Today’s Scripture: “For we who have believed do enter that rest…” – (Hebrews 4:3, NKJV)

Topic: Enter His Rest [Monday February 27, 2017]

God promises that there are set times in our future, but He doesn’t tell us when they will be. Your set time may be tomorrow morning at 9:47. You’ll get the phone call you’ve been waiting for. Your set time may be two years from now. You’ll get a good break and that will thrust you to a new level. My question is, “Do you trust God enough to believe that your set times are coming?” Are you willing to wait with a good attitude? Are you willing to get a new perspective?

Remember, that set time is already in your future. Don’t let the negative thoughts talk you out of it. The way you know that you’re really believing is that you have rest on the inside. You’re at peace. You know the answer is on the way. You trust that God is working things out. Today put your faith and trust in Him and enter into rest. Know that He is good, and He is for you! Your set time of favor is on the way!

A Prayer for Today: “Father, today I choose to enter into rest. I choose to trust You. I choose to put my faith and hope in You knowing that You are good and that You have good things in store for my future in Jesus’ name! Amen.”

A Promise For You From Bible Promises:

Topic: It’s Not Your Name [27/02/2017]

And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory: and thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the LORD shall name. Isaiah 62:2. Read: Isa 62:1-4

When you go through the Bible, you discover that there are many people who their names are known and mentioned. There are other people who were simply recognized and mentioned by their problems. Their problems took and overshadowed their names. The Bible never made mention of their names but their problems. Their problems made them popular. Many lives have been stigmatized. In 2 Ki 5:1-14, the Bible talks about general Naaman who was a great man of Valor, but he was a leper. He was not supposed to live where men live but in an isolated place, but because of his importance, the king of Syria could not isolate him. The woman with the issue of blood is known by her problem, the Bible never mentioned her name. She was healed by Jesus Christ, her name was still not mentioned. Mk 5:25-34

Have you been answering that name because of your problem? Have they nicknamed you by your problem? Stop answering it because it’s not your name. God said He will give you a new name. ‘But’ is a stigma and God will remove every ‘BUT’ in your life in Jesus name. God has changed your name from failure to success in Jesus name. From today, begin to answer the new name God has given you – Hephzibah.

#BiblePromisesPrayer

* Father, thank you for changing my name from sorrow to Joy, barreness to fruitfulness, from trouble to peace in Jesus name.

Topic: How to Access Your Part [Monday February 27, 2017]

Pant for God to access your part in God.

You cannot become a part of God until you pant for Him.

David’s panting heart for God was what upgraded his status from just been a king to a priest and a prophet.

You can use your panting for God to enhance your part from God

Matt. 5:6, Phil. 3:10

It is those who long for God that will go long in accessing His treasures.

Your yearning for God is what determines your earnings from God.

It is as men desire more of God that they deserve more from God

Topic: Fellowship with the Lord [Monday February 27, 2017]

Then you will seek Me, inquire for, and require Me [as a vital necessity] and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. — Jeremiah 29:13

No matter how many principles and formulas you and I learn, we will never have lasting victory in our Christian life without spending time in personal, private fellowship with the Lord. The victory is not in methods; it is in God. If we are to live victoriously, we are going to have to look beyond ways to eliminate our problems and find the Lord in the midst of our problems.

The good news is that when we set aside time with God, He meets with us. We can be grateful, knowing that when we seek Him, we will find Him. God has a personalized plan for each of us, a plan that will lead us to victory. That is why principles, formulas, and methods are not the ultimate answer, because they do not allow for the individual differences in people. As good as all these things may be as general guidelines, they are not substitutes for personal fellowship with the Living God.

Prayer of Thanks: Thank You, Father, that I can meet with You at any time of the day or night. You’re always here for me and You desire to spend time with me. Your Word says that when I seek You, I will find You. So help me, Lord, to find You in every part of my life today.

Topic: Sincerity [Monday 27, February 2017]

Memorise: In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, – Titus 2:7

Read: 2 Corinthians 2:14-17 (KJV)

14 Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.

15 For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish:

16 To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?

17 For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.

Bible in One Year: Genesis 24, Isaiah 46

MESSAGE:

Insincerity is one of the greatest reasons behind the downfall of many believers today. Some people claim to love God, but the kind of fruit they manifest makes people question the genuineness of their salvation. Loving God is not just by words, it must reflect in all that we do and in our approach to life. The moment we are saved, we should no longer walk as those who are heading for eternal damnation. The word of God must be obeyed in its entirety. There are believers today who cherry-pick the aspects of the Bible they want to obey. This should not be so! After we are saved, it is expected of us to immediately renounce all the hidden things of dishonesty (2 Corinthians 4:2). We cannot afford to be careless in our Christian walk, because we have an adversary (1 Peter 5:8). To be able to stand against the wiles of the devil, we must be sincere with ourselves. One of the things that gave David victory over Goliath was his sincerity. Although King Saul offered David his armour, David was sincere enough to admit that he had never tried that approach (1 Samuel 17:38-39). His sincerity made him stick to his familiar strategy of using smooth stones and a catapult, rather than wasting his time on an untested line of attack that would not produce results.

Today, there are many ministers of the gospel who have abandoned the true gospel for a social message. They believe that people are not interested in hearing the truth. This is false! Some believe that if they preach the true gospel to people, they will find it very hard and most will turn away, hence, they water down their messages. Such ministers need to learn from Jesus (John 6:60-67). If Samson had been sincere with himself, he would not have died the kind of death he died (Judges 16:21-30). The devil had tested Samson several times and had found out that he had no wisdom. Samson knew he had a weakness for women, but he refused to admit it. He felt things would always remain as they were (Judges 16:20). If he was sincere, he would have built a wall of defence between himself and his weaknesses. He kept a relationship he knew God did not approve of. He kept visiting places he should not visit, just like some Christians today who visit bars; even though they know ungodly things happen there. Are you finding it difficult to stop stealing, yet you still join others in counting offering money? Are you finding it difficult to keep your eyes off your female secretary, despite speaking in tongues, and yet you have not eased her out? Are you competing with the grace of God in other people’s lives, despite the fact that God has told you your own area of strength? If any of these describes you, then you are not being sincere with yourself!

Prayer Point: Father, grant me the grace to sincerely deal with every weakness in my life.

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.

It can be very uncomfortable – even agitating – to get dressed, looking all smart and appealing, only for something as little as sweat under your arms to ruin it all. There is something unarguably embarrassing about having the underarm of your dress, blouse or shirt drenched in sweat, and it gets worse if it’s the only sweat-stained part of your clothing. Asides this, there is also the unpleasant odour resulting from such underarm sweating to deal with. It could all be a frustrating experience indeed.

Jumia Travel shares 8 ways to help you deal with sweaty armpits and avoid such uncomfortable situations.

Use the Appropriate Product for Your Problem

You can’t stop your body from perspiring because if your body stopped excreting sweat and toxins through the skin, you would die. You thus can only manage and try to control your bodily perspiration. One of the ways to do this is to use deodorants and topical anti-perspirants. Deodorants do little or nothing to stop underarm sweating; but they help to mask the odour. Deodorants that use gentle and natural ingredients will work well.

To avoid sweat stains, you can use commercial anti-perspirants that use aluminum chloride hexahydrate. They are effective in controlling the amount of sweat your armpits produce. Also, consider seeing a dermatologist to discuss possible prescription anti-perspirant products that can be advised for your use.

NOTE: It is important you apply these products properly for them to be effective. Deodorants or anti-perspirants should be applied to clean underarms, not already sweaty ones. It is best to apply these products first thing in the morning after your bath, and any other time after bathing. Always wash your underarms with clean water and soap (be thorough about it and dab with a towel until dry), then apply a thin layer of anti-perspirant or deodorant to your dry underarms. If you can’t wash your underarm with soap and water, alternate the use of a wet and dry cloth to clean your underarm until it’s dry.

Use Natural Remedies

Though there are all-natural commercial deodorants and anti-perspirant products at your disposal, you can create your own natural ones. One of such natural remedies is to mix equal parts of baking soda and water to create a paste. Apply the paste on both of armpits and let it sit for 20 – 30 minutes, before rinsing off the mixture.

Another remedy to consider is using apple vinegar, or other malt vinegar, on your armpits to neutralize the armpit’s natural odour-causing bacteria. This helps to create a drying effect in your underarm, which helps you sweat less and stay dry. A mixture of lemon juice and tomato pulp can also be considered. You mix them together until a paste is formed, then you apply the paste in your underarms and allow to sit for 15 minutes.

Practice Good Hygiene

Asides using products and remedies, managing and controlling underarm sweating require the practice of good body hygiene to aid the effectiveness of such products and remedies. It is important to shower regularly to keep your body clean and dry. You should shower your body, or at least your underarms, once or twice a day. If you are someone who remained active throughout the day, it is advisable to add to your morning shower and shower before bed so you can wash off the sweat produced during the day’s activities.

You should also shave your armpit hair regularly. This will help to prevent sweat from collecting in your armpits which helps to make sweat stains less pronounced and odours less prevalent. In addition, you should try to wash your shirts and dresses after every use or as often as possible. This will greatly help those dealing with underarm body odor. Washing your shirts and dresses often will keep bacteria from building over time and acting on the dried sweat to produce unpleasant odours.

Let Your Body Cool Down Before You Put Clothes On

It is important to let your body cool down before you put clothes on, if not you may immediately start sweating. Even after you have just had a bath, you should learn to relax and let your body cool down before you put on clothes. Regardless of where you are rushing to, remember that it is better to take a few seconds to calm yourself down than skip that step and rush to your destination with an unsightly underarm sweat stain.

Be Selective About Your Clothing

Go for clothing made of natural, more breathable fabrics like cotton, wool, hemp, silk or linen, because of their looser weaves. The fibers of these fabrics help to absorb moisture well, make it possible for accumulated moisture to evaporate easily and are less inclined to trap heat and make your body sweaty. Some man-made fabrics like banbook, lyocell, modal and some microfiber fabrics can be considered because they function similarly to natural fabrics.

Consider Changing Your Clothes Often

You can also consider changing your clothes often, or avoid wearing the clothes you intend to use for an outing around the house. You can keep a change of clothing handy from time to time.

Layer Your Clothes

You can consider layering your clothes so sweat won’t come through to your outer cloth easily. It is important to choose the right clothing material for this. Breathable fabrics are the best choice. You should also keep these inner wears washed and cleaned regularly to avoid unpleasant odours.

Manage Stress and Anxiety

Stress and anxiety tend to lead to excessive sweating and effusive underarm sweating. Practicing relaxation techniques, deep breathing and meditation exercises can help produce the calming effect needed to manage this situation.

By Damilola Ojo
08101556883

Topic: Family Government (4)

Dear Reader,

It has been a most exciting time thus far this month, examining some very fundamental and most vital issues that relate to Family Government. I am sure you have benefitted a lot from the issues discussed thus far.

In this concluding part of the teaching, we will examine the aspect of CHILD TRAINING. Why this aspect? Because children constitute immediate members of the family government after the parents.

Both the man and the woman have a joint responsibility to perform in training the children. They both have different roles to play in the family government, in order to ensure lasting success and excitement in the family. Just as it took both the man and the woman to bring about the birth of the child, so also, are they expected to nurture them together.

God’s Word says: Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate (Psalm 127:3-5). Children as members of the family government are additional blessings from God, Himself, sent to spice up the family.  Children are sent to add colour and meaning to your family government.

Can you imagine a nation having a president, governors, ministers, commissioners but no people to oversee? There will not be much governing to do. This case can be likened to the blessings of having children in the family. They are rewards and “arrows” (Verse 4). An arrow is a lethal fighting weapon that is used for various purposes. Children in the hands of God can be likened to such lethal weapon that can be used to destroy the works of the devil. They are blessings from God that are invaluable (Verse 5).

Therefore, you have a responsibility to prepare them the way skilled craftsmen fashion arrows at the blacksmith’s workshop. You have to carefully and patiently groom them to become arrows as faithful and responsible adults in the area of business, education, legislature and gospel promotion.

Daniel was not a preacher, but a politician; yet, he was righteous and upheld the name of Jehovah (Daniel 5:11-12).  Joseph was a prime minister who also upheld integrity (Genesis 39:8-9, Genesis 41:38-41). Other examples include Samuel (1 Samuel 3:19) and Timothy as a Bishop (1 Timothy 4:14). These are some examples of men who were brought up in homes where God’s laws were taught, thereby fashioning them to become arrows in God’s hands.

Two major tools for training your child are LOVE and CONTROL. These two are of equal importance. You cannot control a child you do not love, and you cannot effectively love a child you do not control. You need 100% of both in training your children.

God’s Word says: But Jesus called them to Him and said, let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God (Luke 18:16).  Also, Mark 10:16 says: And he took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them”. These are practical examples of how to demonstrate love to your children. It summarily involves you developing a mutual and trustworthy relationship with them.  Always demonstrate love to them in your actions and words, and when teaching, training or disciplining them.

Children are very sensitive; so, if your actions and words do not portray that you love them, they will doubt you even if you say so. Treat them respectfully and not as inferiors. Remember, they are very important members of the family government too! Never be too proud to say, “I’m sorry” to your child when you make a mistake.  Don’t tell them to do what you won’t do yourself. Allow them learn by examples; children learn faster this way. Remember, children need love, especially when they don’t deserve it.

Control on the other hand, means to have authority and power in order to direct, manage and rule. Love without control will lead to destruction (1 Samuel 2:22, 29). Children should be taught early in life, how to submit to higher authorities. Exercising control in training your child should be done with patience, using yourself as an example for the child to follow.

Having read this teaching, it is important for you to accept the author of every family government by confessing Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour. God wants the best for your family and He can turn your home around for the better, if you let Him. Accepting Him will open you up to His help. If you are ready for this, please say 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], [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).

Topic: Miracles and the Glory of God [Monday February 27, 2017]

Scripture: This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him. – John 2:11

Thought For The Day: Shame cannot exist in the presence of glory.

It is confirmed from the Bible that miracles are the manifestations of God’s glory. Whenever God wants to show forth His glory, He manifests signs and wonders in the lives of men.

In other words, the scarcity of His glory is the reason for the shortage of miracles. Anywhere the glory is scarce, miracles are scarce. The cry for miracles will never be answered until the passion for the manifestation of God’s glory is on ground.
If we must escalate to a higher dimension and greater quality of miracles, then, we must connect to greater dimensions of His glory.

People who are interested in manifesting God’s Glory do not beg for miracles. Glory is the main product while miracles are the by-products. It is the density of God’s personality that sponsors miracle.

The miracle in Cana of Galilee took place because Jesus was invited to the wedding that took place there.  In that wedding, as they sat down with Jesus, they sat down with glory and shame cannot be found where glory is available; shame cannot exist in the presence of glory.

Remember this: Shame cannot exist in the presence of glory.

Assignments:

1. Pursue the Glory of God by engaging in intensive worship, prayer and Bible study.

2. Avoid the lifestyle of sin.

FOR FURTHER UNDERSTANDING, GET THIS MESSAGE: THE MIRACLE AND THE GLORY.

Prayer: O LORD, cover my life with Your Presence. Let Your Glory be seen in my life, LORD, in Jesus’ Name.

Daily Reading: Leviticus 20:22 to 22:16, Mark 9:1 to 29, Psalm 43:1 to 5, Proverbs 10:18.

Amazing Fact: Windmills always turn counter-clockwise, except for the windmills in Ireland.

Quote: When a person carries the nature and image of the devil in the likeness of bitterness, satan can lay claim on the life of such an individual. Culled from AM I BITTER? by Dr (Mrs) Becky Enenche.

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.