Topic: Give It Up! [Friday July 21, 2017]

Unto You, O Lord, do I bring my life. —  Psalm 25:1

This is a very short but powerful verse. In fact it gives you the answer for your whole life: give it to the Lord.

This doesn’t mean you should bring Him just your worries and problems. It means bringing Him your entire existence and everything it entails. Grasping that truth will set you free from weariness and a feeling of wanting to give up.

I used to get worn out preparing for my meetings. I would get so intense about it and work so hard at making sure everything was right that I worked myself into exhaustion. Then I learned that all I have to do is give Him my life and everything in it. As we yield to Him, His peace fills us.

As you pray tonight, give your entire life to God and experience the freedom of knowing that whatever you face—good or bad—He has it under control.

Topic: Do Afflictions Swallow Your God? [Friday 21, July 2017]

Memorise: For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: – Job 19:25

Read: Job 19:23-27 (KJV)

23 Oh that my words were now written! oh that they were printed in a book!

24 That they were graven with an iron pen and lead in the rock for ever!

25 For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:

26 And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God:

27 Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me.

Bible in One Year: 2 Samuel 17-18; Ezekiel 12:21-13:7, Hymn: Sing hymn 1

MESSAGE:

Prophecies are great tools that God uses to intervene in the situations of His people’s lives. Every prophecy has certain conditions attached to it to trigger actualization. Knowing this truth, one particular year, when the Almighty God said that there would be an overflow in that year, I immediately realized that there was some work to be done. When he then asked us to fast for 100 days, I was not surprised. Undertaking such a task was not an easy one, but obedience to it produced a great harvest in joy, overflowing blessings and much more. This is your session of overflow of God’s blessings in Jesus’ Name!

In 1 Kings 17:8-16, when Elijah asked the widow of Zarephath to bring him some food, her response is worthy of note. 1 Kings 17:12a says,

“And she said, As the Lord thy God liveth, I have not a cake, but an handful of meal in a barrel, and a little oil in a cruse:”

In other words, she took a good look at Elijah and said, “I know your God”. Daniel 11:32 says if you know the Almighty God, you will be empowered to do exploits. ‘Exploits’ here refers to activities that are way beyond the ordinary. God is in the business of doing exploits. It takes God to turn the hideout of highway robbers into a beautiful godly city. It takes the God of exploit to construct the present auditorium at the Redemption Camp, even with its staggering cost. If you ever want to see exploits, you must know this God personally.

In addition, not only did this widow know Elijah’s God, she also declared Him to be alive. One of the most profound statements in the Bible was made by Job. In Job 19:25, he said:

“For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:”

At the time he said this, he was in a most distressing situation. Things were very bad indeed. He had lost all his wealth, property, children and even health. However, in spite of his ordeal, he still proclaimed that God was alive. Many people tend to believe that God is not alive or that He is not who He says He is, just because of the severe trials of faith they are facing. Problems can never take God away. He doesn’t cease to exist just because He has not answered your prayers. How much faith can you repose in God while going through difficult times? That is a true test of your character.

Action Point: Ask God to open more doors for us to reach the unreached countries with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

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: God’s Great Love For Us [Friday July 21, 2017]

John 10:25 “Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father’s name, they bear witness of me.”

JOHN 10:24-25

There were many ways in which Jesus already revealed who He was. His miraculous works certainly revealed who He was. Jesus had also clearly revealed that He was the Christ, both in the synagogue at His hometown of Nazareth, and when speaking to the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well.

Jesus, in His pre-existent state, was in the form of God. “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (Jn. 1:1).

Jesus was God, manifest in the flesh (1 Tim. 3:16). However, Jesus did not demand or cling to His rights as God, but laid aside His Divine rights and privileges in order to take the form of a servant and be made in the likeness of men. He further humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the Father, even to the point of death.

This was the supreme sacrifice that identified Jesus totally with humanity and enabled God to redeem mankind. By dying a criminal’s death upon the cross, Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament prophecy in Deuteronomy 21:23 and bore our curse in His own body. This redeemed us from that curse and opened wide God’s blessing of justification through faith in Christ and the promise of His Holy Spirit (Gal. 3:13-14).

Jesus left His state of being recognized and worshipped by all the hosts of heaven as the Supreme God to become a man who was despised and rejected. The Creator became the creation; the Lord became the servant; the Highest became the lowest. All of this was done because of God’s great love for us.

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: Talk vs. Action [Friday July 21, 2017]

Except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven. — Matthew 5:20

In a decadent society the will to believe, to resist, to contend, to fight, to struggle, is gone. In place of this will to resist, there is the desire to conform, to drift, to follow, to yield, and to give up. This is what happened in Rome, but it also applies to us. The same conditions that prevailed in Rome prevail in our society. Before Rome fell, her standards were abandoned, the family disintegrated, divorce prevailed, immorality was rampant, and faith was at a low ebb. As Gibbon said, “There was much talk of religion, but few practiced it.”

Prayer for the day: May I be worthy to bear the name Christian, Lord Jesus.

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: Instructions And Capacity [Friday, 21st July 2017]

And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes.  Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great fishes, an hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken. John 21:6‭, ‬11‬

We’ve always said of how, when God gives you an assignment, you need not use your own strength, as He will make His strength available to you (Romans 12:10). Another issue that comes up is the capacity to hold the blessings He’s given us. We’re all aware that it is one thing to get to the top rank, and another thing to maintain THAT SPOT. God doesn’t just want us to have blessings, He wants us to be able to keep these blessings we have, be it finance, influence or people.

While Christ was praying in John 17:12, He recounted how He kept the souls He received on earth. God wants that to be THE TESTIMONIES OF ALL OF US. Since, however, we are limited in both strength to get, and capacity to hold, how then can we keep what we have received?

The story in John 21 was of how Jesus instructed the disciples to cast their net, which they did, and they caught fish. Now scripture records in verse 11 that they caught a hundred and fifty THREE (153) big fish. It was expected that their net should break from such huge catch (remember Luke 5:6), but it didn’t . What was the difference? John 20:22 “And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost”. THEY had received the Holy Spirit, which gave them capacity to hold that which they were blessed with, that their net should not break.

We received the Holy Spirit upon salvation, and it is left to us to tap into the abundant capacity in Him, so we can retain that which the Lord has given to us. God doesn’t give instructions and blessings without making provisions for achievement and sustenance. Understand and accept this gift today, and live in full capacity that the Holy Spirit provides.

Keep winning daily.

Prayer:

Dear Father, thank You for Your thoughtfulness towards me. How you see all and provide all. Help me to yield to Your Holy Spirit, so I can have full capacity to experience Your blessings, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

By Esun Tekeme

Topic: The Key to Confidence [Friday July 21, 2017]

Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. – 1 John 3:21-22

You can never get away with disobeying God.

Some people think they can. They think that if no one finds out about it, it won’t hurt anything. After all, God is merciful. He’s not going to hold it against them, right? And if no one else knows…what’s the difference?

What they don’t realize is that their own hearts will start giving them problems. Their own hearts will start to condemn them. Everyone else may think they’re great. They may be spouting faith talk all over the place, but when they come before God in prayer, they’ll be filled with doubts and fears that keep their prayers from being answered.

That’s one of the reasons why it’s so important to live in obedience to the Lord. A life of obedience will give you a spiritual boldness you’ve never had before. It will give you a boldness in prayer, a boldness in faith. It will give you a confidence toward God, as the Apostle John says, that those who are trying to get away with sin don’t have.

I’m not saying that you have to be perfect—that you should never make a mistake. Just that you should walk in obedience to the light you have. Take the time to listen and be responsive to the Spirit of God. When He tells you to do something, do it.

As you do, that confidence will rise up within you. It won’t be something you mentally drummed up or talked yourself into. It will just be there. Instead of being consumed with doubts and feelings that the Word of God isn’t going to work for you, you’ll find yourself filled with faith that it will. You’ll begin to trust God and to flow with Him. You’ll come to a place the Bible calls “rest in the Lord.”

Remember this: Even though the eternal price for your sins has been paid, a life of disobedience will still cost you dearly. It will cost you the boldness that is rightfully yours in Jesus. It will rob you of faith and rock you with fear.

Don’t let the condemnation of your heart cut your confidence short. Do the things that are pleasing in God’s sight and walk tall in the kingdom of God.

Scripture Reading: 1 John 3:21-22

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: Hidden Riches Are Yours [Friday July 21, 2017]

And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I,the LORD, which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel.” – Isaiah 45:3 (KJV)

The more you look at what is happening around you today, the more convinced you might be to agree with the world and panic in search of a solution. But God has spoken, He has declared the end from the beginning, so do not panic. Stand firmly on the word of God. Be assured that God who has spoken is able to do all that He has promised.

One of His sure promises is to supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. However, like I always say, it will not fall on you like a bag of cherry. You have a part to play. When He said He will provide all your needs, it is not by dropping money from heaven, otherwise it will be counterfeit. Rather, it is by showing you the hidden riches of secret places as shown in our text today. There are hidden riches of secret places. There are resources yet to be tapped. God is able to open your eyes to areas yet untapped that will bring incredible wealth your way.

You need to get to work and ask God for specific directions. He said He will bless the work of your hand, so your hand cannot be empty and expect success. No! God has to bless something. The question is what are you doing? Sit down and be still in the presence of God. Receive instructions from His mouth. Let Him guide and direct you. And as you do, what eyes have not seen, what ears have not heard and what has not even come into the mind of men, will the Lord do for you. I have no shadow of doubt in my spirit that this year will be glorious for you. The light of God will shine all around you. He will throw His weight around on your behalf. You will end this year rejoicing.

Further Reading: Philippians 4:19, Psalm 1:1-3 Jeremiah 33:3

Daily Bible Reading: Morning- Psalms 29-30; Evening- Acts 23:1-15

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: Simply Forgive [Friday July 21, 2017]

Text: Luke 17:1-10

Key Verse: “Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him” (Luke 17:3).

Gregory Glenn Biggs, 37, lost his life in a bizarre and cruel way at the hands of an intoxicated driver named Chante Jawan Mallard. The accident found Biggs lodged in the windshield of Mallard’s car, who then proceeded to drive to her house, park the car in the garage, and left the man in the garage to slowly die.

Medical examiners found that, if Biggs had received medical attention, he would have survived. As outrageous as this true story is, it is even more outrageous that someone would forgive such actions. But, that is exactly what Brandon Biggs, Gregory Biggs’ son, did for Mallard. This is the height of offence – to kill another. It is also the height of love – to forgive. One teaching we have heard before, but which we are prone to forget, is the message on forgiveness.

Being humans, fellow human beings are liable to offend us. That is why Jesus states in the text that offences will come. When they do, He admonishes the offended to forgive the offender and not to keep a record of the wrongs. Generally, forgiveness is a decision to let go of resentment and thoughts of revenge. The act that hurt or offended you, might always remain a part of your life, but forgiveness can lessen its grip on, and help you focus on other more positive parts of your life.

Nearly everyone has been hurt by the actions or words of another. Perhaps your mother criticised your parenting skills, your colleague sabotaged a project or your partner spoke some unkind words in a moment of anger. These wounds can leave you with lasting feelings of anger, bitterness or even vengeance. If you do not learn to forgive, you might be the one who pays most dearly with emotional and attendant health issues, as it has been proven that most mental and physical health challenges are results of unforgiveness.

Thought for the day: Forgiveness begets physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.

Bible Reading in one Year: Exodus 17-19

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: Dressed Up [Friday July 21, 2017]

Read: Romans 13:11–14, Bible in a Year: Psalms 29–30; Acts 23:1–15

Clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 13:14

In her book Wearing God, author Lauren Winner says our clothes can silently communicate to others who we are. What we wear may indicate career, community or identity, moods, or social status. Think of a T-shirt with a slogan, a business suit, a uniform, or greasy jeans and what they might reveal. She writes, “The idea that, as with a garment, Christians might wordlessly speak something of Jesus—is appealing.”

According to Paul, we can similarly wordlessly represent Christ. Romans 13:14 tells us to “clothe [ourselves] with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.” What does this mean? When we become Christians, we take on Christ’s identity. We’re “children of God through faith” (Gal. 3:26–27). That’s our status. Yet each day we need to clothe ourselves in His character. We do this by striving to live for and to be more like Jesus, growing in godliness, love, and obedience and turning our back on the sins that once enslaved us.

Dear Lord, grow us in godliness, love, joy, and patience.

This growth in Christ is a result of the Holy Spirit working in us and our desire to be closer to Him through study of the Word, prayer, and time spent in fellowship with other Christians (John 14:26). When others look at our words and attitudes, what statement are we making about Christ?

Prayer: Dear Lord, we want to be a reflection of You. Help us to look more like You each day. Grow us in godliness, love, joy, and patience.

When others see us, may what they see speak well of the Savior.

Insight:

What does a well-dressed follower of Christ look like? Starting with verse 11 of Romans 13, Paul builds his case. Maybe he has a smile in his eyes as he thinks, “Hey, wake up you sleepy heads. It’s time to get up. Come on now. Wake up. The night’s about over. The sun’s coming up. It’s time to dress for the day rather than for the night” (see vv. 11–12).

At this point can you hear the emotion in Paul’s voice? Something like, “Come on now, I’m not kidding. Do you really want to be seen as a follower of Jesus dressed like that? Please now, ‘Do this’ for Jesus’s sake” (v. 11). Do what? He replies: “For you, I’ll say it again. Please, don’t hide who you are in Christ by wrapping yourself in self-centered desire. Clothe yourself in the ways of Jesus. Find in Him an honest concern for everyone who comes into your lives. Give yourselves and everyone you come in contact with a chance to see that a new day is dawning. It’s time to love others as Christ has loved us” (see vv. 8–12).

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

Topic: Tithe – The Converter of Promise to Blessing [Friday July 21, 2017]

Scripture: But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises. Hebrews 7:6

Thought For The Day: Possibilities become reality at the point of tithing.

Covenant intelligence is the correct and consistent application of covenant principles. It is what guarantees the blessing of God as promised in scriptures.

However, we live in a generation where many people lack covenant intelligence. They lack spiritual mentality, and as a result, they miss great virtues and blessings all the time. They cannot connect with the blessing because of the bankruptcy of covenant mentality.

On the contrary, Abraham demonstrated covenant intelligence. He thought it wise not to only answer ‘Amen!’ to the prayer of the blessing from Melchizedek; he gave Melchizedek the tithe of all, and Melchizedek did not ask why Abraham did it. No! He understood Abraham’s action. So, Melchizedek received the tithe from Abraham and the Blessing landed on Abraham.

Prior to that time, what Abraham had was the promises (Hebrews 7:6, Genesis 12:2) but he needed the promises converted to the blessing. As he gave the tithe to Melchizedek, the PROMISES became the BLESSING; his promises became reality.

It is like when a commercial bank gives cash to a man who presents a cheque. From Genesis 12, Abraham had been carrying the cheque (The promises); he needed the cash, so when he paid the tithe, the tithe converted the cheque (The Promises) to cash (The Blessings).

You see, Abraham had the possibility but the reality was not there. He needed Heaven to switch on the reality. It was not until he met Melchizedek with the right thing (Tithe) that he was blessed.

Beloved, possibilities become reality at the point of tithing; promises become blessings and potentials materialize by virtue of tithing.

Remember this: Possibilities become reality at the point of tithing.

Assignment(s):

1. Make tithing your priority immediately money enters your hand.

2. Ask God for the grace to be consistent in paying your tithe.

3. Expect Divine response anytime you pay your tithe. Tithe by scriptural revelation to facilitate physical manifestation.

FOR FURTHER UNDERSTANDING, GET THIS MESSAGE: THE PRIVILEGE OF SOWING AND TITHING.

Prayer: O LORD, I connect with the Blessing of tithing as I pay my tithe. Help me, LORD, to be consistent in tithing, in Jesus’ Name.

Daily Reading: 2 Chronicles 4:1 to 6:11, Romans 7:1 to 13, Psalm 17:1 to 15, Proverbs 19:22 to 23.

Quote: The tithe opens your hands to what God has in His Hands for you. Culled from, 21 UNCOMMON KEYS TO FINANCIAL OVERFLOW by Dr Paul Enenche.

Amazing Fact: A shark can detect one part of blood in 100 million parts of water.

Today In History: 21/07/1969 – At 02:56 UTC, astronaut Neil Armstrong became the first person to walk on the Moon.

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.