Topic: Stronger Than Death [Open Heavens 18 Sunday February 2018]

Memorise: “Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” – Acts 21:13

Read: Acts 21:8-14(KJV)

8 And the next day we that were of Paul’s company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him.

9 And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.

10 And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus.

11 And when he was come unto us, he took Paul’s girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.

12 And when we heard these things, both we, and they of that place, besought him not to go up to Jerusalem.

13 Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.

14 And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done.

Bible in One Year: Leviticus 14; 1 Corinthians 5:1-6:11

MESSAGE

It is very dangerous for a person to believe in religious falsehood, particularly because the love the person has for what he or she worships can be stronger than death. We can see the negative impact of this manifested in the proliferation of suicide bombers in the world we live in today. The unfortunate and sad aspect of this satanic phenomenon is that people engaged in such acts believe that they are dying for God’s cause, but nothing could be further from the truth. No wonder Jesus, in John 4:22, said to the woman at Jacob’s well in Samaria:

“Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.”

One man who knew who he was worshipping and worshipped Him in spirit and in truth was Paul. His worship of God was based on his love for Him and his love for fellow men. This is unlike some today, whose worship is based on the hatred for others who do not share their ideology; hence their commitment to bring sorrow, tears and even death to them. A demonstration of the strong love Paul had for God is seen in today’s Bible reading. His determination to please the Master is highly intimidating to those of us living in such times as these. He was determined to pay the supreme price, if that was the will of God for his life. This contrasts with what is happening in the Church today, where people are still arguing about whether they need to give up the worldly lifestyle they were living before becoming born again. Some people find it difficult to change content of their wardrobe which contradicts the new life they profess to have embraced. Some so-called Christians do not have the love for Christ that is strong enough to make them abandon their appetite for alcohol and other sinful substances. The commitment some people have for Christ does not take their eyes away from women other than their wives. Unlike such people, Paul refused to back down from proclaiming the Name of Jesus to the world, despite the accurate prophecy concerning the suffering his commitment to the cause of the gospel would bring on him (Acts 21:13). How God would love to have many more Christians like Paul today! Heaven clearly acknowledge and recorded the sacrifice and trials of those who have gone ahead of us in Hebrews 11:36-37;

“36 And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: 37 They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;”

Is your commitment to Christ comparable to the commitment shown by them? Examine your commitment to Christ today and determine whether you are worthy of being called His disciple.

Prayer Point: Father, please help me love You, even as You love me.

Hymn 12: Take My Life, And Let It Be.

1. Take my life and let it be
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee.
Take my moments and my days,
Let them flow in endless praise.

2. Take my hands and let them move
At the impulse of Thy love.
Take my feet and let them be
Swift and beautiful for Thee.

3. Take my voice and let me sing,
Always, only for my King.
Take my lips and let them be
Filled with messages from Thee.

4. Take my silver and my gold,
Not a mite would I withhold.
Take my intellect and use
Every power as Thou shalt choose.

5. Take my will and make it Thine,
It shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart, it is Thine own,
It shall be Thy royal throne.

6. Take my love, my Lord, I pour
At Thy feet its treasure store.
Take myself and I will be
Ever, only, all for Thee.

Flatimes’ Notice Board: Please do not prolong your salvation if you have not repented. Many are going home daily and tomorrow maybe too late…There is still hope, JESUS LOVES YOU!

Open Heavens 13th February 2018, 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: TURNING THE TIDE [SUNDAY, 18TH FEBRUARY 2018]

SUNDAY SCHOOL HYMN

1. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
O how I love Thee well,
I am happy, it makes me glad
To rejoice at Thy birth.

2. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day, Thy friendship suits me well,
Both young and old will sing Thy song,
We long for Sunday School.

3. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Christ was Thy first teacher,
The Holy Spirit, great teacher,
Does manifest in thee.

4. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
This testimony is sure,
That God, the Father Almighty,
Poured His blessing on Thee.

5. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Though the sun be so bright,
Or if the clouds black with rain,
I’ll be in Sunday School.

6. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
I rejoice to see Thee,
Will thou pass over me today?
Without my being blest?

OPENING PRAYER
Father, please restore the captivity of our country and its people. Let our land experience rejoicing again.

MEMORY VERSE: ‘’Oh that the salvation of Israel were come out of Zion! When God bringeth back the captivity of his people, Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad” – Psalm 53:6

BIBLE PASSAGE: Psalm 126:1-6

1 When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream.

2 Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them.

3 The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.

4 Turn again our captivity, O LORD, as the streams in the south.

5 They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.

6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.

INTRODUCTION:

At least five possibilities exist in having a turning point in one’s life. These are when things go from bad to good, good to bad, bad to orse, good to better and a combination of any two or more of these categories. Obviously, these possibilities are determined by the decisions we make and the circumstances in which we find ourselves in our abilities and limitations (1Chronicles 4:9-10). The tide can have a negative or positive turn. May the Lord turn the tide in our favour as we study today, in Jesus’ name.

TEXT REVIEW: PSALM 126:1-6:

David wrote this Psalm in celebration of the return of God’s people from captivity.
David explains that the Lord Himself was behind the return and that was why it was like a dream. PS 126:1

Six things happen when the captives return:

i. People’s mouth are filled with laughter. PS 126:2

ii. People begin to sing praises to God. PS 126:2

iii. People begin to give testimonies of God’s great acts. PS 126:2

iv. People begin to experience rejoicing and gladness. PS. 126:3

v. Harvesting in joy prevails over sowing in sorrow. PS. 126:5-6

vi. Sowing seed is accompanied by bumper harvest.

I am very sure God has determined to turn the Tide of our land from scarcity to bumper harvest with this lesson.

LESSON OUTLINES:

1. It has happened before

2. It can happen again

IT HAS HAPPENED BEFORE

The tide has turned in different directions for different people from time immemorial:

i. From bad to good – A certain man by the pool of Bethesda (John 5:1-9). The woman with the issue of blood (Mark 5:25-29). Blind Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46-52). Jabez (1Chronicles 4:9-10).

ii. From good to bad – King Saul (1Samuel 13:13-14; 15:22-23, 28; 16:14). Samson (Judges 15:16; 16:20-21, 25-28). Eli (1Samuel 2:27-32). Adam and Eve (Genesis 2:15-17; 3:6, 16-19, 23).

iii. From bad to worse – Judas Iscariot (Matthew 27:2-5). Michal (2Samuel 6:20-23). Gehazi (2Kings 5:20, 25-27).

iv. From good to better – King Solomon (1Kings 3:4, 13; 10:1). Elisha (1Kings 19:19-21).

v. Combination of turning points – King Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 1:1-2; 4:30-37). Peter (Luke 5:3-11; Mark 14:66-68; Acts 2:14, 41; 5:16).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1:

Mention examples of people from the Bible whose tide turned from good to bad and from nothing to excellence/best.

IT CAN HAPPEN AGAIN

i. Teacher should ask students who had experienced change of tide to give their testimonies briefly.

ii. Teacher and Assistant Teacher can share their testimonies too.

iii. Teacher should explain the under- listed factors which can bring about change of tide for good.

i. Repent, turn from your sinful ways and turn to God (2Chronicles 7:13-14).

ii. Return and ask for mercy if you are already backslidden (Ezekiel 33:10-13).

iii. Restitute so that God can make good what is bad for you (Joel 2:25).

iv. Redress, seek after God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33; Hebrews 12:2; Psalm 121:1-8).

v. Re-fire, do not quit, and keep trying as things can be better (Ephesians 3:20).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2:

What do you think is responsible for tides turning from bad to worse for some people?

SUMMARY:

The Tide had turned before and can turn again.

CONCLUSION:

God will turn our tide for good soon.

CLOSING PRAYER:

Father, turn our tides right.

ASSIGNMENT:

identify any five(5) tides that need to turn urgently in our society. Suggest what to be done to turn them right.

TOPIC: Turning The Tide [Sunday, 18th February 2018]

1. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
O how I love Thee well,
I am happy, it makes me glad
To rejoice at Thy birth.

2. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day, Thy friendship suits me well,
Both young and old will sing Thy song,
We long for Sunday School.

3. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Christ was Thy first teacher,
The Holy Spirit, great teacher,
Does manifest in thee.

4. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
This testimony is sure,
That God, the Father Almighty,
Poured His blessing on Thee.

5. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Though the sun be so bright,
Or if the clouds black with rain,
I’ll be in Sunday School.

6. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
I rejoice to see Thee,
Will thou pass over me today?
Without my being blest?

MEMORY VERSE: “Oh that the salvation of Israel were come out of Zion! When God bringeth back the captivity of his people, Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad” – Psalm 53:6

BIBLE PASSAGE: Psalm 126:1-6

1 When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream.

2 Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them.

3 The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.

4 Turn again our captivity, O LORD, as the streams in the south.

5 They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.

6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.

INTRODUCTION:

At least five possibilities exist in having a turning point in one’s life. These are when things go from bad to good, good to bad, bad to orse, good to better and a combination of any two or more of these categories. Obviously, these possibilities are determined by the decisions we make and the circumstances in which we find ourselves in our abilities and limitations (1Chronicles 4:9-10). The tide can have a negative or positive turn. May the Lord turn the tide in our favour as we study today, in Jesus’ name.

LESSON OUTLINES:

1. It has happened before
2. It can happen again

IT HAS HAPPENED BEFORE

The tide has turned in different directions for different people from time immemorial:

1. From bad to good – A certain man by the pool of Bethesda (John 5:1-9). The woman with the issue of blood (Mark 5:25-29). Blind Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46-52). Jabez (1 Chronicles 4:9-10).

2. From good to bad – King Saul (1 Samuel 13:13-14; 15:22-23, 28; 16:14). Samson (Judges 15:16; 16:20-21, 25-28). Eli (1 Samuel 2:27-32). Adam and Eve (Genesis 2:15-17; 3:6, 16-19, 23).

3. From bad to worse – Judas Iscariot (Matthew 27:2-5). Michal (2Samuel 6:20-23). Gehazi (2 Kings 5:20, 25-27).

4. From good to better – King Solomon (1 Kings 3:4, 13; 10:1). Elisha (1 Kings 19:19-21).

5. Combination of turning points – King Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 1:1-2; 4:30-37). Peter (Luke 5:3-11; Mark 14:66-68; Acts 2:14, 41; 5:16).

IT CAN HAPPEN AGAIN

Regardless of your present situation, you can experience a possible turn-around if you do the following:

1. Repent, turn from your sinful ways and turn to God (2Chronicles 7:13-14).

2. Return and ask for mercy if you are already backslidden (Ezekiel 33:10-13).

3. Restitute so that God can make good what is bad for you (Joel 2:25).

4. Redress, seek after God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33; Hebrews 12:2; Psalm 121:1-8).

5. Re-fire, do not quit, and keep trying as things can be better (Ephesians 3:20).

CONCLUSION:

Where and what you are, are functions of the choices and decisions you made and still making. Make up your mind to get to the positive side of life. The tide is still turning.

QUESTIONS:

1. What are the possibilities that exist in having a turning point?
2. Enumerate the steps to take for the tide to turn in your favour.

Topic: God Rewards Faithfulness [DCLM Daily Manna Sunday February 18th, 2018]

Text: Esther 8:1-6 (KJV)

Key Verse: “And the king took off his ring, which he had taken from Haman, and gave it unto Mordecai. And Esther set Mordecai over the house of Haman” (Esther 8:2).

MESSAGE:

Nothing is more profitable than serving God and our fellow men faithfully. Mordecai was faithful in his assigned task as one of the security details of King Ahasuerus. His primary duty was to ensure that unauthorised persons did not gain entrance into the king’s palace. He was also expected to have his ears to the ground and pick up important information and passed to the king, to assist him form policies and improve his rule. It was in the course of this duty that Mordecai discovered that some persons were plotting to overthrow the king. The plot was foiled, and the conspirators were arrested and punished but he was not rewarded by the king.

Meanwhile, Mordecai continued at his duty post as guard until Haman convinced the king to approve the execution of Mordecai and the Jews on a set date and went ahead to erect gallows where he planned to hang him. The same night, God remembered the faithfulness of Mordecai, and by divine twist of fate, the king commanded Haman to announce the promotion of Mordecai in the city because his information had saved the king’s life. But the king’s honour for Mordecai was only just beginning. Haman ended being hanged in his gallows and King Ahasuerus gave his office with all its symbols of power and authority to Mordecai.

God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love. He will always remember your faithful service and deliver you from every evil work. He will supply all your needs that you will not lack any good thing; He will not leave nor forsake you; your labour shall not be in vain. “Be ye strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak: for your work shall be rewarded”. This promise is for faithful servants of God as no one gets paid for the work he did not do.

Thought For The Day: Faithfulness in service to God pays handsomely.

Bible Reading in a Year: Leviticus 16-18.

Flatimes’ Notice Board: Please do not prolong your salvation if you have not repented. Many are going home daily and tomorrow maybe too late…There is still hope, JESUS LOVES YOU!

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 — Folie De Grandeur: Avoid Megalomania! [Our Daily Manna ODM Sunday, February 18th, 2018]

There is what is called, Folie de grandeur (The stupidity of greatness). It is also defined as the delusion of greatness or megalomania! Oh, this big word: MEGALOMANIA! It was first used in 1885 and simply means a deceitful mental illness that is marked by feelings of personal omnipotence and grandeur!

MAEGALOMANIA is the belief that you are more powerful or richer and important than you really are! It is sometimes a mental illness! It is a crazy hunger for power and wealth and a passion for grand scheme! Sadly FOLIE DE GRANDEUR (stupidity of greatness) and MEGALOMANIA are evil twin you must run from in 2018! Don’t allow them to rob you of a wonderful life this year! They are satanic properties classified as PRIDE! Resist them because what you call GREATNESS could be stupid.

And you must determine to conduct a new wedding to HUMILITY! Yes! You must marry HUMILITY again this early year! Many believers’ homes, local churches or place of work, have lost their sense of modesty and they think MORE HIGHLY of themselves than they ought to! Such a person could be under a demonic attack or suffering from a mental illness! Can you imagine that after the terrible things that Ahab and Jezebel did to Naboth, which also angered God so much that He (God) had to send Elijah to King Ahab, a simple show of humility before God through fasting And praying in this case change the mind of God?

Remember that God did a similar thing to David when he sinned and prayed Psalm 51. HUMILITY before God and man is a spring board for anyone who desires to be at the top in life and ministry! That God did the same for Ahab, for whom the bible shows no evidence of God’s love (the bible shows evidence of God’s love for David on the other hand).This proves two points:

1. That Peter in Cornelius’ home said, God has no favorites. Anyone who fears HIM and does HIS will is acceptable to him. 2. That humility has a special power for obtaining things and favour from God and the obvious reason is that in humility, God sees Himself! No wonder Jesus said in Mathew 11:29…Learn from me for I am meek and humble in heart and you will finds rest for your souls. You can’t sweep people off their feet, if you can’t be swept off your own! Deliberately practice humility as you pursue greatness/decoration this year. Always remember FOLIE DE GRANDEUR and MEGALOMANIA.

Greatness, power and riches can be stupid and vain! Learn and stay humble! This is your year via humility! If you need deliverance, see your pastor or be at the Manna Mountain any Sunday 8am (OGUDU) or 8am & 10am (LEKKI). One-on- one at LEKKI this week!

Prayer Points: Take song 5: When the roll……

1. All flesh is dust. Therefore I reject pride in Jesus name.
ASSIGNMENT: Why did k8ing Nebuchadnezzar crawl in the forest for 7 years?

By Bishop (Dr) Chris E. Kwakpovwe (Cek)
Publisher/Writer Of ODM And

Rev (Mrs) Flora E. Kwakpovwe (Fek)
Co-Publisher/Writer Of ODM.

Topic You Can Confront Your Mountain [TREM’s Daily Sunday February 18, 2018]

“And David said to Saul, Let no man’s heart fail because of him; thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine.” 1 Samuel 17:32 (KJV)

Beloved, when the Lord puts you on the spot or allows you go through certain challenges, it is so that He can flex His muscles on your behalf. The question is how will they know the strength and ability of your God if you don’t face impossible situations? For example, Goliath threatened Israel for forty days and nights. Saul and his army were running from Goliath. Fully armed yet running into the trenches, yet God did nothing. He did nothing because what He has put in His children can confront all confrontations. God has put in the believer the ingredients to confront our mountains no matter how it looks or how big it is.

There is no material for failure in you. You are not a failure because you failed an exam. The fact that you failed doesn’t make you a failure. Understand that one event in your life does not describe you. You must separate your relationship with God from the things that happen to you. The least person you would expect to confront Goliath was David. A small boy that had not learnt the art of warfare. But there was something he knew that made him stand out. He knew the ability of his God. Daniel 11:32 says that ‘’they that know their God shall be strong and shall do exploits”

Think about Esther, though a slave girl, she rose to the position of being a queen in a foreign country. Think about it! Though she was a slave, she refused to wear the toga of slavery. Her mentality was that of a Queen. Also, Joseph, though mocked by his brothers as a mere dreamer eventually got to the position of leadership in a strange land. The opposition against him did not stop the manifestation of his dreams. They all came to pass. So will all your dreams come to pass, in Jesus name.

Further Reading: 1 Samuel 17:1-37

Daily Bible Reading: Morning- Leviticus 23-24; Evening- Mark 1:1-22

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: Born For A Purpose [Seeds of Destiny Sunday February 18, 2018]

Scripture: …Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice. John 18:37

Thought For The Day: The brevity of time on earth demands that we live purposefully and authentically on earth.

It is established from our anchor scripture that every man was born for a purpose. The brevity of time on earth demands that we live purposefully and authentically on earth. At the end, it is not the kind of house we lived in, the car we drove or the number of countries we travelled to that matters, but to what extent did we fulfil the purpose of our existence on earth.

Now, what is your purpose?

Your purpose is defined by the need you are on earth to meet, the problem you are to solve, the question you are to answer and the difference you are to make on earth. When you are aware of what the world would miss if you are not around or what distinguishes you from others, then you are on the path of purpose.

What is the benefit of finding your purpose?
1. Your purpose helps you to move with focus and wherever there is focus, there is speed.
2. Your purpose is the secret of true fulfilment.
3. Your purpose is the secret of excellence and authority in life.
4. Your purpose is the secret of your triumph.

Remember This: The brevity of time on earth demands that we live purposefully and authentically on earth.

Assignments:

1. Connect with God, your Creator in order to identify and fulfil you purpose.

2. Use your time, talent, ability and education etc. to glorify God.

Prayer: O LORD, I ask that You open my eyes to see the purpose that You have for my life and help me in the fulfilment of my assignment on earth, in Jesus’ Name.

FOR FURTHER UNDERSTANDING, GET THIS MESSAGE: BORN FOR A PURPOSE.

Daily Reading: Leviticus 6:1 to 7:27, Mark 3:7 to 30, Psalm 37:1 to 11, Proverbs 10:3 to 4

Quote: Who you are determines what you can attract. Who you are determines what you can become. Culled from WHO ARE YOU? by Dr Paul Enenche.

Amazing Fact: Human thigh bones are stronger than concrete.

Today In History: 18/02/1930 –While studying photograph taken in January, Clyde Tombaugh discovered Pluto.

Flatimes’ Notice Board: Please do not prolong your salvation if you have not repented. Many are going home daily and tomorrow maybe too late…There is still hope, JESUS LOVES YOU!

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.

Topic: Sin Stained…or Blood Washed? [Kenneth and Gloria Copeland, Sunday January 18, 2018]

This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; and their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. – Hebrews 10:16-17

The Bible tells us that under Levitical law, an animal had to be offered every year to atone for the sins of the people. That word atone means “to cover” and it’s used continually throughout the Old Testament.

But let me tell you something exciting. It’s never used in the New Testament. The Greek word used to describe what Jesus did for us on the cross is a different word altogether. It doesn’t just mean “to cover”—it means “to remit; to do completely away with something.”

Do you know what that means? It means there is no longer a sin problem. Jesus solved it!

When you made Him your Lord, He didn’t just cover your sins, He put you into right-standing with God and re-created you by the Spirit of God as if sin had never existed.

But if you’re like many believers, you haven’t fully grasped that magnificent truth. You’re caught up in what I call a sin consciousness. You keep thinking of yourself as sin stained instead of blood washed.

“Well, after all, Brother Copeland, I’m just an old sinner saved by grace.”

No, you’re not. You were an old sinner, but grace changed you forever into the very righteousness of God. You are now His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus! As far as God is concerned, your past life is forgotten. It died the death of the Cross.

Think about that. Let it sink into your consciousness until you can rise up boldly and receive the freedom from sin that’s yours in Christ Jesus. Receive the righteousness that only the Lamb of God can give.

Scripture Reading: Hebrews 9:11-26

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: Courage to Be Faithful [Our Daily Bread 18 Sunday February, 2018]

Read: 1 Peter 3:13–18, Bible in a Year: Leviticus 23–24; Mark 1:1–22

Do not be frightened. 1 Peter 3:14

Fear is Hadassah’s constant companion. Hadassah, a young Jewish girl living in the first century, is a fictional character in Francine Rivers’ book A Voice in the Wind. After Hadassah becomes a slave in a Roman household, she fears persecution for her faith in Christ. She knows that Christians are despised, and many are sent to their execution or thrown to the lions in the arena. Will she have the courage to stand for the truth when she is tested?

When her worst fear becomes reality, her mistress and other Roman officials who hate Christianity confront her. She has two choices: recant her faith in Christ or be taken to the arena. Then, as she proclaims Jesus as the Christ, her fear falls away and she becomes bold even in the face of death.

The Bible reminds us that sometimes we will suffer for doing what is right—whether for sharing the gospel or for living godly lives that are against today’s values. We are told not to be frightened (1 Peter 3:14), but to “revere Christ as Lord” in our hearts (v. 15). Hadassah’s main battle took place in her heart. When she finally made up her mind to choose Jesus, she found the courage to be faithful.

When we make the decision to honor Christ, He will help us to be bold and to overcome our fears in the midst of opposition.

Prayer: Father, give me boldness to stand firm in difficult times.

Let us be bold as we witness for God.

Insight:

Writing to believers who were being persecuted because of their faith, Peter encouraged them not to be afraid but to remain faithful and to “revere Christ as Lord” (1 Peter 3:14–15). Peter was speaking from his own painful experiences. After Jesus was arrested, onlookers accused Peter of being Christ’s disciple, but out of fear he denied knowing Christ (Luke 22:54–62).

The coming of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, however, changed and empowered Peter to be a fearless witness (Acts 2:14). When Peter was imprisoned for preaching in the temple courts (4:3), he was “filled with the Holy Spirit” and boldly preached Christ to them (vv. 8–12). Seeing the courage of Peter, his persecutors concluded he “had been with Jesus” (v. 13). Refusing to be intimidated by threats of punishment (v. 18), the believers resolved to honor Christ and were empowered to speak the Word boldly (v. 31).

Jesus promised the Holy Spirit would empower us to be His witnesses (1:8) and help us to speak for Him.

How has the Holy Spirit emboldened and empowered you to witness for Jesus? K. T. Sim

This message was written By Keila Ochoa [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]

Topic: Demons In Church [Andrew Wommack’s Daily Sunday February 18, 2018]

Mark 1:23, “And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out;….”

Text: MK. 1:21-28; LK. 4:33-37

Many people don’t associate demon possessed people with places of worship. Yet most of the demons that Jesus cast out were encountered in the church. Why would demon possessed people be in church?

In some cases, the people were there because they were seeking help. The church, like a hospital, offers people the cure and therefore, attracts those who are sick.

In other cases, the devil sows these types of people in the church to spread spiritual disease. A church that is teaching the true Word of God should either try to evangelize these individuals or make them so convicted that they move on. Sad to say, demon possessed people can thrive in most religious settings today.

We always need to show love for the sinner as Jesus did, but we should cut the devil no slack. If a person wants to keep an evil spirit on the inside of them, they should not feel at home in church.

Let the Spirit of God live through you as He did through Jesus and you will either make people mad or glad, but there will not be indifference.

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).