Topic: Blink and Think of God [Monday May 22, 2017]

Read: Deuteronomy 32:1–12, Bible in a Year: 1 Chronicles 16–18; John 7:28–53

He shielded him and cared for him; he guarded him as the apple of his eye. Deuteronomy 32:10

“God is like an eyelid,” my friend Ryley said, and I blinked in surprise. What could she mean by that?

“Tell me more,” I replied. Together, we had been studying surprising pictures of God in the Bible, things like God as a laboring mother (Isa. 42:14) or as a beekeeper (7:18), but this one was new to me. Ryley pointed me to Deuteronomy 32, where Moses praises the way God takes care of His people. Verse 10 says that God shields and protects His people, guarding them “as the apple of his eye.”

But the word we translate apple, Ryley told me, literally means pupil. And what encircles and guards the pupil? The eyelid, of course! God is like the eyelid, which instinctively protects the tender eye. The eyelid guards the eye from danger, and by blinking helps remove dirt or dust. It keeps sweat out of the eye. It lubricates the eyeball, keeping it healthy. It closes, allowing rest.

As I considered the picture of God as an eyelid, I couldn’t help but thank God for the many metaphors He’s given us to help us understand His love for us. When we close our eyes at night and open them in the morning, we can think of God, and praise Him for His tender protection and care for us.

Prayer: Thank You, God, for using surprising metaphors to help us understand You better. Thanks for guarding us just as the eyelid guards the eye.

When you blink, remember to thank God for His protection.

Insight:

Jesus Himself verifies the truth of God’s protection when He tells us not to worry about our lives: “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. . . . You are worth more than many sparrows” (Matt. 10:29–31; Luke 12:1–6).

In what situation do you need to remember that God protects and provides? How can you remind yourself and others of our worth in God’s eyes?

This message was written By Amy Peterson [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]

Topic: Silence the Critics [Monday May 22, 2017]

For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men. – 1 Peter 2:15

I know from personal experience that when people start to criticize you and persecute you because you live by faith, your natural human response is to want to strike back. You want to start dishing out a little criticism of your own. Maybe if they get a taste of their own medicine, they’ll shut their mouths, you think.

But you know what? They won’t. Your words will just add fuel to their fire and they’ll criticize you harder and louder than they did before.

According to the Word of God, however, there is a way to silence them. Not by arguing with them. Not by defending yourself. But by keeping quiet and continuing to do the good works God has called you to do.

Jesus was highly criticized by the religious establishment of His day. But He never fought back. Instead, Acts 10:38 says He simply went about doing good.

When people start riding you about living the faith life, be like Jesus and just keep on blessing people. Keep on praying for folks who are oppressed by the devil and get them delivered. Keep on laying hands on the sick and getting them healed. Keep on doing what God has called you to do.

That will aggravate the devil because his primary purpose is to make you ineffective for the kingdom of God. He wants you to get wrapped up in the criticism. He wants to distract you, to get your mind off the job God has given you. He really wants you to quit.

Don’t do it! Instead, follow the instructions in 2 Timothy 3:14 and “continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of.” Silence the ignorant criticisms of men by continuing to do good and by continuing to live by faith. And when all their foolish words have faded away, you’ll still be standing strong.

Scripture Reading: Luke 23:1-9

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 Time [Monday May 22, 2017]

Scripture: So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Psalms 90:12.

Thought For The Day: Time is a vehicle that conveys you into your future.

Time can be defined as the continuing and unlimited progress of existence and events in the past, present and future. It has been confirmed that in order to maximize your life in the fulfilment of destiny, you must use time profitably.

The following are key thoughts on the use of time:

1. Time can never be stored, conserved or preserved.
Time is a perishable material. It can never be stored, conserved or preserved.

2. Time is a vehicle that conveys you into your future without your permission.

It is important to note that tomorrow will surely come whether you like it or not.  By this time next year, you will be one year older than your current age. This is because time is a vehicle that carries you into your tomorrow without your permission. So, to waste time is to waste life.

Beloved, maximize your life by making profitable use of your time.

Remember this: Time is a vehicle that conveys you into your future.

Assignment (s):

1. Make up your mind to maximize your time on earth.

2. Approach every assignment with a sense of urgency.

Prayer: O LORD, I ask for the grace not to waste my time and life on earth. Give me the grace to maximize my opportunities, in Jesus’ Name.

FOR FURTHER UNDERSTANDING, GET THIS MESSAGE: PROFITABLE USE OF TIME.

Daily Reading: 1 Samuel 14:1 to 52, John 7:31 to53, Psalm 109:1 to 31, Proverbs 15:5 to 7.

Quote: Living right is key to living well; and living right is the secret of living long. Culled from 22 LAWS OF LIFE’ by Dr Paul Enenche.

Amazing Fact: Astronauts get taller when they are in space.
               
Today In History: 22 May 1877, Lionel Fletcher was born in Maitland, New South Wales, Australia into a family of ardent Methodists.

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: A Second Look at Greatness [Monday May 22, 2017]

Text: Mark 10:35-45

Key Verse: “But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister” (Mark 10:43).

Whenever we hear the word “great” or “greatness”, we often think of certain outstanding and revered people. Truly, history has a rich record of notable people in every field of human endeavour who have demonstrated rare leadership qualities, creative abilities, courage, sportsmanship and other skills. God, however, has a different way of looking at greatness. Greatness subsists in serving others and not waiting to be served by others or attaining a position where we think we can lord it over others. Worldly fame, honour and authority can be quite tantalizing, but they should not be our motive in life or ministry.

The sons of Zebedee, James and John had requested privileged positions in Christ’s kingdom. They were willing to suffer for it, but Christ, hinting that they would eventually suffer with Him, informed them that only God had the right of giving such honour to who He would. Christ quelled the resentment this selfish request caused among the rest of the disciples. He corrected them regarding their perception of, and quest for greatness which was based on worldly tradition.

Instead, they were to imbibe and exhibit a humble spirit and readiness to serve others. Indeed, contrary to what obtains in the world, whoever desires to be first should make himself a servant of all. In this case, there is no room for domination and intimidation. Inordinate ambition for greatness and censorious dispositions are contrary to Christian virtues to which we are called. It is a most ugly situation when the spirit of rivalry and position-seeking prevails among Christians.

Believers who manifest such traits, are both ignorant and carnal. We must take a second look at what God regards as greatness. We must, by prayer and consecration, yield to the transforming hands of the Holy Spirit to make us conformable to His holy standard.

Thought for the day: In God’s economy, humility is not weakness but strength.

Bible Reading in one Year: Ezra 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: Change Your Mind [Monday May 22, 2017]

Mark 7:21, “For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders.”

These verses (21-23) further establish the fact that our heart includes more than just our spirit. Even Christians still struggle with things like pride and foolishness, which Jesus said comes out of our heart. It’s certain that our born again spirit is not the source of these sins; therefore, the heart encompasses more than our spirit.

The word “spirit” is used in different ways in scripture. The most frequent usage refers to either the Spirit of God or the spirit of man. In that context, it denotes the person of the Holy Spirit or identifies a part of our three-part being (1 Th. 5:23). But the word “spirit” can also describe a mental disposition (Strong).

In Ephesians 1:17, Paul is praying that what is already true in our spirit will become our “mental disposition.” He’s praying for a release into the physical of what is already present in our spiritual being.

The Christian life is not an attempt to get more faith, or more anointing, or to get closer to the Lord. We already have these things in their fullness. We just need a revelation of what is already ours.

Understanding this takes a lot of frustration and doubt away. It’s much easier to release something you already have than to try and get something that you don’t have. And why would anyone doubt whether or not he could receive what he already has? Through Christ, we are already blessed with all spiritual blessings. All we have to do is appropriate what is already ours, through the renewing of our mind. If you will change your thinking to believe what God says in His Word about who you are and what you have, then this agreement between your spirit and soul forms a majority, and your flesh will experience the life of God that has been deposited in your spirit.

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: God Made Us Unique [Monday May 22, 2017]

Our soul waiteth for the Lord . . . — Psalm 33:20

I am a soul—and I have a body! The body is the house in which the soul lives. When Oliver Wendell Holmes was in his 80th year, a friend hailed him and asked, “How are you?” “I’m fine,” said Holmes, “the house I live in is tottering and crumbling, but Oliver Wendell Holmes is fine, thank you.” In this materialistic age we often forget that the real, the abiding part of us is invisible. Much time, money, and effort are expended to perpetuate the physical part of us, and too many are unconcerned about their spiritual health and nurture. Hence doctors’ offices are overcrowded, and many ministers’ counseling rooms are empty.

When God created man, He made him distinctive, different from the other animals. “He breathed into him the breath of life and man became a living soul.” He clothed him with intelligence, conscience, and a will. He made him like Himself—a companion, a friend of God. At the resurrection, this mortal shall put on immortality, and we shall be like Him, and be with Him forever.

Prayer for the day: What expectation is mine as I think of being with You forever, my beloved Lord Jesus!

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: Transformation by Practice [Sunday, 21st May 2017]

Oh, that my ways were directed and established to observe Your statutes [hearing, receiving, loving, and obeying them]! Psalm 119:5

When we look critically at the words of the verse above, we will notice that it was from a desperate heart, a heart that desires just one thing, and that is for his ways and actions to conform to the dictates of God’s words. This is, and should be, the desire of every Christian. Apostle Paul also had this desired when he said in Romans 7:19, that “I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway.”

Question: how do we experience the transformation that salvation have brought to us? Answer: Practice! When we practice what we see in God’s word, it becomes who we are. Roger Federer is known for his tennis skills and he will always be associated with it, because that is what he does. So also when we practice and do God’s word, it will be forever be associated with us. When people see God’s Word in practical operation in your life, they will address you with it.

One thing with practicing God’s Word is that it makes you wise. Hebrews 5:14 says “but solid food is for full-grown men, for those whose senses and mental faculties are trained by practice to discriminate and distinguish between what is morally good and noble and what is evil and contrary either to divine or human law.” When we practice the word, it make us discern what is good and bad conduct, and because wisdom is impacted on us, we choose what is good and stick to it, directing and establishing our ways with God’s word always.

Keep winning daily.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, thank You for the instrument of Your word to make me wise. Help me to take heed to Your word and practice it always, as it transform me, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Topic: Key to Every Door [Sunday May 21, 2017]

“By faith they passed through the Red Sea as by dry land, which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned”. – Heb 11:29

Every door bows to faith.

Wherever faith turns doors are bound to open.

Faith opened the door through the Red Sea.

Faith does what no natural man can try.

The Red Sea opened to faith put to work by God’s people.

Any journey embarked upon by faith always end as a walk over.

The walk of faith is walk of triumph.

At the instance and advancement of faith the walls of Jericho fell.

“By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days” Heb 11:30

When faith stands up everything bows.

When faith goes up every other thing goes down. Nothing remains standing when faith stands.

Topic: Disappointed? Get Reappointed [Sunday May 21, 2017]

Man’s steps are ordered by the Lord. How then can a man understand his way? — Proverbs 20:24

This Scripture has stabilized my emotions many times when I was in a hurry to get somewhere and found myself at a standstill in traffic on the highway. Initially, I get a sinking feeling, then I get aggravated, and then I say, “Well, since my steps are ordered by the Lord, I will calm down and thank God that I am right where He wants me.” I also remind myself that God may be saving me from an accident farther down the road by keeping me where I am. Trusting God is absolutely wonderful because it soothes our wild thoughts and emotions when things don’t go the way we had planned.

I learned long ago that with God on our side, even though we will experience disappointments in life, we can always get “reappointed.” If you or I have a doctor’s appointment and he has an emergency and has to cancel, we simply make another appointment. Life can be that way, too. Trusting that God has a good plan for us, and that our steps are ordered by Him, is the key to preventing disappointment from turning into despair. How do you react when you get disappointed? How long does it take for you to make a transition and get reappointed? Are you acting on the Word of God or merely reacting emotionally to the circumstance? Are you controlled by what is around you, or by Jesus, Who lives inside you?

Trusting God completely and believing that His plan for you is right is infinitely better than trusting your own plan. It is impossible to be mad at someone you really believe has your best interest in mind. And God is always for us, never against us. He is the only One Who can help you and truly comfort you; therefore, it is much better to run to Him in your disappointment than away from Him.

Trust in Him: Trust God to reappoint you—when you do, it will calm your thoughts and emotions.