Topic: The Spirit and the Word Are One [Wednesday May 17, 2017]

John 6:63, “It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.”

Jesus is stating that our spirit, not our flesh, is where our life comes from. These people were so dominated by their physical lives that they were missing all the spiritual significance of His words. Although God’s Word does benefit our physical man, the Word is spiritual and must be understood through the spirit. God’s Word is spirit and it takes our spirit to illuminate its truths to our minds.

The Word of God is not paper and ink. Jesus is the Word, and He existed in spiritual form long before any words were inspired to be written down by the Holy Ghost. The Bible is simply a physical representation of Jesus and spiritual truth. It is inspired of God and therefore, totally accurate and reliable, and yet, until we receive the Spirit expressed in these words the Bible will not profit us. This is why many people have read the Word, maybe even memorized it, and yet aren’t reaping its benefits.

Just as our physical man receives life from the food he eats, so our spiritual man receives life as we partake of Jesus, the “bread of life. Jesus plainly stated that the words He spoke were spiritual – not physical.

If we want to know what spiritual truth is, we must believe the Bible, for it is spirit and life. If we want to be led by the Spirit, then we must follow God’s Word. If we want to hear from the Spirit of God, then we must listen to what God says in His Word. The Spirit (Holy Spirit) and the Word (Jesus – Jn. 1:1) are one.

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: Faith Produces Works [Wednesday May 17, 2017]

. . . doing service as to the Lord . . .  — Ephesians 6:7

A true sacrament is not a mere creed, or ordinance, or form, but it is a life of service to God and to man. The most eloquent prayer is the prayer through hands that heal and bless. The highest form of worship is the worship of unselfish Christian service. The greatest form of praise is the sound of consecrated feet seeking out the lost and helpless.

There must be a practical outworking of our faith here in this present world, or it will never endure the world to come. The Pharisees majored on show but minored on service. We need fewer words and more charitable works; less palaver and more pity; less repetition of creed and more compassion.

Prayer for the day: Talk so often drowns out the cries for help—I am guilty of this, Lord. I would worship You in everything I do. Extend my hands with Your mercy, Lord.

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.

Today’s Scripture: “…take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” – (2 Corinthians 10:5, NIV)

Topic: Take Your Life Back [Tuesday May 16, 2017]

Everyone has days when they feel like life is out of control. Oftentimes, this happens when we allow our circumstances to dictate our thoughts and attitudes. You might say, “Well, Joel, the economy is wreaking havoc on my business,” or “This relationship is just too far gone.” But I say, today is the day to take your life back!

You take your life back by choosing to take your thoughts back. Even though we live in this natural realm, as believers, we are not limited by this natural realm. We can tap into God’s power by making every thought line up with the Word of God. We don’t have to let circumstances control us. Instead, meditate on His Word and let His truth set you free!

Today, as you take captive every thought and boldly declare His promises over your life, you are setting yourself up for victory. You are positioning yourself to partake of His blessing. You are taking your life back and positioning yourself to embrace the abundant life He has prepared for you!

A Prayer for Today: “Heavenly Father, thank You for empowering me to live in victory today. I choose to take my life back by taking captive every thought and submitting it to You. Help me live a life that is pleasing to You, Jesus, today and every day in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

A Promise For You From Bible Promises:

Topic: Seven Abominations Unto God. Pt Three [16/05/2017]

A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood. Proverbs 6:17. Read: 1 Jn 3:11-15

One of the greatest miracles we receive from the Lord every day is that of sleeping and waking up in good condition. Glory be to God for this wonderful new day. Before we continue the series, let’s look at the first two abominations God hates with passion. A proud look, and a lying tongue. Today, the third abomination is:

3) Hands that shed Innocent Blood. Why take a life that you didn’t create without a cause?you become an abomination unto God. Note that, not only when you shed blood physically before are you referred to as a murderer, there are many ways we shed innocent blood.

The old and new testament of the Bible confirm those who hate their brothers in heart as murderers. And no murderer shall have eternal life in him. Hatred makes you shed innocent blood; Cain. Gen 4:1-9, Deut 19:11-13, 1 Jn 3:15. You that use a pen in your office to destroy lives have also shed innocent blood. You that slaughter lives with your careless words is also guilty of shedding innocent blood. You that turn white to black is also guilty. Finally, you that God asked to preach to that fellow and failed to obey, God said, if that fellow dies in sin, his/her blood will he require from you. Stop shedding innocent blood today.

#BiblePromisesPrayer

* Father, in anyway I have harboured bitterness against my brother (which might cause me eternity), help me to forgive and forget in Jesus Mighty Name.

Topic: Delight Yourself In God [Tuesday, 16th May 2017]

Then you will take delight in the Almighty and look up to God. Job 22:26

One of the cardinal points of Christianity is to always look up to God. God wants us to be totally dependent on Him, trust in His will for us, and follow the path that He is leading us through. But our focus on God should not be one from a point of compulsion but one of pure delight and love for God. One thing God will never take away from man his is free will to choose his path in life.

Delight connotes joy and something that you derive pleasure in. We all know that humans will naturally gravitate towards the things that give them joy, and what they derive pleasure from. Delight in the Lord. Let your joy and pleasure come from Him. The Lord is the fountain of joy and everyone who looks up to Him will always find pleasure, because their needs will be met and they will be fulfilled in Him. Scriptures say “you will pray to him, and he will hear you, and you will fulfill your vows to him” (Job 22:27).

When you delight yourself in the Lord, success is assured. I have never seen any man who has taken to the Lord wholeheartedly and end up failing in life. You can’t fail, because failure is not consistent with you. Scriptures say “you will succeed in whatever you choose to do, and light will shine on the road ahead of you” (Job 22:28). ANYTHING you choose to do, you will succeed in it. It doesn’t matter if that is your area of competence, but as you delight yourself in the Lord, He supplies grace and the necessary human help to see to your success. Delight yourself in the Lord today. Let Him alone be the one you derive pleasure from.

Keep winning daily.

Prayer:

Dear Father, You are my all in all. In You my life finds its bearing and meaning. You are my delight. In You I find joy and derive pleasure. I am totally submissive to Your will and way, as You lead me to the path of progress and success, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Topic: Never Mind Who Is Against You [Tuesday May 16, 2017]

…If God be for (you), who can be against (you)? – Romans 8:31

Thinking of who is against you is of no use because it will make no difference to you.

Thinking of him won’t  make him change his mind in your favour.  Focus your thought on Who is for you.  Because the more you focus on Him the more the help and support He will give to you.

Focusing on who is for you expresses your confidence in Him to help you.

God is for you no man can be against you.

Refuse to listen to the noise of opposition rather pay attention to the voice of your defender.

Topic: Love Not the World [Tuesday May 16, 2017]

Do not love or cherish the world or the things that are in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in him. — 1 John 2:15

Many today are far too attached to the things of this world. Our society is filled to the brim with commerce—there are stores on almost every corner. And everyone is busy making money so they can buy more things. God wants His children to be blessed with nice things, but the Bible tells us not to love them excessively. It is important to keep things in their proper place.

If you use what you have to bless others, God will see to it that you have everything you need and more. So your goal should be to enjoy the things God gives you and to share with others. This shows your love for the Father.

Topic: Release Your Faith! [Tuesday 16, May 2017]

Memorise: Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. – John 14:12

Read: Mark 11:22-24 (KJV)

22 And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.

23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.

24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

Bible in One Year: Deuteronomy 25-27, Jeremiah 31:31-40, Hymn: Sing hymn 1

MESSAGE:

The ministry of signs and wonders is the ministry of God, and He reserves the right to partner with anyone He chooses (Hebrews 2:4). He can partner with someone operating in any of the five-fold ministries: apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers or evangelists. He can equally partner with ushers, choristers, instrumentalist, sanitation workers, etc. When God partners with even an ordinary choir member or instrumentalist, demons will flee! This happened in David’s life when God partnered with him as just a harp player (1 Samuel 16:23). Never look down on yourself! God can work with anyone who is willing to cooperate with Him. Are you willing? Are you ready to meet with His requirements? Are you asking like some followers of Jesus once asked Him in John 6:28b:

“What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?”

Here is His response to you in John 14:12:

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.”

Note however that if you desire to operate in the miraculous, you must be a person of faith. Why? Faith attracts God into the ordinary situations of life. It brings the divine into contact with the natural. In fact, in Mark 16:17-18, Jesus says if only you can believe in Him, signs will definitely follow you. Are you experiencing signs and wonders in your ministry? If you are not, it could be that you are not releasing your faith, not necessarily because you do not have faith. If you lack faith in God, you could never be born again in the first place. If you followed the steps of salvation and become born again, you definitely have faith. That same faith is required of you every time you go before God for something: whether to make a request, to worship or to praise Him. You need to release your faith. In Mark 11:22-23, Jesus says if only you can release your faith, you can command a mountain to move, and it will go to the destination that you have sent it. Faith is the key to the miraculous. When you lay your hands on the sick and pray for them, do you release your faith as well? If you refuse to release you faith, nothing will happen. When you pray, God looks for your faith before He acts on that prayer. Beloved, where is your faith? If you have faith, you will trust in God’s ability to meet your needs. If you have faith, you will have great expectations. If you have faith, you won’t seek any other alternative to God’s intervention. If you have faith, you will not be double-minded. Where is your faith? Release it today!

Key Point: Faith is like an identity card that you must present whenever you go into God’s presence.

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.

iOpenHeavens is the electronic version of the Hard Copy. The Open Heavens devotional application is available across all mobile platforms and operating systems: iOS, Android, Blackberry, Nokia, Windows Mobile and PC.

Topic: The Family Altar (2)

You are welcome to this week’s teaching. Last week, I introduced you to the foundation of the family and how you can live right as a member of God’s family.

This week, I shall be examining the Structure of the Family.  Hebrews 3:4 says: For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God.

The word “house” in the above passage is not referring to a physical structure, but to a family structure; that is, the individuals who make up the home. It is the responsibility of every Christian to build his/her house. You build by organizing and administering the individuals under your roof.

1 Timothy 3:12 says: Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.

Family structure requires effective administration. Where this is lacking, individuals who eventually destroy the society are produced. The essence of the family, therefore, is to create an environment for effective administration and preparation of individuals for life, so as to grow and properly pursue the plan of God for their lives.

God speaking about Abraham said: For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment; that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him (Genesis 18:19).

Abraham had a grasp of God’s purpose for the family and by that understanding he was able to order his household aright. The result is that God was pleased with him; and He ensured that Abraham and his household were successful in all their endeavours. Till today, Christians all over the world, still identify with Abraham.

The first thing we must understand about God’s purpose for the family is: The family is where we learn to glorify God and live for him. The Bible tells us what God’s purpose is when it says: And did not he make one? Yet had he the residue of the spirit. And wherefore one? That he might seek a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth (Malachi 2:15).

The purpose of God for you as well as our family is to glorify God. This is not something that just happens; there must be deliberate effort. It does not happen because you come to church, send your kids to Sunday school and youth group. It happens because in your home, you show your love for God. You talk about Him. You tell your children how He has been faithful to you and helped you through life. You see Him everywhere and talk about the beauty and ingenuity of the world He has created. You model before them the life He has called you to live and have passion for the things of God. Also, each family must be founded and built on the principle and master plan of God, the Originator.

For you to enjoy the family structure of the Almighty God and for successful parenthood, you need the grace of God. However, the grace of God is the privilege of those that are born again. Are you born again? Are you a child of God? Are you ready to confess your sins and accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and personal Saviour? If you are ready, please say this prayer with me: “Dear Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me my sins and cleanse me with Your Blood. Deliver me from sin and satan to serve the living God. I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Make me a child of God today. Thank You for accepting me into Your Kingdom.”

If you prayed this simple prayer, congratulations, you are now born again! You are now 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, and share your testimonies with me through [email protected]; or 07026385437 and 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).

Topic: Step Out of the Boat [Tuesday May 16, 2017]

And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water…. – Matthew 14:28-29

It’s easy to be so afraid of making a mistake that you never get around to stepping out on faith. You can spend all your time wondering, Is this faith? Or is it presumption? What if I exercise my faith for something and find out later I’ve missed God’s will?

Don’t worry. God can handle any mistake you can make. I know because I’ve made plenty of them. When I did, I’d just go to the Lord and He’d tell me, Stay on the Word, son. Together we’ll overcome this thing. And we always did.

If you act on the Word out of the sincerity of your heart and you steadfastly stay with the Word, Jesus will never let you down…no matter how many dumb mistakes you make. He proved that the night Peter jumped out of the boat in the middle of the lake.

Have you ever stopped to think about that incident? Peter hadn’t been praying or seeking God’s will before he did that. On impulse he just blurted out, “Lord, if it’s You, bid me come.”

What was Jesus supposed to say? He couldn’t very well say, “It’s not Me.” I suppose He could have said, “Wait a minute now. You don’t have the faith to get out here. You’d better stay in that boat or you’re going to drown for sure.”

But He didn’t say that to Peter—and He won’t say it to you. If you want to get out and walk by faith, He’ll get out there with you and pick you up when you start sinking. He’ll walk you back to the boat if He has to.

It’s better to risk being presumptuous than to waste your life in the boat of unbelief! If you have to, just dive into the water and say, “God, help me!”

Don’t let fear keep you from taking that step of faith. Come on, get out of the boat today!

Scripture Reading: Matthew 14:22-33

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.