Topic: Be Like God [Friday July 14, 2017]

Therefore be imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father]. — Ephesians 5:1

We are taught in this Scripture to be imitators of God. So however God is, that is the way we should desire to be. God sees the desires of our hearts and will help us become more and more like Him in our behaviors.

Do you think God is sitting in the heavens today angry and crying and depressed? No, that is not God’s nature. God is joyful, and He is strong; therefore, we should imitate Him.

God is also merciful and slow to anger (see Psalm 103:8). If you become angry at people over an injustice, one way to get over it is to imitate God and choose to give them mercy—forgive them even if you don’t think they deserve it.

You and I can become more and more like God because His power and character are in us (see 2 Peter 1:3–4). Begin to imitate God in your life, doing what you believe He would do in situations, instead of what you feel like doing.

Power Thought: By God’s grace and through His power, I imitate Him. He is my example for how to live my life.

Topic: Jesus, The Wisdom of God [Friday July 14, 2017]

Luke 11:49 “Therefore also said the wisdom of God, I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them they shall slay and persecute.”

LUKE 11:46-49

This phrase “Therefore also said the wisdom of God,” is a part of Luke’s narrative and not the words of Jesus. Luke is saying that Jesus is the wisdom of God, a truth well-established in scripture.

There is no way to access the wisdom of God except through Jesus. Until a person receives Christ, he is missing the only source of true wisdom. Men and women are incapable of receiving the wisdom of God, but those who submit themselves to God have access to the wisdom of God on their own, through the Holy Spirit. We must be dependent upon the Holy Spirit to receive the wisdom of God in our lives.

A Christian who has not received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit can have some revelation knowledge, but it will be limited. One of the greatest evidences that an individual has received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit is the tremendous amount of God’s wisdom that becomes available to him.

The truths of the Gospel, and the power of God that these truths release, can only be imparted through the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Human wisdom, regardless of how eloquent it is, cannot convey the life of God. Much of the preaching of the Gospel today is done in man’s wisdom. It’s impressive to the carnal mind, but it leaves the spirit starving for the touch of God. The greatest need among ministers today is not to have more of the world’s education, but to receive the revelation knowledge of the Holy Spirit. Only words spoken by the Spirit of God can reach the spirit of man. Spiritual thoughts have to be spoken with spiritual words (1 Cor. 2:13).

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: We Are Called to Hook up with one Another [Friday July 14, 2017]

“For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us. – Ephesians 2:14.”

The scriptural text of today says he broke down the wall of partition. He drew the gentiles and the Jews and brought them together to make one body called the church. Now there is no bond, no free, no male, no female, no African, no American, no Briton, but from every tribe, tongue and nation, a new creation was formed called the church. That is why you must come to church with the aim of ministering to the person sitting next to you. Think how you can add value to that person. That is why David said, I am glad when they say let us go to the house of the Lord because when we go to the house of the Lord we come back blessed.

As believers, we are called to hook up with ourselves. Ministry is not only about preaching. It is about sitting by your brother or sister and telling him/her, I didn’t see you yesterday. Your coming today has completed my day. Practice this and you will never lack in life. Christianity is not meant to be self-serving but outgoing. That is why when Jesus was leaving he said “Go ye.” Go ye does not only mean to have a crusade or do soul winning. Go ye also means ministering to somebody. You have not chosen me, I have chosen you that you may bring forth fruits and that your fruits might remain. And whatsoever you ask I will give you. Can you see the link?

Don’t join those people in church today who are carrying stones not knowing that they have backslidden. Don’t join those who look out for those who will steal or commit fornication and then condemn them. We must grow beyond the level of saying I hope the choir will sing well, I hope the ushers will behave well or I hope the pastor will be there. What are you adding to make the church a blessing for somebody?

Further Reading:  John 15:1 – 17

Bible Reading: Morning- Psalms 10-12; Evening- Acts 19:1-20

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: Your Deadly Enemy [Friday July 14, 2017]

I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again…. – 1 Thessalonians 4:13

Many of us, even though we’re believers, have seen grief and sorrow as such a natural part of life that we haven’t even questioned them. In fact, if we’re honest, we’d have to admit there are times when we actually want to feel sad and sorry for ourselves.

Why would we choose to feel sorrow? Because sorrow has an emotional kick to it. It offers a surge of feeling that, in the beginning stages, is almost intoxicating.

But grief and sorrow are dangerous things. Several years ago God showed me that they’re not the innocent emotions we’ve thought they were. The forces behind these emotions are actually spirit beings sent by the devil himself to kill, steal and destroy.

They are a part of the devastating, satanic barrage Jesus took on Himself when He died on the cross (Isaiah 53). He bore grief and sorrow, so we wouldn’t have to. If they come knocking on your door, remember, they are not innocent emotions. They are deadly enemies that Jesus already carried away at Calvary.

Don’t live as those who have no hope. You’re a believer. You know that Jesus Christ died for you and rose again. That not only gives you hope where physical death is concerned, it gives you hope in every situation. Sorrow not!

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 51:11-16

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: Failure to Tithe – An Invitation to Devourers [Friday July 14, 2017]

Scripture: Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse…And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts. Malachi 3:10-11

Thought For The Day: Devourers are not permitted to eat up the fruit of your labour if you are a tither.

From our anchor scripture, we see that when a person is a tither, the fruit of his labour is not permitted to be wasted by devourers.

I heard a funny story of a lady who stopped paying tithe and afterwards, some mysterious rats ate up the electric wires in her car; those were devourers. Instances also abound of people who became regular patients in the hospital after they failed to pay their tithes. Some bought new engine for their cars only for the new engine to get knocked. They went ahead to buy another engine and had the same experience. There were others who paid house rent and unknown to them, the ‘Landlord’ was a fraudster. Those who refuse to pay their tithes only invite the activity of the devourer and things usually turn against them.

Failure to pay tithe is an invitation to devourers.

Beloved, devourers are not permitted to eat up the fruit of your labour if you are a tither. Your investment is not for fraudsters if you are a tither.

As you pay your tithe and remain consistent in tithing, the last time you lost money shall be the last forever. Miscarriage is not your portion; witches and wizards cannot resist or alter your destiny, in Jesus’ Name.

Remember this: Devourers are not permitted to eat up the fruit of your labour if you are a tither.

Assignment(s):

1. Whenever resources enter your hand, let tithing be the first thing you do.

2. Be consistent in tithing.

3. Ask God for direction before venturing into business/financial transactions to avoid the activity of devourers.

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

Prayer: O LORD, thank You for the privilege of bringing my resources into Your store house. As I give unto You LORD, let Your blessing overwhelm me. Rebuke every devourer around me, in Jesus’ Name.

Daily Reading: 1 Chronicles 16:37 to 18:17, Romans 2:1 to 24, Psalm 10:16 to 18, Proverbs 19:8 to 9

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: Starfish have no brains.

Today In History: 14/07/1911 – Harry Atwood, an exhibition pilot for the Wright brothers, landed his airplane at the South Lawn of the White House. He was later awarded a Gold medal from U.S. President William Howard Taft for this feat.

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: Face to Face [Friday July 14, 2017]

Read: Exodus 33:7–14, Bible in a Year: Psalms 10–12; Acts 19:1–20

The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend. Exodus 33:11

Although the world is connected electronically like never before, nothing beats time together in person. As we share and laugh together, we can often sense—almost unconsciously—the other person’s emotions by watching their facial movements. Those who love each other, whether family or friends, like to share with each other face to face.

We see this face-to-face relationship between the Lord and Moses, the man God chose to lead His people. Moses grew in confidence over the years of following God, and he continued to follow Him despite the people’s rebelliousness and idolatry. After the people worshiped a golden calf instead of the Lord (see Ex. 32), Moses set up a tent outside of the camp in which to meet God, while they had to watch from a distance (33:7–11). As the pillar of cloud signifying God’s presence descended to the tent, Moses spoke on their behalf. The Lord promised that His Presence would go with them (v. 14).

We can speak to the Lord as a friend.
Because of Jesus’s death on the cross and His resurrection, we no longer need someone like Moses to speak with God for us. Instead, just as Jesus offered to His disciples, we can have friendship with God through Christ (John 15:15). We too can meet with Him, with the Lord speaking to us as one speaks to a friend.

Prayer: Face to face! O blissful moment! Face to face—to see and know; face to face with my Redeemer, Jesus Christ who loves me so! Carrie E. Breck

We can speak to the Lord as a friend.

Insight:

Moses was described as privileged because he spoke with God “face to face” (Ex. 33:11). God affirmed this unique relationship a second time when he reminded Aaron and Miriam that “with [Moses] I speak face to face” (Num. 12:8). Four hundred years earlier, Abraham was called God’s friend (2 Chron. 20:7; Isa. 41:8; James 2:23). Validating His sacrificial love, Jesus says we are His friends (John 15:12–13).

Reflect on what it means to you that we have the privilege of speaking to God through prayer and sharing with Him as we share with a friend—our burdens, cares, and joys. Sim Kay Tee

This message was written By Amy Boucher Pye [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]

Topic — Foundation: How Strong? [Friday 14, July 2017]

Memorise: Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. – 1 Timothy 6:19

Read: Psalm 11:3-5 (KJV)

3 If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?

4 The LORD is in his holy temple, the LORD’S throne is in heaven: his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men.

5 The LORD trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth.

Bible in One Year: 2 Samuel 3-4, Ezekiel 7:23-8:6, Hymn: Sing hymn 16

MESSAGE:

The foundation of any building or structure is very important. According to Proverbs 22:6, if a child is given the right foundation, it will be easy for him or her to build on it and succeed in life. The question then is, what kind of foundation are you laying for your child or ward? Do you know that some parents are the ones who push their children into destruction? For instance, if you have a child whose Christian foundation is not solidly established and you send such a child into the society with liberal values, don’t be surprised to see the child follow ungodly lifestyle. For this reason, when you are considering tertiary education for your child, also put into consideration how that child will access spiritual growth in the institution you want to send him or her to. An ideal school should be able to satisfy the academic, moral and spiritual needs of a child. All these should be well balanced. A child’s foundation is laid from kindergarten to university, after which the child will be able to continue in the righteous path of his or her upbringing. Do your children have a solid foundation in Christ? Is their foundation strong enough to carry whatever will be built on it?

On the other hand, the strength of a child’s foundation is a function of several factors such as: the spiritual level of the parents, the values upheld in that family, the parents’ level of education, the financial resources available to the child, and so on. It is true that you cannot give what you don’t have. This invariably means that as parents, the more you invest in your spiritual life, the greater the chances of giving your children a more solid foundation. Children learn a lot by simply copying their parents. Many parents engage in certain unhealthy habits and their children are watching them. The laughable thing is that some parents who practice unwholesome habits even warn their children not to try such. To believe that their children will take them seriously is to engage in self-deception. Some men have girlfriends and their children are aware of this, but they beg them never to tell their mothers. Some even bring such ladies home and bribe their children to keep their mouth shut. How can such children ever grow up to become faithful to their spouses? The strongest legacy you can give your children is to live the kind of life you desire to see in them.

Prayer Point: Father, help me to lay a very solid foundation for every member of my family.

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 Deception of Learning [13/07/2017]

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15. Read: 2 Tim 4:12-16

A story is told about a father who wanted his son to learn boxing, he took him to a master of boxer to commence training. The master looked at the boy, knowing that he lacks patience, he took him to a tank of water and asked him to begin slap it. After a year of slapping the tank, he was discouraged and left with annoyance before the date agreed for his freedom. Why did you left, his father asked him? My master asked me to slapped a tank for the past one year without training. By the time he hit a plant with his fist, it broke into two. Only then did he knew that, he was actually being trained for the one year he slapped the tank.

Are you patient enough to stay on that vocation? Whatsoever you are doing now requires your corporation, it might not appear to be what you want now, keep doing it, when the time comes, the dividends will outweigh the pain. Are you doing something so tenaciously without adequate recognition? Don’t give up because your time of recognition is around the corner. Keep reading because every reader is a potential writer. Give yourself wholly to what you know how to do best, pour yourself in your gift and move on to perfection. Be encouraged like Pastor Timothy whom Paul told to give attention to reading. The deception of learning therefore is that, it will appear what you are learning or doing now is a waste of time. Don’t buy it because, the day you stop learning, that day you start to die gradually.

#BiblePromisesThought

* A generation of readers will breed a generation of writers.