Topic: Be Suspicious of Suspicion [Saturday January 6, 2018]

Therefore you have no excuse or justification, everyone of you who [hypocritically] judges and condemns others; for in passing judgment on another person, you condemn yourself, because you who judge [from a position of arrogance or self-righteousness] are habitually practicing the very same things [which you denounce]. —Romans 2:1

First Corinthians 13:7 gives us a clear picture of what it means to really love people. I can honestly say that obedience to this scripture has been a challenge for me.

I was taught when I was growing up to be suspicious and to distrust everyone. But meditating on the characteristics of love and realizing that love always believes the best has helped me develop a new mindset.

Suspicion works against the very qualities necessary for godly relationships. Trust and faith bring joy to life and help relationships grow to their maximum potential, but suspicion cripples a relationship and usually destroys it.

Now, it’s true that people aren’t perfect, and sometimes our trust can be taken advantage of, but overall, the benefits of always seeing the best in people will far outweigh any negative experiences.

If you struggle with suspicion, remember today that we have the wonderful Holy Spirit in us to remind us when our thoughts are going in the wrong direction. Let’s ask Him to turn our suspicious thoughts into thoughts of love.

Prayer starter:God, I understand now that always distrusting and being suspicious of others is damaging to my relationships. Show me how to open my heart to others and to believe the best in every circumstance.

From Joyce Meyer’s Ministries.

PRAYERS:

1. Give God all the Glory. Thank Him for the ups and downs in the year gone by. Thank Him for all the answered prayers, requests granted and ungranted. Give Him Praises and Adore His Name, our God is Worthy to be Praised. Thank Him for life, thank Him for His support. If you are grateful for what He did yesterday, He will do more.

2. Father, please let this Year be my Year of Total, Absolute, Complete and Comprehensive Victory. Victory in every aspect of my life - Physically, Materially, Mentally and Spiritually.

3. Join your hands with your neighbour and let us apply the Law of Harvest: Father, this your child that am holding; this year let him/her be Totally, Absolutely, Completely and Comprehensively Victorious in his/her going in and going out and infact in all facets of his/her life.

PROPHESY: The Lord says that the rain that we are expecting will start falling this Month.

Please kindly find 2 or 3 people that you have not seen this year and tell him/her Happy New Year and God bless you.
By the Special Grace of God, the Month of February Holy Ghost Service will be another Special one with the theme: STRONGER THAN YOUR ENEMIES - PART 2.

Tonight by the Special Grace of God, we will looking at STRONGER THAN YOUR ENEMIES PART 1. As usual, our talk will be in two parts.

Daddy declared that he knows that this Year will be Special because in every Month of this Year, you will enjoy WONDERS.
Daddy wants to give Glory to God for his son that brought the 1st talk to us...thank God for his life.

Daddy also wants us to give a round of applause to the choirs because they did a great job. For the next one or two weeks, he will be singing: Mo ti ga ju ota lo (Am bigger than the enemies).

PART 1

BIBLE TEXT: ROMANS 8:31

What shall we then say to these things? If For be for us, who can be against us?

When God is on your side, without any doubt you are More than Conqueror because all the enemies need to see is God rising up to support you. In Psalm 68: 1-3; the bible says let God arise and let all His enemies be scattered.

So if God is behind you, all the enemies will run. The elders has a saying that: Dada cannot fight but has a courageous brother. Even if I cannot fight and my enemies see God behind me, they will run. My God will do something wonderful for someone here tonight. Adeboye is nothing but His God is everything.

Acts 9: 1-5; gives us an example of story that shows that your enemies are also the enemies of God if He is on your side. Saul of Tarsus was persecuting Christians until God knocked him down. He then asked God who are you? Then Jesus answered that: I am Jesus Christ who thou persecute. In James 4:7; the bible says only if you can submit to God even when the devil see you coming, he will run away as you are a terror to him.

According to Acts 19: 13-17; if you belong to God, the devil will recognised you. In that text, the bible recorded about some people trying to cast out devil from someone. The devil said: Jesus I know, Paul I know, who then are you? If you belong to God, the devil will know who you are if you are truly born again. Because the demons recognised us, they know the authority and Power of the One you have. In Acts 16:17, the bible says: The same followed Paul and us and cried saying; these men are the servants of the Most High God which shew unto us the way to salvation.

According to Isaiah 54: 16-17; the Word of God says: No weapon that is formed against you shall prosper and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgement thou shalt condemn.

The Lord is simply saying that He is the Maker of the instruments they put together to form their weapons. If the herbalist join the leaves together God will simply asked them not to function because He created them.

In Numbers 23: 19-24; even if the enemies wants to cursed you and you belong to God. When they open their mouth they will be blessing you. Instead of saying that you will die, they will say you will never die. Instead if saying you will be poor, they will say you will be the richest in town.

But if God is your enemy, where then do you run to? No where to run from Him. The moment the enemies know you are not on the side of God then you have become an easy meat for them. All God needs to do for your enemies to finished you is for God to decide to do nothing about you - that is be neutral. The only prayer the lion prays in the morning is that Lord just show me an animal and leave us alone. If the devil ever prays at all, he will simply say show me a person and leave us alone. If God leaves you alone then you are finished.

Even at the moments that you are not on His side, He still kept watch over you and waiting for a day like this that you will returned back to Him. However, He may not wait forever as His patience may runs out. So He said in His Words that the wages of sin is death. Deuteronomy 30:19 says I call Heaven and Earth as a witness before you: I have set before you life and death but I advised that you choose life so that you and your seed may live.

The Almighty God is saying to you tonight that if you are yet to choose Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour up till now then you are living a life of sin. He is asking you to choose now as tomorrow may be too late.

So if you are here now (or reading this now) and you are yet to give your life to Jesus Christ; then the time is now to surrender your life to your Lord and Saviour. Run to the altar now as I count from 1 to 12 before I pray for the salvation of those who has come.

ALTAR CALL!!!

PART 2

BIBLE TEXT: LUKE 11: 21-23

21. When a strong man armed keepeth his place, his goods are in place.

22. But when a stronger than he shall come upon him and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted and divided his spoils.

23. He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth.

The Lord is speaking here and He is saying that there are two categories of people:

1. A strong man that is well armed keeping his goods in a place and everything saved.

2. A stronger man comes around; knocked or boxed him down and takes over everything he has from the strong man.

In the Name above every Names; you will be Stronger than your enemies.

It is good to be strong according to Joel 3:16 - let the weak says I am strong. So is there any weak fellow here now... let me hear you shout: I am strong.

Physically, the plan of God is for everyone of us to be strong. In Psalm 105:37; the bible says when the children of Israel left Egypt there was none that was feeble among them...not one. God does not want a single sickness to stay among us. In Exodus 15:26; the bible says if you obey God, He won't let you to be sick. He further says that if any among you is sick that you don't need to sit down tolerating it but rather call on the elders to annoint and pray for such as the prayers of such will heal the sick.

Daddy is praying for everyone of us here tonight that throughout this Year, you will live in Good Health.

Materially, Heaven wants you to be strong. In Genesis 33: 1-9; its the account of Esau and Jacob. It got to a day that their father wanted to blessed them. Somehow, Jacob came before Esau and got all the blessings. By the time Esau came, their father had poured the blessings on Jacob but he demanded if nothing is left for him. The father gave him the crumbs of the blessings and it was recorded that Esau told Jacob that he has enough. The least any member of the Households of God should have should be ENOUGH.

Daddy decreed that from now on, you will have enough in Jesus Name!

Spiritually, God wants every members of the Church to be Strong. Before this Year runs out, every member of RCCG will be Spiritually Strong.

In 2 Kings 1: 9-12; Elijah had only one portion of anointing and he was able to call fire from Heaven at will.

So God wants every believer to be Strong Physically, Materially and Spiritually.

PRAYER: Father, beginning from now; let every form of weakness end in my life - Physically, Materially and Spiritually with the bearest minimum of anointing. Am a child of God and I belong to the family of the Most High God.

Daddy got a letter from a young fellow yesterday saying: daddy pray for me as I don't want to be an ordinary Christian. I simply told him that God has answered his prayers.

Is there anyone here who wants to be Spiritually endowed, let me hear you shout Halleluyah!!!

It is good to be strong Physically Healthy but it is better to be the one Healing the sick because in Marks 16:18; the bible says these signs shall follow them that believed - they shall lay hands on the sick and they shall recover.

So I want to encouraged you as the passage didn't say it will follow only the General Overseer.

Are you a Believer? Wave your hands...from now: Lay your hands on the sick and they shall recover.

Acts 3: 1-8; is the story of Peter who saw a lame man by the gate called Beautiful. The lame man demanded for money and he told him he doesn't have money but has something more precious than money...in Jesus Name: Rise up and walk.

Some will say that I have never laid hand on the sick before. What if I did and nothing happened? Why are you scared? Why not just try. If you lay hands on one and did not recover, don't be discouraged lay hands on 2, then 3 and 4. Just keep on obeying the instructions. The Miracles will begin because it is written.

... And do you know what? You will begin to do it tonight.

Some will say Daddy what do you mean? Am aware about many special cases here tonight. As am laying hands on them, you will join your faith with mine. In Jesus Name as I lay hands on them the sick will arise and you will be happy you are part of the healing process.

To be Strong is good but to be Stronger is better. It is good that you have enough but it is better that you make the poor to be rich. In 2 Kings 4: 1-7; the widow was destitute that she wanted to sell her children. Then she came across a Prophet who asked her what she has at home...then asked her to go and do the pouring and she had enough.

Daddy decreed that before the Month of March, all your debts will be gone and you will become a Blessing to others.

Please stretched out your hands: Daddy decreed that these hands will never lack again. In the Name above all Names, you hands will never be empty.

... It is good to have enough but better to be a blessing to others to prove that you are Stronger than them.

Spiritually, God expects you not only to be free from demons but also to cast out demons. In Acts 16: 16-18; a girl with the spirit of divinity followed Paul. Paul being grieved turned and commanded the demon to come out of her.

When you belong to God, you don't need to spend one hour casting out demons. All you need do is just to command and they will obey.

How do I know that? Just try it. Or have you tried it and it doesn't work?

Daddy command tonight that every demons in everyone of you to go out now in Jesus Name.

PRAYER: Father, make me Stronger than evil forces, demons, witches, wizards, herbalist and devil himself. Let me be a terror to the devil as I don't want to be an ordinary Christian. Whenever the devil or witches see me coming, let them run away.

Now you will want to ask me if what am saying is true when next the witch you have been running from see you, they will be the ones to run from you.

PROPHESY:

1. The Lord asked daddy to tell a woman that the baby in you is doing well.

2. The Lord asked daddy to tell someone that the chain holding your business down is broken.

3. The Lord (Daddy) says I will lift up your head again.

For you to be Stronger than your enemies then the following must happened:

1. You must be Supported by the Strongest (Almighty God).

Romans 8:31 says: What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?

In Psalm 24: 7-10; God clearly shows that if God is on your side, the enemies will know that they are messing with the Commander-In-Chief of the Hosts Himself.

If you are on the side of God, He can even made the demons to be your servants.

How many of you wants to be Stronger than your enemies... Let me hear you shout Halleluyah!!!

When you are supported by the Strongest then you can deliver anyone who is in trouble because according to Phillipians 2: 9-11 at the mention of the Name Jesus Christ, every knee must bow. Everything you want to do will be done through His Name.

Zechariah 4:6 says: Not by might, nor by power but by my spirit saith the LORD of hosts.

PRAYER: Father, am counting on your support; help me to rescue the captives in my family, homes and villages. I don't want to be an ordinary Christian that is just shouting Halleluyah.

PROPHESY: The Lord says that for someone here tonight, you will hear no more bad news for a long time.

2. You must be Connected to the One who is never tired.

Why must I be connected? In 1 Samuel 17: 1-51; David was a giant killer: he rescued a lamb from a lion; he rescued again another lamb from a bear and then he rescued a whole Nation from a terrorist called Goliath. But in 2 Samuel 21: 15-17; the bible says that the giant killer went to war and grew faint and if not for someone he would have died.

PROPHESY: The Lord says that there is someone here; He simply said: Relax your Victory is not negotiable.

In Exodus 17: 8-13; there was a war between Israel and the Amalekites. Moses was on mountain top and as long as his hand stretched up the Israelites were winning. But as human being, he was weary, hand comes down and the enemies were winning.

You need to be connected to the one who is never tired. Isaiah 40: 28-31 says even the young men will go weary after some time but there is a God who never go weary. So the one that waited on Him will never be weary. Because when you begin to do the work that God will begin to use you for (from now you are not ordinary). People will be bombarding you from left, right and center. They will asked you to rest but will say solve my own first (funny people). But when you are connected to the one who is never tired then you yourself won't know what is called tiredness.

PRAYER: Father, don't let me be disconnected from you. I want to be perpetually connected to you. No more weakness or tiredness as I go about rescuing the perishing because am going forward in your Name to heal the sick, rescued the perishing, cast out demons. If you wait on Him, He will renew your strength constantly.

PROPHESY: Daddy GO says he can hear someone singing. This means something special is about happening. The fellow is singing:

Oyi biribiri kan mi o (3ce)
Aanu Oluwa yi kan mi o.

3. You must be Inhabited by the Greatest.

1 John 4:4 says little children you have overcome them. Why? Because Greater is He that is in you than he than is in the world.

If you are inhabited by the Almighty God...He is Greater than the greatest and according to Ephesians 3:20; you will do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think according to the power that worketh in us.

When God is inhabiting in you then the Power to do the impossible is available. When you command demons, they won't hear your voice but the voice of the one in you (Almighty God). Because like I told those at the Cross Over Night Service, the devil cannot tell from your voice if you have the authority or not. 1 Peter 4:11 says if any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God. What is in you will be the one dictating what you will be saying.

... So note this secret of your enemies that is out tonight.

Who is the One dwelling in you? If it is the Almighty God, then when you speak the enemies will hear His Voice.

PRAYER: Father, dwell in me richly. Make my heart your throne and headquarters. No more immoral thoughts. Flushed out whatever is not of you from my entire body systems.

As we proceed on this rescue mission in the Mighty Name of Jesus Christ, you won't be the one people will be praying for. You won't be a candidate for deliverance but the one setting the captives free. You won't be the one people putting on hands me down but a source of blessings to others.

PROPHESY:

1. The Lord asked daddy to tell somebody: Forget the past as it is a New Day.

2. The Lord (Daddy) asked Daddy GO to encouraged everybody that keep knocking, all the doors will be opened.

Now as we proceed on the rescue mission because that is what we will be doing now. There is a Procedure:

1. Start with "Aggressive Praises". In 2 Chronicles 20: 1-25; it was Praises alone that gave Victory to Jehoshaphat. Not only did the enemies killed themselves but wealth changed hands.

When you are aggressive, God draws near to you. In John 4: 23-24; it says that God is a spirit and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth for the Father seeketh such to worship Him.

That is why Daddy GO don't normally bond the devil anytime he wants to preached but just Praise God. Your Halleluyah from now must changed. The devil knows that those who knows that are Victorious. The devil knows that the winning side is a shouting side.

... How many Victors are here: Let me hear you shout Halleluyah!!!

Don't let me remind you again that tour Halleluyah must be that of Victors.

2. This must be followed by Aggressive Praying. In Matthew 15: 21-28; the mother of that daughter that is being tormented by the devil prayed aggressively until the devil was casted out. Many a times when some of us pray, I just shake my head. God will answered someone tonight.

3. You must give God Aggressive Giving.

If you just want to have enough then no need to give aggressively. But people like me want to be a blessing to the world and so wants more than enough. The elders has a saying that it is only when the eyes is full of waters that it drops on the nose.

If you really want to overcome the devil (devil don't like this); it is finding a way to ensure that there is no none to do the work but that strategy is just too late. The Church of God is matching on and the gates of hell won't prevail over it. Do you know what? God will bless you so much but for you to make the poor rich. Learn to be a blessing to others. If you know how much we spent on Mission then you will know that there is need to have more than enough

PRAYER: Father, everything that I needed to serve you provide for me abundantly. Am ready to be your Treasurer and give you aggressively.

Do you know what, before the Month of June, one of you will tell me that I will pay for the Congress. One of you will say that I will pay for the Convention. Before the end of this Month, someone will say I will contribute towards this Arena.

... Daddy is trying to be gentle but the spirit. By the time that someone is coming for the Special Holy Ghost Service in March, you will bring people with a brand new bus.

4. Above all is your Faith. Your Faith must be aggressive.

In Marks 11: 22-24; the bible says if only you have Faith in God, you will say you mountain be thou removed and cast to the sea and it will be so. If you have Faith, whatever you say will be backed up.

Many of you will say: I have no Faith. Who tell you that? You have Faith but its just that you don't know. Your Faith may be on someone or something else. When you came in, you didn't check the chairs but sat on it because you have faith in the maker that manufactured it did a good job. Many had travelled abroad. They have faith in the pilot - enter the plane, sit down, fastened belt and the plane took off. When on air, you don't even know the direction the pilot is turning you to but just sat down and they served you food, you eat it...but still trust that all is well.

How much more about the Pilot of the Universe? The one that can rise on the storm,say peace be still and there will be peace!

... And do you know what? The reason why you are here today is because you have Faith in God and you are now expected to put that Faith in action - Faith in Motion.

PRAYER: Father, I trust in you; don't let me be ashamed. From now on, my Faith in you is Solid. Your Words and Promise is my Anchor.

PROPHESY: The Lord says that daddy should tell someone and that fellow will understand: It is Done!.

In conclusion in Isaiah 60:1; the bible says: Arise shine for thy light is come and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee.

All you need to do now is to Arise and Shine.

PRAYER: Lift up your hands to God and say: I with arise and I will shine.

GENERAL PRAYERS:

1. Praise God - Do it aggressively in a way that you have not done it before.

2. Father, from now on, let enemies see me and run.

3. Father, please annoint me specially to heal the sick and cast out demons.

4. Father, make me a Blessing to my Generations.

5. Father, keep me pure and holy so that you can dwell in me.

6. Father, from now on let me shine for you in the darkness of this world.

7. Put your Special Personal Request to the Almighty God.

Thank you so much for reading.

PRELUDE TO FEBRUARY 2018 HOLY GHOST SERVICE WITH THE THEME: STRONGER THAN YOUR ENEMIES - PART 2:

In the Part 2 that will be coming up on the 2nd of February 2018 by the Special Grace of God. We will learn that the mere fact that there are Mountains in your life is because we refused to face and confront them.

There are problems in our lives as long as we dodge, ignore or tolerate them. The day you begin to confront your Mountains is the day they will begin to move. For forty (40) days, Goliath terrorised the children of Israel and they run from him. Then one day, a young man came to face it and before you know it, Goliath lost his head.

So by the Special Grace of God, we will teach us on how to face your Mountains and you will be more than conqueror.

... It promises to be great and quite revealing. So mark 2nd of February 2018 as a date on your diary that you cannot afford to miss. May God keep us all till then and beyond in Jesus Mighty Name!

.... Finally Daddy GO prayed thus for us: May the Almighty God be with you all. Go in peace and let me hear someone shout Halleluyah... HALLELUYAH!!!!!!!

COMPILATIONS BY MOSES DURODOLA
RCCG, JESUS SANCTUARY
LAGOS PROVINCE 9

TOPIC: Gambling [Sunday, 7th January 2018]

MEMORY VERSE:“Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”– Hebrews 13:5

BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Timothy 6:6-12

6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.

7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

INTRODUCTION:

The word gamble means "to risk something of value on an outcome that depends on chance". Other related activities to gambling are betting, lotto/lottery, gaming, casinos, 'money doubling' and 'get rich quick' programmes, among others. Because the outcomes of these activities "depend on chance" and doing them involves "risk", then, by definition, they are all gambling. Although, the Bible does not specifically condemn gambling, betting, or the lottery, it does warn us, however, to stay away from the love of money (1Timothy 6:10; Hebrews 13:5). Scripture also encourages us to stay away from attempts to "get rich quick" (Proverbs 13:11; 23:5; Ecclesiastes 5:10). Gambling most definitely is focused on the love of money and undeniably tempts people with the promise of quick and easy riches. Jesus warns us against letting riches get in the way of our spiritual benefit (Mark 4:19; 10:25) and that we cannot serve both God and money (Luke 16:13).

LESSON OUTLINES

1. Instances of gambling in the bible

2. Reasons for gambling and its consequences

3. Biblical counsel for believers

INSTANCES OF GAMBLING IN THE BIBLE

The Bible contains instances of gambling: Samson's bet in Judges 14:12-13 and the soldiers' gambling over Jesus' garments in John 19:24. In neither case is gambling presented in a good light. It also mentions events of "luck" or "chance" and instances of lottery. As an example, casting lots was used in Leviticus to choose between the sacrificial goat and the scapegoat (Leviticus 16:8). Joshua cast lots to determine the allotment of land to the various tribe (Joshua 18:10). Nehemiah cast lots to determine who would live inside the walls of Jerusalem (Nehemiah 10:34). The apostles cast lots to determine the replacement for Judas (Acts 1:26). However, Proverbs 16:33 emphasizes the sovereignty of God: "The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD". Hence, the biblical purpose of casting lots was not to test one's luck or to gain material wealth.

REASONS FOR GAMBLING AND ITS CONSEQUENCES

1. One of the world's lies is that money is the answer to life's problems. People are lured into playing lottery with promises that their lives will improve if they can only hit the jackpot. If they can just get lucky with the numbers, their problems will disappear. Such hopes are empty (Ecclesiastes 5:10-15).

2. Gamblers, including players of lottery, typically covet money and the things that money can buy. God forbids covetousness (Exodus 20:17; 1Timothy 6:10).

3. Playing lottery as a get-rich-quick scheme is statistically futile, and it focuses the lottery player on the temporary riches of this world (Proverbs 23:5).

4. The main purpose of gambling/lottery is to win money, and the Bible tells us what our attitude toward money should be (1Timothy 6:10). Studies show that the vast majority of lottery winners are in an even worse financial situation a few years after winning a jackpot than they were before.

5. The allure of "getting rich quick" is too great a temptation to resist for those who are desperate. The chances of winning are infinitesimal, which results in many peoples' lives being ruined (1Timothy 6:9; Proverbs 1:32).

BIBLICAL COUNSEL FOR BELIEVERS

1. God wants His people to prosper (Psalm 35:27; 3 John 2) and to earn their money honestly by working hard (2 Thessalonians 3:10). We ought to gain wealth through diligence, as a gift from the Lord: "Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth" (Proverbs 10:4).

2. Jesus teaches, "No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money (Luke 16:13). Do not join the multitude to do evil (Exodus 23:2).

3. In 1Timothy 6:10, we find the famous warning that the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. Proceeds from gambling/lottery/betting do not please God (Proverbs 13:11). God is sovereign and will provide for the needs of the church through honest means.

4. Money and material wealth should not be the primary pursuit of a believer, rather it should be the kingdom of God and righteousness (Matthew 6:33).

5. Money should not be wasted. Excess money should be saved for future needs or given to the needy and the Lord's work, not gambled away (Proverbs 19:17; Exodus 35:5).

CONCLUSION:

We must guard our hearts against greed and covetousness (Proverbs 1:17-19).

QUESTIONS:

1. Why do people gamble?

2. Mention some biblical instances of lottery and the purpose.

3. What counsel does the Bible give to believers on gambling?

TOPIC: GAMBLING [SUNDAY, 7TH JANUARY 2018]

OPENING PRAYER:

Father, deliver me and my fellow believers from the evil spirit of covetousness. Help us to be content with our resources.

MEMORY VERSE: Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. Hebrews 13:5

BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Timothy 6:6-12

6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.

7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

INTRODUCTION:

The word gamble means "to risk something of value on an outcome that depends on chance". Other related activities to gambling are betting, lotto/lottery, gaming, casinos, 'money doubling' and 'get rich quick' programmes, among others. Because the outcomes of these activities "depend on chance" and doing them involves "risk", then, by definition, they are all gambling. Although, the Bible does not specifically condemn gambling, betting, or the lottery, it does warn us, however, to stay away from the love of money (1Timothy 6:10; Hebrews 13:5). Scripture also encourages us to stay away from attempts to "get rich quick" (Proverbs 13:11; 23:5; Ecclesiastes 5:10). Gambling most definitely is focused on the love of money and undeniably tempts people with the promise of quick and easy riches. Jesus warns us against letting riches get in the way of our spiritual benefit (Mark 4:19; 10:25) and that we cannot serve both God and money (Luke 16:13).

TEXT REVIEW: 1 Timothy 6:6-12

Lack of contentment or satisfaction could lead to dangers. Therefore, Apostle Paul warned believers beforehand:

i. It leads into temptation and snare.1Tim.6:9a

ii. It produce foolish and hurtful list. 1Tim 6:9b.

iii. It drowns men(women inclusive) in destruction and perdition. 1Tim 6:9c

iv. It leads the victims to err from faith. 1Tim.6:10b

v. It is like arrow that Pierces many hearts with many sorrows. 1Tim. 6:10c

How can believers be free from the problem of lack of contentment? The answers are as follows:

a. Flee from unending desires to acquire more money, power, materials, riches,etc. 1Tim. 6:9-11

b. Embrace eternal life absolutely. 1Tim. 6:12b

c. Fight the good fight of faith. 1Tim 6:12c.

d. Learn to be contended. 1Tim 6:6

e. Follow righteousness, godliness, faith, love, Patience and meekness which are the fruits of the spirit. 1Tim. 6:11.

LESSON OUTLINES

1. Instances of gambling in the bible

2. Reasons for gambling and its consequences

3. Biblical counsel for believers

INSTANCES OF GAMBLING IN THE BIBLE

Staking of riddle or casting lot was found in the Bible:

i. Samson staked a riddle for thirty change of garment Judges 14:12-13

ii. The soldiers cast lot over the garment of Jesus John 19:24.

iii. Casting lot was used as option to select between the sacrificial goat and scape goat.(Leviticus 16:8).

iv. Joshua cast lots to determine the allotment of land to the various tribe (Joshua 18:10).

v. Nehemiah cast lots to determine who would live inside the walls of Jerusalem (Nehemiah 10:34).

vi. Although people cast lot to take decision but best decisions are those taking by the Lord or guided by the Holy Spirit.

vii. The lots is cast into the lap, but decision is wholly of the Lord. Even the event that seems accidental are really ordered by the Lord. Proverbs 16:33

viii. Lot casting here is synonymous to testing of luck or to gain material wealth.

ix. Lot casting has to do with making a decision from alternatives from the Biblical perspective and not for "luck" or "chance" or to make quick money.

The Bible message says. "Make your motions and cast your votes, but God has the final say" Pro 16:33

CLASS ACTIVITY 1:

Why do peoples gamble?

REASONS FOR GAMBLING AND ITS CONSEQUENCES

i. Love of money - people test their luck with numbers to get money. However such people are mostly empty (Ecclesiastes 5:10-15).

ii. Covetousness for material gains or what money can buy. Many gamblers and lottery player are deep in material gains which God forbids. (Exodus 20:17; 1Timothy 6:10).

iii. Those who engage in get-rich-quick schemes stand the risk of loosing everything. Do not set your eyes on that which is not real, riches certainly make themselves wings and fly away.

iv. Studies show that many lottery winners ended up in worse financial situation after the jackpot. Apostle Paul wrote"... And they Pieced themselves through with many sorrow. 1Tim. 6:10

v. Those who are desperate of getting rich quickly believe they will always win (1Timothy 6:9; Proverbs 1:32).".... Drowned men in destruction and perdition 1Tim 6:9

BIBLICAL COUNSEL FOR BELIEVERS

i. God wants His people to prosper (Psalm 35:27; 3John 2) and to earn their money honestly by working hard (2Thessalonians 3:10). We ought to gain wealth through diligence, as a gift from the Lord: "Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth" (Proverbs 10:4).

ii. Jesus teaches, "No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money (Luke 16:13). Do not join the multitude to do evil (Exodus 23:2).

iii. In 1Timothy 6:10, we find the famous warning that the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. Proceeds from gambling/lottery/betting do not please God (Proverbs 13:11). God is sovereign and will provide for the needs of the church through honest means.

iv. Money and material wealth should not be the primary pursuit of a believer, rather it should be the kingdom of God and righteousness (Matthew 6:33).

v. Money should not be wasted. Excess money should be saved for future needs or given to the needy and the Lord's work, not gambled away (Proverbs 19:17; Exodus 35:5).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2:

What should believers do with excess cash/money at hand?

SUMMARY:

Do not gamble your money, materials and life.

CONCLUSION:

Be satisfied with your resources and believe God for increase.

CLOSING PRAYER:

Father, prosper me in your own way and time.

ASSIGNMENT:

Identify ten forms of gambling in our society.

Topic: I Shall Not Be Ashamed — Saturday 6, January 2018

Memorise:I have stuck unto thy testimonies: O LORD, put me not to shame. –Psalms 119:31

Read: Isaiah 54:4-5 (KJV)

4 Fear not; for thou shalt not be ashamed: neither be thou confounded; for thou shalt not be put to shame: for thou shalt forget the shame of thy youth, and shalt not remember the reproach of thy widowhood any more.

5 For thy Maker is thine husband; the LORD of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called.

Bible in One Year: Genesis 14-16, Revelation 5:1-6:2, Hymn: Sing Hymn 3: What Can Wash Away My Sins

MESSAGE:

Shame is an undesirable experience of life. It is the outcome of disgrace, humiliation, reproach or degradation. It can simply be described as the loss of honour or respect as a result of wrongdoing or failure. The Bible reveals that shame has its origin in the fall of man in the Garden of Eden:

“And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.” - Genesis 3:7

When Adam and Eve engaged in gross disobedience to the commandment of God, the end result was shame. Shame is inevitable for whosoever will not give due regard to the commandments or instructions that come from the Lord. The devil delights in using the spirit of rebellion as a tool to knock people down from grace to grass. This was the case with King Saul. When he acted contrary to God’s clear instructions, the end result was the shame of rejection. God rejected him as king over His people Israel. 1 Samuel 15:26 says:

“And Samuel said unto Saul, I will not return with thee: for thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, and the LORD hath rejected thee from being king over Israel.”

Are you experiencing any form of shame in your life? Has the devil succeeded in dragging you from grace to grass? I have good news for you today: No matter how terrible your past life has been, the Lord will wipe away your shame today in Jesus' Name. In today’s Bible reading, the Almighty God expressly gives you the assurance that beginning from now, your shame shall become history. To enforce the fulfilment of this prophetic message in your life, you must make a heartfelt cry for mercy through genuine repentance of those sins that have brought you shame. Proverbs 28:13

“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.”

Furthermore, you need to call upon the Lord like the Psalmist in today’s memory verse. What is that shame in your life right now? Is it the shame of sin, sickness, barrenness, or loneliness as a result of a broken home or ailing marriage? An end has come to it today; only believe! Be assured that the God who said you shall forget your shame is well able to do what He has said in His word. Indeed your shame shall become a thing of the past in Jesus’ Name.

Prayer Point: Father, remove my shame and cover my nakedness today in Jesus' Name.

Hymn 3: What Can Wash Away My Sins

1. What can wash away my sin?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
What can make me whole again?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Chorus:
Oh! precious is the flow
That makes me white as snow;
No other fount I know,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

2. For my cleansing this I see
Nothing but the blood of Jesus!
For my pardon this my plea
Nothing but the blood of Jesus!

3. Nothing can my sin erase
Nothing but the blood of Jesus!
Naught of works, 'tis all of grace
Nothing but the blood of Jesus!

4. This is all my hope and peace
Nothing but the blood of Jesus!
This is all my righteousness
Nothing but the blood of Jesus!

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: Redeemed For Divine Promotion — Sunday 7, January 2018

Memorise: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: – Colossians 1:13

Read: Psalm 75:5-7 (KJV)

5 Lift not up your horn on high: speak not with a stiff neck.

6 For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south.

7 But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.

Bible in One Year: Genesis 17-18, Revelation 6:3-17, Hymn: Sing Hymn 6: A New Thing

MESSAGE:

“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”John 10:10

For you to reap the full benefits of the abundant life that Jesus Christ came to give, you need to understand the character of this life. Many children of God short-change themselves because they do not know that the redemption which Jesus Christ earned for us through His Blood is an all-round redemption that touches every aspect of our lives (Colossians 1:14,20). For example, not only did He redeem us from the power of sin, He also translated us to become citizens of God’s Kingdom. As Kingdom citizens, we are lifted above principalities and powers of this world. The Holy Spirit makes this truth clear through these verses of the Scripture:

“20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, 21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:” - Ephesians 1:20-21

“And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:” -Ephesians 2:6

The implication of this is that the devil should no longer dominate, buffet or torment us anymore because we are no longer under his feet, where sin had previously kept us. We have been bought with a price that frees us from the tyrant master (1 Corinthians 7:23, Hebrews 2:14). We are divinely promoted as kings and priests, as declared in Revelation 5:10:

“And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.”

We are redeemed and promoted above sorrow, poverty, sickness and every form of oppression of the devil. Beloved, learn to celebrate and enforce the divine promotion you have obtained through redemption. Moreover, if you desire promotion in any facet of life, our text tells us that only God promotes. Therefore, put your trust in God, and your promotion will manifest sooner rather than later, and it will be beyond your wildest imagination in Jesus’ Name.

Action Point: Spend some quality time to celebrate your divine promotion by rendering high praises to God.

Hymn 6: A New Thing
(Tune: There shall be showers of Blessing)

1. We will soon shout Halleluyah
Because GOD will do new things
Sinners will soon be forgiven
Prodigals will come home soon.

Chorus:
Shout Halleluyah
Because God will do new things
Rivers in desert now flowing
Halleluyah to our king.

2. We will soon shout Halleluyah
Because God will do new things
Sickness and sorrow will be gone
Bondage will be forgotten.

3. We will soon shout Halleluyah
Because God will do new things
The barren will be fruitful soon
Failure will be forgotten

4. We will soon shout Halleluyah
Because God will do new things
Poverty will be forgotten
Stagnancy will soon be gone.

5. We will soon shout Hallelujah
Because God will do new things
To all miracles are given
There shall be celebrations

6. We will soon shout Halleluyah
Because God will do new things
Many will have testimonies
Of prayers answered fully

7. We will soon shout Halleluyah
Because God will do new things
One of us will chase a thousand
Two will conquer ten thousands.

8. We will soon shout Halleluyah
Because God will do new things
Songs of praises we will sing
Halleluyah to our King.

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: Angels Have Charge Over Us [Sunday January 7, 2018]

He is my refuge . . . —Psalm 91:2

Modern psychiatrists say that one of the basic needs of man is security. In the 91st Psalm we are assured that in God we have the greatest of security, “There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.

For He shall give His angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.” If you read and reread this beautiful Psalm, you will discover that in Him we have a permanent abode and residence, and that all of the comfort, security, and affection which the human heart craves is found in Him. Perhaps no visible angels will appear in your life and mine, but God’s promise of security is nonetheless real and certain. Those who live in the realm of God have genuine safety and security.

Prayer for the day: Wherever I go this day, You and Your angels will be with me. Thank you, Lord, for the peace, love, and security You promise.

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: The Power To Serve [Sunday January 7, 2018]

Luke 1:41, "And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost."

Text: Luke 1:39-56

Upon hearing the greeting of Mary, John the Baptist leaped for joy inside his mother's womb (v. 44). A six month old fetus experienced unbridled emotion, voluntarily leaped for joy and was actually filled with the Holy Spirit.

It is no coincidence that the man Jesus called the greatest of all Old Testament prophets, was the only man in the Bible to be filled with the Holy Ghost from his mother's womb (Lk. 7:28).

The anointing of God that breaks every yoke is simply the manifest presence and working of the Holy Spirit (Isa. 10:27). The Holy Spirit is the part of the Godhead that empowers us for service.

God is not asking us to live for Him. He is asking us to let Him live through us (Gal. 2:20). The Christian life is not a changed life but an exchanged life. This can only be accomplished when the Holy Spirit is leading and empowering us.

Even Jesus didn't begin His ministry until he was anointed with the Holy Spirit and He was the sinless Son of God. How much more do we need to depend on the power of the Holy Spirit in our daily lives. Today, be conscious of the presence of the Holy Spirit in you and expect Him to supernaturally guide and empower you.

If you ask, you will receive (Lk. 11:9-13).

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: God Has Something to Say [Sunday January 7, 2018]

The sheep listen to [the Shepherd's] voice and heed it; and he calls his own sheep by name and brings (leads) them out. -John 10:3, The Amplified Bible

Don't ever be so afraid of making a mistake you miss out on the joy of acting on the voice of the Lord. Instead, trust the leadership of the Holy Spirit and let Him show you how. He'll begin by speaking to you about the little things in your life, and as you grow accustomed to hearing and obeying, He'll speak to you about weightier things.

That's how it happened with Gloria and me. When we first accepted Jesus as Lord, we didn't have any idea how to hear God. Our spirits weren't yet trained to distinguish His leading. But since the Bible promised we could do it, we began to approach our prayer time and Bible study time expecting to hear God's direction and He began to give it.

I'll never forget the first time it happened to Gloria. She'd been reading the Bible and she just stopped for a few minutes to see if God would say something to her. Right down on the inside of her, she heard the Lord say, The light is on in your car.

It didn't occur to her that God would speak to her about something so trivial, so she just brushed that thought aside and went on listening. Pretty soon, He said the same thing again. He kept on repeating it until finally, she got up and walked out to the car. Sure enough, the light was on.

Why would God bother with something as insignificant as a car light? Because He cares! He knew Gloria was home alone that night with two small children, and if that battery had run down, she'd have been stuck there. God was watching out for her, and He told her just exactly what she needed to know right then.

Yet, at the same time, He knew she was a beginner where listening to His voice was concerned, so He gave her an instruction she could follow without much risk. I mean, what if she had gone out there and the light hadn't been on? What if she'd missed it? She would have felt foolish but that wouldn't have hurt anything.

If you'll trust Him, the Holy Spirit will do the same thing for you that He did for Gloria and me. He'll bring you along one step at a time in a way that will help you, not hurt you.

The biggest mistake you can make is to be afraid to follow that inward witness which is the No. 1 way God leads all His children (Romans 8:14). So don't be afraid. Take time to listen today. Expect to hear in your spirit. God has something to say to you.

Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 2:6-16

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: One Name — Sunday January 7, 2018.

Read: Philippians 2:5–11, Bible in a Year: Genesis 18–19; Matthew 6:1–18

At the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth.Philippians 2:10

Cleopatra, Galileo, Shakespeare, Elvis, Pelé. They are all so well known that they need only one name to be recognized. They have remained prominent in history because of who they were and what they did. But there is another name that stands far above these or any other name!

Before the Son of God was born into this world, the angel told Mary and Joseph to name Him Jesus because “he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21), and “he . . . will be called the Son of the Most High” (Luke 1:32). Jesus didn’t come as a celebrity but as a servant who humbled Himself and died on the cross so that anyone who receives Him can be forgiven and freed from the power of sin.

The apostle Paul wrote, “God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:9–11).

In our times of greatest joy and our deepest need, the name we cling to is Jesus. He will never leave us, and His love will not fail.

Prayer:Jesus, You are the name above all names, our Savior and Lord. We lift our praise to You as we celebrate Your presence and power in our lives today.

Jesus Christ is not valued at all until He is valued above all.  Augustine

Insight:

God, who exists eternally in three Persons—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit—has a variety of names that describe His attributes, including Good Shepherd, Lion of Judah, Lamb of God, Prince of Peace, Almighty God, Strong Tower, and Comforter. Yet here in Philippians 2 Jesus is called the “name that is above every name” (v. 9). Paul, the author of Philippians, goes on to say that at the sound of His name “every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth” (v. 10). Why this enthusiastic praise for the name of Jesus? It’s because of who He is, what He left behind, and what He accomplished. Jesus, the Son of God, left the magnificence of heaven and the presence of His Father and humbled Himself by taking on “human likeness” and “becoming obedient to death” (vv. 7–8). Thus humbled, Jesus was “exalted . . . to the highest place” and given the name above all names (v. 9). He died and rose again because of His love for us and is deserving of our praise and the overflowing joy it expresses.

Whom can you tell about Jesus? Alyson Kieda

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

Topic: The King Will Not Sleep This Year! [Sunday, January 7, 2018]

Daniel 6:3 declares, “Then this Daniel distinguished himself above the governors and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him, and the king gave thought to set him over the whole realm.”

On the verge of Daniel’s decoration party, his many adversaries conspired to send him to the place of death (Den of lions). But that night, king Darius, just like king Ahasuerus in the days of Mordecai in Esther chapter 6, could not sleep. WOW! See Daniel 16:18 – “Now the king went to his palace and spent the night fasting, and no musicians were brought before him. Also, his sleep went from him, then the king arose very early in the morning and went in haste to the den of the lions.”

WOW! The KING COULD NOT SLEEP AND BECAUSE OF YOU, SOMEONE SENT TO BE A PART OF LIFE, WILL NOT REST TILL THEY HELP YOU THIS YEAR! Someone who told you “NO” yesterday, shall say “YES” this year! THIS IS YOUR YEAR OF “YES!” I am excited by HOLY GHOST! Follow me to spy on the DECORATION PARTY OF MORDECAI. VENUE is on the street called “ESTHER AVENUE”

CHAPTER 6 VERSE 1: “On that night could not the king sleep, and he commanded to bring the book of records of the chronicles; and they were read before the king.” Did you see that? Hush! Hush! Hush! No Noise yet! We are a spying mission!

THE KING COULD NOT SLEEP! That was also DANIEL’S EXPERIENCE in our 2nd scripture! You are NEXT ONLINE! And now I am led to prophesy strongly to your destiny: “In this, your 2018 and at the WORLD ANOINTING DECORATION NIGHT of January 26th, the ANOINTING will sit that man or woman who is supposed to play a role in your destiny this year! They will not sleep till they help you!” Prayer Bullets for Winners (War Against Haman 13)

Listen: NEW HELPERS WILL LOOK FOR YOU THIS YEAR BY FORCE! Sow your DECORATION SEED and DETERMINE to complete this fast!

Prayer Points: Take this song: Draw me nearer…

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

Decree that you will not miss your helpers this year.

See “WAR AGAINST HAMAN-13” NOW and pray the prayers 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: Sacrificial Giving — Sunday January 7, 2018.

“And the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there; for that was the great high place: a thousand burnt offerings did Solomon offer upon that altar”(1 Kings 3:4 (KJV)

God is always aware of what we give to Him or the things we do for the kingdom. From the text, you can see that Solomon, though a king, knew he had to give to God like every other person but more importantly, he also knew what to give. He did not appear before the altar in Gibeah like every other person; he chose to be different. He offered a thousand burnt offerings upon the altar. Think about it. Not a few hundreds, but a thousand. He gave so much that God came to him in a dream at night with a blank cheque saying “ask what I shall give thee”.

In verse 9 of that same scripture, we are told that Solomon responded by asking for wisdom and God responded by giving him much more than he asked for because He is the much more God. He gave him wisdom, riches and honour as had never been recorded concerning any other king in Israel.

Beloved, only ‘sacrificial giving’ could have provoked that kind of blessing. Whenever you bring your gifts to the altar, you set in motion a harvest of miracles, and the Heavens open over your life.

No man can out give God. When you give, you are asking Him to multiply your harvest. Don’t ever forget that it is He who gives seed to the sower and bread to the eater. If there was any time to give sacrificially, it is now. Each day you wake up, understand that it is His grace that has made you see another day. The least you can do is to appreciate Him for His love and grace that has kept you alive. One way to show your appreciation is to give. You are not giving because anyone is compelling you to do so, but you are giving in response to all that He has done for you.

Further Reading: 1 Kings 3:3-6, Acts 20:35

Daily Bible Reading: Morning- Gen.18,19 / Evening-  Matt. 6: 1-18

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: Vision And The Blessing Of God [Sunday January 7, 2018]

Scripture: And the Lord said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward: For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever. Genesis 13:14-15.

Thought For The Day: What does not occur in you cannot occur for you.

It has been confirmed that there is a relationship between vision and the blessing of God. People of vision are people endowed with God’s blessing and people of blessing are people of vision. You cannot be a person of vision and not experience the blessing of God.

Now, I will give you two key facts on vision and the blessing of God:

1. Dreams and visions are the seeds of reality

What does not occur in vision cannot become reality. What does not occur in you cannot occur for you. Things are seen twice in life – first, you see them by vision and secondly, you see them in reality. Whatever God shows you in night dreams or from revelations in the Scriptures can determine what you begin to pursue in the day. By God’s grace, I saw the Lord's Garden (The location of the Dunamis Church’s Glory Sanctuary) first as a vision before it now became a reality.

2. Visions and dreams fuel the right action and the right action sponsors the right/expected outcome

What you envision in your mind makes you embark on the right action; a correct action results in the expected outcome. So, vision provokes the right action, and the right action provokes the right outcome.

Beloved, my counsel is, conceive a solid and feasible vision for your life in order not to live aimlessly.

Remember This: What does not occur in you cannot occur for you.

Assignments:

1. Conceive a vision for your life (if you do not yet have one).

2. Pursue the conceived vision in your life with all your might.

Prayer: O Lord, I ask that You open my eyes to see the reason for my life. Give me the grace to pursue it, Lord, in Jesus’ Name.

FOR FURTHER UNDERSTANDING, GET THIS MESSAGE: VISION AND THE BLESSING (PART 3).

Amazing Fact: Some women see more colours than everyone else. Most people have three types of colour receptors to see colour vision, while some women have four or even five of these receptors and can see a wider range of colours.

Today In History: 07/01/1610 - Galileo Galilei sighted four of Jupiter's moons. He named them Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto.

Daily Reading: Genesis 16:1 to 18:15, Matthew 6:1 to 24, Psalm 7:1 to 17, Proverbs 2:1 to 5.

Today’s devotional was written by Pastor Paul Enenche of the Dunamis International Gospel Centre (DIGC), headquartered at Abuja, Nigeria, with Pastor 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: Outstanding Prayer Template — Sunday January 7, 2018.

Text: 1 Chronicles 4:1-10

Key Verse:“And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested.”(1 Chronicles 4:10).

During some of the darkest days of the American revolution, after the Continental Army had experienced several defeats a farmer who lived near George Washington’s camp decided to pay the soldiers a visit. As he approached the tents, he overheard agonizing prayer. A closer look showed Washington on his knees, asking God for assistance and guidance. The farmer crept away. On returning home, the farmer said to his wife, “it’s going to be all right. We are going to win!” “what makes you thinks so?” his wife asked. “well,” he said, “I heard General Washington pray out in the woods today – such fervent prayer I have never heard. God will surely hear and answer that kind of prayer.”

It’s obvious Jabez’s name is buried in a long list of genealogies but like a shining star in a long list of anonymous characters, he is remembered for just his prayers. The matters covered in his prayers are summed up in just two verses but when expanded covers so many needs. He requested for a special blessing, enlargement of coasts and “God granted him that which he requested.”

Jabez had obvious limitations. Born in sorrow, his name was a reminder of that hardship which prevailed in his family at the time of his birth. Rather than allow this reality to make him accept the ordinary life he grew up to discover, Jabez effectively rejected the status quo through fervent prayer.

So you can obtain salvation and all other blessings you desire today through sincere and fervent prayer of faith in God in the name of Jesus. God can change lives, families and destinies for good but He is waiting for you to ask Him to do them.

Thought For The Day:  Pray aright fervent to live differently.

Bible Reading in one Year: Job 14-16

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: Carnal Christians and Spiritual Christians [Sunday January 7, 2018]

You are still worldly [controlled by ordinary impulses, the sinful capacity]. For as long as there is jealousy and strife and discord among you, are you not unspiritual, and are you not walking like ordinary men [unchanged by faith]? —1 Corinthians 3:3

There are two kinds of Christians, and you have to choose which one you will be. Will you be a carnal Christian or a spiritual Christian?

A carnal Christian is a people-pleaser who cares more about what people think than about obeying God. They are immature, operating out of their emotions and doing whatever they feel like saying and doing. They are usually in strife, discontent, easily offended and lacking peace.

A spiritual Christian is someone who diligently follows after the desires of the Holy Spirit. They feed their spirit with the Word every day, letting God into every area of their life. Their relationship with God is the focus of their life every day of the week, not just during church once a week.

If you haven’t done it already, I urge you today to make a full-time commitment to follow Christ. Let the Lord into everything you do. Walk in love, with integrity, humility and peace. Get along with others. Display the fruit of the Spirit and enjoy the favor of God.

Prayer Starter:God, I don’t want to be a carnal Christian, always led by the flesh. Instead, I want to be led by the Holy Spirit, living a life that pleases You. I choose today to be a spiritual Christian, not a carnal one.

From Joyce Meyer’s Ministries.

Topic: Preach the Word [Open Heavens 8th January 2018]

Memorise: Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:– Matthew 28:19

Read: 2 Timothy 4:1-5 (KJV)

1 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;

2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

Bible in One Year: Genesis 19-20, Revelation 7, Hymn: Sing Hymn 7: Wonderful Story Of Love

MESSAGE:

You will observe that parents often pass across their most important instructions to their children at the time they about to leave the world. In like-manner, our Lord Jesus Christ, when He was about to leave this world, gave us the instructions contained in our memory verse today. The Body of Christ refers to this set of instructions as The Great Commission. Due to the place of this mandate in the heart of God, I always encourage my spiritual children to be guilty of the error of neglecting to act upon it. Not only must we do the work of The Great Commission, we must also do it right. We must be like a certain torch bearer at a railway crossing, whose responsibility was to warn people from crossing the rail lines whenever a train was approaching. He indeed waved the torch at the sight of an approaching train, but alas, the torch had no light in it. You can be sure the result of such error of omission would be catastrophic. It is terrible to not engage in evangelism, but it is much more terrible to engage in it as an empty routine. On the other hand, it is life-giving when we engage in it with all due diligence.

In 2 Timothy 4:2, the Holy Spirit gave us a template for what the mode of our evangelism and content of our message should be:

“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.”

From this scripture, we understand that the gospel should be preached when it is convenient (in season), and also when it sounds offensive to the society we live in (out of season). We also understand from this scripture that our gospel message should contain reproof, rebuke, exhortation and doctrine. Many preachers today chose not to dabble into doctrinal issues because they would not want to be caught in controversies. You hear them saying, “I am sent to preach prosperity or deliverance and not doctrine!” One wonders whether they are preaching the same message given by the Holy Spirit to the early disciples, which put Stephen and James to death. Are they preaching the same gospel that landed and Paul and Silas in the midst of controversies and ultimately in jail? Should we, because of the fear of controversies, imprisonment or even death, fail to preach the word as we ought to? God forbid (Revelation 2:10)! I encourage you, if you have encountered the saving grace of Jesus Christ, to rise up for the salvation of others, in season and out of season, by preaching the unadulterated word of God to them.

Action Point:Organise a line of action on evangelism in your local assembly and ensure that the undiluted word of God is preached regularly through it.

Hymn 7: Wonderful Story Of Love

1. Wonderful story of love;
Tell it to me again;
Wonderful story of love;
Wake the immortal strain!
Angels with rapture announce it,
Shepherds with wonder receive it;
Sinner, oh, won’t you believe it?
Wonderful story of love.

Chorus:
Wonderful! Wonderful!
Wonderful, wonderful story of love.

2. Wonderful story of love;
Though you are far away;
Wonderful story of love;
Still He doth call today;
Calling from Calvary’s mountain,
Down from the crystal-bright fountain,
E’en from the dawn of creation,
Wonderful story of love.

3. Wonderful story of love;
Jesus provides a rest;
Wonderful story of love;
For all the pure and blest,
Rest in those mansions above us,
With those who’ve gone on before us,
Singing the rapturous chorus,
Wonderful story of love.

Open Heavens 8th January 2018, 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: Step Across the Faith Line [Monday January 8, 2018]

And being not weak in faith, [Abraham] considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah's womb: He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God. -Romans 4:19-20

In the years I've spent living by faith, there's something I've learned to do that helps me receive from God in the toughest of situations. It's something I call stepping over the faith line.

A faith line is what you need when you want God to do the "impossible" in your life. It's what you need when you want to be firm in your faith and yet you keep wavering back and forth between your circumstances and God's promises—believing first one, then the other.

It's what can make you like faithful Abraham. You know, Abraham had natural facts to deal with just like we do. He knew there was no natural way for God's promise to him to come true.

Yet the Word says Abraham considered not his own body. In other words, Abraham ignored the natural evidence around him and believed only God's promise.

Somewhere he stepped across the line of faith.

He made an irreversible decision to go with the Word of God. He made a final commitment. He chose to step past the point of no return. And if you and I are ever going to see God do the impossible in our lives, we're going to have to do the same thing!

How do you draw that faith line?

Begin with the Word. Search the promises of God and purposely believe what He has said, and is saying, about your need. Meditate on those promises until faith rises in your heart.

Then draw the line of faith. Draw it in your mind and heart. Draw it across the floor in your prayer room. Say, "In the presence of God, in the presence of all the angels in this room, and in the devils face, I am stepping across the line of faith. From this moment on, I consider this matter done. From this day forward, I give God the praise and the glory in the Name of Jesus."

From that moment on, speak only as if your miracle has already happened. Turn your back on the problems, on the doubts, and turn your face toward Jesus.

God will do the impossible in your life. Dare to step across the faith line!

Scripture Reading: Romans 4:13-21

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 Debt Eraser— Monday January 8, 2018.

Read: Psalm 103:1–12, Bible in a Year: Genesis 20–22; Matthew 6:19–34

As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. Psalm 103:12

I blinked back tears as I reviewed my medical bill. Considering my husband’s severe cut in salary after a lengthy unemployment, even paying half of the balance would require years of small monthly installments. I prayed before calling the doctor’s office to explain our situation and request a payment plan.

After leaving me on hold for a short time, the receptionist informed me the doctor had zeroed out our account.

I sobbed a thank you. The generous gift overwhelmed me with gratitude. Hanging up the phone, I praised God. I considered saving the bill, not as a reminder of what I used to owe but as a reminder of what God had done.

My physician’s choice to pardon my debt brought to mind God’s choice to forgive the insurmountable debt of my sins. Scripture assures us God is “compassionate and gracious” and “abounding in love” (Psalm 103:8). He “does not treat us as our sins deserve” (v. 10). He removes our sins “as far as the east is from the west” (v. 12), when we repent and accept Christ as our Savior. His sacrifice erases the debt we once owed. Completely.

Once forgiven, we aren’t defined by or limited by our past debt. In response to the Lord’s extravagant gift, we can acknowledge all He’s done. Offering our devoted worship and grateful affection, we can live for Him and share Him with others.

Prayer: Thank You for erasing our debt completely when we place our confidence in You, Lord.

Our greatest debt, caused by sin, is erased by our greater God.

Insight:

Psalm 103:13–14 is an example of the Bible’s characterization of God as a powerful, protective father (see Psalm 68:5; Isaiah 63:8). When Jesus came, He emphasized this idea, teaching His disciples to pray to God as Father (Matthew 6:9; 18:19). Remembering that God loves us like a father is a powerful reminder of His unconditional love. No matter how many mistakes their children make, good parents never stop loving them. And when children stray into danger, loving parents are willing to do anything to bring them safely home.

Jesus taught us that God feels the same about us (see Luke 15:11–32).

When humankind walked away from Him, God was willing to pay the ultimate price to restore us into His family, enduring the weight of all our sin (Ephesians 1:7). Because of Jesus, believers need never doubt that they are God’s children (Romans 8:14–17).

How does remembering that God is your Father encourage you? Monica Brands

This message was written By Xochitl Dixon [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]

Topic: He Hears Us [Monday January 8, 2018]

What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe . . .  — Mark 11:24

We are to pray in times of adversity, lest we become faithless and unbelieving. We are to pray in times of prosperity, lest we become boastful and proud. We are to pray in times of danger, lest we become fearful and doubting. We need to pray in times of security, lest we become self-sufficient. Sinners, pray to a merciful God for forgiveness. Christians, pray for an outpouring of God’s Spirit upon a willful, evil, unrepentant world. Parents, pray that God may crown your home with grace and mercy. Children, pray for the salvation of your parents. Christians, saints of God, pray that the dew of heaven may fall on earth’s dry, thirsty ground, and that righteousness may cover the earth as the waters cover the sea.

Prayer for the day: Let me pour everything out to You, Lord. Thank You for the knowledge that You hear me!

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: Believers Receive [Monday January 8, 2018]

Luke 1:45,"And blessed [is] she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord."

Text: Luke 1:39-56

There are many reasons why God's blessings don't always come to pass in a person's life, but the most frequent cause is simply unbelief on our part. There are no limitations on God's part. He is willing and able to do anything He has promised. The problem is with our believing.

The Lord has given every believer faith (Rom. 12:3). It was given to us at salvation through hearing the Word of God (Eph. 2:8; Rom. 10:17). It is a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:22). However, we must choose to exercise it.

Our faith is linked to our knowledge (2 Pet. 1:1-4). What we think on is how we will be (Pro. 23:7). The problem is not that we don't have faith. The problem occurs when we don't allow our faith to work because we don't keep our minds stayed on God's Word. Then our faith is choked out by the cares of this life (Mk. 4:19).

Keeping our minds stayed on God's Word will release our faith and thereby release the power of God in our lives. Certainly Mary must have been a person who put God's Word first in her life.

Mary saw a performance of what she believed. We receive what we believe, not what we desire or even need. Today believe the word that the Lord has spoken about you.

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).