Topic: Believe and Doubt Not [Friday 2, June 2017]

Memorise: And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season. – Luke 1:20

Read: Luke 1:5-20 (KJV)

5 There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth.

6 And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.

7 And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years.

8 And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest’s office before God in the order of his course,

9 According to the custom of the priest’s office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.

10 And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense.

11 And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense.

12 And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.

13 But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.

14 And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth.

15 For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother’s womb.

16 And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God.

17 And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.

18 And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years.

19 And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings.

20 And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season.

Bible in One Year: Acts 24-26, Jeremiah 40:7-41:3, Hymn: Sing hymn 1

MESSAGE:

Do you know that God is a person and not a force? Because He is a person, He has emotions. His emotions are manifested in Him being pleased or displeased, happy or grieved, and so on. Those who are wise will seek to do the things that will make God respond to them with a favourable emotion. One way you can upset God is by doubting Him. According to Hebrews 11:6, before approaching God, you must believe that He exists and that He will respond to your call. It is pretty impossible to relate with God without faith. In fact, Romans 14:23b says,

“…. For whatsoever is not of faith is sin.”

Once you give room to doubt as regards to who God is and what He can do, you have opened the door to sin. How can the One who made the heavens and earth make a promise to you and you will not believe Him? How can the One who brought water out of a rock, and the One who turned a valley of dry, useless bones into a full-bodied army not be trusted (Exodus 17:5-6, Ezekiel 37:1-10)? If He could resurrect a whole army, resurrecting you is simply a walk in the park for Him. It is a great insult to doubt that God can do what He says He will do. Are you living by faith or in doubt?

God feels personally displeased when we doubt Him. It is a worse situation when His servants who should know Him better, get caught up in the web of unbelief. It is important to know that God responds to your doubts and unbelief. When God sent Angel Gabriel to tell Zacharias that his aged wife would have a baby, he found it difficult to believe because they had both grown old. For the reason of his unbelief, he was struck with dumbness until the prophecy was fulfilled. Are you trusting God for the fruit of the womb but you are now over 40 or even 50 years old? Have you like Zacharias given up on the possibility of having a child? Do not give up on God! Always remember this: if God chooses to give you a baby at the age of 70, He will definitely renew your body and make it able to carry the baby. Your age will definitely not diminish, but your body will be renewed and made younger. Trust Him. At the point when some people already have their miracle quite close to them, they suddenly begin to doubt God and hence destroy the process. Stop doubting God! You can never get anything good from it.

Key Point: You are either in faith or in doubt but definitely not in both. Where are you?

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: Matchless Wisdom! [Friday June 2, 2017]

Text: Mark 12:13-17

Key Verse: “And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s. And they marvelled at him” (Mark 12:17).

In addition to the revered divinity of our Lord, Jesus Christ, which floored His detractors, He also displayed matchless wisdom that constantly confounded the sophistry of the philosophers – teachers of His time. He was not schooled in their teachings but He defeated them at their own game. Today’s study is an apt demonstration of the Lord’s superiority when it comes to winning an urgent design to trap Him.

Jesus Christ had been confronted by some Pharisees and some Herodians who came to ask him mischievously whether it was right for them to pay taxes to Caesar the Roman Emperor or not. Jesus wisely and carefully avoided being dragged into the prevailing controversial political issue of the time. He avoided their snare. As Christians, we should avoid being ensnared by being dragged into the murky waters of politics.

Believers should avoid political arguments or canvassing for political parties or politicians. They should avoid praising or condemning the worldly political order. Rather, believers should pray always for those in authority. As Jesus said, we should give Caesar what belongs to Caesar such as payment of our taxes, obtainment of licences, permits and payment of other legitimate dues without default. Similarly, we should give God what belongs to God such as our tithes and offerings, our time, talents and indeed our all. Do not succumb to trivial political debates. It avails nothing.

Neither should a Christian pilgrim get involved in insulting and criticising dignitaries. Instead, we should always lift up state officials in prayers, asking God to guide them aright in their responsibilities. The task of preaching the gospel and building the Kingdom of God is so arduous that there is little or no time for idle talks or political muckraking.

Thought for the day: He keeps in perfect peace whose mind is stayed upon Him.

Bible Reading in one Year: John 6-7

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: Table Rock [Friday June 2, 2017]

Read: Luke 6:46–49, Bible in a Year: 2 Chronicles 17–18; John 13:1–20

 “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” Luke 6:46

A large, illuminated cross stands erect on Table Rock, a rocky plateau overlooking my hometown. Several homes were built on neighboring land, but recently the owners have been forced to move out due to safety concerns. Despite their close proximity to the firm bedrock of Table Rock, these homes aren’t secure. They have been shifting atop their foundations—nearly three inches every day—causing risk of major water pipes breaking, which would accelerate the sliding.

Jesus compares those who hear and obey His words to those who build their homes on rock (Luke 6:47–48). These homes survive the storms. By contrast, He says homes built without a firm foundation—like people who don’t heed His instruction—cannot weather the torrents.

Lord, thank you for being my firm foundation.

On many occasions, I’ve been tempted to ignore my conscience when I knew God asked more of me than I had given, thinking my response had been “close enough.” Yet the homes in the shifting foothills nearby have depicted for me that being “close” is nowhere near enough when it comes to obeying Him. To be like those who built their homes on a firm foundation and withstand the storms of life that so often assail us, we must heed the words of our Lord completely.

Prayer: Help me, Lord, to obey You fully and with my whole heart. Thank You for being my firm foundation.

God’s Word is the only sure foundation for life.

Insight:

To fully appreciate Jesus’s comments in Luke 6:46–49, it’s helpful to keep in mind the fuller content of His teachings in this chapter (see vv. 20–49). Luke 6 captures many of the same teachings found in the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5–7)—teachings that are revolutionary in cultures dominated by the powerful and where weakness is looked down on. Jesus invited His followers into God’s reality—where it is those who know their brokenness, the poor and persecuted, who God is especially near to (vv. 20–25), and where strength is demonstrated in forgiving even our enemies (vv. 27–36).

 A temptation when hearing Jesus’s words is to be moved and inspired without wrestling with the ways His words demand change in our lives. Jesus knew that would be our tendency, and so He emphasizes that an emotional confession (“Lord, Lord,” v. 46) is of no value if we do not obey, if we do not let His words challenge the way we live and what we believe. Building our lives on Him means a life of daily transformation, of daily following Him.

 What “norms” in your life do you think Jesus’s words might challenge?

This message was written By Kirsten Holmberg [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]

Topic: Begin to Praise [Friday June 2, 2017]

Rejoice in the Lord, O you [uncompromisingly] righteous [you upright, in right standing with God]; for praise is becoming and appropriate for those who are upright [in heart]. – Psalm 33:1, The Amplified Bible

Praise. According to the Word of God, that’s the most appropriate, becoming thing that you as a believer can do.

Let me warn you though, God’s idea of “appropriate” praise and your idea of appropriate praise may well be two very different things. The praise He calls for is joyous and uninhibited. And, at times, it’s just plain loud!

If you don’t believe it, look in the Bible and see the kind of praise that goes on in heaven. Read Isaiah 6 and find out how they act in the throne room. The seraphim shout in there until the doorposts shake! And when they do, the glory of the Lord fills the house.

When you get to heaven, you’re going to be praising like that too. You’re going to be leaping and praising God with every part of your being. But don’t wait until then to start. Begin now.

Decide today that instead of praising God the way you like, you are going to start doing it the way He likes. Begin to release those praises joyously, uninhibitedly. Don’t wait until you get to heaven to praise God with all your being. Do it now. He deserves it!

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 6:1-8

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: Understanding The Mountains Of Life [Friday June 2, 2017]

Scripture: My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children. Hosea 4:6

Thought For The Day: Anything that prevents you from moving as fast as you should and prolongs your life’s journey is a mountain.

Our anchor Scripture clearly shows that many people are destroyed for lack of understanding. Ignorance fuels bondage while knowledge is key to liberty (John 8:32). Therefore, understanding the mountains or obstacles of life is key to handling them.

Yesterday, we saw mountains as age-long strongholds.

Today, we shall be looking at some definitions of mountains:

1. Mountains are progress-frustrating obstacles

Anything that prevents you from moving as fast as you should and prolongs your life’s journey is a mountain.

2. Mountains are life-threatening situations

Mountains are dangerous situations that could threaten life. For instance, in the physical, both the ascending and the descending of a mountain are dangerous adventures.

3.Mountains are difficult, impossible or impassable situations.

Mountains are difficulties and impossibilities that frustrate or resist human efforts at success.

4. Mountains are chronic satanic afflictions

The word ‘chronic’ is the same as long-standing. Therefore, mountains are long-standing satanic afflictions.

There was a case of a lady in our church who had not slept for twenty-seven years. She started coming to our church in 2014, and one day, her story changed.

Beloved, your story too must change. I decree the crumbling of every mountain of disease, poverty, affliction, curse and long-standing negative situation in your life, in Jesus’ Name.

Remember this: Anything that prevents you from moving as fast as you should and prolongs your life’s journey is a mountain.

Assignment(s):

1. Identify the different forms of chronic situations in your life.

2. Engage in warfare prayers to deal with the chronic situations of your life.

Prayer: O LORD, I decree the crumbling of every mountainous situation in my life, in Jesus’ Name.

FOR FURTHER UNDERSTANDING, GET THIS MESSAGE: MOUNTAIN-MOVING FAITH.

Amazing Fact: There are more than 600 different types of bacteria in the mouth and a milliliter of saliva contains 1,000,000 of them.

Today In History: 2/6/1953 – Queen Elizabeth II, was crowned Queen of the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and other Territories & Head of the Commonwealth.

Daily Reading: 2 Samuel 19:11 to 20:13, John 21:1 to 25, Psalm 120:1 to 7, Proverbs 16:16 to17.

Quote: Your stand with God at the place of prayer affects your stand in life. 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: No Regrets [Friday June 2, 2017]

If we are living now by the Holy Spirit’s power, let us follow the Holy Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. — Galatians 5:25 (TLB)

When Bill Borden, son of the wealthy Bordens, went out to China as a missionary, many of his friends thought he was foolish to “waste his life,” as they put it, trying to convert a few heathens to Christianity. But Bill loved Christ and he loved men! He hadn’t been out there very long before he contracted an oriental disease and died. At his bedside they found a note that he had written while he was dying. It read, “No reserve, no retreat, and no regrets.” Bill had found more happiness in his few years of sacrificial service than most people find in a lifetime.

Prayer for the day: Help me not to count the cost of serving You, Lord Jesus, but let me be completely yielded to Your leading.

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: Build Faith, Destroy Doubt [Friday June 2, 2017]

Matthew 17:20 “And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.”

Matthew 17:9-20; Mark 9:9-27; Luke 9:37-42

The disciples’ unbelief in this instance was not a disbelief in God’s power to produce deliverance, but rather a “natural” kind of unbelief that came from a hardened heart that was more sensitive to what it saw than to what it believed. Jesus said that a very small amount of faith (a “mustard seed”) is sufficient to remove a mountain, if no unbelief is present to hinder it.

Jesus was disappointed that His disciples had not been able to cast this devil out. Most people would have had no criticism of these disciples. After all, it wasn’t normal to have power over evil spirits. However, Jesus had already given these disciples power and authority over all devils. These disciples had also already used this power and authority successfully on previous occasions, making them more accountable than others. They weren’t just normal men any longer. They had a supernatural ability and calling.

We also receive power from on high when the Holy Ghost comes upon us, and it becomes our normal Christian service to use this power to witness to others.

We can always look around and find plenty of Christians who are not using this power, but 2 Corinthians 10:12 says that comparing ourselves among ourselves is not wise. Most Christians are living so far below what God intended for them that when someone begins to live a normal Christian life (according to God’s standard), then everyone thinks he’s abnormal. We will be successful when we not only build our faith but destroy our doubts.

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)

Today’s Scripture: “He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.” – (John 15:2, NIV)

Topic: The Pruning Process [Thursday June 1, 2017]

In life, we all go through a pruning process. God will prune our lives so that we can bear much fruit. To “prune” means something is cut away, something is removed. In other words, maybe a good friend that you counted on moved to another city. Maybe a business shut down that you were connected to, or a relationship went a different direction.

Friend, God knows what you need in your life in order to grow and flourish. Sometimes when things happen that we don’t understand, we have to just trust that He is working behind the scenes preparing you for increase, preparing you to go to another level. Don’t put a question mark where God has placed a period.

When you’re going through transition, don’t get bitter. Don’t get down and think it’s the end. Don’t start thinking that you’re a failure. Have the attitude, “God, I let this go knowing that it was only a temporary provision, and what You have in my future will be greater than what I’m letting go of.” If you will accept the change and stay in faith, God will open new doors. He will bring new opportunities, new friendships, and take you to another level of His glory!

A Prayer for Today: “Father, thank You for loving me enough to work in my life. Today I release the things I don’t understand into Your hands. I believe that You are working behind the scenes on my behalf. I believe that You have good things in store for my future. I choose to wait on You and trust You now and forevermore in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

A Promise For You From Bible Promises:

Topic: June To Jubilee [01/06/2017]

And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD. Psalm 40:3. Read: Ps 40:1-4

Welcome to the Month of June. God took you through the month of May and  has made you enter this new month of June which shall lead you to your jubilee. It’s going to be a month to remember. In this new month of June, don’t loose focus and don’t focus on the wrong person for your help, rather, look up to God for your help. Where you look up to for help is important. If your help is on a mere man, you shall be disappointed because every man needs help too. God is set to make you jubilate this new month, but, are you ready for him.

This month of June, God Almighty shall give you a new song, take you from the miry clay and place you on the solid rock. He shall not leave you until all that He has said concerning you come to pass. Every day of your life, you shall have reasons to jubilate, rejoicing and sound of melody will never cease in your life and family. Welcome to the Month of your jubilee. Your set time to be favoured has come and  it’s now.

#BiblePromisesPrayer

* Father, in this Month of June, let me experience jubilation indeed in Jesus Mighty Name. #HappyNewMonth

Topic: Righteousness Pays! [Thursday June 1, 2017]

Prov 11:31

“Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth…”

Righteousness is a seed.

It can’t die. It can’t be lost

Someday it will emerge with its fruits.

Never be weary at living righteous.

Jacob’s righteousness spake for Him – Gen 30:33; 31:1-16

Joseph shows us the way to it – Gen 37:1-6; 42:18

David practiced it a great deal –  1 Sam 24:1-22; 26:1-23

Daniel maintained it as a lifestyle– Dan 6:22

It paid off for all of them. It will work for you in the same way.