A Promise For You From Bible Promises:

Topic: Sin Breaks Your Bond With God. Pt Two [14/06/2017]

He hath not beheld iniquity in Jacob, neither hath he seen perverseness in Israel: the LORD his God is with him, and the shout of a king is among them. Numbers 23:21. Read: Isa 59:1-4

Sin makes God to remove His eyes from the sinner. When Jesus (the only begotten Son of God) took the sin of the whole world upon Himself, God forsook (temporary separation) Him. When the king of Moab Balak heard that the children of Israel pitched in the plains of Moab on this side Jordan by Jericho, they were sore afraid of them. He summoned prophet Balaam to come and curse them, instead of cursing them, Balaam began to blessed them. God told Balaam, thou shalt not curse the people: for they are blessed. Num 22:12. Balaam said to Balak, How shall I curse, whom God hath not cursed? or how shall I defy, whom the LORD hath not defied? Num 23:8.

From Numbers 22, 23 and 24, God Himself defended the children of Israelite. By the time you get to Numbers 25, it was God Himself that turned against them because they reached out their hand to committing sin with the daughters of Moabite. God sent plaque into their midst which destroyed twenty four thousand until Phinehas stopped the anger of God by killing Zimri and Cozbi. Num 25:14,15. Sin turns God your protector to an avowed enemy if not repented of. Sin stop your prosperity (Pro 28:13) and keep Him far from your camp. Deut 23:14.

#BiblePromisesPrayer

* Father, help me to love what You love (righteousness) and hate what You hate (sin) in Jesus Mighty Name

Topic: Follow Peace [Wednesday June 14, 2017]

Now the mind of the flesh [which is sense and reason without the Holy Spirit] is death [death that comprises all the miseries arising from sin, both here and hereafter]. But the mind of the [Holy] Spirit is life and [soul] peace [both now and forever]. — Romans 8:6 AMPC

People hesitate to follow their desires, because they don’t know how to divide their soul from their spirit. If they can’t discern the difference between the desires of their flesh and Spirit-led desires, then they don’t know when God is truly leading them to do something.

But you can learn to know if God is leading you or not. When God gives you a desire for something, He will give you peace along with it. You may not be excited, but you will have peace, if the thing you desire is from God. Wait for peace today.

Topic: Entering His Rest [Wednesday 14, June 2017]

Memorise: Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. – Hebrew 4:11

Read: Hebrews 4:7-11 (KJV)

7 Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

8 For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day.

9 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.

10 For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.

11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.

Bible in One Year: Joshua 23-24, Jeremiah 48:45-49:13, Hymn: Sing hymn 2

MESSAGE:

Psalm 23:1-6 is a very powerful psalm which speaks of the relationship between the sheep and the Great Shepherd, Jesus Christ. God’s sheep enjoy many benefits, one of which is the entitlement of rest. If you are a bona fide sheep of Jesus  Christ, His rest is made available to you. When the Psalmist says “He makes me to lie down”, he simply speaks about entering into God’s rest. The rest that the Good Shepherd offers His sheep can be at several levels. Some people are labouring so hard in search of the salvation of their soul. They want to be free from sin, and yet the more they labour to be free, the more entangled they find themselves. If only they can come to Jesus today, they will find the salvation they have been seeking. Jesus Christ is the final destination for everyone who genuinely desires salvation.

Another kind of rest that the Good Shepherd offers is bodily rest. Ordinarily, after a hard day’s work, by the time you hit the bed, you should fall asleep. However, do you know that there are people who find it so difficult to sleep? They stare at the ceiling all night until the following morning. This continues for days, weeks or even months. Psalms 127:2 says if you are beloved of God, you will surely have rest through sleep. Do you suffer from insomnia? Has it been so difficult for you to get a good night’s sleep? That sleeplessness is terminated today! From now on, you shall access God’s rest in Jesus’ Name!

In addition, the Good Shepherd offers rest to those who labour continuously without rest. Matthew 11:28 says,

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

One way the devil has led some people into their ultimately death is by heaping so many problems, burdens, debts and heavy responsibilities on them which they cannot carry, thereby frustrating their efforts to enter into financial freedom. The more they labour, the further they drift from success. If you are in that situation, do not give up or think of ending your life. Just come to Jesus with all your heart and He will give you rest. Finally, today’s Bible reading talks about the eternal rest that we have access to as sheep of the Great Shepherd. Nobody can enter Heaven except through Jesus Christ. If you are saved and you continue to follow Jesus Christ, obeying Him every step of the way, you will surely enter into His rest. Are you qualified to enter His rest?

Key Point: To enter into rest in any area of life, faith in Jesus Christ, the Giver of rest, is required.

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: Managing Your Home (2)

Dear Reader,

Last week, we learnt man’s placement in the home. God designed marriage and family life to be successful. Right from biblical days men and women had enjoyed it in reality. Well, you may say that every family has its own problems, but that is not necessarily the truth. It is quite possible to have a hitch-free family here on earth. It is possible! From searching the Scriptures, I have evidence to back up my claims this week. Let’s look at them briefly:

Noah

After the fall of man, Noah’s family was the first to distinguish itself in an evil generation. He was such a successful married man that God singled him and all the members of his family out, in the midst of destruction. God’s Word says:  And the Lord said unto Noah, Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation (Genesis 7:1).

It is amazing that a man can succeed in family life, even before the dispensation of grace. That is to say that even before the coming of Jesus and the era of grace, a man had won God’s favour by his commitment to his family. God’s Word says: But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord (Genesis 6:8).

If Noah could make it, then you and I have no excuse to fail in our families. There is no reason for pressure, tension, or frustration because Jesus has already paid the price for them. He was our perfect substitute. He has been wounded, bruised, beaten, humiliated, spat on etc, so that we may enjoy glory and honour in our homes. That is why no man has any excuse for beating his wife. None whatsoever!

Abraham

Abraham the father of Nations was a very successful married man. In those days when the law had not been delivered, Abraham was still faithful to his barren wife. Even before he became the friend of God, he had a successful marriage. His contact with God did not reduce his commitment to his family, rather it enhanced it.

He was a man God could count on to command his family to follow after Him.  God’s Words says: For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgement; that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him (Genesis 18:19).

If truly we are children of Abraham, it should be for us ‘like father, like son’. That’s why Isaiah 51:2 says: Look unto Abraham your father, and unto Sarah that bare you: for I called him alone, and blessed him, and increased him.

It is time to resemble our father Abraham, not only is a life of faith but faithfulness to build our families following God’s blueprint. If Abraham did not have problems in his family, you should not import problems to your family. It is about time you walk in the footsteps of your father. If he made it, so will you!

Peter

Simon Peter, one of the foremost apostles and right-hand man to Jesus, during his earthly walk, was a successful married man.  God’s Word says: Have not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas? (1 Corinthians 9:5).

It is possible to doubt whether Peter was married or not, because there is no record of a day his wife came to the crusade ground to challenge him for not fulfilling his marital obligations! I believe that one major reason he could fulfil his course with joy was because he had peace at home. His marriage was not an obstacle to his ministry or vice versa. If Peter could make it in spite of the tight schedule Jesus ran, we have no reason to fail. God’s Word says: And when Jesus was come into Peter’s house, he saw his wife’s mother laid, and sick of a fever. And he touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and ministered unto them (Matthew 8:14-15).

These are proofs that success in family life is a reality and only fools doubt proofs. So, we have a responsibility to apply ourselves to the principles of God’s Word which form the blue print for marital success. Marital success shall be your portion in Jesus’ name!

If you are not born again, you are not entitled to the peaceful married life that God has reserved for His children. You become born again by confessing your sins and accepting Jesus as your Saviour and Lord. If you desire to be born again, say this simple prayer in faith: “Dear Lord Jesus, I come to You today acknowledging that I am a sinner who needs Your forgiveness. I believe You died for me and rose again on the third day. Forgive me of my sins, wash me with Your Blood and write my name in the Lamb’s Book of life. Thank You Lord for saving me.”

Congratulations! You are now born again! All-round rest and peace are guaranteed you, 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 and Success in Marriage (Co-Authored).

A Promise For You From Bible Promises:

Topic: Sin Breaks Your Bond With God. Pt One [13/06/2017]

And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat? Genesis 3:11. Read: Gen 3:1-11

When you remove a fish from it source, i.e., from the water, such fish would struggle a while and at the end for lack of water, it will die. When you uproot a tree from the soil, gradually the leaf would wither and finally, the tree would die. Jesus said in John 15:5, “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing”. Just as the fish and the tree cannot survive without their source, also, man cannot survive without his source – God Almighty. God is the source of life of every living soul on earth .

But the devil understands that to separate a man from his source, sin is what it takes. He knows that God cannot behold sin, so, he causes men to commit sin so that they can be separated from their Maker. This was the trick he played on Eve at the garden of Eden. When sin comes, nakedness and fear creeps in. The devil broke the bond between God and Adam through the instrumentality of sin. Sin is a dangerous poison that causes enmity between God and His creatures. Like Joseph, you must run for your life before sin separates you from your destiny. Adam and Eve were driven out by God because of their sin.

#BiblePromisesQuote

* Sin turns Your Maker God into an enemy and turns your divine helper to be a total stranger.

Topic: When You Move, Mountains Are Removed! (Prt 2) [Tuesday June 13, 2017]

All the difficulties that are hanging around you now are simply waiting to see your action. When you start moving they will move. Stop talking about your beautiful plans and the things you hope to do soon. Start doing something now! “Soon” is a language of deception. It keeps people hoping endlessly until they waste. If you introduce massive action into your life, in a short while, you will become a man of your dreams.

The Bible says concerning the disciples, “They went forth everywhere, the Lord working with them…” (Mark 16:20). God’s help is available in its fullness for those who take steps. Even in the natural, when you start taking steps, you become a rallying point, people become eager to help you.

A great door and effectual is opened before you and God will not take away the adversaries. You have to discipline yourself to keep your eye off the adversaries, focus on the open door and keep moving towards it. That is when you will begin to see possibilities in the midst of impossibilities; you will begin to see a way around the mountain that is intimidating you.

Mediate on these: Numbers 13:30, Prov. 26:14

Topic: Your Future Is in the Lord [Tuesday June 13, 2017]

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised. To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. — Luke 4:18-19 KJV

I come from a background of abuse; I was raised in a dysfunctional home. My childhood was filled with fear and torment. The experts say that a child’s personality is formed within the first five years of his life. My personality was a mess! I lived in pretense behind walls of protection that I had built to keep people from hurting me. I was locking others out, but I was also locking myself in. I was a controller, so filled with fear that the only way I could face life was to feel that I was in control, and then no one could hurt me. As a young adult trying to live for Christ and follow the Christian lifestyle, I knew where I had come from, but I did not know where I was going. I felt that my future would always be marred by my past. I thought, How could anyone who has the kind of past I do ever be really all right? It’s impossible!

However, Jesus said that He came to make well those who were sick, brokenhearted, wounded, and bruised—those broken down by calamity.

Jesus came to open the prison doors and set the captives free. I did not make any progress until I started to believe that I could be set free. I had to have a positive vision for my life. I had to believe that my future was not determined by my past or even my present.

You may have had a miserable past, you may even be in current circumstances that are very negative and depressing. You may be facing situations that are so bad it seems you have no real reason to hope. But I say to you boldly, your future is not determined by your past or your present!

Topic: Soul-Winning and Signs [Tuesday 13, June 2017]

Memorise: For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel! – 1 Corinthians 9:16

Read: Acts 8:5-8 (KJV)

5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.

6 And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.

7 For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.

8 And there was great joy in that city.

Bible in One Year: Joshua 22, Jeremiah 48:28-44, Hymn: Sing hymn 13

MESSAGE:

During a time of famine, the Lord instructed Elijah to go to Kerith Brook, stay there and a raven would continuously bring him food there (1 Kings 17:2-6). He said, “Yes sir” and obeyed. He did not hesitate or question God. He did not even ask God to show him where ravens ever brought food to anyone in the Bible. He obeyed instantly. Instant obedience is strong evidence of faith. Anyone who would work signs and wonders in these last days must be a man or a woman of faith. Do you have enough trust in God to the extent of obeying Him without hesitation?

Moreover, in addition to faith, the fellow who wants to operate in the miraculous must be an incurable witness for Christ. He or she must be a soul-winner. In today’s Bible reading, Philip did not wait for Peter to come and conduct a crusade in Samaria. He went there himself because he believed in God’s command to go out and preach the gospel. People who are diligent in soul-winning usually have their prayers answered speedily. People often ask me what I do to get God to answer my prayers speedily aside from living holy. I tell them soul-winning and instant obedience. Even if you are going to kill me, I will still share the gospel of Jesus Christ with you. I do not look at faces to determine who I witness to or not. If I am attending an occasion and you make the mistake of giving me the microphone, you will hear about Jesus.

Some years ago, I received an honorary doctorate degree from the University of Ibadan. It was a serious gathering with eminent personalities of the political elite, traditional title holders and academicians all gracefully adorned in their beautiful gowns. At some point, they gave me the microphone and told me I had five minutes to say something. I thanked them for honouring me and quickly added that I could not have received this honour but for Jesus. I further said that there is an honour waiting for some people in Heaven and that if they do not give their lives to Jesus, although they can be honoured here on earth, they will lose the labour of Heaven. I then gave an altar call. Beloved, witnessing for Jesus is our assignment wherever we go. Talk about Jesus everywhere you go and He will repay you with signs and wonders. When last did you win a soul to Christ? How many souls have you won to the Lord since the beginning of this year? You were saved and chosen for this reason. Are you fulfilling God’s purpose of winning the souls of the lost?

Key Point: As God works with evangelists, He will always confirm their words with signs and wonders in order to convince unbelievers. That’s a key to the miraculous.

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: God Is Not Jealous [Tuesday, 13th June 2017]

…for God is love. 1 John 4:8

Love is never jealous neither does it envies. So also is God. Scripture calls God Jealous in Exodus 34:14, and it also says that God is “a jealous God.” But that scripture is referring to God’s desire not to allow His people serve (show affection for) another God besides Him. But, in 1 Corinthians 13:4, envy, which is also stated as jealousy in the New Living Translation version of the Bible, means to boil over with hatred and anger. And this only produces negative results.

God is never jealous, neither does He boils over with anger. Sometimes, we see folks who are terribly pleasing Satan and carrying out his scheme with utmost zeal and fervency. God sees them also. But He is not jealous at Satan because of them. Instead, in His compassion and love, He wants to draw them to Himself. He knows that they are in the wrong and are heading to eternal destruction. But He does not want them to end up like that (Ezekiel 33:11).

God is not jealous of the spread of the kingdom of darkness because He knows that His kingdom provides a better deal and that His kingdom will always trump the kingdom of darkness. The jealousy of God is not geared towards hurting people, but it is geared towards retaining the affection and passion of His people. Some folks will, because of envy or jealousy, hurt the people they are envious of, but God will never do such. God is not jealous or envious. Be like God.

Keep winning daily.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, thanks for Your jealous affection towards me that keeps me in Your love. You are never jealous nor envious to hurt people. Work in me to be like You in this regards, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.