Topic: Be Of Good Cheer— Wednesday 11, October 2017.

Memorise: A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken. – Proverbs 15:13

Read: Matthew 14:23-27 (KJV)

23 And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.

24 But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.

25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.

26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.

27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.

Bible in One Year: 1 Corinthians 15-16, Daniel 5:13-28, Hymn: Sing Hymn 4 – Through The Love Of God Our Saviour

MESSAGE:

The message in today’s memory verse is food for thought for those children of God who think that being sorrowful or morose is a Christian virtue. A gloomy spirit is of the devil, who wants us to be in sorrow continually. In contrast to this, God wants all His children to be happy. The Holy Spirit in Isaiah 61:3 said that God gives joy to the sorrowful:

“To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.”

Coming up next: Open Heavens 12 October 2017: Thursday daily devotional by Pastor Adeboye – Obedient Children

The Lord Jesus Christ, who came to demonstrate the nature and the character of God, read the above scripture in a synagogue on a certain day, and He declared:

“This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.” – Luke 4:21b

By this declaration, as a child of God, you should not live in sorrow any more.

All through the course of Jesus’ earthly ministry, one statement that was common with Him was, “Be of good cheer”. In other words, “Have a merry heart”. He continually said this because He knew that a merry heart results in a smiling face and is like medicine to the body and soul (Proverbs 15:13, Proverbs 17:22). For example, John 16:33, Jesus told the disciples to be of good cheer because He had overcome the world. This means that, as children of God, we should not go about in life wearing a sorrowful face in self-pity – not even when we are confronted with the challenges of life. In the story of the man afflicted with the palsy, Jesus told him to be of good cheer because his sins were forgiven (Matthew 9:2). In other words, “Son, although your sins brought this sickness to your life, you are now forgiven, and you are made whole.” I prophesy to you today, irrespective of the agonising condition your past life has brought into your present, the Lord will redeem you today. You are forgiven by the power of the atonement of Jesus Christ, and you will be happy again in Jesus’ Name. In today’s Bible reading, the disciples were in the midst of the sea and its waves tossed them here and there. In the midst of palpable fear and despair, Jesus came to them and rebuked their faithlessness, before rebuking the destructive wind. He then encouraged them to be of good cheer. In like manner, the Lord is speaking to you today that you will not drown in that situation. Be cheerful because Emmanuel is with you. Your joy shall come, and it shall come in full measure in Jesus’ Name.

Prayer Point: Father, flood my heart with unspeakable joy today and for ever more.

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: Give Life All It Takes [Tuesday October 10, 2017]

What you put into anything particularly into life determines what you will get out of it.

Life will hold back its reward as long as you hold back your input.

Life answers to man in the proportion of man’s input into it.

Don’t hold back. Don’t hesitate.

Rewards of life are not particular to any.

It answers back to each person in the proportion of his input.

You cannot get anything out of life without putting something into it.

Whatever you get today is a dividend of what you put in yesterday.

Your world will not give to you what you demand but what you demand from your past input.

Topic: Faith Like A Child’s? [Tuesday 10, October 2017]

Memorise: “And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 18:3

Read: Matthew 18:1-6

1 At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?

2 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,

3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

5 And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.

6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.

Bible In One Year: Matthew 21-22. Hymn: Sing Hymn 12 – My Hope Is Build On Nothing Less

MESSAGE:

The child-like faith us what a person requires, not only to make it to Heaven but to also enjoy his days on the earth. What is then required of us is to pray for the kind of faith that is comparable with that of a child. The first thing about a little child is that he is very trusting. In my living room several years ago, there used to be a portrait of a little child looking so innocent with the inscription; “No Problem”.

Another characteristic trait of little children is that they forgive easily. Unlike teenagers and adults who keep malice, children forgive and forget the wrong done to them almost immediately after it is done. Children fulfil this biblical instruction freely. Children could be very generous with their things too except in unusual occasions. Without knowing the spiritual implication of their actions, children are tender hearted with their peers. This is exactly what God wants from us.

The instruction that comes from our Lord is simply saying that before we pray, we must forgive! I pray that you will find grace to forgive and be kind hearted in Jesus’ Name.

Prayer Point: Father, please help my faith and transform me to be able to forgive freely and be tender hearted in Jesus’ Name.

Open Heavens Daily Devotional for Teen’s 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.

Topic: How to Avoid Communication Breakdown (2)

Dear Reader,

Welcome to this exciting time in God’s presence. Last week, I started teaching on Understanding Communication as a foundation to be laid if you do not want your relationship to crumble. This week, I shall be looking at “Kinds of Communication.”

Communication can either be verbal or non-verbal. In verbal communication we are simply talking about passing across a piece of information using words while non-verbal involves the use of actions, facial expressions etc. The Bible says: Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the Lord is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed (1 Samuel 2:3). Beyond what comes out of your mouth; your actions speak louder too.

Mastering the art of verbal communication is a major secret of success in family life. In verbal communication, it is wise to mention at this juncture that in a bid to air their minds, some people can say just anything and at anytime. This shows a lack of discretion. Weigh your words carefully before saying them because words are as fragile as raw eggs, once broken they cannot be gathered.

Some men call their wives and children all types of terrible names – particularly out of anger. Some women in turn are experts at nagging. But that is an abuse of your tongue. God did not create the tongue to speak evil words, rather it is an instrument of edification. The reason many people abuse their tongues is that its purpose is not known and when purpose is not known abuse is inevitable! The Bible says: Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof (Proverbs 18:21). Also, Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth, thou art taken with the words of thy mouth (Proverbs 6:2).

Today, there are homes which are badly damaged and in big trouble because the tongue is not being controlled. They are victims of corrupt communication. But Ephesians 4:29 places the responsibility on us. It says: Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth… So, it is your duty to control what proceeds out of your mouth.

Also, in non-verbal communication, there is a way you express displeasure without uttering a word. There is an adage that says, “Action speaks louder than words.” Just by watching your spouse’s body language, you can tell when he/she is angry, sad, excited, etc. The longer you live together with someone, the more you are able to read his or her body language. That is non-verbal communication.

Remember, communication is not only vital for husbands and wives, but for all members of the family. Therefore, keep the communication lines open. Don’t allow the enemy to tamper with it.

If you desire effective communication in your home, the right place to begin from is a personal relationship with God, through Jesus Christ. If you want to start this relationship right now, you can say this prayer: “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.”

Congratulations, you are now born-again! If you prayed this simple prayer of faith with me, 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).

Pastor Faith Oyedepo is the wife of Bishop David Oyedepo, the founder of the Living Faith Church Worldwide a.k.a. Winners’ Chapel, and Senior Pastor of Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, Nigeria.

Topic: Live Free From Fear [Tuesday October 10, 2017]

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. – Psalm 91:1-3

Is it possible to live free from fear in this dangerous and unpredictable world? Yes, it most definitely is! Because protection is a solid promise of God.

But it’s not a promise that’s offered to just anyone. It is promised to those who abide in the Lord. To abide means “to dwell, to remain and to continue.” To abide in the shadow of the Almighty is to live in continual union with Him, keeping His Word and obeying His voice. Those who abide in the Lord can live without dread of what the devil will do.

Let me make this clear though—God’s promise of protection doesn’t guarantee that the devil will leave you alone! It means that God will give you a way of escape every time the devil rears his ugly face at you.

If you are afraid of the dangers around you, spend more time in the Word and in prayer until your trust in God overcomes your fear. Draw closer to the Lord until you are abiding in the shadow of the Almighty and—no matter how dangerous this world becomes—He shall surely deliver you.

Scripture Reading: Psalm 91:1-16

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: Satisfied by Righteousness [Tuesday October 10, 2017]

But my God shall supply all your needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. — Philippians 4:19

Man hungers for food, and God sends the sun and rain upon the golden fields of grain. The grain is made into flour, and flour into bread, and man’s physical hunger is satisfied. Man hungers for love; and God ignites the fire of affection in another heart, and two hearts are made complete in the bonds of holy matrimony.

Man hungers for knowledge, and God raises up institutions of learning, calls men to be instructors, puts it into the hearts of the rich to endow them; and men are satisfied in their thirst for knowledge. Man hungers for fellowship; and God allows him to build cities where men can share their industry, and their knowledge, and their skills.

Don’t tell me that God can supply man with an abundance of everything material and yet will let him starve spiritually! . . . God will satisfy the hunger and thirst of those who desire His righteousness because He loves the world with an undying affection.

Prayer for the day: You have abundantly supplied my greatest need, heavenly Father, for You have given me love.

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: Test The Gifts Of The Spirit – Tuesday October 10, 2017.

Luke 22:13 “And they went, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the passover.”

Text: Luke 22:13

When a true gift of the Spirit is in operation, things will always be as the Lord has said (an exception to this is if there are conditions to meet).

This is the ultimate test of whether or not someone’s words are God-inspired (Dt. 18:22).

We cannot be led by just our own feelings concerning the gifts of the Spirit.

In 1 Corinthians chapter 12, the apostle Paul gives us direction governing the use of spiritual gifts that must supersede any urge or leading that we feel.

The first test to apply to any gift of the Spirit is to ask, “Does it glorify Jesus?” That’s the point Paul is making. The Holy Spirit will never lead anyone to defame Jesus in any way. Jesus made it very clear that the Holy Spirit would only glorify Him. Any utterance or act that denies Jesus is not from the Holy Spirit.

In Paul’s day, there was a transition being made from Judaism to Christianity. Some Jews were teaching that keeping the Old Testament law could produce salvation. They violently opposed Paul’s teaching, that faith alone in Jesus could produce salvation. Paul considered any utterance like this as calling Jesus accursed and it definitely would not be from the Holy Spirit.

Also, the pagan religions of Paul’s day believed in many gods. Anyone who tried to make Jesus just another god or “a” way to God instead of “the” way to God would be calling Him accursed. The Holy Spirit would never inspire anyone to do this. Those who are truly moved by the Holy Spirit in their utterances will always glorify Jesus.

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: The Secret of Revelation [Tuesday October 10, 2017]

Scripture: Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Psalm 119:105

Thought For The Day: Revelation is the secret of elevation; information is the secret of promotion.

Yesterday, we learnt that a man of knowledge is a man of strength. Knowledge imparts strength to phase out opposition; it resists oppression and gives strength to win battles. Revelation is the secret of elevation; information is the secret of promotion.

For example, when a doctor in a teaching hospital walks with audacity and about four or five doctors are running behind him, he is either a consultant surgeon, consultant gynaecologist, or a highly respected professor in his field. It is his knowledge that gives him that kind of audacity.

When a person lives without information or revelation, he gives up on God easily. But as long as there is one more revelation, there is always hope (Ecclesiastes 9:4).

Furthermore, it is worthy of note that when you get revelation from the Word of God or information concerning your career, your entitlements and possibilities become clear to you. This causes the upsurge of aggressive spirit which gives you the audacity to confront the kingdom of darkness and the outcome is restoration.

Beloved, increase your knowledge base to avoid stagnation in life. If you do not want to move in this world with timidity, left behind others, be knowledgeable about God and about what you do.

Remember This: Revelation is the secret of elevation; information is the secret of promotion.

Assignments:

1. Be knowledgeable about the Word of God and in your career.

2. Fight ignorance on a daily basis by reading the Word of God and other materials relevant to your field of endeavour.

Prayer: O LORD, open my eyes to the revelation that will transform my life and push me into fulfilment in life and destiny in Jesus’ Name.

FOR FURTHER UNDERSTANDING, GET THIS MESSAGE: THE MIGHT OF LIGHT

Quote: Where you are now is where your knowledge has permitted you to be! Culled from GO IN THIS THY MIGHT by Dr Paul Enenche

Daily Reading: Jeremiah 14:11 to 16:15, 1 Thessalonians 2:9 to 3:13, Psalm 80:1 to 19, Proverbs 25:1 to 5.

Today In History: 10/10/1845 – Naval School (now called US Naval Academy) opened at Annapolis.

Amazing Fact: A strawberry is not actually a berry, but a banana is.

Don’t Forget To Attend: The Power Communion Services tomorrow by 4:45pm and 6:30pm for the preservation of your life and destiny. 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.