Topic – Boldness: The Answer To All Contention [Monday March 20, 2017]

IThess. 2:2

“—we were bold in our God to speak unto you the Gospel of God with (in the face of) much contention.”

When contention (opposition) stands on your way, answer back with boldness.

Acts 4:13-16 – The boldness of the Apostles could not be resisted.

Boldness is rooted in God Prov. 28:1

Boldness is expressed by speech Acts 4:20; I Sam. 17

Make the world see your boldness of speech, appearance, walk etc.

Boldness was so important to the Apostles that they made it a major

prayer request – Acts 4:29-31, 33

Topic: Life Is a Journey [Monday March 20, 2017]

. . . But when the cloud was taken up, they journeyed; whether it was taken up by day or by night, they journeyed. — Numbers 9:21

Thankfully, our enjoyment in life is not based on always having enjoyable circumstances. It is an attitude of the heart, a decision to enjoy everything because all things—even little, seemingly insignificant things—have a part in the overall “big picture” of life.

Life is a journey. Everything in it is a process. It has a beginning, a middle, and an end. All aspects of life are always developing. Life is motion. Without movement, advancement, and progression, there is no life. In other words, as long as you and I are alive, we are always going to be going somewhere.

If you have not been enjoying the journey of your life, it is time to start. If you have been enjoying your life, then thank God and look for ways to enjoy it even more.

Prayer of Thanks: I thank You, Father, that my life is a journey. I’m not going to stay stuck in a difficult or trying situation forever—You are taking me through it. Help me to experience Your joy regardless of my surroundings. Help me to enjoy my life today!

Topic: Any Pricks? [Monday 20, March 2017]

Memorise: Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; – 1 Timothy 4:2

Read: Romans 9:1, 1 Timothy 1:16-20 (KJV)

1 I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost,

1 Timothy 1:16-20

16 Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.

17 Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

18 This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare;

19 Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:

20 Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.

Bible in One Year: Exodus 17-19, Isaiah 65:1-12

MESSAGE:

“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” – Acts 2:38

For anyone who wants to partake of salvation from sins, Satan and the world, God requires genuine, heartfelt repentance. In Acts 2:37, after preaching to the multitudes, they asked Peter, “What shall we do?” He simply replied, “Repent and be water-baptized, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” From this response, we understand that the Spirit of life Himself is a gift, and that if you will have Him, you must start from the place of repentance. If you want to experience the move of the Spirit in your life, begin with repentance. Repentance is the foundation stone on which faith in Christ is built. Anyone who claims to be a servant of God but who did not start from the place of repentance is only engaging in self deception. Examine yourself today. Are you saved? Have you truly repented?

After you have successfully laid the foundation of repentance, your conscience will be purged by the Blood of Jesus and made to come alive through the prompting of the Holy Spirit (Hebrews 9:14, Romans 9:1); to the extent that if you as much as tell a lie, you won’t get away with it. You will remain troubled until you confess and restitute the lie. If you are never under the pressure of the Holy Spirit to make right your wrong deeds, you can be sure that something is wrong with your foundation. Many years ago, while travelling to Lagos from Ilasha (South-West, Nigeria), I forgot to buy a gift for my father in the Lord. By the time I got to Surulere, Lagos, I realised this oversight and so I bought some oranges to give to him from there. As Papa peeled and sucked the oranges, he said, “These oranges are sweet. You must have bought them on the way.” “Yes sir”, I replied. The Holy Spirit said to me, “You just lied.” My response to this was “How did I lie? Roadside is roadside, whether at Surulere or between Ilesha and Lagos.” The Spirit then said, “You know his question meant whether you bought them on your way from Ilesha to Lagos.” I replied, “Does it matter? Does this affect the sweetness of the oranges?” The Spirit insisted, “You have lied.” So I turned to my father in the Lord and told him I bought the oranges at Surulere, Lagos and not on my way from Ilesha, and Papa exclaimed, “Holy Spirit!” He knew the Spirit was dealing with me. Does this same Holy Spirit deal with you when you lie or sin? If your conscience is not responding to the pricks of the Holy Spirit, it means you have strayed from Him.

Prayer Point: Father, quicken every part of my conscience that has been seared by persistent disobedience.

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: Foundation For An Enviable Marriage (3)

Dear Reader,

It has been so wonderful since we started this teaching on the foundation for an enviable marriage.  I know that the Lord has really loaded you with a lot of ingredients that will ensure that your marriage is listed as part of the few enviable ones.  By this, every crisis in your marriage is ending and never to re-occur in Jesus most holy name!

This week, I will be teaching on some Characteristics of an enviable marriage.  God’s Word says: Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established: And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches (Proverbs 24:3-4).  If you want your marriage to be desired by other individuals and homes, then understanding these characteristics is a must!

Commitment to Your Spouse:

Marriage is a lifetime and total commitment, an unreserved dedication of one’s whole self to the marriage relationship.  Commitment is the backbone of an enviable and successful marriage.  It is the adhesive that holds marriage together.  When commitment is lacking in a marriage, the chances of survival of that marriage is very slim.  It is important for you to know that what the spinal cord is to the body, is what commitment is to marriage; without it, the marriage is paralyzed.  That shall not be your portion in Jesus’ name.

Effective Communication with Your Spouse:

Effective communication with your spouse is a major characteristic of a fulfilled marriage.  Many marriages break down as a result of faulty communication.  It is not just communicating, but effective communication is what makes an enviable marriage.  Lack of effective communication is the reason for so much tension in many homes today.  Effective communication can be said to be the “mortar” that cements marital relationship.  In essence, effective communication is the key to a desirable and fulfilling marriage.

Absolute Trust in Your Spouse:

Trust is placing confidence in someone.  Trust is a part of our daily life.  That is why lack of trust in a marriage brings death to that marriage.  To enjoy a fulfilled marriage, trust is a vital tool.  Trust is a virtue built through experience, over a period of time.  Trust is reciprocal.  The more you express your trust to your spouse, the more he/she responds to you in trust.

Being born again is the very place to start from, to secure a glorious marriage.  The foundation of an enviable marriage is God. Do you want to enjoy a most successful marriage?  If yes, then give your life to Christ. This entails confessing your sins and accepting Jesus as your Lord and Saviour.  If you are ready for this new birth experience, please say this prayer: “Dear Lord Jesus, I come to You today as a sinner. Forgive me of my sins. I believe You died and rose on the third day for my sins.  I accept You as my Lord and Saviour.  Make me a child of God today. Thank You for accepting me into Your Kingdom.”

Congratulations! You are now born again! All-round rest and peace are guaranteed you, 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).

A Promise For You From Bible Promises: 

Topic: He That Believes [20/03/2017]

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste. Isaiah 28:16. Read: 1 Sam 8:1-11

Be careful not hasten God Almighty to do your bidding. You must not pressurize Him to have your way no matter how long that challenge is affecting you now. God says, the expiry date of whatsoever you are going through is now and whatsoever He has promised you will now find fulfilment without further delay. Whatsoever it is you are waiting on God for, wait for His timing. His timing is always the best and His timing is not yours and yours is not His, it defers. Don’t pressurize God to do your bidding because of other people or family members – including your parents. As you wait on God patiently and faithfully, keep doing your part because God will do His part, He is too faithful to fail. Jesus Christ acknowledged the pain of going through the death of the Cross and He had a choice to back out, but He said to God, “Not My Will but Thy Will be done.”

From our Bible reading, the Israelites had God Almighty as their king who goes in and out to fight their battles for them, now they gathered themselves and met prophet Samuel and told him they needed a king to reign over them. Prophet Samuel told God and God said unto him, they did not reject you but Me as king over them, give them what they asked you but make them know how their king will treat them. In Psalms 106:15, the Bible says, And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul. While they were in dire need of a king, God was busy raising their king (David) in the bush.

#BiblePromisesQuote

* Patience and Faith is the key to obtaining God’s Promises.

Topic: Weapons in the Hands of God [Monday March 20, 2017]

Scripture: Thou art my battle axe and weapons of war: for with thee will I break in pieces the nations, and with thee will I destroy kingdoms; (please input scripture)

Thought For The Day: Human beings are the artilleries and armoury of God. You are not just a person; you are a weapon.

It is a well-known fact that there is constant war between the Kingdom of God and the kingdom of darkness. The kingdom of darkness always wants to counter the Kingdom of God.

Human beings, especially Spirit-filled children of God are weapons in the Hands of God. The battles of the Lord are fought with human weapons. Human beings are the artilleries and armoury of God. You see, you are not just a person; you are a weapon.

In the battle against the Philistines, Saul could not face Goliath until the human weapon, David, emerged (1 Samuel 17:32-50).

The greatest challenge of God is not the devil, but weapons to use in battles. It is pertinent, therefore, to look beyond yourself as a person and see yourself as a weapon involved in a multifaceted war for the Kingdom.

As a child of God, your life is either winning or losing the battle. What is your testimony to your generation? What is your contribution to the victory of the Kingdom of God? The question is not about the title you bear but the mantle you wear because demons do not respond to title; they respond to mantle.

Beloved, it is time to rise and deploy yourself in the Hands of God against every force of darkness. May God give you supernatural strength to face the battle in Jesus’ Name.

Remember this: Human beings are the artilleries and armoury of God. You are not just a person; you are a weapon.

Assignments:

1. Be consistent in the study of the Word of God to equip yourself for battle.

2. Live a life of absolute surrender to the Will of God. Ask God to use you for His glory.

Prayer: O LORD, I decree that I am a weapon in Your Hands. LORD, I ask for supernatural strength to face the battles in my generation, Lord in Jesus’ Name.

FOR FURTHER UNDERSTANDING, GET THIS MESSAGE: YOU ARE A WEAPON.

Quote: Your degree of yielded-ness determines your degree of usefulness in the Hands of God. Culled from THOU ART MY BATTLE AXE by Dr Paul Enenche.

Daily Reading: Numbers 30:1 to 31:54, Luke 4:1 to 30, Psalm 63:1 to 11, Proverbs 11:20 to 21.

Today In History: 20/03/1956 – Tunisia gained independence from France.

Amazing Fact: Astronauts on the International Space Station witness 16 sunrises and sunsets every day.

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: Separate Ye Yourself [Monday March 20, 2017]

Text: Leviticus 15:19-33

Key Verse: “Thus shall ye separate the children of Israel from their uncleanness; that they die not in their uncleanness, when they defile my tabernacle that is among them” (Leviticus 15:31).

Israel was chosen as a beloved nation by God. He gave her laws: ceremonial and moral, to guide her in her relationship with Him. The law of uncleanness which was as a result of the issue of blood from a woman stipulated that any woman with an issue of blood – normal, periodic or the one caused by disease condition which may run for many days, must undergo a period of separation.

If it was normal issue of blood, the woman would undergo seven days of separation, a period during which her clothe, bedding material and anybody that touched them would have to be washed and treated unclean till the evening of that day. Any woman who had abnormal issue of blood which might run for a long period of time would observe the separation law throughout her period of uncleanness. Before any of these women could be allowed entry into the sanctuary, she must have been certified clean by the priest after performing the rite of atonement for her.

As God appointed priests warned people in those days so that they would not contravene His law and die, so has He appointed His ministers who warn that issues of unclean hearts – idolatry, adultery, fraud, murder and the like would prevent one from entering the eternal sanctuary of God. But the blood of the Lamb of God has been shed for the atonement of transgression. And it has been working perfectly well ever since it was first shed at Calvary. If you believe, this efficacious blood will make you clean.

Thought for the day: The blood that washes whiter than snow is available.

Bible Reading in one Year: 2 Samuel 18-19

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: Be Clothed With Humility [Monday March 20, 2017]

And be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. – 1 Peter 5:5

Most believers don’t know anything about true humility. If you tell them they’re the righteousness of God, they’ll fight to keep from believing it. You can give them scripture references to prove it, and they’ll still argue.

“Oh no,” they’ll say, “I’m not righteous. I’m just an old sinner saved by grace.” They’re making a sincere attempt to be humble. But they’re sincerely wrong. They’re so afraid of being exalted by pride that they’ve let Satan trick them into falling right into it.

Let me show you what I mean. According to 1 Peter 5:5-6, to be truly humble is to submit to God. That means when God says something, you believe it no matter how foreign to your “religious” thinking it may be. When He says you’ve been made the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus, you say that too. In fact, you wouldn’t dare say anything else because to do so would be to dare to disagree with God. And, when you get right down to it, that’s the ultimate form of pride, isn’t it?

Don’t let Satan keep you groveling in the dust of false humility. Agree with God. Find out what His Word says about you, then be bold enough to say it yourself. Banish pride by submitting to His truth. Clothe yourself in true humility. It’s sure to look good on you.

Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 5:5-11

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: Running and Rest [Monday March 20, 2017]

Read: Mark 6:30–46, Bible in a Year: Joshua 4–6; Luke 1:1–20

[Jesus] said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” Mark 6:31

The headline caught my eye: “Rest Days Important for Runners.” In Tommy Manning’s article, the former member of the U.S. Mountain Running Team emphasized a principle that dedicated athletes sometimes ignore—the body needs time to rest and rebuild after exercise. “Physiologically, the adaptations that occur as a result of training only happen during rest,” Manning wrote. “This means rest is as important as workouts.”

The same is true in our walk of faith and service. Regular times of rest are essential to avoid burnout and discouragement. Jesus sought spiritual balance during His life on Earth, even in the face of great demands. When His disciples returned from a strenuous time of teaching and healing others, “He said to them, ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest’” (Mark 6:31). But a large crowd followed them, so Jesus taught them and fed them with only five loaves and two fish (vv. 32–44). When everyone was gone, Jesus “went up on a mountainside to pray” (v. 46).

If our lives are defined by work, then what we do becomes less and less effective. Jesus invites us to regularly join Him in a quiet place to pray and get some rest.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for Your example of prayer alone with Your Father. Give us wisdom and determination to make rest a priority as we follow You.

In our life of faith and service, rest is as important as work.

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

Topic: Standing Firm [Monday March 20, 2017]

So use every piece of God’s armor to resist the enemy whenever he attacks, and when it is all over, you will still be standing up. — Ephesians 6:13 (TLB)

Daniel and his companions were tempted to forsake their godly heritage, but they refused. They even faced a fiery furnace rather than compromise. God honored their faith and mightily used them. Moses was surrounded by the luxury and godlessness of the Egyptian court, but cast in his lot with his own people. Lot lived in Sodom and saw the obscenities of that doomed city. God saved him out of it because he trusted in Him. Every one of our Lord’s apostles sealed their faith with their lives. Since then, history has been replete with the lives of men who have put God and His way of life above all else.

Prayer for the day: Help me to stand by faith in You, when I am tempted, almighty God.

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.