Topic: The Mystery of Two becoming One (Part 1)

Dear Reader,

Glory be to God for seeing you through the first half of this New Dawn Year. You would agree with me that God has been unveiling fresh revelations that have impacted your marriage, family and life since the year began. To Him alone be all the praise forever!

We will be exploring another exciting subject this month and I would request that you pay rapt attention to every detail of this teaching series, to get the most out of it. This week, I shall be teaching on the topic: The Mystery of Two Becoming One.

Marriage is a mystery! As a heavenly arithmetic of 1 + 1 = 1; it entails the fusing of two different persons, from different family backgrounds and upbringings, to becoming one unstoppable force. This union is not ordained to bring you down, neither is it a necessary evil like some people call it, but is ordained for your lifting, promotions and easy accomplishment of your desired successes. As it is written: Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour (Ecclesiastes 4:9).

Having a successful home is God’s will for you. So, whether you are married or intending to get married soon, knowing this truth today will help you a great deal to work towards a successful home. God is the Almighty Programmer of marriage; hence, He had created all that it would take to make it glorious. Man, on his own part needs to abide by God’s principle and implement His plan. God has programmed marriage to be two in one.

In God’s own arithmetic, two people alone make a home. A home is formed at the coming together of only two, not more. The Word of God says, For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife; And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh (Mark 10:7-8). The coming together of man and woman in marriage is a spiritual conversion from one to two.

Quoting the verse in Genesis, Jesus says ‘the two will become one flesh’ and draws the following conclusion, ‘So they are no longer two, but one.’ The man and woman who enter into the marriage bond become one flesh and are no longer two, but one entity. Apostle Paul develops this concept by teaching that ‘husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no-one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it’ (Ephesians 5:28–29). Paul is saying that a wife is actually a part of her husband’s body—she is of his flesh and blood. He illustrates this mystery by revealing a profound truth that when a man loves his wife he loves himself for she is a part of him. It follows that when a man hates his wife he hates his own body. Paul then quotes Genesis 2:24, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’, acknowledging that it is a mystery.

See this testimony:

“I have been married for 12 years, but my marriage was in shambles. My family rejected me because I refused to divorce my husband. At a time, I developed psychosomatic problems, but I still held on. Each time my family complained, I always told them that God makes all things beautiful in His time, and that my marriage would be okay.

When Bishop David Oyedepo spoke on the Ark Bearer’s Sacrifice in one of the services, I did not have anything to give, because I had lost my job for a year as a nurse. I sat down and wept. I asked God what I would give in order to be a partaker of His blessings. And the Holy Spirit said to me, ‘How about your wedding ring?’ I said, ‘God this is the only valuable thing I have left in my life, and what will I tell my husband?’

Subsequently, I came to the church, and in tears removed the ring and put it in an envelope and said, ‘God, as I put in this ring, I want you to restore my marriage and give me a job.’ After I dropped it, I discovered that the depression I felt before then left; I was so happy! When I got home, I was ready for another confrontation from my husband, who never went to church. All he does was to sit with his bottle. But when I entered the room, he said, ‘Honey welcome! How was church and your Bishop?’ I was surprised!

He said, ‘My darling wife you look tired. Go and take your bath, I have prepared food for you to eat.’ I did not believe it! I thought it was a trick. I went into the kitchen and discovered he had prepared stew with chicken. Still in doubt, I went ahead and took my bath. When I came out from the bathroom, he said I should bring the food into the bedroom. I watched him in surprise as we ate.

He asked if I was surprised, and told me that while I was in church, he lay down to watch the television, and suddenly heard a voice audibly call him and say, ‘Sit up! What have you done with your marriage? Set your home right.’ That made him go on his knees, weeping, and he told God he was sorry. That was the beginning of good things. I never knew marriage could be so blissful!”

– Agbetiku, U.

There is something so deep and wonderful in the marriage bond that you need spiritual insight fully to understand its divine significance. The union of husband and wife is used in the scriptures as a symbol of the unity between Christ and His Church; Christ is the bridegroom and the Church is his bride. Paul says that the Church is a part of Christ; we are members of the body of Christ and Christ is the head of the Church. In the same way, the wife is part of the body of her husband. This union between Christ and His Church is based on the covenant promise, sealed in His blood, that He will never leave nor forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6). He will remain faithful to His promises even although we are faithless.

In God’s eyes, husband and his wife are one flesh. This must be the reason why Adam, when he first saw his wife. The Word of God says, And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man (Genesis 2:23). One man and one woman in a marriage relationship equal one flesh. This is God’s arithmetic! This is referring to a fusion of husband and wife, two distinct elements into one.

If you are not yet born again and you desire to do so right now, please pray this prayer with faith in your heart: 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 HERE 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.

Topic: Have You Tried Praise

2 Chron. 20:5-17 – READ

2 Chron. 20:12, 15 – O our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee. 15 And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God’s.

When you don’t know what else to do in the face of trials and challenges, reposition yourself and go into praise; by doing so, you transfer the battle to God. When you praise God, HE takes over the battle from you and when God takes over, victory is certain.

2Chron.20:22 -And when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten.

Today, as you hand over that challenge to God through praise, you will see a dramatic turnaround in your favour in the name of Jesus! The children of Judah did not shoot an arrow; they only repositioned themselves to praise God and God moved into action. I see God move into action on your behalf in the name of Jesus!

When you don’t know what else to do, reposition yourself in your confidence in God and then get into high praise warfare. Praise is very vital in every major conflict if you want to overcome.

The night preceding the execution of Paul and Silas, they sang high praises to God that other prisoners heard them and God stepped in; suddenly, the prison foundation shook, the prison gates flung open and their chains fell off. You will also testify! You will experience a new order of liberation today in the name of Jesus!

Praise is what to do when you don’t know what else to do. Put on the garment of praise, ignore the harassments of the enemy and God will take over; and when HE takes over, everything will be over. I decree as the elect of God that whatsoever is contesting your inheritance in Christ Jesus must give way today as you engage in praise warfare in the name of Jesus! It is well with you in Jesus mighty name –Amen!

God bless you

Click HERE to read other Inspiring Messages by Pastor David Ibiyeomie

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: Too Good To Be True [TREM Devotional Thursday July 12, 2018]

“And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both (Paul and Barnabas) together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed.” Acts 14:1

They spoke! They preached! What were they preaching? They preached the good news- over the top, too good to be true good news. They preached the gospel that God has paid for their sins, He has paid for their sickness, He has paid for their disease and He has paid for their poverty. They preached that they were entitled to lay hold on their inheritance.

According to Acts 14:8: “And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, a cripple from his mother’s womb who had never walked.” This man heard Paul speak. Paul looked at him perceiving that he had faith to be healed. Faith cometh by hearing. Paul was speaking and he knew; he saw the glow on the impotent man’s face. The man had been crippled since his birth, never walked, but the Word of God came alive and came with the spare part. He looked at him steadfastly and knew that he had faith to be healed. He said unto him in a loud voice, stand upright on your feet, and he leapt and walked. “When the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted their voices saying in the speech of Lycaonia, the gods are come down to us in the likeness of men” (Acts 14:11).

In Acts chapter 13, you will see the entire message that Paul preached. Paul traced the entire life of the Jews, and climaxed it in Acts 13:38 thus: “Be it known unto you, therefore, men and brethren that through this man (Jesus) is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins.” Praise God! All your sins have been forgiven and you can now boldly say: All my sins have been forgiven.

Further reading: Acts 13:14-38, Acts 14: 7-11

Daily Bible Reading: Morning- Psalms 4-6; Evening- Acts 17:16-34

“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.

Topic: The Power Of Divine Encounter [Seeds of Destiny Thursday July 12, 2018]

Scripture: After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter. And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne. Revelation 4:1-2.

Thought For The Day: It takes an encounter to counter the works of darkness and count on earth.

It has been confirmed throughout scriptures that Divine encounter is behind the making of men and women of relevance on earth. No wonder, the lives of people who are of little or no impact on earth are characterised by lack of Divine encounters. This is why God delights in giving His children Divine encounters so they can avoid inconsequential existence.

From our anchor Scripture, a door was opened unto John and he experienced deep encounters and Divine visitations. When this door opens, there would be strange encounters and Divine visitations; things that people would find difficult to understand would begin to happen. Deep encounters, mysterious revelations and manifestations, open angelic encounters, third heaven encounters, etc. are what we see when God opens the door of Divine encounter.

In addition to that, prayer time and night time would be absolutely filled with Divine visitations and angelic encounters; the spiritual realm becomes real. It is important to know that there is another world apart from this world. There are happenings in the realm of the spirit that are not visible to the physical eyes. Divine encounters make the spiritual realm real.

One encounter can counter the agenda of the enemy. Moses had an encounter and the death sentence that was hanging on his life for forty years was countered. Pharaoh was looking for him to kill but when Moses encountered God, he was no longer killable by Pharaoh. He was the one who eventually killed Pharaoh; Pharaoh pursued him into the Red Sea and that was the end of Pharaoh.

Beloved, it takes an encounter to counter the works of darkness and count on earth.

Ask God passionately to give you an encounter that will transform your life and destiny forever.

Remember this: It takes an encounter to counter the works of darkness and count on earth.

Assignments:
1. Desperately ask God for a deep encounter and the revelation of His Almightiness in your life.
2. Take time to pray deeply, especially in the night season.

Prayer: O Lord, I ask for a deep encounter that will change my life and destiny. Reveal Yourself to me O Lord, in Jesus’ Name.

FOR FURTHER UNDERSTANDING, GET THIS MESSAGE: THE DIMENSIONS AND DEMANDS OF OPEN DOORS (PART 5).

Daily Bible Reading: 1 Chronicles 12:19 to 14:17, Romans 1:1 to 17, Psalm 9:13 to 20, Proverbs 19:4 to 5

Amazing Fact: Octopuses can use their arms to taste and smell.

Today In History: 12/07/1790 – The French Assembly approved a Civil Constitution providing for the election of priests and bishops

Quote: You ought to sharpen yourself with the Word, then out of the overflow of your encounters, out of what you have seen and heard, you can preach. Culled from THOU ART MY BATTLE AXE by Dr Paul Enenche.

“If you missed yesterday devotional, please click to read Seeds of Destiny by Pastor Paul Enenche”

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

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: Progressive Breakthrough [Open Heavens 12 July 2018, Thursday Daily Devotional]

Memorise: And the man waxed great, and went forward, and grew until he became very great: – Genesis 26:13

Read: Mark 8:22-25 (KJV)

22 And he cometh to Bethsaida; and they bring a blind man unto him, and besought him to touch him.

23 And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when he had spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him if he saw ought.

24 And he looked up, and said, I see men as trees, walking.

25 After that he put his hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up: and he was restored, and saw every man clearly.

Bible in One Year: 2 Chronicle 19-20, Acts 26:24-27:12

Open Heavens 12 July 2018 MESSAGE:

Our God works in diverse ways and He cannot be boxed into a pattern. While He may choose to perform something instantaneously, He can also choose to do it in progressive stages. The problem with modern day Christian is that they always want God to perform His work instantaneously, and for this reason, they end up falling for magic instead of experiencing the miracles of God. speaking on Isaac, the Bible makes it clear that he did not become great over night; rather, he progressively increased and moved forward until he was declared to be very great (Genesis 26:13). In contrast to this, what do we see in Christendom today? People are trying to experience a breakthrough that will make them great overnight. This has led to so many falling into diverse temptation of ill-gotten wealth and apostasies. Some people don’t want God to take His time and course to bless them, and so they move away from Him and off they go to the devil, who promises to build them castles in the air like he did with Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:4-5). In their search for instantaneous breakthrough by ungodly means, such people have shipwrecked their faith. May you never fall victim to the deception of “fast” and instantaneous breakthrough that has its roots in the kingdom of darkness in Jesus’ Name.

Do you know that there was a time when I could not afford to pay two naira pass through a toll-gate while on a preaching assignment as General Overseer? That was a phase God took us through in the ministry. From that little beginning, to the glory of God, we now take the gospel of Jesus Christ around the world with the use of a private jet. However, this testimony manifested itself many years after I had surrendered my personal ambition to God and chose instead to preach the gospel. Again, when I came into fulltime ministry, I left a mansion for a tiny house in a slum, but the Almighty God promised me that He would build me a city. This promise of God is a reality today but it took so many years to manifest. I assure you that whatever God has promised you shall come to pass if only you keep on trusting and waiting with expectation for the fulfillment of His promises.

Today’s Bible reading contains an example of God’s progressive work. The lesson to learn from this is that God has innumerable ways of accomplishing His will in His created world and in the lives of His creatures. He does not only determine what He wants to do and when He will do it, He also determines the pace at which He will do it. The good news I have for you today is that your breakthrough, which seems to be an illusion, is coming your way this season. Irrespective of how long you have waited for your healing, this is the season of your complete restoration in Jesus’ Name.

Prayer Point: Father, please complete my restoration this season in Jesus’ Name.

If you missed yesterday devotional, please click HERE to Open Heavens 11 July 2018 Wednesday Daily – Waiting Upon The Lord 

Open Heavens 12 July 2018 Thursday Hymn 6: A New Thing
(Tune: There shall be showers of Blessing)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Open Heavens 12 July 2018 Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer’s Ministries. The Open Heavens devotional application is available across all mobile platforms and operating systems: iOS, Android, Blackberry, Nokia, Windows Mobile and PC.

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: What Do You Treasure? [DCLM Daily Manna Thursday July 12, 2018]

Text: Matthew 13:44-52 (KJV)

Key Verse: “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field” (Matthew 13:44).

MESSAGE:

The quantum and quality of resources a person invests in his quest for a prize determines how he values the goal. If the goal is a priceless treasure, he pumps in all his time, energy, skill, money and other materials needed to achieve his ambition. Less cherished purpose does not merit much attention.

The lessons from the parable in the text teach us that the vicarious death of Jesus for the salvation of mankind is an investment which portrays Him as a wise spiritual Entrepreneur desirous of harvesting souls in line with the promise of the Father (Psalm 2:8). This lesson is similar to a corn of wheat in John 12:24, which cannot bring forth fruit unless it invests itself by being sown in the ground dies, germinates, grows, and buds. Life in the Kingdom is all about sacrifice to “seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33). Genuine believers follow the footsteps of Jesus Christ by investing their resources in Kingdom work.

There is reward beyond what the world offers. Which is better? The short-lived reward from service to mortal man or the everlasting reward God gives to those who spend for the furtherance of the gospel? The choice is yours to make. Even so, a saint renders services to Christ not for any tangible or intangible rewards. He serves Him as a token of appreciation for his salvation and as an acknowledgement of being privileged to be a witness for Christ: an unconditional service to the Master in the instinctive response by he who has profited from Christ’s reservoir of grace.

Thought For The Day: Serve God selflessly and expect His best.

Bible Reading In One Year: Amos 6-9

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: Be Skillful [Kenneth & Gloria Copeland, Thursday July 12, 2018]

The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing. – Psalm 34:10

Did you know that, according to the Word of God, there is no lack in the Body of Christ? Everything we could ever need, every problem we could ever face has been covered by the blood of Jesus. His exceeding great and precious promises have supplied it all.

Why then do many of us keep on suffering lack? Because we haven’t, as Hebrews 5:13 says, become skillful in the Word of righteousness.

It takes skill to apply the Word of God. Most of us don’t realize that. We just sling the Word around and try to use it any old way. We pray some ignorant prayer and then say, “Oh well, God knows what I mean” and expect it to be answered.

It’s funny though. We’d never stand for that kind of carelessness in the natural realm. If our doctor came in and just threw a bottle of pills at us and said, “Here, take that,” without even trying to find out what’s wrong with us, we’d leave his office and never come back. Yet, we’re shocked when that same careless attitude in the spiritual realm keeps our prayers from being effective.

We live in an “instant” society where everything is quick and easy. And too many of us are letting that instant mentality leak over into our walk with the Lord Jesus Christ. When someone needs healing, we bust through the hospital door, dab a little oil between their eyes and say, “Glory to God!” and out the door we go. Sometimes it doesn’t take any longer than “In the Name of Jesus be healed!” But sometimes there is something else that must be done.

The time has come for us to shake off that “instant” mentality and realize that there are situations where we’re going to have to take some time and pray in the Holy Ghost. Times when we’re going to have to sit there and listen for God’s instructions.

If you’ve come up short in any area of life—whether it be healing or finances or anything else—determine to develop your Word skills where that area is concerned. Get out your Bible. Read all through the healing scriptures. Read all through the miracle scriptures. Read all through the promises of God. Read all through the blessings of Abraham.

Meditate on them. Ask God to speak to you through them and to enlighten you about the situation you’re facing. Don’t just sling the Word around. Dig in to it. Fellowship with your Father over it. Let Him show you how to apply it skillfully, and eventually, you’ll lack no good thing.

Scripture Reading: Psalm 23

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: An Anchor When We’re Afraid [Our Daily Bread 12 Thursday July, 2018]

Read: Isaiah 51:12–16, Bible in a Year: Psalms 4–6; Acts 17:16–34

I, even I, am he who comforts you. Isaiah 51:12

Are you a worrier? I am. I wrestle with anxiety almost daily. I worry about big things. I worry about small things. Sometimes, it seems like I worry about everything. Once in my teens, I called the police when my parents were four hours late getting home.

Scripture repeatedly tells us not to be afraid. Because of God’s goodness and power, and because He sent Jesus to die for us and His Holy Spirit to guide us, our fears don’t have to rule our lives. We may well face hard things, but God has promised to be with us through it all.

One passage that has helped me profoundly in fearful moments is Isaiah 51:12–16. Here, God reminded His people, who had endured tremendous suffering, that He was still with them, and that His comforting presence is the ultimate reality. No matter how bad things may seem: “I, even I, am he who comforts you,” He told them through the prophet Isaiah (v. 12).

I love that promise. Those eight words have been an emotion-steadying anchor for my soul. I’ve clung to this promise repeatedly when life has felt overwhelming, when my own “constant terror” (v. 13) has felt oppressive. Through this passage, God reminds me to lift my eyes from my fears and in faith and dependence to look to the One who “stretches out the heavens” (v. 13)—the One who promises to comfort us.

Prayer: Lord, sometimes the struggles we face in life seem so big. But You are bigger. Help us to cling to Your promise of comfort in fearful moments and to experience Your loving provision as we trust You.

God’s comforting presence is more powerful than our fears.

If you missed yesterday devotional, please click to read “Our Daily Bread Devotionals HERE”

This message was written By Adam Holz [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]

Topic: Grow In Grace [Andrew Wommack Thursday July 12, 2018]

Luke 11:38 – “And when the Pharisee saw it, he marvelled that he had not first washed before dinner.”

Text: Luke 11:37-41

A sure sign of the error of legalism is misplaced priorities, as we see here with these Pharisees. It is not recorded in Scripture that the Pharisees marveled at the wonderful works of Jesus. They were too busy looking for something to criticize (Mark 3:2). But they marveled at Jesus not washing His hands. This is a classic example of straining out a gnat and swallowing a camel (Mt. 23:24).

Those who seek to earn righteousness through keeping the Law are consumed with “doing,” while those who receive righteousness by faith are simply confessing what has already been done. This is a simple and yet profound difference. If we are still “doing” acts of holiness to get God to move in our lives, then we are still operating under a “Law” mentality that is not faith (Gal. 3:12). When we simply believe and confess what has already been provided through Christ, that’s grace.

A person who is living under the Law and a person who lives under grace should have very similar actions of holiness, but their motivations are completely opposite. The legalist has their attention on what they must do, while the person living by faith has his attention on what Christ has already done for him. For instance, the Scriptures teach us to confess with our mouths and believe with our hearts, and we will receive from God. The legalist thinks, That means I can get God to heal me by confessing, ‘By his stripes I am healed.’ However, the person who understands God’s grace will not confess the Word to get healed. They will confess, “By His stripes I am healed” because they really believe it has already been done.

Analyzing our “mind set” is the simplest way of discerning whether we are operating in true Bible faith or a legalistic counterfeit. If the motive for our actions is to be accepted with God, that’s legalism. If we live wholly out of faith and gratefulness for what God has already done, that’s grace. Grow in grace!

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

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: A Genuine Hero [Billy Graham’s Devotional Thursday July 12, 2018]

Jesus saith . . . I am the way, the truth, and the life . . . — John 14:6

With much of society a disappointment, young people have begun to search for answers on their own. Everywhere I travel, I find young people who are asking: What is truth? Who says so? What is right and what is wrong? Is there a final authority? Yes! There is an authority! There is a moral law! It has been exemplified in a real Person. There is a genuine Hero in whom you can believe, who will never let you down. His name is Jesus Christ. He was born into a world as jumbled and riddled with injustice as yours, but He changed it by changing people.

Prayer for the day: You, Lord Jesus, are the Supreme Authority; and my soul praises You!

“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.