Topic: There Is a Lifting for the Believer — Friday November 24, 2017.

“When men are cast down, then thou shalt say, There is lifting up;…” (Job 22:29 KJV)

The world we live in today is headed for corruption and that is why we are confronted, almost on daily basis, with crime, rebellion, anarchy, disobedience and disloyalty. More or less, it looks as if the devil is daring our God and asking where our God is, but the good news is that our God is not in trouble. He is in perfect control.

From today’s scripture, God is giving us a word of assurance that in-spite of the onslaughts of the adversary there is a lifting for His people. Like I have always said, God does not react to what the devil is doing, rather, it is the devil that reacts to what God has already completed. You also will notice from the above scripture that God has already given the believer the prescription to overcome the storms. The scriptures say when men are saying there is a casting down; the believer will be saying there is a lifting up. In order words, get ready to affirm God’s word over your life in spite of what you see around you. Yes, things may further degenerate to the extent that there would be casting down. But as for you the believer, you already have the answer and you have what it takes to live above the storms. You already have an advantage. There is already a lifting for you because of what Christ did on your behalf at Calvary.

Beloved, let me remind you once again, that as a believer you are already lifted up. You are already standing on blessed ground. It might be rough outside but you are secured in Christ. You have limitless possibilities in this divine life. Ephesians 2:5-7 gives us a picture of your elevated position in Christ. You are too blessed to be cast down. Child of God, if you truly understand that all spiritual blessings and the unsearchable riches of Christ belong to you, then you will not cringe in fear. You will walk with your shoulders raised high knowing that come rain or shine you are a winner any day.

Further Reading: Ephesians 1:3, 2:5-7

Daily Bible Reading: Morning- Ezekiel 22-23; Evening- 1 Peter 1

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: Prophesy – To Build up the Body [Friday November 24, 2017]

Luke 22:64 “And when they had blindfolded him, they struck him on the face, and asked him, saying, Prophesy, who is it that smote thee?”

Teaching and learning in the scriptures, are much more than academic. It involves being guided by God’s principles in relationship to others, as well as knowing and responding to God. It calls for the learner to put the Word of God into practice, not just hear it (Jas. 1:22). It involves hearing a word from the outside and putting it on the inside, so that it may be expressed in our every action. Proverbs 2 tells us to incline our ear unto wisdom, apply our heart to understanding, cry after knowledge, lift up our voice for understanding, seek her as silver, search for her like hidden treasures, and then we will understand and find the knowledge of God (Prov. 2:1-7). God says, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6), and He admonishes us to meditate on His Word day and night that we may observe to do all that is written therein.

All things should be done unto edifying. If those present cannot be taught by what is being done, then it shouldn’t be done. Just as with the gift of tongues (that was spoken in the church to benefit everyone) so it is with prophecy. Those who listen will learn and be comforted.

The end result of prophecy is to comfort, encourage, edify, strengthen, exhort, stimulate and help. These should be the guidelines for prophecy within the New Testament church.

We, as believers, are given the sole responsibility in ministry to build others up. This takes place in various ways as we walk in love, promote harmony and peace, and seek the true welfare of others. We must prophesy unto the edifying of the church, and speak things that are good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others.

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).

Topic: Word and Deed [Friday November 24, 2017]

O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever. — Psalm 118:1

This year as we observe our season of thanksgiving, let us be grateful not only in word but also in deed. Let our gratitude find expression in a resolve to live a life more unselfish and more consecrated to Jesus Christ. When we sit around our tables laden with sumptuous delicacies, let us not forget that half the world will go to bed hungry. As we enjoy the comforts of our cozy homes, let us not forget that great numbers in other parts of the world have no homes to go to.

When we step into our sleek automobiles, let us not forget that most of the people in the world cannot afford even a bicycle. In the Lord’s Prayer as recorded in the sixth chapter of Matthew, we read, “Give us this day our daily bread.” Scripture teaches that the good things of this life are the gifts of God, and that He is the donor of all our blessings. Thanksgiving? Yes. Let us get on our knees humbly and thank God for the blessings He has given us, both material and spiritual. They have come from His hands.

Prayer for the day: You bring me such abundance, almighty God. As I think of Thanksgiving Day, may my heart be completely consecrated to Your Son, Jesus Christ, so that through Him my life will show my gratitude to You.

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: Deliverance Made Simple [Friday 24, November 2017]

Memorise: “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” – John 8:32

Read: John 8:31-36

31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;

32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

33 They answered him, We be Abraham’s seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free?

34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.

35 And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever.

36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

Bible In One Year: Acts 27-28. Hymn: Sing Hymn 9 — My Faith Has Found Resting A Place

MESSAGE:

Wherever God is, there is an aura that is unmistakably evident; that aura is the Glory of His presence. For most people who have had a definite experience with God, it is only the glory of God that they could access. Only very few like Moses could go a little further.

Unfortunately, deliverance constitutes a serious challenge in many Christian circles. Some Christians are afraid to declare the Gospel of Jesus Christ in certain circles. It only shows that they do not know what they have inside of them. If you know who you are carrying, there will be no need to fear any idol. If you truly carry the Glory of God and you step into a shrine, they will immediately fish you out and would be uncomfortable until you leave. Are you being threatened with an idol and you are afraid? If you are truly a child of God, you should be feared and not the other way round. Ask God to increase His presence in your life today and you will become a threat to demons.

Prayer Point:

Father, make me bold enough to preach the gospel even before demons in Jesus’ Name.

Sing Hymn 9: My Faith Has Found Resting A Place

My faith has found a resting place,
Not in device or creed;
I trust the ever living One,
His wounds for me shall plead.

Chorus:
I need no other argument,
I need no other plea,
It is enough that Jesus died,
And that He died for me.

Enough for me that Jesus saves,
This ends my fear and doubt;
A sinful soul I come to Him,
He’ll never cast me out.
Chorus:

My heart is leaning on the Word,
The living Word of God,
Salvation by my Savior’s Name,
Salvation through His blood.
Chorus:

My great Physician heals the sick,
The lost He came to save;
For me His precious blood He shed,
For me His life He gave.
Chorus.

Open Heavens Daily Devotional for Teen’s 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.

Topic: Let Your Life Shine [Friday November 24, 2017]

Be thou an example of the believers in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. – 1 Timothy 4:12

One thing the world needs to see is good examples. They need to see believers walk in love and purity and faith in their homes, in their schools and in their businesses.

The Apostle Paul exhorts us in Romans 12:17 to live above reproach in the sight of all men. Other scriptures teach us to avoid all appearance of evil. So, when you go after God, don’t walk out on the edge, trying to see how much you can get by with. Go all out in God’s direction. Conduct yourself in a way that will put to rest any question about whether or not you’re a Christian. Let the people around you see your love and faith and purity in every situation.

Your example will go a lot further than your words. When our son, John, was a little boy, we were spending time with my grandparents. John was sleeping with my granddaddy and he woke him up in the night and said, “Pop, I have an earache. Would you pray for it?” Well, my grandparents were raised in a church that didn’t believe in healing. I don’t know what Pop did, but it didn’t work. So, John just got up and said, “I’m going to go get in bed with my mother. When she prays, it stops hurting.” About 18 years later, Pop told me the story.

You see, I had set an example of faith and love and John remembered it. While your children are growing up, they might forget some of the sermons you’ve preached or act like they’re not interested in the things of God. But they’ll never forget your example.

Even at the place where you work or go to school or just in your neighborhood, people might reject or argue with the words you say. But they’ll never refute or forget your acts of love.

Don’t let petty sins and spiritual compromises cast a shadow over your example. Live above reproach and let the light of Jesus shine brightly through you.

Scripture Reading: Romans 12:9-21

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: The Heart’s True Home — Friday November 24, 2017.

Read: Ecclesiastes 3:10–11, Bible in a Year: Ezekiel 22–23; 1 Peter 1

[God] has . . . set eternity in the human heart. Ecclesiastes 3:11

We had a West Highland Terrier for a number of years. “Westies” are tough little dogs, bred to tunnel into badger holes and engage the “enemy” in its lair. Our Westie was many generations removed from her origins, but she still retained that instinct, put into her through years of breeding. On one occasion she became obsessed by some “critter” under a rock in our backyard. Nothing could dissuade her. She dug and dug until she tunneled several feet under the rock.

Now consider this question: Why do we as humans pursue, pursue, pursue? Why must we climb unclimbed mountains, ski near-vertical slopes? Run the most difficult and dangerous rapids, challenge the forces of nature? Part of it is a desire for adventure and enjoyment, but it’s much more. It’s an instinct for God that has been implanted in us. We cannot not want to find God.

We don’t know that, of course. We only know that we long for something. “You don’t know what it is you want,” Mark Twain said, “but you want it so much you could almost die.”

God is our heart’s true home. As church father Augustine said in that most famous quotation: “You have made us for Yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You.”

And what is the heart? A deep void within us that only God can fill.

Prayer: Help me, Lord, to recognize my deep longing for You. Then fill me with the knowledge of You. Draw me near.

Beneath all our longings is a deep desire for God.

Insight:

Ecclesiastes was written by one who calls himself “the Teacher” and identifies himself as the “son of David, king in Jerusalem” (1:1). In this book, Solomon shows that a life not centered on God is without meaning and purpose (1:14; 2:11). He also shows how and why God must be a part of our lives. In chapter 3, he paints a picture of a life trapped between birth and death, experiencing the mundane repetition of life’s recurring seasons and cyclical activities (vv. 1–8). Such a life is both frustrating and burdensome (v. 10). But Solomon hints that life is not supposed to be like this. We were made for far grander things—God created us for Himself “in his own image” (Gen. 1:27). And God has “set eternity in the human heart” (Eccl. 3:11). We were created for fellowship with the eternal God. C. S. Lewis, in his book Mere Christianity, put it this way: “If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.” Without God, life will be purposeless and meaningless.

What are some ways that our culture offers false fulfillment? Sim Kay Tee

This message was written By Dave Branon [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]

Topic: Investing In Tomorrow [Friday November 24, 2017]

Scripture: For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry. Habakkuk 2:3

Thought For The Day: There is no wasted effort in God, and there is no futility in kingdom utility.

Many years ago, before I became a full time pastor, there were times I would fast for days. At that time, it was not that I saw or felt the call of God upon my life, yet I would pray for seven hours daily. At the time, it was not that I saw or felt the call of God upon my life, yet. There were times I was praying for seven hours daily.

One day, the ‘fire’ became so intense in me that I went for a program (an all-night meeting) and told the organizers of that meeting that I had a special number to present (this was to enable me download or distribute the ‘fire’ a little) but they said that there was no more time for me to sing my special number. Ironically, the same vigil ended by 4 am for lack of what more to do.

Again, before I became a fulltime pastor, there were times God would show me deep revelations from the scriptures that I felt were heavier than me. I would ask Him, ‘Lord, what are all these revelations meant for?’ And He would say, ‘You are laying up structures for the future.

Beloved, there is no wasted effort in God, and there is no futility in kingdom utility. The best form of investment is not the investment in a bank or a property. The best form of investment is human and kingdom investment because they have eternal dividends.

Remember This: There is no wasted effort in God, and there is no futility in kingdom utility.
FOR FURTHER UNDERSTANDING, GET THIS MESSAGE: WISDOM FROM THE LIFE OF JOSEPH

Assignment(S):

1. Do all it takes to invest in your tomorrow today.

2. Invest more time with God and in His Kingdom via the study of His Word, prayers, fasting, worship, tithing, giving, etc.

Prayer: O Lord, deliver me from misplacement of investment. Grant me the grace to make kingdom investment my topmost priority, Lord, in Jesus’ Name.

Quote: Never put enjoyment ahead of endurance. Never put enjoyment ahead of achievement. Culled from 21 Uncommon Key to Financial Overflow by Dr Paul Enenche

Daily Reading: Ezekiel 47:1 to 48:35, 1 Peter 2:11 to 3:7, Psalm 119:49 to 64, Proverbs 28:12 to 13

Amazing Fact: Mosquitoes are insects that are universally hated around the world.

Today In History: 24/11/1859, English naturalist Charles Darwin published “On the Origin of Species”

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: Keep It Holy — Friday November 24, 2017.

Text: Leviticus 23:1-8

Key Verse: “Six days shall work be done: but the seventh day is the sabbath of rest, an holy convocation; ye shall do no work therein: it is the sabbath of the LORD in all your dwellings” (Leviticus 23:3).

The subject of Mosaic and Christian Sabbath has been contentious over the years especially among the Jews, some Christian sects and Bible-based believers. The divide appears to widen as we approach the close of this age. As obedient children of God, our position is to search out the whole truth about this divine injunction and faithfully observe and uphold the truth.

The subject of our consideration today is the third commandment: “Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy” (Exodus 20:8). This ordinance was observed by Israel until Christ the true Light and the perfect image of God arrived the scene of humanity to fulfill all the law and the prophets (Matthew 5:17). Christ did not negate the Mosaic Sabbath but put the best meaning and significance to this ordinance by emphasizing also the social and moral components of it.

Today, believers should follow Christ’s example of observance of the Sabbath. He fed the hungry, healed the sick and protected the rights of weak and ignorant folks that were being violated by Jewish religious leaders on the Sabbath day. Christ’s miraculous bodily resurrection after crucifixion on the first day of the week (Sunday), not Saturday, attest to the fact of Christian Sabbath or the Lord’s day.

Apostles of Christ recognized this day and as such, organized Christian gatherings on Sundays thereafter. If we believe in Christ, we should obey His Word and follow His example by keeping that day holy (free from servile work). Even so, the observance of the Lord’s day must be matched by the right attitude and disposition that would attract divine intervention in all affairs of life. The Lord’s day is as sacred as the comportment with which we observe it.

Thought for the day: Solemn worship from holy hearts befits the Lord’s day.

Bible Reading in one Year: Ezekiel 29-31

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.