Topic: Don’t Rely On Experience! [Monday June 26, 2017]

In Genesis chapter 12, the Bible records that there was a grievous famine in the land of Canaan and Abraham went down to Egypt to sojourn there. In chapter 26, in the days of Isaac it says, “…there was a famine in the land, beside the first famine that was in the days of Abraham…” (Gen 26:1). Now, experience teaches that Isaac should do as Abraham his father did, and also go down to Egypt.

But the Lord said to Isaac, “…Go not down into Egypt; dwell in the land which I shall tell thee of: Sojourn in this land, and I will be with thee, and will bless thee…” (Gen 26:2-3). That is experience versus divine direction. Isaac sojourned and sowed in that land and despite the famine, he reaped a hundred fold in the same year. The Lord blessed him and he became very great until the Philistines envied him. Just for responding to divine direction. You know why divine direction is superior to experience? God knows the future; He sees the end from the beginning.

In Exodus chapter 14, the children of Israel took their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land and they came to the Red Sea. When they saw the Egyptians chasing after them, they began to murmur and complain but Moses cried unto God. And in verse 16, the Lord said to him, “…Lift thou up thy rod, and stretch out thine hand over the sea, and divide it…” Moses did as he was directed and the children of Israel went on dry ground through the Red Sea. In chapter 15, after three days journey in the desert, they came to Marah but they could not drink the water there because it was bitter and again the people murmured. Moses cried to the Lord and the Lord showed him a tree, which he cast into the water and it was made sweet.

Topic: Nothing But Christ [Monday June 26, 2017]

For I resolved to know nothing (to be acquainted with nothing, to make a display of the knowledge of nothing, and to be conscious of nothing) among you except Jesus Christ (the Messiah) and Him crucified. And I was in (passed into a state of) weakness and fear (dread) and great trembling [after I had come] among you. And my language and my message were not set forth in persuasive (enticing and plausible) words of wisdom, but they were in demonstration of the [Holy] Spirit and power.  — 1 Corinthians 2:2-4

I’ve tried to imagine what it would have been like to go to Corinth or other Greek cities at the time of Paul and try to speak to those wise, brilliant thinkers. After studying every parchment given to me, and gaining knowledge of all their arguments, I would have prayed for God to help me overcome their objections.

We don’t know what Paul did, but his answer is astounding. Instead of going after them with great reasoning and sharp logic, he went in exactly the opposite direction. He stayed in Corinth a year and a half, and many came to Christ because of him. Later, when he wrote 1 Corinthians, he said, “For I resolved to know nothing . . . among you except Jesus Christ (the Messiah) and Him crucified” (2:2). That’s amazing. If any man had the ability to reason with those Greeks and could show them the fallacies of their logic, surely that man was Paul. But, being led by the Holy Spirit, he chose a defenseless presentation—to let God speak through him and touch the hearts of the people.

Now, centuries later, I appreciate his approach—although I didn’t always feel this way. For a long time I wanted to explain and reason out everything, but when that didn’t work, I ended up feeling miserable.

I’ve always been curious, always wanted to know, and always wanted to figure out the answer. Then God began to work in my life. He showed me that my constant drive to figure it out caused me confusion and prevented me from receiving many of the things He wanted me to have. He said, You must lay aside carnal reasoning if you expect to have discernment.

I didn’t like loose ends, so I felt more secure when I figured things out. I wanted to be in control of every detail of every situation. When I didn’t understand or was unable to figure things out, I felt out of control. And that was frightening to me. Something was wrong—I was troubled and had no peace of mind. Sometimes, frustrated and exhausted, I would just give up.

It was a long battle for me because I finally admitted something to myself (God knew it all along): I was addicted to reasoning. It was more than a tendency or desire to figure out things. It was a compulsion. I had to have answers—and had to have them right now. When God was finally able to convince me of my addiction, I was able to give it up.

It wasn’t easy. Like people who withdraw from drugs or alcohol, I had withdrawal symptoms. I felt lost. Frightened. Alone. I had always depended on my ability to figure things out. Now, like Paul, I had to depend on God.

Too many people assume that relying only on God is something we do easily and naturally. It didn’t work that way with me. But God was gracious and patient with me. It was as if He’d whisper, You’re not there yet, Joyce, but you’re making progress. It’s uncomfortable because you’re learning a new way to live.

God wants us to be victorious—and I knew that all along. Now I walk in greater victory than ever before—and I no longer try to reason out everything before I act.

Heavenly Father, thank You for being so patient with me and people like me who feel we must have all the answers before we can act or trust. In the name of Jesus, help me to simply trust in You, knowing that You will give me what is best for my life. Amen.

Topic: Born Into Captivity? [Monday 26, June 2017]

Memorise: He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. – 1 John 3:8

Read: Exodus 1:8-12 (KJV)

8 Now there arose up a new king over Egypt, which knew not Joseph.

9 And he said unto his people, Behold, the people of the children of Israel are more and mightier than we:

10 Come on, let us deal wisely with them; lest they multiply, and it come to pass, that, when there falleth out any war, they join also unto our enemies, and fight against us, and so get them up out of the land.

11 Therefore they did set over them taskmasters to afflict them with their burdens. And they built for Pharaoh treasure cities, Pithom and Raamses.

12 But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were grieved because of the children of Israel.

Bible in One Year: Judges 21, Ruth 1, Jeremiah 52:24-34, Hymn: Sing hymn 4

MESSAGE:

While some people fall into captivity through traps set by the tempter, some others, like Joseph, are sold into slavery (Genesis 37:23-28). In some parts of Africa, when a child is born, both parents of that child or either one of them enter into a covenant involving that child and some deity or spirit-wife or husband. Such a child later grows up to find that he or she has been sold into slavery. There are many childless couples who go to some deities for help, because they can no longer wait on God to give them good children. This opens the door to satanic offspring in their lives. Later in life, such demonic children will become devourers of their resources and peace. May you never be so frustrated as to go to the devil for help! Satan’s ”help” is to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10).

Moreover, in today’s Bible reading, we understand that some people enter into slavery right from birth. When a pharaoh that did not know Joseph arose in Egypt and enacted new laws that made the Israelites slaves, every child that was born to them from that moment was born into slavery. In whatever way you have found yourself in captivity, whether by choice, design or by birth, there is deliverance for you today. The Great Deliverer is able and willing to deliver you. 1 John 3:8 says Jesus Christ was manifested in order to destroy the works of the devil. Captivity is the work of the devil, and he seeks to control and ruin lives by it. The predator runs the lives of his captives. When he wants, he whips them, pushes them into difficulties and mocks them while they struggle. He dictates what they become and where they will end. The fellow in captivity has virtually lost control over his or her life. You cannot be a captive and at the same time be free to serve God the way you want. One of the reasons why Jesus Christ came into this world was to make us free to serve God. Contained in the prophecy of Zacharias about the Lord Jesus Christ is this statement about His mission, in Luke 1:74-75:

”74 That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear, 75 In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.”

This is why you have to arise in anger today and rebel against any form of captivity you have found yourself in, and ask Jesus Christ to deliver you now. You shall be free today!

Prayer Point: In any way I and members of my family have found ourselves in captivity, we rebel and break away from it today!

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: Mother of Nations! (4)

Dear Reader,

You have been exposed to what makes you a mother of nation via God’s Word. First, your inheritance in God forbids unfruitfulness.  Also, you must stand against the wiles of the devil by taking a step of faith.

Your attitude which is very important in getting your desired miracle must change from sad to being joyful. I believe by now, your expectation is very high, and your desires shall not be cut off in Jesus’ name.

In this concluding part this week, I shall be considering this topic: Keeping my blessing. .  The Word of God says: Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate (Psalm 127:3-5).  Right from the period of your pregnancy, to the time of childhood upbringing, you must know that you are just a custodian of God’s heritage. I want you to have this understanding about your children:

Children are blessings from God: They are blessings to the family, and are unique blends of their parents.  It is important as a family, to understand this fact that children are given to us as part of our heritage; they are part of our inheritance in Christ Jesus.  It is important for parents to see them as part of their heritage from the Almighty God. In case you don’t have them yet, begin to imagine them as part of your blessings in Christ.  They are on their way, because God created you to be fruitful and He has pronounced you fruitful.

Children are gifts from God: We are made to understand from God’s Word that we are created in the image of God, then, those children as well are perfect picture of God. You are privileged to have them as gifts from Him. The Bible says: it can never by your making, children come as gift. These gifts are to be treasured.  You cannot buy them, you can only receive them with thanksgiving.

Children are not burdens: Quite a number of parents see their children as burdens.  When the children do something wrong, instead of standing up to their own responsibilities, they look at them as burdensome and troublesome.  Your perspective in life is very important. It determines what you eventually get. The Bible also says: For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he (Proverbs 23:7).

When you see a child as a burden in your life, that child will truly be a burden to you. Children are blessings from God.  I want you to change your perspective about your children.  See them, and look at them with your spiritual eyes as blessings of the Lord. The Word of the Lord says: The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it (Proverbs 10:22). Your children shall not add sorrow to you.  Maybe, you have children that are problematic or they are like “thorns” in your flesh, today, I pray that God’s power will reach them.  No matter how troublesome they are, God will turn their lives around for good in Jesus’ mighty name.

Children are assets: From the Scripture we started with, verse 4 says: As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of thy youth.  An arrow for the mighty man is an asset, a weapon of warfare to him. So, also are the children. In other words, children are assets, and blessings.  Verse 5 also says: Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.  God wants you to enjoy your children; they shall make you happy and not sorrowful in Jesus name.

Being born again is the gateway to fruitfulness. If you are yet to surrender your life to Jesus Christ, you can do so now. If you would want to give your life to Christ, you can say this prayer of faith: “Dear Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me my sins and cleanse me with Your Blood. Deliver me from sin and satan to serve the living God. I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Make me a child of God today. Thank You for accepting me into Your Kingdom.”

If you prayed this simple prayer, congratulations, you are now a child of God! He loves you and will never leave you. Read your Bible daily, obey God’s Word and seek Christian fellowship (John 14:21).

With this, you are guaranteed all-round rest and peace in Jesus’ Name!! Call or write, and share your testimonies with me through [email protected]; OR 07026385437 and 08141320204.

For more insight, these books authored by me are available at the Dominion Bookstores in all Living Faith Churches and other leading Christian bookstores: Marriage Covenant, Making Marriage Work, Building a Successful Home, Success in Marriage (Co-Authored) and You Shall not be Barren – David Oyedepo

Topic: Jesus Found Him [Monday June 26, 2017]

John 9:35 “Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when he had found him, he said unto him, Dost thou believe on the Son of God?”

John 9:35

It is one thing to seek God; it is quite another thing to have God seek you. Jesus sought this man out when others had forsaken him. The acceptance of Jesus is worth more than everything this world has to offer This is what enables the believer to endure and even leap for joy amidst persecution.

When our sufferings in Christ abound, then the consolation of Christ abounds much more. Notice that this man’s parents, who knew the truth, but refused to share it for fear of persecution, did not have Jesus seeking them out (Jn. 9:22). They chose the company of the hypocritical scribes and Pharisees, which is exactly what they got.

Even though the believer is redeemed and delivered from many afflictions that were a result of sin and its power, we are still called to partake in what the scriptures call the “sufferings or afflictions of Christ” (2 Cor. 1:5; Col. 1:24). However, these afflictions are not sickness and poverty as some religious teachings suggest. These afflictions are described as the “fellowship of sufferings” that the believer will encounter for doing the will of God, or the sufferings brought on by one’s allegiance to Christ.

Persecution for righteousness’ sake is not something that we can rebuke (2 Tim. 3:12). We must remember that as we live godly lives, suffering will follow. The Apostle Peter reminds us that these trials of our faith will result in praise, honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ (1 Pet. 1:7). Jesus’ comfort, strength, help, and love are ready to “overflow” into every “trial” that we face if we will only look to Him (Heb. 12:2).

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: Energy Under Control [Monday June 26, 2017]

You are controlled by your new nature if you have the Spirit of God living in you . . . — Romans 8:9 (TLB)

A harnessed horse contributes much more to life than a wild donkey. Energy out of control is dangerous; energy under control is powerful. God does not discipline us to subdue us, but to condition us for a life of usefulness and blessedness. In His wisdom He knows that an uncontrolled life is an unhappy life, so He puts reins on our wayward souls that they may be directed into the “paths of righteousness.” That is what God seeks to do with us; to tame us, to bring us under proper control, to redirect our energies. He does in the spiritual realm what science does in the physical realm.

Science takes a Niagara River with its violent turbulence and transforms it into electrical energy to illuminate a million homes and to turn the productive wheels of industry.

Prayer for the day: Direct all my energy, Father, so that I may be a blessing to others.

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: Take a Stand Against Strife [Monday June 26, 2017]

The beginning of strife is as when water first trickles [from a crack in a dam]; therefore stop contention before it becomes worse and quarreling breaks out. – Proverbs 17:14, The Amplified Bible

Throughout the Scriptures, God warns us about the danger of strife. Yet, it’s still one of the most common problems among believers. We let it get into our homes, our workplaces, our churches…everywhere!

Of course, we don’t purposely let it in. We don’t wake up in the morning and say, “I think I’m going to stir up some major strife today.” We just inadvertently let it slip up on us one minor irritation at a time.

So, I urge you today to take a big stand against those little opportunities for strife. If you have a tendency to let things irritate you, decide to overcome that tendency. Arm yourself against them with the knowledge that this world isn’t perfect, that there are people in it who aren’t going to be nice to you. There are people who are going to stir you up and annoy you—on purpose or by accident.

Make up your mind that, by the power of God, you’re not going to let them get your peace. That peace is so important to your well-being. It will keep your body healthy. It will keep your relationships healthy. It will put you in a place where God can guide your steps and save you from some very grave mistakes.

If you’ve spent a lifetime getting your feathers ruffled over every little thing, it may take a while for you to break that habit. You may have to work at it a moment at a time. But you can do it.

I know. I had to do that where worrying is concerned. I’d worried for so many years and had come from such a family of worriers that I did it almost without thinking. When I learned worrying was contrary to the Word of God, I had to give it up one minute at a time. With the help of the Holy Spirit, every time a worried thought would come to me, I would overcome it with the Word of God. And I did that until I broke that worrying habit for good.

You can do the same thing with strife. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you start to notice and overcome it one moment at a time. Then, every time you start to get upset about something, rebuke that strife in the Name of Jesus and resist it. Say right out loud, “I am walking in the peace of God today.”

You’ll be surprised how much more wonderful living can be.

Scripture Reading: Matthew 5:21-26,43-48

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: The Products of The Anointing [Monday June 26, 2017]

Scripture: Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah. 1 Samuel 16:13.

Thought For The Day: The Anointing makes a person standout even in the face of confrontations.

The Anointing has been defined as the resident Presence of God on a man’s life.

Yesterday, we saw that apart from taking a person from the background to the forefront, the Anointing also gives worth and relevance to a person.

Today, we shall look at the products of the Anointing. This is important because understanding the products of the Anointing ignites the passion for the anointing.

Now, what are the products of the Anointing?

1. The Anointing gives acceptance in place of rejection

The Anointing of God is an “attractant.” It carries a magnetic power that has the ability to make a person gain acceptance in place of rejection.

For instance, before David was anointed, he was a victim of rejection. But after he was anointed, those who neglected and rejected him accepted and celebrated him.

2. The Anointing gives distinction in the midst of opposition

The Anointing of God colours a person’s life despite opposition; it shows the demarcation between the best and the rest of people. The Anointing makes a person standout even in the face of confrontations.

Beloved, I counsel you to crave the continuous outpouring of the Anointing of God on your life.

Remember this: The Anointing makes a person standout even in the face of confrontations.

Assignment(s):

1. Ask God for fresh release of the Oil of the Holy Spirit.

2. Always pray in the Holy Ghost.

Prayer: LORD, I ask for the grace to pray in the Holy Ghost daily. Help me, LORD, to maintain Your Presence daily, in Jesus’ Name.

FOR FURTHER UNDERSTANDING, GET THIS MESSAGE: THE POWER OF THE ANOINTING.

Amazing Fact: The 2006 census in USA found Nigerians to be the highest educated, ethnic or racial group in America.

Today In History: 26/06/1976 – After 162 years under British rule, the Seychelles Islands achieved independence.

Daily Reading: 2 Kings 9:14 to 10:31, Acts 17:1 to 34, Psalm 144:1 to 15, Proverbs 17:27 to 28.

Quote: The Presence of God opens the door and commands all kinds of blessings. Culled from 30 SECRETS TO THE TOP by Dr Paul Enenche.

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: Riches As Impediment [Monday June 26, 2017]

Text: Luke 18:18-30

Key Verse: “And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God” (Luke 18:24).

In this world, it is not what we take up, but what we give up, that makes us rich. Therefore, material riches without Christ can be hurtful to them that possess them. This was the plight of the young rich ruler, according to our text, who craved for an intimate relationship with Christ, which, obviously, was not out of place. At first, the young ruler called Jesus the good Master, an unusual appellation for any man.

For those who are not regenerated, they would appreciate it because they liked to be flattered and their ego to be massaged. But that was not for Christ. The ruler asked Jesus what he would do to have eternal life, which was a genuine desire. But when Jesus told him to sell all his possessions and give the money to the poor, the young ruler felt sad. This, obviously, would have made him not to have wealth on earth but to be rich in heaven.

This, however, was a specific rule for him, but not a general principle for everybody. The general principle for everyone is not to allow anything to take the place of God in our lives, which means that we cannot trust in wealth or anything else. But Jesus’ instruction would have led the man to a high level of consecration, which would have earned him higher rewards. The fact is that God rewards people according to their level of consecration.

But the young ruler was not ready for it. Today, some people have the desire to come to Christ. Yet, they find it difficult to do away with things that will become a stumbling block to their salvation. They cleave to the world and show little enthusiasm for Christ. What a pity that such people will enjoy the transient pleasures of the world, but miss the unfading glory of heaven.

Thought for the day: The quest for riches darkens the sense of right and wrong.

Bible Reading in one Year: Zephaniah 1-3

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.

A Promise For You From Bible Promises:

Topic: He Keeps The Repercussions Away [26/06/2017]

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10. Read: Jn 10:1-10

In those days, when we want to get animals that are disturbing our farm produce, we get a trap, dig the earth, place in the trap, cover it up with leaves. In front of the trap, we place attractive bait on it and leave. Innocently, the animals walk in, seeing attractive food begin to eat with haste, suddenly, the trap closes up on it and it becomes a meat to the farmer.

Invariably, the devil acts the same way like the farmer. He keeps away the repercussions of what he is offering his innocent victim and make the bait so attractive. Whatever the devil offers has hidden and deadly repercussions. He does not give anything for free, he also collects a price for all his gifts and such price is nothing but the soul of his victims. Don’t patronize the devil for anything because he has nothing good to offer anyone. Jesus called him a thief and the father of all lies and liars. Only the good shepherd – Jesus can give you all things just as He gave up His life for the life of us all. Patiently wait on God for your miracle and don’t patronize the devil for anything. God loves and passionately cares for you and every of your needs. Oh yes, He cares.

#BiblePromisesPrayer

* Father, the grace not to be enticed by the baits of the enemy, grant unto me in Jesus Mighty Name

* Help me to wait on You for every of my needs in Jesus Mighty Name