Topic: The Truth About Willpower [Monday June 12, 2017]

“Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,” says the LORD of hosts. — Zechariah 4:6 NKJV

Willpower can be a powerful tool in the hands of a determined, disciplined individual. It can help you confront any problem you have and adjust your lifestyle. However, willpower only takes us so far and then we always run out of our own strength.

Now, what happens if, instead of turning first to willpower in your time of need, you turn to God? God releases His power into you and enables you to go all the way through to victory. Now you’re energized for positive change, but willpower does not get the credit for our success, God does.

Jesus said in John 15:5 (NASB), Apart from Me you can do nothing. This is one of the most important and most difficult lessons we must learn if we want to enjoy the life Jesus died to give us. When we turn to anything or anyone before God, He is insulted and is obligated to let us fail so we will realize that except the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it (Psalm 127:1 AMPC).

We must learn to let God do the heavy lifting. Let Him supply the ability to energize our choices. We can choose to exercise or stop overeating, but our choice alone is not enough for complete victory. Willpower and determination will get us started, but they’ve been known to quit in the middle and leave us stranded. God never quits in the middle.

There are some people in the world who claim to be a self-made success, but if we follow their lives all the way through, they usually end up falling apart. God has not created us to function well without Him, and the sooner we learn that the better off we will be.

Start by asking God to get involved, to do the heavy lifting. Continue on with God and finish with God. What should we do when the burdens in life seem too heavy? Jesus said, Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28 NIV).

Trust in Him: Who/what is the first thing you turn to when you need to overcome a problem? Whatever “that” is, that’s where you’re placing your trust. Choose to put your trust in God in all things and at all times.

Topic: Don’t Be A Prey! [Monday 12, June 2017]

Memorise: Till a dart strike through his liver; as a bird hasteth to the snare, and knoweth not that it is for his life. – Proverbs 7:23

Read: Proverbs 7:7-23 (KJV)

7 And beheld among the simple ones, I discerned among the youths, a young man void of understanding,

8 Passing through the street near her corner; and he went the way to her house,

9 In the twilight, in the evening, in the black and dark night:

10 And, behold, there met him a woman with the attire of an harlot, and subtil of heart.

11 (She is loud and stubborn; her feet abide not in her house:

12 Now is she without, now in the streets, and lieth in wait at every corner.)

13 So she caught him, and kissed him, and with an impudent face said unto him,

14 I have peace offerings with me; this day have I payed my vows.

15 Therefore came I forth to meet thee, diligently to seek thy face, and I have found thee.

16 I have decked my bed with coverings of tapestry, with carved works, with fine linen of Egypt.

17 I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.

18 Come, let us take our fill of love until the morning: let us solace ourselves with loves.

19 For the goodman is not at home, he is gone a long journey:

20 He hath taken a bag of money with him, and will come home at the day appointed.

21 With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him.

22 He goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks;

23 Till a dart strike through his liver; as a bird hasteth to the snare, and knoweth not that it is for his life.

Bible in One Year: Joshua 20-21, Jeremiah 48:9-27, Hymn: Sing hymn 6

MESSAGE:

A negative experience many people have had to contend with is captivity. Captivity can mean bondage, slavery, imprisonment, detention or a lack of freedom. Captivity also comes in various forms. It can occur as a consequence of being captured in a battle, like it happened to Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego (Daniel 1:1-7). In this particular case, King Nebuchadnezzar invaded the nation of Israel and carried away some of the people into captivity. From that moment, these captives became slaves in a foreign land. Similarly, some people enter into captivity by falling into a trap set by the enemy. For instance, in Judges 16:4-5, the lords of the Philistines used a beautiful woman as bait for Samson. Today, there are several “hunters” of destiny and life all around, setting all kinds of traps to get their prey. May you never be one of their victims!

One common trap people fall into today is the trap of adultery and fornication. The devil has several agents and means to use as bait, and believe it or not, he catches a lot of prey. He may use beautiful ladies like he did to Samson. Today’s Bible reading describes how a prostitute sets a trap and catches her victim. She could also use her seductive attire which reveals her curves and exposes sensitive parts of her body. She could also use her sweet flattering words, seductive make-up, perfumes or gait just to get her prey. When he finally yields, she leads him like an ox to the slaughter slab. Proverbs 7:23 says

“Till a dart strike through his liver; as a bird hasteth to the snare, and knoweth not that it is for his life.”

Anyone being lured or enticed into lust should realise that it can never really be for his or her own good. Today, several female students have become easy prey for sugar daddies and evil horny lecturers because they erroneously think that they are getting something of value in return. How much can a man pay you to allow him to destroy your destiny or kill you? What score will a lecturer award you in exchange for your life? The victims of lust, immorality and adultery are really trading their precious lives for pittance. Are you in captivity of adultery, thinking it benefits you because you are getting rapid promotion in your place of work? Don’t be deceived! You are truly paying with your life! Repent, come to Jesus and cut off all hunters from your life! Break that relationship if your partner is pressurising you for sex as a basis for friendship. It is not worth it! Ask God to deliver you from every trap of the devil.

Prayer Point: Father, deliver all our children, teens and youths from sexual immorality.

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: Honour The Lord’s Day [Monday June 12, 2017]

Text: Leviticus 23:23-32

Key Verse: “It shall be unto you a sabbath of rest, and ye shall afflict your souls: in the ninth day of the month at even, from even unto even, shall ye celebrate your sabbath” (Leviticus 23:32).

It is often easier for people to comply with man-made rules than obey the perfect will of God. The rules of man clearly appeal to the carnal senses of man, but to obey God will entail a certain spiritual transformation. Yet, without obeying God, no man has a chance of escaping divine judgement. The children of Israel were instructed by God to observe the Sabbath day. It was clearly spelt out that they should do no servile work on that day but to reverentially worship the Lord.

The day of Atonement was a time to set aside all thoughts and actions that typically fill the day and consider one’s relationship with God. This was to be a time to humble oneself and to remember that people who want to follow God must realign their lives with Him. The memorial blowing of trumpets was to serve the dual purpose of announcing the commencement of the New Year, which was to be religiously observed and of preparing the people for the approaching solemn feast of trumpets. This occurred on the first day of the seventh month, now regarded as the first month.

The year of jubilee was to begin with this month which was the Jews’ new year day. It was to be as other yearly Sabbaths namely: a day of holy rest and a day of holy work. The only peculiar festival was the memorial of blowing of trumpets. Though they blew the trumpet every new moon, but in the seventh month, it was to be done with more than ordinary solemnity, starting from sunrise to sunset thereby preventing all manner of work and not only from servile works as on other annual festivals. It must be as strict a rest as that of the weekly Sabbath. To become a believer requires that a sinner or sincere seeker humbles his soul and repent from all sins. This must be done whole-heatedly.

Thereafter, he is expected to honour the Lord all through life. We lay aside all worldly business on the Lord’s day and dedicate ourselves to honour, worship and reverence God. We obey all He has commanded us, lean on Him for guidance and strength to live right, and follow Him unreservedly, all our lives.

Thought for the day: God honours those that reverence Him.

Bible Reading in one Year: Job 16-18

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: The Superiority of Divine Direction (Prt 2) [Sunday June 11, 2017]

Expertise is good, but it is not enough. Competence, naturally will enhance your output but the truth is, divine direction is superior. As a matter of fact, when divine direction is absent expertise and competence will still end in frustration. One thing you cannot do without in life, is divine direction.

I’d like you therefore to take some time to reflect over the issues of your life. If there is any thing you are struggling with despite the fact that all other kingdom principles are in place, you may need to check it. Have some quiet time, get into God’s presence and ask Him, “Lord what is it?” Make enquiries! For, “There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Prov 16:25). And you know God said, “…My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways…For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways…” (Isa 55:8-9). Divine direction is all about locating God’s way to your desired or expected end.

Divine direction was the secret of the exploits that David enjoyed all through his lifetime. A good number of the psalms contain his prayers for God’s guidance. “…For thy name’s sake lead me, and guide me…” (Ps 31:3). “Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path…” (Ps 27:11), etc. Enough of frustration and stagnation! Put aside your expertise, go for divine direction.

Meditate on these: Prov. 3:5, Jeremiah 17:5

Topic: He Is with You [Sunday June 11, 2017]

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. — Isaiah 41:10 NLT

No matter what your fear is, God’s Word says you are not to fear because He is with you. It is just that simple. I am sure the question comes to mind: If God is with me, why do bad things happen? God never promises us trouble-free lives, but He does promise us His presence and the strength (mental, physical, and emotional) we need to get through our troubles.

Whatever the problem is, you can be assured it will pass, God will be with you all the way through it, and you will be stronger and know God better when it is over than before it began.

Power Thought: God is with me at all times, so there is no need to be afraid.

Topic: Accepted Time [Sunday 11, June 2017]

Memorise: (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.) – 2 Corinthians 6:2

Read: 2 Corinthians 6:1-2 (KJV)

1 We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.

2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)

Bible in One Year: Joshua 18-19, Jeremiah 47:1-48:8, Hymn: Sing hymn 4

MESSAGE:

God is never late for any appointment. He is always on time. Looking at the experiences of different people in the Bible, this has been shown to be true over and over again. For the man who had been sick for 38 years, when his appointed time finally came and the once-in-a-year miracle platform God had put in place could not meet his need, Jesus personally picked him out from the crowd and healed him by His own will (John 5:1-6). Also, when the appointed time came for the woman who had been bent over for 18 years, the Lord healed her without her asking for it (Luke 13:10-13). Habakkuk 2:3 says,

“For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.”

One thing you should learn from this is that God has a timetable, and His timetable may be completely different from yours. He has a set time for every event in the lives of His children. It is like setting an alarm clock to a particular time; when the alarm rings, God will address the issues at stake.

Another lesson worth learning is that until God’s appointed time for a particular matter to addressed dawns, God may appear silent on the issue, even when He has all the facts and figures of the situation at His disposal. If He knows what an individual is going through, and He chooses to watch carefully and quietly, He may just be doing so in order to see how the fellow will respond to the situation. Would he stand in faith and resist the devil, or give up his faith and cling to doubt, fear and unbelief? Would he draw nearer to God or go further away from Him? Would he down tools and stop serving God, or would he continue serving God in the midst of no divine response to his problems? When God keeps quite at such times, He may want to test your faith to see how elastic it is. It may be very frustrating when God is silent on an issue, but never get to the point of thinking or believing that He does not know what you are going through. He knows it better than you do. He sees what you see and what you don’t see within the circumstance. Just trust in Him and hold on to Him in faith. Love Him more, worship Him more, serve Him more and keep trusting Him more. In the end, you will be victorious.

Prayer Point: Father, give me grace to endure till my appointed time, and when it dawns, let me see the manifestation of my good expectations.

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: Cast Your Cares [Sunday June 11, 2017]

Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the [children] of God . . .  — 1 John 3:1

As God’s children, we are His dependents. The Bible says, “Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear Him.” Dependent children spend little time worrying about meals, clothing, and shelter. They assume, and they have a right to, that all will be provided by their parents. Because God is responsible for our welfare, we are told to cast all our care upon Him, for He careth for us.

Because we are dependent upon God, Jesus said, “Let not your heart be troubled.” God says, “I’ll take care of the burden—don’t give it a thought—leave it to me.” Dependent children are not backward about asking for favors. They would not be normal if they did not boldly make their needs known. God is keenly aware that we are dependent upon Him for life’s necessities. It was for that reason that He said, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.”

Prayer for the day: How magnificent, almighty Father, that I, dependently, can rely on You to take the burden of my heart!

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: The Superiority of Divine Direction [Saturday June 10, 2017]

“Thus saith the LORD, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the LORD thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go” (Isaiah 48:17).  Divine guidance is a covenant; God is committed to guiding the believer, but one thing that continually contests for a place in man’s heart as an alternative to divine direction is expertise. That has to do with knowledge, skill and competence. A man who banks on his expertise would say, “I have sufficient knowledge, I have good understanding of this issue, I am a man of myself, I am competent.”

In this Kingdom, competence is not a guarantee for success in life. Apostle Paul said in I Corinthians1:27, “…God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty.” There are many people who are super-qualified in terms of degrees and papers; they have the facts yet they are struggling in life because they lack direction. There are others who don’t have as much qualifications yet they are doing exploits, all doors open to them, because they are directed by God. Many people disqualify themselves from getting God’s best in life by relying on their skills and knowledge. Please understand that what obtains in the world does not obtain in the kingdom of God. The fact that you can speak good grammar for instance, doesn’t make you a preacher.

Topic: Guard Your Reactions [Saturday June 10, 2017]

He who rebukes a scorner heaps upon himself abuse, and he who reproves a wicked man gets for himself bruises. Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate you; reprove a wise man, and he will love you. Give instruction to a wise man and he will be yet wiser…. — Proverbs 9:7-9 AMPC

It has been statistically proven that 10 percent of people will never like you, so stop trying to have a perfect record with everyone and start celebrating who you are. A person who knows how to live independently does not allow the moods of other people to alter hers.

A story is told of a Quaker man who knew how to live independently as the valued person God had created Him to be. One night as he was walking down the street with a friend, he stopped at a newsstand to purchase an evening paper. The storekeeper was very sour, rude, and unfriendly. The Quaker man treated him with respect and was quite kind in his dealing with him. He paid for his paper, and he and his friend continued to walk down the street. The friend said to the Quaker, “How could you be so cordial to him with the terrible way he was treating you?” The Quaker man replied, “Oh, he is always that way. Why should I let him determine how I am going to act?”

Lord, help me to not allow others to steal my joy and peace by the things they say and do. I want to be kind and cordial, but I won’t let my mood to be controlled. Amen.

Topic: Sin Brings Death [Saturday 10, June 2017]

Memorise: And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. – Matthew 1:21

Read: Matthew 1:18-21 (KJV)

18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.

19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.

20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

Bible in One Year: Joshua 15-17, Jeremiah 46:13-28, Hymn: Sing hymn 11

MESSAGE:

Today’s memory verse clearly states that the reason why Jesus Christ came to this would was to save His people from sin. Many people fail to realise the horrors of sin, hence they toy with it. If only they knew how terrible sin is, they would maintain a great distance from it. Romans 6:23 says the wages of sin is death. This “death” is not limited to physical death but also extends to every area of life. Do you know that sin can lead to physical death? Going by the laws of many countries today, if a man is convicted of killing a fellow human being, he might have to pay with his own life. In this case, the sin of murder has led to physical death. Beyond physical death, sin can also bring about material death, marital death, spiritual death, and more. Do you know that for failing to comply with the divine commandment on tithes and offering, some people who once enjoyed a boom in their businesses have had to face dryness of the worst kind – almost to the point of begging for food? This is how sin can bring about material and financial death. It can also attract emotional death. A man or woman cheating on his or her spouse will bring about emotional death in that relationship. In any way you have attracted death to yourself, may the mercy of God intercept judgement and turn its sword away from you in Jesus’ Name!

As far as God is concerned, there is only one penalty for sin, and that is death (Ezekiel 18:20). It is important to note here that this death is separation from God. If you were brought before the judgement throne of God, accused of just one act of sin, you would not be made to face a sentence of three months, one year or even five years imprisonment; God’s judgement for every size of sin is the same – death. Today, we categorise sin according to our understanding. We call some sins “high crimes” while some others are seen as harmless. However, whether a sin is so light or so “innocent” that everyone approves of it does not matter to God. All sins fall short of His standard and are all punishable by death. We are created to live our lives fully connected to God, but when sin comes in, it separates us from our only Source and Sustainer. If the Blood of Jesus is not applied to wash away a person’s sins, the drift away from God continues until physical death occurs and the fellow is forever banished to Hell. In what way is your sinful lifestyle bringing death upon you today? Rise up and run to the cross of Jesus Christ, asking for forgiveness of sins and cleansing by His Blood. Invite Him to come into your heart, and thereafter keep a great distance from sin.

Prayer Point: Father, in Your mercy, reverse every form of death I have brought upon myself.

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.