Topic: Talk vs. Action [Friday July 21, 2017]

Except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven. — Matthew 5:20

In a decadent society the will to believe, to resist, to contend, to fight, to struggle, is gone. In place of this will to resist, there is the desire to conform, to drift, to follow, to yield, and to give up. This is what happened in Rome, but it also applies to us. The same conditions that prevailed in Rome prevail in our society. Before Rome fell, her standards were abandoned, the family disintegrated, divorce prevailed, immorality was rampant, and faith was at a low ebb. As Gibbon said, “There was much talk of religion, but few practiced it.”

Prayer for the day: May I be worthy to bear the name Christian, 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: Instructions And Capacity [Friday, 21st July 2017]

And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes.  Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great fishes, an hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken. John 21:6‭, ‬11‬

We’ve always said of how, when God gives you an assignment, you need not use your own strength, as He will make His strength available to you (Romans 12:10). Another issue that comes up is the capacity to hold the blessings He’s given us. We’re all aware that it is one thing to get to the top rank, and another thing to maintain THAT SPOT. God doesn’t just want us to have blessings, He wants us to be able to keep these blessings we have, be it finance, influence or people.

While Christ was praying in John 17:12, He recounted how He kept the souls He received on earth. God wants that to be THE TESTIMONIES OF ALL OF US. Since, however, we are limited in both strength to get, and capacity to hold, how then can we keep what we have received?

The story in John 21 was of how Jesus instructed the disciples to cast their net, which they did, and they caught fish. Now scripture records in verse 11 that they caught a hundred and fifty THREE (153) big fish. It was expected that their net should break from such huge catch (remember Luke 5:6), but it didn’t . What was the difference? John 20:22 “And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost”. THEY had received the Holy Spirit, which gave them capacity to hold that which they were blessed with, that their net should not break.

We received the Holy Spirit upon salvation, and it is left to us to tap into the abundant capacity in Him, so we can retain that which the Lord has given to us. God doesn’t give instructions and blessings without making provisions for achievement and sustenance. Understand and accept this gift today, and live in full capacity that the Holy Spirit provides.

Keep winning daily.

Prayer:

Dear Father, thank You for Your thoughtfulness towards me. How you see all and provide all. Help me to yield to Your Holy Spirit, so I can have full capacity to experience Your blessings, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

By Esun Tekeme

Topic: The Key to Confidence [Friday July 21, 2017]

Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. – 1 John 3:21-22

You can never get away with disobeying God.

Some people think they can. They think that if no one finds out about it, it won’t hurt anything. After all, God is merciful. He’s not going to hold it against them, right? And if no one else knows…what’s the difference?

What they don’t realize is that their own hearts will start giving them problems. Their own hearts will start to condemn them. Everyone else may think they’re great. They may be spouting faith talk all over the place, but when they come before God in prayer, they’ll be filled with doubts and fears that keep their prayers from being answered.

That’s one of the reasons why it’s so important to live in obedience to the Lord. A life of obedience will give you a spiritual boldness you’ve never had before. It will give you a boldness in prayer, a boldness in faith. It will give you a confidence toward God, as the Apostle John says, that those who are trying to get away with sin don’t have.

I’m not saying that you have to be perfect—that you should never make a mistake. Just that you should walk in obedience to the light you have. Take the time to listen and be responsive to the Spirit of God. When He tells you to do something, do it.

As you do, that confidence will rise up within you. It won’t be something you mentally drummed up or talked yourself into. It will just be there. Instead of being consumed with doubts and feelings that the Word of God isn’t going to work for you, you’ll find yourself filled with faith that it will. You’ll begin to trust God and to flow with Him. You’ll come to a place the Bible calls “rest in the Lord.”

Remember this: Even though the eternal price for your sins has been paid, a life of disobedience will still cost you dearly. It will cost you the boldness that is rightfully yours in Jesus. It will rob you of faith and rock you with fear.

Don’t let the condemnation of your heart cut your confidence short. Do the things that are pleasing in God’s sight and walk tall in the kingdom of God.

Scripture Reading: 1 John 3:21-22

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: Hidden Riches Are Yours [Friday July 21, 2017]

And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I,the LORD, which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel.” – Isaiah 45:3 (KJV)

The more you look at what is happening around you today, the more convinced you might be to agree with the world and panic in search of a solution. But God has spoken, He has declared the end from the beginning, so do not panic. Stand firmly on the word of God. Be assured that God who has spoken is able to do all that He has promised.

One of His sure promises is to supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. However, like I always say, it will not fall on you like a bag of cherry. You have a part to play. When He said He will provide all your needs, it is not by dropping money from heaven, otherwise it will be counterfeit. Rather, it is by showing you the hidden riches of secret places as shown in our text today. There are hidden riches of secret places. There are resources yet to be tapped. God is able to open your eyes to areas yet untapped that will bring incredible wealth your way.

You need to get to work and ask God for specific directions. He said He will bless the work of your hand, so your hand cannot be empty and expect success. No! God has to bless something. The question is what are you doing? Sit down and be still in the presence of God. Receive instructions from His mouth. Let Him guide and direct you. And as you do, what eyes have not seen, what ears have not heard and what has not even come into the mind of men, will the Lord do for you. I have no shadow of doubt in my spirit that this year will be glorious for you. The light of God will shine all around you. He will throw His weight around on your behalf. You will end this year rejoicing.

Further Reading: Philippians 4:19, Psalm 1:1-3 Jeremiah 33:3

Daily Bible Reading: Morning- Psalms 29-30; Evening- Acts 23:1-15

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: Simply Forgive [Friday July 21, 2017]

Text: Luke 17:1-10

Key Verse: “Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him” (Luke 17:3).

Gregory Glenn Biggs, 37, lost his life in a bizarre and cruel way at the hands of an intoxicated driver named Chante Jawan Mallard. The accident found Biggs lodged in the windshield of Mallard’s car, who then proceeded to drive to her house, park the car in the garage, and left the man in the garage to slowly die.

Medical examiners found that, if Biggs had received medical attention, he would have survived. As outrageous as this true story is, it is even more outrageous that someone would forgive such actions. But, that is exactly what Brandon Biggs, Gregory Biggs’ son, did for Mallard. This is the height of offence – to kill another. It is also the height of love – to forgive. One teaching we have heard before, but which we are prone to forget, is the message on forgiveness.

Being humans, fellow human beings are liable to offend us. That is why Jesus states in the text that offences will come. When they do, He admonishes the offended to forgive the offender and not to keep a record of the wrongs. Generally, forgiveness is a decision to let go of resentment and thoughts of revenge. The act that hurt or offended you, might always remain a part of your life, but forgiveness can lessen its grip on, and help you focus on other more positive parts of your life.

Nearly everyone has been hurt by the actions or words of another. Perhaps your mother criticised your parenting skills, your colleague sabotaged a project or your partner spoke some unkind words in a moment of anger. These wounds can leave you with lasting feelings of anger, bitterness or even vengeance. If you do not learn to forgive, you might be the one who pays most dearly with emotional and attendant health issues, as it has been proven that most mental and physical health challenges are results of unforgiveness.

Thought for the day: Forgiveness begets physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.

Bible Reading in one Year: Exodus 17-19

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: Dressed Up [Friday July 21, 2017]

Read: Romans 13:11–14, Bible in a Year: Psalms 29–30; Acts 23:1–15

Clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 13:14

In her book Wearing God, author Lauren Winner says our clothes can silently communicate to others who we are. What we wear may indicate career, community or identity, moods, or social status. Think of a T-shirt with a slogan, a business suit, a uniform, or greasy jeans and what they might reveal. She writes, “The idea that, as with a garment, Christians might wordlessly speak something of Jesus—is appealing.”

According to Paul, we can similarly wordlessly represent Christ. Romans 13:14 tells us to “clothe [ourselves] with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.” What does this mean? When we become Christians, we take on Christ’s identity. We’re “children of God through faith” (Gal. 3:26–27). That’s our status. Yet each day we need to clothe ourselves in His character. We do this by striving to live for and to be more like Jesus, growing in godliness, love, and obedience and turning our back on the sins that once enslaved us.

Dear Lord, grow us in godliness, love, joy, and patience.

This growth in Christ is a result of the Holy Spirit working in us and our desire to be closer to Him through study of the Word, prayer, and time spent in fellowship with other Christians (John 14:26). When others look at our words and attitudes, what statement are we making about Christ?

Prayer: Dear Lord, we want to be a reflection of You. Help us to look more like You each day. Grow us in godliness, love, joy, and patience.

When others see us, may what they see speak well of the Savior.

Insight:

What does a well-dressed follower of Christ look like? Starting with verse 11 of Romans 13, Paul builds his case. Maybe he has a smile in his eyes as he thinks, “Hey, wake up you sleepy heads. It’s time to get up. Come on now. Wake up. The night’s about over. The sun’s coming up. It’s time to dress for the day rather than for the night” (see vv. 11–12).

At this point can you hear the emotion in Paul’s voice? Something like, “Come on now, I’m not kidding. Do you really want to be seen as a follower of Jesus dressed like that? Please now, ‘Do this’ for Jesus’s sake” (v. 11). Do what? He replies: “For you, I’ll say it again. Please, don’t hide who you are in Christ by wrapping yourself in self-centered desire. Clothe yourself in the ways of Jesus. Find in Him an honest concern for everyone who comes into your lives. Give yourselves and everyone you come in contact with a chance to see that a new day is dawning. It’s time to love others as Christ has loved us” (see vv. 8–12).

This message was written By Alyson Kieda [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]

Topic: Tithe – The Converter of Promise to Blessing [Friday July 21, 2017]

Scripture: But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises. Hebrews 7:6

Thought For The Day: Possibilities become reality at the point of tithing.

Covenant intelligence is the correct and consistent application of covenant principles. It is what guarantees the blessing of God as promised in scriptures.

However, we live in a generation where many people lack covenant intelligence. They lack spiritual mentality, and as a result, they miss great virtues and blessings all the time. They cannot connect with the blessing because of the bankruptcy of covenant mentality.

On the contrary, Abraham demonstrated covenant intelligence. He thought it wise not to only answer ‘Amen!’ to the prayer of the blessing from Melchizedek; he gave Melchizedek the tithe of all, and Melchizedek did not ask why Abraham did it. No! He understood Abraham’s action. So, Melchizedek received the tithe from Abraham and the Blessing landed on Abraham.

Prior to that time, what Abraham had was the promises (Hebrews 7:6, Genesis 12:2) but he needed the promises converted to the blessing. As he gave the tithe to Melchizedek, the PROMISES became the BLESSING; his promises became reality.

It is like when a commercial bank gives cash to a man who presents a cheque. From Genesis 12, Abraham had been carrying the cheque (The promises); he needed the cash, so when he paid the tithe, the tithe converted the cheque (The Promises) to cash (The Blessings).

You see, Abraham had the possibility but the reality was not there. He needed Heaven to switch on the reality. It was not until he met Melchizedek with the right thing (Tithe) that he was blessed.

Beloved, possibilities become reality at the point of tithing; promises become blessings and potentials materialize by virtue of tithing.

Remember this: Possibilities become reality at the point of tithing.

Assignment(s):

1. Make tithing your priority immediately money enters your hand.

2. Ask God for the grace to be consistent in paying your tithe.

3. Expect Divine response anytime you pay your tithe. Tithe by scriptural revelation to facilitate physical manifestation.

FOR FURTHER UNDERSTANDING, GET THIS MESSAGE: THE PRIVILEGE OF SOWING AND TITHING.

Prayer: O LORD, I connect with the Blessing of tithing as I pay my tithe. Help me, LORD, to be consistent in tithing, in Jesus’ Name.

Daily Reading: 2 Chronicles 4:1 to 6:11, Romans 7:1 to 13, Psalm 17:1 to 15, Proverbs 19:22 to 23.

Quote: The tithe opens your hands to what God has in His Hands for you. Culled from, 21 UNCOMMON KEYS TO FINANCIAL OVERFLOW by Dr Paul Enenche.

Amazing Fact: A shark can detect one part of blood in 100 million parts of water.

Today In History: 21/07/1969 – At 02:56 UTC, astronaut Neil Armstrong became the first person to walk on the Moon.

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.

A Promise For You From Bible Promises:

Topic: The Christian Constitution [20/07/17]

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Psalm 119:105. Read: Matt 4:1-11

A constitution is a written document that contains a system of beliefs and laws by which a country, state or organisation is governed. When a country has no constitution to govern her citizens, all manner of atrocities would be the order of the day. Criminals would not be prosecuted and uncontrollable violence would take over such country. The laws in a country’s constitution helps to control her citizens through the leaders.

We as Christians believe heaven is a country inhabited by the Holy God. The constitution He has laid down for us to control and survive this earth is the Holy Bible which contains all the laws and beliefs that would help us succeed. There is no aspect of life that the Bible cannot deal with. You must not just carry the Bible around to show off, you must study it, know what is written in it, obey and do according to the commandments, only in that you would have your way prosperous. Jos 1:8, 2 Tim 2:15. The Word of God in your heart would give you life and light in this dark world, shield you away from falling into temptations and protect you against the assault and harassment of the devil just as in the case of Jesus temptations. God’s Word will put the devil to flight, hasten your deliverance and bring in your miracles. Don’t just do anything as a Christian, let your constitution guide you. When temptation comes, it’s the level of the Word of God in you that would determine whether you would fall inside or escape. Be a Word Bank

#BiblePromisesPrayer

* Father, the grace to be excited about studying your word daily release upon me now in Jesus mighty name

Today’s Scripture: “The secret things belong unto the Lord our God…” – (Deuteronomy 29:29, AMPC)

Topic: The Secret Things [Thursday July 20, 2017]

Are you going through a situation in your life that you don’t quite understand? During these uncertain seasons, it’s natural to question things in your mind. But in order to move forward, we have to look forward with our hearts. We have to look beyond the questions and continue to trust in Almighty God.

Serving God means we’re going to have some unanswered questions. You may never understand why a relationship ended sooner than you would have liked. You may never understand why you lost a loved one. You may never understand why you went through something difficult or why your prayers didn’t get answered. But at some point, you have to decide to put your questions aside and go on with God. We have to decide to trust His character even when our circumstances don’t make sense. The Bible tells us that adversity will come, but God is the one who promises to lead us into victory. He has promised that He’s going to turn that difficulty around and use it for your advantage. He is faithful to His Word, and you can be sure that He will fulfill every promise He’s made to you.

A Prayer for Today: “Father God, I choose to trust You with my unanswered questions. I choose to release any doubt and confusion to You. Help me to focus on Your Word which is truth that sets me free. Thank You for Your goodness and for the blessings You have in store for me in Jesus’ name. Amen.“

Topic: Keep Life Interesting [Thursday July 20, 2017]

Whatever may be your task, work at it heartily (from the soul), as [something done] for the Lord and not for men.  — Colossians 3:23

Life wasn’t meant to be dull and boring. We are not created by God to merely do the same thing over and over until it has no meaning at all. God is creative. If you don’t think so, just look around you. Many of the animals, bugs, plants, birds, trees, and other living things are unique, out of the ordinary, and totally amazing.

You were created to be unique, out of the ordinary and totally amazing too. That is why I think it is good to occasionally do something that seems outrageous to people and perhaps even to you. Do something that people won’t expect. It will keep your life interesting and keep other people from thinking they have you tucked away nicely in a little box of their own design.

One great woman who was seventy-six years of age said that her goal was to do at least one outrageous thing per week. Isn’t that a great idea? If you purposefully do something out of the norm on a regular basis, this will keep you from getting stuck in a rut, bored and unenthused about your life.

What outrageous thing will you do today?

Refuse to be bored and just limp along through life. Be creative and add fun to whatever you do.