Topic: By the Spirit’s Power [Our Daily Bread 19th Friday January, 2018]

Read: Zechariah 4:1–7, Bible in a Year: Genesis 46–48; Matthew 13:1–30

What are you, mighty mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become level ground. Zechariah 4:7

What do you do when there is a mountain in your way? The story of Dashrath Manjhi can inspire us. When his wife died because he was unable to get her to the hospital to receive urgent medical care, Manjhi did what seemed impossible. He spent twenty-two years chiseling a massive gap in a mountain so other villagers could get to the local hospital to receive the medical care they needed. Before he died, the government of India celebrated him for his achievement.

Rebuilding the temple must have looked impossible to Zerubbabel, one of the leaders of Israel who returned from exile. The people were discouraged, faced opposition from their enemies, and lacked resources or a big army. But God sent Zechariah to remind Zerubbabel that the task would take something more powerful than military strength, individual power, or man-made resources. It would take the Spirit’s power (Zechariah 4:6). With the assurance of divine aid, Zerubbabel trusted that God would level any mountain of difficulty that stood in the way of rebuilding the temple and restoring the community (v. 7).

What do we do when there is a “mountain” before us? We have two options: rely on our own strength or trust the Spirit’s power. When we trust His power, He will either level the mountain or give us the strength and endurance to climb over it.

What challenges stand in your way? How will you trust the power of God’s Spirit in your life? Share it on Facebook.com/ourdailybread.

Human power is inadequate to accomplish God’s purposes.

Insight:

What keeps us from finishing the work entrusted to us? Eighteen years had passed since Cyrus, king of Persia, told Jewish captives of Babylon to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple of their God (Ezra 6:3,14). Now the prophet Zechariah urged completion. This temple, like the Messiah who would someday enter its courts, represented the heart of God for the world. Anything done for His honor—and for the good of others—is done in His Spirit. Mart DeHaan

This message was written By Marvin Williams [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]

Topic: The Word Is Constant [TREM’s Daily Friday January 19th, 2018]

“Forever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven.” Psalm 119:89 (KJV)

Yesterday, from the parable of the sower, we saw that it was the same seed (the word) that was planted but different results because of the type of soil which is the heart. The result you will produce is determined by what you do with the word you hear. Many don’t spend the time to think or meditate on the word of God they hear. It just falls on them and then it goes. The bible says the word should not depart from your mouth. When the Word of prosperity comes to you meditate on it.  Speak it to yourself day and night. Then you will observe to do what is written. And then you make your way prosperous and have good success. God is saying that the issue is not the word but what you do with the word.

So, the variable is your heart. The word is constant. It is not subject to change. The Bible tells us that the word of God is incorruptible. In other words, it cannot be destroyed and it cannot perish. It is errorless, infallible and impregnable. It is bound to produce. But your heart must receive it. No matter the situation you face, don’t give in thinking that it is too strong for you. No, you serve the God who is more than enough.

In addition, don’t believe your environment above the word and don’t be a double-minded fellow. We have a guarantee that the word will produce. Be fully persuaded about it. Stand on it and watch God honour His word.

The number one thing that will help you to be fully persuaded is to open your mouth and begin to speak it into yourself. The bible says in Roman 4:17 that God calls those things that are not as though they were. The things that be not, call them as though they are. That is the key. Call it! It may look stupid and silly but call it. Give voice to your faith.

Further reading: Joshua 1:8, Proverbs 18:20

Daily Bible Reading: Morning- Genesis 46-48/ Evening- Matthew 13:1-30

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 Outcome Of Dedication [Seeds of Destiny Friday January 19th, 2018]

Scripture: And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not. Malachi 3:17-18

Thought For The Day: A person who follows God well must stand out in life.

When God calls someone to follow Him, it is not in vain. When a person makes a decision to follow God, that decision cannot be fruitless. Dedication to God has a prize. Being genuine with God has gains in life.

Many times, genuine Christians have been mocked by their fellows or family members who would often tell them, ‘You have been following God, what have you gained? Why are you still single, jobless and still begging despite not missing a church service?’

Beloved, there is no one who follows God that will be lost in life.

It has been confirmed that the outcome of following God is distinction in life.

A person who follows God well must stand out in life.

There was a great difference between Joseph who decided to follow God and his brothers who decided to go their own ways. Joseph stood out from his brothers. Due to his brutal dedication to God, God elevated him and he became a Prime Minister in Egypt. He was distinguished and his brothers who mocked and maltreated him bowed before him.

God proved himself in my life. I have a relative who was into womanizing, alcoholism and partying while some of us were serving God many years ago. Recently, he came to church and saw me dancing to God during a praise session and was touched. He is above fifty, yet not married. After the service, he told me, ‘You are enjoying yourself in the LORD doing for God what we wasted our lives many years ago for by dancing in disco halls, partying, womanizing and alcoholism’

The God who made Abraham, Isaac and Joseph to stand out in their generation will distinguish you in Jesus’ Name.

Beloved, I decree that your life shall stand out in your generation in Jesus Name.

Remember This: A person who follows God well must stand out in life.

Assignments:

1. Make up your mind to stand out in your generation by being dedicated to God.

2. Follow God’s direction for your life regardless of what people say.

Prayer: O Lord, I ask that You give me the grace to be lost in You. Help me to stand out in life, LORD, in Jesus’ Name.

FOR FURTHER UNDERSTANDING, GET THIS MESSAGE: UNDERSTANDING DEDICATION.

Amazing Fact: Humans are the only species that produce emotional tears.

Today In History: 19/01/1883 – Thomas Edison’s first village electric lighting system using overhead wires began operation in Roselle, NJ.

Daily Reading: Genesis 39:1 to 41:16, Matthew 12:46 to 13:23, Psalm 17:1to 15, Proverbs 3:33 to 35.

Quote: Until your character is adjusted, your destiny cannot be established. Culled from 30 SECRETS TO THE TOP by Dr 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.