Topic: Rekindle the Fire [Saturday September 23, 2017]

Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you… – James 4:8

Remember when you first got into the Word and were so excited about the things of God? Remember when you could hardly wait to read the next chapter in the Bible or listen to the latest teaching tape? There was only one word to describe you—hot! Your reborn spirit was on fire for God.

When Ken and I first heard the message of faith, we were like that. We were so on fire that nothing else in the world interested us. We had learned that we could trust God’s Word just like we could trust the word of a close friend, and we were hungry to find out everything He had promised us in His Word.

Back then, it seemed all I did was read God’s Word. I read faith books. I listened to tapes. I was dedicated. My total interest was the Word of God.

But slowly that changed. At first I didn’t even realize it was happening. Then the Holy Spirit went to work on me and showed me that I had grown lukewarm. I had let the fire die down. I still read the Word, but I had lost my enthusiasm.

Maybe you’ve had this same experience. If so, I want to tell you how to get the fire back. It worked for me and it will work for you.

God’s Word says to draw near to Him and He will draw near to you. In order to do that you will have to first drop the things that are stealing your time from reading the Word. Delight yourself in His Word. Become diligent again. If you will give your attention to the things of God, soon your desire for God will increase. Your desire will follow your attention. The more you attend to something, the more your desire is drawn to give attention to that thing.

I can show you that this is a natural principle. If you play golf, you’ll go for months at a time without even thinking about it. Then one day you’ll make time in your schedule to go to the course and play a round or two. The next day you may want to play again. Your desire gets stronger and stronger the more you play.

This same thing will happen in the spirit realm. Your soul’s desire will follow whatever you spend your time doing. Start building yourself up by praying in the spirit. Believe and act on everything God says to you. Before long that flicker that’s been wavering in your spirit will grow again into an all-consuming fire!

Scripture Reading: Revelation 3:13-22

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: Resisting God? — Saturday 23, September 2017.

Memorise: Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he? – 1 Corinthians 10:22

Read: 1 Corinthians 10:21-23 (KJV)

21 Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table, and of the table of devils.

22 Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?

23 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.

Bible in One Year: Nehemiah 7-8, Ezekiel 45:10-25, Hymn: Sing hymn 6 – Deeper, Deeper

MESSAGE:

Colossians 1:16 tells us that all visible and invisible things were created by God and for God. You were created to make God happy by following His will, plan and purpose for your life. However, when you take the path of self-government and go contrary to the purpose for which you were created, that is rebellion. Lucifer and several angels decided to walk out of God’s original plan, and they became who we now refer to as Satan and demons (Isaiah 14:12-16, Revelation 12:7-9). Anyone who follows self-government today will also end up where the devil and his demons are. The truth is, if you fail God, you fail yourself. Therefore, pleasing God is the real path to true self-fulfilment, lasting peace and joy. I tell you the truth, living on earth without conforming to God’s original blueprint for your life makes you waste that life. Without God, life is not worth living.

“No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.” – 2 Timothy 2:4

Coming up next: Open Heavens 24 September 2017: Sunday daily devotional by Pastor Adeboye – The Important Factor

We are not here on earth by our power or design. We were created and placed here to satisfy God’s eternal plan and purpose for our lives. Even when Jesus was here, in all that He did, He did not try to please Himself but His father (John 8:29, John 5:30). Now that He has chosen us to be His soldiers, we cannot afford to please ourselves. When He gives us an assignment, we must do it exactly as He wants it done, or risk going against Him. In 1 Samuel 15, King Saul was given an assignment by God to go and utterly wipe out the Amalekites. He went out to fulfil it but made slight changes to the instructions. In the end, he failed God and failed himself. He lost his kingdom because he could not totally comply with God’s will. Today, for this same reason, many people are close to completely losing their place in God’s divine plan. A king who resisted God had to go on a seven-year trip into insanity, and he lost his throne for that period (Daniel 4). Similarly, another king who said that God’s word should not be heard was eaten alive by worms (Acts 12:1-24). If these great kings could not resist or withstand God, do you think you can? If you are wise, you will totally submit to His will today. God has a problem with the so-called obedience of a good number of His children. Although He is speaking to them, they are not listening to Him, rather they are more interested in hearing themselves. Hence, He has almost grounded them in all areas. Thinking it’s the devil at fault, such people are wrongly praying against agents of darkness. It is time to do nothing short of God’s total will in all your ways!

Key Point: Those who resist God are fighting a battle they can never win.

Open Heavens 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: Mind Who You Follow [Friday September 22, 2017]

Who you follow determines what follows you.

The company you keep determines the accomplishment you make.

How far you follow determines how far you will go and how well you see.

How well in touch you are determines quality of what you touch.

Topic: Sickness Isn’t Only Physical! [Friday September 22, 2017]

The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, Because the LORD has anointed and commissioned me to bring good news to the humble and afflicted; He has sent me to bind up [the wounds of] the brokenhearted, to proclaim release [from confinement and condemnation] to the [physical and spiritual] captives and freedom to prisoners. — Isaiah 61:1

The Bible teaches that Jesus came to heal our wounds, to bind up and heal our broken hearts, and to give us beauty instead of ashes and the oil of joy instead of mourning (see Isaiah 61:1-3).

Many Christians read this scripture and know that God wants to heal us from physical and spiritual sickness, but there’s more to it than that. The truth is that our emotions are part of our makeup, and they can become sick like any other part of us.

The world today is full of people who are suffering from emotional pain. The cause is often abuse, rejection, abandonment, betrayal, disappointment, judgment, criticism or other negative behavior by others. This emotional pain can be more devastating than physical pain because people feel that they have to hide it and pretend it isn’t real.

 If you have an emotional wound in your life, you need to know that Jesus wants to heal you. Don’t make the mistake of thinking He is interested only in your spiritual and physical life. Take your wounds to Him. Jesus wants to heal you everywhere you hurt!

Prayer Starter: Lord. Thank You for caring about every part of me…including my emotions. Any emotional pains and wounds that I have, I bring to You. I know that You can heal and restore me.

From Joyce Meyer’s Ministries

Topic: Remember His Goodness — Friday September 22, 2017.

“Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:” (Psalms103:1-2 KJV)

When the Psalmist says, “forget not”, he is simply asking you to remember. And the word “remember” according to the Webster dictionary means to bring back to mind in an effort of will. In order words, you will decide to recall it, to call it back. It also means to have something come to one’s memory again by chance. At times it might be something you are not thinking about and it comes by chance and it makes a mark in your life. It means to retain in your conscious mind. It also means to keep in mind because it deserves attention.

When you truly understand the power of remembering, it will affect a lot of things in your life. I have a feeling that many people don’t understand the dynamics of remembering some things, and that is why we carry on anyhow. But when you truly remember the goodness of God in your life, irrespective of the things you have not yet attained, you will not cease to appreciate this God at all times. No one will plead with you to appreciate him. You will not have any reason to complain or murmur.

The Psalmist, David is one person who knew how to appreciate God. In Psalms103, he said bless the Lord oh my soul. He said look, my soul, I want you to bless the Lord. And all that is within me bless his holy name, and forget not all his benefits. Don’t forget! In other words, the Psalmist is saying; remember his benefits on your behalf. Yes, he may not have done something you greatly desire but remember the other benefits. Has the Lord been good to you? He said remember! Forget not all his benefits. Then he began to show us some benefits. He forgives all your iniquities, He heals all your diseases Psalms 103:3. Beloved, when you truly remember all these, your attitude to God will experience a transformation.

Further reading: Psalms 103:1-5, Psalms 105:1-5

Daily Bible Reading: Morning- Ecclesiastes 10-12; Evening- Galatians 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: The Potter’s House — Friday September 22, 2017.

Text: Jeremiah 18:1-17

Key Verse: “O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the LORD. Behold, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel” (Jeremiah 18:6).

Jeremiah, the prophet, was commanded to visit the potter’s house. After observing the ease with which the potter maneuvered the clay which was helplessly marred in his hands, the message was now clear to Jeremiah: Israel had abandoned the theocratic arrangement and decided to be like other nations. They chose their gods and rebelled against the true Lover of their souls. God also threatened to break His earlier promise to protect them.

Clay, in its natural state, was seldom fit for use. Several stages of preparation were usually necessary. The clay must be softened before it can be fashioned. The clay was mixed with water and sifted to remove any stones or foreign objects that did not need to be there. This was the process of refining the clay in order to make the very best vessel. A fine vessel that will harden and hold liquids and maintain its shape had to be exposed to a minimum temperature of 500 degrees. The beauty of a properly fired clay is that it will not breakdown and disintegrate, even if buried for thousands of years.

God cannot use the natural man the way he is without first conditioning him to become suitable. First, there must be a new birth experience. Sin must be purged out in its entirety. The Lord will then allow us pass through the fire of persecution, trials and temptations for our complete refinement. Then, comes the sanctification experience where the heart is purged from dead works to serve the living God.

Satisfied that all inner and outer defilements have been removed, He then pours His Holy Spirit upon us for our empowerment for service. We must be prepared to wait through all these experiences. It is only when we have been fully refined as gold that we can ever be fit for the Master’s use and made ready for every good work as vessels unto honour (2 Timothy 2:21).

Thought for the day: You must pass through the fire before you become gold.

Bible Reading in one Year: Numbers 35-36

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: Tender With The Growing [Friday, 22 September, 2017]

But now, since you didn’t believe what I said, you will be silent and unable to speak until the child is born. For my words will certainly be fulfilled at the proper time.” Luke 1:20

One angel, same message to two different people, same actions by them, but different reactions by the angel. I am referring to the visits of Angel Gabriel to Zechariah, the father of John the Baptizer and Mary, the earthly mother of our Lord Jesus. When Zechariah ask the angel “how can I be sure this will happen? I’m an old man now, and my wife is also well along in years” (Luke 1:18), in regards to the birth of John the Baptizer, he was stroke with dumbness, but the angel was much more endearing and accommodating of Mary’s question about how Jesus would be born since she was still a virgin and not yet married and he took time to explain everything to her, even though they asked similar question. (Read Luke 1:4-34).

You might be wondering why it played out like that. This is it. Zechariah was a priest. One who we would call a pastor today. He has grown in his work with God and is matured in faith. His experience and knowledge of God excludes him from questioning how God would do such miraculous birth. He is familiar with how God has been dealing with his people, especially the patriarch, Abraham. Mary was young, was not even from the priestly lineage. She might just pass as a young Christian who is still learning about the operation of God. She still have not gotten in-depth  knowledge of God and so, there is room for her to ask questions and be educated. No wonder Angel Gabriel took time to educate her on how the birth process of Jesus is going to be. Just like Zechariah was rebuke with blindness, so also Jesus Christ rebuked Nichodemos, another supposed matured Jewish leader, for his ignorant question (Read John 3:1-10).

God deals with us differently. With the matured, He expects us to act, speak, work like one. And He will not hesitate in reprimanding us when we act otherwise. But with the growing Christians, He will always want to guide them, even when they misstep. We should be like God, especially in dealing with Christians that are still growing. Be patient, endearing, loving, accommodating and comforting. At the end, Zechariah talked again after John was given birth to. Nichodemos got the enlightenment that he sought for. That’s God in His best. Loving and caring. No wonder Job said, even though in ignorance, “though he slay me, yet will i trust in Him….” (Job 13:15).

Keep winning daily.

Wise Action:

When dealing with a growing Christian, don’t judge them from your pedestal. Come to their pedestal and help them grow.

Topic: Demon Possessed? [Friday 22, September 2017]

Memorise: “How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.” – Acts 10:38

Read: 1 Samuel 16:14-23

14 But the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD troubled him.

15 And Saul’s servants said unto him, Behold now, an evil spirit from God troubleth thee.

16 Let our lord now command thy servants, which are before thee, to seek out a man, who is a cunning player on an harp: and it shall come to pass, when the evil spirit from God is upon thee, that he shall play with his hand, and thou shalt be well.

17 And Saul said unto his servants, Provide me now a man that can play well, and bring him to me.

18 Then answered one of the servants, and said, Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, that is cunning in playing, and a mighty valiant man, and a man of war, and prudent in matters, and a comely person, and the LORD is with him.

19 Wherefore Saul sent messengers unto Jesse, and said, Send me David thy son, which is with the sheep.

20 And Jesse took an ass laden with bread, and a bottle of wine, and a kid, and sent them by David his son unto Saul.

21 And David came to Saul, and stood before him: and he loved him greatly; and he became his armourbearer.

22 And Saul sent to Jesse, saying, Let David, I pray thee, stand before me; for he hath found favour in my sight.

23 And it came to pass, when the evil spirit from God was upon Saul, that David took an harp, and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him.

Bible In One Year: Jonah 1-4. Hymn: Sing Hymn 9 – My Faith Has Found Resting A Place

MESSAGE:

The use of the term “demon possessed” in the Bible is always in reference to a person operating under the influence of a demon or evil spirit. The bible describes demons as spiritual beings or evil forces that are opposed to God, and are in the habit of influencing human beings to disobey God. However, demons always bow in the presence of our God. In the Bible, you will observe that they recognized God’s presence in Jesus Christ and His disciples and they surrendered without much argument (Mark 5:1-6). I have always told my children that if we have enough of His presence in us, demons will flee when they sight us, how much more when we command them to go.

Until you carry a higher level of His presence in your life, you may not realize the activities of demons around you; they are everywhere. Pray for God’s presence in your life and I assure you that there will be in commotion amongst them, because demons recognize the presence of God. Your deliverance by His power shall be permanent and you shall become a means of liberation to others in Jesus’ Name.

Prayer Point: Father, please let Your presence and the power of Your Word fill my completely in Jesus’ Name.

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.

A Promise For You From Bible Promises:

Topic: He Still Remains The Way [22/09/2017]

I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. John 10:9. Read: Jn 10:1-10

When you live in a fenced house with barb wires on the fence roundabout, to access the building within, you need the right key to open the padlock at the gate, lest, you are shut out of the house completely. The gate is the access to the building inside, and no matter the bunch of keys, until you use the right one to open the lock, you won’t gain access into the building.

Today, we have many religions who deny the incarnation of Jesus Christ and the fact that He came to die for the sin of the world, buried, on the third day resurrected and ascended into heaven; and promised He would return again before the end of the age. They deny that He Jesus is not the son of God, some of our sister religion even said that, man is like a candlestick whose flame disappears into thin air and cannot be found. They believe that there is no life after death and that everything ends here on earth. Well, from Jesus’s mouth, He referred to Himself as the true door to the kingdom of God which every man that desires heaven must enter through. He told His disciples in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me”. Religion is not the way but Jesus is still the only way.

#BiblePromisesThought

No other way to get to heaven except faith in Jesus Christ  through genuine salvation

Topic: Salvation Is An Act of God [Friday September 22, 2017]

There is salvation in no one else! Under all heaven there is no other name for men to call upon to save them. — Acts 4:12 (TLB)

Salvation is an act of God. It is initiated by God, wrought by God, and sustained by God. The faith that saves the soul is described as faith in Christ as the Son of God—not as a good man or a great man, but as the uniquely begotten Son of the living God!

This is consistent with the witness of the entire New Testament and with the proclamations of the first preachers of the Gospel. All proclaim the necessity of faith in Jesus Christ as deity.

Prayer for the day: Lord Jesus, Son of God, I worship You unreservedly and praise Your holy name.

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.