Topic: Live Intentionally [Tuesday, 14th Mar. 2017]

I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14

God intentionally made you His child. God was so intentional about your adoption as His son and daughter that He laid out a plan for it. He was so meticulous about the plan of your adoption that He was so detailed and thorough, leaving no stone unturned. And scriptures say we should imitate our Father as His dear children (Ephesians 5:1).

If God was so intentional in all He did and is still doing, we also must live our lives intentionally, and in this regard, accomplish the purpose for which we are apprehended – adopted as sons and daughters. Anything short of this will lead to a haphazard life, and that is not God’s intention for us. We must know that our lives matters in the grand plan of God for humanity. And we must intentionally know, and walk in the light of the scheme of God’s plans and purpose for us.

We must intentionally focus on the core of God’s purpose for us, intentionally direct our gifts and energy, skills and intellect, wisdom and knowledge, intentionally taking advantage of the platforms God, in His benevolence, have provided for us, to make maximum impact in this world, as His sons and daughters. Be intentional in all you do, making sure that you “press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14). Live intentionally.

Keep winning daily.

Prayer:

Dear Father, thank You for adopting me as Your child, and making me relevant in Your grand plan for humanity. By the working of Your Spirit in me, I live my life intentionally, channeling all that Your love has given me to fulfill my role in this life as Your child, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Topic: Loving Your Wife The Bible Way! (2)

Dear Reader,

Welcome once again to this column. This month, God’s Word will make you better than you were last month, in Jesus’ name.

Last week, we began looking at the topic: Loving Your Wife the Bible Way. We saw from scriptures that if a man would love his wife without conditions, he must lay hold on light from God’s Word, as seen in Ephesians 5:25.

This week, I shall be teaching on what I have captioned: Love Expression! Everyone wants to be loved, and everyone needs love. Jesus showed this to be a healthy desire when He asked: Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? (John 21:15).

Love is not love until it is expressed. Even God Almighty did not just assume He loved man; He expressed it by giving His most precious possession –His Son. The Word of God says: For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son… (John 3:16). You don’t just love in your heart or thoughts; you must go one step further by giving it an expression.

Husband, until you comply with this commandment to love your wife the Bible way, you may never taste fulfilment in marriage. You make it automatically easy for your wife to response in total submission to you, when you exhibit unconditional love to her.  Remember, no woman resists love or hates to be loved. As you begin to love her wholeheartedly, not minding her errors, she will begin to respond to you, and your family harmony will be kept aflame, radiating the glory of God.

If only husbands could learn to give their wives more attention and more time, their situation will brighten up. Some men can give a lot of money to their wives; but to give their time is the problem. They claim that their time is too precious to be wasted.

Does spending quality time with your wife equal time wasting to you? To give a listening ear to what your wife is saying, thinking or going through should be of greater value to you than the physical or material things you may be privileged to give her. If only you can do this, your discussions with her will not always end in physical combat.  I know I’m communicating to someone right now.

Husband, attempt to be 100% patient with your wife, as you may seem to know better than her. Allow her make her mistakes and lovingly intervene. By so doing, she will be more careful next time, so as not to make the same mistake.

It is throbbing to know that most men find it difficult to say, “I love you.” Well, it could be a cultural hang-up; but Jesus, Who, though is God and is a man among men, set the pace when He told His disciples that He loved them and asked them if they loved Him (John 15:9).

Saying the words, “I love you” to your wife, may be just what you need to do, to cause a transformation in your home. It doesn’t portray weakness like others conclude, but strength. Also, action speaks louder than words, they say. So, if you are confessing love for your wife, but you act selfishly by not giving money for her upkeep and that of the children (1 Timothy 5:8); screaming, “I love you” at the top of your voice, would have no meaning to her. This is because your actions are disproving your love.

To sum up, God is love! To bring God, Who is righteousness, peace and joy personified into your marriage and home, you must love your wife unconditionally. Remember, love is not love until it is expressed. As you express your love to her in particular, and the family in general, great shall be your peace in every aspect of your life.

Moreover, you need God’s help in expressing love to your wife, and that begins with you accepting Jesus Christ as the Lord and Saviour of your home. Say this prayer with me and Jesus will come into your heart, and your home: “Dear Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me of 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, 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).

Congratulations! You are now born again! All-round rest and peace are guaranteed you, 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: Open Arms [Tuesday March 14, 2017]

Read: Psalm 139:17–24, Bible in a Year: Deuteronomy 23–25; Mark 14:1–26

Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Psalm 139:23

The day my husband, Dan, and I began our caregiving journey with our aging parents, we linked arms and felt as if we were plunging off a cliff. We didn’t know that in the process of caregiving the hardest task we would face would be to allow our hearts to be searched and molded and to allow God to use this special time to make us like Him in new ways.

On days when I felt I was plunging toward earth in an out-of-control free-fall, God showed me my agendas, my reservations, my fears, my pride, and my selfishness. He used my broken places to show me His love and forgiveness.

My pastor has said, “The best day is the day you see yourself for who you are—desperate without Christ. Then see yourself as He sees you—complete in Him.” This was the blessing of caregiving in my life. As I saw who God had created me to be, I turned and ran weeping into His arms. I cried out with the psalmist: “Search me, God, and know my heart” (Ps. 139:23).

This is my prayer for you—that as you see yourself in the midst of your own circumstances, you will turn and run into the open, loving, and forgiving arms of God.

Prayer: Gracious Father, I recognize today my desperate need of Your love, wisdom, and grace. Search me and know me. Pour out Your grace and mercy in my life to bring healing to my heart.

When worry walks in, strength runs out. But strength returns when we run to God.

Insight:

There is no place where David is outside God’s protective presence and care (139:7–12). Recognizing that it was a great privilege to know such a God, David prayed a prayer of commitment, seeking to live a blameless life (vv. 23-24). Even as he asks God to “search and test” him (v. 23), he was well-assured that God already knew him through and through, for he had declared at the start of this song, “You have searched me, Lord, and you know me” (v. 1). The Old Testament patriarch Job made a similar statement, “But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold” (Job 23:10). Job’s world had been turned upside down, having lost his wealth, his family, and his health (1:14–2:7). In the midst of his trials he boldly asks, “Does [God] not see my ways and count my every step?” (31:4). Perhaps, like David and Job, you may be going through a rough patch. We can be encouraged that our God knows and cares. What is your response to the truth that God knows everything about you and His arms of love are always open?

This message was written By Shelly Beach [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]

Topic: Riches and The Kingdom [Tuesday March 14, 2017]

Text: Matthew 19:23-30

Key Verse: “Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 19:23).

Bible history reveals that in different generations, the truly wealthy individuals were the most righteous ones. For instance, Abraham was the richest in his days yet, he was called the friend of God. He was very rich in cattle, silver and gold. The same was recorded about Isaac, Israel, Joseph and others. They prospered anywhere they found themselves. In our text, Jesus reveals the truth about the rich and the Kingdom, pointing out that it is hard for a rich man who sets his heart on his riches to get saved.

In the preceding seven verses, a rich young man had been to Jesus, wanting to know what he must do to inherit eternal life, after faithfully keeping the Ten Commandments. To be perfect, Jesus asked him to sell all his worldly possessions and give to the poor to have treasures in heaven and thereafter follow Him. The Scriptures recorded that the young man went away sorrowful “for he had great possessions” (Matthew 19:16-22). Christ is not against getting rich or rich people.

He desires we prosper as our souls prosper. Money, with the comforts that it can bring, has a powerfully intoxicating effect in the hearts of men and women that it can become an idol. If we’re not very careful, it can totally overwhelm and decrease the love of God in our lives. It is utterly impossible for a man that sets his heart upon his riches to get to heaven. The Lord promised that everyone who had forsaken possessions or comforts for His name’s sake will receive a hundredfold (on earth) and inherit everlasting life (Matthew 19:29).

Thought for the day: Our greatest riches are the riches we have in Christ.

Bible Reading in one Year: 2 Samuel 1-3

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: Activate the Power [Tuesday March 14, 2017]

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us. – Ephesians 3:20

As a believer, you have the power of the Holy Spirit inside you. But that power won’t go to work until you put it to work!

The Holy Spirit won’t just muscle in on you. He won’t come in and turn down the television set and jerk you up off the couch and say, “Now you listen to Me.”

No, He’s a gentleman. He’s sent to help you to do the will of God, to strengthen you, to counsel you…but He won’t do a thing until He’s asked.

That’s why the book of James says if you’re in trouble or afflicted, pray. It’s prayer that puts the power within you to work.

Just think about that. The Spirit of Almighty God. The Spirit that hovered over the face of the deep and carried out God’s Word at Creation, that same Spirit is inside you—waiting for you to call on Him!

If Jesus came into your house and sat down at your table, you’d put aside everything to talk to Him, wouldn’t you? You wouldn’t just rush through and say, “Jesus, I’m so glad to see You. I wish I had the energy to talk to You, but You wouldn’t believe what kind of a day I had today. I mean, everything in the world went wrong and now I’m just too tired to do anything but lay here and watch TV. Maybe we can spend some time together later.”

You wouldn’t do that, would you? No! If Jesus were sitting there in your room where you could see Him, you’d fall on your face and begin to worship Him. You wouldn’t care how tired you were or what kind of day you had. You’d jump at the opportunity to fellowship with Him.

The Holy Ghost is in you. He’s waiting on you. He’s ready any time of the day or night. He’s saying, “I’m here to help you and strengthen you. I want to comfort you today. You know that problem you’ve been having? I want to help you get that out of your life.

The Holy Spirit has some things He wants to show you—things you’ve been trying to figure out on your own. He’s waiting there with the power to overcome every obstacle in your life. Take time to pray. Pray in the spirit. Pray with understanding. Pray and activate the power that works within you today.

Scripture Reading: Ephesians 3:16-21

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: Happiness [Tuesday March 14, 2017]

So don’t be anxious about tomorrow. God will take care of your tomorrow too. Live one day at a time. — Matthew 6:34 (TLB)

King George V wrote on the flyleaf of the Bible of a friend, “The secret of happiness is not to do what you like to do, but to learn to like what you have to do.” Too many think of happiness as some sort of will-o’-the-wisp thing that is discovered by constant and relentless searching. It is not found by seeking. It is not an end in itself. Pots of gold are never found at the end of the rainbow, as we used to think when we were children; gold is mined from the ground or panned laboriously from a mountain stream.

Jesus once told His disciples, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” The “things” He spoke of were the things that make us feel happy and secure—food, drink, clothes, shelter. He told us not to make these the chief goal of our lives but to “seek the kingdom” and these needs would be automatically supplied. There, if we will take it, is the secret of happiness.

Prayer for the day: Forgive me, Father, for the times when I am anxious. You have promised to take care of all my needs.

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: “Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ…” – 2 Corinthians 2:14, NKJV

Topic: Victory is Always on the Way [Monday March 13, 2017]

Isn’t it wonderful to know that God promises to always lead us into victory? That means no matter what is going on in your life today, no matter what’s happening in the world around you, no matter what anybody says, you should always be thanking God because victory is always on the way!

You don’t have to wait for everything to be perfect before you decide to celebrate what God is going to do in your life. Praise is putting action behind your faith. In the middle of adversity or a tough time, start making a list of who you’re going to invite to your victory celebration. That means if you’re in the hospital, start planning what you’re going to do when you get out. If you lost some money when the stock market went down, start planning your coming-out-of-debt party. When things don’t look good in the natural, remember, we serve a supernatural God. With God leading you into victory, you can always plan for increase. You can plan for restoration. You can plan for a comeback, and you can plan for victory because He is leading and guiding you in Jesus’ name!

A Prayer for Today: “Father, I give You thanks and praise today for the promise of victory. Give me Your vision for the future so that I can move confidently into the abundant life You have for me in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

Topic: Recovery of Destiny [Monday March 13, 2017]

The recovery of destiny anchors on discovery of the Word.

The word is light that makes people live right.

It is revelation that birth revolution.

Destiny will be ruined and doomed when drawn away from the Word.

So, get back to the Word, to take back your destiny.

Return to the Word to restore your world.

Everything good in the world originates from the good Word of the Lord.

True discovery is the path to recovery.

2 Chr 15:1-18, 34:14-33

Topic: Still Running? [Monday March 13, 2017]

Finding it difficult to forgive those who’ve hurt you? Understanding God’s grace can help. — Daniel 4:5

In April 2005, many Americans and the world heard the story of the “runaway bride,” Jennifer Wilbanks. The thirty-two-year-old Duluth, Georgia, resident disappeared just days before her six hundred-guest wedding was to take place. Her family and fiancé, certain she had been kidnapped, pleaded for her safe return, and the missing bride became a national story for the major news media. When she turned up alive, the truth was revealed that the bride-to-be ran because of “certain fears” that controlled her life.

Most of us would say, “Well, she should have talked to her fiancé or her pastor instead of running away.” But how many of us easily confront our fears? You may not have ever physically run away as did Wilbanks, but I bet emotionally there are things you’re running from. You’re constantly looking over your shoulder trying to keep whatever you’re afraid of from catching up with you.

Satan loves causing people to dread and avoid confronting unpleasant issues, because he knows that he loses power when his lies are confronted. Even though a lie is not true, it becomes reality for the person who believes it. Don’t believe the lies Satan tries to deceive you with.

Lord, expose the lies that I’ve believed and that give strength to the fears that harass me. Shine Your light of truth on them and break their deceptive power. Amen.

Topic: Conspiracy & Fornication [Monday 13, March 2017]

Memorise: Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. – 1 Corinthians 6:18

Read: Job 5:12-14, 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 (KJV)

12 He disappointeth the devices of the crafty, so that their hands cannot perform their enterprise.

13 He taketh the wise in their own craftiness: and the counsel of the froward is carried headlong.

14 They meet with darkness in the daytime, and grope in the noonday as in the night.

1 Corinthians 6:18-20

18 Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.

19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.

Bible in One Year: Exodus 1-3, Isaiah 58:13-59:15

MESSAGE:

A conspiracy can be defined as a secret plan by a group of persons to do something unlawful or mischievous. Whenever you agree or partner with one or more persons to do something against God’s express word or will, you are guilty of conspiracy. The attitude of the Holy Spirit towards conspiracy is clear from His judgement against Ananias and Sapphira, who conspired to test Him with their lie (Acts 5:1-11). Ahithophel and Absalom also engaged in conspiracy against the Lord’s anointed, King David (2 Samuel 15:12). They paid for this sin with their lives, and they both died similar deaths through hanging (2 Samuel 17:23, 2 Samuel 18:9-14). Do you know that many people still conspire to lie to the Holy Spirit today? When auditors are visiting some churches, their pastors will connive with accountants to present doctored records. On arrival, when the auditor asks the accountant if the books presented are the actual financial records, they would affirm that they are. That is conspiring to lie to the Holy Spirit! Those who engage in conspiracy often die together, just like it happened to Ananias and Sapphira, Absalom and Ahithophel, and Korah, Dathan and Abiram (Numbers 26:9-10). This is where married couples need to be extremely cautions. If your spouse is going the way of destruction, never follow him or her. Do all you can to deliver him, but if the fellow refuses, let him or her take the evil step alone. Are you engaged in a conspiracy to defraud your employer or government? It’s time to pull out of such schemes and repent.

In like manner, the Holy Spirit hates adultery and fornication. Why? It is because your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. You are His dwelling place. Adultery separates God from His temple. It keeps God outside His throne in your heart. Some people erroneously think that they can fornicate without affecting the presence of the Holy Spirit in them. No way! How can you expect the Holy Spirit, whose personality is defined by holiness, to dwell in a body yielded to filthiness? The Bible in James 4:4 says,

“Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.”

Fornication strips the glory of God away from you and clothes you in rags and shame. There is nothing glorious about sexual sin. It never adds anything to you; rather, it always takes away your prized possessions. Repent and flee fornication daily! Whatever separates God from you is something to resist by all means!

Action Point: Confess and repent of any form of conspiracy of sexual sins you are involved in. Break away from every form of relationship that facilitates these.

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.