Topic: Don’t Offend God [Thursday August 24, 2017]

…Work out (cultivate, carry out to the goal, and fully complete) your own salvation with reverence and awe and trembling (self-distrust, with serious caution, tenderness of conscience, watchfulness against temptation, timidly shrinking from whatever might offend God and discredit the name of Christ). – Philippians 2:12

We can allow the Holy Spirit to invade our lives. We can be so filled with His presence and power that we allow Him into every aspect of who we are and into everything we do. He can get into our thoughts, emotions, and even our wills and bring healing and wholeness to our entire being, but He wants an invitation.

Tell the Holy Spirit you are ready to work with Him to bring what He has done in you by the grace of God to the forefront of your life. “Work it out,” which is the theme of our scripture for today, means that we must learn to live from the Spirit. We need to learn to live inside out. Be cautious not to offend God by giving in to temptation and sin. Learn to live in such a manner that your conscience is entirely clean at all times.

You might be thinking, Joyce, all of this sounds hard and I am not sure I have what it takes. But, I want to assure you that you do have what it takes, because you have the power of the Holy Spirit in your life. You cannot do it in your own strength, but as you partner with God you can do whatever you need to do in life. Don’t settle for a “barely get by” kind of life when there is a life of abundance waiting for you.

Topic: The Unprofitable Servant — Friday 25, August 2017.

Memorise: And that servant, which knew his lord’s will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. – Luke 12:47

Read: Matthew 25:24-30 (KJV)

24 Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed:

25 And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.

26 His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:

27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.

28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.

29 For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.

30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Bible in One Year: 1 Chronicles 8-10; Ezekiel 30:20-31:9, Hymn: Sing hymn 14: Take My Life

Message:

An unprofitable servant is generally identified as a steward that fails to put his or her talents to profitable use for his or her master. He or she is a wasteful person who is pleased to keep the master’s investment from yielding any profit.  Among all the servants mentioned in the Bible, it was only the unprofitable servant that had the disrespectful behaviour of complaining and bringing charges against his lord. He had the audacity to accuse his master to his face of being a difficult and greedy person, wanting to reap where he did not sow! He created the impression that his master had all along been wicked, unfair and insensitive. Although the unprofitable servant tried to portray himself as a humble and obedient servant, he ended up giving himself off as a self-righteous person, who had mastered the art of making excuses to cover up for slothfulness and failure. Trying to justify himself, he falsely argued that he became indolent and unproductive out of fear for his master. He forgot that a master’s commandment is a servant’s duty. As a matter of fact, a servant always owes a debt of service to his or her master (Luke 17:7-10). The unprofitable servant tried so hard to justify himself but he failed woefully. God is not mocked; the excuses you have prepared to use on the Day of Judgment will not stand the test of His scrutiny.

Brethren, every excuse that we give for failure to obey the commandments of God with regards to the use of our talents is simply evidence of rebellion against God. The excuse that the unprofitable servant gave is the command plea of many Christians today, who complain that the Almighty God has no right to demand for the use of their time, money and ability for the promotion of His kingdom. If you fail to put your God-given talents to profitable use, on the day of reckoning, you will hear the denunciation pronounced against the unprofitable servant: “Take therefore the talent from him!” I pray that you will never receive words of condemnation from God in Jesus’ Name. Many would ask, “What wrong have I done?” Search your heart. Have you fixed your Lord’s money in huge deposits and savings accounts, or tied up his investments in properties, exotic cars, exclusive furniture and an expensive lifestyle, all the while leaving souls to perish in their sins? Do you prefer to bury your talents out of selfishness because you care more about yourself and less about God and the expansion of His kingdom? Have you deliberately refused to put God’s endowments in your life to profitable use; thereby causing the benefits and profits due to God and man to be totally lost? To be commended by the Master, we need to repent of our selfish lifestyle and yield to God in complete obedience.

Prayer Point: Father, please give me the grace to serve You profitably to the end in Jesus’ Name.

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.

A Promise For You From Bible Promises:

Topic: A Reversed Situation [24/08/2017]

But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. Luke 16:25. Read: Lk 16:19-31

The God we serve is called the irreversible reverser, the God that calls those things that be not as though they were. He can turn the valley of dry bones to be covered with great army. He can make the apparently barren to be the mother of nations of the world. There is nothing too difficult for Him to do and no situation too ugly for Him to work on to become a pleasant one to behold. He can reverse any of your situation to become an epitome of tourist attraction for the world. Believe me, He can turn your mess to a message to reach out to the world and turn your battered life to a better one. Trust Him.

In the case of the rich man and Lazarus, there was a divine reversal. On earth, Lazarus suffered untold hardship which made him to beg to survive but the rich man possessed all that heart could desire. But when they both died, the one that was poor on earth became comforted while the one that was comfortable on earth was discomforted in hell. This is a negative reversal of situation. God wants us to enjoy prosperity on earth and continue to enjoy the unlimited prosperity of heaven with Him. The rich and the poor did not go to there various destinations because of their status but salvation made the difference. One was saved while the other was not. Give your life to Jesus now to avoid negative divine reversal.

#BiblePromisesPrayer

* Father, let me experience and enjoy positive Divine reversal both here and hereafter in Jesus Mighty Name

Topic: Do Nothing, Get Nothing [Thursday August 24, 2017]

The formula for failure is very simple and straight forward.

Do nothing and you’ll get nothing.

Only those who stay at it can make the hit.

Stay at it to generate the heat that will make the hit.

Every spiritual move is initiated and sustained by prayer movement.

As they commenced with prayer movement in Acts of the Apostle, the power began to build up until the day of Pentecost fully came and suddenly the release of power. Act 2:1-4.

Topic: Share In His Sufferings – Thursday August 24, 2017.

Matthew 20:22 “But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able.”

Text: Matthew 20:17-25

The Greek word for baptize is “baptizo.” This word was used by Plato (fourth century B.C.) to describe a man being “overwhelmed” by philosophical arguments; or it means sponges being “dipped” in fluid; and by Strabo (first century B.C.) to describe people who could not swim as being “submerged” under water. Josephus in the first century A.D. used the word to describe the city of Jerusalem as being “overwhelmed” or “plunged” into destruction by the Romans; and Plutarch (also first century A.D.) used this word to refer to a person being “immersed” in the sea. In the Septuagint (the Greek version of the O.T.), “baptizo” is used to describe Naaman dipping himself in the Jordan River (2 Ki. 5:14). From classical Greek right down to New Testament Greek, the same basic meaning has been retained: “To immerse, submerge, dip or plunge.” Jesus is stating that the disciples will indeed be plunged into the same sufferings that He will experience.

There are many forms of persecution. Having your life threatened because of your faith in Jesus is one way you can be persecuted. History shows that the church has always flourished under persecution with increased numbers and zeal. During intense, life-threatening persecution, people’s priorities get straightened out and the Lord assumes His rightful place. This always works for our good, regardless of what our outward circumstances might be. It helps to recognize that it is not you that they are persecuting, but rather Christ in you. You are actually partaking in His sufferings and will share in His rewards. With this in mind, we can actually shout and leap for joy in times of persecution.

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: Root of Sin — Thursday August 24, 2017

Overwhelming victory is ours through Christ who loved us enough to die for us. — Romans 8:37 (TLB)

The basic problem facing our world is not just social inequity, or lack of education, or even physical hunger. We are finding that highly educated and well-fed people have greeds, hates, passions, and lusts that are not eliminated by education. The root of sin in each of our hearts is extremely deep, and this is the basic cause of the world’s problems; only the fire of the Lord can burn it out. This is precisely what Christ came to do. He didn’t come to treat symptoms. He came to get at the very heart of man’s disease.

Prayer for the day: Father, root out the sin in my life—the shortcomings that are there—and fill me with Your love, so I may fight against the evil present in the world today.

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: The Interests of Others — Thursday August 24, 2017.

Read: Philippians 2:1–11, Bible in a Year: Psalms 116–118; 1 Corinthians 7:1–19

In humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests. Philippians 2:3–4

My friend Jaime works for a huge international corporation. In his early days with the company, a man came by his desk, struck up a conversation, and asked Jaime what he did there. After telling the man about his work, Jaime asked the man his name. “My name is Rich,” he replied.

“Nice to meet you,” Jaime answered. “And what do you do around here?”

“Oh, I am the owner.”

Jaime suddenly realized that this casual, humble conversation was his introduction to one of the richest men in the world.

In this day of self-glorification and the celebration of “me,” this little story can serve as a reminder of Paul’s important words in the book of Philippians: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit” (2:3). People who turn their attention to others and not on themselves have the characteristics Paul mentions.

When we “value others above [ourselves],” we demonstrate Christlike humility (v. 3). We mirror Jesus, who came not “to be served, but to serve” (Mark 10:45). When we take “the very nature of a servant” (Phil. 2:7), we have the mindset of Jesus (v. 5).

As we interact with others today, let’s not look on our own interests alone but also “to the interests of the others” (v. 4).

Prayer: Jesus, You gave us the model of humility when You left heaven’s splendors to become a humble servant on earth. Help us practice Christlike humility in everything we do.

Serve God by serving others.

Insight:

Many scholars believe the apostle Paul embedded an early hymn in his letter to the Philippians. Chapter 2:6–11 is comprised of six couplets that seem to lend themselves to an ancient form of singing. These carefully crafted lines show what it means to believe in and follow Christ. In stark contrast to other kings of the world, Jesus gave up the glory and honor of heaven to be crowned with the thorns and mockery of His crucifixion. Instead of using others for His own pleasure, He sacrificed Himself to lovingly come to our rescue.

Christ’s selfless sacrifice impacted Paul. He mirrored what Christ suffered for us when he showed his willingness to suffer for others.

In what ways can we show self-sacrificing love to others? Mart DeHaan

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

Topic: The Search for True Wisdom — Thursday August 24, 2017.

Text: Job 28:12-28

Key Verse: “But where shall wisdom be found? and where is the place of understanding? Man knoweth not the price thereof; neither is it found in the land of the living” (Job 28:12,13).

Wisdom is of infinite value. With it, the simplest man among the living becomes great. Wisdom cannot be quantified and its price cannot be counted. It is by knowing God that we can get true wisdom. Job was defending himself before his friends who levelled some accusations of sin against him. He tried to defend his integrity as well as that of the Almighty God. Every creation of God shows His wisdom.

How then do we get this wisdom? Man sought wisdom in a wrong way in the Garden of Eden. There was no fear of God in him. Anyone who seeks wisdom without the fear of God will end up becoming foolish, wicked and miserable as it happened to Adam and Eve. No one can seek wisdom outside God. The type of true wisdom Job talked about in the text does not exist among men. It cuts across human faculties and could only be found with the most High God. According to king Solomon, wisdom is the principal thing and it is better to get wisdom than gold. Job’s three friends thought that wisdom dwelt with them. Job on the other hand, did not claim to possess this wisdom; he only desired it.

He believed that wisdom could only be gotten through the word of God. From where then does wisdom come? It cannot be seen by man because it is immaterial. Only God understands what true wisdom is. It is part of His Being. It is an essential element in His nature. The highest knowledge is with God and unless He impacts it into man, man can only search for it in futility. The true wisdom man should seek for is the fear of God.

Thought for the day: Wisdom is the principal thing that must be preferred above all else.

Bible Reading in one Year: Mark 4-6

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: Preach from a Closed Book — Thursday August 24, 2017.

“And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down…..” Luke 4:21 (KJV)

The world is tired of people who come to church and they cannot see the evidence of the Christianity we preach. The world is tired of us going to church and carry the bible and yet they cannot see the life. One thing is to preach and another thing is to preach from a closed book. But it is time to preach from a closed book. It is when a book is closed that the glory will become evident. The glory cannot be revealed until you close the book. You don’t go to the street, your business or your work carrying the Bible. You read the bible at home, or during your break period, and you close it. Then and only then is it time to manifest the word. Until the word becomes flesh there will be no glory. The Bible says the Word became flesh and dwelled among us and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father full of grace and truth. (John 1:14)

In Luke 4, Jesus went to Nazareth his own country. And in the usual manner, he went to the temple to worship. That day, he was given the Bible, he opened the book and read things that were written and documented therein concerning his true image. He read from Isaiah 61 that spoke about his true image, his mandate, his assignment and commission. When he finished reading, he closed the book, sat down said this day is the scripture fulfilled in your ears. He then started to preach from a closed book. His life began to preach the gospel because He saw His true image. He was able to stand and rebuke the devil because He saw His true image. He saw that God has mandated him to rebuke the devil. He found out that He has authority over the power of darkness. He saw that He had the authority to heal the sick and to change lives. From that moment, everywhere he went that image manifested in His life.

Further Reading: Luke 4:16-22, John 1:14

Daily Bible Reading: Morning- Psalms 116-118; Evening- 1 Corinthians 7:1-19

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.

Today’s Scripture: “Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness.” – (2 Corinthians 9:10, NASB)

Topic: He Will Multiply Your Resources [Wednesday August 23, 2017]

We serve a faithful God—He is the God of more than enough! Not only does He promise to meet your needs, He promises to give you enough to meet the needs of others, too.

When you are a sower—when you give of your resources, your time, talent, finances and possessions—God promises to multiply those resources so that you can continue to be a blessing to the people around you. You might look at what you have in your hand today and think, “This doesn’t look like much.” But understand that when you give God what you have, He’ll turn it into more than enough! The Bible tells us that Jesus fed a crowd of over 5,000 people by multiplying the lunch of a small boy, and He can multiply whatever you have in your hand, too.

Today, dedicate what you have to the Lord by faith. Ask Him where you should sow your seed so that you can be a blessing to others. As you do, He’ll continue to pour out His blessing and abundance on you, and you will live fulfilled and satisfied all the days of your life.

A Prayer for Today: “Father in heaven, I dedicate everything that I have to You. Show me how I can be a blessing to others today. Thank You for Your abundant provision in every area of my life in Jesus’ name. Amen.”