Topic: Help! [Sunday May 28, 2017]

For I the Lord your God hold your right hand; I am the Lord, Who says to you, Fear not; I will help you! — Isaiah 41:13

No matter how well we may think we run our lives, the truth is that we need help with everything. We need all kinds of help in our everyday lives. Often, realizing how much help we need takes a long time. We like to believe we can do whatever needs to be done independently and without assistance.

However, the Lord sent us a Divine Helper; therefore, we must need help. Jesus Himself continually intercedes for us as He sits at the right hand of God (see Hebrews 7:25; Romans 8:34), and that tells us that we continually need God’s intervention in our lives. We are actually very needy and totally unable to handle life properly on our own.

Although we may seem to manage ourselves and our lives well for awhile, sooner or later something happens and things begin to fall apart if we are living in our own strength instead of receiving divine help.

Many times, we do fine until trouble comes. It may come in the form of a broken marriage, the death of a loved one, the loss of a job, or something else that is important to us. But eventually, we all reach a point where we have to recognize our neediness.

If we want to live life the way God intended—filled with righteousness, peace, and joy (see Romans 14:17), we have to admit that we need help and we have to receive it from the Holy Spirit, the One God sent to help us.

Topic: Any Fruit of Repentance? [Sunday 28, May 2017]

Memorise: Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:  – Matthew 3:8

Read: Matthew 3:1-10 (KJV)

1 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,

2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

3 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.

4 And the same John had his raiment of camel’s hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey.

5 Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan,

6 And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.

7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?

8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:

9 And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.

10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

Bible in One Year: Acts 14-15, Jeremiah 37, Hymn: Sing hymn 6

MESSAGE:

“Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:” – Joel 2:12

Fasting can be used to demonstrate genuine repentance before God. Exemplifying the above scripture, Prophet Daniel embarked on a fast to show repentance for his sins and the sins of the children of Israel in Daniel 9:3-20. All through the Old Testament, when individuals or a group of people fell into sin and judgement was imminent, they returned to God in fasting and mourning, expressing sorrow for sins committed. How truly sorrowful are you when you sin against God? Is there any deep sorrow for sin anymore? Today, when you see a believer asking God for pardon over a wrong he or she has committed, you will be amazed. A few seconds after he or she has apologised, he or she is seen carrying on as if nothing ever went wrong. There is no manifestation of godly sorrow. People do not see offending God as anything anymore. They hide behind grace to cover up their evil lifestyle. However, can God be fooled?

The “repentance” of some people today is highly questionable. True repentance must be backed up by godly sorrow. 2 Corinthians 7:10 says

“For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.”

Genuine repentance must exhibit the fruits of humility, confession, brokenness, a desire for restitution where necessary and a commitment to never return to the evil act. Take King Ahab as a case in point. He was a wicked king with a satanic wife, Jezebel. The wickedness perpetrated during his reign for exceeded that of other regimes (1 King 21:25). Yet, when God spoke to him about an impending judgment, he immediately readjusted, tore his royal robe, wore sackcloth, humbled himself and fasted (1 Kings 21:27). When God saw the fruit of repentance in him, He deferred His judgement till the next generation. When you say to God “Father, I’m sorry, please for me”, is there any fruit of repentance to back it up? Some leaders get involved in terrible sins, and after whispering, “Father, I am sorry”, they continue as if nothing ever happened. Is that genuine repentance? People hardly weep or mourn over their shortcomings anymore. They hardly set themselves apart in fasting and prayer to reach out to God for mercy. No wonder they continue in their sins. If you are sorry, you will bring forth fruits consistent with repentance through your actions. Do you have such fruits?

Key Point:  Repentance goes beyond just saying, “I am sorry”. Your comportment and inner resolve go a long way to validate or discredit claim.

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: He Is Our Righteousness [Sunday May 28, 2017]

Text: Jeremiah 23:1-8

Key Verse: “In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS” (Jeremiah 23:6).

Man is faced with multiple and very complex spiritual problems. In a bid to seek solution to, and freedom from these problems, mankind has adopted different approaches which manifest in the different religions we have all over the world today. The religions reveal the depth of the spiritual hunger and longing of man. Unfortunately, these religions have proved to be incapable of solving man’s problems and giving him the peaceful repose he desires. With all the religious activities going on in different parts of the world, the sin problem with its attendant effects appear not to be abating. Rather, they are in a more terrifying increase.

These go to show that the world needs more than religions. They need Christ. In today’s passage, prophet Jeremiah laments the failure of the religious leaders of his days. The pastors, priests and Levites instead of serving the purpose for which they were appointed into the ministry, were busy serving their personal interests. The flocks over which they were appointed as Shepherds to oversee were left unattended to and exploited for their personal benefits.

These all together show in clear terms how the religious order of the day has failed to usher in true righteousness. It goes to prove how the Old Testament religious order and indeed, every form of religion today is incapable of solving the sin problem and drawing man closer to God. To remedy this, the Lord gives the prophetic promise of the coming of the Redeemer and Messiah – Jesus Christ, the Righteous Branch. He is the only Hope for the salvation and restoration of the nation of Israel and indeed, the whole world. He is to offer us His own righteousness which alone is acceptable before God. This promise was fulfilled when Jesus died on the cross. There, on that cruel tree, the great exchange took place. Jesus took upon Him the sin of the whole world and gave us His righteousness. This is why today, the Lord no longer demands religious observances from us but the righteousness which Christ imparts.

Thought for the day: We are made righteous in Him.

Bible Reading in one Year: Lamentations 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.

Topic: Jesus, The Chief Cornerstone [Sunday May 28, 2017]

Matthew 16:18, “And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”

Some people have mistakenly interpreted this passage to say that Peter was the foundation on which Christ would build His Church. However, that would violate many scriptures that refer to Jesus as the “chief cornerstone.”

Ephesians 2:20 does mention the apostles as being part of the foundation stones of Christ’s church, but it doesn’t single Peter out above any of the other apostles, This same scripture once again mentions Jesus as the “chief cornerstone.”

There are two different Greek words used for “Peter” and “rock” respectively in verse 18. The word used for “Peter” means “rock” but signifies a piece of rock like a pebble. In contrast, the word translated as “rock” signifies a massive rock which certainly refers to Jesus, the “chief cornerstone.” Some have suggested that the foundation rock referred to was confession that Peter made saying that Jesus was “the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Mt. 16:16). Although it is true that, to enter God’s kingdom, we do have to confess that Jesus is Lord (Rom. 10:9-10), in light of the Old Testament prophecies and New Testament references to Jesus being the “chief cornerstone,” this passage of scripture must be referring directly to Jesus as the “rock” upon which He will build His church.

One of the greatest differences between the New Testament believer and the Old Testament believer is the fact that New Testament saints are the temple of God. God Himself actually indwells us. God does not dwell in a building made by man’s hands. He now lives in the hearts of those who make Jesus their Lord (Rom. 10:9). The cornerstone of our lives in God must be an ever-increasing revelation of His Son. If we had a real understanding of the reality of Christ in us (Col. 1:27), it would drastically change our attitudes, emotions, and actions.

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: Not One Sparrow [Sunday May 28, 2017]

Read: Matthew 10:28–33, Bible in a Year: 2 Chronicles 4–6; John 10:24–42

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants. Psalm 116:15

My mother, so dignified and proper her entire life, now lay in a hospice bed, held captive by debilitating age. Struggling for breath, her declining condition contradicted the gorgeous spring day that danced invitingly on the other side of the windowpane.

All the emotional preparation in the world cannot sufficiently brace us for the stark reality of goodbye. Death is such an indignity! I thought.

Heavenly Father, You are right there with us, loving us, keeping us, holding us!

I diverted my gaze to the birdfeeder outside the window. A grosbeak flitted close to help itself to some seed. Instantly a familiar phrase popped into my mind: “Not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it” (Matt. 10:29 nlt). Jesus had said that to His disciples as He gave them marching orders for a mission to Judea, but the principle applies to all of us. “You are worth more than many sparrows,” He told them (v. 31).

My mom stirred and opened her eyes. Reaching back to her childhood, she used a Dutch term of endearment for her own mother and declared, “Muti’s dead!”

“Yes,” my wife agreed. “She’s with Jesus now.” Uncertain, Mom continued. “And Joyce and Jim?” she questioned of her sister and brother. “Yes, they’re with Jesus too,” said my wife. “But we’ll be with them soon!”

“It’s hard to wait,” Mom said quietly.

Heavenly Father, this life can be so hard and painful. But You! . . . You are right there with us, loving us, keeping us, holding us! And You promise never to leave us or forsake us.

Death is the last shadow before heaven’s dawn.

Insight:

Part of the emphasis in today’s reading is the value God places on every human life. When we face the death of those dear to us—or our own death—it is a comfort to remember how deeply God cares for us. In fact, the psalmist accentuates this assurance, saying, “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants” (Ps. 116:15). Amazing—the eternal God is concerned about the human experience of death. Though this death is the consequence of our rebellion and fall, God offers us His life so that even though we will inevitably face physical death Jesus promises, “The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die” (John 11:25–26). This shows that His promise to always be with us extends through this life and beyond—even surpassing death. How can this comfort us as we face the passing of loved ones? As we face our own mortality?

This message was written By Tim Gustafson [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]

Topic: Receive the Man of God [Sunday May 28, 2017]

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me. – John 13:20

I can’t tell you how many born-again, Holy Ghost-filled Christians pick their pastor apart on Saturday night and then expect him to pray the prayer of faith for them Sunday morning! They’ll constantly make critical comments about the evangelists and preachers that God has sent to minister to them and then wonder why the rain of the Spirit has all but dried up in their churches.

Most of those folks would never dream of criticizing the ministry of Jesus. Yet, according to the Word of God, that’s precisely what they’re doing. You see, Jesus said, “He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me.”

I know ministers fail sometimes. I know they make mistakes. Jesus knew they would too. But, even so, He said, “If you receive them, you receive Me.”

If you think some preacher’s doctrine is wrong, then pray for him. Stop sitting under his ministry if necessary. But the Scripture says, “Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand” (Romans 14:4, New International Version).

The ministers of the gospel are not your servants, they’re God’s servants. Whether they’re right or whether they’re wrong, love them and respect them if for no other reason than to honor the One who sent them.

Learn to receive the minister of God that Jesus sends to you with the same respect and the same honor that you would give Jesus Himself. You’ll open the door for great spiritual power to be released. You’ll clear the way for God to meet your needs. The Anointing of God will be released through the man of God to you.

Refuse to let criticism hold back the Anointing of the Holy Spirit. Then get ready to be blessed because, I guarantee, He won’t hold out on you.

Scripture Reading: Numbers 12:1-16

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.

Most people with long hair have realized having beautiful long hair comes at a big (sometimes gross and incredible annoying) cost. Jumia Travel, the leading online travel agency, shares 7 things people with long hair go through all the time.

Leaving a Trail of Hair Wherever You Go

Especially when you comb your hair, it sometimes sheds a lot and leaves the whole place messy. So you often have to collect your hair in little hairballs and dispose them.

The Pain of Having Your Hair Caught in Random Objects

This can be quite painful and happens often when you let your long hair down. Your hair keeps getting stuck here and there and you have keep cutting here and there to set it free, till you get tired and frustrated and just pack the darn thing.

Constantly Cutting Hairbands

Since your hair and hair bands never seem to want to part ways because the hair bands are constantly coming to your rescue in times of distress, you inescapably have to experience the ire of dealing with these hair bands constantly getting weak and cutting, and you always having  to replace them in a frustrating and tiring cycle.

Everyone Wants to Touch It

This is totally nerve raking. Most people are not content to just admire, they feel the need to touch and sometimes drag the hair (painfully pulling out a few strands) in an attempt to ‘feel the texture’. Some people are so forward with the whole process, that they don’t even consider it necessary to actually ask the owner of the hair if it’s okay to invade her personal space that way and attack her hair strands with their hands.

Untangling Your Hair is a Struggle

Especially when you hair is due or you’ve packed it without plaiting for a while, combing through the potential tangles in your hair becomes a struggle for ages. Then, the comb breaks halfway through and you just get tired.

Drying Your Hair Takes Forever

The more, the merrier right? But with long hair, it’s more like the more, the more stressful. With long hair, it seems like drying your hair takes forever; then, your hands get tired working to cover every area of your hair and your arms start to ache in the process. Please, let’s not even talk of what when happens when you decide afterward to straighten your hair.

Fantasizing about Cutting Your Hair but Realizing You Love it Some Much You Can’t

Even with all the stress, you can’t just chop off the long hair because you have a bond with it you probably can’t even understand. Truth is, even with the struggles, you love having the long hair regardless of if it’s a pain in the scalp sometimes.

By Damilola Ojo
PR Associate Jumia Travel
+2348101556883

Topic: The Impact of Joy on Destiny Fulfilment [Sunday May 28, 2017]

Scripture: Then he said unto them Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the Lord is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10

Thought For The Day: Anywhere joy is in short supply, strength will also be in short supply.

The Scripture makes it clear that one reason God created us is to fulfil destiny. Everyone on earth is living to carry out a Divine assignment. However, Divine strength is needed to fulfil destiny. To be a weakling, therefore, is to forfeit your destiny.

The question is, if God created us to fulfil destiny and strength is required for destiny fulfilment, what, then, is the secret of strength? A major secret of strength is joy.

Your joy determines your strength and your strength determines your victory. Your victory determines your mastery and ability to subdue the earth. It is not possible to subdue anything on earth without joy. That is why the Bible says, ‘if thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.’ Proverbs 24:10.

So, the bankruptcy of joy is the scarcity of strength. The shortage of joy is the deficiency of strength. Anywhere joy is in short supply; strength will also be in short supply. The strength supplied by your joy also determines your speed and impact in life.

Beloved, determine to be joyful always according to scriptures regardless of circumstances (Philippians 4:4). Engage in constant praise and celebration.

Remember this: Anywhere joy is in short supply; strength will also be in short supply.

Assignment(s):

1 Be joyful in every situation.

2. Multiply your strength daily by increasing your praise.

Prayer: I curse every garment of depression in my life. I ask LORD, for the spirit of praise and celebration, in Jesus’ Name.

For Further Understanding, Get This Message: Joy For The Top

Quote: To lose your joy is to lose your strength and without strength, there can be no flight. Culled from 30 SECRETS TO THE TOP by Dr Paul Enenche

Daily Reading: 2 Samuel 13:1 to 39, John 17:1 to 26, Psalm 119:81 to 96, Proverbs 16:6 to 7.

Amazing Fact: The strongest muscle in the body is the tongue.

Today In History: 28/05/1961 – Amnesty International, a human rights organization, was founded.

Prophetic Parental Blessing: Today, I prophesy to you, you shall make it. The unction on this commission shall function in your life, marriage, family and destiny. I break every yoke of delay, stagnation, limitation, frustration, inhibition and restriction off your life and destiny, in Jesus’ Name.

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: Invest Your Talents [Sunday May 28, 2017]

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above . . . — James 1:17

God, in His mercy and goodness, has endowed every man with certain gifts, talents, and capabilities. These are not to be used selfishly for our own profit, but for the glory of God and for the building of His kingdom. Our personalities, our intelligence, and our capabilities are gifts from His own bountiful hand. If we divert their use for our own profit, we become guilty of selfishness.

It is good business for an employee or junior partner in the firm to work for the profit and interest and glory of the owner. When the owner profits, all members of the firm profit. So, as stewards of our talents, we should invest them for the glory, praise, and honor of God. If God is glorified, we as His partners will be blessed. Our voices, our service, and our abilities are to be employed, primarily, for the glory of God.

Prayer for the day: Everything I have, You have given me, Father. Now give me wisdom to use these gifts completely in Your will.

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.