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.

Topic: Saul Broke the Pride Barrier [Sunday 21, May 2017]

Memorise: The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts. – Psalm10:4

Read: Acts 9:1-11 (KJV)

1 And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,

2 And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.

3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:

4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?

5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

7 And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.

8 And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.

9 And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.

10 And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.

11 And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,

Bible in One Year: Acts 1-2, Jeremiah 33:1-11, Hymn: Sing hymn 6

MESSAGE:

Yesterday, we considered the need to fast often in order to maintain the Spirit’s control over the desires of our body. Today, let us consider another reason why we need to fast often, which is, to submit ourselves to God in humility (James 4:6-7). David had this understanding and that was why in Psalm 35:13 he said,

“But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom.”

Whenever you find yourself becoming haughty, too full of yourself or looking down on others, you need to declare a fast so as to subdue the rise of pride in your life. Those who live in pride are distant from God. Even when He makes an attempt to reach such people, it will be very difficult because they have built a fence of pride around themselves. One major reason why some people don’t accept the gospel of Jesus Christ, even after witnessing His power and miracles, is pride. Those worst hit by this attitude tend to be learned, enlightened and widely travelled people. This is why you need to pray against the spirit of pride hindering the salvation of your loved ones.

Let us take a look at the life of Saul of Tarsus and learn some lessons from him. He was very zealous and intelligent young man who wanted to please God, but he was proud. Meanwhile, God had been trying to reach out to him, but the fence of pride he had around him kept God out. Do you know that pride directs? If you are proud, it will direct you in the way you go about things, in what you do and what you don’t do. Whenever faith is combined with pride, at best, you will get religion. As Saul tried to serve and please God in the atmosphere of pride, he drifted further away from the One he thought he was pleasing, to the point where he began to fight the One he was supposed to satisfy. Pride blindfolds its victims. It makes a person work against what he or she originally set out to do or stand up for. It wasn’t until Jesus manifested Himself to Saul that he realised he had been working against the God he thought he was serving. Nevertheless, after he humbled himself with fasting and prayer for three days, he received salvation, healing of his blind eyes, the baptism of the Holy Spirit, and a divine call of God to minister the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles. If only you can submit yourself to God in humility through prayer and fasting, you can connect with God’s purpose for your life.

Prayer Point: Father, let all my loved ones who are separated from You through pride, overcome this barrier and yield completely to Your will today.

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: Our Hearts Control Our Bodies [Sunday May 21, 2017]

Mark 7:15, “There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man.”

Matthew 15:1-20; Mark 7:1-23

All of the Old Testament dietary laws were shadows (or pictures) of spiritual truths which would become realities in the New Covenant. These Pharisees (as well as many Christians today) missed all of the spiritual significance of these laws and saw only the physical act.

The real spiritual meaning that these Old Testament dietary laws symbolized was that we were supposed to be holy (separated) unto God in everything – even what we eat. Under the Old Testament law, it was forbidden to eat or to touch certain animals, not because there was anything wrong with the animals, but to illustrate the point of being separated unto God and to serve as a constant reminder of this separation. Under the New Testament, we see that no animal is, or ever was, unclean of itself. The Old Testament designation of certain animals as unclean was purely symbolic, and this is why Jesus could make this statement.

Jesus’ statements here refer to more than just the clean and unclean beasts of the Old Testament. He said nothing which enters into a man through his mouth can defile him. This statement cannot be interpreted, however, as condoning any type of abuse we would like to give our body such as gluttony, drug abuse, etc. Rather, Jesus is simply explaining that the condition of the heart of man should be given preeminence over the physical body. The heart of man controls the body of man, not the other way around. Sin doesn’t make our heart corrupt, but a corrupt heart makes us sin. God looks on our hearts, and our cleanliness or defilement in His sight is dependent solely on whether or not we have been made clean in our spirits by the blood of the Lamb. The blood of Jesus cleanses us from all unrighteousness.

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)