Kenneth Copeland ~ No Hard Hearts

July 19, 2017

Topic: No Hard Hearts [Wednesday July 19, 2017]

For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. – 2 Chronicles 16:9

The Pharisees had a heart condition that grieved Jesus. Their hearts were hard and insensitive. If you’ll look in Mark 3, you’ll see what I’m talking about.

God was right there in their midst, and they, of all people, should have realized it. They knew the Scriptures backward and forward, and Jesus fit every messianic prophecy written there. But the insensitivity of their hearts literally blinded them to who He was.

The hearts of the Pharisees were also hardened to the needs of the people around them.

That very same thing is still happening today.

Just think again about what those Pharisees were doing. They were:

Criticizing the minister of God.
Protecting their religious traditions instead of obeying the Word of God.
Worrying about their own welfare rather than that of those around them.

Have you ever known any believers who fit that description? Sure you have! In fact, every one of us has done those things at some time in our lives.

Every one of us, to one degree or another, has fallen prey to the same mistake the Pharisees did. We’ve gotten so caught up in doing and saying all the “right” things that we’ve let the tender warmth of God’s love inside us grow cold.

I know that’s true because if it weren’t, we’d be seeing tremendous moves of God among us. We’d be seeing revival on every corner.

That’s what God longs to do. God longs to pour out His Spirit in supernatural power and abundance through His Church. But we’ve developed a heart condition that’s holding Him back.

Today if you are desiring an outpouring of the Holy Spirit in your life and the manifestation of His power in your church, check the condition of your heart. If you find any hardness there, repent and ask God to change you. Ask Him to give you the kind of heart that will allow Him to show Himself strong on your behalf.

Scripture Reading: Mark 3:1-6

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.

Open Heavens ~ A New Management

Gospel Hotspot

July 19, 2017

Topic: A New Management [Wednesday 19, July 2017]

Memorise: Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? – Romans 6:16

Read: Romans 6:13-20 (KJV)

13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.

14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

15 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.

16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?

17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.

18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.

19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.

20 For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.

Bible in One Year: 2 Samuel 14; Ezekiel 11:14-12:6, Hymn: Sing hymn 11

MESSAGE:

When you have an encounter with Jesus that results in you accepting Him as your personal Lord and Saviour, your life comes under a new management. In Matthew 11:28-29, Jesus said:

“28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.”

Before encountering Jesus, your affairs were managed by Satan and also by your own self-will (Ephesians 2:2-3). A choice to welcome Jesus into your heart means that you have chosen to do away with all your former masters and have embraced the Lordship of Jesus over your affairs. My father used to say that whosoever you allow to be your master will take care of you with whatever he has. If Satan is your master, he will give you what he has: sickness, sorrow, fear and all kinds of problems. If Jesus is your master, He will take care of you with good health, joy, peace and all kinds of blessings. Who are you yielding to presently? Who is you master?

I was once invited to preach at the thanksgiving service of a particular king. While I was preparing for the service, his chiefs, dressed in the regalia of various secret societies, began to come in. An usher saw them and ran to me to ask if they should be allowed to enter the Church. I told him to seat them in the front row where Jesus would be able to reach them quickly. I immediately changed my sermon to talk about Elijah’s confrontation with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel. At the end of the sermon, because I know who my Master is, I said this to them: “I challenge all of you, if you can use all your powers to deflate one of my tyres, I will surrender to your god, but if you cannot, you must surrender to my God.” I then told them the registration number of my car. By the time I gave the altar call, the second-in-command to the king, who was the leader of all the secret societies, was the first to come forward. When the other chiefs saw this, they followed suit. After the service, the king said we should go and check up on his second-in-command to find out if he understood what he just did. When we got to him, he said he knew what he had done by surrendering to Christ, adding, “When you see a small boy like this challenging all of us, who doesn’t know that he must have someone behind him? It is the One behind him that we surrendered to.” Thirty days later, this chief died. He had served the devil all his life and was heading for hell, but thirty days before his death, he changed to a new government and he is now in Heaven. Who is managing your life?

Prayer Point: Father, wherever forces of darkness are challenging Your children in this nation, show up and paralyse them today.

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.

Tim Godfrey – Akpo Aza [@timgodfreyworld]

Gospel Hotspot

July 18, 2017

Tim Godfrey is out with a new single titled Akpo Aza!

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you” (Matt. 7:7).

Akpo Aza is that song that assures you of God faithfully to His word, it helps you raise your praise so high to the most high…Thanksgiving is a lifestyle so live your life thanking him in advance because #Apoaza- Before you call, he has done it!!

Written by Tim Godfrey | Produced by SMJ | Powered by RoxNation

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The African Praise Experience (TAPE) 2017

Gospel Hotspot

July 18, 2017

The 2017 Edition Of ‘The African Praise Experience [TAPE] Is Here!

TAPE 2017 will be featuring great gospel ministers like: Evang.Chuks Chidube, Segun Obe, BJ SAX, Samsong, Onos, Midnight Crew, Eben, Frank Edwards, Chioma Jesus, Elijah Oyelade, Tope Alabi, Joe Praise and LMGC.

Venue: The Rock Cathedral, Lekki Epe Expressway

Date: Friday, July 21st, 2017

Time: 8pm Till Dawn

Venue: The Rock Cathedral, Lekki Epe Expressway

Check Out Free Transportation Point Within Lagos Below

FESTAC – Mile 2 Bus-stop
CMS – CMS BRT BUS STOP BY THE FERRY JETTY
APAPA – Wilma Bus-stop (Mobil Filling station)
AJEGUNLE – Total Filling Station Boundary
KETU OJOTA – MRS Filling Station beside Ogudu Road Ojota
SURULERE – National Stadium
SANGOTEDO – Infront of Wadbash Hotel
AJAH – Infront of GTBank Beside Oando Petrol Station
ONIKAN – MUSON Centre Mall
UNILAG – Moremi Car Park
MEDILAG – Luth block 4 car park
YABA – TECH Akata Frontage, Beside SMBS

Africa Gospel Awards 2018 [See Categories For Nomination]

Gospel Hotspot

July 18, 2017

Africa Gospel Awards [AFRIGA] 2018 is about to begin as nominations kicks off on 17th, July, 2017.

AFRIGA aims at encouraging, motivating Gospel musicians and other media outfit in the Gospel Nitche to attain excellence in there ministries and businesses..

AWARD CATEGORIES

Below are Listed The Award Categories For Africa Gospel Award::

Fan Favourite Artist of the Year
Vocalist of the Year (Male & Female)
Song of the Year
Songwriter of the Year
Album of the Year
Most Promising Artist of Repute
Producer of the Year (Artist/Professional)
Music Video of the Year
Central African Artist of the year
Artist of Repute East Africa
Artist of Repute West Africa
Artist of Repute Southern Africa
Music Group of Repute
Gospel Rap Artist of the Year
Video Director of Repute
Gospel Blog Of Repute
Gospel TV Programme Of Repute
Gospel Radio Programme Of Repute
African Artist of Repute Usa & Canada
NEXT RATED GOSPEL ARTIST.

ABOUT AFRIGA

Africa Gospel Award 2018 (AFRIGA) is the premier gospel event that recognises the immense gospel talent that exists within the African gospel music sector and Christian media fraternity and beyond, and honours and rewards them accordingly at its annual awards event. The awards night is a culmination of its yearlong activities which includes seminars, regional concerts and career guidance.

The awards seek to encourage, motivate and inspire musicians and media outfits to aspire to attain excellence in their ministries and businesses, and to be of better service to the kingdom.

The Afriga is produced by GoMedia Entertainment, a Nigerian based Christian Media and Events Company with international affiliations in the media and music industry.

Courtesy:: GoMedia Entertainment, a Nigerian based Christian Media and Events Company with international affiliations in the media and music industry.

For More Enquirers::
Contact 08137380016 On WhatsApp

Tope Adeboyejo – Beautiful [@anointed_tdebs]

Gospel Hotspot

July 18, 2017

Lagos based Christian Songwriter/Singer Tope Adeboyejo (T-Debs) is out with a lovely tune titled Beautiful

According To Tope Adeboyejo: “Sometimes we forget just how valued we are in the eyes of God. We allow situations, people around us to determine who we are at different points in time. Loud, Dull, Talkative, Unintelligent, Skinny, Fat, etc…

People will define you by what suits them in their relationship with you. Only God knows how and for what he’s made you and I guess that’s what I tried to say in so many words in this Song – Beautiful. Words already recorded in the Word to affirm what and who God says you/we are.

If only we saw ourselves through God’s eyes…… each; a Masterpiece (He saw what he had made and called it GOOD); each; made with purpose in mind; each; a piece of Him (different but still part of Him), in His image and likeness, a little less than God (Elohim)………… As God is beautiful then you are also – Beautiful.

I am finding myself and getting to BELIEVE these words daily. I pray you do too.“ – Tope Adeboyejo (T-Debs)

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Bouqui – Underground [@Bouquiunstoppable]

Gospel Hotspot

July 18, 2017

Nigeria’s foremost female rapper, BOUQUI has returned with a bang titled Underground!

Queen B as fans fondly call her has re-emerged straight outta Hollywood in California USA where she’s based with this refined and subtle tune titled Underground.

Underground, the contemporary gospo hip-hop tune was produced by Dapo Torimiro for Dapo Torimiro productions Los Angeles, California.

The song according to BOUQUI is the first of many singles to come off her 5^th studio album.

Download, Listen, Enjoy and Share!

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Rhapsody Of Realities ~ Identified With His Name

Gospel Hotspot

July 18, 2017

Topic: Identified With His Name [Tuesday, July 18th]

Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place (2 Corinthians 2:14).*_

The Name of Jesus is the greatest name ever revealed to man; it’s the most powerful name, not only in the world, but in the entire universe: that’s the name by which God created all things. God has vested all authority in that wonderful and matchless Name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Philippians 2:9 says, “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name.”

When you confessed the lordship of Jesus over your life, you were baptised into the Name of Jesus; and you automatically became a part of that Name. Galatians 3:27 says, “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” You should be glad to be identified with that Name. It means whatever belongs to Jesus belongs to you!

Satan has no claims over you anymore; you belong to Jesus Christ, and the Name of Jesus is named upon you. We live in His Name; we pray in His Name. Colossians 3:17 says, “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” That’s the way to live a supernatural life. You function and live in the Name of Jesus. That means you’re living for Him, in His authority. Can you see why it’s practically out of place to live in defeat, failure or poverty?

We’re called to live in the Name of Jesus; in the Name of the creator of the world. I can’t consider or conceive of anything more sublime or transcendent! It’s a wonderful Name; an excellent Name—the matchless Name of Jesus Christ.

If you have a tumour in your body, say, “Tumour, in the Name of Jesus, you can’t stay in this body; I command you to die and pass out of my body!” And it’ll go. If you have a problem with your heart, use the Name of Jesus as an instrument against that infirmity. Say, “Heart, I command you to function normally, in the Name of Jesus,” and there’ll be a change.

Whatever situation confronts you is subject to the Name of Jesus Christ. Declare for yourself: “In the Name of Jesus, I’m growing in grace; I’m excellent; sound and healthy; strong and vibrant!” Take advantage of that Name and bring calmness, peace, tranquillity and prosperity into your life and that of your loved ones.

PRAYER

Dear Father, I’m glad to be associated with the most sublime, powerful and most excellent Name that exists. I take advantage of the Name of Jesus, and live by the power and authority of that Name. I speak peace, progress, health, prosperity and victory, into my life and that of my loved ones, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY: || Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. ||

|| Philippians 2:9-10 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of [things] in heaven, and [things] in earth, and [things] under the earth; ||

|| John 20:31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name. ||

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Acts 25:13-26:1,
Psalms 11-16

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Luke 9:28-36,
Joshua 14

Dunamis’ Daily Devotional ~ The Tragedy Of Bitterness

Gospel Hotspot

July 18, 2017

Topic: The Tragedy of Bitterness [Tuesday July 18, 2017]

Scripture: And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men. – Acts 24:16

Thought For The Day: People you assisted may try to resist you but you have to make up your mind not to be embittered into hell.

I heard the story of a woman of God who had preached for about 33 years. One fateful day, she came home and caught her husband in adultery. Shocked, confused and angry, she carried a gun, shot her husband, shot the woman she caught with him and shot herself.

What a waste of a whole lifetime! Three people arriving in hellfire at the same time. Thirty-three years of ministerial labour wasted because of anger and bitterness.

Afterwards, someone who saw a vision of hellfire saw all three of them in hell, and their quarrelling continued even in the midst of the fire.

Beloved, offence is a luxury that we cannot afford; it is expensive. Whoever or whatever constitutes an offence in your heart is tampering with your faith, boldness and confidence in God.

I have experienced all manner of provocations and irritations from people but nobody is anointed by the devil enough to embitter me into hell.

Beloved, people you prayed for may turn against you. People you raised may try to erase you. People you assisted may try to resist you but make up your mind not to be embittered into hell. God will give you the grace, in Jesus’ Name.

Remember this: People you assisted may try to resist you but make up your mind not to be embittered into hell.

Assignment(s):

Clean your heart of every form of bitterness; forgive anyone who hurt you.
Ask God for a heart of love.
Guard your heart with the shield of God’s Word by studying the Word of God daily and consistently.

FOR FURTHER UNDERSTANDING, GET THIS MESSAGE: THE POWER OF A CLEAR CONSCIENCE.

Prayer: Father, help me to forgive whoever offended me or whoever will offend me. Give me the grace to maintain a clear conscience with You and with men, Lord, in Jesus’ Name.
Daily Reading: 1 Chronicles 26:12 to 27:34, Romans 4:13 to 5:5, Psalm 14:1 to 7, Proverbs 19:17

Quote: A life of bitterness leads to a life of torment. Culled from AM I BITTER? By Dr Becky Enenche.

Amazing Fact: A shrimp’s heart is in its head.

Today In History: 18/07/1968 – Intel was founded in Mountain View, California.

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.

DCLM Daily Manna ~ Walk Uprightly

Gospel Hotspot

July 18, 2017

Topic: Walk Uprightly [Tuesday July 18, 2017]

Text: Psalm 101:1-8

Key Verse: “I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart” (Psalm 101:2)

A business friend invited Dr. Walter Wilson to attend an event which was confessedly not proper for a Christian. “Thank you” said Dr. Wilson, “I’ll be there; and may I bring my friend with me?” “Of course , you may – by the way, who is your friend?” “He is the Lord Jesus Christ,” said Dr. Wilson. “Well” came the reply, “I don’t think that He would enjoy the party.” “If He wouldn’t enjoy it, neither would I. I must respectfully decline your invitation”, said Dr. Wilson.

In the text, David, in his song of praise, acknowledged God’s mercy and judgment. He vowed to behave himself wisely in a perfect way, as he expected the coming of the Lord. To achieve this, he would walk with a perfect heart, set no wicked thing before his eyes, hate the work of backsliders, depart from frowardness, dissociate from slanderers and the proud, the deceivers and all evildoers. Instead, he would befriend the faithful and the righteous.

Many believers who had been consecrated like the psalmist, are finding it difficult to sustain their consecration to walk in the integrity of their hearts. Due to the prevailing economic crunch the world over, it is common to find people making friends with unbelievers, spending too much time on the computer, cell phone, Internet to the detriment of their prayer lives and the study of the Bible. Others are now more concerned with what they view on television and tubes; they also participate on social media commentaries. This usually takes a toll on the believer’s relationship with the Lord and service to Him. You need to renew your consecration and avoid stains on our garment, if you do not want to miss the Rapture and perish with the people who are making carnal, human and fleshly choices today.

Thought for the day: He who is thoroughly focused on God, will not walk in darkness.

Bible Reading in one Year: Exodus 5-7

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.

Andrew Wommack ~ No Excuses

Gospel Hotspot

July 18, 2017

Topic: No Excuses [Tuesday July 18, 2017]

Luke 12:48 “But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.”

LUKE 12:45-48

This verse is one of the clearest references in scripture about varying degrees of God’s judgment according to the knowledge of the person who committed the sin. The whole chapter of Leviticus 4 is written to deal with sins committed in ignorance. Jesus said in John 9:41, “If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth.”

Also, Romans 5:13 says, “sin is not imputed when there is no law.”

Paul said, in 1 Timothy 1:13, that he obtained mercy because he had sinned “ignorantly in unbelief.” The sin he was speaking of was blasphemy, which Jesus taught was unforgivable if done against the Holy Ghost. Therefore, we see that ignorance in Paul’s case entitled him to a second chance. If he would have continued to blaspheme after he saw the truth, he would surely have paid the price. This is not to say that a person who doesn’t have a complete revelation of God’s will is innocent regardless of his actions.

Leviticus 5:17 makes it clear that an individual is still guilty even if he sins through ignorance. Romans 1:18-20 reveals that there is an intuitive knowledge of God within every person to the degree that they even understand the Godhead. This same chapter goes on to explain that people have rejected and changed this truth, but that God did give it and they are without excuse.

No one will be able to stand before God on judgment day and say, “God is not fair.” He has given every person who has ever lived, regardless of how remote or isolated they may have been, the opportunity to know Him.

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)

Dr. Mike Okonkwo ~ Function In His Abundant Grace

Gospel Hotspot

July 18, 2017

Topic: Function In His Abundant Grace [Tuesday July 18, 2017]

“Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 2:1 (KJV)

In-spite of the contrary news about the economy filtering through the news media on a daily basis, I want to encourage you to lean on God’s abundant grace and mercy. Like I have said over and over again, your real strength is that grace will work for you and not the socio-economic postulations and theories of men. If you take a look at what is happening around, you will see that everything is spiraling downwards. And that is because the best of men are still men. No matter how brilliant and sincere they are, they are still men because they are subject to limitations.

Don’t ever be discouraged about the happenings and events around you. Like I have always said and it bears repetition, this is the best time for God to reveal Himself in the lives of His elects. If God was to manifest Himself when everything is working well, people will explain it off. So He waits for a time when men no longer have the answers, to reveal His glory through His people. That is why the Apostle Paul says you should hold fast to the profession of your faith. In other words, hold on to what you have believed and don’t allow circumstances derail you. Things might look tough, just hold on fast. They may look like they would never work, lean on His grace and He will see you through.

I charge you according to the words of God, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. Function in the grace that you have received. Work in that grace. Live in that grace. Allow that grace sustain you. Go to bed and stop the struggle. God is waiting on you to enjoy what He had already made available to you in Christ Jesus. He has it all figured out. Before the challenges you see today came on the scene, God already had the answers. You will not be stranded. God will bless you and cause you to have sufficiency in all things.

Further Reading: Hebrew 4:14-16, 10:23

Daily Bible Reading: Morning- Psalms 20-22; Evening- Acts 21:1-17

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.

Kenneth Copeland ~ A Legend In Your Own Mind

Gospel Hotspot

July 18, 2017

Topic: A Legend In Your Own Mind [Tuesday July 18, 2017]

For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. – Romans 12:3

Do you want to know one of the secrets of staying in the will of God, of keeping yourself from getting off track?

Don’t overestimate yourself!

Proverbs 16:18 says, “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.” How many times have we seen that borne out! How many times do we see believers get into trouble because they get an overblown idea of themselves. They begin to think they’re so smart that they have it all figured out.

Then, the next thing you know, they’re thinking they have to straighten everyone else out. Instead of just letting Jesus be Head of the Church, they feel like they have to step in and do the job.

Once that happens, it’s just a matter of time before they’re flat on their faces in failure. Why? Because the Bible says God resists the proud (1 Peter 5:5).

Don’t put yourself in a position where God has to resist you. Rate your own abilities soberly. Adopt an attitude of humility. Keep a watch on yourself, and when you catch yourself getting puffed up with your own greatness, repent and remember that every good thing you enjoy and every bit of success you’ve had has come by the grace of God and by His power.

Look back on your life and see how many times you could have lost what God had given you. See how many times, when you were floundering around making every mistake imaginable, His tender and precious mercy pulled you through.

Don’t become a legend in your own mind. Instead, humble yourself beneath the mighty hand of God, and let God do the exalting—that prevents some very painful falls.

Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 5:5-7; James 4:6-17

Open Heavens ~ What About Your Household?

Gospel Hotspot

July 18, 2017

Topic: What About Your Household? [Tuesday 18, July 2017]

Memorise: One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; – 1 Timothy 3:4

Read: Acts 21:8-9 (KJV)

8 And the next day we that were of Paul’s company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him.

9 And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.

Bible in One Year: 2 Samuel 12:13; Ezekiel 10:20-11:13, Hymn: Sing hymn 16

MESSAGE:

Philip was a church planter, obedient, submissive to authority, had a servant spirit and was a man of good report. Beyond these, another valuable trait he had which made God use him mightily for signs and wonders is the fact that he was a man of total commitment to God. Philip served God, but it did not end with him alone; he ensured that his family members followed the same godly path. Like Joshua who declared to the children of Israel that he and his household had decided to follow the Lord alone (Joshua 24:15), Philip decided in a determined way that everyone in his household would serve God. In our Bible reading, we are told that he had four virgin daughters, who were all saved, filled with the Holy Spirit and operated in the gift of prophecy. This clearly shows us that he led his household in the way of the Lord. It also means that he was a good role model to his children. They saw how real the Christian faith was in the life of their father and they desired it. Do your children follow the Christ you claim to follow? Are you a good role model for them? Does your life attract them to become true children of God?

Joshua in Joshua 24:15 said,

“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

Contrary to this stance, it is very unfortunate that today, some parents make excuses for the lukewarmness or even godlessness exhibited by their children and wards. Such parents may say, “Sir, you don’t understand; my children are now in the university.” Are they implying that children in the university should not obey their parents anymore, or that such children are incapable of doing God’s will? Some will even say, “We believe that when it comes to the issue of faith, it should be voluntary.” Is it right if your children voluntarily go to hell? No way! No child should be left to take such a foolish decision! It is your duty to instruct your household after you in the way of the Lord. My biological children, who are now adults, can testify to how I raised them up. None of them dared to come late for morning devotion. If you were late, you would remain standing or be spanked. Joshua commanded his family to serve the Lord. No wonder he was able to command the sun to stand still and it did. If you can instruct your household to genuinely serve God, you will be able to command what God created, and they will obey you. Who is in charge of your home: you or your children?

Key Point: If you raise your children well to follow and serve the Lord, He will reward you, but if you don’t, He will judge you.

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.