Topic: You Can Lose It [Friday, 5th May 2017]

Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons. – 1 Timothy 4:1

There are some teachings going the rounds that once you are saved, i.e, once you accept Jesus as Lord and saviour, you can’t loose your salvation. If there is no possibility of this happening, then there wouldn’t have been a mention of it in scriptures. While we know that God would have all men to be saved and remain saved, we must understand the message of grace. God can go to any length to ensure that a backsliding Christian is restored by the instrumentation of grace, but it is important to know that grace is not a license for immoral act.

Scriptures says in Jude 1:4 that “…some ungodly people have wormed their way into your churches, saying that God’s marvelous grace allows us to live immoral lives…” Scriptures says that such people have already been condemned (Jude 1:4). Grace is God’s strength that enables us live His life that is in us, and not the other way round. Titus 2:11-12 says grace teaches us to live a life devoid of sin. So if we sin, grace comes to teach us to deny ourselves such pleasures of sin, and helps us live righteously. But grace does not accommodate sin. While it takes teachings to help us live righteously, it also takes teachings for us to lose our salvation, this is because teachings changing our mindset, which eventually powers our lives.

So it is possible to loose our faith? Yes. When we yield ourselves to seducing spirits and teachings of demons that takes our heart from Jesus. Scriptures says it is impossible to bring back to the faith those who “turn away from God. It is impossible to bring such people back to repentance; by rejecting the Son of God, they themselves are nailing him to the cross once again and holding him up to public shame.” Just like we receive salvation when we accept Jesus and His sacrifice, when a we reject Jesus, we lose our salvation. But this process starts from teachings and doctrines inspired by Satan, especially the one that abuses the saving grace of God. And this is what we must guide against.

Keep winning daily.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, I trust Your grace to teach me the right way to go always and not to give in to seducing spirits. I pray for all your children all over the world. Help us to stand firm in the liberty where with You have saved us, and not be entangled with the yoke of bondage, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

It’s safe to say that there isn’t a student in the world that hasn’t had to grapple with studying. For most, studying is almost a form of punishment they have to endure. Jumia Travel, the leading online travel agency shares 6 smart ways to help you study without it feeling like some cruel and unusual form of punishment.

Be Mindful of How You Approach Studying

Researchers have found that ‘how’ you approach something matters almost as much as what you do. Having the right mindset is important in helping you study smarter and more effectively. Too many people see studying as a task or some form of punishment rather than an opportunity to learn and better themselves. You can think of it this way: people say intelligence is sexy right? Well studying is one of the easiest ways to build that intelligence.

Be Mindful of Where You Study

Avoid studying in a place that isn’t conducive or is too distracting for you. Some people can study with music and some need absolute quiet. Understand the environment conducive for you and opt for such environments when you study.

Bring Along Only What You Need to Study

When you find an ideal and conducive place to study, please refrain from bringing along things you don’t need. This is because those things can be a distraction to you. Also be sure to bring along everything you need to study to avoid wasting time going back and forth because you forgot one thing or the other.

Have a Game Plan

This involves understanding what you have to study (in terms of quantity and complexity) and executing a game plan to help you cover all you have to study adequately and in good time, without giving yourself a headache trying to cram it all the night before.

Try Employing Different Study Methods

This is mainly to make the study process more interesting for you. However, if you’re comfortable with using one study method alone, then please do so.  You can try using flashcards, mnemonic devices, rewriting your notes, jotting down study points, taking practice exams or doing past questions, studying with study partners or even creating a study game as some of the study methods you can employ.

Take Breaks

Taking breaks is just as important as studying, only be careful not to overdo it or be too excessive with it. The mind works better when you take breaks every half an hour to an hour. It will help you absorb the information and decompress to help your mind feel free for more studying. Studying for hours unending can give you a headache or make you sleep off. You can take breaks by moving around, eating, rewarding yourself by watching a short video or talking to study partners.

By Damilola Ojo
PR Associate Jumia Travel
+2348101556883

A Promise For You From Bible Promises:

Topic: The Lost Glory [04/05/2017]

And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons. Genesis 3:7. Read: Gen 3:1-11

In Genesis 2:25, the Bible said, And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed. This is because man was created from the image of God and God covered man with His glory. God covered the reproach of man. But in Genesis chapter 3 when man willingly gave his headship and authority to the devil, the glory covering him departed and he    discovered that they were naked and were ashamed of themselves. They went to look for artificial covering for their nakedness. What a loss? Suddenly they heard the voice of the Lord and they began to be afraid of their Maker. They lost their glory to the devil and as a result, fear, struggling, sickness, death, fruitless efforts and wickedness came in that made God to regret creating human being. Whatever God has given to you (especially your salvation) you must guide it jealously. You must guide your heart like an egg because out of it is the issues of life. Rev 3:11, Pro 4:23. Adam and Eve lost their glory to the devil and untold hardship came into their lives. Have you carelessly lost your God given glory (in form of potential) to the enemy? God Almighty can restore it back to you if you repent and pray unto Him. You must do everything within your power to plead with God to bring back your lost glory and honour. Pray

#BiblePromisesPrayer

* Father, wherever my glory is buried, let your power bring it out and restore it back to me now in Jesus Mighty Name

* Father, destroy every destiny destroyer and every glory killer and stealer in Jesus name

Topic: Beware Of Help From Men [Thursday May 4, 2017]

And the LORD said unto Abrah, after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward, For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed forever. – Genesis 13:14-15

Where you are now is the platform for your future placement.

You don’t wait to become big to manage well: you manage well to become big.

Don’t wait to have fruits to be faithful.

It is when you are faithful that you can become fruitful.

Appreciate where you are and you will not cease to appreciate in life.

Appreciation of God is the spring board for appreciation of destiny.

I have never met with an ungrateful progressive man.

Unthankfulness will always lead to depreciation.

There is no doubt a grateful heart will result into a graceful life.

If you want to be graceful, be grateful.

Use gratitude to enhance your altitude.

Topic: The Help of the Holy Spirit [Thursday May 4, 2017]

For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. — Romans 8:5 KJV

Romans 8:5 teaches us that if we “mind” the flesh, we will walk in the flesh. But if we “mind” the things of the Spirit, we will walk in the Spirit. Our actions follow our thoughts!

Let me put it another way: If we think fleshly thoughts, wrong thoughts, and negative thoughts, we cannot walk in the Spirit. It seems as if renewed, godlike thinking is a vital necessity to a successful Christian life.

Your life may be in a state of chaos because of years of wrong thinking. If so, it is important for you to come to grips with the fact that your life will not get straightened out until your mind does. You should consider this area one of vital necessity.

Ask God to help you learn to think thoughts that He would have you think. You cannot overcome any problem by determination alone. It is important to be determined, but determined in the Holy Spirit, not in the effort of your own flesh. The Holy Spirit is close to you. He is your Helper—seek His help. Lean on Him. You can make it with His help.

Give the Holy Spirit control of your life. He will lead you into the perfect will of God for you, which includes exceeding, abundant blessings, peace, and joy.

Topic: Help for The Helpless [Thursday 4, May 2017]

Memorise: The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. – Psalm 46:7

Read: Psalm 9:18-20 (KJV)

18 For the needy shall not alway be forgotten: the expectation of the poor shall not perish for ever.

19 Arise, O LORD; let not man prevail: let the heathen be judged in thy sight.

20 Put them in fear, O LORD: that the nations may know themselves to be but men. Selah.

Bible in One Year: Deuteronomy 1, Jeremiah 25:17-33, Hymn: Sing hymn

MESSAGE:

There are general blessings and also personal blessings. I have observed that anytime David wanted to discuss something that was very important to him, he normally personalised it. For instance, in Psalm 23:1, he says,

“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.”

He did not say, “The Lord is our shepherd.” He was simply saying, “I can only speak for myself; I don’t know about you.” I pray that you will experience God as the Good Shepherd, so that you can testify personally and not just by sharing other people’s experiences. A shepherd is a person who looks after sheep. One thing you will observe about sheep is that they are very defenceless against predators. They cannot bite, they have no claws, and they cannot run fast; their only defence is the shepherd.

You will agree with me that it is a very frightening thing to be defenceless in a hostile world. It is indeed a horrible feeling to be completely hopeless. When a man is sick, he runs to the doctor hoping to be healed, but when the doctor tries his best and says there is nothing else he can do, the sick becomes hopeless. When a man has serious financial problems, he runs to his bank expecting a bail-out, but what will he do when the bank insists on using assets he doesn’t have as collateral? In the same way, when a child is sick, he looks up to his parents for help and care, but how will the child feel if his parents tell him that the forces battling against him are beyond their capability? Worst still, imagine how you will feel if your pastor tells you that after praying all manner of prayers, there is nothing more he can do to help you! It is a terrible thing to feel lonely or forsaken by relatives and loved ones. A man who once experienced such a situation used these words to express his feelings in Psalm 102:6-7:

“6 I am like a pelican of the wilderness: I am like an owl of the desert. 7 I watch, and am as a sparrow alone upon the house top.”

Have you been in such a situation? Do you feel exposed, naked and prone to shame? Are you facing the worst of times with no one to defend you? Has everyone you thought could help deserted you and now you think life is worthless? I bring you good news today! There is hope for the hopeless and cover for the naked. God is so very close to you, and He will reach out and touch you today. The Lord will make a way for you! Call on Him and tell Him you have no one to help you but Him. Ask Him to help you now. He will answer and turn your situation around for good.

Key Point: When everything else has failed, never give up your hope for a better life; although it may take time, help will surely come.

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: No More Surprises [Thursday May 4, 2017]

But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. – 1 Corinthians 2-10

God is not full of surprises. He’s not an unpredictable being who likes to keep you guessing. Countless believers, however, have the idea He is.

“You just never know what God is going to do,” they say. They base that idea on 1 Corinthians 2:9 which says, “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” They interpret that scripture to mean that God is keeping secrets from His people.

But, praise God, He isn’t!

In fact, verse 10 says He’s given us His Spirit to reveal those secrets to us! He desires for us to know everything that’s on His heart.

If you’re in the dark about God’s will for you, you don’t have to stay that way. He wants you to know about His plans and provisions for your life. He’ll show them to you if you’ll let Him.

So, don’t depend on guesswork. Determine today that you’re going to start receiving that revelation from the Holy Spirit. As you read the Word, pray in the spirit and ask Him to reveal to you the reality of the Scriptures. Ask Him to shed His light on them and show you exactly how they apply to you.

Remember: God isn’t in the business of keeping secrets from you. He’s in the business of revealing them. Take time to listen to Him and you’ll never have to settle for a life of uncertainty again.

Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 2:1-16

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: Everlasting Peace [Thursday May 4, 2017]

But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace . . . — Ephesians 2:13,14

Meaningless mouthings about peace will not bring it to the world. In Glasgow, Scotland, we watched the Communists march around St. George’s Square carrying their banners with the words, “Our motto is PEACE!” My thoughts raced back to Korea, where I had seen the havoc and suffering caused by these people who now use “peace” as their motto.

Peace is more than five little white letters painted on a piece of red cloth, carried by a goose-stepping zealot in a Red parade. It is not a mere cessation of hostilities, a momentary halt in a hot or cold war. Rather, it is something positive. It is a specific relationship with God into which a person is brought. It is a spiritual reality in a human heart which has come into vital contact with the infinite God.

Prayer for the day: Your everlasting peace transcends the promises of mankind, Lord Jesus.

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.

Topic: His Perfect Sacrifice [Thursday May 4, 2017]

Text: Numbers 19:1-10

Key Verse: “And ye shall give her unto Eleazar the priest, that he may bring her forth without the camp, and one shall slay her before his face” (Numbers 19:3).

The practice in the Old Testament was sacrificing animals to atone for the sins of the people. There were different kinds of animal sacrifices: daily, weekly and yearly sacrifices as well as sabbatical sacrifice. Without these sacrifices, nobody could have a relationship with God, including the priests.

The sacrifices, notwithstanding, the people could not be rid of their sins. The sacrifice could not last more than a few days; so the people lived in bondage to sin. In addition, the sacrifices only gave them an abridged sense of peace, offering temporary relief. God, being a holy God, will have nothing to do with impurity. He therefore commanded Moses and Aaron in the text to institute an ordinance of purification for sin. God saw the way people struggled with sin despite the various sacrifices they performed. Hence, He decided to perform one perfect sacrifice for man that would take away sin once and for all (Hebrews 10:12). He provided a sinless Lamb for that purpose. That Lamb is Jesus Christ.

He was sacrificed for the sins of humanity, completely abolishing the sacrifice of anything or anyone else for the remission of sins. Unlike the animal sacrifices that could not rid people of sins, the sacrifice of Christ has remitted the sins of the whole world (Isaiah 53:3-6). In spite of the huge sacrifice Jesus made for humanity, it is sad to note that many people are still in bondage to sin.

Are you still under the weight of guilt and condemnation of sin, when Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God has paid the ultimate price for your freedom? We were to have died for our sins because “the soul that sinneth, it shall die”. Yet, Jesus died in our stead to redeem us from eternal damnation. Sin gives the devil unlimited access to afflict and drag a soul to hell. Accept Christ’s sacrifice in absolute faith and submit to the sovereignty of His will to appropriate the fullness of redemption benefits for time and all eternity.

Thought for the day: Without Jesus, life is as the twilight with the dark night ahead.

Bible Reading in one Year: 1 Chronicles 12-15

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.