Topic: Instant Obedience [Tuesday 6, June 2017]

Memorise: Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, – Titus 3:1

Read: Acts 8:26-38 (KJV)

26 And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert.

27 And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship,

28 Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet.

29 Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.

30 And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?

31 And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.

32 The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth:

33 In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth.

34 And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man?

35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.

36 And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?

37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

38 And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.

Bible in One Year: Joshua 6-7, Jeremiah 43:8-44:10, Hymn: Sing hymn 14

MESSAGE:

Philip was a man of good report and full of the Holy Spirit (Acts 6:3-5). Beyond this, he was also a man of instant obedience. In today’s Bible reading, just after concluding an extremely successful crusade in Samaria, the word of the Lord came to him saying, “Philip, leave this city and go to the desert,” What was his response? “Yes, Lord!”, and off he went. He did not even ask what he was going to do there. He did not ask what was going to happen to his converts in the city; he just moved. When he got to the desert, he saw a man in a chariot and the Holy Spirit spoke again: “Get into to that chariot.” Without hesitating, he said, “Yes Lord”, and he complied. He was indeed a man of instant obedience! Once he received an instruction and recognised the voice as that of the Holy Spirit, he immediately swung into action. How soon do you comply with divine directives? Some people hear God and they pretend it is not God speaking. When it comes to giving away something precious or something of great sacrifice: a treasured car, a mansion, large sums of money or a choice piece of land in a prime area, some people begin to pretend it is the devil speaking to them. They would begin to rebuke Satan where Satan is not even present.

Do you have this character of instant obedience? When some people receive an instruction from God, they will say they want to pray about it. Are you praying about it so that God will change His mind? Some will say they want some time to think about it. Some others will say, “Lord, I have heard You, but let me first discuss it with my spouse.” How fast do you respond to divine instructions? In the early days when I was a worker in the Redeemed Christian Church of God, being in possession of a car was a big challenge. Why? You could get to the headquarters of the church of Ebute-Metta, Lagos, in the morning, and after being greeted, you would be told, “Brother, please go to Ondo State (about 5 hours drive away) and pray with a particular brother who is sick.” Getting to Ondo, you may be told, “Sorry, he moved to his home town over the weekend”, and you would have to go there and trace his location. Nobody would give you money for fuel. When you got to church in the morning, you could not say when you would get back home. All you were expected to say is, “Yes Sir”. God is looking for those who can say “Yes Lord”, and He will use them for signs and wonders. If you can obey God promptly, you will go very far with Him.

Prayer Point: Father, give me grace for instant obedience.

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: His Eyes Is On The Sparrows. Pt One [06/06/2017]

Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? Luke 12:6. Read: Lk 12:7

The benevolence of God Almighty towards us His creatures is overwhelming and wonderful in nature. God cannot forget and discard you for any reason because His love for you cannot allow such heartless decision. Whatever he has promised, not only is He able to do but has done it before He pronounced it. Just as a nursing mother cannot watch her suckling child cry and thirst to death, so also God cannot watch us suffer to death. Before He formed the world, He had you and I in mind and formulated a glorious plan and destiny for us. He cares for you than you care for yourself.

One of the challenges of human being is that, we forget to realize that whatever God has promised is usually in two ways to fulfilment. The part of man and that of God. Most times, we live our part and begin to do God’s part. Do your part because God will definitely do His. Your part is to believe what God has promised while God’s part is to do what He has promised. Getting walked up over how God will do it is leaving your part to doing God’s. You are more important to God than the sparrows of the air that He cares for daily.

#BiblePromisesQuote

* It’s your faith in God that will facilitate what He has promised you for without faith, it’s impossible to please God.

Topic: Not For Personal Gains! [Tuesday June 6, 2017]

Text: Deuteronomy 17:14-20

Key Verse: “But he shall not multiply horses to himself, nor cause the people to return to Egypt, to the end that he should multiply horses… Neither shall he multiply wives to himself, that his heart turn not away: neither shall he greatly multiply to himself “(Deuteronomy 17).

Going by the way leadership positions are sought after in most third world countries, it shows that there is more to the desire for leadership power than the mere sincere desire to provide true leadership for the people. In fact, governance in most countries is so attractive that most people go to great lengths just to seize power.

This fact is further buttressed when we observe what becomes of them soon after they get into power. Unfortunately, this trend is not limited to the world of politics, it has gained much entrance into the Church. Those with the privilege of leading others forget the purpose and meaning of leadership. In our text today. The Lord forewarned the nation of Israel of this tendency when the time for them to have an earthly king came. Israel was to be different in everything.

They were not supposed to be like the other nations around them or run their affairs like those nations. The earthly king that they were to choose under the directive of God was to be His surrogate on earth. He was to stand in for God and truly lead them as God would. Thus, he was not to seek personal aggrandisement or gains. He was not to use the privilege of leadership as a tool of oppression over God’s people. He was also to watch against leading the people back into Egypt and oppression.

He was to be guided by the word of God which was the constitution within which he would operate. By so doing, the people would be guaranteed the best form of leadership. If leadership anywhere – be it in the Church, family or nation – is to serve its full purpose for the benefit of the people, it must not be for the personal profit and selfish gain of the leaders. Leadership must move people forward towards God’s purpose and plan for them in the “Promised Land” and not backwards into sin and Egyptian captivity.

Thought for the day: Leadership has a divine origin that must not be compromised.

Bible Reading in one Year: John 16-18

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: How to be Happy in Your Home

Dear Reader,

I welcome you to another glorious month in this our year of exemption and I see you moving from one level of glory to another in Jesus’ name. In this sixth month, ushering us into the midst of the year, wherever you have experienced shame before now, I see God converting it to glory and perfecting all that concerns you in Jesus’ name.

All through this month, I will be showing you How to be Happy in Your Home. This week, I will be focusing on: How to get the best of times in your family life. The Bible says: The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear? (Proverbs 18:14). It is joy on the inside that brings out the best in a man. Happiness in your home will bring out the best in your wife, husband and children.

A sorrowful heart is dangerous because nothing good comes the way of the dejected. A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones (Proverbs 17:22).

When there is no happiness in a home, the family members are prone to all sorts of sickness and diseases. Which do you choose? Do you want to stay happy and make every member of your family happy, thereby staying away from hospital bills, or to continue spending your money and resources on drugs and medical bills? “Wisdom is profitable to direct,” the wise man said. My family members and I choose to stay happy and be drug-free.

What is Happiness?

Happiness is a state of enjoyment, showing satisfaction or joy. It is also marked by pleasure.

In most cases, when you are happy, your disposition is characterized by laughter as joy surges out from within you. Also, laughter is a feeling of triumph or sense of well-being. When you are genuinely happy, no one needs to ask you. You just flow in it, and it shows.

What does it take to be Happy?

The Psalmist says: …Blessed is every one that feareth the Lord; that walketh in his ways. For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee (Psalms 128:1-2). Also, Proverbs 28:14 says: Happy is the man that feareth always: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief. We can see from the two Scriptures above that happiness comes by fearing God, reverencing His voice via His Word, obeying His instructions and doing what He commands us to do. ‘Fear’ in this context is not talking of being afraid, rather it connotes respect for God and His Word.

What then are some of the secrets of a happy home life? The right answer could be given in just one word Christ. Christ is the secret of a happy home and whatever He says should be your guiding principles the remaining days of your life.

As a man, and the head of the home, if you walk in the understanding that you have a Head (Christ), who sees you and your actions, you will hold Him in reverence. Whatever He tells you to do; you will do without questions or grumbling. As a wife, though your husband is the head of the home; God is your ultimate head. Therefore, you must hold His commandments in awe. Rather than being in subjection to your husband only, obey the commandments of God through your husband, to show your reverence for Him and His Word. As you do this, your children, who are watching will learn from you. They will be proud to have a God-fearing woman as their mother, and will, likewise, learn to obey God.

Also, to maximize happiness in our homes, we have to consider these:

• Home is a residence.
• It is one of the most sacred places.
• It is a sanctuary into which men flee from perils and alarms.
• It is a resting place to which, at the close of day, the weary retire to gather new strength for battle.
• It is a place where love learns its lessons, life is schooled into discipline, and character is moulded.

Christ is the key to a happy home. Therefore, if you are not born again, you have to confess your sins and accept Jesus as your Lord and personal Saviour. If you are ready for this new birth experience, please say this prayer of faith with me: “Dear Lord Jesus Christ, I come to you today. I am a sinner. Forgive me of my sins and cleanse me with Your Blood. Deliver me from sin and satan. I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Make me a child of God today. Thank You for accepting me into Your Kingdom.”

Congratulations! If you prayed this simple prayer of faith with me, you are born again and 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 to share your testimonies with me through [email protected], 07026385437 OR 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).

Topic: Angelic Protection [Tuesday June 6, 2017]

Matthew 18:10 “Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.”

Matthew 18:10-11

We have angels assigned to us. Hebrews 1:14 further reveals that their purpose is to minister to us (i.e. on our behalf). In the Old Testament, Psalm 91 teaches on the ministry of angels to God’s people.

Some have realized this truth and have taken it even further to say that we are supposed to speak to our angels and they will obey our commands. There is no instruction in scripture to do this nor is there any example of it being done. Many of the angels’ protective duties described in Psalm 91 are preventative, and we certainly could not effectively command these activities.

Rather, these angels are dispatched exactly as this verse describes – by looking at the Father’s face. God Almighty controls them for us; however, we do have a part to play. In Psalm 91 it is those who dwell in the secret place of the Most High, that are able to benefit from angelic activity (v. 1). Verse 2 further instructs us to say that the Lord is our refuge and fortress and that we are trusting in Him.

It is the combination of our faith in God and His faithfulness to us that releases the angels on our behalf. If it was solely up to God, His provision would be the same for everyone because of His mercy and grace. However, we have to receive God’s grace by faith (Eph. 2:8). As you seek the Lord, become aware of His ministering spirits which were created to minister for us, and speak forth your faith in this area, He will send forth His angels on your behalf.

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: Faith for Divine Healing [Tuesday June 6, 2017]

Scripture: But without faith it is impossible to please (or to move God) him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Hebrews 11:6.

Thought For The Day: Anywhere God sees faith, He is moved to act.

We serve a sick-less, weariless and tireless God. He is the God who is full of strength and vitality. The Bible makes us to understand that we are created in God’s Image (Genesis 1:26) and as a result, we are expected to live sick-less, abounding in the realm of Divine health and vitality.

Now, one of the keys to the restoration of our health is faith in God. Faith is confident assurance in God. Faith is being moved by what God says and not by what you see.

Now, how is faith necessary for Divine healing?

1. Faith is the hand with which we receive the promises of God. It is through faith and patience we inherit the promises of God including that of Divine healing. So, to be faithless is to be spiritually handless in receiving your healing from God.

2. Faith moves God into action to enforce His Will in the lives of His people. God is not moved by tears or sentiment; He is moved into action where He sees faith. Anywhere God sees faith, He is moved to act.

3. Faith processes a man into wholeness. You may not be whole now health-wise, but if you have faith, you can be processed into wholeness. (Matthew 9:22)
Beloved, activate your faith for Divine healing.

Remember this: Anywhere God sees faith, He is moved to act.

Assignment(s):

1. Activate faith for Divine healing; receive God’s Word, believe it and behave it.

2. Make up your mind to be moved by what God’s word says instead of what you see.

Prayer: O LORD, I ask for a fresh baptism of the Spirit of faith. Kill every trace of doubt and unbelief in me, LORD, in Jesus’ Name.

FOR FURTHER UNDERSTANDING, GET THIS MESSAGE: AIDS AND ENEMIES OF HEALING.

Daily Reading: 1 Kings 1:1 to 53, Acts 4:1 to 37, Psalm 124:1 to 8, Proverbs 16:24.

Quote: As long as your hope is alive, your help is on the way. Culled from ‘30 Secrets to the Top’ by Dr Paul Enenche.

Amazing Fact: The brain uses 20% of the total oxygen and blood in your body.

Today In History: 6/6/1930   Frozen foods were sold commercially for the first time.

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: Fifteen-Minute Challenge [Tuesday June 6, 2017]

Read: Psalm 119:33–40, Bible in a Year: 2 Chronicles 25–27; John 16

Turn my heart toward your statutes. Psalm 119:36

Dr. Charles W. Eliot, longtime president of Harvard University, believed that ordinary people who read consistently from the world’s great literature for even a few minutes a day could gain a valuable education. In 1910, he compiled selections from books of history, science, philosophy, and fine art into fifty volumes called The Harvard Classics. Each set of books included Dr. Eliot’s Reading Guide titled “Fifteen Minutes A Day” containing recommended selections of eight to ten pages for each day of the year.

What if we spent fifteen minutes a day reading God’s Word? We could say with the psalmist, “Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain. Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word” (Ps. 119:36–37).

“Teach me, Lord, the way of your decrees, that I may follow it to the end.” (Psalm 119:33)

Fifteen minutes a day adds up to ninety-one hours a year. But for whatever amount of time we decide to read the Bible each day, consistency is the secret and the key ingredient is not perfection but persistence. If we miss a day or a week, we can start reading again. As the Holy Spirit teaches us, God’s Word moves from our minds to our hearts, then to our hands and feet—taking us beyond education to transformation.

“Teach me, Lord, the way of your decrees, that I may follow it to the end” (v. 33).

Prayer: I turn to You, the Author, to teach me as I read Your Word today. I want to hear from You, to know You, and to grow closer to You.

The Bible is the only Book whose Author is always present when it is read.

Insight:

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible. Each new section starts with a successive letter from the Hebrew alphabet (known as an acrostic poem). The major emphasis of this psalm is to celebrate the usefulness and value of the law. In Psalm 119 the author uses a variety of words to describe the laws and commands of God. Eight times he mentions meditating: on God’s decrees (vv. 23, 48), deeds (v. 27), precepts (vv. 15, 78), laws (v. 97), statutes (v. 99), and promises (v. 148). Meditation is the act of thinking deeply about something, focusing intently on an idea. We really get to know the commands of God by meditating on them. Reading is the necessary first step, but once we have read His Word, meditating on it throughout the day helps us to keep it in our minds.

This message was written By David C. McCasland [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]

Topic: High Priest of Your Confession [Tuesday June 6, 2017]

Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession [or confession], Christ Jesus. – Hebrews 3:1

Very few believers today understand the mystery of the apostleship and priesthood of Jesus. We think that an apostle is some kind of supersaint. But apostle actually means “sent one.” So, Jesus has been sent from God to do something for us.

He’s been sent to serve as our High Priest. Again, many believers don’t have the first idea what a high priest does. They picture a person walking around in strange clothes performing religious rituals.

In reality, a high priest is much more than that. He is one who is authorized to administer, to execute, to implement and to carry into effect. Now, you may wonder what it is that Jesus is authorized to administer, execute or carry out on your behalf. Hebrews 3:1 says that Jesus is the High Priest of our confession. He’s been sent to put into effect, to execute, to carry out the words that you say.

But, chances are, you’ve been speaking what you feel, instead of speaking words of faith. If, for example, you’re speaking sickness, what’s He going to do with that? He’s not High Priest over sickness. He can’t execute that. If you’re saying, “I’m so weak, I’m so tired,” He can’t carry that out. The Bible says, “Let the weak say, I am strong!” The minute you say that, Jesus can administer strength.

Jesus is not going to administer sickness or disease or poverty or sin. He’s defeated all that. He is High Priest over deliverance and righteousness and freedom.

Consider that. Then as you come before Jesus, don’t speak words of defeat. Speak words He can implement—words of victory. That’s what He’s been ordained by God to bring to pass in your life.

Scripture Reading: Hebrews 7:20-28

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: His Best for You[Tuesday June 6, 2017]

. . . do the good things that result from being saved, obeying God . . . — Philippians 2:12 (TLB)

It takes no poll for those of us who have communicated with young people to know the devastation that permissive sexual activity generally causes. It becomes a cancer in the bodies and minds and characters of those who indulge, almost without exception. And there are other victims, such innocent bystanders as parents, grandparents, old family friends, teachers, and advisers, all much more concerned than you can understand. They want only the best for you. Anything less than a happy marital voyage gives them pain. The wisdom of their years says that premarital relations are always a mistake.

The Bible teaches that God created sex. He made “male and female.” Then it says, “God saw every thing that He had made, and behold, it was very good.” This included the natural sexual attraction between the man and woman He had created. Therefore, sex is not sin! It is God’s gift to the human race. It is for procreation; for enjoyment within the bonds of matrimony; for the fulfillment of married love.

Prayer for the day: All the gifts You have given us are to be enjoyed, within the structure of Your commandments, heavenly Father. Keep me always conscious of Your teachings.
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.