Topic: Watch the Conductor — Monday September 18, 2017.

Read: Hebrews 12:1–3, Bible in a Year: Proverbs 30–31; 2 Corinthians 11:1–15

Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. – Hebrews 12:1–2

World-renowned violinist, Joshua Bell, has an unusual way of leading the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, a forty-four-member chamber orchestra. Instead of waving a baton he directs while playing his Stradivarius with the other violinists. Bell told Colorado Public Radio, “Even while I’m playing I can give them all kinds of direction and signals that I think only they would understand at this point. They know by every little dip in my violin, or raise in my eyebrow, or the way I draw the bow. They know the sound I’m looking for from the entire orchestra.”

Just as the orchestra members watch Joshua Bell, the Bible instructs us to keep our eyes on Jesus our Lord. After listing many heroes of the faith in Hebrews 11, the writer says, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith”  (Heb. 12:1–2).

Jesus promised, “I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matt. 28:20). Because He is, we have the amazing privilege of keeping our eyes on Him while He conducts the music of our lives.

Prayer: Lord, our eyes look to You this day so we may follow Your direction and live in harmony with You.

Let us keep our eyes on Jesus our Savior as He directs our lives.

Insight:

Have you ever walked away from a parent, teacher, coach, or military officer you thought was being too hard on you?

The men and women of faith listed in Hebrews 11 must have wondered at times whether their God was asking more of them than they could possibly give. Yet through doubt, personal failure, and unfulfilled dreams, the Bible gives all of them honorable mention—as witnesses to the faith that has been entrusted to us.

Now it’s our turn. When we face fears, we have the opportunity to follow the One who asks us to trust Him in a way that lifts us above own natural inclinations. This is a moment to remember the lingering witness of Jesus’s own disciples who so often heard the words, “Don’t be afraid.” From the stories of those who have gone before us, we are reminded that it was on a road of faith that Jesus and His witnesses suffered to bring others to God.

Jesus invites us to experience for ourselves the honor of being witnesses to His faithfulness even when we struggle to trust Him.

This message was written By David C. McCasland [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]

Topic — Restitution: Evidence of Salvation II — Monday 18, September 2017.

Memorise: Then said Paul, I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest: for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people.  – Act 23:5

Read: Acts 23:1-5 (KJV)

1 And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.

2 And the high priest Ananias commanded them that stood by him to smite him on the mouth.

3 Then said Paul unto him, God shall smite thee, thou whited wall: for sittest thou to judge me after the law, and commandest me to be smitten contrary to the law?

4 And they that stood by said, Revilest thou God’s high priest?

5 Then said Paul, I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest: for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people.

Bible in One Year: Ezra 4-6, Ezekiel 42:15-43:12, Hymn: Sing hymn 14 – Take My Life

MESSAGE:

A sign that confirms whether or not you have experienced genuine salvation is your willingness to make restitution with your fellow men. When you are genuinely saved, the Spirit of Jesus Christ in you will motivate you to right your wrongs and undo your evil deeds. An elderly judge once attended one of our meetings at the Sheraton Hotels, Ikeja (Lagos), and he gave his life to Christ. On his way home after the programme, he just could not contain himself. There was a person he quarrelled with several years before, and he had a burning urge to resolve the dispute; so right from the venue of our programme, he went straight to the house of the person in order to settle the matter. Did you say you are saved, but you still hold grudges, have bitterness and manifest an unforgiving spirit? Please examine yourself to be sure you are truly in Christ.

Similarly, there was a particular king in Ogun State, Nigeria. For several months, I went to preach to him and he would tell me “Before your mother married your father, I have been going to church.” He would show me a Bible that Queen Victoria gave to his grandfather. Repeatedly, I said to him, “Your royal highness, that is not what I am talking about. I am asking you to repent of your sins and surrender your life to Jesus Christ.” Then one day, he yielded and gave his life to Jesus. By that time, he had not seen his wife for years, due to a disagreement they had. Within days of giving his life to Christ, he promptly contacted her, and they resolved their differences. You cannot be genuinely saved and refuse to restitute.

In what areas would you need to make restitution today? If you stole anything from anybody, return it or pay for its replacement if it’s lost. If you bore false witness against somebody, go and uncover the truth. Have you fraudulently acquired your academic certificate? Go and restitute. If you have stolen another person’s passport and impersonated the fellow, using the passport to move around, go and restitute. Are you a second or third wife to a man, or have you as a man married two or more wives? You are living in adultery. Make restitution! Have you received payment for a contract which you did not execute? Go and return the money! Have you been falsifying records and stealing money through that? Go and restitute. If you have tough cases, seek counselling from a pastor in a true Bible-believing church. Also, ask God to help you. If you really want to obey God, He will definitely make a way for you.

Key Point: Salvation straightens your crooked paths with God, while restitution strengthens your crooked paths with men.

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: O Rain of Grace………. [Sunday 17 September, 2017]

(1 CORINTHIANS 15:1-13).

In this second half of the year, the Lord wants you to know that walking with Him and possessing your possession is by His GRACE alone. “By STRENGTH shall no man prevail” can also be interpreted to man, “by BRAIN shall no man prevail.” Yes! By HUMAN CONNECTION or effort shall no man prevail. Paul knew this and he boldly declared: I AM WHAT I AM BY THE GRACE OF GOD! Note this: All that you will ever be for yourself or for your God will come because of GRACE and not because you are so prayerful, connected or so holy! These things are very necessary to sustain the GRACE of God that is shown to you, but they do not initiate that GRACE.

Do you know that it is possible however, to frustrate that GRACE of God (Galatians 2:21)? For example, sin, careless living,laziness in spiritual things, etc, are GRACE FRUSTRATERS while holiness, prayerfulness, fasting, etc, are GRACE MULTIPLIERS. I decree: special GRACE is coming upon you that shall lead to manifestation of all that you have waited for. Get ready for a special season of GRACE OUTPOURING which is about to come upon you. Ah! GRACE means FAVOR Minus LABOR. GRACE means Promotion without QUALIFICATION. When GRACE speaks, Protocols is suspended.

Ask Esther! When GRACE speaks, Laws are broken. Ask King David! When GRACE speaks, Educational Qualifications are Useless! Oh! Peter will tell you! When GRACE speaks, Connections are needless. Ask Joseph from Prison to Prime Minister! Today and in the upcoming Lekki anointing programme, THE GRACE OF GOD will fight your battles and EVERY SATANIC EMBARRASSMENT MUST STOP for good in Jesus Christ name. Amen.

THE LAGOS MOUNTAIN SEPTEMBER ANOINTING SERVICES AT LEKKI On Sunday September 24th. TIME: 7:00am. THEME: SATANIC EMBARRASSMENT MUST STOP. (Bring your oil & any point of contact. I shall lay hands on you and your oil). VENUE: Oando or Chisco B/Stop, Besides Oando Filling Station, Lekki, Lagos. Call: +234-706-3324-784, +234-909-0393-966 for more information.

Prayer Points: Take any song of worship as led.

1. Thank God for today’s word and pray as you are led!

2. Declare Zechariah 4:7 seriously now.

3. Declare Zechariah 4:7 but mention at least 5 prayer points and declare GRACE, GRACE unto them.

4. O rain of GRACE and mercy, locate my life family and ministry afresh ( Pray until you have peace to stop).

5. Pray about today seriously and any other issue(s) affecting your peace.

By Bishop (Dr) Chris E. Kwakpovwe (Cek)
Publisher/Writer Of ODM And

Rev (Mrs) Flora E. Kwakpovwe (Fek)
Co-Publisher/Writer Of ODM.

TOPIC: THE SECRET PLACE [SUNDAY, 17TH SEPTEMBER 2017]

MEMORY VERSE: “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” – Psalm 91:1

BIBLE PASSAGE: Psalm 91:1-16

INTRODUCTION:

The term “secret place” comes from the Hebrew word “cether” which means “to hide or be concealed”. Other words for secret place include shelter, covering, or a dwelling place. One who abides in the secret place of God dwells in an ascended place of rest, lifted up above principalities and powers. It is a place of protection from trouble; where God surrounds you with deliverance (Psalm 32:7). It is a place of His holy concealment in all things, where God reveals heavenly secrets to you.

LESSON OUTLINES

1. How to enter the secret place

2. Benefits of being in God’s secret place

HOW TO ENTER THE SECRET PLACE

We can gain access into God’s secret place through a life of holiness (Psalm 15:1-5), praise, thanksgiving and prayer of faith (Psalm 100:3-4; Jeremiah 33:3). We must walk away from the clamour and enticements of the world (1John 2:15). Our hearts must be quiet before Him as we allow Him investigate those inner thoughts we reveal to no one else (Isaiah 30:15; Psalm 139:2). To connect with God, we must avoid distractions (Matthew 6:6; Mark 1:35). We cannot join God in His secret place unless we are willing to be transparent and honest with Him (Psalm 69:5; 139:7). We must not dwell with the ungodly (Psalm 1:1; 2Corinthians 6:17).

A consecrated and sanctified life is a prerequisite to gaining access into God’s secret place (Leviticus 20:7; Psalm 24:3-4).

BENEFITS OF BEING IN GOD’S SECRET PLACE

The benefits of dwelling in God’s secret place include:

1. Closer fellowship with God (James 4:8).

2. Living a holy life becomes possible (Isaiah 6:1-5).

3. Self-assessment of our faith will be enhanced (2Corinthians 13:5).

4. Fruit of the spirit takes root and grows (Galatians 5:22).

5. Our gaze is focused on Christ and things of eternal value (Matthew 6:19-21; Hebrews 12:2).

6. Divine protection and deliverance (Proverbs 18:10; Psalm 91:13-14).

7. Divine authority and attention (1Kings 17:1).

CONCLUSION:

God wants us to dwell in His secret place; not to visit. In God’s secret place, no evil can come near us.

QUESTIONS

1. How can a believer enter into God’s secret place?

2. What are the benefits of dwelling in the secret place?

TOPIC: THE SECRET PLACE [SUNDAY, 17TH SEPTEMBER 2017]

MEMORY VERSE: “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” – Psalm 91:1

BIBLE PASSAGE: Psalm 91:1-16

INTRODUCTION:

The term “secret place” comes from the Hebrew word “cether” which means “to hide or be concealed”. Other words for secret place include shelter, covering, or a dwelling place. One who abides in the secret place of God dwells in an ascended place of rest, lifted up above principalities and powers. It is a place of protection from trouble; where God surrounds you with deliverance (Psalm 32:7). It is a place of His holy concealment in all things, where God reveals heavenly secrets to you.

LESSON OUTLINES

1. How to enter the secret place

2. Benefits of being in God’s secret place

HOW TO ENTER THE SECRET PLACE

We can gain access into God’s secret place through a life of holiness (Psalm 15:1-5), praise, thanksgiving and prayer of faith (Psalm 100:3-4; Jeremiah 33:3). We must walk away from the clamour and enticements of the world (1John 2:15). Our hearts must be quiet before Him as we allow Him investigate those inner thoughts we reveal to no one else (Isaiah 30:15; Psalm 139:2). To connect with God, we must avoid distractions (Matthew 6:6; Mark 1:35). We cannot join God in His secret place unless we are willing to be transparent and honest with Him (Psalm 69:5; 139:7). We must not dwell with the ungodly (Psalm 1:1; 2Corinthians 6:17).

A consecrated and sanctified life is a prerequisite to gaining access into God’s secret place (Leviticus 20:7; Psalm 24:3-4).

BENEFITS OF BEING IN GOD’S SECRET PLACE

The benefits of dwelling in God’s secret place include:

1. Closer fellowship with God (James 4:8).

2. Living a holy life becomes possible (Isaiah 6:1-5).

3. Self-assessment of our faith will be enhanced (2Corinthians 13:5).

4. Fruit of the spirit takes root and grows (Galatians 5:22).

5. Our gaze is focused on Christ and things of eternal value (Matthew 6:19-21; Hebrews 12:2).

6. Divine protection and deliverance (Proverbs 18:10; Psalm 91:13-14).

7. Divine authority and attention (1Kings 17:1).

CONCLUSION:

God wants us to dwell in His secret place; not to visit. In God’s secret place, no evil can come near us.

QUESTIONS

1. How can a believer enter into God’s secret place?

2. What are the benefits of dwelling in the secret place?

Topic: Benefits Of Meditation — Sunday September 17, 2017.

Text: Psalm 119:17-24

Key Verse: “Princes also did sit and speak against me: but thy servant did meditate in thy statutes” (Psalm 119:23).

The story goes that Henry Ford once hired an efficiency expert to evaluate his company. After a few weeks, the expert made his report, which was highly favorable except for one thing. “It’s that man, down the hall,” said the expert. “Every time I go by his office he’s just sitting there with his feet on his deck. He’s wasting your money.” “That man,” replied Mr. Ford, “once had an idea that saved us millions of dollars.

At the time, I believe his feet were planted right where they are now. From our text, the psalmist in presenting the many benefits of God’s word, highlighted the importance of meditating on it; especially when facing persecution and trials. The writer presents believers in God as strangers in the midst of proud and worldly sinners; whose only hope of survival is the daily reliance on the counsels of God. When it appears the psalmist was almost reaching a breaking point, he turned his attention to God’s word as a refuge in the time of storm.

Meditation on God’s word gave him strength and hope. Meditating on God’s word enables us to see beyond the surface until we get to the rich depths wherein abide the real treasures that will give our souls the victory and the power to rule our worlds. We can easily turn our defense into attack through the confidence we get when we meditate on His laws. He keeps in perfect peace those whose mind is stayed on Him (Isaiah 26:3). The problem here is the discipline to keep our minds stayed on God. Sometimes in life, there are difficulties that cannot be overcome by willpower alone.

Many of us have tried to achieve fulfillment and purpose by our own means, and have fallen short of what God has called us to. Through meditation on God’s word, we can discover our purpose for living and find the strength to achieve it.

Thought for the day: Meditation on God’s word enlivens and empowers.

Bible Reading in one Year: Numbers 22-25

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: Guard Your Heart — Sunday September 17, 2017.

’Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.’’ (Proverbs 4:23 KJV)

I want to tell you something critical about your mind. You must keep your mind busy and not allow it to become idle at any point. The Bible says, “keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” I like the way the message translation of the Bible puts it. “Keep vigilant watch over your heart, that’s where life starts.” You cannot afford to leave your heart fallow. Each time you keep it unoccupied, the devil invests in it. He brings to you all that you thought you have forgotten. That is why you cannot let your guard down at any time. Child of God, forget the sins of your past, that case against you was settled a long time ago.

Your heart is also vitally important because it determines where you are going. It is what is in your heart that your mouth speaks and it is what you say that you get. Your words are very powerful so refuse to say the wrong things, irrespective of what is happening around you. Keep your heart busy with God’s word. Say only the right things. Speak your expectation. Speak where you are going to. The Shunammite woman said to herself, it is well even though her child laid dead at home. In her heart, she saw the child alive and well, and so she spoke what was in her heart and not what her condition was saying to her.

Child of God, start today to think productive thoughts. The scripture says “Finally brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, if there be any praise, think on these things.” – Philippians 4:8 KJV As you think about these things, they form pictures of good things in your heart, and that is what your mouth will naturally speak about.

Further Reading: Hebrews 3:12-14, Philippians 4:6-9

Daily Bible Reading: Morning- Proverbs 27-29; Evening- 2 Corinthians 10

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: Generating The Hunger That Attracts God’s Presence [Sunday September 17, 2017]

Scripture: Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. James 4:8.

Thought For The Day: Worship gives access to God’s Presence.

It has been established that the Presence of God with a person is called the Anointing.

Yesterday, we saw that a permanent longing for God and His Presence is key to attracting His abiding Presence.

Now, how can one generate hunger and longing for God in order to attract His abiding presence?
It is by engaging in prayer and fasting!

Prayer and fasting is key to generating a perpetual and unquenchable hunger for God that will cause the Anointing to rest on a person.

My counsel is, take one or two days of prayer and fasting every week. Your focus in these days of prayers and fasting should not be centred on asking God for material possessions but the desire to know God and His purpose for your life more.

Also, maintain a lifestyle of worship. Worship gives access to God’s Presence. Psalm 89:15 says “Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound; they shall walk, O LORD, in the light of thy countenance.”

Beloved, maintain a perpetual stand with God in prayer, fasting and worship so that the Anointing of God will flow perpetually in your life.

Remember this: Worship gives access to God’s Presence.

Assignment(S):

1. Ask God for His abiding Presence in your life.

2. Embark on a weekly personal fast of consecration in order to seek His Face for the Anointing.

Prayer: O LORD, I ask for the discipline of prayer and fasting. Help me LORD to pray without ceasing in Jesus’ Name.

FOR FURTHER UNDERSTANDING, GET THIS MESSAGE: MAXIMIZING YOUR LIFE.

Amazing Fact: It is physically impossible for pigs to look up at the sky.

Today In History: 17/09/1911 – The first transcontinental airplane flight started. It took C.P. Rogers 82 hours to fly from New York City to Pasadena, CA

Daily Reading: Isaiah 23:14 to 30:11, Galatians 3:23 to 4:31, Psalm 62:1 to 12, Proverbs 23:19 to 21.

Quote: You may lose anything in life but one thing you must never lose is God’s Presence. Culled from 30 SECRETS TO THE TOP by Dr Paul Enenche.

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: The Power of Words [Sunday September 17, 2017]

The tongue is a small thing, but what enormous damage it can do . . . — James 3:5 (TLB)

There is a story of a woman in England who came to her vicar with a troubled conscience. The vicar knew her to be a habitual gossip—she had maligned nearly everyone in the village. “How can I make amends?” she pleaded. The vicar said, “If you want to make peace with your conscience, take a bag of goose feathers and drop one on the porch of each one you have slandered.” When she had done so, she came back to the vicar and said, “Is that all?” “No,” said the wise old minister, “you must go now and gather up every feather and bring them all back to me.” After a long time the woman returned without a single feather. “The wind has blown them all away,” she said. “My good woman,” said the vicar, “so it is with gossip. Unkind words are easily dropped, but we can never take them back again.”

Prayer for the day: Might my words about another be ones that are spoken in the spirit of Your loving kindness, Father.

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: Our Righteousness Is In Christ – Sunday September 17, 2017.

Matthew 22:11 “And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment:”

Text: Matthew 22:8-14

In this time, it was customary for the host to provide their guests with wedding garments to wear to the wedding. It was an insult of the highest degree to refuse to wear the clothing provided since the guests were brought in directly from the highways and streets. The wedding garment speaks of the righteousness of Christ that God so graciously provides for all who accept His invitation into the kingdom. It must be put on by both good and bad (Mt. 22:10).

Right standing before a holy God is not to be achieved in keeping the law but in humble trust in the person and work of Jesus Christ. No one, who is trusting in his own righteousness, can have the benefit of Christ’s righteousness. The righteousness that gives men relationship with God is the RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD, and it comes freely through faith in Jesus Christ.

The way we obtain this righteousness is by putting faith in what Christ has done for us. When we place our faith in Christ, then the righteousness that Jesus obtained by His faith becomes ours.

Through faith in Jesus, we can receive the very righteousness of God as a gift. God’s righteousness is infinitely more in quality and quantity than man’s puny righteousness. No one can ever be justified in the sight of God based on his own righteousness which comes through acts of holiness. One must have God’s righteousness which only comes through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior. Paul said in Philippians 3:9, “And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.” This is “the righteousness of God.”

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).