Topic: Being a True Friend [Tuesday May 16, 2017]

Read: Genesis 14:17–24, Bible in a Year: 2 Kings 24–25; John 5:1–24

Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. Genesis 14:18

Poet Samuel Foss wrote, “Let me live by the side of the road and be a friend to man” (“The House by the Side of the Road”). That’s what I want to be—a friend of people. I want to stand by the way, waiting for weary travelers. To look for those who have been battered and wronged by others, who carry the burden of a wounded and disillusioned heart. To nourish and refresh them with an encouraging word and send them on their way. I may not be able to “fix” them or their problems, but I can leave them with a blessing.

Melchizedek, both the king of Salem and a priest, blessed Abram when he was returning weary from battle (Gen. 14). A “blessing” is more than a polite response to a sneeze. We bless others when we bring them to the One who is the source of blessing. Melchizedek blessed Abram, saying, “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth” (v. 19).

 We can bless others by praying with them; we can take them with us to the throne of grace to find help in time of need (Heb. 4:16). We may not be able to change their circumstances, but we can show them God. That’s what a true friend does.

Prayer: Jesus, teach us to be a friend of people as You are with us. Give us eyes to see others and their needs and to take the time to listen. Help us to take them to You, the source of life.

A big part of loving is listening.

Insight:

A benediction is a prayer that asks for God’s blessing. In this passage, Melchizedek, priest-king of Jerusalem, blessed Abraham with a benediction, attributing Abraham’s victory to the power of God (vv. 19–20). In many churches the pastor often closes the worship service by reciting the words of Numbers 6:24–26 as a prayer of blessing, assuring the congregation of God’s presence, pardon, protection, and peace. The biblical writers underscored this privilege of blessing others when throughout their letters they sprinkled prayers of blessing upon their readers (see Rom. 15:13; 2 Cor. 13:14; 1 Thess. 3:11–13; 2 Thess. 2:16–17; Heb. 13:20–21; Jude 1:24–25).

This week, why not use one of the biblical benedictions as a prayer of blessing for a loved one.

This message was written By David H. Roper [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]

Topic: Separating the Tares from the Wheat [Tuesday May 16, 2017]

John 6:61, “When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you?”

This scripture, as well as Matthew 15:12, reveals that people will be offended by the Gospel. As much as possible, however, we should make sure that it is not ourselves that are offensive. But we cannot labor under the deception that everyone will receive the Gospel, even if the truth was presented properly. We know that Jesus represented His Father perfectly and yet most people rejected His message.

In these two instances, when Jesus realized He had offended the listeners, He didn’t apologize and try to make concessions to gain their acceptance. Instead, He got harder. This hard message of commitment is not only beneficial to those who receive it, but it serves a dual purpose in that it exposes the “tares among the wheat.”

It is important to be aware that the children of the wicked one are placed among the true believers. We should be very careful about putting just anyone who professes Christianity into any position of authority (1 Tim. 3:10). Our best defense is to preach the Word of God without watering it down. False brethren will not endure sound doctrine (2 Tim. 4:3). They leave when the Word, which is sharper than any two-edged sword, begins to expose the thoughts and intents of the heart. There will still, however, be those who are deceived and unaware that they are not born again, remaining among the Church until the end of this world.

As long as Jesus was in the world in His physical body, He was lighting the way to the Father. He now shines through our lives. It is our responsibility to be a witness. The purpose of a light is to dispel the darkness. So “let your light shine before men….” (Matt. 5:16).

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: Mindful of the Leading of God [Tuesday May 16, 2017]

Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. — Galatians 3:24

When God gave the law, He knew that man was incapable of keeping it. Many persons are confused as to why God gave the law, if He knew man could not possibly keep it. The Bible teaches that the law was given as a mirror; I look into the law and see my spiritual condition. I see how far short I come, and this drives me to the cross of Christ for forgiveness. The Bible teaches that this is why Christ came-to redeem them that were under the law. Man could not keep the law; he was condemned by the law.

Prayer for the day: How I need Your guidelines, Lord. Teach me to be always mindful of 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: Consequences of Defiling the Marriage Bed (2)

Dear reader,

You are welcome to this week’s edition of Family Success. I strongly believe that God that has started a good thing in you, will surely perfect all that concerns your marriage and family. Your home shall speak forth the glory of the Lord in Jesus’ name.

Last week, I shed light on what marriage bed is all about. It is not a piece of furniture called ‘bed’ in your bedroom, but the sexual union that is between you and your spouse. It is a sacred thing and a covenant that you signed on your wedding night. This is what makes you and your spouse one. This week I shall be looking into the topic: Causes of Bed Defilement.

The Bible says: Marriage is honourable in all and the bed undefiled (Hebrews 13:4 Emphasis mine). Marriage was designed to deposit unique honour on man. Yet, from Hebrews 13:4, we see that God attaches a condition for honour; the bed must be undefiled. Sexual immorality is what defiles marriage bed. Whether you are married or not, engaging in sexual relationship is deeper than what meets the eye.

It is only within the context of marriage that guilt does not accompany sex. Defiling the marriage bed, as a single person, it is the quickest route to experiencing shame in marriage whether you are marrying the person involved or not. As a single person, do not think that you are not defiling any bed since you are not married. This might be a deception of the devil.

The Bible makes it very clear: Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that commiteth fornication sinneth against his own body…your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost… ye are not your own (I Corinthians 6:18-19). You are not your own, you belong to God who will in turn give you to a man that you deserve. Until wedding vows are exchanged and the marriage ceremony solemnised, no man and woman are scripturally permitted to engage in sexual intercourse.

On the part of those that are married, adultery is a very serious sin that God frowns at. The Bible defines it as lying with another man’s wife (Leviticus 20:10). As long as either the man or the woman is married and has sexual intercourse with one other than his or her spouse, he has committed adultery. God will judge all who do this.

Extramarital affairs do not just happen; there are factors that could trigger this evil in anyone that is not sensitive to the devices of the devil. The number one factor is covetousness. The Cambridge Advance Learners Dictionary defines “covetous” as: desiring something too much, especially something that belongs to someone else. Covetousness is one of the things that God specifically told Moses to warn the children of Israel against (Exodus 20:17).

This sin could lead to many other terrible things including sexual sin. It is covetousness that makes you think that a lady outside is more beautiful and better than your wife. Also, a covetous woman will always prefer another man to her husband, thinking the man is richer or more handsome. A single lady that is covetous will sell her body to get money, because she is not satisfied with the little she has. This sinful nature craves for the things that are sensual; that is, things that appeal to the eyes, taste, touch and feelings. Beware of covetousness.

Another factor that could lead to sexual sin is wrong association. Who are your friends? The type of friends you keep will determine your life pattern. A lot of both married and single persons today were introduced to this perverse life by bad friends. The Word of God says: Do not be misled: Bad company corrupts good character (1 Corinthians 15:33 NIV).

No matter how good you may think you are, if your circle of friends is those that have no respect for the ‘marriage bed’, you will be surprised that you will soon lose your marital dignity.

The Bible says: The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery (Galatians 5:19-20 NIV). No one can overcome this nature except by the power that is in the Blood of Jesus Christ.  Give your life to Him and you shall be saved. If you are ready, say this prayer in faith: “Dear Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me my sins and cleanse me with Your Blood. Deliver me from sin and Satan to serve the living God. I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Make me a child of God today. Thank You for accepting me into Your Kingdom.”

If you prayed this simple prayer, congratulations, 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, and share your testimonies with me through [email protected]; OR 07026385437 and 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: Don’t Complain; Pray [Monday, 15th May 2017]

Do everything without complaining and arguing. Philippians 2:14

The task ahead of us – shining as light in a dark and perversed world – do not demand for people who complain and make unreasonable and unnecessary arguments. It calls for focussed men, who, in spite of how enormous it is, give their all to illuminate a dark world as the light God has made them to be. Focus is key here, because when a light is wavering, which complaining brings, it can’t illuminate the place it is in well enough.

We all know that the demands of the Lord are high. And we are required to give our best to the course God has set us on. Complaining about it should be out of the question, especially when faced with some challenges on the way. There is a better way to deal with issues like that: Prayer. Prayer is very key to ease us off the seeming stress we might be going through. There is no better stress reliever than talking to God. Scriptures says “give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you” (1 Peter 5:7). And we can only do this through prayer.

Instead of complaining and arguing unnecessary, talk to God about the things you are facing in the course of illuminating your sphere of contact. Scriptures says His peace that passes all understanding will keep your heart and mind (Philippians 4:6-7). At the state of peace and tranquility, you will be in the right frame of mind to illuminate your world with your light. You are the light of the world, and light can do nothing but shine. That is why it is only incumbent on you to shine your light in a world full with crooked and perversed people (Philippians 2:15).

Keep winning daily.

Wise Action:

Talk to your Father pertaining all that is impeding you from illuminating your world.

Topic: When Does God Work? [Monday May 15, 2017]

…When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up  a standard against him. – Isaiah 59:19

You don’t know how strong your God is until you are face with strong men.

God is strongest when the battle is toughest.

You don’t know how strong your God is until you are faced with strong men.

Whenever you are confronted by mighty men, remember the almighty God.

God steps into your matter only when you don’t know what next to do and where next to turn as human. IIChr.20:1-24.

You don’t know what God can do until you acknowledge that you don’t know what you can do.

He is described as the very present help in trouble, and that is when we think he is absent. Ps. 46:1.

The anointing became strongest on Samson when the Philistines shouted the loudest on him. Judges 15:14-17; 14.5-6.

God rises to scatter His enemies only when they have gathered. Ps.66:1. God does not engage in small fight.

God is too big to be invited into a small fight.

God rises only to challenge.

What it takes to move God against your opposition is faith that is demonstrated by the combination of rest, (calmness) and action.

Topic: At All Times [Monday May 15, 2017]

I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. — Matthew 18:21-22

Faith and trust in God is meant to be exercised more than once in a while or from time to time; we can live in faith at all times. With God’s help we can learn to live from faith to faith, trusting the Lord when things are good, and when things are difficult. It is easy to trust God when things are good, but when things are challenging and we decide to trust God, then we really develop character.

Psalm 34:1 encourages us to bless the Lord at all times. There are several other scriptures that tell us things to do at all times—resist the devil at all times, believe God at all times, love others at all times—not just when it’s convenient or it feels good.

Temptation is a frequent visitor in our lives and as long as we are here on earth, we will have to discipline our emotions, our moods, and our mouths, so that we remain stable and calm, and peaceful—whatever our situation or circumstances. That enables us to be in close fellowship with God and walk in the joy of His Spirit.

Since you can choose your own thoughts, when doubt comes, you can learn to recognize it for what it is, say, “No, thank you,” and keep on believing!

Topic: When God Gives Laughter [Monday 15, May 2017]

Memorise: 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. – Matthew 3:9

Read: Psalm 33:8-11 (KJV)

8 Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him.

9 For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast.

10 The LORD bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought: he maketh the devices of the people of none effect.

11 The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.

Bible in One Year: Deuteronomy 23-24, Jeremiah 31:15-30, Hymn: Sing hymn 5

MESSAGE:

God makes you laugh when He turns His prophecies into decrees. There is a difference between prophecies and decrees. When you hear “Thus says the Lord” that is a prophecy for which you will need to wait to see its fulfilment. In contrast, when God suddenly decides to issue a decree, such as “Let there be light”, you will know that your waiting period is over, as your miracle will manifest immediately. In Genesis 1:3, when God said “Let there be light”, there was no need to vote on it, and neither was there any delay, because He had decreed it. Psalm 33:8-9 says one reason why the whole earth should fear God is that whenever He speaks, it is done. All He has to do is to speak, and the next moment, it is done. By the grace of God, I have witnessed God operate in this dimension. Sometime ago, a couple came to us believing God for the fruit of the womb. I asked them, “What kind of baby do you want” Their response was simultaneous: the man wanted a boy while his wife wanted a girl. So I said we should better make it twins – a boy and a girl – and both of them said “Amen”. Exactly nine months after, the man was carrying his baby boy and the wife was carrying her baby girl. This season, God is saying let there be light, healing, fruitfulness, increase, promotion, victory over enemies and fullness of joy in your life, and so shall it be!

Moreover, God makes you laugh when He decides to show you His Almightiness. After declaring that Sarah would have a child, she laughed, but denied laughing when He asked her why she laughed (Genesis 18:11-15). Then He asked, “Is any thing too hard for the LORD?” Every man definitely has his limits, and even spirits are limited, but not the Father of spirits (Hebrews 12:9). Hence, Luke 1:37 says nothing is impossible with our God. He can suspend physical laws and have His way any day. Matthew 3:9 says this God can produce children out of stones! Whatever the specialists have said cannot hinder my God. Where they are limited, He is not. The resources they lack, He has in abundance. What they do not know, is common knowledge to Him. His word is full of power and gives direction to anything He wants done. This is why I know that this season, everything standing in your way to laughter shall give way so that you can laugh. You shall laugh last and your laughter shall be unstoppable!

Prayer Point: Father, for every couple trusting You for the fruit of the womb in my local assembly, Please give them laughter 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: Without A Rival [Monday May 15, 2017]

Text: Exodus 20:1-17

Key Verse: “I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage” (Exodus 20:2).

In the days of the ancient Near East empires, which was the period the children of Israel sojourned in the wilderness on their way to Canaan, it was the norm for a king to set forth a treaty that established his lordship over the people. This document took the form of laws the subjects must obey to appreciate the king’s guidance.

The Ten Commandments God gave to Israel in the third month of their deliverance from Egyptian bondage was also the Lord’s unquestionable statement that He was their King and that Israel was His covenant people bound to Him by rules. They must offer Him complete devotion and loyalty in sheer gratitude for His mercies.

That is why He began the laws with “I am the LORD, thy God” to make the proclamation that only His Word would hold sway if the people under Him would enjoy life to the full. There would be no allegiance to any other lord whether in the shape of images or in the form of human beings. In Israel’s heart and way of life, no idol tending to represent the invisible God would be allowed any room. A throne was installed in the soul of every Israelite and only God must sit there. Now, this Benevolent God did not give rules solely about exclusive divine adoration. He also had laws for acceptable interpersonal relationships that would usher in sanity in society. There must be no murder, stealing, fornication, adultery or parental disrespect.

God’s laws bring life. The defeat, despair, death and destruction man has encountered for generations are a result of his rebellion against God. In the Christian dispensation brought by Jesus Christ, the law has been fulfilled through the grace of salvation which enables the born-again child of God to easily submit to the absolute lordship of the Creator. To receive and enjoy the fullness that is in Christ therefore, let Him have absolute reign over you.

Thought for the day: God alone must reign in your heart.

Bible Reading in one Year: 2 Chronicles 30-33

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.

A Promise For You From Bible Promises:

Topic: Seven Abominations Unto God. Pt Two [15/05/2017]

These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, Proverbs 6:16. Read: Ac 5:1-11

Yesterday, we started looking at seven things that are abominations to God Almighty. The first one which we said is a PROUD LOOK, eyes that look down on others. God hates such people because they make themselves God. Today, let’s look at the second abomination which is detestable to God.

2) A Lying Tongue. God hates tongues that specialize in lying. Tongues that turn white to black and black to white. Tongues that pervert judgment. Tongues that condemn the righteous and justify the wicked. The primary reason God hates a lying tongue is that, all liars shall be separated from Him. The Bible says in Rev 21:8 “And all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death”.

Whether you call it white, black, blue, business, contract, small or big lie, all liars shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. There is no specific mention of the kind of lie that will perish in Lake of fire but it says, “All”. Lying tongue will not only cause you death physically (like the case of Ananias and Sapphira) but also eternity. Therefore, desist from it.

#BiblePromisesPrayer

* Father, of every lies I have told that is dragging me to hell, I repent of them and I ask for forgiveness in Jesus Mighty Name.