Run Him Out of Town ~ Kenneth Copeland

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Topic: Run Him Out of Town [December 16, 2016]

Stand therefore…having shod your feet in preparation [to face the enemy with the firm-footed stability, the promptness, and the readiness produced by the good news] of the Gospel of peace. – Ephesians 6:14-15, The Amplified Bible

Preparation. When it comes to fighting spiritual battles, that’s a word you’d do well to remember. Most believers don’t pay much attention to it. They don’t prepare themselves in advance. They fiddle around until the devil makes his move, then they jump up and try to fight him with the Word… and they usually lose.

I used to do the same thing until the Lord taught me differently. I used to wait until my meetings began to pray for their success. As Satan would come against them from one direction, I’d fight him there. Then he’d move around and attack them in another area, and I’d fight him there.

One day the Lord showed me that by waiting until the last minute to take my stand, I was giving Satan time to build up his forces against me. And consequently, I was losing many of my battles. Then the Lord said something to me I’ll never forget. He said, If they had kicked Al Capone out of Chicago when he was just a small-time operator, he wouldn’t have been so hard to handle; but they waited until he became a first-class criminal with his forces built up around him. Then it took an army to bring him down.

When I heard that, I made up my mind never to be caught unprepared again. I started praying about those meetings weeks in advance, getting the stage set spiritually before they ever began. Instead of letting Satan get his forces entrenched, I started throwing him out before he got a single foothold. When I did, I saw more victories than I ever had before.

Don’t let the devil catch you off guard. Be prepared! Start praying and speaking the Word of faith now over your family, your business, your church. Get your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. Then if Satan causes trouble, you’ll be well-equipped to run him out of town.

Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 17:12-51

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.


Divine Purpose ~ Pastor E.A Adeboye

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Topic: Divine Purpose [Friday 16, December 2016]

Memorise: And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause? – 1 Samuel 17:29

Read: 1 Samuel 17:26-29 (KJV)

26 And David spake to the men that stood by him, saying, What shall be done to the man that killeth this Philistine, and taketh away the reproach from Israel? for who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?

27 And the people answered him after this manner, saying, So shall it be done to the man that killeth him.

28 And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spake unto the men; and Eliab’s anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why camest thou down hither? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thine heart; for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle.

29 And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause?

Bible in One Year: Leviticus 5:14-7:38, Psalms 119:145-160

MESSAGE:

Sometimes, you find yourself in a situation where you cannot explain your actions. All you know at that point is that you are strongly motivated by the Spirit of God to act in certain ways that are not really in your personal interest or for your benefit. Such steps are usually seen by others as unreasonable, irrational, and sometimes foolish. In the process of obeying God’s instruction, you ask yourself repeatedly; “What is going on?” I have learnt from my own personal experience that this period is like a roller-coaster ride with the Holy Spirit. On one hand, you are excited, while on the other hand, there is fear and uncertainty. Sometimes, a blend of opposition, obstacle, and criticism, comes in to make the situation more complex. Such was the situation when at the very early stage of my Christian walk, my father in the Lord, the then General Superintendent of RCCG, asked all of us at the Headquarters to close our bank accounts and bring all the money to the Church on a certain date.

Thank God I and my wife heeded the instruction. This puts me in the position to tell you today that such an unusual call provides an unusual opportunity to prove your loyalty to God, thereby setting you up as a major factor in the fulfilment of divine purpose. I pray that you will correctly discern the unusual opportunities that always precede the fulfilment of divine purpose in Jesus’ name.

King Joash had such an opportunity but could not make the best of it. When Elisha was about to die, since there was nobody worthy of his double portion anointing, he felt led to give king Joash an unusual opportunity to defeat all his enemies in all future battles through a prophetic action. With Elisha’s hand on the king’s hand, every arrow shot represented a victory for Israel. If only he had maximized that opportunity, he would never have been defeated: his victory would have been complete. I can imagine that if the king had been aware beforehand, he would have shot all the arrows in order to maximize the opportunity. But unfortunately, he did not discern the times, and the whole nation of Israel suffered loss. May you not miss your unusual opportunities this year in Jesus’ name. God will open the eyes of your spiritual understanding to identify the signs of divine purpose in Jesus’ name.

Prayer point: Father, please key me into Your divine calendar and help me fulfil Your purpose in my life in Jesus’ name.

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.


 

Here’s How Travis Greene’s Prepping For His New Live Recorded Album

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Travis Greene‘s not just about to record his second live album, but he’s inviting you to be in the building when it happens, too.

The singer took to Instagram this week to announce the exciting news, noting tickets to the limited-seating event go on sale on December 16.

The live recording – name TBD – goes down February 1 -2, 2017 in Nashville. It follows The Hill (2015), which garnered Trav the title of Billboard’s no. 1 Gospel Airplay Artist of 2016. He’s also currently being considered for a Grammy and multiple Stellar Awards.

But before any of that starts unfolding… vacation!

Travis Greene and his wife Jackie are unwinding in Saint Lucia, but took a break to share this:


 

Music: Joy To The World – Robert Glasper Ft. Kim Burrell

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Robert Glasper called on the iconic Kim Burrell to help him bring in the spirit of Christmas this month.

The musician tapped Gospel music’s Kim Burrell for a rendition of the Christmas classic ‘Joy To The World’!

Hit ‘play’ and tuck into the rendition below…


 

Florocka Announces Date For New Album Release

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Gospel Music genius, accomplished producer, sound engineer, song writer, singer, Akinwunmi Nathaniel Oluniyi Akinremi, popularly known as FLOROCKA, has announced the release date for His album.

So many admirers have been looking forward to the “Twale” maestro’s announcement of another album to wrap up the year, after the success of the prestigious “Pianisimo” and now, He has put to social media, announcing the date of his next project HYMNS (songs of worship) to be the 18th of December.

Songs of Worship will undoubtedly be the final for His successful 2016, and is expected to be a great project.

Meanwhile, the album is advised to be pre-ordered to avoid losing out on owning a copy of the prodigious hymnal album.

 


 

Music: Ofufe – Kingstan [@Kingstanmusic]

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Gospel Recording and Performing Artiste, Kingstan is back with another soulful worship song titled Ofufe (Worship)

After successfully releasing  hit songs like ‘Nara ekele’ and ‘Eze and Dawkins”, he is here again with another wonderful song of worship ” OFUFE”.
”Ofufe” which means “Worship” in Igbo language is a song that will usher you to the presence of God. The song was recorded at Sound&Beats Studio by Future Sam.

Download, Listen, Enjoy and Share!

 


Music: Lifted – Gabriel Eziashi

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After a recent short tour in Nigeria, US Based Nigerian Recording Artist & Pastor, Gabriel Eziashi is set to officially release the new single, “LIFTED” which he sang to over 700,000 people few weeks ago at The Experience Concert in Lagos, Nigeria.

A song of Hope, Trust and Thanksgiving to God for His Love and Strength through the daily journey of life, Lifted is indeed the heart cry of every man, woman, boy or girl in these present times.
In his own words, Gabriel Eziashi shares about the song – “A calm comes after every storm in life. As the good book says, “Weeping may endure for a night but Joy comes in the morning”. The song “LIFTED” was birted after a storm. I don’t know where you are in life , but I know we are all destined to be lifted”
Recorded and Produced in London by top UK producer, Mr Shabz, Lifted is now available for downloads on all music platforms including iTunes, Amazon, CDBaby and other online stores.
Other renowned songs by Gabriel Eziashi include his popular hit songs, “My Praise (Joy Overflows) and “Aka Jehovah”, whose video has almost 2 million views on YouTube.

Download, Listen, Enjoy and Share!

 

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Music: Lives Inside – Protek x Sam Jamz x Isaiah Samson

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This is arguably Gospel music’s best collaboration of 2016. Two heavyweight rappers and a veteran worship leader all in one joint.

‘Lives Inside’ is that song you start your day with; in other words, the perfect morning starter.

Produced by EgarBoi; Protek Illasheva, Sam Jamz and worship leader – Isaiah Samson talk about the power of starting your day with God as the key to leading a triumphant life everyday.

So before you do anything else, listen to ‘Lives Inside’ now. A perfect masterpiece!

 

Download, Listen, Enjoy and Share!

 


Music: Oh Yes – Nolly [@Nolly_CIA]

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What a huge talent we have in Nolly CIA!!

After the release of the visuals to his hit single “Jesus n’asu Igbo” the Nigerian born rap artist returns with something fresh- A fusion of traditional African sound with hiphop. He titles this one “OH YES”. The song is not just fantastic but it also has a very inspiring message of how we are all that we are because of the anointing of God in our lives. He sings
“I am a success! Oh yes!
Making Progress Oh yes!
I am not a failure! Oh yes!
No it’s not my nature!  Oh yes! “
The song was produced by the beat maestro Siktunez  and mixed and mastered by the amazing Okey Sokay.

Download, Listen, Enjoy and Share!

 


My Normal Mind ~ Joyce Meyer

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Topic: My Normal Mind [December 15, 2016]

I do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers. [For I always pray to] the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, that He may grant you a spirit of wisdom and revelation [of insight into mysteries and secrets] in the [deep and intimate] knowledge of Him, by having the eyes of your heart flooded with light, so that you can know and understand the hope to which He has called you, and how rich is His glorious inheritance in the saints (His set-apart ones).Ephesians 1:16-18

This section in Ephesians is difficult for many of us to understand. What does Paul mean by “the eyes of your heart flooded with light” (v. 18)? I believe he is referring to the mind, because that’s what needs enlightenment. It is with the mind that we grasp God’s truths and hold to them.

Too many of us have difficulty being “flooded with light” because we are distracted with too many other things. The apostle prays for us to have what I call a normal mind—a mind that’s open to the Holy Spirit’s work—so that we may follow God’s plan and live enriched lives.

One way to think about the idea of a normal mind is to look at two of Jesus’ friends, Mary and Martha. Most people know the story of the sisters and the visit Jesus made to their home in Bethany. Martha scurried around, making certain that everything in their home was exactly right, while Mary sat down to listen to Jesus. Luke says Martha “was distracted with much serving” (see Luke 10:40), and she complained to Jesus that she needed her sister’s help.

Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things (v. 41), Jesus told her, and then He commended Mary for having chosen the “good portion.”

As I thought about that incident, I realized it was more than Martha being distracted. I’m sure her mind jumped around, making certain that everything was exactly right. The implication is that even if there had been nothing more to do, Martha wouldn’t have stopped to sit at Jesus’ feet. She was so caught up in busyness that her mind would have searched for something else to do.

The Marthas seem to be in control of our world, don’t they? They are the ones who get things done. When they’re not accomplishing their own goals, they seem to be telling others what they should do. In today’s world of “multi-tasking,” the Marthas seem to get the awards and the accolades. Some people are busy all the time. They wear their busyness like a badge, as if that makes them more important.

Their busyness can easily distract them from developing a solid relationship with God. They’re the ones who often lack depth of peace and rarely know spiritual contentment. That is, they don’t have what God considers a normal mind. It is not in the condition He would like it to be in.

People who are excessively busy cannot even sleep when they lie down at night. They are either mentally going over the day’s activities or making mental lists of the tasks for the next day.

This isn’t the lifestyle Jesus calls us to. As believers, we are spiritual beings, but we’re also natural. The natural doesn’t understand the spiritual and constantly fights that part of our nature. The Bible makes it clear that the mind and the spirit work together. That’s the principle I call “the mind aiding the spirit.”

For the mind to aid the spirit, we must learn to pull back from all the distractions around us. There will always be demands on our time and energy, and we can always find plenty to do. But if we want to live with the mind of Christ, the one that should be normal for Christians, it means we must learn to imitate Mary. Despite all the clamor and activities going on around her, she was able to sit, relax, and listen to the voice of the Master. That’s how the mind is supposed to work. It should be quiet and under the control of the Spirit. However, we often find that our minds are so set in a wrong direction that they actually hinder the Spirit from helping us, as they should be free to do.

If you realize from this devotion that your mind has been behaving abnormally, ask God to forgive you and teach you what a normal mind is in His kingdom.

Dear God in heaven, distractions constantly come at me. When I try to pause and focus on You, my mind seems to be filled with dozens of things I need to do. I realize that I truly need only one thing—to focus on You. Please help me push away every distraction and noise so I can hear only Your voice that says, “Come unto Me, and I will give you rest.” Amen.


Be Persuaded ~ Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor

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Topic: Be Persuaded [December 15, 2016]

“He maketh wars to cease….; He breaketh the bow and cutteth the spear in sunder; He burneth the chariot in fire, “Ps. 46:9.

To know means, to be persuaded; to be convinced about something without any shadow of doubt: to assert with certainty.

Now, what do we know? We know that all things, that is, everything that happens to us is working for our good but on two conditions:

  •          That we love God.
  1. That we are in his purpose (in other words, we are doing the will of God in spirit     and in truth).
  •   When these two conditions are satisfied, then we know without any shadow of doubt that no matter the circumstances, everything including challenges, disappointments, failures of the past, etc. is working together for our good.

What you don’t know is preventing you from what you need in your life.

FURTHER READING: Romans 8:28-31

WORDS OF WISDOM: There is good in every bad circumstance.

 

PRAYER/CONFESSION: All things work together for my good.

Eagles Devotional is a daily revelatory and inspirational Publication by Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, the founder and presiding Pastor of Word of Life Bible Church, Warri, Nigeria.


 

His Virtue In Our Spirits ~ Pastor Chris Oyakilome

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Topic: His Virtue In Our Spirits  [Thursday, December 15th]

That is why I would remind you to stir up (re-kindle the embers of, fan the flame of, and keep burning) the [gracious] gift of God, [the inner fire] that is in you by means of the laying on of my hands [with those of the elders at your ordination] (2 Timothy 1:6 AMP).

As Christians, we’re not ordinary. Jesus said, “…as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you” (John 20:21). He gave us power and authority to minister and be a blessing to our world. Paul said, “…we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us” (2 Corinthians 4:7). We can minister to the sick, the oppressed, and depressed and have virtue go out from us to them. God’s power in us is to flow from us to those in need of God’s touch in their lives.

This is why you take out time to stir up the power of the Spirit in you again and again; get yourself filled with the Spirit always! Ephesians 5:18 says, “…keep on being filled with the Spirit” (ISV); it’s not a one-off, but a continual experience. You’re to maintain the glow of the Spirit in your life; keep His fire burning in your spirit with unquenchable intensity. Be dressed and fully clothed with Him all the time. Before you hit the streets, “dress” in the Holy Ghost! Soak yourself in Him, and when you face a crisis, His power in you will be activated, for His glory.

Stir that power always by speaking in tongues, meditating on the Word and living out the Word. His glory is in the Word; as you live in, by, and through the Word, you cause His glory and power to be manifested in and around you. Blessed be God!

PRAYER

Dear Father, I thank you for the presence of the Holy Spirit in my life, and the effectual workings of that power in and through me. Christ lives in me, and I’m His extension in the world today, to touch, heal, bless, strengthen and uplift. I take advantage of this divine privilege of manifesting the glorious virtues in my spirit to others, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study: || Luke 6:19 And the whole multitude sought to touch him: for there went virtue out of him, and healed [them] all. ||

|| Micah 3:8 But truly I am full of power by the spirit of the LORD, and of judgment, and of might, to declare unto Jacob his transgression, and to Israel his sin. ||

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Revelation 7,
Amos 5-9

2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Revelation 13:11-18,
Micah 7

EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional


 

Second Chance ~ Pastor William Kumuyi

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Topic: Second Chance [December 15, 2016]

Text: Deuteronomy 10:1-11

Key Verse: “At that time the LORD said unto me, Hew thee two tables of stone like unto the first, and come up unto me into the mount, and make thee an ark of wood. And I will write on the tables the words that were in the first tables which thou brakest, and thou shalt put them in the ark” (Deuteronomy 10:1,2).

In today’s text, Moses recounts what transpired in the book of Exodus, when he was called up the mountain to receive the Ten Commandments. The tablet containing the first Ten Commandment had been broken by Moses in anger in reaction to the habitual sinfulness of the children of Israel. They had been led into sin by Aaron as they waited for Moses’ return from the mount where he had gone to receive the law.

God threatened to wipe off the race (Deuteronomy 9:14), but Moses intervened and interceded on their behalf; hence, the need for a new tablet containing a replica of what had been broken before. At this time, a new generation of the children of Israel had emerged who never knew what transpired in time past. So, Moses thought it necessary to recount that aspect of history to emphasize the steadfast love of God to Israel. God is merciful and always ready to forgive sins no matter low grievous. This is evident in the repeated forgiveness which the “stiff-necked” Israel enjoyed in time past.

The almighty God is still in the business of forgiving sins. Many people today have broken God’s heart, so much that He may have determined to blot out their names from His Book. There are still men whom God has saddled with the task of standing in the gap for sinners. However, He is still willing and waiting for sinners and backsliders to return to Him in penitence. You may have relapsed into rebellion, God is calling you to come back home. Even the Prodigal son had a second chance so long as he took the right step. Today, sinners and backsliders do not need to go up to any mountain to receive another tablet of laws; the law is now written in the heart of everyone. What is needed is a simple talk with God, through Jesus Christ, for total pardon and reconciliation.

Thought for the day: Every effort is compensated with corresponding success if you do not quit.

Bible Reading in one Year: Nahum 1-3

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.


 

A Carefree Christmas ~ Kenneth Copeland

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Topic: A Carefree Christmas [December 15, 2016]

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. – Philippians 4:6

Can you really have a merry Christmas even when you have a thousand and one pressures bearing down on you? Yes, you can—and you don’t have to leave the country to do it. No matter how intense or how trivial the problems are that you’re facing right now, you can have the most wonderful, most carefree Christmas season you’ve ever had in your life; and you can start having it today.

As a believer, you’re probably familiar with that scripture that says to be anxious for nothing. But, have you ever taken it seriously enough to put it into action? There’s a good chance you haven’t because you haven’t understood just how dangerous those anxieties are. You probably haven’t realized that they’re a deadly part of the devil’s strategy against you.

That’s right. Worry is one of the chief weapons of his warfare. If he can get you to worry about them, he can use the financial pressures and family pressures and scheduling problems that are just a “normal” part of everyday life to weigh you down and drag you into more trouble than you think possible.

Medical science tells us that a high percentage of the people hospitalized in the U.S.A. are there with ailments caused by worry and tension. Yet, a great many believers worry without even thinking about it. They’ll worry about being too short or too skinny. They’ll stew over this and that and not even realize they’ve been sinning.

“Sinning, Brother Copeland?”

Yes! For the born-again, Spirit-filled believer who owns a Bible—worrying is a sin. So, even if the Christmas cards are late and 45 people are coming to your house for Christmas dinner, don’t worry.

Instead, do what the Bible says to do. Pray, making your request known to God…and praise Him for the answer. Then you’ll have peace.

Now, go ahead and have a truly merry Christmas, you carefree thing you!

Scripture Reading: Matthew 6:24-34

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.


 

Are Perilous Times Here? ~ Pastor E.A Adeboye

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Topic: Are Perilous Times Here? [Thursday 15, December 2016]

Memorise: This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. – 2 Timothy 3:1

Read: 2 Timothy 3:1-5 (KJV)

1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,

4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;

5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

Bible in One Year: Leviticus 4:1-5:13, Psalms 119:129-144

MESSAGE:

Several passages of the Bible describe the prevailing atmosphere of the period now known as “perilous times”. The Bible reading for today, gives some important details about the events that will surround the arrival of this period. This period is going to be the final epoch of history, marked by the coming of the Messiah and the establishment of God’s kingdom.

The Bible tends to tie the terms “last days” and “perilous times” together, pointing to the period between Jesus Christ’s first coming and the consummation of all things at His return. This period will also be marked by increased godlessness, false prophets, and doctrines of devils, persecution, wickedness, war, and apostasy. Are perilous times here? The Bible says truth will be watered down and sound doctrine will be replaced with fables. In the church at Ephesus as recorded in Revelation 2:1-7, the Lord singled out a sect within its walls which believed and preached that holiness was no more truly possible. These were the Nicolaitans and the Lord said He hated them. Can the Lord hate those who claim to be His followers? This may be surprising, but the Lord hates every preacher and teacher of false doctrines. This is a warning for those in the teaching ministry systematically veering off the path of sound doctrine, teaching cunningly devised fables and philosophies of men. Be very conscious of what comes out of your mouth. Cross check facts and perceived revelations with the Holy Spirit so that you may not lead any astray. The Lord hates false preachers. Anyone who teaches you that you can continue to sin, since after all we are human beings and will still make it to Heaven, is heading for hell and wants to take you along. Watch out brethren, perilous times are here!

People will deny the power of God, meaning that there will be widespread practical atheists. You will hear some say things like; “God is not as wicked as to fry His children in fire for minor sins and so there is no hell fire”, some also say that salvation is by what you are able to do; by works. Idolatry is being openly practiced in some churches today because somebody spoke against Exodus 20:1-5, proposing that there is nothing wrong in making images of God, Jesus, Mary and the apostles and using them to connect to God. Backslidden pastors, ministers or workers are teaching false doctrines of mercy that is contrary to Romans 6:1-2. All these are taking people to hell in their millions. In what ways are your actions contradicting your teachings and messages? Such contradictions turn you into a false preacher!

Prayer Point: Father, please don’t let the dangers of this perilous times sweep my feet away in Jesus’ name

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.


 

Octavia Spencer To Play God In New Faith-Based Film, ‘The Shack’

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Octavia Spencer, Tim McGraw, Sam Worthington and Radha Mitchell star in Lionsgate’s new faith-based movie based on William P. Young’s bestselling book: The Shack.

The Shack follows the story of a man who loses his daughter on a family trip. He becomes depressed and questions God until he’s lured back to a shack and introduced to a woman that ultimately transformshis faith.

Press play up top to peep the trailer for the movie due in theaters March 3, 2017.