Topic: Unity of Faith [Thursday September 21, 2017]

And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ. – Ephesians 4:11-13

Till we all come in the unity of the faith. What this scripture means is simply this: If we’re ever going to become truly powerful in the kingdom of God, if we’re ever going to be any great threat to the devil, we’re going to have to grow up—together.

It won’t be enough for just a few of us to grow up on our own and say, “Too bad” about everyone else. It doesn’t work that way. We’re a part of each other. The Bible calls us one body…the Body of Christ.

Let me give you an example. When I began teaching God’s revelation on the laws of prosperity, I started getting an amazing amount of flack. Preachers started calling me and chewing me out because I wouldn’t borrow money and things like that. Finally God said to me one day in prayer, Don’t teach on the laws of prosperity anymore until I tell you to.

“Why not?” I asked.

There’s strife in the camp, He told me. Other preachers are mad at you and in strife over it.

I didn’t realize then that the level where we stopped would affect us all. I didn’t realize that even I wouldn’t be able to go on and operate in the additional laws of prosperity until the rest of the Body would go with me.

We’re not islands unto ourselves. I can’t do anything without affecting you. You can’t do anything without affecting me. We’re joined together by God but held together by one another (Ephesians 4:16). We can only grow up…together!

Learn to walk in love. Refuse to fall prey to division and isolation. Feed on the Word daily and encourage your brothers and sisters by feeding it to them too, so we can all grow up to be “a perfect [or mature] man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.”

Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:13-28

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: The Mysteries of God [Thursday September 21, 2017]

Since earliest times men have seen the earth and sky and all God made, and have known of his existence and great eternal power . . . — Romans 1:20 (TLB)

If you try to rationalize God exhaustively, you will fail. There are mysteries about God that we will never understand in this life. How can the small and finite, limited to time and space, understand an infinite God! We should not think it strange that it is impossible to explain many mysteries in the realm of matter.

Who can explain why objects are always attracted to the center of the earth? Who can fathom the law of gravity? Newton discovered it, but he could not explain it. Who can explain the miracle of reproduction? . . . Thus many evidences and many arguments could be advanced to indicate there is a God.

Yet the plain truth is this: God cannot be proved by mere rationalization. He cannot be contained in a tiny man-made test tube or confined to an algebraic formula. If God can be fully proved by the human mind, then He is no greater than the mind that proves Him.

Prayer for the day: Lord God almighty, although my finite mind cannot comprehend the magnitude of Your greatness, I have felt Your presence in the quiet of my heart and I am gladdened.

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: Marriage Is For This Life – Thursday September 21, 2017.

Luke 20:33-34 “Therefore in the resurrection whose wife of them is she? for seven had her to wife. And Jesus answering said unto them, The children of this world marry, and are given in marriage:”

Text: Luke 20:27-40

It is very doubtful that the situation that the Sadducees were relating ever took place. It is more probable that they were stating a hypothetical case to complicate the understanding of the resurrection and thereby discredit it.

If you accept their basic supposition (marriage continues in heaven), then their reasoning was correct. It would not be possible to administer marriage in heaven with multiple mates as their story described. Their reasoning wasn’t flawed, but rather the “facts” that their reasoning was based on were not scriptural.

The scriptures speak of two becoming “one flesh” in marriage, and angels are not flesh. Paul said, “Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God” (1 Cor. 15:50). Therefore, marriage is an earthly institution limited to flesh and blood mortals and will not exist in heaven. Marriage, as is death, is temporary for mortals while they are on earth. This is why a person whose mate has died, is free to remarry. Marriage pertains only to this life.

That is not to say that a couple who have loved each other deeply here on earth will love each other less in heaven. God forbid. They will love each other infinitely more, but it will be God’s “agape” love (not romantic love) and it will not be limited to just one person. We can be sure that heaven will surpass any expectations that we may have so that no one will be disappointed.

Today, many people use logical reasoning to try to discredit God’s Word. But Jesus said, “They err because they do not know the scriptures.” Therefore, their arguments have no merit; only reasoning based on scripture has any merit.

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 Daily Prayer — Thursday September 21, 2017.

Read: Ephesians 6:18–19, Bible in a Year: Ecclesiastes 7–9; 2 Corinthians 13

Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. Ephesians 6:18

Singer/songwriter Robert Hamlet wrote “Lady Who Prays for Me” as a tribute to his mother who made a point of praying for her boys each morning before they went to the bus stop. After a young mom heard Hamlet sing his song, she committed to praying with her own little boy. The result was heartwarming! Just before her son went out the door, his mother prayed for him. Five minutes later he returned—bringing kids from the bus stop with him! His mom was taken aback and asked what was going on. The boy responded, “Their moms didn’t pray with them.”

In the book of Ephesians, Paul urges us to pray “on all occasions with all kinds of prayers” (6:18). Demonstrating our daily dependence on God is essential in a family since many children first learn to trust God as they observe genuine faith in the people closest to them (2 Tim. 1:5). There is no better way to teach the utmost importance of prayer than by praying for and with our children. It is one of the ways they begin to sense a compelling need to reach out personally to God in faith.

When we “start children off” by modeling a “sincere faith” in God (Prov. 22:6; 2 Tim. 1:5), we give them a special gift, an assurance that God is an ever-present part of our lives—continually loving, guiding, and protecting us.

Prayer: Help me to depend more fully on You in every moment of the day and to rest in the assurance that You are always with me.

Daily prayers lessen daily worries.

Insight:

Ask God to help you model faith and prayer this week to the younger generation—children or grandchildren, youth in your church, or children in your neighborhood.

This message was written By Cindy Hess Kasper [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]

Topic: Abba, Father — Thursday 21, September 2017.

Memorise: And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. – Galatians 4:6

Read: Romans 8:14-16 (KJV)

14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

Bible in One Year: Nehemiah 1-3, Ezekiel 44:15-27, Hymn: Sing hymn 6 – Deeper, Deeper

MESSAGE:

In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus taught us to pray by approaching God as our Father. He said:

“After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.” – Matthew 6:9

Why did He not say “Our God”, “Our Maker” or “Our Deliverer”? It is because God wants us to have a definite, personal relationship with Him. Of all the relationships we could possibly have with God, the father-son relationship is one of the greatest. In Mark 14:36, when the Lord Jesus Christ was facing His greatest challenge dying on the cross of Calvary He addressed God as “Abba, Father which in other words is “My Daddy”. This level of closeness with God is not exclusive to Jesus Christ alone. Romans 8:15 says,

“For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.”

Coming up next: Open Heavens 22 September 2017: Friday daily devotional by Pastor Adeboye – When You Are Blessed

If you compare this scripture with Galatians 4:6, you will realise that both the Holy Spirit and our Lord Jesus Christ have made it possible for us to share the same kind of closeness with the Father that Jesus had. Therefore, we too can unashamedly call God, “My Daddy”. If only you know how much God longs to have such intimacy with you!

Intimacy with God is something you cannot do without if you are to fulfil God’s plan for your life. There is a time of need that everyone will face, which will require each of us to draw on our relationship with God. Those who have God as their creator will approach Him as “My Creator” while those who serve Him will approach Him as “My God”. In such times, those who are intimate with Him will call Him “My Daddy”. You can be sure that one carries more weight than the others. How would you want to approach God? Would you want to approach Him as a distant Creator, as God of the universe or as your personal Father? The choice is yours. When you develop a good relationship with God, He will indeed be a father to you by acting as the fountain from which you came forth (Genesis 2:7). David understood this and he experienced a very intimate level of closeness with God. This is the reason why in Psalm 23, he could testify of enjoying that which a father provides: food, sleep, water, protection, guidance, security, goodness and mercy. These all will be yours today in Jesus’ Name! Do everything possible to build your intimacy with God!

Action Point: Father, draw me close to You like never before.

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: Requirements For Gaining Knowledge [Wednesday September 19, 2017]

You must long for it – Prov.2:1-5

Desire to cut off from the old and enter into the new.

Until you are tired with the present you cannot get the future.

Until you sharply react against the old, you cannot enter the new.

Be prepared to purchase it – Prov 23:23; 11 Tim 2:15

Knowledge is never free. There is a price tag on it.

Buy the truth and sell it not

Money, time, energy etc. are all the price to pay.

Topic: Leading a Holy Life — Wednesday September 20, 2017.

Text: 2 Corinthians 6:16-18 (NIV) and 2Corinthians 7:1 (NIV)

What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God … “Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you. I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord.” Since we have these promises … let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.

The power to live a holy life stems from our understanding that in Christ, God has saved us from the power of sin and He has also made us holy in Christ. Our faith in what Christ has done for us purifies our hearts, Acts 15:9. Our understanding of the mercies of God should compel us to present ourselves to God as living sacrifices that are holy and acceptable unto Him, Rom.12:1. The grace of God is not supposed to allow us to continue in sin, but to make us victorious over all sin. Nobody that really understands the grace of God will desire to continue living in sin. He or she understands that God does not forgive us so that we continue in sin; we are forgiven so that we will fear or reverence Him (Psa.130:4) and as such, pursue holiness out of this reverence, as our text above says.

The only reason some believers are not leading holy lives is because they do not believe that it is possible to live holy. Remember that God is able to make all grace abound towards you so that you, always having all sufficiency in all things and at all times, can abound unto every good work, 2Cor.9:8. In Christ, God has given us all that pertains to life and godliness (2Pet.1:3) so we have the ability to live holy just like God. If we are willing to reach out to God for His grace in our time of temptation, He will surely grant it to us abundantly.

By the grace of God, you can say no to sin and can lay aside every weight that has been holding you down, Heb.12:1. By the grace of God, you will live victoriously above sin.

Prayer: I thank you, dear Father for the abundant grace that You have given me to lead a holy life and to live victoriously over sin.
 
Bible In One Year Reading Plan:  Ecclesiastes 4-6; 2 Corinthians 12

Empowered to do Exploits…

CGMI Above Only Daily Devotional, was written by Most Rev. M.E. Benson-Idahosa, Archbishop of Church of God Mission International, CGMI.

Topic: Understanding our redemptive rights to total health!

The Word of God is the principal Balm in Gilead for our total health and it is full of the prescriptions of the Great Physician. As it is written: He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions (Psalms 107:20). We also understand from scriptures that Jesus is the living Word: In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God (John1:1). The living Word is the only authentic source of answers to impossible questions concerning our health. This means whatever the Word prescribes is Jesus’ prescription for our healing.

Furthermore, we must understand that there are no scientific or medical solutions to satanic/spiritual oppressions. No scientific physician can deliver from spiritual oppression, no matter his expertise. For instance, the Bible records that the woman with the issue of blood had spent all her money on physicians for twelve years but was not healed because it was an oppression of the devil. However, when she encountered the healing virtue of Jesus, that oppression ceased and she was made whole immediately (Luke 8:43).

In Luke 13:11-13, we saw a woman plagued by the “spirit of infirmity”, which literarily means sickness, for 18 years. When Jesus said to her, “Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity,” she was made whole instantly. Furthermore, King Asa was plagued with a disease in his foot. It was a clear oppression but he sought solution from a wrong source. As a result, he died of that affliction (2 Chronicles 16:12-13).

It is important to know that Jesus, the Great Physician, is the only One who has authentic answers to the oppression of the devil in our lives; including the spirit of infirmity.  That is, there is no sickness or disease without an answer with Jesus. We either find solution from Jesus or keep searching for it forever. However, it is important to understand our right to total health because it will establish our stand when challenged, and fortify our confidence to be in command (Proverbs 24:5; Daniel 11:32). Nevertheless, it takes an in-depth knowledge of God’s provision on any issue, before we can be truly be confident to pursue same.

Therefore, let’s examine our redemptive rights to total health.

By redemption, we share eternal life with God which is immune to all sicknesses and diseases: At new birth, we were translated from the realm of human life to eternal life. ‘Eternal life’ means the God-kind of life or divine life. That makes us divinity in human flesh, which also connotes our dominion over life’s situations; including sicknesses and diseases which cannot be found in divinity. Therefore, whatever cannot survive in Jesus cannot operate in our bodies (Romans 6:23). Moreover, we are redeemed to be far from oppression, which includes sicknesses and diseases, because we are seated with Christ in heavenly places (Isaiah 54:14; Ephesians 1:21, 2:6).

By the Holy Ghost that dwells in us, we are spiritually empowered to enjoy divine health: Our right to total health in redemption is also established by the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, which quickens our mortal bodies to healthy living. As it is written: But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you (Romans 8:11). At new birth, our spirit-man came alive and began to fellowship with the Spirit of God, who we were equipped with in a measure. Remember, the Bible says that the Holy Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are the children of God (Romans 8:16).

Furthermore, one of the principal prescriptions of the Great Physician is the mystery of the ‘Anointing Oil.’ Concerning Jesus, the Bible records: And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits… And they went out, and preached that men should repent. And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them (Mark 6:7, 12-13). Jesus gave them the oil and called it power. That power has the capacity to heal our bodies of every sickness and disease. David was anointed with oil and the Spirit of the Lord came upon him. That means inside the oil dwells the presence of the Holy Spirit. When we take a shot of the oil, the Holy Ghost goes through our bodies, sweeps it clean and burns the chaff of sickness, and disease, thereby establishing our liberty from every torture of life (Matthew 3:11-12; 1 Samuel 16:13).

Let’s recognise that though God’s Word is the principal balm for our total health, it is putting the prescriptions of the Word to work that guarantees our healing. The prescriptions of God’s Word are not scriptures to quote but instructions to obey. This is because it is not the scriptures we quote that work but the one we apply. Remember that Jesus gave His disciples the oil and called it power. Yet, they had to put the power to use before healings erupted. This is why faith is not just believing God; rather, it is putting God’s Word to work to prove that we believe Him so He can make good His promise (James 2:18).

In conclusion, at new birth, our health issues were settled eternally; for if the Son shall make you free, you shall be free indeed (John 8:36). This makes new birth a vital requirement that qualifies us for wholeness. Are you born again? If you are not, this is an opportunity to do so. Simply say the following prayer: Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me my sins. Cleanse me with Your precious Blood. Today, I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Thank You Jesus for saving me! Now I know I am born again!”

For further reading, please get my books: Keys to Divine Health, The Healing Balm, The Miracle Meal and Fulfilling Your Days. I invite you to come and fellowship with us at the Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, the covenant home of Winners. We have five services on Sundays, holding at 6:00 a.m., 7:35 a.m., 9:10 a.m., 10:45 a.m. and 12:20 p.m. respectively. I know this teaching has blessed you. Write and share your testimony with me through: Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, P.M.B. 21688, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria; or call 01-4548070, 01-4548280; or E-mail: [email protected].

Topic: The Oldest Workman Of God [Wednesday 20, September 2017]

Memorise: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” – John 1:1

Read: Proverbs 8:22-35

22 The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old.

23 I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was.

24 When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water.

25 Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth:

26 While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world.

27 When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth:

28 When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep:

29 When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth:

30 Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him;

31 Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were with the sons of men.

32 Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed are they that keep my ways.

33 Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not.

34 Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.

35 For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD.

Bible In One Year: Amos 5-9. Hymn: Sing Hymn 5 – Oh Spread The Tiding Round

MESSAGE:

The very first indication of God’s work in creation is recorded in the book of Genesis 1. The oldest workman of God would therefore be referring to a person involved in the activities at the beginning of all things (Proverbs 8:22-23).

The oldest worker of God is the person of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Bible says that the Almighty God possessed Jesus in the beginning, before His works of old. This is a mystery. He was with God in the beginning of creation. His excellent knowledge and perfect wisdom is visibly evident everywhere in creation. The Heaven declare His glory, and His perfect creativity is revealed in nature; the beautiful landscape, waterfalls, mountains, valleys, and all the rivers in their places; the beautiful flowers and birds that sing, all the small and great animals of the earth, and the abundant life under the seas; the moon, the stars and the heavenly hosts, the appointed seasons, all these are wonders of His creation. Our Lord Jesus is great in power and excellent in glory, may His Name be praised forever.

Prayer Point: Father, I thank You for a beautiful world, and a magnificent universe.

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: God Is Faithful — Wednesday September 20, 2017.

Text: Joshua 13:24-33

Key Verse: “These are the countries which Moses did distribute for inheritance in the plains of Moab, on the other side Jordan, by Jericho, eastward” (Joshua 13:32).

After hundreds of years have passed, the promise God made to Abraham that his seed would one day inherit the land of Canaan eventually came to pass. Though their unbelief delayed their journey for another forty years in the wilderness, God still kept His promise and brought them to the land flowing with milk and honey.

There were still territories to be captured and numerous enemy enclaves to be conquered and destroyed but Israel had, nevertheless, gained general control of the land. The major battles had been won, the overthrow of pockets of resistance in different territories would be left to each of the individual tribes to whom that territory was allocated. The actual allocation of the land, although carried out by Joshua, was ultimately determined by God Himself by means of the lot, most probably using the Urim and Thummin.

The distribution of the territories and the allocation of each portion was done in a transparent way. Territories already allocated to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half tribe of Manasseh were maintained. They were to have their inheritance in the plains of Moab, on the other side Jericho eastward. They eventually returned to their inheritance after all other tribes got their allocation. Again, the Lord fulfilled the promise to allow them have their inheritance on this side Jordan because the land was suitable for their cattle.

No matter how long it takes, God’s promise to settle His children will eventually come to pass. It is important for every one of us to bear in mind that no matter what happens, God remains faithful to every word He has spoken. The picture of the various tribes of Israel entering into their inheritance is an encouragement to every weary pilgrim of Christ today. Just remain faithful and true to God and He won’t fail you.

Thought for the day: God’s faithfulness is as constant as the northern star.

Bible Reading in one Year: Numbers 31-32

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.