Topic: Evidence of a Miracle — Tuesday August 15, 2017.

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. – Hebrews 11:1

Don’t ever short-circuit a miracle by trying to see it in progress! So many believers do that. They’ll lay hands on someone and pray for healing or deliverance and then, when they don’t see any immediate, outward change take place, they’ll withdraw their faith and assume nothing happened.

The Lord taught me an unforgettable lesson about that once when I was in Jamaica. I was preaching to a group of about 150 people in a church that was lighted only by a single kerosene lantern. It was so dark I couldn’t see anyone’s face. All I could see was my Bible and the feet of the man right in front of me.

Suddenly I realized that I’d always depended on the facial expressions of the people I was preaching to to determine how my sermon was being received. Knowing what I did about faith, I knew that was dangerous. So I made a quality decision at that moment never to preach another sermon except by faith. I would not be swayed by the expressions of people.

Before that series of meetings was over, I saw just how important that decision could be. The Jamaicans, who tend to show very little expression anyway, sat through every sermon without any outward reaction at all.

One lady was completely healed of blindness during one of those meetings. She never let on that anything had taken place. She was almost rigid when she found me outside and said simply, “Brother Copeland, I was blind, but now I can see. Thank you.” That was all! A miracle had taken place, and by watching, you wouldn’t have been able to tell anything had happened at all.

Next time you’re tempted to evaluate what God is doing by the looks of things, don’t do it. Remember instead that it is faith, not appearances, that makes miracles happen. It’s the only real evidence that you need!

Scripture Reading: Hebrews 11:1-13

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: Wonders of Nature — Tuesday August 15, 2017

These things that were written in the Scriptures so long ago are to teach us . . .  — Romans 15:4 (TLB)

In the wonders of nature we see God’s laws in operation. Who has not looked up at the stars on a cloudless night and marveled in silent awe at the glory of God’s handiwork? Who has not felt his heart lifted in the spring of the year, as he sees all creation bursting with new life and vigor? In the beauty and abundance around us we see the magnitude of God’s power and the infinite detail of His planning; but nature tells us nothing of God’s love or God’s grace.

Conscience tells us in our innermost being of the presence of God and of the moral difference between good and evil; but this is a fragmentary message, in no way as distinct and comprehensive as the lessons of the Bible. It is only in its pages that we find the clear and unmistakable message upon which all true Christianity is based.

Prayer for the day: As I read Your Word, almighty God, clear my mind of needless thoughts, so that I may be aware of Your message for me this day.

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: Wisdom is Calling [Monday August 14, 2017]

Wisdom cries aloud in the street, she raises her voice in the markets. – Proverbs 1:20

God wants us to use wisdom, and according to today’s scripture, wis¬dom is not difficult to obtain; the Holy Spirit wants to reveal it to us; we simply need to pay attention. For example, have you ever needed to make a decision and had your “head” (your intellectual abilities) try to lead you one way while your heart is leading you another? Have you ever had a situation in which your natural thoughts and feelings seemed to be guiding you in one direction, but something inside of you kept nagging you to go another direction?

Chances are, wisdom is crying out to you. One way to love yourself is to listen to it and obey. Many times, it cries out in your heart that you should or should not do a certain thing—you should eat healthily, you should be kind to other people, you should not spend money you do not have. These are all practical examples of using wisdom in everyday life. When you sense such leadings, the Holy Spirit, who speaks to your heart, is trying to help you make a wise decision, even though it may not be the choice you want to make or it may not seem to make sense in your present circumstances.

The Spirit wars against our flesh, and vice versa (see Gal. 5:17). When we know the wise choice and don’t make it, the reason is often that we are allowing our flesh to lead us and to see if we can get away with unwise decisions—which are also known as “foolishness.” The flesh leads us to foolishness, but God wants us to walk in wisdom and make choices now that we will be happy with later.

Love Yourself Today What is wisdom saying to you today? Are you willing to follow it?

Topic: Have Faith in God — Tuesday 15, August 2017.

Memorise: But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. – Hebrews 11:6

Read: Mark 11:21-24 (KJV)

21 And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away.

22 And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.

23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.

24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

Bible in One Year: 2 Kings 14-15; Ezekiel 24:15-25:7, Hymn: Sing hymn 1: My Faith Looks Up To Thee

Open Heavens 15th Tuesday, August 2017 Message:

Faith is a sense of reliance and trust in the Almighty God. It is a guiding belief and also a committed sense of loyalty. Faith is a central emphasis of Christianity, and for this reason, Christians are commonly called “believers”. A commitment to Christianity typically involves a confession of faith. The centrality of faith in Christianity reflects the significance given to it in the Bible. The Bible teaches faith towards God, and also the doctrine of justification by faith (Romans 5:1). Moreover, faith includes belief in the written word of God and also belief in the trustworthiness of God’s ability to keep His promise of reward to his followers (John 14:1-3). The Bible records that the fathers of faith like Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and others, pleased God through the exhibition of their faith. The Bible also makes it clear that it is impossible to please God without faith (Hebrews 11:6). The Christian faith embraces the belief that God was made manifest in the flesh, in the person of Jesus Christ. We belief that He lived to manifest the nature and character of God, and that He died so that we, who were dead in our sins, might receive forgiveness through His Blood that was shed for the atonement of our sins. We believe that the crucifixion of our sinful nature on the Cross through His Body has empowered us to live above sin in this world. We believe that He resurrected so that we can receive a new life in God that is fashioned in the image of His resurrected nature. We believe that anyone can be a partaker of this divine nature when he or she believes in his or her heart all that Jesus Christ has done, confesses his or her sins to God and accepts the Lordship of Jesus Christ over his or her life through confession and action.

Our memory verse teaches some spiritual truths that touch the spiritual life of every Christian. The passage emphasises the method of pleasing God, the necessity of believing in His existence, and the certainty that He answers prayers. We can only please God by walking with Him faith. We must trust Him completely and rely on Him totally as our Father and closest friend. We manifest our trust in God when we pray to Him. The existence of God is settled in the mind of anyone who is a true Christian. Therefore, whenever a Christian prays to God, He or she is demonstrating faith in God’s existence. When a Christian repeatedly refuses to pray to God, he or she ignores God. However, God desires that all Christians pray continually. Therefore, we must constantly and earnestly present our requests and supplications to Him in prayers, with full confidence and assurance that He answers the prayers of His children.

Prayer Point: Father, please increase my faith, and help me to be completely dependent on You in all I do.

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: You Belong To An Unshakable Kingdom — Monday August 14, 2017.

“Do you see what we’ve got? An unshakable kingdom! And do you see how thankful we must be? Not only thankful but brimming with worship, deeply reverent before God.” Hebrews 12:28 (MSG)

All over the world, nations are seeking answers to unending questions. Even the economies that seemed stable at some point, are having to reevaluate themselves. The world is in a state of turmoil. And there seem to be more questions than answers. However, in all of this, the Bible tells us that the unshakable kingdom is ours. Therefore, our attitude in this should be one of sincere gratitude and worship to God, who has given us the victory. While the world is running helter-skelter, looking for some form of stability, we are standing firmly upon a rock that can never be shaken. Yes the seas may rage, as they already are, but we know the One who rules over the raging sea; He stills the waves when they arise, and by this, I am assured, that whatever storm is raging in your life, shall be silenced in Jesus name.

Don’t put up with the lie of the enemy that the situation will drown you. No, you will, without fail, rise above it. The enemy specialises in creating illusions. He uses the circumstances in your lives to paint a false image of a God who is backed to the wall. But may I submit to you that your God is not backed to the wall, and He is not in trouble. He is the Almighty. 1 John 4:17 clearly tells us that as He is, so are we in this world. Therefore, we have also seated above in Christ, far above whatever situations and circumstances we encounter.

You will certainly testify. When men say there is a casting down, you shall say there is a lifting up. God will come through for you. You shall not be disappointed. You shall not see shame. Every mountain before you shall be made plain. And your valleys shall be filled. Be conscious of the fact that you belong to a kingdom that can NEVER be shaken.

Further Reading: Psalm 27:1-5, 88:1-9

Daily Bible Reading: Morning- Psalms 89-90; Evening- Romans 14

Written by Dr. Mike Okonkwo; Is the Presiding Bishop of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM); a versatile man of God with over 30 years of dedicated service unto the Lord.

Topic: Worship – Your Ladder To The Top [Monday August 14, 2017]

Scripture: …Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, that is cunning in playing, and a mighty valiant man, and a man of war, and prudent in matters, and a comely person, and the Lord is with him. 1 Samuel 16:18

Thought For The Day: The depth of your devotion affects the height of your distinction in life.

One of the men who lived life at the utmost peak was King David. His attributes took him from ordinary existence to extra ordinary existence, from the wilderness to the palace.

The best way to communicate principles is with examples. So, from the life of David, we shall look at what it takes to move from the wilderness to the palace of life, and today, we are looking at:

A Life of Worship

David was a worshipper. He was cunning in playing the instrument of worship and praise. Worship was the first thing that took David from the worst of life to the best of life (1 Samuel 16:17-23).

The quality of your worship affects the quality of your life. The distance between your wilderness and your palace is your worship. The depth of your devotion affects the height of your distinction in life. So, a person who lacks gratitude will lack altitude in life.

They were not calling a musician for King Saul; they were calling a worshipper to worship until King Saul was delivered. David was worshipping and operating a deliverance ministry. He did not worship God in exchange for any favour. He did not worship God because he wanted to go to the palace; he worshipped God because

God is God. Those who worship in obscurity turn out to be nonentities; those who worship with a clear motive end with a clear lifting.

Beloved, live a life of worship and God will position you in the high places of life.

Remember this: The depth of your devotion affects the height of your distinction in life.

Assignment(s):

1. Live a life of worship and always worship God with your whole heart.

2. Have a schedule for a deep worship session daily and consistently.

3. Get a copy of ‘In His Presence’ worship CDs (Volume 1 and 2) by Dr Paul Enenche, and fill your spirit and environment with anointed worship.

FOR FURTHER UNDERSTANDING, GET THIS MESSAGE: LIVING AT YOUR BEST

Prayer: O LORD, I receive the grace to be intimate with You at the place of worship. I long for You LORD. Please draw me closer to Your heart and baptise me with an unquenchable addiction to Your Presence, Lord in Jesus’ Name.

Quote: A chest is never built to be empty. In the same way, the Ark of God was not built to be empty…when you encounter the Presence of God, you are to leave with something. Culled from THE PROTOCOL OF THE ARK by Dr Becky Enenche.

Daily Reading: Nehemiah 7:73b to 9:21, 1 Corinthians 9:1 to 18, Psalm 33:12 to 22, Proverbs 21:11 to 12

Amazing Fact: 100,000 chemical reactions occur in the human brain every second.

Today In History: 14/8/1893 – France became the first country to introduce motor vehicle registration.

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: The Beginning of Wisdom — Monday August 14, 2017

But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom . . . — 1 Corinthians 1:30

I believe we ought to get all the education we can, but we dare not make it our god. John Dewey once defined education as the systematic, purposeful reconstruction of experience; but so much of modern education leaves out God. What we are actually doing is reconstructing our sins. We expand our sins, enlarge them, multiply them.

We need education, but not just for the mind and the body; we also need education for the spirit. Man has a spirit, and in our educational system today we need a spiritual emphasis. If we bring up a generation that lacks the wisdom that God can give, they can turn into educated savages and fools. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” and education. Let’s make sure our rock is God.

Learn the basics of knowing Jesus and living as a Christian with this free course.

Prayer for the day: Almighty God, I am grateful to You that Your Word educates my spirit and makes me whole.

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: Give Thanks Daily – Monday August 14, 2017.

Luke 17:18 “There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.”

LUKE 17:11-18

Relatively few people who receive the goodness of the Lord return to give Him thanks for what He has done. That does not keep the Lord from doing what is right for us. He healed all ten of these lepers according to their request – not just the one who was thankful. However, there was only one out of the ten that was made “whole.”

The Lord desires that we prosper in spirit, soul, and body. He wants us to be whole – not just healed. Part of the reason God meets our physical needs is to prove to us His willingness and ability to meet our emotional and spiritual needs. The Lord is concerned about our temporal needs (Mt. 6:30), but He is even more concerned about our eternal needs. All of these lepers needed physical healing and the Lord was moved with compassion and met their need.

He was also desiring to meet their spiritual needs, but only one out of the ten came back for that.

Being unthankful is always a sign that self is exalting itself above God. A selfless person can be content with very little. A self-centered person cannot be satisfied. Thankfulness is a sign of humility and cultivating a life of thankfulness will help keep “self” in its proper place.

Thankfulness to the Lord for what He is and what He has done is a very important part of the Christian life. One of the many benefits of thanksgiving and praise is that they keep us from being “self” oriented.

Giving thanks is a totally unselfish action and is a key to relationship with the Father that makes us “whole” and not just “healed.”

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: Love for Children — Monday August 14, 2017.

Read: Matthew 18:1–10, Bible in a Year: Psalms 89–90; Romans 14

Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children. Matthew 19:14 nlt

Thomas Barnado entered the London Hospital medical school in 1865, dreaming of life as a medical missionary in China. Barnado soon discovered a desperate need in his own front yard—the many homeless children living and dying on the streets of London. Barnado determined to do something about this horrendous situation. Developing homes for destitute children in London’s east end, Barnado rescued some 60,000 boys and girls from poverty and possible early death. Theologian and pastor John Stott said, “Today we might call him the patron saint of street kids.”

Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children” (Matt. 19:14 nlt). Imagine the surprise the crowds—and Jesus’s own disciples—must have felt at this declaration. In the ancient world, children had little value and were largely relegated to the margins of life. Yet Jesus welcomed, blessed, and valued children.

James, a New Testament writer, challenged Christ-followers saying, “Pure and lasting religion in the sight of God our Father means that we must care for orphans . . . in their troubles” (James 1:27 nlt). Today, like those first-century orphans, children of every social strata, ethnicity, and family environment are at risk due to neglect, human trafficking, abuse, drugs, and more. How can we honor the Father who loves us by showing His care for these little ones Jesus welcomes?

Be an expression of the love of Jesus.

Insight:

Speaking into a context where social status was central, Jesus made the revolutionary claim that true greatness is found through being humble like children (Matt. 18:3–4), who had no status on their own. He further declared that harming a child is a grave sin (vv. 6, 10). His is a kingdom dedicated to uplifting and cherishing the vulnerable (v. 5). Monica Brands

This message was written By Bill Crowder [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]

Topic: There Shall Be No Barrier — Monday 14, August 2017.

Memorise: There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. – Joshua 1:5

Read: Zechariah 4:6-9 (KJV)

6 Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.

7 Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain: and he shall bring forth the headstone thereof with shoutings, crying, Grace, grace unto it.

8 Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

9 The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also finish it; and thou shalt know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto you.

Bible in One Year: 2 Kings 12-13; Ezekiel 24:1-14, Hymn: Sing hymn 1: My Faith Looks Up To Thee

Open Heavens 14th Monday, August 2017 Message:

The Lord spoke the words of today’s memory verse to Joshua at a very crucial time in his life. Moses, the man of God, had just departed and handed over the baton of spiritual and political leadership of Israel to him. Obviously, this was a very scary thing for Joshua. Having been the servant of Moses, he knew the severity of the spiritual assignment ahead. He also had firsthand experience of the several episodes of political intrigue and multiple rebellions against his master. Joshua least expected the leadership mantle to fall on him, since there were (at least) seventy elders ahead of him, most of whom he esteemed to be better suited as political leaders compared to himself. There was also the family of priests, members of which he reckoned to be more experienced for the spiritual leadership of Israel. Nevertheless, although age, experience and maturity may not have favoured him, it still pleased the Lord to appoint him as the replacement of Moses; and knowing Joshua’s fearful state of mind, He therefore spoke those words of assurance to encourage and embolden Him in his new assignment. I pray for you today, you will receive divine support and assurance that will propel you to success in Jesus’ Name.

Today, God is telling you that there shall be no barrier to your promotion, success and breakthrough. God has the power to make such declarations about you because He is the Creator of the heavens and the earth, and He is the Author and Finisher of your faith. All powers in heaven and on earth belong to Him, and His word is Yea and Amen. Numbers 23:19 says this about Him:

“God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?”

We have assurance in the word of God that God is able to bring whatever He says to reality. I therefore encourage you to rely on His promise to you, knowing well that He is the Creator of all things – whether visible or invisible, all things were created by Him and for Him (Colossians 1:16). Furthermore, you also have reasons to believe strongly that there shall be no barrier to the fulfilment of your destiny because of His mighty acts both in history and even now. He is the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the Holy One of Israel, who delivered the Israelites from 430 years of captivity. He parted the Red Sea and provided manna in the wilderness. He is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Redeemer, who heals, delivers and raises the dead. May His Name be praised forever.

Prayer Point:

Father, please speak a word of support and assurance into my life today that will send jitters down the spine of my enemies and detractors in Jesus’ Name.

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.