Topic: It Isn’t Me — Wednesday December 13, 2017.

Read: 1 Corinthians 15:1–11, Bible in a Year: Hosea 12–14; Revelation 4

I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. Galatians 2:20

As one of the most celebrated orchestral conductors of the twentieth century, Arturo Toscanini is remembered for his desire to give credit to whom credit is due. In David Ewen’s Dictators of the Baton, the author describes how members of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra rose to their feet and cheered Toscanini at the end of a rehearsal of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. When there was a lull in the ovation, and with tears in his eyes, Arturo’s broken voice could be heard exclaiming as he spoke: “It isn’t me . . . it’s Beethoven! . . . Toscanini is nothing.”

In the apostle Paul’s New Testament letters, he also refused to take credit for his spiritual insight and influence. He knew he was like a spiritual father and mother to many who had put their faith in Christ. He admitted he had worked hard and suffered much to encourage the faith, hope, and love of so many (1 Cor. 15:10). But he could not, in good conscience, accept the applause of those who were inspired by his faith, love, and insight.

So for his readers’ sake, and for ours, Paul said, in effect, “It isn’t me, brothers and sisters. It’s Christ . . . Paul is nothing.” We are only messengers of the One who deserves our cheers.

Prayer: Father in heaven, without You we would have nothing. Without Your grace we would be hopeless. Without the Spirit of Your Son we would be helpless. Please show us how to give You the honor You deserve.

Wise is the person who would rather give honor than receive it.

Insight:

Paul warned the Corinthian church not to be enamored by the charisma or eloquence of human teachers. He reproved the believers for exalting him and reminded them that he did not come to glorify himself (1 Cor. 2:1–5); it is the message of the cross that is important, not the messenger (v. 2). The Holy Spirit is the real Teacher who reveals, teaches, and illumines us to understand God’s Word (vv. 10–16).

Are you sometimes tempted with spiritual pride? Ask the Holy Spirit to help you point others to the One who deserves the glory. Sim Kay Tee

This message was written By Mart DeHaan [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]

Topic: The Armour Called Word [Wednesday December 13, 2017]

Scripture: And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. Matthew 14:28-29

Thought For The Day: It is the Word of God that equips you to sail through what sinks others.

An armour is a metal covering or shield on a person aimed at delivering him from danger in a battle.

The Word of God is not only a shield but a preserver and a defender of life. Our anchor scripture reveals how the Word of Jesus delivered Peter from sinking. Some people think that peter walked on water, but it was the word, ‘C-O-M-E’ that Peter actually walked on, and that word kept him from sinking in the stormy sea.

Beloved, the Word of God gives you the capacity to stand where you should have been sinking. The Word of God arms you to ride on what is calculated to bury you. The Word of God empowers you to tread on what should have trashed you out of existence. It is the Word of God that equips you to sail through what sinks others.

There is someone reading this devotional right now, there are enemies around your life who pretend to be friends. They keep wondering why you are still alive because they know the evil they did against you. The same evil act had buried many of their victims, but you are still standing and flourishing. It is because you are being protected and preserved by the armour of the Word of God.

Right now, by the judgmental mantle of God on my life, I decree their expiration if they fail to repent. That which they have orchestrated for you shall befall them and their generation. Whoever will not let you and your family rest in this December shall not crossover to the New Year alive, in Jesus’ Name.

Remember This: It is the Word of God that equips you to sail through what sink others.

Assignment(S):

1. Ingest the Word of God daily by the study of the Bible and anointed messages.

2. Believe the Word of God, confess it and declare it with your mouth as often as you can.

Prayer: LORD, I connect to the preservation power of Your Word. What sinks others shall not sink me, Lord, in Jesus’ Name.

FOR FURTHER UNDERSTANDING, GET THE MESSAGE: THE PRESERVATION POWER OF THE WORD

Quote: The degeneration of this generation is tied to the meal being served from the pulpit. Culled from Making Full Proof of Ministry by Dr Paul Enenche

Daily Reading: Obadiah 1 to 21, Revelation 4:1 to 11, Psalm 132:1 to 18, Proverbs 29:24 to 25

Amazing Fact: On average, one to five of your lashes fall out each day. And, for each one lost, it takes four-to-eight weeks for a new one to come in and grow to its full length.

Today In History: 13/12/1835- American clergyman and composer Phillips Brooks was born in Boston, Massachusetts. He wrote the lyrics for the popular Christmas Carol, O Little Town of Bethlehem.

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.