Rhapsody of Realities 24 March 2019 By Pastor Chris Oyakhilome – Crowned With Glory And Honour

Topic: Crowned With Glory And Honour

To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27).

Many think that Christianity restored us back to what Adam and Eve used to be or had in the Garden of Eden, but that’s not true. What we have is a far greater glory (2 Corinthians 3:10). Being born again, you’re not born after the first Adam but after the second and last Adam, Jesus Christ. The Scripture says, “…The first man, Adam, became a living person. But the last Adam—that is, Christ—is a life-giving Spirit” (1 Corinthians 15:45 NLT).

I want you to carefully note the tenses in Romans 8:30 as we read this time from the Weymouth New Testament: “…and those whom He has pre-destined He also has called; and those whom He has called He has also declared free from guilt; and those whom He has declared free from guilt He has also crowned with glory .” Here, we identify vital realities concerning the new creation, which are the results of Christ’s redemptive work. One of them is that you’ve been crowned with glory. That means you’ve been brought into a life of beauty and excellence.

Furthermore, in 1 Peter 5:10, we read that God has called you to His own eternal glory in Christ Jesus. The same truth is highlighted in 2 Peter 1:3: “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue.” You’ve been glorified, not with any lesser glory, but with the same glory that is on Jesus. He said in John 17:22: “And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them….”

“But doesn’t the Bible say in Romans 3:23 that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God?” someone may ask. That was before Jesus came. All men became separated from the glory of God because of sin, but Jesus, through His death, nailed sin to the Cross and brought us into glory; not the glory that Adam and Eve had, but His own glory. He glorified you with Himself.

Referring to Jesus, Hebrews 2:9 tells us that God crowned Him with glory and honour. Then in 1 John 4:17, we read that as He is, so are we in this world. Blessed be God! You’re crowned with glory and honour just like Jesus. Your life isn’t for reproach; it’s for glory, beauty, excellence and honour. Hallelujah!

CONFESSION
My life is excellent and full of glory; I’m crowned with righteousness and honour, and the pleasure of the Lord is prospering through me. Christ is exalted in me today and evermore; my life is for His glory. Hallelujah!

FURTHER STUDY:
1 Peter 5:10 AMPC; 1 Peter 2:9 AMPC

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Luke 5:17-39 & Deuteronomy 28

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Matthew 25:14-30 & Exodus 33

Click HERE to Read previous Messages

Rhapsody of Realities 24th March 2019 Devotional was written by Pastor Pastor Chris Oyakhilome (D.Sc., D.D.). President of Loveworld Inc. aka Christ Embassy Int’l.

God’s Promise of Fruitfulness (Part 3) By Pastor Faith Oyedepo

Topic: God’s Promise of Fruitfulness (Part 3)

Dear Reader,

We have had wonderful sessions since we began this series on fruitfulness. In the first week, you learned that a consecrated heart and genuine service to God is a guaranteed way of being fruitful. Last week, you were also taught some keys to engage with when confronted with delay in childbearing. In this edition, I will be discussing with you on: Principles to a stress-free pregnancy period.

God’s Word can never be broken! He declared you fruitful and you are indeed fruitful. Now that you have been blessed with the fruit of the womb, what next? This may sound funny to you, maybe because this is not your first pregnancy or you are already a grandma, or even still, you are not married yet. Remember, there is always something new in the Word of God. Pregnancy, as it were, might be seen by some people as traumatic and hectic. But I tell you, by the Word, it can be quite exciting and filled with ease. This shall be your own experience in Jesus’ Name. Amen. If we are to groom children for greatness, we must begin with their conception, through delivery, unto adulthood. The Bible in Psalms 139:13-16 says that right from conception, He has known us. In the entire pages of the Bible, it was never recorded that any woman had a traumatic pregnancy period due to some medical anomalies. The Bible is our perfect guide and blueprint for successful living. We must not, as covenant children, give excuses for the lies of the devil. If we follow the instructions contained in it, we shall not experience what the people of the world experience. So, what are the blueprints for a stress-free conception for God’s covenant children?

Make Joy Your Life Style:

The Bible says: Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation (Isaiah 12:3). Make joy a lifestyle. As you wake up in the morning, whether you feel like it or not, praise God. Let everything within you spell joy. As you form the habit of letting joy surge from within you, every part of your body system is revitalized. The Bible says: A merry heart doeth good like a medicine(Proverbs 17:22). It has been said that during pregnancy, moods swing. You are up now, but down in the next minute. You begin to frown at everyone around you. You are easily irritated. This shouldn’t be with a covenant child of God. The Bible says the Hebrew women were lively. For you to be lively on the delivery table, joy must have been part and parcel of you. It is already in your system.

Also Read: Happy Family (Part 4) By Pastor Faith Oyedepo

Consider this, the Bible says in Luke 1:44: For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. If the mother was not joyful, how would she have known that the baby in her womb was leaping for joy at the instance of that greeting? Don’t let the time of pregnancy be a time of depression for you. Remain joyful, glorifying God for the wonderful experience of procreating with Him. I tell you, women are most privileged of God. It is just a unique experience that cannot be absolutely described. Joy is an important ingredient in the school of healthy living. It is better to stay healthy by remaining joyful, than spending money on drugs by being moody or sad.

Study the Word of God

The Word of God is the bedrock of all things in life. The Bible says He upholds all things by the Word of His power (Hebrews 1:3). All things include you and the baby in your womb. Read the Word, meditate and study it. This is the time to drink in the juice of the Word, for your ‘health’ and the baby’s. The Word is the maker of all things. It has the power to create. The Bible says: In the beginning was the Word…. And nothing was made without the Word(John 1:1,3 paraphrased). Fill your belly with the Word of God. Speak it to the baby in your womb. Sow the seed of God’s Word into his/her life.

Be Prayerful

No one can pray for you like you. Commune with God on the basis of His Word, which you have received. The Psalmist exclaimed: O thou that hearest prayer, unto thee shall all flesh come (Psalm 65:2). Soak yourself and the baby in the Blood of Jesus. Destroy the hold of the enemy upon the developing child in the womb and also on yourself. Commit and dedicate the child to God, even while inside the womb. Pray concerning the delivery day. Cover yourself, the baby, the birth attendants, the clinic, the materials to be used, etc. with the blood. Commit his life, school, career, marriage, life, etc. into God’s hands. Pregnancy is not a license to begin to go from house to house, talking and gossiping with neighbors and friends, just because you no longer have to go to your business place. Invest your time in prayers and secure your environment from any form of evil.

Keep the Right Company

Show me your friend, and I will show you who you are. Don’t keep company with negative talkers. People who only remember those that died during pregnancy or childbirth are dangerous. Those who only talk about babies born deformed are to be feared and run away from. Saturate and clean your environment of any negative talking. Negative talks don’t edify, flee from such companies. Foolish talks bring disasters. In fact, the Word says foolishness kills. Don’t try it. Anywhere you see them talking negatively, draw away and fill your own heart with positive reports.

As you combine all these with personal hygiene, taking a lot of rest, taking balanced meal diet, (not just eating any junk that comes your way,) and adhering to the advice from your medical personnel (I mean qualified medical personnel in the field of gynecology and obstetrics), you are set for the easiest time of pregnancy and delivery, bringing forth a Godly seed to the glory of God.

Are you born again? If your answer is no and you would want to be born again and to be called a child of God, say this prayer of faith: Dear Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me my sins and cleanse me with Your Blood. I accept You as my Lord and personal Saviour. Make me a child of God today. Thank You for delivering me from sin and satan to serve the living God and thank You for accepting me into Your Kingdom.

Congratulations! If you prayed this simple prayer of faith with me, you are now born again and a child of God. He loves you and will never leave you. Read your Bible daily, obey God’s Word and seek Christian fellowship (John 14:21).

With this, you are guaranteed all-round rest and peace in Jesus’ Name! Call or write to share your testimonies with me through [email protected], 07026385437 OR 08141320204.

For more insight, these books authored by me are available at the Dominion Bookstores in all Living Faith Churches and other leading Christian bookstores: Marriage Covenant, Making Marriage Work, Building a Successful Home and Success in Marriage (Co-Authored).

“Please click to read other inspiring articles by Pastor Faith Oyedepo”

Pastor Faith Oyedepo is the wife of Bishop David Oyedepo, the founder of the Living Faith Church Worldwide a.k.a. Winners’ Chapel, and Senior Pastor of Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, Nigeria.

The Daily Fountain Daily Devotional of the Church Of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) 24 March 2019 – Who Is Jesus To You?

TOPIC: Who Is Jesus To You?

READ: Luke 9:18-27 King James Version (KJV)

18 And it came to pass, as he was alone praying, his disciples were with him: and he asked them, saying, Whom say the people that I am?

19 They answering said, John the Baptist; but some say, Elias; and others say, that one of the old prophets is risen again.

20 He said unto them, But whom say ye that I am? Peter answering said, The Christ of God.

21 And he straitly charged them, and commanded them to tell no man that thing;

22 Saying, The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day.

23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

24 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.

25 For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?

26 For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father’s, and of the holy angels.

27 But I tell you of a truth, there be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God.

THE MESSAGE:

A friend told me how a Muslim joined in shouting “the blood of Jesus when their car almost had an accident.” Afterwards, they asked him why he shouted the blood of Jesus and he told them that he had to call upon anything that would save him in times of danger. The blood of Jesus to him was only for deliverance from accidents.

In times past, many regarded Jesus as a prophet or a resurrected John the Baptist. Only Peter, out of all the disciples, answered that He is Christ. This shows that we might be seen as disciples without knowing who Christ is.

Today, some Christians regard Him as a talisman and deliverer in times of accidents, childbirth, sickness, demonic attacks, threats from enemies, etc. To some others, He is a prophet to reveal their past, future and enemies around them while their lives are contrary to God’s word.
Those who will accept Him as Lord are instructed in verse 25 to deny themselves, follow Him and value Him above all (verse 25) and boldly stand for Him (verse 26).

They are also to sit with Him to listen to His word or teachings (verse 18). Who is Jesus to you? He came to be your Lord and Saviour. Open your heart so that the power to become His disciple will flow into your life.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I want You to be more than a healer, deliverer and supplier to me. I accept You as my Lord and personal Saviour today.

Click HERE to read previous messages

Topic: Let the Best Come out of You [TREM Devotional 24 March 2019]

“The created world itself can hardly wait for what’s coming next.” Romans 8:19 (MSG)

Your God is the Almighty, the possessor of all things. Psalms 24:1 says that the “earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof”. Since everything belongs to your Father, why do you approach Him with a beggarly mindset, asking for a little space; when He can give you territories? You determine what you receive! If you approach God with a bottle or a drum, He will fill it. So the onus lies on you to increase your capacity.

I urge you today to let the best come out of you. Shoot for the skies and beat every known record. This is your finest hour and you are the next big thing to happen. You serve the living God and you have the advantage. If we serve this God who is an epitome of creativity, then we cannot afford to just fold our hands and watch others lead the way. Arise and let the world know that you serve the Mighty God. The time to use our God advantage is now. We must begin to strategize on how to proffer solutions to our world. Many will kiss the lips of he who has the right answer. Beloved, it does not matter whether they like your face or not. The truth is that many will surely kiss your lips if you have the right answer.

This generation is waiting for you. And I have an assurance that whatsoever you lay your hands to do shall prosper. I can already sense that there’s a shift in the realm of the Spirit, God will do for you that which He only can do. I prophesy that the grace of God will set you on high and deliver to you much more than you could ever imagine. You will not be denied. This is the time and season for your lifting. I will hear your testimony. I bless you.

Further Reading: Proverbs 24:26, 1 Timothy 4:12-16

Daily Bible Reading: Morning- Joshua 16-18; Evening- Luke 2:1-24

“If you missed yesterday devotional click HERE to read TREM Daily Devotional by Dr. Mike Okonkwo’’

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.

MFM Mountain Top Life Daily Devotional 24 March 2019 By Dr. D.K Olukoya – The Zeal of His House

TOPIC: The Zeal of His House (Mountain Of Fire and Miracle Ministries, MFM Daily Devotional 24 March 2019)

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Joshua 16-18; Luke 2:1-24

FIRE SCRIPTURE: John 2:12-18

MEMORY VERSE: “Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.” – Hebrews 10:7

The MESSAGE:

Jesus had gone about as usual doing His Father’s business, when He saw a bazaar staged in the temple, it was a terrible sight. The disciples saw Jesus’ reaction to this event as strange first of all, but later understood the word of the Psalmist, “The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up; and the reproaches of them that reproached thee are fallen upon me” (Psalm 69:9).

One of the most powerful rich men in Brazil made an announcement that he would be burying his million-dollar rare Bentley car so that he could drive it in his afterlife. This received a lot of media attention. Some criticised him for wasting rare and precious commodity as he could donate it to charity. Just moments before lowering the car into the ground, he declared that he wouldn’t bury his car. People present at the occasion were confused and questioned his announcement. He replied “People condemn me because I wanted to bury a million-dollar Bentley. In fact, most people bury things a lot more valuable than my car.”

It is so clear that people bury their talents, time, etc., and become useless in the agenda of God. It is like the story of Isaiah who was busy condemning the children of Israel up and down, seeing visions. But one day, he saw a vision that changed his totality: a special announcement from heaven declaring his position vacant. He was there when God asked, “Whom shall I send and who shall go for us”.

As a youngster, do you still have the zeal of God or is it gone? In our campuses today, it is much of a terrible sight, seeing those who were being groomed by God during their pre-varsity days, now in a bizarre stare. They are no longer on fire for God.

Some would complain saying, “My friends are saying I am too serious and too much of everything is not good” Whereas the two most important things in the life of a young chap is the academics and the power of God.

With the power of God, Jehovah can change or bend rules for your sake. Many too will say, “I cannot minister in my place of work.” It is not possible for someone who is having an affair with her boss to preach the gospel to that same boss.

It is high time we got back to our first love so that we would not become substituted in the game of life. I pray that the Lord will find you dependable and your life will not disappoint heaven, in Jesus’ name.

MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE:
WE CANNOT GET ANCIENT RESULTS UNTIL WE REVISIT GODLY ANCIENT PRACTICES.

PROPHETIC WORD:
Your position in heaven’s agenda shall not become vacant.

PRAYER POINTS:

MORNING

1. My Father, let me hunger and thirst for You daily, in the name of Jesus.
2. I repossess my lost ground in sevenfold, in the name of Jesus.
3. Lord, revive my inner man, in the name of Jesus.
   EVENING
4. Any trait of a bat in my spiritual life, die, in the name of Jesus.
5. Lord, give me a deeper knowledge of You, in the name of Jesus.
6. I receive power to pay the price for spiritual growth, in the name of Jesus.
7. Confusion of this generation, my life is not your candidate, die, in the name of Jesus.

“If you missed yesterday devotional, please click to read MFM Mountain Top Life Daily Devotional HERE

MOUNTAIN TOP LIFE is a daily devotional by Dr. D.K Olukoya (General Overseer, Mountain of Fire and Miracle Ministries, Worldwide)

Flatimes Notice Board: Until you are born again, God ever abiding presence will never be with you. You must be born again to enjoy continuous victory. Please say the displayed prayer below in faith:

Lord Jesus, come into my life. I accept You as my Lord and Personal Saviour. I believe in my heart You died and rose from the dead to save me. Thank You Lord for saving me, in Jesus name Amen.

If you just prayed the prayer of salvation online please send your testimonies and prayer request to [email protected], 07026385437 OR 08141320204.

Topic: Pyrrhic or Permanent Victory? [DCLM Daily Manna 24 March 2019 Daily Devotional by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi]

Text: Isaiah 10:20-34 (KJV)

Key Verse: “Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD of hosts, O my people that dwellest in Zion, be not afraid of the Assyrian: he shall smite thee with a rod, and shall lift up his staff against thee, after the manner of Egypt. For yet a very little while, and the indignation shall cease, and mine anger in their destruction” (Isaiah 10:24,25).

MESSAGE:

The Pyrrhic War was fought between 280-275 BC. It was a war fought by Pyrrhus, the king of Epirus. History has it that Pyrrhus was asked by the people of the city of Tarentum in southern Italy to help them in their war with the Roman Republic. As a skilled commander, with a strong army fortified by war elephants, Pyrrhus enjoyed initial success against the Roman legions, but suffered heavy losses even in these victories. A Greek biographer and essayist quoted Pyrrhus confessing after the second battle of the war, “If we are victorious in one more battle with the Romans, we shall be utterly ruined.”

At the time of this prophecy by Prophet Isaiah, the Israelites had a fierce oppressor, an Assyrian king and commander who had an expansive war armoury and was ready to attack. Meanwhile, Israel had sinned against God as they always did and became helpless as a result. The enemy wanted to capitalise on their plight and take undue advantage over them. But God, who is rich in mercies, announced through the prophet that He was going to deliver the repentant remnants.

The enemy’s victory was compared to the temporary victory the Egyptians enjoyed when they thought they had caught the Israelite at the Red Sea. Just as God gave Israel a permanent victory over their oppressors at Egypt, He was also going to give them a resounding victory over the Assyrian oppressor.

Those who recognise the invincible God and maintain a living relationship with Him, certainly know that the enemy’s victory is at best short-term. Beloved, are you passing through some fearsome challenges and tribulations of life? Hold your peace for your Saviour has prevailed on your behalf. You will eventually rejoice over all the storms across your path.

Thought For The Day: God always has the final say and He gives permanent victory to all who love and obey Him.

The Bible In One Year: Deuteronomy 10-12

If you missed yesterday devotional, please click to read “Deeper Christian Life Ministry, DCLM Daily Manna HERE

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.

Flatimes’ Notice Board: Until you are born again, God ever abiding presence will never be with you. You must be born again to enjoy continuous victory. Please say the displayed prayer below in faith:

Lord Jesus, come into my life. I accept You as my Lord and Personal Saviour. I believe in my heart You died and rose from the dead to save me. Thank You Lord for saving me, in Jesus name Amen.

If you just prayed the prayer of salvation online please send your testimonies and prayer request to [email protected], 07026385437 OR 08141320204.

Topic Practise Doing Good [Open Heavens for Teens 24 March 2019]

Memorise: “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” – Galatians 6:10

Read: Luke 10:30-37

30 And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.

31 And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.

32 And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.

33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,

34 And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.

35 And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.

36 Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?

37 And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.

Bible In One Year: Joshua 11-13, Luke 4:1-32

MESSAGE:

Doing good is more often talked about than practiced. Some teenagers even think that when doing good is spoken about, it involves their parents and not them. however, doing good should be more practiced than talked about, especially by teenagers. Acts 10:38 says Jesus went about doing good, and He expects us to do greater works than He did.

Doing good is being kind to everyone we come in contact with. It is giving without expecting anything in return. Doing good is meeting the needs of others when you can, it is carrying the burdens of people without judging them or using it against them. people who constantly do good, even when they don’t verbally preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, their actions actively pull people into the vineyard of God. Christ didn’t give anyone the mandate to be a Christian just by name; your actions must proclaim that you are a Christian and the only way that can happen is by constantly doing good to all.

Reflection: Are you a Christian by action or just by words?

Also Read: Teen Open Heaven Daily Devotional by Pastor Adeboye

Hymn 15:

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, 0 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.

Daily Devotional for Teen’s 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.

Topic: Obey Today [Kenneth Copeland Devotional 24 March 2019]

He who, being often reproved, hardens his neck shall suddenly be destroyed—and that without remedy. – Proverbs 29:1, The Amplified Bible

Some people have the mistaken idea that when the direction of the Holy Spirit comes to them, they can just ignore it for a while if they want to and then obey Him later in their own good time. They think to themselves, I know what I’m doing is wrong. I know my lifestyle isn’t right, but I’m just going to do it a while longer. Then I’ll get things straightened out with the Lord.

Let me warn you, that is an extremely dangerous thing to do. Because God says that when you refuse His guidance, your heart grows hard. It’s not that God’s grace doesn’t extend to you anymore. It’s not that He wouldn’t forgive you if you turned to Him. It’s just that sin will callous your heart to the point where you can’t hear Him calling.

That’s what happened to the children of Israel. God would tell them what to do and they wouldn’t do it. When He was trying to bring them into the Promised Land and He told them to go in and possess it, they flatly refused.

Of course, they thought they had good reasons for refusing. They were so full of fear and unbelief that they actually thought if they did what God said, they’d be destroyed. But, you know, it doesn’t matter how good your reasons are for disobeying God. That disobedience will still cost you. It will still harden your heart.

The children of Israel ignored God’s leading so often that He finally just sent them into the wilderness. They were so stiff-necked, He couldn’t lead them into the blessings He’d planned for them, and He had to just let them wander around until all but two of them had died. He had to raise up a whole new generation of softer-hearted people before He could take them into the land.

Take a lesson from that and don’t play around with sin. When God tells you what you need to do, don’t put Him off thinking it will be easier to do it later. It won’t be. It will be harder!

When the Spirit of God comes to correct you, follow His instructions—and follow them quickly. Keep your heart tender. Obey the Lord!

Scripture Reading: Nehemiah 9:6-37

If you missed yesterday devotional, please click to read “Kenneth and Gloria Copeland’s Daily Devotional Here’’

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: About Those Scribes [Andrew Wommack Devotional 24 March 2019]

Luke 6:7, “And the scribes and the Pharisees watched him, whether he would heal on the sabbath day, that they might find an accusation against him.”

Text: Matthew 12:1-14; Mark 2:23-3:6; Luke 6:1-11

The scribes were copyists of the holy scriptures. They preserved in written form the oral law, and faithfully handed down the Hebrew scriptures. In New Testament times, they were students, interpreters, and teachers of the Old Testament. Their functions regarding the law were to teach it, develop it, and use it in any connection with the Sanhedrin and various local courts. They were ambitious for honor, which they demanded, especially from their pupils, as well as from the general public. This homage was readily granted them (Mt. 23:5-11).

Ezra was a scribe during the Babylonian captivity of the Jews, and he was a very godly man. The office of a scribe was a worthy one, but the scribes of Jesus’ day were often rebuked by Him for having gone beyond the job of copying out the scriptures. They had a large volume of interpretations that they had added to the scriptures based on traditions, and had thus made “the word of God of none effect” (Mk. 7:13).

The scribes became an independent company of interpreters of the law and leaders of the people. Even they, themselves, sought to evade certain of their own precepts (Mt. 23:2-4). They clashed with Christ for He taught with authority and condemned the external formalism that they fostered (Mt. 7:28-29). They persecuted Peter and John (Acts 4:3-7) and had a part in Stephen’s martyrdom (Acts 6:12). However, although the majority opposed Christ, some did believe (Mt. 21:15).

Later on, we’ll read how Jesus exposed the hypocrisy of the scribes by dealing with issues of the heart. They appeared to be holy outwardly, but their hearts were far from God. It is important for us to keep our hearts tender and receptive to His Word, and give ourselves to Him in worship. Think about the good things he has done for you today and be thankful.

If you missed yesterday devotional, please click to read Andrew Wommack Daily Devotional

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: The Endless Love of God [Billy Graham Devotional 24 March 2019]

But to all who received him, he gave the right to become children of God. — John 1:12 (TLB)

Who can describe or measure the love of God? God is love. But the fact that God is love does not mean that everything is sweet, beautiful, and happy, and that God’s love could not possibly allow punishment for sin. God’s holiness demands that all sin be punished, but God’s love provided a plan of redemption and salvation for sinful man. God’s love provided the cross of Jesus Christ by which man can have forgiveness and cleansing. It was the love of God that sent Jesus Christ to the cross.

No matter what sin you have committed, no matter how black, dirty, shameful, or terrible it may be, God loves you. Yet this love of God that is immeasurable, unmistakable, and unending, this love of God that reaches to wherever a man is, can be entirely rejected. God will not force Himself upon anyone against his will. It is your part to believe. It is your part to receive. Nobody else can do it for you.

Prayer for the day: Your love overwhelms me, Father. In spite of my sin, Jesus’ death on the cross can cleanse me from all the past. Humbly I accept this gift, Lord.

“If you missed yesterday devotional, please click to read Billy Graham’s Daily Devotional HERE

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.