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

Topic: Very Good! [Monday June 26, 2017]

Read: Genesis 1:24–31, Bible in a Year: Job 5–7; Acts 8:1–25

Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was very good! Genesis 1:31 nlt

Some days seem to have a theme running through them. Recently I had one of those days. Our pastor began his sermon on Genesis 1 with two minutes of breathtaking, time-lapse photography of blossoming flowers. Then, at home, a scroll through social media revealed numerous posts of flowers. Later on a walk in the woods, the wildflowers of spring surrounded us—trilliums, marsh marigolds, and wild iris.

God created flowers and every other variety of vegetation (and dry ground to grow in), on the third day of creation. And twice on that day, God pronounced it “good” (Gen. 1:10, 12). On only one other day of creation—the sixth—did God make that double pronouncement of “good” (vv. 25, 31). In fact, on this day when He created humans and His masterpiece was complete, He looked over all He had made and “saw that it was very good!” (nlt).

Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was very good! Genesis 1:31 nlt

In the creation story, we see a Creator God who delighted in His creation—and seemed to take joy in the very act of creating. Why else design a world with such colorful and amazing variety? And He saved the best for last when He “created mankind in his own image” (v. 27). As His image-bearers we are blessed and inspired by His beautiful handiwork.

Prayer: Dear Creator God, thank You for creating the world in all its beauty for our enjoyment—and Yours. Thank You too for making us in Your image so that we would be inspired to create.

All creation bears God’s autograph.

Insight:

Do we sometimes get lost in thinking about all that is wrong with the world? When we do, remember how the God of creation asked a man named Job to consider what the wonder of all nature is saying to us about His goodness and wisdom (Job 38:1–42:6).

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

A Promise For You From Bible Promises:

Topic: It Shall Not Endure Forever [25/06/2017]

But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. 2 Peter 3:7. Read: 2 Pet 3:5-11

From scriptures, we understand that God destroyed the earth and its inhabitants with flood that lasted on earth after one hundred and fifty years. Gen 8:3. And every living thing that had the breathe of life in them died. Businesses, mighty edifices, synagogues, embezzled funds, hoarded goods (that could have been given to the hungry) even perished. From the book of Genesis and other books of the Bible, we understand that the earth cannot endure forever, everything in it shall perish in time to come.

Holy Spirit through apostle Peter has spoken to us about what will happen to this present planet called Earth we live in now. He said, it shall be burnt with fire because, right from the beginning, it has been reserved for fire. Therefore, it’s wisdom to be careful not to lay your treasures upon uncertainty. If all your treasure is on earth, at the end, you will not only lose everything, also your soul would be lost. The earth is temporary so also everything on it. The only thing you and I can take out of the world is godliness and a life well lived for Christ. This only guarantees eternal life. Beloved, nothing on earth is worth dying and fighting for, don’t be greedy for gain, wait on God’s blessings and use it for His glory.

#BiblePromisesReflection

*For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 1 Timothy 6:7

Topic: It Takes Grace To Run The Race! (Part 3) [Sunday June 25, 2017]

You need to have more value for the grace of God in your life because those who do not appreciate the place of grace end up in disgrace. Paul the apostle wrote more about grace than all the other apostles, because compared to them, he was the ‘the least’. He said, ”…I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them-yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me” (1 Cor 15:9-11NIV).

In order to operate beyond the realms of human smartness, skill and intelligence, you need to exceed your size. And this is only possible with the grace of God. Grace is the size of God. When you have grace you have God and whatever cannot stop God will never be able to stop you. Pray that the grace of God will not fail you, all the days of your life, in Jesus name.

Mediate on these: Ecclesiastes 9:11, Zechariah 4:6-7

Topic: Follow God’s Leading [Sunday June 25, 2017]

Roll your works upon the Lord [commit and trust them wholly to Him; He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will, and] so shall your plans be established and succeed. — Proverbs 16:3

Trying to figure everything out before you obey God will steal your joy. God doesn’t have to answer you when you ask, “Why God, why?” Trust means that you won’t always have 11 answers when you want them. Sometimes you just have to get to the other side of a situation to see the whole picture of what God is doing in your life.

God may be trying to separate you from some influence in your life that is keeping you from receiving the better plan He has for you. He may be “pruning” you to encourage new, healthier growth (See John 15:1-8). Use uncertain times to demonstrate your faith by trusting Him.

Topic: Be An Intercessor [Sunday June 25, 2017]

Text: Amos 7:1-6

Key Verse: “And it came to pass, that when they had made an end of eating the grass of the land, then I said, O Lord GOD, forgive, I beseech thee: by whom shall Jacob arise? for he is small” (Amos 7:2).

We are often consumed by our own needs and desires that we shut our eyes to the experiences of people around us. Yet, were we to pause and ponder over their situation, we would realise that compared to them, what we consider giant problems quickly pale into insignificance. We are thus, compelled by those dire circumstances to intervene on their behalf.

Such is the responsibility every believer should assume, as intercessors. The Lord had twice shown Amos a vision of the impending judgment against Israel. He showed him two images here, one, of insects and two, of fire. These were pictures of ordinary things that were familiar to the Israelites and therefore, needed very little elaboration.

The message should be plain enough to the general public and easy for them to understand and assimilate. For their sinful practices, God was going to unleash a swarm of grasshoppers to consume all their vegetation, including food crops. Also, God was to light up a great inferno to consume large swathes of their territory. On each occasion, Amos intervened, pleading for forgiveness and mercy from the Lord. And quite remarkably, the Lord hearkened to his pleas, both times. Bad things happen when good people look away. This should not be the case for believers. God has clearly pronounced an eternity of suffering and doom for all sinful people. If we remain indifferent, this certain fate will befall them. But we can step in and plead for mercy from the Lord.

We can also take the gospel message of God’s love and Christ’s sacrifice to them. We can plead with God to soften their hearts to receive the good news of free salvation for all and to experience a change of life. This is the greatest responsibility we have before God and to man.

Thought for the day: The silent voices of intercessors ring loudest in heaven.

Bible Reading in one Year: Habakkuk 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.