Topic: God Will Help You [Thursday 11, May 2017]

Memorise: For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee. – Isaiah 41:13

Read: Isaiah 41:10-14 (KJV)

10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

11 Behold, all they that were incensed against thee shall be ashamed and confounded: they shall be as nothing; and they that strive with thee shall perish.

12 Thou shalt seek them, and shalt not find them, even them that contended with thee: they that war against thee shall be as nothing, and as a thing of nought.

13 For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.

14 Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.

Bible in One Year: Deuteronomy 13-15, Jeremiah 29:15-23, Hymn: Sing hymn 4

MESSAGE:

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” – Psalm 46:1

As we have seen in our previous studies, it is terrible thing to be lonely and forsaken by relatives and friends, or to be told by your pastors that your problem defiles all spiritual efforts. In that seemingly hopeless state, God can reach out to you and turn things around. Let us look at some reasons why He will help you. First of all, Isaiah 63:1 says He is mighty to save. In other words, not only is this God the Almighty God, He can equally save in a mighty way. This means, not only can He save you from “small” or “medium size” problems, He can also deliver you from problems that have defied all attempted solutions. In Deuteronomy 32:39, the Lord says,

“See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal: neither is there any that can deliver out of my hand.”

For this scripture, we understand that He has the final say regarding life and death. He is the only One who can tell the fellow that the whole world has condemned to death, “You will surely live.” Have you been condemned to death, poverty, sickness or barrenness of any kind? Fear not! This Almighty God will arise because of you, and He shall deliver you today!

Moreover, in today’s Bible reading, He made some very powerful promises to you. He says He knows you are weak, helpless and defenceless, but that He will strengthen you. He says He will also help you. He knows the vanity of receiving help from men, hence the reason He says He will help you. God’s help is coming your way this season! Expect divine assistance to come your way now! Furthermore, He says He will uphold you. This means no problem or difficulty can swallow you. When God upholds you, you cannot fall. He also promises to disgrace your enemies. Every agent of darkness working against you shall be disgraced today! Furthermore, He says He will confound your enemies. That means they will be so confused that they will not know what they are doing. He says He will reduce them to nothing and cause them to perish. Every sickness or sorrow in your life shall be reduced to nothing in Jesus’ Name. Every battle against your life and destiny shall be overturned this season. All those who have risen up against you shall fall for your sake! The Lord will help you! The Lord will fight for you! From now on, you are moving from your point of weakness and vulnerability to a point of power and strength!

Action Point: Receive all the promises discussed in the devotional study with thanksgiving. Personalise and confess each of these promises.

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: Dissolving Mysteries through the Revelation of God’s Word [Thursday May 11, 2017]

Scripture: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God…And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.” John 1:1, 5.

Thought For The Day: The light that comes from the preaching of God’s Word dissolves mysteries in the lives of people.

Our God is a mystery-dissolving God. He does not only reveal the mysteries around a person’s life but also delights in dissolving them.

Yesterday, we saw that prayer of enquiry is one way by which mysteries can be dissolved. Another way God dissolves mysteries in a person’s life is through the revelation of God’s Word.

When God wants to reveal the puzzle behind any persistent challenge in your life, He would open up scriptures to you. As you read the Bible, suddenly, you would see light from a scripture that shows you the source of your problem and the solution.

This is why it is very important to sit under anointed preaching of the Word of God. The anointed Word of God exposes you to what is happening and what to do about it.

God can cause you to hear something else while the pastor is preaching by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit because God knows everything about you. So, the light that comes from the preaching of God’s Word dissolves mysteries in the lives of people.

Beloved, one revelation or insight from the Word of God is enough to dissolve the mystery behind your problems. I counsel you to study and listen to the preaching of God’s word.

Remember this: The light that comes from the preaching of God’s Word dissolves mysteries in the lives of people.

Assignment(s):

1. Develop a strong appetite for God’s Word.

2. Make up your mind to sit under anointed preaching and teachings of God’s Word.

3. Get preached Word through CDs, etc. in the areas of your challenge from brighter light.

FOR FURTHER UNDERSTANDING, GET THIS MESSAGE: UNVEILING MYSTERIES.

Prayer: O LORD, cause a deep hunger for Your Word in me. Reveal and dissolve the mysteries around my life as I study Your Word, LORD, in Jesus’ Name.

Daily Reading: Ruth 2:1 to 4:22, John 4:43 to 54, Psalm 105:16 to 36, Proverbs 14:26 to 27.

Quote: Until you are desperate to know the mysteries around your life, God will not reveal it. Culled from UNVEILING AND DISSOLVING MYSTERIES by Dr Paul Enenche.

Amazing Fact: In space, astronauts cannot cry because there is no gravity.

Today In History: 11/5/1987 – In Baltimore, the first heart–lung transplant took place. The surgery was performed by Dr. Bruce Reitz of the Stanford University School of Medicine.

Dunamis International Gospel Centre (DIGC), is a powerfully anointed church, headquartered at Abuja, Nigeria, with Dr Paul and Dr 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.

Topic: Judgment On The Abominable [Thursday May 11, 2017]

Text: Ezekiel 16:35-43

Key Verse: “And I will judge thee, as women that break wedlock and shed blood are judged; and I will give thee blood in fury and jealousy” (Ezekiel 16:38).

A typical 21st century society is bedevilled by all forms of crime: financial, economic, sexual and social perversions, with all forms of atrocities perpetrated against mankind. A question that should readily navigate our minds should be, how would our society have looked like, if there were no laws? This was the case of the children of Israel at the time of Ezekiel.

Though they had been given laws to follow, yet they committed all forms of crimes against God (idolatry being the chiefest). It was such a lawless society. Since there appeared to be no law enforcement agents, God took it upon Himself the role of the law enforcement Agent. Judgment was declared upon the abominable nation. This is a great lesson for all to learn.

Though it appears that there is no immediate judgment for sin and there is nobody to enforce judgment for sin, a time is coming when the cup of God’s fury shall be full and judgment shall be pronounced on sinners. Every action of man done in the secret or in the open, whether it be good or bad, shall receive the judgment of God. If God could pronounce such judgment on the nation he referred to as His bride, it shows that there is no respect of persons with Him.

Thought for the day: The wicked shall not be unpunished.

Bible Reading in one Year: 2 Chronicles 13-17

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.

Topic: Never Fall [Thursday May 11, 2017]

Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed. – 2 Timothy 2:15

A lot of people have been playing games when it comes to the Word. They claim to be faith people in public. But, in private, they never open the Bible at all. Then, when a time of trouble comes and they try to stand on the Word, they fall flat on their spiritual faces.

Well, the time for playing games is over. It’s time for us to realize that real faith involves action. James 2:20 says faith without works [or corresponding action] is dead.

If you want the kind of faith that will keep you on your feet when others are falling around you, you need to take some action where the Word is concerned.

First, you need to study. You can study the Word in many ways. Not only can you read it, you can dig deeply into it with concordances, Greek/Hebrew dictionaries and other study guides. What’s more, if you have a media player, you can walk around half the day listening to teaching. It’s only one way of study, but it is a powerful one.

The second thing you need to do is go where the Word is being preached. When Romans 10:17 says “faith cometh by hearing,” it’s talking about the preached Word.

Whenever I start feeling surrounded by problems and I’m having trouble hearing from God, I drop everything and find some place where I can hear the Word preached. I’ve received more answers from God that way than I can count. Even though the preacher may not have been preaching about anything even remotely connected with the issue I was struggling with, some word of Scripture would suddenly start my thoughts in a certain direction. Then I’d realize, That’s the answer to that problem I’ve been dealing with for the past six weeks!

Third, you need to start confessing the Word you’ve heard. Find the promise of God that covers your situation and then declare it out loud as if it had already come to pass in your life.

Get serious about the Word of God. Study it. Go hear it preached. Confess it. Become such a diligent workman that the devil himself will look at you with fear and say, “There’s one believer who’s not playing games anymore.”

Scripture Reading: 2 Peter 1:3-10

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: Singing with Violet [Thursday May 11, 2017]

Read: Philippians 1:21–26, Bible in a Year: 2 Kings 13–14; John 2

I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Philippians 1:23–24

An elderly woman named Violet sat on her bed in a Jamaican infirmary and smiled as some teenagers stopped to visit with her. The hot, sticky, midday air came into her little group home unabated, but she didn’t complain. Instead, she began wracking her mind for a song to sing. Then a huge smile appeared and she sang, “I am running, skipping, jumping, praising the Lord!” As she sang, she swung her arms back and forth as if she were running. Tears came to those around her, for Violet had no legs. She was singing because, she said, “Jesus loves me—and in heaven I will have legs to run with.”

Violet’s joy and hopeful anticipation of heaven give new vibrancy to Paul’s words in Philippians 1 when he referred to life-and-death issues. “If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me,” he said. “I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far” (vv. 22–23).

Each of us faces tough times that may cause us to long for the promise of heavenly relief. But as Violet showed us joy despite her current circumstances, we too can keep “running, skipping, praising the Lord”—both for the abundant life He gives us here and for the ultimate joy that awaits us.

Prayer: Lord, when times are tough, help me to find joy. Help us to live in the tough times of this world with happiness while looking ahead to something “better by far.”

When God gives us a new beginning, we find a joy that’s never ending.

Insight:

Paul’s mixed feelings about life didn’t seem to be rooted in a moment of crisis or despair. Ever since his encounter with the resurrected Christ on the road to Damascus he’d found a different understanding of what it means to live with purpose and to die with gain. Before he met Christ, his goal had been to inflict pain and suffering on followers of Jesus. But then he learned what it meant to consider it an honor to accept whatever it took to help others discover the mercy and kindness he’d found in Jesus.

Describing the love that he now wanted others to know for themselves, Paul wrote, “I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more” (Phil. 1:8–9). Now—whether in life or death—Paul believed he couldn’t lose.

This message was written By Dave Branon [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]

Topic: The Need for Wisdom [Thursday May 11, 2017]

Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. — Matthew 24:35

Time is running out. The seconds are ticking away toward midnight. The human race is about to take the fatal plunge. Which way shall we turn? Is there any authority left? Is there a path we can follow? Can we find a code book that will give us the key to our dilemmas? Is there any source of authority to which we can turn? Have we just been placed here by some unknown creator or force without any clue as to where we came from, why we are here, and where we are going?

The answer is “no.” We do have a code book. We do have a key. We do have authoritative source material. It is found in the ancient and historic Book we call the Bible. This Book has come down to us through the ages. It has passed through so many hands, appeared in so many forms-and survived attack of every kind. Neither barbaric vandalism nor civilized scholarship has touched it. Neither the burning of fire nor the laughter of skepticism has accomplished its annihilation. Through the many dark ages of man its glorious promises have survived unchanged.

Prayer for the day: How often I take for granted the privilege of being able to read my Bible. Forgive me, 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: “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” – (Philippians 4:19, NKJV)

Topic: New Provision [Wednesday May 10, 2017]

When the people of Israel were in the desert on the way to the Promised Land, God gave them manna to eat. That was good. It sustained them for a while, but it wasn’t permanent provision. Eventually, the manna stopped coming. The people had to move forward, and then God gave them quail. They were so excited. That fed them for a while, but it was also temporary.

See, God gave the Israelites temporary provision on the way to the Promised Land where they would have permanent provision. The fact that God had something much greater in store for their future is what kept them moving forward. God could have sustained them with manna or quail, but God is a god of increase. He works in seasons, and He always has something better in store.

Don’t get stuck in a rut and think that one way is going to last forever. Instead, stay open and be willing to change, make adjustments, make corrections or try something new. If the “manna” stops coming, don’t get upset. Just keep moving forward and be on the lookout for the new provision God has in store for you!

A Prayer for Today: “Father God, You alone are the just and faithful God! Thank You for always providing for me. Thank You for leading and guiding me. I trust that You have good things in store for my future and choose to keep my eyes on You in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

A Promise For You From Bible Promises:

Topic: When Violence Is The Last Option. Pt One [10/05/2017]

Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. 1 Peter 5:9. Read: 1 Pe 5:6-11

The devil is never a gentleman. He never plays with his mission and uses every moments he has in accomplishing it. When you see the devil play, he is only disguising to get his target. The devil’s mission is to kill, steal and finally destroy. Jn 10:10. How does he prey on men? Through the instrumentality of fear. He roars like a lion and intimidates men to destroy their lives.

Many have lost their destinies to the devil due to gentleness. They handle the devil with levity. Being gentle with the devil is to be playing with the cobra’s tail. One of the languages the devil understands is violence. Jesus commanded him with the word and he obeyed. Matt 4. If you want to preserve your destiny and see it  fulfilment, you must resist the devil steadfastly, and he will flee. Jm 4:7-8. If it’s violence that will establish your destiny, you must take the decision to fight for your destiny because, it’s all you have. Samson played with his destiny on the lap of Delilah and he missed his appointment with destiny.

#BiblePromisesPrayer

* Father, help me to be gentle and violent when I need to be to defend my destiny in Jesus Mighty Name

Topic: Prized Possession [Wednesday, 10th May 2017]


He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession. James 1:18

One thing that you, as a Christian, must never forget is that you are God’s most important possession. God placed a premium on you, that was why He gave up Jesus as the sacrifice to redeem you. The blood of Jesus  is the highest price God could afford. There is no other price that trumps Christ’s blood. It is the only and highest price. Yet God paid this for you.

The truth is, God could not afford to see the apogee of His creation wallow in darkness and headed for destruction. God could not stand the sight of seeing you fail and struggle through life and then end up in hell. You are just too precious to Him. He loves you too much to turn a blind eye. That was why He did not bat an eyelid when He gave His only begotten Son to be the atoning sacrifice for your sins (1 John 2:2). You were bought with a price and that price is the blood Jesus (1 Corinthians 7:23).

God chose to give birth to us anew, so He gave us His Word. No wonder scriptures says in 1 Peter 1:23 that “you have been born again, but not to a life that will quickly end. Your new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God.” This is because, “out of all creation, you became God’s prized possession” (James 1:18). And because you are God’s prized possession, God is committed to your all round success and prosperity. You can trust Him to produce His glory in and through you. You are God’s topmost priority.

Keep winning daily.

Prayer:

Thank You Lord for loving me and making me Your prized possession. I live with this consciousness, knowing that You are committed to my success and all round prosperity. Thanks Lord for Your love, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Topic: Never Mind Who Is Against You [Wednesday May 10, 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.