Topic: God Has a Great Plan Just for You! [Monday October 23, 2017]

I write to you, fathers, because you have come to know (recognize, be conscious of, and understand) Him Who [has existed] from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong and vigorous, and the Word of God is [always] abiding in you (in your hearts), and you have been victorious over the wicked one. — 1 John 2:14

We need to refrain from comparing ourselves to anyone else, because God doesn’t want us to be frustrated and feel unworthy of the blessings He desires to give us.

Comparing our lives with other people’s lives is unfair—to them and to us. It’s unfair to them because if we become jealous of what they have, what they know, how they look, etc., we start to resent them. Then we can no longer appreciate them as the wonderful people God made them to be.

It’s unfair to us because it limits God’s plan for our lives. Comparison says to God, “I want to limit Your work in my life to this and nothing else. I just want to be like this other person.”

But God has an individual plan for each of us. His plan for you is greater than you could possibly imagine. Stop looking at His plans for others so you can walk in the plans He has for you and receive the blessings they bring.

Prayer Starter: Holy Spirit, help me to examine my heart honestly and expose any jealousy, resentment or frustration in me that has developed from comparing myself to others. I want to be all You want me to be and live the life You have for me.

From Joyce Meyer’s Ministries

Topic: His Thoughts Towards You — Monday 23, October 2017.

Memorise: For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD – Isaiah 55:8

Read: Isaiah 55:8-13 (KJV)

8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.

9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

10 For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:

11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

12 For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.

13 Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the LORD for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.

Bible in One Year: 2 Thessalonians 1-3, 1 Timothy 1-2, Daniel 11:20-35, Hymn: Sing Hymn 4 – Through The Love Of God Our Saviour

MESSAGE:

The Almighty God has special and specific promises for His children. These promises are great and their operation is not dependent on the condition of the economy of the nations where His children are located. When the Lord says, “It is well with you”, He is not saying this because of the things around you. He is saying so because of the things He is capable of doing. You can therefore rest assured, because there is no impossibility with Him. His thoughts and promises towards you are great and perfect, but there are keys required to unlock them. One of such keys is found in Psalm 37:37:

“Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace.”

Coming up next: Open Heavens 24 October 2017: Tuesday daily devotional by Pastor Adeboye – There Is Hope For You

Righteousness is the key that ensures the enjoyment of God’s blessings in this world. The economy may be hard against other people of the land, but in the midst of the instability, God is saying it shall be well with the righteous. Isaiah 3:10 says,

“Say ye to the righteous, that it shall be well with him: for they shall eat the fruit of their doings.”

The Almighty God knows how to make you experience peace in the midst of crisis. He knows how to lift you up when others are being cast down. He knows how to settle you while others are lamenting. This is because His thoughts towards you are not a function of the economic indices of your country. In hard times, there are lots of compromises made in business and also in practical Christian living, but the eyes of the Lord are fixed on us all the time, and He is waiting to reward us according to our works. We must ensure that our stand for God does not change even in hard economic times. We must remain righteous in season and out of season. Others may compromise righteousness for the sake of gain, but you must remember the promises of God concerning your life. If Joseph had compromised his stand when the wife of his boss seductively approached him, he would not have emerged a deliverer in Egypt. There are those who put their trust in men and connections, but those who understand the greatness of God will follow God’s rules for their lives, because they know they cannot get anything better than what God has in store for them. No matter what and who they have access to, the righteous do not trust in themselves or man. Their trust is in the Name of the Lord. Everything that the branch needs is supplied by the Vine. The Vine has the roots that bring all the water and nourishment that the branch needs. This is why Philippians 4:19 says,

“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

Therefore, trust in God’s promise and hold on to Him tenaciously. He will not fail.

Key Point: Those who follow God are always partakers of good things.

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: Where Is Your Trust? — Monday October 23, 2017.

Text: Jeremiah 17:1-11

Key Verse: “Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD” (Jeremiah 17:5).

The most difficult people to convince about Christ are those who are set in their own ways. They see no need for God or for a change of ways. And they reject all rebuke and correction. They are like the people of Judah, who though suffered greatly for their sins, would not recognise that the calamities were God’s acts of discipline to restore them to His covenant.

Today, God is constantly searching the hearts of men. He tests and examines the deepest feelings and motives of men in order to determine what we love the most. In the case of Judah, God found that they had become so obsessed with materialism that those who possessed wealth did everything to maintain it to the utter neglect of the poor. So, to correct that anomaly, God proclaimed that the unjustly acquired riches of the greedy would soon be taken away, and eventually He would strike them with poverty and send them into captivity.

God reminded them that it was futile to think they could trust in themselves or be in alliance with another nation to deliver themselves from imminent danger. The present world is in a similar danger. The only solution is to truly return to God. Always put your trust in God in all situations. To survive in trying times, you must be like a tree in dry area that sends its roots far into the ground for water.

You must have deep faith in the Lord. When times of great turmoil come, the faithful will drink from the riches of God’s care for them.

Thought for the day: Material pursuits at the expense of God and His Kingdom are rottenness in the making.

Bible Reading in one Year: 2 Kings 24-25

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: A Lifting Up Through Prayer [Monday October 23, 2017]

Scripture: Go gather all the Jews that are present in Shushan and fast ye for me and neither eat nor drink three days night or day, I also and my maiden will fast likewise thus will I go in unto the king which is not according to the law and if I perish I perish. Esther 4:16

Thought For The Day: When you pray, obstacles of life are moved to a yonder position.

It has been established that prayer is a lifting force. It is a lifter of men. Prayer is what changes the lives of men and women of prayer. Your prayer is what changes your situation.

From our anchor scripture, we see that Haman set up machinery for the elimination of the Jewish race, but Queen Esther declared a three-day fasting and prayer for all the Jews. As a result of the prayer, Haman’s plot was not only reversed but he was hanged on the same gallows he prepared for Mordecai, the Jew.

Apart from terminating the plot of the enemy, another benefit of prayer is the moving of mountains (Matthew 17:20). When you pray, obstacles of life are moved to a yonder position.

Now, how do embark on result-oriented prayer?

1. Identify the problem

When you engage in prayer, God opens your eyes to identify the problem or hindrance of your life. So, in prayer, identify the problem.

2. Identify the relevant Word.

After identifying the problem at the place of prayer, also identify the relevant Word of God from the scripture that speaks about your situation.

For instance, when you identify your need for a child at the place of prayer, identify the scripture that addresses such a problem and address the problem at the place of prayer using the scripture.

Beloved, I counsel you to live a prayerful life. God is set to dissolve every obstacle of your life through prayer. Therefore, make up your mind to cultivate a persistent prayer life.

Remember This: When you pray, obstacles of life are moved to a yonder position.

Assignments:

1. Endeavour to cultivate a consistent and persistent prayer life.

2. Resist the temptation to live a prayer-less life.

Prayer:
O LORD, I ask that You give me the grace to pray continually in Jesus’ Name.

FOR FURTHER UNDERSTANDING, GET THIS MESSAGE: THERE IS A LIFTING UP THROUGH PRAYER (1)

Daily Reading: Jeremiah 42:1 to 44:23, 2 Timothy 2:1 to 21, Psalm 92:1 to 93:5, Proverbs 26:3 to 5.

Quote: To get to the top, you must give priority to your relationship with God. Culled from 30 SECRETS TO THE TOP by Dr Paul Enenche.

Amazing Fact: The Nile River is the longest river in the world.

Today In History: 23/10/1707 – The first Parliament of Great Britain met.

Don’t Forget To Attend: The Healing and Deliverance Service tomorrow by 9:30am. Invite your friends and loved ones.

Dunamis International Gospel Centre (DIGC), is a powerfully anointed church, headquartered at Abuja, Nigeria, with Dr Paul and 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: Brother to Brother — Monday October 23, 2017.

Read: Genesis 33:1–11, Bible in a Year: Jeremiah 1–2; 1 Timothy 3

A new command I give you: Love one another. John 13:34

My brother and I, less than a year apart in age, were quite “competitive” growing up (translation: we fought!). Dad understood. He had brothers. Mom? Not so much.

Our story could have fit in the book of Genesis, which might well be subtitled A Brief History of Sibling Rivalry. Cain and Abel (Gen. 4); Isaac and Ishmael (21:8–10); Joseph and everyone not named Benjamin (ch. 37). But for brother-to-brother animosity, it’s hard to beat Jacob and Esau.

Esau’s twin brother had cheated him twice, so he wanted to kill Jacob (27:41). Decades later Jacob and Esau would reconcile (ch. 33). But the rivalry continued on in their descendants, who became the nations of Edom and Israel. When the people of Israel prepared to enter the Promised Land, Edom met them with threats and an army (Num. 20:14–21). Much later, as Jerusalem’s citizens fled invading forces, Edom slaughtered the refugees (Obad. 1:10–14).

Happily for us, the Bible contains not just the sad account of our brokenness but the story of God’s redemption as well. Jesus changed everything, telling His disciples, “A new command I give you: Love one another” (John 13:34). Then He showed us what that means by dying for us.

As my brother and I got older, we became close. That’s the thing with God. When we respond to the forgiveness He offers, His grace can transform our sibling rivalries into brotherly love.

Prayer: Lord, we invite You to transform our relationships with Your healing love.

Sibling rivalry is natural. God’s love is supernatural.

This message was written By Tim Gustafson [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]

Topic — Samarkadaland: Sweet Uses Of Adversity……….. [Monday, October 23, 2017]

Basic Scripture: Romans 8:24-39

William Shakespeare wrote in his popular novel, “As you like it” that “Sweet are the uses of adversity which like the toad, ugly and venomous, wear yet a precious jewel in its head. And  this is our life, exempt from public haunt, find tongues I  trees, books in running brooks, sermons in stones and good in everything. I would not change it.”

I remember vividly those years ago, a terrible thing happened at the launching or the public presentation of Wole Soyinka’s new book, a collection of latest poems titled “SAMAKALAND And Other Markets I Have Known.” The National Electricity Board struck just as the proceedings of the day began. The venue, which was the Banquet Hall of the National Theatre, was thrown into constant darkness, with no working generator. The occasion had to be removed under a high tree inside the theatre.

There, under the direct supervision of the elements of the nature, the gentle breeze and green lawn grass, the ceremony ended as a huge success. Of note was that the tree under which the ceremony was finished, was named “SAMARKALAND”, by the General Manager of the National Art Theatre, the then Professor Osifisan who was present and that name has since been pasted on the tree as a tourist attraction for generations.

Though is just a common tree, truly, sweet indeed are the uses of adversity. The Bible calls you a tree of righteousness – (Isaiah 61:3). What are you going through right now? God will turn it for your good – (Roman 8:28), because man’s adversity is always God’s opportunity! If you trust God, like this tree named “SAMARKALAND” after the international work of the a NOBLE PRIZE WINNER, your life and ministry will be a tourist attraction because in life, a bent in the road is not the end of the road … unless you fail to make the turn.

And we have no right to ask when sorrow comes, “Why did this happen to me?” unless we ask the same question for every moment of happiness that comes our way. I once heard Walt Disney say: “You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you.” Yes indeed, sweet are the uses of adversity! Hold on! Trust God! You will NEVER end up in shame!

Prayer Points: Take your best worship song to God.

1. Lord, turn every plan to turn my trials into shame!

2. Lord, turn every disappointment this year so far, to divine appointment. Declare many times: “I am a tree. By the grace of God, my leaves shall not wither and my roots shall not dry up in Jesus name! Pray about today!

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 Righteousness Conscious — Monday October 22, 2017.

“For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” (2 Corinthians 5:21 KJV)

Beloved, there are revelations in the scripture that you must establish yourself in. A key one is to be established in the consciousness of your righteousness because if you are not, you will be regular in church yet the devil will make a minced meat out of you. He can jump on your mind and your pocket and handle it the way he wants and yet you will be claiming you are a Christian. I know we have looked at this before, but it bears repetition. I would to God you will become one with this truth.

To be established is to be founded in something. If you write your name in the sand at the beach for example the waves will wash it away. But if you write it on concrete it cannot be washed away. Most Christians are writing their confidence on sand and when the waves of life come it is carried away. That is why you must be rooted, fixed and set like concrete in the word. It is a position you must settle in by making a permanent, once and for all decision.

Righteousness is the right image of the believer and that is what the devil attacked in the Garden of Eden. The devil wants you to be ruled by your circumstances but God wants you to ride over those circumstances. God wants you to take charge of your situation. As long as you understand that you are created in the image of God you will function like God. It is your understanding of your righteousness that makes you stand out. You can be in the storm and yet the storm is not in you.

The enemy wants to destroy your understanding of righteousness so that you begin to think that you have to do right to be righteous. That is taking it backwards! You become righteous simply by receiving it as a gift. You receive it by accepting that what Jesus Christ did on the cross has made you right. By your own strength you cannot do right.

Further Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:34, Romans 10:3-13

Daily Bible Reading: Morning- Jeremiah 1-2; Evening- 1 Timothy 3

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: Choose Life [Monday October 23, 2017]

For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. – Romans 8:6

If you were given the choice between life and death, which would you choose? The answer seems obvious. But, in reality, it’s not.

You see, choosing death doesn’t necessarily mean jumping from the nearest cliff. It’s much more subtle than that.

The Bible says death is being carnally minded, being entangled in this present worldly realm. The Bible also tells us what life is. “My son, attend to my words,” says Proverbs 4:20-22, “…for they are life!”

To be worldly minded is death. To be Word-minded is life.

In Luke 10, there’s a story that illustrates this principle extremely well. It’s the story of Mary and Martha. You probably remember it. Mary was sitting at Jesus’ feet listening to Him teach while Martha was bustling around in the kitchen cooking dinner for everyone.

Finally Martha couldn’t stand it anymore. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, don’t You care that my sister has left me to do all the work myself? Tell her to help me!” Jesus answered, “Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: but one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:41-42).

Mary had set everything else aside, so she could hear the Word. But Martha had let the seemingly important business of living take priority over the Word. She’d chosen death, not life.

You see how easy it is to slip into that?

“But Brother Copeland,” you say, “if I didn’t spend all my time taking care of the business of living, my life would fall apart!”

Oh, really? Martha probably thought that too. She probably thought if she didn’t cook dinner for all those folks, they’d go hungry. But they wouldn’t have. Jesus had miraculously fed multitudes before and He could have done it again in Martha’s home. She could have plopped herself down at Jesus’ feet, and they could have had a banquet at God’s expense!

Don’t make the mistake that Martha did. Don’t get so entangled in the business of living that you choose death by default. Decide to put the Word first place. Choose Life!

Scripture Reading: Romans 8:5-13

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: Where Is Heaven? [Monday October 23, 2017]

I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me. — Luke 22:29

Many people have asked, “Where is heaven?” We are not told in the Scripture where heaven is. Some students have tried to take some Scriptures and put them together and say that heaven is in the north. They quote Psalm 48:2, “The joy of the whole earth is . . . on the sides of the north . . . ” The magnetic needle points north. Perhaps the Celestial City is in the north. We do not know. But no matter where heaven is, it will be where Christ is.

Many people ask, “Do you believe that heaven is a literal place?” Yes! Jesus said, “I go to prepare a place for you.” The Bible teaches that Enoch and Elijah ascended in a literal body to a literal place that is just as real as Los Angeles, London, or Algiers! The Bible also teaches that heaven will be a place of beauty. It is described in the Bible as “a building of God”-“a city”-“a better country”-“an inheritance”-“a glory.”

The Bible also indicates that heaven will be a place of great understanding and knowledge of things that we never learned down here.

Prayer for the day: Living Lord Jesus, the knowledge that You have prepared a place for me in heaven brings comfort and delight to my soul!

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.