Topic: What We Bring Back [Tuesday July 25, 2017]

Read: Psalm 37:1–6, 23–27, Bible in a Year: Psalms 37–39; Acts 26

I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread.  Psalm 37:25

John F. Burns spent forty years covering world events for The New York Times. In an article written after his retirement in 2015, Burns recalled the words of a close friend and fellow journalist who was dying of cancer. “Never forget,” his colleague said, “It’s not how far you’ve traveled; it’s what you’ve brought back.”

Psalm 37 could be considered David’s list of what he “brought back” from his journey of life, from shepherd to soldier and king. The psalm is a series of couplets contrasting the wicked with the righteous, and affirming those who trust the Lord.

“The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him.” Psalm 37:23

“Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither” (vv. 1–2).

“The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand” (vv. 23–24).

“I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread” (v. 25).

From our experiences in life, what has God taught us? How have we experienced His faithfulness and love? In what ways has the Lord’s love shaped our lives?

It’s not how far we’ve traveled in life, but what we’ve brought back that counts.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for walking with me throughout my life. Help me to remember Your faithfulness.

As the years add up, God’s faithfulness keeps multiplying.

Insight:

Psalm 37 is an extended antidote to anxiety, even when there seem to be many reasons to fear. The psalm, sometimes classified as a wisdom psalm because of its insight into the realities of life, invites believers to have trust, peace, and contentment (vv. 3, 5, 7) even when it seems that evil has the upper hand (vv. 1, 7, 12, 14). We find peace through looking deeper than external appearances like wealth (v. 16). Evil may have power for a time, but it is self-defeating. It cannot last forever (vv. 10, 20, 22). It’s better to live with Him, who picks us up when we fall and holds us by the hand (vv. 23–24), than to surrender to evil (v. 16). A life with God means true peace, now and eternally (v. 18). Monica Brands

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

Topic: Don’t Let Your Faith Slip [Tuesday July 25, 2017]

Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. – Hebrews 2:1

Something very serious has been happening to the Body of Christ. We’ve often let the things which we have heard—the message of faith and righteousness—slip.

I’m not just talking about those believers who’ve been so surrounded by religion that they’ve never heard about the power that’s theirs in Christ Jesus. I’m talking about those of us who have heard the Word and have known the thrill of living by faith.

In my own life, for example, there were times when I’d pray for healing. I’d say all the right words, “Thank God, I believe I receive…” and all that. But inside I’d be thinking, I wonder why God isn’t healing me?

You see, even though I’d said that I believed I was healed, I hadn’t really. I’d staggered at the promise of God, believing what my body told me instead of the Word of God.

I don’t care how long you’ve been a believer or how long you’ve been practicing the principles of faith. You can easily slip into unbelief about the promises of God. And, when you do, it will cost you dearly.

“But if slipping into unbelief is so easy,” you may say, “how can we avoid it?”

Hebrews 4:11 tells us: “Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.”

We must labor! Not by working with our hands and feet or struggling to get God to do something, but by spending time in God’s Word—hanging on to the promises of God by faith day after day. We must labor by hearkening to the Word and refusing to let it slip.

Don’t get casual about the Word. Don’t make the mistake of thinking, Oh I know all that faith stuff. I know how to receive my healing. If you do, you’ll slack off and one of these days the devil will catch you unprepared and steal you blind.

Instead, dig more deeply in the Word than ever. Labor! Be diligent to keep your faith from slipping—and you won’t have to fall!

Scripture Reading: Hebrews 10:23-39

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: God Brings Out To Bring In [Tuesday July 25, 2017]

“And he brought us out from thence that he might bring us in, to give us the land which he sware unto our fathers” Deuteronomy 6:23 (KJV)

Our text today reveals a key principle in the dealings of God with His own people. And that is: He brings out to bring in! He does not bring you out to leave you hanging. In other words, God brings you out because He has a place He wants to bring you into. Religion has told you that you need to get saved, and work hard to be right with God, but does not tell you what you get by being saved. It does not tell you the benefits of the redeemed life.

The gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is a complete gospel. It is a total package. It tells you where you are coming from and also lets you know what you are entitled to. We have in time past failed to emphasize the believer’s entitlement. So somebody says “I am a Christian” and he does not even know what makes him one. He is ignorant of what is available to him. The believer is in Christ. That means that everything Jesus deserves, you are entitled to as well. Everything Jesus deserves you also get. What does this mean? It means you are not just redeemed from sin, but you are also blessed.

As a believer, you are standing on a blessed ground where there is no sickness, no lack, no barrenness, no struggle and no curse. On this blessed ground, you are made wealthy. He brought you out so He can set your feet on a solid rock. He does not just bring you out so you can stay on a muddy ground. No! He brought you out, so that you can stay in a wealthy place. He brought you out to bless you and to establish His covenant with you and your seed. He brought you out of darkness, bondage and captivity and brought you into the kingdom of His dear son. Don’t forget that!  He brought you out to bring you in so you can truly rest.

Further Reading: Psalm 66:1-12, Exodus 3:7-17

Daily Bible Reading: Morning- Psalms 37-39; Evening- Acts 26

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: Character Insurance in the Holy Spirit [Tuesday July 25, 2017]

Scripture: Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matt. 5:14-16

Thought For The Day: The Holy Ghost is the Sponsor of righteousness.

Character is of prime importance in life and destiny. One’s character determines the degree of influence one can command in one’s generation.

A Christian is meant to be a standard bearer, a road pointer, or a pace-setter to his or her generation. We were designed by God to show the world how to behave. We are meant to colonize the world by our standards. The reason our world is degenerating today is that most Christians do not operate by standards Divinely set.

Now, how does the Holy Spirit help us insure or maintain an upright character in a degenerating world?

The Holy Ghost is the Sponsor of righteousness (Romans 14:17). The Holy Ghost gives you peace, and supplies you joy and righteousness.

So, anyone who knows how to fellowship with the Holy Spirit by praying in tongues abundantly is a person whose character will be continuously moulded and enhanced.

The Holy Spirit opens our eyes to insights from Scripture that can kill certain nature in us.

The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of liberty and transformation (2 Corinthians 3:17). That is, where the Spirit of the Lord is, you are not permitted to be bound by tobacco smoking, alcohol, immorality, lie, bitterness, and other vices.

By the power of the Holy Ghost, I decree that any negative habit that has over-powered you is broken.

Remember this: The Holy Ghost is the sponsor of righteousness

Assignment (s):

1. Pray in the Holy Ghost abundantly and consistently.

2. Avoid anything that will defile your conscience.

3. Consciously make demands on the help of the Spirit to live in uprightness.

FOR FURTHER UNDERSTANDING, GET THIS MESSAGE: THE FUEL OF CHARACTER (PART 2)

Prayer: O LORD, fill me with the Power of the Holy Spirit. Help me to maintain a positive character and make me a pace-setter in my generation, LORD, in Jesus’ Name.

Quote: The strength of your destiny is affected by the strength of your character. Culled from WHO ARE YOU? by Dr Paul Enenche.

Daily Reading: 2 Chronicles 14:1 to 16:14, Romans 9:1 to 24, Psalm 19:1 to 14, Proverbs 20:1.

Amazing Fact: Fishes that live more than 800 meters below the ocean surface don’t have eyes.

Today In History: 25/07/1837 – The first commercial use of an electrical telegraph was successfully demonstrated in London by William Cooke and Charles Wheatstone.

Dunamis International Gospel Centre (DIGC), is a powerfully anointed church, headquartered at Abuja, Nigeria, with Dr Paul and Dr Becky Enenche, as the Senior Pastors. It is a power-packed arena where God’s Presence, Principles and Power are at work for the salvation, healing and restoration of human destinies and dignities.

Topic: Beauty of Self-Restraint [Tuesday July 25, 2017]

Text: Job 32:13-23

Key Verse: “I said, I will answer also my part, I also will shew mine opinion” (Job 32:17).

When there is an argument or intense discussion and there is someone who considers he has more valid contribution to make, or that others are simply missing the point, the discreet one must restrain himself with difficulty from interrupting. Yet, if he must wade in, he must do so with careful study and observation.

The text deals with a situation in which Elihu, who had held his peace while the others were talking, now had to come in strongly in putting across his own views and feelings. His youthfulness had precluded him from speaking all the while, but he reasoned that God had given him special understanding, regardless of his age. Elihu considered that Job had not been clever in his responses to his friend’s arguments, hence, his stepping forward to speak.

It is often considered that one who keeps quiet while others are talking, does so more intelligently and reasonably when he chooses to speak, having been studying the trend of the arguments of the others. Despite his youthfulness, he boldly made his contribution, thus making himself an arbitrator and a fourth party. Self-restraint, in the face of provocation and temptation is a virtue that every believer must prayerfully cultivate.

The scriptural credo of “swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath” should undergird the comportment of heaven-bound saints. A believer who has no rule over his spirit but speaks impulsively, acts irrationally, has needless leakages to his spiritual life. He cannot go far with Christ.

Thought for the day: Wisdom discretion sets the believer apart from others.

Bible Reading in one Year: Exodus 30-32

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.

Topic: Admit Your Mistakes [Tuesday 25, July 2017]

Memorise: For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. – Psalm 51:3

Read: Psalm 51:1-4 (KJV)

1 (To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet came unto him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba.) Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.

2 Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.

3 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.

4 Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.

Bible in One Year: 1 Kings 1; Ezekiel 15:1-16:5, Hymn: Sing hymn 6: Deeper, Deeper

MESSAGE:

Topic: Pray About Everything [Monday July 24, 2017]

So do not worry or be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will have worries and anxieties of its own. Sufficient for each day is its own trouble. — Matthew 6:34

Someone once said that “Worry is interest paid on trouble before it falls due.” Trying to solve tomorrow’s problems today only steals the energy God has prearranged for you to enjoy today. Don’t waste your time worrying! It is vain and useless. Don’t be like the bassoon player who went up to his conductor and nervously said that he could not reach the high E-flat. His conductor just smiled and replied, “Don’t worry. There is no E-flat in your music tonight.” Many of our worries are like that—unfounded and unnecessary.

Worry is the end of faith, and faith is the end of worry. You can only be a confident woman once you remove fear and worry from your life, and it starts with prayer. Prayer opens the door for God to get involved and meet our needs. The apostle Paul said we are to be anxious for nothing, but in all things, by praying, we will experience the peace of God (see Philippians 4:6-7). He didn’t say in “some” things; he didn’t say in “one” thing, but he said in “everything.” Prayer must replace our worry.

Lord, I open the door and invite You into all the affairs of my life. I have needs that only You can meet, and I know it’s useless to worry about them. Today I commit my needs to You and will rest my faith in You. Amen.

Topic: The Dangers Of Carnality [Monday July 24, 2017]

When man refuses to be ruled by the Spirit He is simply subjecting himself to slavery of the flesh and its appetites.

Carnality reduces man to a struggling captive instead of a ruling captain.

The law of the spirit sets free! Romans 8:1

Life in the Spirit is the believer’s security and safety.

Only those who are ruled by the Spirit can rule their world.

Be subject to the Spirit to make your world subject to you.

God wants you to be determined even in the fire!

Topic — The Chicago Fire: Determination Separates Winners [Monday 24 July, 2017]

(Genesis 22:1-6; 2 Corinthians 4:17-18).

The morning after the great Chicago fire, a group of merchants stood in State Street looking at the smoking remains of what had been their superstores. They had a meeting to decide if they would try to rebuild or leave Chicago and start over in a more promising section of the country. They reached a decision –all except one to leave Chicago. The merchant who decided to stay and rebuild, pointed a finger at the remains of his once vibrant store and said, “Gentlemen, on that very spot, I will build the world’s greatest store, no matter how many times it may burn down.”

That was a very long time ago. The store was built. It stands there today, a towering monument to the power of determination as were exhibited by Mr. Marshall Field. God wants you to be determined even in the fire!Never complain or murmur even when the events around your life defy explanantion. Hear what your grandfather (Abraham) said even when he was facing a big trial: “Abide ye here with the ass: and I and the lad will go and worship and come to you.” Did he not come again to them? Say great things about your life, family, business, job, or ministry, even if all you see delay, or defeat.

Keep saying what you want to be and not what you are! Keep saying what you want to see! What you want to be is more permanent than what you are ( 2 Cor 4: 18)! Mr Blake said. “There is no mistake so great as the mistake of not going on.” Please keep seeing where you are going and God will never allow you to be ashamed! Read 2 Corinthians 4:18 and Isaiah 49:23 now.

Pray for me Dr Chris, against a blackmailing syndicate that is determined to “pull down” this vision if I don’t give them money and a house. The battle is the Lord’s Also some journalists who claim to be from Sahara Reporters and other sites send me daily texts asking for money or they would publish “sensational stories” about me! My hands are EVER CLEAN BY HIS GRACE and the LORD will CONTEND with them! PRAY FOR ME DAILY! SCATTER THEIR GANG-UP-AGAINST ODM! See page 53 and read more!

Prayer Points: Take Song 1: Through the love……………..

1. Thank God for the word. Pray as it had affected you.

2. Repent from any past negative word you have spoken.

3. Put your hands on your chest and bless your life and ministry as much as you can now. Use the prophetic Declaration page today before bedtime.

4. Begin now to say great things about that problem or negative event of your life. Refuse the lies of Satan.

5. Pray generally as led about any other issu(s) now.

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

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

Topic: Fulfilling Your Dream Marriage (4)

Dear Reader,

The home is meant to be a peaceful place; yet, a lot of families do not enjoy peace because someone or something and not Christ is the standard in their homes. This glorious week, I will be sharing with you on “Securing Lasting Peace in the Home.” The presence of Christ in any home guarantees peace because He is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). Wherever there is genuine peace you can be sure Christ is present.

God’s desire is to see His people live in peace but since He Has made the Lord Jesus Christ head over all things in heaven, the earth and beneath (Philippians 2:9-10), and the Author of peace; there is no way you can secure the peace of God for your home until you allow Christ to be the head and not just the ‘silent listener to every conversation’. Christ and His Word must be allowed to be the standard in your home and not just an inscription or painting. God’s Word says: …My people will live in PEACEFUL dwelling places, in secure homes, and in undisturbed places of rest (Isaiah 32:18 NIV).

There is no problem without a solution from the Word of God. There is no problem the Lord is not willing to solve, if you will let Him solve it and obey His instructions. So, find out what God’s Word has to say about your particular situation, whether it is money that is lacking, or misunderstanding with your spouse, or trouble with your in-laws. God’s Word has an answer! Believe His Word, accept the solution He offers and follow the instructions He proffers. Don’t be lazy about searching the Bible as with the aid of a concordance and Christian literature that deals with the subject of family, you can always locate an answer. To be lazy to do so is to accept that turbulent situation in your home instead of securing God’s peace. You need to “seek what makes for peace and pursue it” (1 Peter 3:11). You will eventually be the one to enjoy this peace, not your family alone.

Look at this testimony:

“My husband left our village for Lagos in 1989. Before he travelled, there was no problem between us. On getting to Lagos and settling down, things started changing. He developed an attitude I could not explain. It took him four years to get a house in Lagos. Meanwhile, I was working with a bank in our village. When he eventually got a house, to press for my transfer became another issue. My husband and I lived apart for seven years, and I had to take care of our five children alone.

In 1995, I decided to resign from my job and I moved to Lagos. My husband was very furious when he saw me! He started attacking and accusing me of so many things. He even threatened to send me packing, but because of my children I refused to move.

I eventually found out that his chairman’s wife had already finalized a marriage arrangement between him and her cousin, but my arrival in Lagos disrupted their plans. From then, there was bitterness between us.

We experienced lack, sickness and other things from May till September 1995, when somebody brought me to Winners’ Chapel and I gave my life to Christ. I later enrolled for the Word of Faith Bible Institute (WOFBI) October Special, where I learnt many things from the Word of God.

In one of the services in the church, the Bishop said, ‘If you know anybody that is being afflicted in anyway, bring his or her picture.’ The next day, I brought my husband’s picture to the church and wrote at the back, ‘God, I want my husband to love me again. I want the court case he has with his boss to be cancelled. I want peace in my life and home.’

The Bishop also said, ‘You must make a vow in order to stop whatever sin you are into.’ Then I vowed never to quarrel with my husband again.

To the glory of God, all my enemies are now under my feet! God did it! Now I have peace with my husband. My husband is now free from his former chairman and his wife, and God has blessed him with another job.”­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­ – Anadu, I. P. (Mrs.)

You may think, Is it possible to secure lasting peace in my home and life in general?” My husband and I have been married for over 30 years now and we are yet to have the first argument; rather, it has been only peace and excitement.  Yours too, can be the same if you will believe what you’ve just been reading and apply these things to your home. Right now, I impart to you the grace to secure lasting peace for your home in Jesus’ name!

Until you are born again, it will be difficult for you to enjoy lasting peace in your home. The first step to this is to surrender your life to Christ. You surrender by confessing your sins and accepting Jesus as your Lord and personal Saviour. If you are ready for this new birth experience, please say this prayer of faith with me: “Dear Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me my sins and cleanse me with Your Blood. Deliver me from sin and satan. I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Make me a child of God today. Thank You for accepting me into Your Kingdom.”

If you prayed this simple prayer of faith with me, congratulations, you are born again! 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 to 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).