You are watching the Tuesday LIVE Service tagged “Covenant Hour of Prayer” October 30, 2018 with Bishop David Oyedepo at Living Faith Church, aka Winners’ Chapel, Faith Tabernacle Canaan Land Ota Nigeria. (Please, reload this page for the latest live event)
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Did God truly give us a brain so we won’t disturb Him anymore?
It’s so common to hear these days … “Use common sense bro!”, “common sense is not common”,
laying emphasis on why you should apply common sense to resolve day to day life’s issues.
One of the things I discovered from the study of psychology was the contrast between some “common sense” facts vis-à-vis reality from both scientific and social research point of view.
Some popular common sense beliefs have been proven to be wrong! The fact that certain things are the norms (belonging to the pool of common sense) does not make them right. Sometimes our common sense prevents us from doing critical thinking about some issues.
“Common sense is the collection of prejudices acquired by age eighteen.” Albert Einstein, Physicist.
“Common sense is a very tricky instrument; it is as deceptive as it is indispensable.” Susanne, K. Langer, Philosopher.
Below are few examples of some common sense that were proven wrong based on research (culled from Social Psychology textbook by Saul Kassin & Colleagues)
Common sense: “Children do not tend to show biases based on race; it is only after they become adolescents that they learn to respond to people differently based on race”. Whereas research has shown that “Children learn about social categories quite early and use stereotypes when they are very young. Children show biases in favor of the racial in-group on both explicit and implicit measures”
Common sense: “People brainstorming as a group come up with a greater number of better ideas than the same number of people working individually” Whereas research has shown that “groups in which members interact face-to-face produce fewer creative ideas when brainstorming than the same number of people brainstorming alone”
Common sense: “People will cheer louder when they cheer as part of a group than when they cheer alone” Whereas research has shown that “people tend to put less effort into collective tasks. Such as group cheering than into tasks when their individual performance can be identified and evaluated”
Common sense: “When it comes to romantic relationships, opposites attract [behavior]” Whereas research has shown that “consistently, people are attracted to others who are similar”.
Common sense: “In an emergency, a person who needs help has a much better chance of getting it if three other people [or more] are present than if only one other person is present” Whereas research has shown that “in several ways, the presence of others inhibits helping” [it’s called the bystander’s effect]
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying all common sense is wrong, but the fact is that not all common sense is right as shown from the research above. You’ve got to engage critical thinking and analysis before taking a decision. To just take a decision by following the common trend can be a recipe for disaster!
Now let’s look at it from a different dimension, from the biblical and Christian point of view, I’ve heard so many people say that the reason why God gave us the brain is so that we shouldn’t bother Him (that again is another common sense)… before I go further on that, please note that “there is no matter too small to discuss with God and there is no matter too big to discuss with Him”, I’m not saying that you should ask if you should visit the toilet or not when you are pressed to do so…of course if you ask, God will not be angry at you…just that you may not get an answer” but the point I’m making is that when it comes to certain life’s decisions which you know that the result is consequential, even though you can think through it, you can’t boldly say: “let me not bother God with this, or I can handle it all by myself” what many of us don’t even know or we fail to realize is that some of the things we assume are coming from our brains are actually the Voice of God speaking to us… The bible says “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us” Ephesians 3:20… If you are a Christian, at that time you are thinking about a solution, be aware that the Holy Spirit dwells in you and can influence your decision processes (the power that works within us), so when you come up with a very plausible idea, don’t acclaim the result to your ability to think or your ability to use your head, rather praise God for giving you such an idea… The bible again says “You shall remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your fathers, as it is this day” – Deuteronomy 8:18
So you now see that as a Christian (genuinely born again), your thinking is as powerful as your prayers (that does not mean you won’t talk to God anymore and the only thing you do is think….), If you understand what fellowship with God is all about then you will know that if you are in His presence you can discuss anything with Him. If you walk with the Holy Spirit then you will realize that He is ever with you, at school, work, field, anywhere and He is more than willing to help you on everything you are doing (even when designing a website or planning a business trip).
The case of Joseph was a clear case of how God can really help our intelligence, After Joseph interpreted the dream of Pharaoh, he also gave pharaoh the solution to the problem, of course, that wisdom transcends common sense! It was God at work in his life. There was no way Joseph could on his own power think it through!
Like I said earlier, I’m not saying you should switch off your brain cells when making decisions, neither I’m I condemning common sense, of course you know it makes good sense to sleep early if you don’t want to wake up late. what I’m saying is that know that there is a God factor even when you are using your brain… so don’t ascribe your success or great ideas to yourself (it will amount to PRIDE)… no wonder the bible says: Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths (proverbs 3: 5-6) … It again says I know, O LORD, that a man’s way is not in himself, nor is it in a man who walks to direct his steps (Jeremiah 10:23).
So in conclusion, learn to depend on God when taken decisions in life, use common sense where applicable but don’t lean on common sense, don’t lean on your own understanding, DON’T MAKE COMMON SENSE YOUR SENSE BY DEFAULT rather, lean on God. Lean on the wisdom of God.
When you begin to use more of God’s wisdom rather than the wisdom of men in taking financial decisions, business decisions, choice of spouse, choice of career etc…You will realize that God can begin to give you great ideas that defeat the norms of our days… come to think of it, Elisha told the woman that was already in serious debt, to go and borrow vessels not a few… don’t you think the people might think what’s this woman up to again?….wants to borrow our vessels so she could sell and make money?… I’m sure you remember the story, she became an oil distributor! No human sense could deliver that woman from the bondage of debt except God’s divine intervention (2 Kings 4: 1-6)
Unfortunately, in our days we lay more emphasis on “OUR ABILITY” than “GOD’S ABILITY” we rather believe in ourselves than we believe in God to help us! Solomon in his wisdom concluded: “Again, I observed this on the earth: the race is not always won by the swiftest, the battle is not always won by the strongest; prosperity does not always belong to those who are the wisest, wealth does not always belong to those who are the most discerning, nor does success always come to those with the most knowledge–for time and chance may overcome them all” Ecclesiastes 9:11 (NET Bible). Again the bible says “those that wait on the Lord shall renew their strengths” Apostle Paul said “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” Philippians 4:3
We need to acknowledge the Grace of God that gives us wisdom and strength! Many are smarter than we are and are nowhere to be found today!
We often fail to see the invisible forces behind our visible world! May God open our eyes to see beyond what the common man can see!
Let’s yield our whole life to God! And begin to acknowledge God in all that we do!
That songwriter says: Take my life and let it be, consecrated Lord to thee…
Today you can accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior if you have not already done so.
God bless you!
Written by:
Paul Ojomu
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Memorise: “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”- Philippians 4:7
Read: John 14:26-31 (KJV)
26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
28 Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.
29 And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe.
30 Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.
31 But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence.
MESSAGE:
One of the signs by which you know that God is with you or that His presence is in whatever you are doing is when you have peace in your heart. Peace is the state of harmony that is made available to the children of God through a right relationship with Him and a good relationship with their fellow human beings. Peace is associated with the presence of the Prince of Peace, Jesus. His presence is made manifest in the world today by the Holy Spirit. The absence of peace in a person’s life leads to fearful worry or anxiety. It is not God’s plan for a child of God to process a distressed state of mind that is filled with concern over present or future challenges. For this reason, the Holy Spirit says to us in Philippians 4:6:
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”
God knows that the pressure of the needs we face in this world can rob us of His peace, and so He sent us these words to help us recognize the right thing to do when confronted with challenges. Worrying about your needs or the challenges you are confronted with will not change anything; rather it is a snare of the devil to cause sickness such as high blood pressure in people. I pray that you will not be a victim of hypertension, stroke or heart disease in Jesus’ Name.
The Bible reveals Jesus as the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). This means that wherever there is turmoil or crisis, once Jesus is invited into the situation and the presence of the Holy Spirit is called upon, a sense of wellbeing, contentment and wholesomeness will be restored immediately. This is what happened in Mark 4:39, when Jesus rebuked the storm after the disciples called upon Him:
“And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.”
The Name of Jesus and the presence of the Holy Spirit establish peace in God’s children, irrespective of the outward circumstances around them. True peace is therefore an indication of the presence of Jesus, made manifest by the Holy Spirit, in any given situation. I pray that the presence of God that brings lasting peace will abide with you today in Jesus’ Name. If you are passing through a stressful and difficult time in your life, if you are going through serious financial crisis or your marriage is in turmoil, if you are experiencing psychological or emotional trauma that defies solution, it is time to call on the Name Jesus and invite the presence of the Holy Spirit into your life. As you do so, God will grant you all round peace today in Jesus’ Name.
Action Point:
Make your request known to God concerning every need that has robbed you of His peace.
Also Read: Open Heaven 29 October 2018 – Look Up
Open Heaven 30 October 2018 Tuesday Hymn 10: My Faith Looks Up To Thee.
1. My faith looks up to Thee,
Thou Lamb of Calvary,
Savior divine!
Now hear me while I pray,
Take all my guilt away,
Oh, let me from this day
Be wholly Thine!
2. May Thy rich grace impart
Strength to my fainting heart,
My zeal inspire!
As Thou hast died for me,
Oh, may my love to Thee
Pure, warm, and changeless be,
A living fire!
3. While life’s dark maze I tread,
And griefs around me spread,
Be Thou my guide;
Bid darkness turn to day,
Wipe sorrow’s tears away,
Nor let me ever stray
From Thee aside.
4. When ends life’s transient dream,
When death’s cold, sullen stream
Shall o’er me roll;
Blest Savior, then in love,
Fear and distrust remove;
Oh, bear me safe above,
A ransomed soul!
Open Heaven 30 October 2018 Tuesday 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. The Open Heavens devotional application is available across all mobile platforms and operating systems: iOS, Android, Blackberry, Nokia, Windows Mobile and PC. Open Heaven 30 October 2018 Tuesday Daily Devotional.
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Text: Acts 12:20-25 (KJV)
Key Verse: “And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man“ (Acts 12:22).
MESSAGE:
One aspect of Africa’s idolatrous practices is the art of giving praise names to flatter and honour people who are held in high esteem. The unbelieving Africans shower praises and by-names on great people during important occasions to adore and exalt them for their positions and accomplishments. In that process, men are sometimes given praises for what is obviously done by God. The heathens are oblivious that praises due unto God should not be given to or received by any man.
In the text, King Herod was flattered by the people of Tyre and Sidon who came to appease and conciliate him in order to regain his favour and love as he was their benefactor. They ascribed to him honour and glory due unto God. They shouted with one voice after the elegant and royal speech of King Herod that his voice was the voice of a god and not of a man.
It should be realised that our God is a jealous God who will never share His glory or praises with anyone. No wonder, an angel of God struck Herod dead and was immediately eaten up by worms. God will definitely be glorified upon anyone who refuse to glorify Him.
No child of God should allow anyone to give him any praises due unto God. When a believer is praised or flattered, he should direct the glory to God immediately. Praise names, cognomens, bynames, flatteries and undue praises are the properties of Satan and his agents, which no believer should accept.
Thought For The Day: Self-exaltation leads to public humiliation.
Bible Reading In One Year: Luke 17:11-18
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.
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Scripture: Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. Ecclesiastes 12:13
Thought For The Day: It is not whether you are a citizen of a particular nation but whether you are a citizen of Heaven that matters most in life.
A good understanding of what matters most in life is very critical to living a successful and impactful life. To understand what matters most in life is to avoid aimless and wasteful living.
However, many people do not know what really matters in life, so they end up chasing shadows. There are people who have ended their journey of life in regrets because they chased shadows on earth in their lifetime.
In order to avoid eternal regrets, I give you two of the things that matter most in life so you can reorder your scale of priorities in life:
1. The Ownership of your life
It is not who you are but whose you are that matters in life. You may be a doctor, a lawyer, a millionaire, or a billionaire, it does not matter; unless you are owned by God, your life and all that you have are wastes. Your achievements on earth do not matter if you do not have a personal relationship with God.
2. Your Eternal Citizenship
Some people are proud because they are citizens of great countries like United States of America, United Kingdom, etc.; others celebrate when they acquire the citizenship of these countries. The truth is, it is not your citizenship here on earth that matters most in life but your citizenship in eternity in heaven. Having the passports of great countries of the world without having the passport of heaven is a waste of life.
Beloved, in order to live a fulfilled life on earth and end well in eternity, focus your mind on the things that matter most in life.
Remember this: It is not whether you are a citizen of a particular nation but whether you are a citizen of Heaven that matters most in life.
Assignments:
1. Relinquish the ownership of your life and possessions to God.
2. Determine to pursue having a place in heaven by drawing closer to God.
FOR FURTHER UNDERSTANDING, GET THIS MESSAGE: WHAT MATTERS MOST IN LIFE
Prayer: O Lord, help me to focus on the things that really matter in life. Remove every distraction from my life and cause me to walk in Your Will, Lord, in Jesus’ Name.
Daily Reading: 2 Chronicles 30:1 to 31:21, Romans 15:1 to 22, Psalm 25:1 to 15, Proverbs 20:13 to 15
Quote: Any step taken outside God is a step into disaster. Culled from 21 FOOLISH THINGS PEOPLE DO by Dr Paul Enenche.
Amazing Fact: Differences in egg yoke colour indicates nutritional differences
Today In History: 30/10/1973 – The Bosporus Bridge in Istanbul, Turkey is completed, connecting the continents of Europe and Asia over the Bosporus for the first time
Don’t Forget To Attend: The two Power-Packed Communion Services tomorrow by 4:45pm and 6:30pm respectively. Invite your friends and loved ones. God bless you
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
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