Topic: The Place of Planning (Part 2) [Sunday June 18, 2017]

Remember, movement doesn’t equal progress, neither is noise taken for effect. It takes wise planning to be effective and productive in your endeavours, because planning eliminates sweat and struggles. The more you plan, the less you sweat as you pursue your goals and targets since energy is well directed and waste is eliminated. Yesterday, we looked at the first step in the process of planning, which is “sit down.” The next steps are:

COUNT THE COST!

Jesus said, “…Which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?” (Luke 14:28). So when you sit down, it is not to bury your head in your palms in worry and sorrow under the heavy burden of problems, but to “count the cost.”  You don’t sit down to look at the ceiling, you sit down to map out what is needed to accomplish the goal set before you.

To count the cost means to analyze. On the drawing board, you assess your expected goals on the scales of your present position and then set up strategies to balance them and meet up with your future. Simplify the problem by breaking it up into smaller ‘handlable’ pieces. One million may look enormous to acquire in a year but it’s only a question of about 83,000 in twelve months or 2,800 daily. This is how planning helps you to narrow down problems and solve them. Identify and appreciate what you have see what you can do with it to generate what you want.

Continue tomorrow with Part 3

Topic: A More Excellent Way [Sunday June 18, 2017]

And this I pray: that your love may abound yet more and more and extend to its fullest development in knowledge and all keen insight [that your love may display itself in greater depth of acquaintance and more comprehensive discernment]. — Philippians 1:9

When something abounds, it grows and becomes so big that it chases people down, overtaking and overwhelming them. This is how Paul prayed for the church—that love would abound. Then he said, “So that you may surely learn to sense what it vital, and approve and prize what is excellent and of real value” (Philippians 1:10).

It is very important to be a person of excellence—to do your very best every day in all you believe God is asking you to do . . . to do every job to the best of your ability. You can’t be an excellent person and not walk in love, and you can’t walk in love and not be an excellent person. To abound in love is the most excellent thing you can do.

Topic: It’s What You Tolerate [Sunday 18, June 2017]

Memorise: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. – 1 Peter 5:9

Read: Matthew 8:14-15 (KJV)

14 And when Jesus was come into Peter’s house, he saw his wife’s mother laid, and sick of a fever.

15 And he touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and ministered unto them.

Bible in One Year: Judges 7-8, Jeremiah 50:17-30, Hymn: Sing hymn 4

MESSAGE:

When Jesus came to Peter’s house in today’s Bible reading, He met his mother-in-law down with a fever. He touched her and she was healed instantly, and she then began to attend to their needs. This clearly tells us that Jesus does not tolerate sickness in our bodies. However, the question is, do you tolerate sickness? Some people are tolerant of things they should not accept. Tolerating sickness is telling that sickness that it is welcome in your body. Some people tolerate certain sicknesses that are traced to certain natural conditions. For instance, when a woman is pregnant, people expect her to go through morning sickness. While this is mild for some people, it can be very tough for some others. Nevertheless, if you know your rights as a spiritual Hebrew woman and stand in faith against any form of ill health, you will receive strength to go through pregnancy in good health and not in sickness. To do so, you must be strong in faith and tell sickness that it is not welcome because you have no room or space for it. 1 Timothy 2:15 says,

“Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.”

In other words, if you are truly a godly woman, you should not be taken down by the dangers of childbirth that affect ungodly women. Stand in faith and live holy, and your conception and delivery will be most pleasant!

In the same vein, some sicknesses are attributed to old age. An elderly man who was still quite active suddenly got up one day and realised he had difficulty walking. He tried some self-medication to no avail, and so he was taken to the hospital. The doctor examined him and told him his sickness was as a result of old age. He was advised to just manage it with certain medicines. There are some people whose eyesight fail them due to old age, even as early as 60 years old. For a child of God, you can stand in faith, resist such sicknesses and enjoy good health all through your life. At 120 years old, when it was time to go to be with the Lord, Moses still retained the strength of his youth (Deuteronomy 34:7). Caleb also retained his strength at 85 years old (Joshua 14:10-11). If you stand in faith, what affects others will not be able to affect you. If you refuse to resist these sicknesses, you will become a victim just like everyone else. The choice is yours.

Key Point: If Jesus has carried your pains and sorrows according to Isaiah 53:4, why are you still accepting to carry them?

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: Discover What Grace Can Do [Sunday June 18, 2017]

And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. – Acts 4:33

Most of us don’t have any idea what grace really is. Oh, we know some basic facts about it. We know we were saved by it (Ephesians 2:8). But we don’t even begin to understand the real power it can release in our lives now, today!

If you want to get a picture of what grace can really do, look at what happened to the early Christians in Acts 4. They’d been threatened by the religious leaders of Jerusalem and commanded not to speak or teach anymore in Jesus’ Name. So, they were praying about the situation.

Roughly, what they said was this, “Now Lord, we’ve been threatened, but we aren’t about to quit preaching and go hide out under some religious rug. Just turn the power up, give us boldness, and we’ll go on.”

Do you know what happened as a result of that prayer? Verse 33 tells us, “Great grace was upon them all.”

Great grace. Grace so powerful that when those believers received it, the whole building shook. Grace so great it enabled the apostles to work “many signs and wonders…among the people” (Acts 5:12).

That one story alone should be enough to convince you that grace is not just some abstract, spiritual state of mind. Grace is real. It’s powerful. It provides the supernatural power to make things happen!

Now, do you want to know something really exciting? The Bible says that same grace that was available to the early Church in Jerusalem is available to anyone who’s ever sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.

Thank God, that means you and I qualify!

If the devil’s been threatening you lately, follow the example of those early Christians. Get in prayer and say, “Lord, I don’t care what the devil and his bunch say, I’m not going to back down. I’m going to keep on talking and living by faith—and I’m going to do it boldly. So, just turn up the power!”

I guarantee, if you’re sincere about it, He’ll do it; and you’ll begin to discover what grace is really all about.

Scripture Reading: Acts 4:8-33

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: He Voice of God – Key to Becoming a Generational Voice [Sunday June 18, 2017]

Scripture: For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Matthew 3:3

Thought For The Day: Connection to God’s Voice makes you a voice in your generation.

God’s plan for His children is for them to become voices in their generation. God is looking for voices that He can speak through to correct the ills of this generation and establish righteousness on earth.

God wants you to be a voice in Ministry, academics, politics, science and technology, business, manufacturing, etc.

Our anchor scripture reveals that John the Baptist was a voice in his generation because God sent him and spoke through him.

Samuel was a voice for God in his generation. He was a prophet whose words never fell to the ground because of his access to the Voice of God, and as he heard God’s Voice, he too became a voice (1 Samuel 3:10). Other prophets of God in Scriptures like Elijah, Isaiah, etc. were voices in their generations.

In the same way, God wants to make you a voice in your generation.

Now, how does God make one a voice in one’s generation?

It is by accessing the Voice of God. Connection to God’s Voice makes you a voice in your generation. People must listen to you if you have a listening ear for God.

The world must hear the voice of the man or woman who hears God. Therefore, accessing the Voice of God is key to Divine direction and Divine direction is key to distinction and dominion on earth.

My counsel is, desire to be connected to God’s Voice always.

Remember this: Connection to God’s Voice makes you a voice in your generation.

Assignment(s):

1. Make up your mind to be a voice in your generation.

2. Pay the price of accessing God’s Voice.

Prayer: O LORD, make me a voice in my generation. Help me LORD, to access Your Voice, in Jesus’ Name.

FOR FURTHER UNDERSTANDING, GET THIS MESSAGE: MAXIMIZING YOUR LIFE.

Quote: You do not deserve answers until you ask questions. Culled from 30 SECRETS TO THE TOP by Dr Paul Enenche.

Daily Reading: 1 Kings 19:1 to 21, Acts 12:1 to 23, Psalm 136:1 to 26, Proverbs 17:14 to 15.

Amazing Fact: Elephant’s trunk can lift up a weight of up to 770 pounds! An elephant can hoist Ulambayaryn Byambajav, a 340 lbs (154kg) world champion sumo wrestler, like he was a bag of peanuts.

Today In History: 18/06/1986 – The House of Representatives votes to end US investment in South Africa.

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: Be On Your Guard [Sunday June 18, 2017]

Text: Matthew 13:24-30

Key Verse: “But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way” (Matthew 13:25).

During World War II, a most subtle and dangerous nuisance became prevalent in England – “the optimistic nuisance.” The false impression was created that the war was all but won because England was triumphant at that time on land, sea and in the air, but the nation was still confronted by an implacable foe. Recruiting fell off and many became lax. The department of state had to issue grave warnings to checkmate the erroneous impression that the war was drawing to a victorious end. The parable of Jesus under consideration in our reading today has a lot of lessons to teach the pilgrims on the way to glory land.

Those who wish to run the race successfully to the end without sustaining any injury or falling prey to the adversary need be wary of the enemy’s ploy to make them relapse into self-indulgence and unprofitable ‘rest’ along the way. Good seeds were sown by this man in his own field; he must have gone home to take a little rest after the rigorous exercise of cultivating the land and planting good seeds. Unfortunately for him, his enemy came at a period he was prone to fatigue, weakness, weariness and vulnerable to attack. God’s children are engaged in an incessant warfare.

Our adversary, the devil is an implacable foe. In our warfare, no armistice can be declared. It is hazardous for God’s children to cease to be watchful and wakeful just like a song writer penned: “O watch, and fight, and pray. The battle never give o’er; Renew it boldly every day, And help divine implore”. Believers must be on guard day and night against the plantings of the wicked ones that come in during the slumbering hours and carefree moments of relaxation, especially after spiritual exploits. The enemy is relentlessly looking for such opportunities to perpetrate his mischievous acts. You are the one to stay awake and watch over your life, family and territory.

Thought for the day: Anything can befall the slumbering Christian; therefore, please be at alert and watch!

Bible Reading in one Year: Job 39-42

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: A Perfect Father [Sunday June 18, 2017]

Read: Proverbs 20:3–7, Bible in a Year: Nehemiah 10–11; Acts 4:1–22

The righteous lead blameless lives; blessed are their children after them. Proverbs 20:7

My father once admitted to me, “When you were growing up, I was gone a lot.”

I don’t remember that. Besides working his full-time job, he was gone some evenings to direct choir practice at church, and he occasionally traveled for a week or two with a men’s quartet. But for all the significant (and many small) moments of my life—he was there.

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your faithfulness that I can always count on.

For instance, when I was eight, I had a tiny part in an afternoon play at school. All the mothers came, but only one dad—mine. In many little ways, he has always let my sisters and me know that we are important to him and that he loves us. And seeing him tenderly caring for my mom in the last few years of her life taught me exactly what unselfish love looks like. Dad isn’t perfect, but he’s always been a dad who gives me a good glimpse of my heavenly Father. And ideally, that’s what a Christian dad should do.

At times earthly fathers disappoint or hurt their children. But our Father in heaven is “compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love” (Ps. 103:8). When a dad who loves the Lord corrects, comforts, instructs, and provides for the needs of his children, he models for them our perfect Father in heaven.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your faithfulness that I can always count on. Please help me to live today in a way that leaves behind a legacy of faithfulness and love.

A life lived for Christ is the best inheritance we can leave our children.

Insight:

Proverbs 20:7 challenges parents to model righteousness. In contrast to earthly parents who may disappoint, however, our heavenly Father loves us perfectly. Psalm 103 describes God’s loving character and asks the reader to remember the gracious benefits He gives His people—forgiveness, healing, redemption, love, and compassion (vv. 3–5). These benefits are rooted in God’s character described in verse 8: “The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.” This verse reminds the reader of God’s own description of His character in Exodus 34:6: “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.” Ask God to help you model His faithful love to others.

This message was written By Cindy Hess Kasper [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]

Topic: Abraham’s Children [Sunday June 18, 2017]

John 8:37 “I know that ye are Abraham’s seed; but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you.”

John 8:33-38

The Jewish people were direct descendants of Abraham. However, as with so many biblical truths, there was much more to the Abrahamic covenant than what a casual glimpse would reveal. In truth, these Jews were not actually a part of the spiritual children of Abraham.

The Holy Spirit revealed through the Apostle Paul in Galatians 3:16 and 29 that God’s covenant was to Abraham and his singular “seed” or descendant, which was Christ. No one ever became an heir of God’s promises through his natural birth. Before Jesus gave Himself as an offering for our sin, the Old Testament saints were justified by faith in God’s promises concerning the Messiah who was yet to come. After Jesus’ death and resurrection, New Testament saints are justified by faith in what Jesus has already accomplished. No one has ever been saved because of who his parents are.

Those who have been born again through faith in Jesus have been circumcised in their heart (Col. 2:11-12) and are the true Jews. They aren’t Jews in nationality or religion, but they are the true people of God. Gentiles who are united with Christ in the new birth are now God’s people. Anyone who is saved through faith in Jesus is now Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise (Gal. 3:16, 22, 26-29). This leaves no doubt that the Church is now God’s chosen people on earth. This does not mean that God has forsaken the Jews. There are still prophesies which apply to the physical nation of Israel which will be fulfilled. However, the New Testament Church, composed of Jews and Gentiles, is now God’s kingdom on earth. We are all His.

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: Comfort in Mourning [Sunday June 18, 2017]

What a wonderful God we have . . . who so wonderfully comforts and strengthens us . . . — 2 Corinthians 1:3,4 (TLB)

The Bible teaches unmistakably that we can triumph over bereavement. The Psalmist said, “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” Self-pity can bring no enduring comfort. The fact is, it will only add to your misery. And unremitting grief will give you little consolation in itself, for grief begets grief. Sorrow, or mourning, when it is borne in a Christian way, contains a built-in comfort. “Happy are they that mourn; for they shall be comforted.” There is comfort in mourning, because we know that Christ is with us. He has said, “Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” Suffering is endurable if we do not have to bear it alone; and the more compassionate the Presence, the less acute the pain.

Prayer for the day: Thank You, loving heavenly Father, for the promise that when we mourn You will comfort us. I have felt the healing of Your consolation in the past and know You will never fail me.

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.

A Promise For You From Bible Promises:

Topic: Effective Minister [17/06/17]

Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. 1 Timothy 3:7. Read: 1 Tim 3:1-13

The twenty first century is the most blessed century with preachers who are eloquent in speeches and organized in presentations. It’s blessed with Churches with great edifices and dotted on every nook and cranny of the society yet we have more problems to deal with than the past centuries. You wonder why this is so. The Bible says, he that breaks the edge, the serpent will bite. Once the laid down rules are disobeyed, ministry ineffectiveness is inevitable.

From our Bible reading, the Holy Spirit through Paul outlined many qualities that qualifies a man to assume the post of a deacon. Yes, it’s God that qualifies the unqualified yet if we must be effective ministers in ministry, the above laid down rules must be adhered to strictly. Among others, the most powerful way to be an effective minister is to be the epistle and the Bible men read. 2 Cor 3:2. You must have a good report within (among your immediate family, friends, colleagues at your place of work) and without (strangers). When the above rules are strictly followed, we’ll be good ministers drawing men to God’s kingdom by our lifestyle.

#BiblePromisesThought

* Stop crucifying Jesus the second time with your lifestyle, rather, let your life be the one that draws men to God’s presence daily.