Topic: We Need Each Other [Wednesday April 5, 2017]

That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. – John 17:21

It’s time we, as believers, began to enter into the oneness Jesus prayed for in John 17:21. It’s time we held on to one another in good times as well as bad. It’s time we realized that we need one another.

We do, you know. I need your faith as much as you need mine. Together, we can face anything and win in Jesus.

Let me show you why. In John 3:34, God says Jesus was given the Holy Spirit without measure. He was more powerful than all the demons of hell and all wicked spirits of all classes, including Satan himself. He was able to defeat their power combined.

Now consider this. We are His Body. Each of us has been given the measure of faith according to Romans 12:1-3. That measure is enough to take care of our own personal needs. However, there is more involved here than just our own personal lives.

We have a world to win! We are the end-time generation. We need all the help we can get. But, thank God, we can get all the help we need!

How? By joining together. Ephesians 4:13 says that when we all come together in the unity of the faith, we’ll have “the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.”

In other words, when the Body of Christ comes together and begins to function as one, we’ll have the Holy Spirit without measure—just like Jesus did! We’ll begin to see ministries functioning in the fullness of their callings. We’ll begin to see manifestations of the Holy Spirit in full measure. We’ll see Jesus in fullness as we’ve never seen Him before.

Then the world will know the Father sent Him.

Step into that oneness today. Start today making a daily effort to make yourself available to God to pray for others. Start your day by saying, “Holy Spirit, use me to pray for someone today. I offer You my measure of faith.”

Once we truly join together in faith, all the demons of hell won’t be able to overcome us. We’ll march right over them in the fullness of the power of Jesus and bring the age to a glorious close!

Scripture Reading: Ephesians 4:1-16

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.

Topic: What a Savior! [Wednesday April 5, 2017]

It was written long ago that the Messiah must suffer and die and rise again from the dead on the third day. — Luke 24:46 (TLB)

What was the power and influence that changed the cross from an instrument of bloody torture into the most glorious and beloved of all symbols? The Romans crucified thousands of people before and after Calvary. If Jesus had not risen from the dead, no right-minded person would have glorified anything so hideous and repulsive as a cross stained with the blood of Jesus. By the miracle of His rising from the grave, Jesus placed the seal of assurance upon the forgiveness of our sins.

A dead Christ could not have been our Savior. An unopened grave would never have opened heaven. By bursting the chains of the tomb, Jesus proved Himself to all ages the conqueror of sin. The sacrifice on Calvary had fulfilled its purpose; the ransom price paid for your sins and mine had been accepted by God. Hallelujah, what a Savior!

Prayer for the day: Each time I see the empty cross, let me be reminded of Your suffering and Your victory, Lord Jesus.

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: How To Solve Problems [Tuesday April 4, 2017]

Acts 6:1-7

First of all realize that problems are real; don’t be surprised by it.

To be confronted by a problem is not strange. It is normal.

Have a right attitude, never react, rather respond to problems.

Approach problems, don’t avoid or dodge them.

Identify the cause of the problem

In the early Church, a problem arose because, their widows were neglected.      

Never assume that the problem will take care of itself.

Then the twelve called the multitude

Take practical stePsalm

Brethren, look ye out among you

Solution is available right at the problem spots. Where the murmuring rose from is the same place where solution will rise from.

Get people to look into the problem on ground.

Give problem a business approach to be able to solve them.

Every problem is a spring board to increase. When they face you, phase them out to access your new phase of life.

And the word of God increased; and the number of disciples multiplied. Acts 6:7

Topic: Have You Talked to God Today? [Tuesday April 4, 2017]

In the morning You hear my voice, O Lord; in the morning I prepare [a prayer, a sacrifice] for You and watch and wait [for You to speak to my heart]. — Psalm 5:3

I think some people don’t begin their day talking to God because they don’t realize what a great honor and privilege it is to be invited to do so. We hear so often that we need to pray that perhaps we tend to over-spiritualize the idea and end up seeing it as something that is a job or an obligation rather than an honor.

It doesn’t have to be eloquent, or even necessarily long, but trying to live without it is foolish. It’s asking God to meet your need or someone else’s. It’s praising Him and thanking Him. It’s about committing things to Him and honestly sharing your worries and concerns with Him.

There is no subject off limits with God—you can talk to Him about anything without the fear of being misunderstood, judged critically, or reproached for your faults.

When we talk to God, we open the door for Him to come into our day—into our problems and situations—and do what we cannot do on our own. We are actually inviting the power of God into our lives. Talking to God about your life doesn’t immediately change your circumstance, but it does change something in you and it gives you the strength you need go through your day with a smile on your face. It helps you believe that you are not alone, and that is important for all of us.

Topic: Characteristics of the New Covenant III [Tuesday 4, April 2017]

Memorise: He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so. – Matthew 19:8

Read: Matthew 5:31-32 (KJV)

31 It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement:

32 But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.

Bible in One Year: Leviticus 8-9, Jeremiah 7:8-26

MESSAGE:

The paradigm shifts introduced by the Lord Jesus Christ ever since He came to reveal the perfect will of the Father to us are indeed numerous. One of these is in the area of divorce and remarriage. The Jewish leaders hated the teachings of Jesus and the change He came to introduce; for this reason, they wanted him dead fast! Indeed, no man ever spoke like Jesus did. The amazing thing is that these leaders believed they were doing the will of God by killing Him. John 11:49-50 says,

“49 And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all, 50 Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.”

Just like these Jewish leaders of yesteryears, some church leaders and pastors today try to justify their error in the area of divorce and remarriage, thinking that they are doing what is expedient for themselves or for the parties concerned. In our Bible reading for today, in opposition to the accepted standard of His time, Jesus revealed the perfect will of God concerning this. Hear what He said:

“But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.” – Matthew 5:32

In Matthew 19:3-10, when Jesus was confronted by the Pharisees on the issue of divorce as applied from the time of Moses, they were shocked to learn His standpoint on this matter. Jesus revealed to them that they had been living under the permissive will of God in this area (Matthew 19:8), and He also reinforced what He had already said about divorce and remarriage in His Sermon on the Mount. Just as so many people are perplexed by this teaching today, even the disciples of Jesus were also perplexed by it (Matthew 19:10). However, that is the verdict of the new covenant. We have to accept the standard the Master has set and walk in it. Whoever has ears, let them hear what Jesus Christ is saying to those who want to enjoy the provision of the new covenant in His Blood.

Prayer Point: Father, help me to meet up to the standard of the requirements of the new covenant, and bless me through it, in Jesus Name.

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.

Topic: Rekindling the Fire of Love in Your Marriage!

Dear Reader,

With great joy and happiness, I bring God’s Word your way again this month. By the help of the Holy Spirit, I will be sharing with you on a topic titled: Rekindling the “Fire of Love” in Your Marriage.

Marriage, like some others think, is not a trap. It was instituted for the good of man. In the beginning, God saw that it is not good for man to be alone; so, He instituted marriage.  I believe God must have said to Himself, “I want it to be good for man; so, I will make a help meet for him.”  I make bold to say that marriage was actually designed to make life great for mankind.

The subject of marriage actually begins, when two individuals, man and woman, make a decision to marry each other. However, when that marriage is not founded on God, the joy, excitement and satisfaction the couple had at the outset, are short-lived. It soon wears off. It’s like owning a car; with time, new models come out and what was once new begins to age. The car owner now desires to change the once new car for the latest sensation. Why? This is because the old one does not excite him anymore.

However, when God is at the centre of a marriage, you find that instead of getting tired of loving each other, your excitement and satisfaction increase as the years go by, making the relationship go from good to better, and from better to best!

According to God’s concept, marriage is good; though this assertion is contrary to man’s claims on the subject.  Therefore, whatever man’s concept you have heard about marriage, put it aside and believe what the Bible says, because that is the only authentic view.

Buttressing the fact that marriage is good, Paul says: Marriage is honorable in all… (Hebrews 13:4). If marriage is not good, it cannot be honourable at the same time. That is why any experience that is contrary to the Word of God should be thrown away.

Ever before I got married, I discovered and accepted God’s concept of marriage at the expense of man’s concept. To the glory of God, I am not only enjoying the goodness in marriage, I am also moving towards the perfection of it.

A woman once came to my husband for counselling. She began by making a sweeping statement that every home has its own peculiar problem. My husband had to cut in to correct her by pointing out that there are exceptions. Having problems in marriage is not the rule. That you are sick, for instance, does not mean that everybody else is sick. God intends that believers’ marriages be a heaven-on-earth experience, where they can enjoy the Kingdom of God and the abundance it has to offer.

You, also, can enjoy your marriage, because the same God is rich unto all, and He is no respecter of persons!

To effectively understand and walk in the covenant of marriage, you need to accept Jesus, Who designed the marriage institution, as your Lord and personal Saviour by saying this prayer: “Dear Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me of my sins and cleanse me with Your Blood. Deliver me from sin and satan to serve the living God. I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Make me a child of God today. Thank You for accepting me into Your Kingdom.”

If you prayed this simple prayer, 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).

Congratulations! You are now born again! All-round rest and peace are guaranteed you, in Jesus’ Name. Call or write, and share your testimonies with me through [email protected]; OR 07026385437 and 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).

A Promise For You From Bible Promises:

Topic: Do Not Be Afraid To Fail [04/04/2017]

Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD shall be a light unto me. Micah 7:8. Read: Mic 7:8-10

A man that has never failed has never tried anything and will remain a failure forever. Don’t be afraid to fail in life. In fact, failed attempt is better than no attempt at all. If you have ever tried doing something and failed, try again, keep trying until you break through. You are not a failure when you try once and fail, you only become a failure when you refuse to try again. You see in the race of life, to fail is inevitable, but you must encourage yourself not to quit trying. Prophet Micah in our text fell, instead of him to wallow in frustration, he told his enemy not to rejoice over him because he is determined to rise again and when he shall rise, shame shall cover them, thanks is the spirit you should have towards your goals in life. A righteous man will fall seven times and shall rise (if he is determined) again. God is not angry at you because you have failed ones or even more, He is angry because you fail to try again. Get up, dust yourself and take that step again. Take that exam again. Go for that interview again, success awaits you. In spite of Uzza’s death, David went back to bring the Ark God by doing the right thing. Gather yourself together and doing it again in the way.

#BiblePromisesPrayer
* In the name above all other names, as you go back to take that step, your testimony is sure

Topic: Wisdom to Reign in Life [Tuesday April 4, 2017]

Scripture: But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: 1 Peter 2:9

Thought For The Day: Mentality determines destiny; kings rule by mentality and not by size.
The eternal plan of God for mankind is that man should reign as king on the earth. This was confirmed at creation (Genesis 1:26-28).

Man was created to rule the universe, and even though man fell into sin, God has still not changed His mind about mankind.

There are three realms on earth where you are meant to reign as king:

1. You are meant to reign over spiritual and supernatural forces (Luke 10:19).

2. You are meant to reign by the release of potential and fulfilment of assignment (Deuteronomy 28:13).

3. You are meant to reign in the control and command of resources for the fulfilment of life’s vision (1 Timothy 6:17).

Wisdom is key to reigning in life. Wisdom is deployed by maintaining a correct mindset and by the awareness of who you are. Mentality determines destiny. That is why kings rule by mentality and not by size.

Beloved, live with the mentality and conviction that you are the joy of many generations, a role model, road pointer, history maker, world shaker and trail blazer. And as you move with this mentality, I see you rise to the top in Jesus’ Name.

Remember this: Mentality determines destiny; kings rule by mentality and not by size.

Assignments:

1. Demand for the grace of God to renew your mentality.

2. Live with the mentality of a king and a leader everyday of your life.

FOR FURTHER UNDERSTANDING, GET THIS MESSAGE: REIGNING AS KING BY WISDOM

Prayer: In the Name of Jesus, I confess and confirm that I am a king. I exist and operate as a king. LORD, help me to fulfil Your original plan for my life in Jesus’ Name.

Daily Reading: Deuteronomy 26:1 to 27:26, Luke 10:38 to 11:13, Psalm 76:1 to12, Proverbs 12:15 to 17

Quote: Your level of respect is anchored on your level of mentality. Culled from BE WISE AND RISE by Dr Paul Enenche.

Amazing Fact: Our eyes are always the same size from birth, but our nose and ears never stop growing.

Today In History: 04/04/1975 – Microsoft was founded as a partnership between Bill Gates and Paul Allen.

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: Never Despair! [Tuesday April 4, 2017]

Text: Job 30:1-14

Key Verse “They abhor me, they flee far from me, and spare not to spit in my face” (Job 30:10).

One of the noblest of human vocations is providing encouragement to others. It is easy to laugh at men’s ideals and pour cold water on their enthusiasm. But, Christians have a duty to encourage one another. Many a time, a word of praise or appreciation or cheer has kept a man on his feet. Today’s text begins with a melancholy: “But now…”.

This was Job, overwhelmed by sorrow resulting from a sudden fall into horror, into the valley of ridicule and derision from the height of honour and reputation. He was cast down and depressed. It is then clear that the best of saints like Job, have sometimes received the worst of injuries from the devil. Christians should therefore not think it strange when they go through trials because our Master (Jesus) enjoyed no immunity from it (1 Peter 4:12-16). Our duty towards others at such a time of despair is consolation and encouragement. However, in the case of Job, his best friends turned critical against him.

They added to his sorrow and complicated his problems by their miserable counsels! But, like David, he encouraged himself in the Lord and held on to his integrity. Prosperity and honour may fade away but a man of dignity with integrity holding onto Christ will rejoice in the end. Believers are admonished not to put their confidence in prosperity or be carried away by popular applause of men.

Those who cry hosanna today without Christ may tomorrow cry crucify him! You should not be cast down when you face trials or become an object of ridicule because of the gospel. Never give up. “If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small” (Proverbs 24:10). Whatever the degree of despair, learn never to submit to failure or to any negative situation.

Thought for the day: When down with nothing, God is up to something.

Bible Reading in one Year: Deuteronomy 4-6

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.