Topic — Foundation: How Strong? [Saturday 15, July 2017]

Memorise: He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy. – Proverbs 28:13

Read: 2 Corinthians 7:9-11 (KJV)

9 Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing.

10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.

11 For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.

Bible in One Year: 2 Samuel 5-6, Ezekiel 8:7-18, Hymn: Sing hymn 11

MESSAGE:

God’s offer of salvation is for all those who come to Him. To access this salvation however, there are certain criteria you must meet. For instance, you cannot experience salvation without genuine repentance. Unfortunately, there are people who think that they can be saved even without repenting from their sins. Some people believe that responding to an altar call for salvation is enough. No, it is not! Can you believe that when some people come out to answer an altar call, instead of repenting of their sinful lifestyles, they take pictures? Those who do so can only come out and go back the same way they came. This will not be your portion in Jesus’ Name! Heaven’s demands for obtaining salvation are clearly stated in Proverbs 28:13:

“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.”

If you do not satisfy Heaven’s demand of confessing your sins to God and forsaking your sinful lifestyle, you will never be saved. If you claim to be born again, how did you get saved? Did you confess your sins to God out of a sorrowful heart and resolve not to return to your sinful lifestyle? If your salvation lacks these key foundational pillars, you will need to revisit the salvation experience.

In Luke 13:2-5, Jesus plainly taught His hearers that except they repented, they would perish like those who went before them. God does not want anyone to perish, but He wants us all to repent (2 Peter 3:9). God wants you to change your ways and to stop doing the wicked things you do. It is then you will obtain mercy from Him. Today, the term “born again” has been so abused. Many people say they are born again but they do not even know what it means. If you are truly born again, you will receive genuine salvation that will completely turn your life around (2 Corinthians 5:17). When you come out to receive Jesus, you come out because you are truly sorry for your sins; you come out with a determination to change your ways. You need to come to the altar of God crying to Him for help, not only to forgive you your sins but to also change you inside out. When you do this, you will obtain salvation. 2 Corinthians 7:10 says it is godly sorrow that brings about repentance that yields salvation. Are you really born again? If your salvation is not genuine, go back to the cross of Calvary today!

Key Point: Fake salvation can never produce the fruit of the Holy Spirit.

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: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”  – (Joshua 1:9, ESV)

Topic: The Lord is With You [Friday July 14, 2017]

No matter what today has in store, as a believer in Jesus, you can approach the day with boldness and confidence. Why? Because the Lord is with you, and in Him is everything you need in this life. That means if you need provision for something today, provision is with you. If you need wisdom today, wisdom is with you. If you need strength, joy or peace today, they’re with you. You can be confident today knowing that all of your needs are supplied spiritually, physically and emotionally because the Lord is with you. And best of all, He’s promised never to leave you! Isn’t it good to know that you will always have whatever you need any time you need it!

Today, don’t let lies from the enemy or pressure from the world keep you from taking hold of everything the Lord has for you. Open your heart by faith and receive whatever it is that you need today. Just begin to thank Him for His provision in your life and move forward in confidence and strength knowing that the Lord is with you!

A Prayer for Today: Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me today. Thank You for Your faithfulness. I know that You are closer to me than the air I breathe. Today I receive Your promises in faith and choose to cast all of my cares on You in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Topic: When You Move, Mountains Are Removed! [Friday July 14, 2017]

All the difficulties that are hanging around you now are simply waiting to see your action. When you start moving they will move. Stop talking about your beautiful plans and the things you hope to do soon. Start doing something now! “Soon” is a language of deception. It keeps people hoping endlessly until they waste. If you introduce massive action into your life, in a short while, you will become a man of your dreams.

The Bible says concerning the disciples, “They went forth everywhere, the Lord working with them…” (Mark 16:20). God’s help is available in its fullness for those who take steps. Even in the natural, when you start taking steps, you become a rallying point, people become eager to help you.

A great door and effectual is opened before you and God will not take away the adversaries. You have to discipline yourself to keep your eye off the adversaries, focus on the open door and keep moving towards it. That is when you will begin to see possibilities in the midst of impossibilities; you will begin to see a way around the mountain that is intimidating you.

Mediate on these: Numbers 13:30, Prov. 26:14

NO PRESSURE NO DIAMONDS! You Cannot Calm A Storm! You Can Only Calm Yourself! Why? Because No Storm Is Forever! It Was Made To Come And Go! It Will Pass!

Topic: Storm Your Storms! [Friday 14 July, 2017]

(Psalm 55:1-13; Mark 4:35-41).

The STORM is not a stranger to the BOAT. They are relational. In fact, a sailor would be very surprised to sail through the sea without a storm. STORMS are challenges, battles,problems, troubles, difficulties, situations and circumstances that conrfont your life and destiny. Your BOAT is that which enables you to sail your way through life. It is your vision, your dream, your goals, your faith, your hope, and your expectations. Just as the storm confronts the boat, challenged and difficulties or indeed every ACHAN ( DELAY AGENT), etc., confronts your life.

Always remember: NO PRESSURE NO DIAMONDS! The same boiling water that softens the potato, hardens the egg! It depends on what you are made of. Not the circumstances! Oh! Every flower must grow through dirt and storms make trees take deeper roots! You cannot pray away every trial! God allows some battles to make you grow! Remember Jesus Christ at the Garden of Gethsemane? Despite His bloody and intense prayers, He went through His storm and conquered! Oh, I hate storms but note this: You Cannot Calm A Storm! You Can Only Calm Yourself! Why? Because No Storm Is Forever! It Was Made To Come And Go! It Will Pass!

So, don’t wish like David said in today’s first scripture Vs. 5-8: “……….oh that I had wings like a dove! For then would I fly away, and be at rest……I would hasten my escape from the windy storm and tempest.” No Sir! Don’t run away from the storm! FACE THE STORM! STORM YOUR STORM! ACHAN is a STORM sent to DELAY YOU, BUT THE BAD NEWS FOR ACHAN is that NO STORM CAN SINK YOUR BOAT because YOUR STORM IS ON AN ASSIGNMENT!

It was sent to change you and not to sink you! Hallelujah! Hear Haruki Murakami: “Once the storm is over, you won’t remember how you made it through! You won’t be the same person who walked in. That’s what storms are all about!” Glory to God! So refuse to quit! Complete this fast and be at the last day ANOINTING SERVICE at the Manna mountain Ogudu-Orioke Lagos, July 22nd, 7am! Come with faith, anointing oil, your written prayers points, any point of contact and expectation! I shall lay hands on everyone present! Our “3 Friends ( the TRINITY) will be waiting for you!

Then Sow your “ACHAN –MUST-DIE / ANTI-DELAY 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.

Today is DAY 6 of the 14- day fasting program. PRAY THE GENERAL PRAYERS ON PAGE 93 AND PRAYERS ON PAGE 49 OF THE “WAR AGAINST HAMAN -12” booklet.

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

1. Pray about today’s word generally as led now.

2. Holy Ghost, raise a destructive standard against satanic storms now by fire.

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

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

Topic: Be Like God [Friday July 14, 2017]

Therefore be imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father]. — Ephesians 5:1

We are taught in this Scripture to be imitators of God. So however God is, that is the way we should desire to be. God sees the desires of our hearts and will help us become more and more like Him in our behaviors.

Do you think God is sitting in the heavens today angry and crying and depressed? No, that is not God’s nature. God is joyful, and He is strong; therefore, we should imitate Him.

God is also merciful and slow to anger (see Psalm 103:8). If you become angry at people over an injustice, one way to get over it is to imitate God and choose to give them mercy—forgive them even if you don’t think they deserve it.

You and I can become more and more like God because His power and character are in us (see 2 Peter 1:3–4). Begin to imitate God in your life, doing what you believe He would do in situations, instead of what you feel like doing.

Power Thought: By God’s grace and through His power, I imitate Him. He is my example for how to live my life.

Topic: Jesus, The Wisdom of God [Friday July 14, 2017]

Luke 11:49 “Therefore also said the wisdom of God, I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them they shall slay and persecute.”

LUKE 11:46-49

This phrase “Therefore also said the wisdom of God,” is a part of Luke’s narrative and not the words of Jesus. Luke is saying that Jesus is the wisdom of God, a truth well-established in scripture.

There is no way to access the wisdom of God except through Jesus. Until a person receives Christ, he is missing the only source of true wisdom. Men and women are incapable of receiving the wisdom of God, but those who submit themselves to God have access to the wisdom of God on their own, through the Holy Spirit. We must be dependent upon the Holy Spirit to receive the wisdom of God in our lives.

A Christian who has not received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit can have some revelation knowledge, but it will be limited. One of the greatest evidences that an individual has received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit is the tremendous amount of God’s wisdom that becomes available to him.

The truths of the Gospel, and the power of God that these truths release, can only be imparted through the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Human wisdom, regardless of how eloquent it is, cannot convey the life of God. Much of the preaching of the Gospel today is done in man’s wisdom. It’s impressive to the carnal mind, but it leaves the spirit starving for the touch of God. The greatest need among ministers today is not to have more of the world’s education, but to receive the revelation knowledge of the Holy Spirit. Only words spoken by the Spirit of God can reach the spirit of man. Spiritual thoughts have to be spoken with spiritual words (1 Cor. 2:13).

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: We Are Called to Hook up with one Another [Friday July 14, 2017]

“For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us. – Ephesians 2:14.”

The scriptural text of today says he broke down the wall of partition. He drew the gentiles and the Jews and brought them together to make one body called the church. Now there is no bond, no free, no male, no female, no African, no American, no Briton, but from every tribe, tongue and nation, a new creation was formed called the church. That is why you must come to church with the aim of ministering to the person sitting next to you. Think how you can add value to that person. That is why David said, I am glad when they say let us go to the house of the Lord because when we go to the house of the Lord we come back blessed.

As believers, we are called to hook up with ourselves. Ministry is not only about preaching. It is about sitting by your brother or sister and telling him/her, I didn’t see you yesterday. Your coming today has completed my day. Practice this and you will never lack in life. Christianity is not meant to be self-serving but outgoing. That is why when Jesus was leaving he said “Go ye.” Go ye does not only mean to have a crusade or do soul winning. Go ye also means ministering to somebody. You have not chosen me, I have chosen you that you may bring forth fruits and that your fruits might remain. And whatsoever you ask I will give you. Can you see the link?

Don’t join those people in church today who are carrying stones not knowing that they have backslidden. Don’t join those who look out for those who will steal or commit fornication and then condemn them. We must grow beyond the level of saying I hope the choir will sing well, I hope the ushers will behave well or I hope the pastor will be there. What are you adding to make the church a blessing for somebody?

Further Reading:  John 15:1 – 17

Bible Reading: Morning- Psalms 10-12; Evening- Acts 19:1-20

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: Your Deadly Enemy [Friday July 14, 2017]

I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again…. – 1 Thessalonians 4:13

Many of us, even though we’re believers, have seen grief and sorrow as such a natural part of life that we haven’t even questioned them. In fact, if we’re honest, we’d have to admit there are times when we actually want to feel sad and sorry for ourselves.

Why would we choose to feel sorrow? Because sorrow has an emotional kick to it. It offers a surge of feeling that, in the beginning stages, is almost intoxicating.

But grief and sorrow are dangerous things. Several years ago God showed me that they’re not the innocent emotions we’ve thought they were. The forces behind these emotions are actually spirit beings sent by the devil himself to kill, steal and destroy.

They are a part of the devastating, satanic barrage Jesus took on Himself when He died on the cross (Isaiah 53). He bore grief and sorrow, so we wouldn’t have to. If they come knocking on your door, remember, they are not innocent emotions. They are deadly enemies that Jesus already carried away at Calvary.

Don’t live as those who have no hope. You’re a believer. You know that Jesus Christ died for you and rose again. That not only gives you hope where physical death is concerned, it gives you hope in every situation. Sorrow not!

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 51:11-16

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.