Topic: Disappointment Becomes Joy [Saturday July 15, 2017]

They shall see his face . . .  — Revelation 22:4 (TLB)

One of the great bonuses of being a Christian is the great hope that extends beyond the grave into the glory of God’s tomorrow. A little girl was running toward a cemetery as the darkness of evening began to fall. She passed a friend who asked her if she was not afraid to go through the graveyard at night.

“Oh, no,” she said, “I’m not afraid. My home is just on the other side!” We Christians are not afraid of the night of death because our heavenly home is “just on the other side.” The resurrection of Christ changed the midnight of bereavement into a sunrise of reunion; it changed the midnight of disappointment into a sunrise of joy; it changed the midnight of fear to a sunrise of peace. Today faith and confidence in the resurrected Christ can change your fear to hope and your disappointment to joy.

Hear this 1-minute story of a man facing a bleak future when he found joy in Christ.

Prayer for the day: Whatever I fear the most, Lord Jesus, I put into Your loving hands, knowing You will give me peace and courage.

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: Discourage the Devil [Saturday July 15, 2017]

Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake. Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets. – Luke 6:22-23

Do you want to know how to depress the devil? Just follow the instructions in that last verse. When persecution comes, when friends or family criticize you because you lay hands on the sick and believe in healing, and when co-workers call you a fanatic because you love Jesus and aren’t afraid to say so, rejoice! Shout hallelujah and leap for joy!

I tell you that will discourage the devil to no end. He’s expecting that persecution to hurt you. He’s expecting it to damage your faith, to wipe you out and to leave you in dismay.

I’m not saying you should enjoy the persecution itself. But you can learn to overlook the discomfort of those things by focusing your attention on the reward that’s coming and the fact that Jesus said you are blessed.

The Apostle Paul certainly knew how to do that. He was an expert on rejoicing in the midst of persecution. Satan was constantly stirring up trouble for him. But do you know what he said about all that persecution? He said it was not even worth considering compared to the glory that was about to be revealed.

If Paul could rejoice in the midst of beatings, stonings, shipwrecks, imprisonment and almost every other kind of persecution, you can too!

Just do what he did. When he was told by the Holy Ghost that bonds and afflictions awaited him, he said, “But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God” (Acts 20:24).

Don’t get all caught up in what people think and what people say down here on earth. Get caught up in pleasing the Lord. Get caught up in finishing your course with joy. Get caught up in the glorious hope that’s ahead. For that hope is enough to make anyone—under any circumstance—leap for joy!

Scripture Reading: Acts 16:16-35

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: You will Surely Excel in Life [Saturday July 15, 2017]

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” Jeremiah 29:11.

Child of God, you must understand that you are going somewhere. You are about to explode! There is something on the inside of you. By the time it explodes nations will not be able to contain it. It doesn’t matter what your background is, there is a place for you. And the place that God has designed for you, no one will take from you. As many as they are that the enemy is trying to use to make you frustrated and take a detour in life, by the authority of heaven I command them to clear. No power will cut short your life, you will fulfill destiny. You will excel in life. I call forth God’s investment in you. I command every deposit, everything that makes you unique and stand out to come alive. No power will quench your light from shinning. Among those reading this right now are governors, senators, preachers of the gospel, ambassadors, governors’ wives, ambassadors’ wives. Amongst you are presidents, entrepreneurs and inventors. The world will hear your voice. You will discover purpose and you will be a reference point.

Let the gifting in you begin to manifest in a new dimension.  Your portion, no one will take from you and you won’t miss your opportunity. The ones that you have missed, you will recover all. The powers of hell are restrained from your life. The viruses of this end time will not touch you. You will overcome, pursue, overtake and recover all. Any bondage that the enemy has put you in; lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh and pride of life, I call such bondage to be broken and I declare you free. For he who the Son sets free is free indeed.

You will escape like a bird and nothing will take your promotion. All that you desire will manifest. No matter the level of darkness in the world, the light of God in you will shine forth. You will get to the expected end that God has in store for you in Jesus’ name.

Further Reading: Isaiah 55:8 – 13, Psalm 23:1 – 6

Daily Bible Reading: Morning- Psalms 13-15; Evening- Acts 19:21-41

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: Praise – A Magnet of Supernatural Supplies [Saturday July 15, 2017]

Scripture: Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee. Then shall the earth yield her increase…. Psalms 67:5-6

Thought For The Day: Until you are grateful, you remain grounded.

From our anchor scripture, we can see that there is a connection between praise and supernatural supplies (Psalm 67:5-7).

Praise provokes the blessing of God on the life of the praiser (the one who praises God). It releases the unction of multiplication on the supplies of the praiser.

Now, we shall look at three of the factors that facilitate our living a praise-full life in order to access supernatural supplies in our day-to-day lives.

1. Maintaining the fullness of the Spirit.

You must maintain the fullness of the Spirit. It is fullness of the Spirit that facilitates the fullness of praise (Ephesians 5:18-20). No one begs a spiritual man to praise God. Spiritual dryness is the root of praise dryness. Whenever you see a person battling with praising or worshipping God, at the root of that is a dry spiritual life.

2. Maintaining the attitude of gratitude.

Gratitude is fuel for praise. To be thankful is to be praise-full (Psalms 100:4) and to be praise-full is to be fruitful. You cannot be thankless and be praise-full, and until you are grateful, you remain grounded.

3. Engaging in soul winning and soul-impacting assignments.

Soul winning and soul-impacting assignment release joy and joy triggers praise (Luke 10:17).

Remember this: Until you are grateful, you remain grounded.

Assignment (s):

1. For every slight favour or increase you notice, the good health you enjoy or the pain that ceased without your notice; give thanks to God.

2. Feed your spirit with the Word of God consistently.

3. Be involved in soul winning.

FOR FURTHER UNDERSTANDING, GET THIS MESSAGE: YOUR PRAISE AND YOUR BLESSING (PART 4)

Prayer: O LORD, I thank You for the gift of life and for the privilege of experiencing Your mercy every day. Thank You for the ceaseless supplies You are bringing my way, LORD, in Jesus’ Name.

Daily Reading: 1 Chronicles 19:1 to 21:30, Romans 2:25 to 3:8, Psalm 11:1 to 7, Proverbs 19:10 to 12

Quote: Every time we deprive God of our praise and of our worship, it is like we are choking Him. Culled ALABASTER BOX by Becky Enenche.
Amazing Fact: A honeybee can fly at fifteen miles per hour

Today In History: 15/07/2006 – Twitter was launched, it became one of the largest social media platforms in the world.

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: Hypocrisy Is….. [Saturday July 15, 2017]

Luke 12:1 “In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.”

LUKE 12:1-3

This is the biblical definition of a hypocrite, “someone whose words and heart (actions) don’t agree.” A hypocrite may act the part of a Christian or talk like Christ, but he or she won’t do both. Hypocrisy is defined by the dictionary as, “The feigning of beliefs, feelings, or virtues that one does not hold or possess; insincerity” (American Heritage Dictionary). In the Greek, the word is “hupokrisis” and means “the playing of a part on the stage.”

Hypocrisy is often said to be doing something even though you don’t want to or feel like doing it. It is true that God demands that our motive and reason for doing things be right, but this does not mean that we always want to, or delight in, doing something. To do what God wants you to do, or to do unto others what you would want them to do unto you, is not hypocrisy (Mt. 7:12)- even if you don’t feel like doing it. It is hypocrisy only when your motive for doing it is wrong and you’re not genuinely seeking the welfare and benefit of others. Remember, Jesus didn’t feel like going to the cross, but He went anyway to seek the welfare and benefit of the world.

Agape love is described as the, “love (that) can be known only from the actions it prompts.” This is not the love of complacency or affection, that is, it was not drawn out by any excellency in its objects (Rom. 5:8).

Christian love (agape), whether exercised toward the brethren, or toward others generally, is not an impulse from the feelings. It does not always run with the natural inclinations. It (Agape) seeks the welfare of all (Rom. 15:2) and works no ill to any (Rom. 13:8-10). “(Agape) seeks opportunity to do good to all men. . .” Let God’s love flow through you today.

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: Beware Of False Prophets [Saturday July 15, 2017]

Text: Jeremiah 29:20-32

Key Verse: “Send to all them of the captivity, saying, Thus saith the LORD concerning Shemaiah the Nehelamite; Because that Shemaiah hath prophesied unto you, and I sent him not, and he caused you to trust in a lie” (Jeremiah 29:31).

From the time of Adam, Satan, the devil, has been deceiving the whole world. His goal has been to twist and falsify the truth of God and to discourage humanity from following the path to godliness, true happiness and eternal life.

To assist him in this effort, he influences people to become counterfeit prophets. Jeremiah, the prophet had been instructed by God to send a message to the residue of the elders who had been carried away captives to Babylon, that they should build houses to dwell in, plant gardens and eat the fruit, get married and have children so that they may increase and not diminish in exile.

Also they should seek the peace of the city where they were captives, so that they would have peace. The message was necessary because the captivity was to last 70 years. But Shemaiah sent a counter letter to the exiles, without hearing from the Lord, prophesying lies to the people and leading them to rebellion against God. Today, there are many false prophets in the world. Apostle Peter forewarned when he stated that “But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them…” The main purpose of false prophets and teachers is to lead people to rebel against God by disobedience to His word, just as Satan deceived Adam and Eve to do in the Garden of Eden.

Today, some Christians are led by false prophets and teachers to put their faith in holy water, anointing oil, unscriptural prayers and dramatic display of spiritual powers. Others are focused on prophesying events and teaching eternal security (once saved, forever saved). Do not be a victim of false prophecies and false prophets. Christ our Saviour has made us victors over all the circumstances of life.

Thought for the day: No excuse, if you are deceived by false prophets.

Bible Reading in one Year: Genesis 45-47

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: Are You Being Prepared? [Saturday July 15, 2017]

Read: 1 Samuel 17:8, 32–37, 48–50, Bible in a Year: Psalms 13–15; Acts 19:21–41

The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and . . . the bear will rescue me. 1 Samuel 17:37

I worked at a fast-food restaurant for over two years in high school. Some aspects of the job were difficult. Customers verbalized their anger while I apologized for the unwanted slice of cheese on the sandwich I didn’t make. Soon after I left, I applied for a computer job at my university. The employers were more interested in my fast-food experience than my computer skills. They wanted to know that I knew how to deal with people. My experience in unpleasant circumstances prepared me for a better job!

Young David persevered through an experience we might well call unpleasant. When Israel was challenged to send someone to fight Goliath, no one was brave enough to step up to the task. No one but David. King Saul was reluctant to send him to fight, but David explained that as a shepherd he had fought and killed a lion and a bear for the sake of the sheep (1 Sam. 17:34–36). Confidently he stated, “The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and . . . the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine” (v. 37).

God uses present circumstances to prepare us for the future.
Being a shepherd didn’t earn David much respect, but it prepared him to fight Goliath and eventually become Israel’s greatest king. We may be in difficult circumstances, but through them God might be preparing us for something greater!

Prayer: Lord, help me to hold on during the unpleasant times in my life knowing that You may be preparing me for something greater.

God uses present circumstances to prepare us for the future.

Insight:

When you reflect on experiences in your life, can you identify any that God used to minister to others or to further His kingdom? Are you in a difficult situation right now? Ask God to help you learn from it and to trust Him for your future. J.R. Hudberg

This message was written By Julie Schwab [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]

Topic — Foundation: How Strong? [Saturday 15, July 2017]

Memorise: He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy. – Proverbs 28:13

Read: 2 Corinthians 7:9-11 (KJV)

9 Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing.

10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.

11 For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.

Bible in One Year: 2 Samuel 5-6, Ezekiel 8:7-18, Hymn: Sing hymn 11

MESSAGE:

God’s offer of salvation is for all those who come to Him. To access this salvation however, there are certain criteria you must meet. For instance, you cannot experience salvation without genuine repentance. Unfortunately, there are people who think that they can be saved even without repenting from their sins. Some people believe that responding to an altar call for salvation is enough. No, it is not! Can you believe that when some people come out to answer an altar call, instead of repenting of their sinful lifestyles, they take pictures? Those who do so can only come out and go back the same way they came. This will not be your portion in Jesus’ Name! Heaven’s demands for obtaining salvation are clearly stated in Proverbs 28:13:

“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.”

If you do not satisfy Heaven’s demand of confessing your sins to God and forsaking your sinful lifestyle, you will never be saved. If you claim to be born again, how did you get saved? Did you confess your sins to God out of a sorrowful heart and resolve not to return to your sinful lifestyle? If your salvation lacks these key foundational pillars, you will need to revisit the salvation experience.

In Luke 13:2-5, Jesus plainly taught His hearers that except they repented, they would perish like those who went before them. God does not want anyone to perish, but He wants us all to repent (2 Peter 3:9). God wants you to change your ways and to stop doing the wicked things you do. It is then you will obtain mercy from Him. Today, the term “born again” has been so abused. Many people say they are born again but they do not even know what it means. If you are truly born again, you will receive genuine salvation that will completely turn your life around (2 Corinthians 5:17). When you come out to receive Jesus, you come out because you are truly sorry for your sins; you come out with a determination to change your ways. You need to come to the altar of God crying to Him for help, not only to forgive you your sins but to also change you inside out. When you do this, you will obtain salvation. 2 Corinthians 7:10 says it is godly sorrow that brings about repentance that yields salvation. Are you really born again? If your salvation is not genuine, go back to the cross of Calvary today!

Key Point: Fake salvation can never produce the fruit of the Holy Spirit.

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.

Today’s Scripture: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”  – (Joshua 1:9, ESV)

Topic: The Lord is With You [Friday July 14, 2017]

No matter what today has in store, as a believer in Jesus, you can approach the day with boldness and confidence. Why? Because the Lord is with you, and in Him is everything you need in this life. That means if you need provision for something today, provision is with you. If you need wisdom today, wisdom is with you. If you need strength, joy or peace today, they’re with you. You can be confident today knowing that all of your needs are supplied spiritually, physically and emotionally because the Lord is with you. And best of all, He’s promised never to leave you! Isn’t it good to know that you will always have whatever you need any time you need it!

Today, don’t let lies from the enemy or pressure from the world keep you from taking hold of everything the Lord has for you. Open your heart by faith and receive whatever it is that you need today. Just begin to thank Him for His provision in your life and move forward in confidence and strength knowing that the Lord is with you!

A Prayer for Today: Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me today. Thank You for Your faithfulness. I know that You are closer to me than the air I breathe. Today I receive Your promises in faith and choose to cast all of my cares on You in Jesus’ name. Amen.