Topic: Arrange Your Life [Saturday August 19, 2017]

Life doesn’t arrange itself, individuals have to arrange it by Himself. Hebrews 3:1-4.

“Every house (destiny) is builded (arranged) by some man(body)…

Plan your life

Plan your future

Plan early in life if you do not want to suffer later in life.

You will not be surprised or disappointed tomorrow if you understand that whatever happens to you tomorrow commenced from today.

Topic: Hypocrites in the Synagogue — Saturday August 19, 2017.

Text: Luke 13:11-22

Key Verse: “…Thou hypocrite… ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day?” (Luke 13:15,16).

In the parable of The Good Samaritan, there were two religious leaders who saw a wounded man in great need but passed by without helping. Yet a Samaritan, belonging to a race that was highly despised, “as he journeyed, came where (the man) was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him”.

One of the greatest areas of conflict between our Lord Jesus Christ and the religious leaders of His day was that He healed the sick on Sabbath days. This woman, “a daughter of Abraham”, who had been under satanic bondage for eighteen years was healed by Christ on a Sabbath day. This angered the rulers of the synagogue who had openly complained that there were six days “to work”, that people should come for healing on those days and not on a Sabbath day. Christianity without compassion, devoid of “weightier matters of the law, judgement, mercy and faith” is an empty profession.

Love and concern for the welfare of all humans including purported enemies is the demand of true Christianity. “Recompense no man evil for evil… therefore if your enemy hunger, feed him, if he thirst, give him drink… (Romans 12:17,20). “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God… He that loveth not knoweth not God…” (1 John 4:7,8). The real test of our Christianity is how much we love our brethren and others, including our enemies, at all times.

Thought for the day: True love is a mark of true Christianity.

Bible Reading in one Year: Jeremiah 43-45

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 Loves You! — Saturday August 19, 2017.

“And he arose and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.” Luke 15:20 (KJV)

Still, on the story of the prodigal son, the father did not wait for him to approach the house, he ran to meet him, embraced him and brought him home. That is the degree of love that God has for you. As His child, He is not waiting for you to come crawling, His arms are spread out to receive you. As a believer, you need to get yourself established in the knowledge, unwavering belief, and total acceptance of God’s love for you.

God loves you enough to break protocol for your sake. According to Jewish law and culture, it was forbidden and very disgraceful for a father to run as he did in the public. Following the tradition of the day, the Son would have been welcomed to a ceremony of shame. But rather than allow that, his father reached out to him in love and extended grace to him, even when the law condemned him. Even with all his filth from living with pigs, the father still embraced and kissed him.

Child of God, just like the father of the prodigal son, God does not keep a record of your sin. He has clothed you with the righteousness of His Son Jesus, thereby permanently restoring you to the status of a son. This is open to as many as receive Jesus as Lord and Savior. Once you have accepted Him, you can begin to bask in His love for you, knowing that you are a son and you have rights. Do not feel intimidated to run back to Him. Even if you’ve made a mistake, His arms are always open wide to receive you.

May the love of God open doors for you and cause rivers to flow in your desert. Stand up tall, square your shoulders, and bask in the undying love of God for you. You will reign over every prevailing circumstance as a son that you are because His love never fails.

Further Reading1 John 3:1, 4:9-19

Daily Bible Reading: Morning- Psalms 103-104; Evening- 1 Corinthians 2

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 Great Virtue — Sunday 20, August 2017.

Memorise: And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity. – 1 Corinthians 13:13

Read: 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 (KJV)

1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

Bible in One Year: 2 Kings 23; Ezekiel 27:26-28:10, Hymn: Sing hymn 18: Onward Christian Soldier

Open Heavens 20th Sunday, August 2017 Message:

“The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.” – Jeremiah 31:3

Love is a decision of commitment that is expressed as a strong feeling of affection and attraction. Based on God’s nature and actions, the Scripture gives us insight into the source, character and value of love. The Bible teaches that God is the source of love and that His very character is love. If you have ever been deeply in love with someone to the point of obsession, you will discover that you may lose your appetite and forget to eat because of that person (Song of Solomon 5:2-8). Your mind will become occupied with nothing else but that person. The object of your love is the last thing you think of when you go to bed and the first thing you think of when you wake up. Love involves the totality of a person’s thoughts, feelings and actions. Love is a central theme of the Christian faith and is a primary characteristic of God’s nature.

“37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment.” – Matthew 22:37-38

The first object of our love should be God. We are enjoined to love God with all our heart, soul and mind. Indeed, you need to understand the love of God for you before you can appreciate what true love is. Having received the love of God, God expects you to reciprocate His love by worshipping Him in truth and by showing His love to others. The love of God was manifested on the cross of Calvary. Jesus, with these words, revealed the extent of God’s love for us in John 3:16:

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

Out of love, God gave His only begotten Son as the ultimate sacrifice for the salvation of humility. He then commanded every one of us that has received His love to reciprocate it by loving one another (1 John 4:7-8). The Bible makes it very clear that the proof of love is its expression through actions, especially actions that are taken in the interest of others. Children of God should never be identified with envy, hatred, pride, selfishness, or any form of wickedness. These vices are contrary to God’s nature in us. As Christians, we must always radiate the love of God with meekness, kindness, patience, peace and joy.

Prayer Point: Father, please fill my heart with Your love, so that Your love may flow through me to others.

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: The Reward of the Wicked [19/07/2017]

Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked. Psalm 91:8. Read: Ps 91:1-16

In everything a man does, there is always a corresponding reward. Both righteousness and wickedness are seed sown that attract rewards over time. In Galatians 6:7, the Bible says, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap”. And in Revelation  22:11-12, Jesus said, “He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be”. Those that sow the seed of wickedness shall surely receive commensurate reward likewise those that do good if they faint not before their reward comes. Gal. 6:7-9. Isa 3:11, 48:22. Job 27:11-23

Who are those that will behold the reward of the wicked? Those who have made the Lord Jesus Christ their Lord and personal Saviour. Those who dwell in the secret place of the most high. Those who have made the Lord their habitation. Those who set their affection on the things above not beneath. Those who are led by the Spirit of the Lord. Those who demonstrate unwavering love for the Lord and His Word and those who are ready to obey the Lord to the letter. Even if you have been acting wicked till now, here is the Word of God for your escape, Isaiah 55:7 “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon”.

#BiblePromisesPrayer

* Father, in anyway I have sown wicked seed that would boomerang, have mercy and  forgive me in Jesus Mighty Name

Topic: Living Beyond Self – Key To Living At Your Best [Saturday August 19, 2017]

Scripture: Then Daniel requested of the king, and he set Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, over the affairs of the province of Babylon: but Daniel sat in the gate of the king. Daniel 2:49

Thought For The Day: To live for self is to live for less.

It is obvious that there is a category of people that God takes to the highest level of life. Daniel was in that category. We have x-rayed the life of Daniel and what took him to the top in life. And today we are looking at more of what it takes to live at our best from the life of Daniel.

The Bible has confirmed that Daniel was a man who was too afraid of God to be afraid of man. He was not afraid of going to the lion’s den as a result of maintaining a sound relationship with God (Daniel 6:10). He also preferred to be misunderstood by men instead of God being misrepresented. He saw himself as the representative of God.

Now, what does it take to live at your best?

1. You are your best when you refuse to live for self.

To live for self is to live for less. When you live beyond yourself, you live beyond your time. Ordinary people live to make a living but excellent people live to make a difference in the Kingdom of God and in the lives of people like Daniel did (Daniel 6:10; 2:49).

2. You are your best when you are yourself. You are your best when you decide to be located in the region of your strength and potentials. There are people who are failing in life because they are doing things they are not gifted to do. Daniel maintained his realm as a prophet, dream interpreter, academician and a ruler so he could not go down in life.

Remember this: To live for self is to live for less.

Assignment(s):

1. Determine to make impact in someone’s life today; start from where you are.

2. If God had instructed you to bless a life, do it today.

3. Refuse to imitate people, be yourself; your uniqueness is in your originality.

FOR FURTHER UNDERSTANDING, GET THIS MESSAGE: LIVING AT YOUR BEST

Prayer: O LORD, give me a heart of love. Help me to make an unforgettable impact in the lives of people, LORD, in Jesus’ Name.

Quote: When you live for yourself, you live like a slave; but when you live beyond yourself, you live beyond your time. Culled from 30 SECRETS TO THE TOP by Dr Paul Enenche.

Daily Reading: Esther 4:1 to 7:10, 1 Corinthians 12:1 to 26, Psalm 36:1 to 12, Proverbs 21:21 to 22

Amazing Fact: Babies can only see black and white when they are newly born.

Today In History: 19/8/1868 – Jules Janssen discovered Helium during a solar eclipse.

Dunamis International Gospel Centre (DIGC), is a powerfully anointed church, headquartered at Abuja, Nigeria, with Dr Paul and Dr 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: See Yourself Risen With Jesus — Saturday August 19, 2017.

Constantly keep in mind Jesus Christ (the Messiah) [as] risen from the dead… – 2 Timothy 2:8, The Amplified Bible

This is the key to holding on to the blessings of God. When pressure comes, when troubles and trials are bearing down on you, remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead!

Remember that when Jesus arose, you arose. When He came out of hell and defeated the enemy, you came out of hell and defeated the enemy. His victory is your victory because you’re in Him.

In the hard places, remember that. When the devil tells you you’re not going to get your answer this time, remember that. When he tells you there’s no way out, you remember Christ, the Anointed One, the Victorious Conqueror, risen from the dead and seated at the right hand of the Father!

If there’s an image Satan hates more than any other, it must be that image of Jesus, rising from the dead, stripping him forever of his authority, and openly displaying his defeat to all of heaven and hell. That’s the picture you need to keep in the forefront of your mind. Think about it until it’s etched into your heart so deeply that nothing Satan says or does can get it out of you.

That’s when the gifts of God will be established in your life. That’s when the devil won’t be able to talk you out of your inheritance with trials and tribulations. Keep in mind Jesus Christ, risen from the dead!

Scripture Reading: Hebrews 12:1-13

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: Be Not Anxious — Saturday August 19, 2017

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. — Colossians 3:16

Christians are to rejoice. To do that, you need only to think of the great things God has done for you. Then we are told not to be anxious, but in our prayers to make our requests known to God. In your biggest problems you have One to whom you can go; and before Him you can pour out your heart with the assurance that He will not leave you without an answer to that great problem. Then we are to fill our minds with those things that are good. They are mentioned in the Scriptures as being things that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, of good report, and of virtue. It is upon these things that we are to think. Live positively, not negatively. Once you learn that secret, God will have given you the victory.

Prayer for the day: You know what troubles me today, Lord Jesus. In faith, I give it all over to You and now praise You, knowing Your love will not fail.

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: One Flesh – Saturday August 19, 2017.

Matthew 19:5 “And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?”

MATTHEW 19:3-5

What does it mean for a man and a woman to become “one flesh?” The act of sexual intercourse between a man and a woman produces this one flesh relationship. Whether or not the man and woman ever cleave to each other in marriage; the physical act still binds them together as one flesh.

This is the reason that sexual relationships outside of marriage (whether extra-marital or pre-marital) are so damaging. Whether or not individuals get caught, pregnant or ever hurt anyone else with their sin, they are doing a lot of damage to themselves. There is a relationship that takes place through the sexual act that makes us one with that person. There is no such thing as just a “night on the town” or a “one night stand” and that’s all there is to it. Alcoholism, child abuse, hatred, and a thousand other things that are certainly wrong, are not grounds for divorce but fornication is. That shows that there is something very powerful that takes place in the physical act and explains why Satan has exploited this area so much.

Becoming one flesh with someone (sexual intercourse) is not marriage. Marriage includes, but is even beyond, becoming one flesh. This can be seen very clearly in John 4:17-18. Jesus said the woman He was speaking to at Jacob’s well had five prior husbands and the man she was currently living with was not her husband. It is certain that this woman was having sexual relations with the man she was living with but that didn’t make him her husband. Marriage involves more than sexual relations. It is a covenant or commitment between a man and a woman that corresponds to the cleaving to each other that Jesus spoke of here.

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: From Grief to Joy — Saturday August 19, 2017.

Read: John 16:16–22, Bible in a Year: Psalms 103–104; 1 Corinthians 2

You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. John 16:20

Kelly’s pregnancy brought complications, and doctors were concerned. During her long labor, they decided to whisk her away for a Cesarean section. But despite the ordeal, Kelly quickly forgot her pain when she held her newborn son. Joy had replaced anguish.

Scripture affirms this truth: “A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world” (John 16:21). Jesus used this illustration with His disciples to emphasize that though they would grieve because He would be leaving soon, that grief would turn to joy when they saw Him again (vv. 20–22).

Jesus was referring to His death and resurrection—and what followed. After His resurrection, to the disciples’ joy, Jesus spent another forty days walking with and teaching them before ascending and leaving them once again (Acts 1:3). Yet Jesus did not leave them grief-stricken. The Holy Spirit would fill them with joy (John 16:7–15; Acts 13:52).

Though we have never seen Jesus face to face, as believers we have the assurance that one day we will. In that day, the anguish we face in this earth will be forgotten. But until then, the Lord has not left us without joy—He has given us His Spirit (Rom. 15:13; 1 Peter 1:8–9).

Prayer: Dear Lord, we long to be in Your presence, especially when we face pain and sorrow. Yet You have not left us on our own. The Holy Spirit lives within us—and gives us joy.

One day our sorrow will be turned to joy!

Insight:

After Jesus told His disciples about His coming betrayal and death (John 13), they were discouraged (14:1, 27). Jesus comforted them with the promise of heaven and the coming Holy Spirit (14:1–21; 15:26–16:15). Like the pain a woman experiences in childbirth, their suffering was temporary (16:21). The baby that causes the pain also provides the occasion for celebration. Bible teacher Warren Wiersbe writes in The Bible Exposition Commentary: “God brings joy to our lives, not by substitution, but by transformation. In birth, God does not substitute something else to relieve the mother’s pain. Instead, He uses what is there already but transforms it.”

How has Jesus transformed your pain into peace, joy, and victory? Sim Kay Tee

This message was written By Alyson Kieda [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]