Topic: Searching for Peace? [Tuesday October 17, 2017]

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee … — Isaiah 26:3

Are you searching for peace? Are you longing for it? You thought you would find it if you made a lot of money, but you didn’t find it. You thought you would find it in getting and accumulating a lot of knowledge, so you got all the degrees you could, but you didn’t find it, this peace.

You’ve searched the religions of the world, but you haven’t found it. There are a thousand ways you’ve turned, trying to find peace, but you haven’t found it. When you come to Christ by an act of faith, He gives you the Holy Spirit who produces the fruit of the Spirit and gives you the peace that passes all understanding.

Prayer for the day: Your presence fills my mind with peace, Lord, bringing into perspective all that I need—You, my heavenly Father.

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: Focus On The Victory That You Have In Christ — Tuesday October 17, 2017.

For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” (1 John 5:4 KJV)

The bible tells us that we have been quickened, raised and made to sit together in Christ Jesus. We are already seated with Christ. Deliverance operates from the standpoint of victory. This is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith. That is why he did not say we are changed from weakness to glory, but from glory to glory and from strength to strength. This is the victory! God has already given you victory! So focus on the victory. Focus on the victory that will make you overcome the world. That victory is “even our faith”. Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. The victory that overcomes the world is the word of God. No matter what the devil is doing you are coming out.

Do not go about hunting for the devil. The devil is under your feet. If every time you pray, you are looking for the devil, change your prayer. When you begin to pray, thank God for his promises and celebrate him for the manifestation. Thank him that the barren shall keep house and be joyful mother of children. Thank him that long life is your portion, and that lines are fallen unto you in pleasant places. Thank him that you have a godly heritage. Thank him that whatever you do shall prosper and any tongue that rises against you in judgment shall be condemned. Thank him because the name of the Lord is a strong tower, the righteous run into it and are saved.

When your prayer requests change from fighting devil to thanking God, you will begin to see the things you have never seen before because you will not be focusing on the devil. Find out what Jesus died for that already belongs to you and spend your prayer time thanking him for them. You will be shocked at the mega manifestation you will start receiving.

Further Reading: 1 John 5:1-5, Ephesians 2:1-6

Daily Bible Reading: Morning- Isaiah 50-52; Evening- 1 Thessalonians 5

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: Our Success Is In God – Tuesday October 17, 2017.

Matthew 26:33 “Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended.”

Text: Matthew 26:33

Just like Peter, we are often more confident of ourselves than God is. Many Christians are devastated when they fail in some area that they thought they had long since grown past. We need to realize that as long as we are in this mortal body, we cannot fall asleep at our battle station against the works of the flesh. If we do, our flesh is just as capable of sin as anyone else’s. If we fall, it should concern us but not surprise us. We should simply realize with Paul, that “in my flesh dwelleth no good thing,” get back into the spirit through confession and forgiveness, and go on with Jesus.

The Lord has never had anyone who was qualified working for Him. Peter wasn’t qualified, and even at our best, neither are we. If we realize that we are nothing and have nothing, then we are prime candidates to be used by God.

Peter went on to become probably the best known of the twelve apostles. The Lord used him mightily. But He didn’t want him, or us, to forget that it was Christ in Peter and not Peter himself who was great.

This also illustrates the extent of our Father’s love and forgiveness. If God not only forgave Peter for his sin, but also reinstated and advanced him, then surely we have not pushed God’s grace beyond its limit. Where sin abounds, grace abounds much more.

God doesn’t see us as a failure – just a learner. God can redeem the worst “failure” and work it together for good (Rom 8:28). We need to think like God.

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: God Calls The Shots — Tuesday October 17, 2017.

Text: 2 Chronicles 14:1-15

Key Verse: “And Asa cried unto the LORD his God, and said, LORD, it is nothing with thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power: help us, O LORD our God; for we rest on thee, and in thy name we go against this multitude. O LORD, thou art our God; let not man prevail against thee.” (2 Chronicles 14:11).

A combination of self-confidence, forgetfulness and outright rebellion had been the hallmark of Israel through the ages. The result was that Israel was left so spiritually bankrupt that even tiny nations rode roughshod over her.

King Asa must have learnt a great deal from Israel’s checkered history in warfare. He resolved to do all things to please God. Happy are those who walk by this rule: not to do that which is right in their own eyes or in the eyes of the world, but only what is approved by God. We find by experience that it is good to seek the Lord.

However, aiming at pleasing the Lord while pursuing the world, will amount to vexation of spirit. King Asa consulted with the people and concluded that they cannot afford to be complacent. He fortified Israel with defenced cities in strategic locations, and raised a combined army of five hundred and eighty thousand men from Judah and Benjamin. No sooner had he done this, than Ethiopia, heavily buoyed by a million-man strong army and three hundred chariots, invaded his kingdom.

This was a test of Israel’s allegiance to God. Asa’s prayer was short, but it was a real language of faith and expectation from God. He succeeded because he understood the meaning of handing over the reins to God, at his most vulnerable moment.

In times of turbulence, where lies your loyalty? It has to be firmly rooted in the Almighty. We should, by all means, avoid spiritual complacency because the state of today’s world demands watchfulness and intense prayers. God is ever willing to arm us with the requisite grace. As we go forth in His name, we are sure to win, knowing that all things work together for the good of those who love Him and enjoy His favour.

Thought for the day: Victory is sure when we fully trust in Jesus, the Master Strategist.

Bible Reading in one Year: 2 Kings 11-13

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: God Calls The Shots — Tuesday October 17, 2017.

Text: 2 Chronicles 14:1-15

Key Verse: “And Asa cried unto the LORD his God, and said, LORD, it is nothing with thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power: help us, O LORD our God; for we rest on thee, and in thy name we go against this multitude. O LORD, thou art our God; let not man prevail against thee.” (2 Chronicles 14:11).

A combination of self-confidence, forgetfulness and outright rebellion had been the hallmark of Israel through the ages. The result was that Israel was left so spiritually bankrupt that even tiny nations rode roughshod over her.

King Asa must have learnt a great deal from Israel’s checkered history in warfare. He resolved to do all things to please God. Happy are those who walk by this rule: not to do that which is right in their own eyes or in the eyes of the world, but only what is approved by God. We find by experience that it is good to seek the Lord.

However, aiming at pleasing the Lord while pursuing the world, will amount to vexation of spirit. King Asa consulted with the people and concluded that they cannot afford to be complacent. He fortified Israel with defenced cities in strategic locations, and raised a combined army of five hundred and eighty thousand men from Judah and Benjamin. No sooner had he done this, than Ethiopia, heavily buoyed by a million-man strong army and three hundred chariots, invaded his kingdom.

This was a test of Israel’s allegiance to God. Asa’s prayer was short, but it was a real language of faith and expectation from God. He succeeded because he understood the meaning of handing over the reins to God, at his most vulnerable moment.

In times of turbulence, where lies your loyalty? It has to be firmly rooted in the Almighty. We should, by all means, avoid spiritual complacency because the state of today’s world demands watchfulness and intense prayers. God is ever willing to arm us with the requisite grace. As we go forth in His name, we are sure to win, knowing that all things work together for the good of those who love Him and enjoy His favour.

Thought for the day: Victory is sure when we fully trust in Jesus, the Master Strategist.

Bible Reading in one Year: 2 Kings 11-13

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: Living the Love Life [Tuesday October 17, 2017]

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. – John 15:13

We often think of “laying down your life” for someone else in terms of dying. That’s what Jesus did. He loved us so much He laid down His life by dying in our place so that we could live.

But now, He’s asked us to lay down our lives in a different way. He’s asked us to show our love, not by dying for others, but by living for them.

Exactly what does that mean?

Sometimes it means giving our lives by spending time in prayer for someone. Other times it means giving of ourselves with love and understanding. Many times it means laying down our own selfish desires in order to meet the needs of another.

Romans 15:1 puts it this way, “We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.”

When you lay down your life, you live to please God instead of yourself. You let your life be guided by His love. If love leads you to the person next door, you follow. When love calls you to intercede for someone in need, you yield.

Commit yourself today to lay down your own life—and take up the love life. Say:

“Father, in Jesus’ Name, I see from Your Word that You were willing to give of Yourself, in the person of Your Son, for all men. I understand that because Jesus is Lord of my life, I, too, am called to give myself to others. I choose to accept that calling today.

“I’ll give of my time. I’ll give of Your love in me. I’ll be strong and lift up those who are weak. I’m willing to be available to be used of You so that those around me might experience the abundant life You have provided.

“You have loved me, Lord, with the greatest love there is. I count it a privilege now to share that love with others. I thank You for it in Jesus’ Name. Amen.”

Scripture Reading: Galatians 5:22-26, Galatians 6:1-3

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: Living the Love Life [Tuesday October 17, 2017]

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. – John 15:13

We often think of “laying down your life” for someone else in terms of dying. That’s what Jesus did. He loved us so much He laid down His life by dying in our place so that we could live.

But now, He’s asked us to lay down our lives in a different way. He’s asked us to show our love, not by dying for others, but by living for them.

Exactly what does that mean?

Sometimes it means giving our lives by spending time in prayer for someone. Other times it means giving of ourselves with love and understanding. Many times it means laying down our own selfish desires in order to meet the needs of another.

Romans 15:1 puts it this way, “We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.”

When you lay down your life, you live to please God instead of yourself. You let your life be guided by His love. If love leads you to the person next door, you follow. When love calls you to intercede for someone in need, you yield.

Commit yourself today to lay down your own life—and take up the love life. Say:

“Father, in Jesus’ Name, I see from Your Word that You were willing to give of Yourself, in the person of Your Son, for all men. I understand that because Jesus is Lord of my life, I, too, am called to give myself to others. I choose to accept that calling today.

“I’ll give of my time. I’ll give of Your love in me. I’ll be strong and lift up those who are weak. I’m willing to be available to be used of You so that those around me might experience the abundant life You have provided.

“You have loved me, Lord, with the greatest love there is. I count it a privilege now to share that love with others. I thank You for it in Jesus’ Name. Amen.”

Scripture Reading: Galatians 5:22-26, Galatians 6:1-3

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: Invisible Influence — Tuesday October 17, 2017.

Read: 1 Thessalonians 5:16–24, Bible in a Year: Isaiah 50–52; 1 Thessalonians 5

Do not quench the Spirit. 1 Thessalonians 5:19

On a visit to the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC, I saw a masterpiece called The Wind. The painting showed a storm moving through a wooded area. Tall, thin trees leaned to the left. Bushes thrashed in the same direction.

In an even more powerful sense, the Holy Spirit is able to sway believers in the direction of God’s goodness and truth. If we go along with the Spirit, we can expect to become more courageous and more loving. We will also become more discerning about how to handle our desires (2 Tim. 1:7).

In some situations, however, the Spirit nudges us toward spiritual growth and change, but we respond with a “no.” Continually stonewalling this conviction is what Scripture calls “quench[ing] the Spirit” (1 Thess. 5:19). Over time, things we once considered wrong appear not to be quite as bad.

When our relationship with God seems distant and disconnected, this may be because the Spirit’s conviction has been repeatedly brushed aside. The longer this goes on, the harder it is to see the root of the problem. Thankfully, we can pray and ask God to show us our sin. If we turn away from sin and recommit ourselves to Him, God will forgive us and revive the power and influence of His Spirit within us.

Prayer: God, show me how I have resisted Your Holy Spirit. Help me to listen when You speak. I want to be right with You again.

Yielding to the Holy Spirit leads to right living.

Insight:

In Paul’s day, Thessalonica was the largest city of Macedonia with as many as 200,000 people (mainly Greeks). The city had a thriving seaport and was located on the Egnatian Way, a famous trade route built by the Romans. Paul and Silas visited this city on Paul’s second missionary journey, and while there Paul preached in its synagogues for three Sabbaths (Acts 17:1–3). During their visit, some Jews plus “a large number of God-fearing Greeks” and many prominent women were persuaded to follow Jesus (v. 4). But Paul’s stay was cut short when some jealous Jews formed a mob and started a riot (vv. 5–9). As soon as he could, Paul sent Timothy to the young church to encourage and strengthen the new believers in their faith (1 Thess. 3:1–5). Timothy returned to Paul with good news: the people were standing firm despite persecution (vv. 6–8). In response, Paul wrote First Thessalonians from Corinth to further encourage the church. His warning to not “quench the Spirit” appears in a list of final instructions he gave the Thessalonians (5:19).

Is there an area of your life where you’ve been resisting the “nudge” of the Holy Spirit?

This message was written By Jennifer Benson Schuldt [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]