Topic: A Legend in Your Own Mind [Tuesday July 18, 2017]

For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. – Romans 12:3

Do you want to know one of the secrets of staying in the will of God, of keeping yourself from getting off track?

Don’t overestimate yourself!

Proverbs 16:18 says, “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.” How many times have we seen that borne out! How many times do we see believers get into trouble because they get an overblown idea of themselves. They begin to think they’re so smart that they have it all figured out.

Then, the next thing you know, they’re thinking they have to straighten everyone else out. Instead of just letting Jesus be Head of the Church, they feel like they have to step in and do the job.

Once that happens, it’s just a matter of time before they’re flat on their faces in failure. Why? Because the Bible says God resists the proud (1 Peter 5:5).

Don’t put yourself in a position where God has to resist you. Rate your own abilities soberly. Adopt an attitude of humility. Keep a watch on yourself, and when you catch yourself getting puffed up with your own greatness, repent and remember that every good thing you enjoy and every bit of success you’ve had has come by the grace of God and by His power.

Look back on your life and see how many times you could have lost what God had given you. See how many times, when you were floundering around making every mistake imaginable, His tender and precious mercy pulled you through.

Don’t become a legend in your own mind. Instead, humble yourself beneath the mighty hand of God, and let God do the exalting—that prevents some very painful falls.

Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 5:5-7; James 4:6-17

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: Function in His Abundant Grace [Tuesday July 18, 2017]

“Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 2:1 (KJV)

In-spite of the contrary news about the economy filtering through the news media on a daily basis, I want to encourage you to lean on God’s abundant grace and mercy. Like I have said over and over again, your real strength is that grace will work for you and not the socio-economic postulations and theories of men. If you take a look at what is happening around, you will see that everything is spiraling downwards. And that is because the best of men are still men. No matter how brilliant and sincere they are, they are still men because they are subject to limitations.

Don’t ever be discouraged about the happenings and events around you. Like I have always said and it bears repetition, this is the best time for God to reveal Himself in the lives of His elects. If God was to manifest Himself when everything is working well, people will explain it off. So He waits for a time when men no longer have the answers, to reveal His glory through His people. That is why the Apostle Paul says you should hold fast to the profession of your faith. In other words, hold on to what you have believed and don’t allow circumstances derail you. Things might look tough, just hold on fast. They may look like they would never work, lean on His grace and He will see you through.

I charge you according to the words of God, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. Function in the grace that you have received. Work in that grace. Live in that grace. Allow that grace sustain you. Go to bed and stop the struggle. God is waiting on you to enjoy what He had already made available to you in Christ Jesus. He has it all figured out. Before the challenges you see today came on the scene, God already had the answers. You will not be stranded. God will bless you and cause you to have sufficiency in all things.

Further Reading: Hebrew 4:14-16, 10:23

Daily Bible Reading: Morning- Psalms 20-22; Evening- Acts 21:1-17

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: No Excuses [Tuesday July 18, 2017]

Luke 12:48 “But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.”

LUKE 12:45-48

This verse is one of the clearest references in scripture about varying degrees of God’s judgment according to the knowledge of the person who committed the sin. The whole chapter of Leviticus 4 is written to deal with sins committed in ignorance. Jesus said in John 9:41, “If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth.”

Also, Romans 5:13 says, “sin is not imputed when there is no law.”

Paul said, in 1 Timothy 1:13, that he obtained mercy because he had sinned “ignorantly in unbelief.” The sin he was speaking of was blasphemy, which Jesus taught was unforgivable if done against the Holy Ghost. Therefore, we see that ignorance in Paul’s case entitled him to a second chance. If he would have continued to blaspheme after he saw the truth, he would surely have paid the price. This is not to say that a person who doesn’t have a complete revelation of God’s will is innocent regardless of his actions.

Leviticus 5:17 makes it clear that an individual is still guilty even if he sins through ignorance. Romans 1:18-20 reveals that there is an intuitive knowledge of God within every person to the degree that they even understand the Godhead. This same chapter goes on to explain that people have rejected and changed this truth, but that God did give it and they are without excuse.

No one will be able to stand before God on judgment day and say, “God is not fair.” He has given every person who has ever lived, regardless of how remote or isolated they may have been, the opportunity to know Him.

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: Enjoy Believer’s Companion [Tuesday, 18th July 2018]

…enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts. 2 Timothy 2:20

The people we spend quality time with have huge influence on the kind persons we will turn out to be. We all know what social influence is and how it shapes, not only our social life, but other levels of interaction. Social influence starts from the family down to other levels of social contact. While it is impossible not to come in contact with people who do not know the Lord and would want to influence us in a negative way, we must understand that the people we should spend quality time with are “those who call upon the Lord with a pure heart” (2 Timothy 2:20).

The Bible never said we shouldn’t have engagements with those who are not believers. Jesus Christ spent time, and even ate with those considered as infidels, when He was on earth. But he had His companions, His disciples and it was with them He spent quality time. Being with believers like you brings joy to you, especially when you share God’s Word and pray together. It is something to cherish. It doesn’t just stop in studying and praying, it goes beyond that. They share in your dreams and aspirations, inspire you to achieve what the Lord has laid in your heart, no matter how daunting it might seem to the optical eyes.

When you enjoy something you want to have it all over again and again. This should be our experience. Enjoy the companionship of believers. Some believers would rather not relate with their fellow believers. No matter what the cause might be, it is not the right thing to do. Enjoy their company, set up meeting time outside the normal church meetings. Go out together to fun places, go to picnics, retreats, parks, conferences, etc, with your fellow believers. Remember, “let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near” (Hebrews 10:25).

Keep winning daily.

Wise Action:

Take time out of your busy schedule, during weekends, spend time with your fellow believers. Discuss about life in general, have some fun together. Study the word and pray together. Make it an enjoyable time that will make you want to keep doing it over and again.

A Promise For You From Bible Promises:

Topic: Peace Through His Word [18/07/2017]

Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them. Psalm 119:165. Read: Psalm 119:161-168

In this world, you will have enough troubles to live with because it’s controlled by the trouble maker – the devil. But in God’s Word, you will find unlimited peace of   to live with in this troubled world. Troubled world notwithstanding, you can still live peaceably. The Word of God is Jesus Christ and He is the Prince of Peace just as He is the Prince of life. Isa 9:6, Ac 3:15. The Word of God offers you peace like a river which passes all understanding. Everyone that desire to be peaceful in this troubled world must take seriously the intake of the Word of God.

The psalmist understood this secret, hence he said, Princes have persecuted me without a cause: but my heart standeth in awe of thy word. I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil. This means, no matter what I am going through, your Word is ever before me. No circumstances can take your Word from me because it is the rejoicing of my heart. You must love God’s Word and study it daily for your daily peace of mind in this daily trouble world. The devil would never be tired of bringing countless troubles to you daily, you must not be tired to counter those troubles with God’s Word.

#BiblePromisesThought

* Those who love and tremble at God’s Word enjoy great peace and offends them.

Topic: Beyond Labels [Tuesday July 18, 2017]

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

A church in my city has a unique welcome card that captures the love and grace of God for everyone. It says, “If You Are A . . . saint, sinner, loser, winner”—followed by many other terms used to describe struggling people—“alcoholic, hypocrite, cheater, fearful, misfit . . . . You are welcome here.” One of the pastors told me, “We read the card aloud together in our worship services every Sunday.”

How often we accept labels and allow them to define who we are. And how easily we assign them to others. But God’s grace defies labels because it is rooted in His love, not in our self-perception. Whether we see ourselves as wonderful or terrible, capable or helpless, we can receive eternal life as a gift from Him. The apostle Paul reminded the followers of Jesus in Rome that “at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly” (Rom. 5:6).

The Lord does not require us to change by our own power. Instead He invites us to come as we are to find hope, healing, and freedom in Him. “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (v. 8). The Lord is ready and willing to receive us just as we are.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your amazing love in Jesus.

God’s forgiveness defies our labels of failure or pride.

Insight:

The biblical solution for those who feel alienated from God because of their sin is clearly addressed in today’s reading. Paul tells us that the sinner can be reconciled to a holy God because of the sacrifice of Christ the Righteous One on the cross. Now our sins can be transferred to Him in exchange for His righteousness. Our Lord is ready to receive us just as we are.

Have you trusted Christ to forgive your sin and give you the gift of eternal life? Dennis Fisher

This message was written By David C. McCasland [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]

Topic: Walk Uprightly [Tuesday July 18, 2017]

Text: Psalm 101:1-8

Key Verse: “I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart” (Psalm 101:2)

A business friend invited Dr. Walter Wilson to attend an event which was confessedly not proper for a Christian. “Thank you” said Dr. Wilson, “I’ll be there; and may I bring my friend with me?” “Of course , you may – by the way, who is your friend?” “He is the Lord Jesus Christ,” said Dr. Wilson. “Well” came the reply, “I don’t think that He would enjoy the party.” “If He wouldn’t enjoy it, neither would I. I must respectfully decline your invitation”, said Dr. Wilson.

In the text, David, in his song of praise, acknowledged God’s mercy and judgment. He vowed to behave himself wisely in a perfect way, as he expected the coming of the Lord. To achieve this, he would walk with a perfect heart, set no wicked thing before his eyes, hate the work of backsliders, depart from frowardness, dissociate from slanderers and the proud, the deceivers and all evildoers. Instead, he would befriend the faithful and the righteous.

Many believers who had been consecrated like the psalmist, are finding it difficult to sustain their consecration to walk in the integrity of their hearts. Due to the prevailing economic crunch the world over, it is common to find people making friends with unbelievers, spending too much time on the computer, cell phone, Internet to the detriment of their prayer lives and the study of the Bible. Others are now more concerned with what they view on television and tubes; they also participate on social media commentaries. This usually takes a toll on the believer’s relationship with the Lord and service to Him. You need to renew your consecration and avoid stains on our garment, if you do not want to miss the Rapture and perish with the people who are making carnal, human and fleshly choices today.

Thought for the day: He who is thoroughly focused on God, will not walk in darkness.

Bible Reading in one Year: Exodus 5-7

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: The Tragedy of Bitterness [Tuesday July 18, 2017]

Scripture: And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men. – Acts 24:16

Thought For The Day: People you assisted may try to resist you but you have to make up your mind not to be embittered into hell.

I heard the story of a woman of God who had preached for about 33 years. One fateful day, she came home and caught her husband in adultery. Shocked, confused and angry, she carried a gun, shot her husband, shot the woman she caught with him and shot herself.

What a waste of a whole lifetime! Three people arriving in hellfire at the same time. Thirty-three years of ministerial labour wasted because of anger and bitterness.

Afterwards, someone who saw a vision of hellfire saw all three of them in hell, and their quarrelling continued even in the midst of the fire.

Beloved, offence is a luxury that we cannot afford; it is expensive. Whoever or whatever constitutes an offence in your heart is tampering with your faith, boldness and confidence in God.

I have experienced all manner of provocations and irritations from people but nobody is anointed by the devil enough to embitter me into hell.

Beloved, people you prayed for may turn against you. People you raised may try to erase you. People you assisted may try to resist you but make up your mind not to be embittered into hell. God will give you the grace, in Jesus’ Name.

Remember this: People you assisted may try to resist you but make up your mind not to be embittered into hell.

Assignment(s):

1. Clean your heart of every form of bitterness; forgive anyone who hurt you.

2. Ask God for a heart of love.

3. Guard your heart with the shield of God’s Word by studying the Word of God daily and consistently.

FOR FURTHER UNDERSTANDING, GET THIS MESSAGE: THE POWER OF A CLEAR CONSCIENCE.

Prayer: Father, help me to forgive whoever offended me or whoever will offend me. Give me the grace to maintain a clear conscience with You and with men, Lord, in Jesus’ Name.
Daily Reading: 1 Chronicles 26:12 to 27:34, Romans 4:13 to 5:5, Psalm 14:1 to 7, Proverbs 19:17

Quote: A life of bitterness leads to a life of torment. Culled from AM I BITTER? By Dr Becky Enenche.

Amazing Fact: A shrimp’s heart is in its head.

Today In History: 18/07/1968 – Intel was founded in Mountain View, California.

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: What About Your Household? [Tuesday 18, July 2017]

Memorise: One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; – 1 Timothy 3:4

Read: Acts 21:8-9 (KJV)

8 And the next day we that were of Paul’s company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him.

9 And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.

Bible in One Year: 2 Samuel 12:13; Ezekiel 10:20-11:13, Hymn: Sing hymn 16

MESSAGE:

Philip was a church planter, obedient, submissive to authority, had a servant spirit and was a man of good report. Beyond these, another valuable trait he had which made God use him mightily for signs and wonders is the fact that he was a man of total commitment to God. Philip served God, but it did not end with him alone; he ensured that his family members followed the same godly path. Like Joshua who declared to the children of Israel that he and his household had decided to follow the Lord alone (Joshua 24:15), Philip decided in a determined way that everyone in his household would serve God. In our Bible reading, we are told that he had four virgin daughters, who were all saved, filled with the Holy Spirit and operated in the gift of prophecy. This clearly shows us that he led his household in the way of the Lord. It also means that he was a good role model to his children. They saw how real the Christian faith was in the life of their father and they desired it. Do your children follow the Christ you claim to follow? Are you a good role model for them? Does your life attract them to become true children of God?

Joshua in Joshua 24:15 said,

“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

Contrary to this stance, it is very unfortunate that today, some parents make excuses for the lukewarmness or even godlessness exhibited by their children and wards. Such parents may say, “Sir, you don’t understand; my children are now in the university.” Are they implying that children in the university should not obey their parents anymore, or that such children are incapable of doing God’s will? Some will even say, “We believe that when it comes to the issue of faith, it should be voluntary.” Is it right if your children voluntarily go to hell? No way! No child should be left to take such a foolish decision! It is your duty to instruct your household after you in the way of the Lord. My biological children, who are now adults, can testify to how I raised them up. None of them dared to come late for morning devotion. If you were late, you would remain standing or be spanked. Joshua commanded his family to serve the Lord. No wonder he was able to command the sun to stand still and it did. If you can instruct your household to genuinely serve God, you will be able to command what God created, and they will obey you. Who is in charge of your home: you or your children?

Key Point: If you raise your children well to follow and serve the Lord, He will reward you, but if you don’t, He will judge you.

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.

Today’s Scripture: “And David said to his son Solomon, ‘Be strong and of good courage, and do it; do not fear nor be dismayed, for the LORD God–my God–will be with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you, until you have finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD’.”  – (1 Chronicles 28:20, NKJV)

Topic: He Will Complete It [Monday July 17, 2017]

Is there something you’ve been believing for, something you’ve been hoping for that’s taking longer than you expected? You might be tempted to just accept things the way they are. You might be tempted to think it’s never going to happen. If that’s you today, be encouraged because God is a finisher! He will complete what He’s started in you!

Your part is to believe. Your part is to keep your eyes on Him. When you believe, you have the Creator of the universe fighting your battles, arranging things in your favor, going before you, moving the wrong people out of the way. Don’t be intimidated by the size of a problem or the size of your dream! Don’t let circumstances convince you to stop believing. “Jehovah Jireh, the Lord our Provider, is still on the throne. One touch of God’s favor and you’ll go from barely getting by to having more than enough! Begin to thank Him and declare that God is at work. Declare that He is perfecting what concerns you. Declare that He will complete everything He’s started in your life!

A Prayer for Today: Father God, I thank You for completing every good work that You have started in my life. I choose to believe Your Word, even when things look impossible. I choose to believe that You are working behind the scenes and that You will bring victory and breakthrough to every area of my life in Jesus’ name! Amen.