults, can testify to how I raised them up. None of them dared to come late for morning devotion. If you were late, you would remain standing or be spanked. Joshua commanded his family to serve the Lord. No wonder he was able to command the sun to stand still and it did. If you can instruct your household to genuinely serve God, you will be able to command what God created, and they will obey you. Who is in charge of your home: you or your children?

Key Point: If you raise your children well to follow and serve the Lord, He will reward you, but if you don’t, He will judge you.

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.

Today’s Scripture: “And David said to his son Solomon, ‘Be strong and of good courage, and do it; do not fear nor be dismayed, for the LORD God–my God–will be with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you, until you have finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD’.”  – (1 Chronicles 28:20, NKJV)

Topic: He Will Complete It [Monday July 17, 2017]

Is there something you’ve been believing for, something you’ve been hoping for that’s taking longer than you expected? You might be tempted to just accept things the way they are. You might be tempted to think it’s never going to happen. If that’s you today, be encouraged because God is a finisher! He will complete what He’s started in you!

Your part is to believe. Your part is to keep your eyes on Him. When you believe, you have the Creator of the universe fighting your battles, arranging things in your favor, going before you, moving the wrong people out of the way. Don’t be intimidated by the size of a problem or the size of your dream! Don’t let circumstances convince you to stop believing. “Jehovah Jireh, the Lord our Provider, is still on the throne. One touch of God’s favor and you’ll go from barely getting by to having more than enough! Begin to thank Him and declare that God is at work. Declare that He is perfecting what concerns you. Declare that He will complete everything He’s started in your life!

A Prayer for Today: Father God, I thank You for completing every good work that You have started in my life. I choose to believe Your Word, even when things look impossible. I choose to believe that You are working behind the scenes and that You will bring victory and breakthrough to every area of my life in Jesus’ name! Amen.

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).