No Faith No Miracle

Sunday August 31

NO FAITH, NO MIRACLE

Memorise:
Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
Ephesians 3:20

Read: Mark 10:49-52

49 And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee.
50 And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus.
51 And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight.
52 And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way.

Message

There are levels or categories of faith. In the scriptures, we see these different categories at work at one point or the other. These categories include the following: No faith (Mark 4:40), little faith (Matthew 6:30), faith as small as a mustard seed (Matthew 17:20), great faith (Matthew 15:21-28), exceeding great faith (Matthew 8:5-13) and the gift of faith from the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:9). Those who want to experience a harvest of miracles are those who are ready to put their faith to work. It is faith that brings about miracles. There was a time in my ministerial life when I had little faith. But God honoured my faith. A woman brought her child to me who had never spoken since the day she was born. I decided therefore to pray for the child. As I said "in Jesus’ name", the child answered "Amen!" I nearly jumped out of the window because I had never seen such a thing before. God will embarrass you with miracles in Jesus’ Name.

There was an experience in my life that shows that God will never fail when we put our faith in Him. Before my wife and I met the Lord, we had three children through caesarean operation. We decided to stop child-bearing since the doctor had said that my wife could not give birth naturally. We got born-again six years later and started reading the promises of God in the Bible. I read in the Bible that with God nothing shall be impossible and this stuck to my heart. I realised that what the doctor said was impossible can be made possible by the mighty power of God. My doctor friend told me that my wife would bleed to death if she tried to give birth. When the time of her delivery came, she laboured for two days consecutively but the baby did not come out. On the third day, as I was on my way to get food for my wife, the devil threatened: "Stupid man! And you said you have a Ph.D. Your wife will die today and you will see what her relatives will do to you." Suddenly, a holy anger rose up within me and I said: ‘’Listen devil! If my wife should die tonight, I will get permission from my father-in-the-Lord to preach on Sunday, and the first thing I will say is that there is nothing my God cannot do". As I said this, this devilish thought disappeared from my mind and the joy of God flooded my heart. As I got to the hospital, I sat inside the car and suddenly heard the cries of the baby. Human words cannot express the joy that came to my heart upon seeing my wife in good health and my baby in joy. The kind of joy that will bring tears to your eyes will happen to you in Jesus’ Name.

Prayer Point
Father, please meet me at the level of my faith, and help my faith to grow.

Newness of Life

Sunday, August 31
Newness Of Life
Romans 6:4, Galatians 6:15

2 Corinthians 5: 17 "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."" The Bible teaches that if any man be in Christ, he or she is a new creature. The Word does not say he or she is becoming a new creature, but that he or she has become a new creature! A good student of the Bible should know what the Word says apart from what it does not say. The man in Christ is a new creature already; he or she is not becoming a new creature. Hallelujah! In the progressive biblical revelation of the man in Christ, not only has he become a new creature, but has also had the old life pass away. The old nature with its curses, evils, misfortunes has passed away. Glory to God! Too few of the church have come to this truth. Some of us still think the old is still part of the new. No, it is not! The Word declares: 2 Cor. 5: 17 "â¦â¦old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."" Refuse to think neither the old nor the old way. The old has passed away and the new has come. Now, it is only the new that is before your consideration. The old has passed away! Celebrate the newness of life that you have received in Christ Jesus; celebrate the fact that the old is past and the new has come. Refuse to consider the former things of sin, lack, sickness and diseases. The New has come. Celebrate the new life in Christ!

Other Scriptures for Meditation: Philippians 3:13, 1 Timothy 2:4

My Solid Front (Confession)
In the Name of Jesus, I declare that I am a new creation in Christ Jesus, The old life has passed away, and the new life has come to stay. AMEN

Friendship With God

FRIENDSHIP WITH GOD

James 2:23
And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
KJV
The spirit of God that now dwells within you makes it possible for you now have a good relationship with the lord as a friend as well. God wants you to know His mind just like friends know each other’s minds. God wants you to be in the know of His operations
among the sons of men. He wants to be your friend.
He has said that he remembers your sins no more when they have been washed in His precious blood (the blood of Jesus). He is the best friend you can ever have.
Do not let a guilty conscience stand between you and your friendship with the lord God; this is the greatest hindrance to friendship with God. If there is any sin in your life, confess, forsake and move on it in the name of Jesus and see the grace of God empower you to live a life that produces friendship with the most high.
Go into today knowing that friendship with God is a possibility and you are eligible.
Prayer:
Heavenly father, I thank you today for giving me the grace to come into your presence. I ask that you help me have the right mind in my relationship with you so I can grow in my closeness to you. I ask this in Jesus name. Amen
By SD Abraham

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: II Kings 11-15

When Revival Comes II

WHEN REVIVAL COMES II

Memorise:
Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
Psalm 51:10

Read:
Psalm 51:1-3
1 Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.

2 Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.

3 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.

In what areas of your life do you think you need revival? What do you think you have done that has taken you into a backslidden state or what deadly error have you fallen into that has put you in danger of hell and perdition? Today is the day of revival, repentance, forgiveness and restoration of your joy of salvation. Revival is not miracle-working; it is increased spiritual interest or renewal in the life of holiness and complete obedience of a people towards God.

The first thing a man who wants to experience revival must do is to realise that he or she has sinned, according to Psalm 51:3. In Psalm 51, we see David praying fervently for revival and restoration after he sinned against God via adultery and murder. He asked God to have mercy on him; he craved the loving kindness and tender mercies of God. He pleaded for spiritual cleansing after acknowledging his sins. This is where many so-called born-again Christians, particularly those who have been pretty old in the faith often miss it. They feel that they don’t need to say the “sinner’s prayer” again because of their long-term Christian walk. They are like the Pharisee of old who went to the temple to display his superiority over the publican (Luke 18:10-14). Whenever a wise man discovers that he has fallen short of God’s approval and favour due to sin, he throws away his ego and humbles himself before the One who can forgive and forget. God is easily found when we seek his face in earnest penitent prayer according to the experience of Manasseh in 2 Chronicles 33:12-13. The Bible in 1 John 2:1-2 says:
“My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.”
What the Lord is telling us in this scripture is that, it is expected that a child of God should live sin-free, according to 1 John 3:8-9. However, peradventure anyone finds himself in sin, he must quickly cry to God in penitential prayers so that he may be restored and spiritually revived again. The next thing is that you must have faith in the word of God and the Blood of Jesus Christ for cleansing. Appropriate the blood of everlasting covenant and make up your mind not to go back again.

Action Point:
Check your life and see if there is anywhere you have gone amiss. Do not hide it or pretend as if nothing has happened. Confess it to God and let him revive and restore you.

Be Transformed

The Leverage daily devotional by Pastor Segun Obadje
Friday, August 29
Be Transformed
James 1:21; Psalm 19:7

Romans 12: 2 "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."" It is God's will that you transform from glory to glory. At new birth, you were born into God's realm of glory. That was the beginning of experiencing glory. It sure wasn't the ultimate of the glory experience in God. It was the start of the unfolding of it. As we continue in our walk with God, we move from glory to glory. This is our spiritual transfiguration. The Word of God teaches us not to conform to this world; their ways and value systems; but to transform by the renewing of our minds. It follows that the renewing of the mind is the biblical key to our spiritual transformation. To renew the mind is to accept the thoughts of God about us and everything about Him according to the Word of God. Renewing the mind is letting the Word form our values and culture (way of life). How? This is made possible by meditating and acting on the Word. Beloved, as you learn to set your gaze on the Word of God, beholding the image of God, you are changed from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of God. This is God’s way of bringing you into the fullness of Christ in all things. You see, there is so much to enjoy in God. There is so much in store for the believer. We must not settle for less. The higher life is our life; we are meant to soar with His from glory to glory. Beloved, let the spirit transform you through the word of God.

Other Scriptures for Meditation: 2 Corinthians 3:18, 1 Timothy 4:15

My Solid Front (Confession)
In the Name of Jesus, I set my gaze on God's Word. I allow the Word of God form my values and culture. AMEN

Walking In Forgiveness

WALKING IN FORGIVENESS

1 John 1:7
7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
KJV
Today before going to take my shower in the morning I was talking with a friend who said to “ask God for forgiveness” and I replied immediately,” I am walking in forgiveness”. I discovered that God put those words in my mouth.
I pray God will help us understand that before you open your mouth to ask for forgiveness God has already forgiven you. It is not your confession that cleanses you from all unrighteousness but the blood. If you make any confessions it is because you realize you are in a relationship with a person who cares and not because you are being condemned. in Matt 6:14, Mark 11:25, Jesus made it very clear that God forgives us because we accept and understand His grace; we prove this by forgiving others who have wronged us thereby manifesting the character of God; and this is the definition of walking in the light. Those who walk in the light are those who
get to be constantly cleansed by the blood of Jesus (see 1 john 1:7).
If you come to a point in your Christian life where you recognize that Jesus constantly advocates for you because of your faith in Him, you will live a victorious life.
When we talk about confessing our sins, it is about being open with God. Confession in the New Testament is being honest about your failures.
Go into today walking in the forgiveness-grace consciousness and never again in the sin-guilt consciousness.
NOTE: walking in Forgiveness does not lead to a lifestyle of sin; it leads to a life of glorifying the lord Jesus.
PRAYER: I thank you lord for taking my place on the cross. I thank you for forgiving me even before I open my mouth in prayers. I pray you give me grace to be more like you daily. In Jesus name I pray. Amen
By KC Ibekwe & SD Abraham

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Psalms 84-86

When Revival Comes I

Open Heavens Daily Devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye
Friday August 29

WHEN REVIVAL COMES I

Memorise:
Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?
Psalm 85:6

Read: Psalm 85:4-7

4 Turn us, O God of our salvation, and cause thine anger toward us to cease.
5 Wilt thou be angry with us for ever? wilt thou draw out thine anger to all generations?
6 Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?
7 Shew us thy mercy, O LORD, and grant us thy salvation.
Message

In spiritual parlance, revival presupposes that backsliding has hitherto taken place. In other words, it is when people abandon their spiritual fervency that the need for revival becomes inevitable. In Christianity, revival is a term that generally refers to an increased spiritual interest or renewal in the life of a congregation or church, either regionally or globally. This should not be misconstrued with evangelistic meetings that churches conduct to bring about salvation of lost souls. May the Lord revive His church in Jesus’ Name. What happens when revival comes? According to our Bible reading today, people turn away from their wickedness when revival comes. Salvation becomes a household commodity among the backslidden and the anger of God ceases to burn against His people. A typical example of revival is recorded in Jonah 3:4-10 concerning the people of Nineveh. One pleasant thing about God concerning sinners and backsliders is that He will always warn them so that they may repent and escape His fiery judgment. The Bible says:
“But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die. All his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him: in his righteousness that he hath done he shall live. Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord GOD: and not that he should return from his ways, and live?”
Ezekiel 18:21-23

Another thing that happens when revival comes is that God answers the prayer of sinners contrary to the general opinion that He does not. However, it is the prayer of repentance that God honours before any other, as seen in the case of Manasseh in 2 Chronicles 33:12-13. Revival brings about total restoration of both spiritual and physical wellbeing. The true sign of revival is when people turn completely from their past wicked ways and turn a new leaf of godliness (2 Chronicles 33:15-17). This is contrary to what we experience in the church today where people claim to be born-again and yet still maintain the status quo of their past sinful lives and habits. Manasseh died a repentant sinner and had peace, even at death according to 2 Chronicles 33:18-20. Your beginning may not matter, but how you end is what matters the most.

Prayer Point:
If you are a sinner, pray for the salvation of your soul and if you are a backslider, pray for revival and complete restoration.

Deep Calls To Deep

DEEP CALLS TO DEEP

Psalm 42:7
“Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me.”
KJV
There are two major things that cause diseases in the world today; air and water. In the passage for today, the psalmist talks about deep waters. Surface water is always polluted. Anyone that drinks surface water is most likely to fall sick. Consider the borehole drilling, before you can get clean water, you must drill in real deep. God is not interested in surface waters. Deep must “call unto deep”, God only answers those who call from the deep. Surface water Christians are lukewarm Christians, and it is very likely they will not prevail before God. We need to desire to go a bit deeper with the Lord. We need the Lord to give us the deep waters revelation which signifies strength, strength that is not human, for “by strength shall no man prevail” (see 1 Sam. 2:9). When God takes you to the deep and causes you to drink from the deep, others who come to you will share from this depth. Do you desire to have a more fruitful walk with the Lord? Do you desire that your life will be useful to the Lord? Do you desire that your life will be a source of nourishment to others as you get daily nourishment from the Lord’s presence? Do you desire to live life in abundance as our Lord promised us? Then desire today to go a little deeper with the Lord.
Prayer: thank you heavenly father for bringing me to this day. I pray lord that you teach me your ways that I may always walk in your truth. In Jesus name. Amen
By Otuokon, Ubokudom

READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Proverbs 11-12

Lessons From Rebekah

Open Heavens Daily Devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye
Thursday August 28

LESSONS FROM REBEKAH

Memorise:
And the children struggled together within her; and she said, If it be so, why am I thus? And she went to enquire of the LORD.
Genesis 25:22

Read: Genesis 25:20-23

Message

20 And Isaac was forty years old when he took Rebekah to wife, the daughter of Bethuel the Syrian of Padanaram, the sister to Laban the Syrian.
21 And Isaac intreated the LORD for his wife, because she was barren: and the LORD was intreated of him, and Rebekah his wife conceived.
22 And the children struggled together within her; and she said, If it be so, why am I thus? And she went to enquire of the LORD.
23 And the LORD said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger.
Rebekah, the wife of Isaac, was temporarily barren and her husband had to intercede for her before God blessed her with the fruit of the womb. She was a Syrian woman who was brought up in her native country. She grew up to know the gods of Syria but was not familiar with the God of Abraham and Isaac. This may be the reason why the Bible did not record anything about her prayers to God but rather recorded the intervention of her husband Isaac who interceded for her. However, what transpired after this reveals that Rebekah later became knowledgeable about God, and she even showed signs of being very spiritual.

After Rebekah became pregnant, she noticed that the babies struggled together within her; they seemed to kick and jostle each other. Their movements prompted her worries and she sought out a prophet to explain the situation to her. Rebekah found herself in a dilemma that no human wisdom could explain. She therefore chose to seek for divine direction from the Lord. Note that this is the very first time the Bible talks about someone making enquiries from the Lord. We should learn two big lessons from Rebekah. We should learn to be sensitive to heavenly signals and seek the face of the living God whenever we need clarification on any matter. Many are in problems today because they were so complacent and carefree that they neglected the warning signals that God gave them until it was too late. Many today also seek for clarifications and directions from the wrong sources, and others patronise gods that cannot give any useful direction.

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
John 14:6
Jesus is the Way, He is the Truth and He is the solution to all problems in life. Therefore, seek Jesus today; seek for the King of kings and the Lord or lords; seek for the only One who knows all things and can do all things, and He will give you direction. He will put an end to your confusion and misery. Jesus will quench your thirst and satisfy your hunger. Jesus will heal your broken heart and give you peace in all areas of your life. My friend, Jesus is the answer. Whatever you may be passing through, call upon His name today and your life will never be the same again.

Prayer Point:
Jesus the Son of God, I believe in you. As I call upon your name today, please solve all my problems and give me peace.

Reward For Labour

Open Heavens Daily Devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye
Wednesday August 27

REWARD FOR LABOUR

Memorise:
And I have given you a land for which ye did not labour, and cities which ye built not, and ye dwell in them; of the vineyards and oliveyards which ye planted not do ye eat.
Joshua 24:13

Read: Genesis 31:3-7

3 And the LORD said unto Jacob, Return unto the land of thy fathers, and to thy kindred; and I will be with thee.
4 And Jacob sent and called Rachel and Leah to the field unto his flock,
5 And said unto them, I see your father's countenance, that it is not toward me as before; but the God of my father hath been with me.
6 And ye know that with all my power I have served your father.
7 And your father hath deceived me, and changed my wages ten times; but God suffered him not to hurt me.
Message

Jacob sojourned with Laban and laboured for him for several years. At first, his host was cheating him at every opportunity, and the years of his hard labour were almost in vain. Down the line, God had to intervene to enable Jacob eat the fruit of his labour. For a reader of this devotional, in every area that you have been deprived of your reward in the hands of your employers or contractors, the Lord will intervene on your behalf in Jesus’ name. It is evil when your sweat serves to increase the wealth of another man without you having any benefit to show for it. After God decided to bless Jacob to redeem the years of his labour under Laban, the sons of Laban and their father conspired against him, believing that he did not deserve the wealth he had earned. When God intervenes in your situation, you will become what the enemy did not think you could ever become. God’s intervention brings reward for labour. This can be manifested in God helping you to set up your own business or company after faithfully serving another for a reasonable length of time. Jacob ran Laban’s business as his own; he was faithful to tending the flocks and the business grew rapidly under his care. Jacob later recognised that although he had served Laban over the years, the man was not eager to grant him independence. May the Lord deliver you from the wisdom and power of those who don’t want you to become your best.

Reward for labour is obtained when the Lord delivers you from the hands of unfaithful business associates. Laban dealt fraudulently with Jacob; at several instances, he changed their business agreement just to make sure that Jacob lost out while he prospered. When the Lord chooses to reward your labour, He will not allow the plans of fraudsters against you to stand. Through fraud, there are many people who have lost their mouth-watering jobs innocently. Some people have been imprisoned for frauds they knew nothing about. Some people have lost millions and billions through fraud; this will never be your experience in Jesus' Name. Also, when the Lord chooses to reward your labour, He will not allow your sincere investment to go in vain. Jacob invested his time, skills and labour into the business between himself and Laban. Reward for your labour comes when God decides to judge between you and those using you for their own advantage. After over 200 years of hard labour in Egypt, God came down to deliver the children of Israel and He gave them a land where they would enjoy the abundance provided by others. May the Lord cause you to enter into an inheritance of rest in Jesus’ name.

Prayer Point:
Father, grant me reward for all my labour and remember me for good in Jesus’ name.

You Are A King In Christ

The Leverage daily devotional by Pastor Segun Obadje
Wednesday, August 27
You Are A King In Christ
Exodus 19:6; 1Peter 2:9

Revelation 5:10 "And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth."" Aristocratic dynasty refers to a noble class of prominent and powerful hereditary rulers or kings. The opening scripture reveals the coronation of Believers as kings and priests. Every child of God is a king and a priest. The purpose of our kingship and priesthood is to reign with Jesus Christ – The King of kings – in this world and that which is to come. As kings, we are meant to dominate our environment. We don't stoop low to the common life. We don't accept the status quo; we change it. We are kings to exercise dominion. We belong in the class of nobility and prominence. We are rulers. We dictate the pace of events in the society. Beloved, it is high time you woke up to your noble status of royalty. You are not a slave, you are a king. You are not a beggar, you are royalty. Glide in the dignity of your majesty. Walk in honour and refuse to stoop low to dishonourable things. You are of God and you are royalty. Let this be your constant awareness in all you do. Remember, who you are, is greater than what you do. Your identity defines your actions, not the other way round. Beloved, be mindful of your royal status in Christ. Do not let anyone demean you. You are God’s best and you were made out of the royal stock of heaven. Your class is noble and your line is royal. Rule and reign with Jesus Christ in righteousness and truth.

Other Scriptures for Meditation: Genesis 1:26; 1 John 4:17

My Solid Front (Confession)
In the Name of Jesus, I declare that I am a king and a priest unto my God, I rule in life by exercising dominion over situations and circumstances. AMEN

Redeemed From The Law

REDEEMED FROM THE LAW

Gal 4:4-5
4 But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. 5 God sent him to buy freedom for us who
were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children. *
NLT
Further reading: Galatians 3 and 4

In this scripture, Paul was addressing the misconception among the Galatians who were called Christians; these people were living
by grace but in their daily lives they were still held bound by the demands of the law. And about such people the bible says the heir
as long as he is a child (still living under the law) differeth nothing from a servant , though he be lord of all.
You are a co-heir with Christ but as long as your mind has not been renewed to a sonship level, you are still a child and your
inheritance will not be committed to you.
Note that the moment you give your life to Christ Jesus, your dead conscience is made alive and if you don’t have anybody to teach
you grace as a foundation, each time you come in contact with the word of God you will keep on trying to keep the law in the flesh.
And this is not the gospel of our lord Jesus; the gospel of Jesus is the gospel of grace and truth (see John 1:17). You keep the law
(of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus) by faith and not by works; this faith produces a righteousness that even the law (of sin and
death) cannot fault (see Gal 5:23).
A son is the one who understands that the righteousness of God is reveled from faith to faith and not from faith to works.
Go into today determined to live your life by grace (total dependence on the finished work on the cross; God’s empowerment to
express Christ).
PRAYER: ask God to deliver you from work to work mentality and help you to see the true Gospel.
By KC Ibekwe

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Colossians 3-4

Discipleship

Open Heavens Daily Devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye
Tuesday August 26

DISCIPLESHIP

Memorise:
And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
Luke 9:23

Read: Mark 8:34-37

34 And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
35 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.
36 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?
37 Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
Message

At the beginning of the earthly ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ, discipleship was a term used to describe the process of building followers who were committed to the cause, teaching and beliefs of our Lord Jesus Christ. It later became a common term used to describe the followers of Jesus. Discipleship is the crux of the Lord’s final address on earth. In this address known as the Great Commission, He charged us to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19). Discipleship is not something that happens immediately after salvation, neither is it an optional experience for any Christian. Discipleship, which essentially means following Jesus, is the essence of Christianity.

Discipleship as a Christian experience is a way of life that requires paying a cost (self-denial), and commitment to the cause (taking up one’s cross).These two attributes required of a disciple are clearly stated in many passages of the Bible, specifically Luke 9:23, says:
“And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.”
This if further enunciated in Matthew 10:38:
“And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.”
Luke 14:27 stretched the idea even further by saying:
”And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.”
The Bible always speaks of following Jesus in relation to self-denial and the cross. Discipleship is therefore the way of sacrifice.

Paying the cost of discipleship through self-denial and commitment to the cause of Jesus by taking up one’s cross daily are two important requirements of discipleship. By denial of self, Jesus does not mean to deny one's self of something. He means to renounce self; to cease to make self the object of one’s life and actions. This involves a fundamental reorientation of the principle of life. It is to place the divine will before self-will. God, not self, must be at the centre of life. This is something that is especially difficult for the average human being. I pray that as you read this, the Lord will visit you and turn your focus from self and earthly things to God and heavenly things in the Name of Jesus.

Prayer Point:
Father, please help me to focus on you alone. Help me to pay the price of discipleship and to be committed to the cause of Jesus all the days of my life.

The Good Life Is Yours

The Leverage daily devotional by Pastor Segun Obadje
Tuesday, August 26
The Good Life Is Yours
Genesis 1:26-28; 3 John 2

John 10: 10 "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."" Abundant life is God's intent for Man. God never gives in trickles; He always gives in abundance. In the beginning, after God had finished the creation of the heavens and the earth, He made Man king over all the earth to enjoy the abundance of all created things (Gen.1:26-28). What a sheer display of unparalleled benevolence and trust! However, Man betrayed God's trust by going against His Word. The consequence of this ugly act was the fall of Man from the realm of "more than enough"" to that of "not enough"". Due to God's benevolent loving-kindness, He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to get Man back into that abundant life. Jesus came into the world, He suffered for us, He was crucified for us and He died for us and was raised from the dead to restore us back to the glorious life of abundance. Beloved, every man in Christ has free access to abundant life. This abundant life is beyond what you can exhaust; it is inexhaustible. It is the life that blesses and makes a blessing; it is the overwhelming, overflowing life. There is health, wealth, grace, favour, help, breakthrough, (name it), in Christ Jesus for the taking. Go for the abundant life! It is yours now! Refuse to take anything less! Let your faith be stirred up for the abundant life. See it with the eyes of your spirit. Hit the launch pad and go for it. It is available for all in Christ Jesus. This is the good life that God has prepared for us. Go for it.

Other Scriptures for Meditation: 1 Timothy 6:17; Ephesians 1:3

My Solid Front (Confession)
In the Name of Jesus, I declare that I partake of the good life in Christ therefore I walk in health, wealth and favour. AMEN.

What About You

WHAT ABOUT YOU

2 Cor 5:17-19
17 This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!
18 And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling
people to him.
NLT

We all have responsibilities towards God. Among other reasons God saved us so we can save lost souls for Him. Our text today says He has given us the task of reconciling people to Him.
To do this work God has generously empowered us just as Jesus did the disciples before sending them out (see Luke 9:1-2); He has empowered us with talents, gifts, experiences (God wants to use our past experiences either good or bad for His glory) and above all He has given us the Holy spirit .
The question is, what are you doing with everything the lord has put at your disposal for His work? Do not forget that our works will be tested as Paul stated (see 1 Cor 3:13). And Jesus concerning our works said he will reward everyone according to his work (Rev 22:12). What would you be rewarded for? Or would you walk through the face of the earth only to return to the master like the unworthy servant? (matt 25:25) God forbid!
Go into today with a consciousness of the fact that you have a God-given assignment to fulfill here on earth. Many in past times have accomplished their work for God; many are doing theirs, but what about you?

Prayer: Thank God for bringing you to this glorious day. Pray that God will give you grace to fulfill your destiny. Ask the lord to
connect you with the right people for destiny enhancement and disconnect you from the wrong people.
By Uduaghan

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Luke 19-20

Let The Word Be In You

The Leverage daily devotional by Pastor Segun Obadje
Monday, August 25
Let The Word Be In You
John 1:1-3; John 1:14

Luke 1: 35 "And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God." The Word of God is a seed (1 Pet.1:23); it can be conceived. You can conceive the Word of God. To conceive the Word simply means to be pregnant with it. God's Word can be sown in your heart for conception. Your heart can conceive the Word as much as the womb can conceive a baby. Letting the Word be in you is getting pregnant with the Word of God. This process begins with meditating on the Word. When you meditate on God's Word, your heart captures its essence; your spirit responds from within to the Word. Faith is the result of that response. In Romans 10:10, the Word declares: "For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." It is with the heart that we believe, not with our head. When you meditate on the Word, your heart believes it; your heart conceives it. This is what makes the Word work for you. Beloved, when the Word is conceived, the result is a miracle. When Mary conceived the Word of God, she brought forth Jesus, The Miracle of all ages. To bring forth the conceived Word is to bring forth a miracle. Therefore, meditate on the Word day and night, and your life will be a revelation of success from glory to glory. Make the word your focus; incline your ear to it. Let your heart resonate at the frequency of God's word. Let the word of God dwell in you richly in all wisdom and spiritual understanding (Col. 3:16).

Other Scriptures for Meditation: Colossians 3:16; 1 Timothy 4:15

My Solid Front (Confession)
In the Name of Jesus that I declare that THE WORD of God in me is living and active. The seed of the Word in me brings me to a place of all round success. AMEN.

The Message of God's Grace

THE MESSAGE OF GOD’S GRACE 1

Rom 6:1-2
What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? 2 By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?
NIV

I was challenged by another friend last week when discussing the grace of God with a friend who was trying to understand the message of God’s grace. My friend was concerned because he saw the message of grace as a license that many Christians use to
walk in sin and the flesh. I shared his concern and told him that anyone who sees the grace of God as a license to sin does so because he does not understand the grace of God. Such a one is walking in lawlessness and not grace.
Grace is indeed the opposite of the law but it is not lawlessness. When you walk in grace you are translated from the law of sin and death to the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus (see Rom 8:2). Because this is also a law it means you have to submit to it.
Obeying the law of the spirit of life simply means you are submitted to the authority of the spirit of God which produces the life of Christ in you. This life is the power with which you live a Holy life before God and do exploits on the earth.
There is something that must happen before this grace is activated in the life of anyone, such a person must be dead to sin; this means he is dead to the flesh and alive in the spirit. One of the ways to do this is to have more of a Holy Spirit consciousness than a ‘me’ or flesh consciousness; it should be more of what He wants rather than what I want.
Go into today determined to walk in the spirit by giving Him higher priority in your life.

Prayers: Thank your heavenly father for bringing you into this glorious day. Pray that God will give you grace to walk in grace (gracefor grace; see John 1:16). Pray that the Holy Spirit will empower you to be a true agent for the advancement of His kingdom.
SD Abraham

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Ezekiel 25-30

Substantiating Your Hope

The Leverage daily devotional by Pastor Segun Obadje
Thursday, August 21
Substantiating Your Hope
Romans 4:18; 2 Corinthians 4:18

Hebrews 11: 1 "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."" Everything is made out of something. Things cannot exist without a parent source. Children are off-springs of their parents. Cars are made out of metals. Shoes are made out of leather. Bread is made out of wheat flour. John 1:1-3 reads: "In the beginning was the Word... All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made."" All things were made by The Word. Therefore, the Word is the parent material from which all things were made. The Word declares that faith comes by hearing God's Word (Rom.10:17). Faith, therefore, is the appreciation of God's Word; it is the substance of things one expects to see. Faith creates the realities of hope; it is the tangibility of it. Word based faith is the substance of all your dreams. Beloved, though your physical senses may not appreciate the realities of God's Word spoken to you, yet you can still capture the very essence of it by faith. How? You will have to learn to see with the eyes of your spirit the things that your physical eyes can't see. This is made possible by meditating on God's Word consistently. By doing this, you will engage your spiritual eyes to look at the invisible. Meditating on God's Word is interacting with light, for the Word is light (Ps.119:105). You can exercise your faith – your sense of Word appreciation- by meditating and acting on the Word of God. Put God's Word in your mouth and in your heart and you will see your faith grow to substantiate your expectations of everything God has spoken to you.

Other Scriptures for Meditation: Romans 4:17- 22; Hebrews 11:1-40

My Solid Front (Confession)
In the Name of Jesus, I declare I refuse to walk by sight. I by faith perceive spiritual realities in God's word and I lay hold on them. AMEN.

Signs And Symbols

Open Heavens Daily Devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye
Friday August 22

SIGNS AND SYMBOLS

Memorise:
And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowring. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?
Matthew 16:3

Read: Matthew 16:1-3

1 The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would shew them a sign from heaven.
2 He answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red.
3 And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowring. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?
Message

Signs and symbols are signals to important events in life. Signs usually have their origin in the spirit realm. Some signs manifest physically while some can only be viewed with spiritual eyes. Those with the ability to read the signs of the times have been in existence for thousands of years. The star-gazers from the east were able to correctly identify the star of our Lord Jesus Christ. Today, scientists have developed advanced technology for more accurate prediction of weather patterns. Major world events are regularly being transmitted via dedicated spiritual broadcast stations, but only those with active decoders are able to receive such privileged broadcasts.

It takes the spiritually sensitive person to determine spiritual signs that are not apparent to the physical eyes. It is important to be able to discern the time of your favour or else you may miss it completely. It is the work of the Holy Spirit to point your attention to the signs signalling your time of favour. He is mandated by God to share secrets of things to come with us (John 16:13). The Holy Spirit can use any available means to communicate signs to you. It could be through dreams, open visions, or God’s audible voice. He could speak through a prophet in a programme, or He could send one to you directly. God has a thousand and one ways that He could use to inform you of happenings in the spiritual realm. What is important is whether you know how to cultivate your relationship with the Holy Spirit. If you do, no event will take you unawares.

However, it is important to note that Satan and his cohorts easily identify the time of one's favour and move at such times to provoke the proposed recipient to take steps capable of triggering a loss. There are people who have determined not to compromise with sin, but when their time of favour comes, they would suddenly observe that they are under intense demonic pressure to sin. It is at such times the devil reawakens their old appetite for sin. Satan uses this strategy a lot to debar Christians from receiving their blessings. Therefore be wise, watch and pray. Whenever you come under intense pressure to sin, your time of favour could just be around the corner. Do everything you can to keep your relationship with God intact. Most importantly, cultivate your friendship with the Holy Ghost. Open your spiritual eyes; be sensitive to the signs of the times and you will never be caught napping.

Prayer Point:
Holy Spirit, reveal yourself to me more than ever before in Jesus’ name.

A Son's Heart: A Heart For God

A SON’S HEART: A HEART FOR GOD

2 Sam 7:1-2
After the king was settled in his palace and the Lord had given him rest from all his enemies around him, 2 he said to Nathan the
prophet, "Here I am, living in a palace of cedar, while the ark of God remains in a tent."
NIV
God brought David from the wilderness into a beautiful palace as He promised; David’s natural response was to want to build a house for the lord. I don’t know what God has done for you that He promised, but like David, I want you to forget not all God’s benefits and let a heart of thanksgiving inspire a physical sacrifice of thanks. This is the heart of a man who is a son and no more a spiritual babe. One of the characteristics of babies is they always take and never give back, they have no responsibilities.
God blesses and establishes any man with this kind of heart because God rewards every labor of love (see Heb 6:10).
Go into today with a renewed determination to have a heart that is after God; have a thankful heart and one that is willing to give to His work here on earth. One way you can start is by freely distributing these devotionals to your friends and loved ones on the social media (eg, Whatsapp, Facebook, BBM, etc.) as the lord leads you. God blesses you as you take responsibility in the kingdom. Many young Christians today wake up not picking up their bibles but checking their smartphones for updates. Our vision is to take the word of God in devotionals and bible readings to such. You can join in the campaign by sharing th devotional daily with your contacts. Always remember that the grace of God is sufficient for you and you are always progressing from glory to glory (see Prov 4:18)
Prayer: Dear Heavenly father, I thank you for your word today. I pray that you give me a heart that longs more for you, that like David, I will be willing to do great things for your kingdom here on earth. Thank you lord for hearing me, in Jesus name I pray. Amen
By SD Abraham
THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR II Kings 6-10

Self Examination

Open Heavens Daily Devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye
Thursday August 21

SELF EXAMINATION

Memorise:
Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
2 Corinthians 13:5

Read: Matthew 7:3-6

3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?
5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.
6 Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.
Message

Self-examination is the contemplation of your own thoughts, desires and conduct. Our Lord Jesus Christ admonished that before a person would begin to counsel and advise others on how they should live their lives, self-examination is always necessary. Before a Christian partakes in spiritual activities that require some level of sanctification and holiness in the church, it is also necessary to carry out self-examination. This is clearly stated in 1 Corinthians 11:28 which says,
“But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.”
Consequently, self-examination should precede taking part in the Holy Communion or the acceptance of ordination into a position in the church.

However, we should remember that God does not call the qualified; rather, He qualifies the called. No Christian can claim adequacy in qualification because we’re not worthy of the great gift of salvation He obtained for us at the cross of Cavalry. Therefore, the purpose of self-examination is not to qualify yourself or to prove that you are worthy before God, but to do that which is honest and truthful before God and man. This is why the Bible in 2 Corinthians 13:7 says:
“Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates.”

Self-examination is needed in the 21st century church to check whether we are still in the faith. Adherence to basic Bible doctrines has become a thing of the past. Obedience to commandments of the Bible is now subject to whether such commandments do not infringe on a person’s human rights and if it meets with his or her personal approval. The concept of sin, righteousness and holiness as clearly defined in the Holy Bible is now relative to a person’s choice with serious considerations for culture and environment. Therefore co-habitation of unmarried couples, immodest dressing and behaviours that translate to a total departure from Biblical teachings are exhibited in the church of God with impunity. Examine yourself today; are you still in the Faith?

Prayer Point:
Father, help me to examine myself, and send a revival to your Church in Jesus’ Name.

Holiness As Sons 2

HOLINESS AS SONS 2

In material science, the degree of purity of a metal is directly proportional to the ability of the metal to conduct heat or electricity. When a metal still has impurities, it is not as conductive and strong as it would be if the impurities are removed.
Holiness is the climax of Spiritual purity, so the higher the purity, the higher the holiness, the lower the purity, the lower the holiness; the purer you are the more effectively you transmit God’s power. God is (absolutely) holy; we are to be like Him. We can be Holy when we have the Holy Spirit and yield to Him(Humans always express the nature of spirit inhabiting them); this will cleanse us from impurity as our walking in the light activates the constant cleansing by the blood of Jesus (See I John 1:7).

If you are not yet baptized in the Holy Ghost, you will struggle to be Holy. We established yesterday that when you are holy then you will be able to express God’s other attributes of power, might, glory, wisdom, knowledge etc.
Jesus says "Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven
give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!" (Luke 11:11-13).
Prayer: thank you lord for the opportunity I have to be like you. Father I pray you fill me right now with the Holy Spirit. In Jesus name I pray. Amen

By SD Abraham
THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR Leviticus 13-15

Eternal Life

The Leverage daily devotional by Pastor Segun Obadje
Wednesday, August 20
Eternal Life
John 10:10; 1John 5:11-13

John 17: 3 "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent."" Life is of different kinds. There is plant life, there is animal life, there is human life, there is angelic life, and there is the God-kind of life. Of all the kinds of life there are, the greatest and finest is the God-kind of life. The God-kind of life is also known as eternal life. It is referred to as Zoe in the Greek. It is the nature of God; it is life as God has it; it is the very quality of life God possesses. Each kind of life offers possibilities and realities of its own kind. For example, plant life cannot do what animal life can do; neither can the human life do what the angelic life can. The God-kind of life offers peculiar realities of its own kind. Jesus Christ came into the world to bestow eternal life upon everyone who believes in God through Him (John 10:10). Anyone who takes Jesus Christ for his possession has eternal life (1 John5:11-12). Why? This is because He is that eternal life and the Giver of it (1 John1:1-3). Eternal life is God's nature. Anyone who is born of God has that nature (1 John 5:1). Eternal life functions through the active, on-going knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ, His Son (John17:3). This knowledge comes to us through the revelation of God's Word. In other words, the revelation of God's Word gives the knowledge of God to us. Eternal life can only be lived or expressed through the revelation knowledge of God's Word. Little wonder Jesus said: "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent"" (John. 17: 3).

Other Scriptures for Meditation: John 1:4;John 5:26

My Solid Front (Confession)
In the Name of Jesus, I affirm that I have the God kind of life in me and it produces the God-kind of results. AMEN.

Self Examination

Open Heavens Daily Devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye
Thursday August 21

SELF EXAMINATION

Memorise:
Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
2 Corinthians 13:5

Read: Matthew 7:3-6

3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?
5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.
6 Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.
Message

Self-examination is the contemplation of your own thoughts, desires and conduct. Our Lord Jesus Christ admonished that before a person would begin to counsel and advise others on how they should live their lives, self-examination is always necessary. Before a Christian partakes in spiritual activities that require some level of sanctification and holiness in the church, it is also necessary to carry out self-examination. This is clearly stated in 1 Corinthians 11:28 which says,
“But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.”
Consequently, self-examination should precede taking part in the Holy Communion or the acceptance of ordination into a position in the church.

However, we should remember that God does not call the qualified; rather, He qualifies the called. No Christian can claim adequacy in qualification because we’re not worthy of the great gift of salvation He obtained for us at the cross of Cavalry. Therefore, the purpose of self-examination is not to qualify yourself or to prove that you are worthy before God, but to do that which is honest and truthful before God and man. This is why the Bible in 2 Corinthians 13:7 says:
“Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates.”

Self-examination is needed in the 21st century church to check whether we are still in the faith. Adherence to basic Bible doctrines has become a thing of the past. Obedience to commandments of the Bible is now subject to whether such commandments do not infringe on a person’s human rights and if it meets with his or her personal approval. The concept of sin, righteousness and holiness as clearly defined in the Holy Bible is now relative to a person’s choice with serious considerations for culture and environment. Therefore co-habitation of unmarried couples, immodest dressing and behaviours that translate to a total departure from Biblical teachings are exhibited in the church of God with impunity. Examine yourself today; are you still in the Faith?

Prayer Point:
Father, help me to examine myself, and send a revival to your Church in Jesus’ Name.

Hargai Karunia Yang Diberi

Matius 7:6  "Jangan kamu memberikan barang yang kudus kepada anjing dan jangan kamu melemparkan mutiaramu kepada babi, supaya jangan diinjak-injaknya dengan kakinya, lalu ia berbalik mengoyak kamu."

Hargai pemberian yang Tuhan berikan, jangan mensia-siakan anugerah yang berharga. Sebab semakin banyak karunia yang diberikan, semakin besar pertanggungjawaban yang akan dipersoalkan. Adakah semuanya itu berbuahkan hasil yang memberikan kemuliaan bagi Tuhan? Atau ianya telah menjadi sesuatu yang sudah dilupakan. Jangan biarkan ia diambil daripadamu.

Doa: Tuhan saya ingin menggunakan setiap karunia yang ada dengan sepenuhnya untuk kemuliaan-Mu. Berikan saya kekuatan untuk berusaha memperbesarkan karunia yang ada dan hikmat untuk melakukannya dengan cara yang pelbagai serta membangun. Dalam nama Yesus. Amen

Organised Noise

Open Heavens Daily Devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye
Thursday September 11

ORGANISED NOISE

Memorise:
Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them.
Psalm 126:2

Read: Psalm 126:1-3

1 A Song of degrees. When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream.
2 Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them.
3 The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.
Message

Human beings love to sing. We convey our inner feelings to the outside world through songs. If you pay close attention to the song on a person’s lips, you will have an idea of what is going on in their mind. A man that sings: “We shall overcome some day”, may have just lost a battle. The man who sings: “Jehovah is your Name” is most likely fighting a battle. Someone who sings: “Now that the battle is over, I am more than a conqueror”, has just won a battle. Music is nothing but ‘organised lyrics’. It can also be organised noise. This is why God says, if you don’t know how to sing very well, you can still make a joyful noise (Psalm 98:4).

“And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw him, he fell at his feet, And besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live. And Jesus went with him; and much people followed him, and thronged him.”
Mark 5:22-24
Jairus was by all standards a great man, but he had a problem. The only daughter he had was ill and was about to die. He ran to Jesus Christ and implored Him greatly. He spent a lot of time singing the song of the desperate, and Jesus had to follow him home. To a reader of this devotional: God will change your song of sorrow to a song of triumph in Jesus’ Name. Like everyone else, Jairus was afraid of the shame that would follow if Jesus did not intervene. He was afraid of loneliness. This might be your own fear too. Jairus was desperate because he was fighting a battle that he dared not lose. Yet, he knew he was fighting a battle he could not win.

What is that thing that the enemy has stolen which you want back? It could be your health; it could be your joy or your prosperity. You will get it back in Jesus’ Name. The sorrowful can be full of joy again. I believe the failures of the past can be turned into success again. For every family that has been destitute, the tide will turn in your favour. In 2 Kings 4:1-7, we have the story of a widow who was so poor and so heavily in debt that creditors wanted to trade her sons. God however stepped in, and the family became rich. If you begin to walk in the fear of the Lord, you will always have good songs to sing.

Action Point
Spend quality time praising and worshipping God.

Your New Life

YOUR NEW LIFE

Rom 5:18-19
18 Consequently, just as the result of one trespass was condemnation for all men, so also the result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all men. 19 For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.
NIV

Ebola virus is very much talked about in the world today. Its popularity picked up considerate heat when the virus (through one man) entered Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country. Some medical professionals have made it abundantly clear that such diseases are hard to cure because of the very dynamic nature of viruses but one way they can easily find a cure is if they can find a man who was once infected with the virus who is now cured; from Him they could carefully obtain antibodies with which they could develop a vaccine or cure. I am not very vast in medical science and hope I haven’t misrepresented the scientific principle I am trying to explain here. One thing is clear though, Ebola virus came into Nigeria through one man, and the same virus can be cured through another man whose body has succeeded in overcoming the incurable disease and recovered from the plague.
The virus of sin came into Humankind through one man (Adam) who was conquered by it. The solution to sin has also come into this world through one man (Jesus; the last Adam) who conquered sin. You are now in Christ Jesus and that His life that has the ability to conquer sin is now in you. Do not give room to the devil by thinking sin is too great to be conquered anymore. Know that it is not by your power but you now have a new powerful life that conquers sin. Walk in that life and not in the old life which is flesh. This new life is the spirit life; the old life is the flesh life (see John 3:6). You walk in this new life by living consciousness under total surrender to the lordship of Christ and control of the spirit

Go into today knowing that you are now born of the Spirit; you have a new life in you and this life is always victorious and flourishing.

Prayer: dear heavenly father, I thank you for your word today. I pray you help me walk in my new life and never again in the flesh, in Jesus name. Amen
By SD Abraham
THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR Ezekiel 19-24

What Ye Seek

Open Heavens Daily Devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye
Monday August 25

WHAT SEEK YE?

Memorise:
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Matthew 6:33

Read: Luke 12:29-31

29 And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.
30 For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.
31 But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Message

In most 21st century societies, the hustle for survival is the preoccupation of many families and individuals living below the poverty line, while fashion, entertainment, lavish spending and accumulation of state-of-the-art technology are the concern of those that are well-off. The lifestyle of many, and ultimately what they pursue in life, is driven by their philosophy of life and the economic class they belong to. Many people seek wealth, fame, power etc, and they would do anything including participating in heinous crimes to achieve their goal. However, the Bible in Matthew 6:31-32 says that God knows we have need for food, clothes and accommodation:
“Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.”
The Bible also says in Proverbs 10:22 that the Lord is able to bless His own:
“The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.”
Since the Lord is able to bless and prosper His children without them engaging in illicit activities, it is therefore not befitting for a Christian to participate in the same crazy pursuit for material things prevalent in the world today.

Furthermore, the word of God in 1 Timothy 6:9-10 says:
“But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”
Evidently, those who want to be rich at all costs usually fall into diverse temptations and traps of the devil. Out of desperation to be rich, they are easily drawn into sinful acts in the form of questionable businesses, partnership with dubious characters and dealings in substandard and harmful products. The question therefore is: what do you seek? What are you running after? Be warned that what you seek determines what you get. Seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness; seek the Lord Jesus with all your heart and He will surprise you with joy, peace, prosperity and a host of other heavenly blessings that money cannot buy.

Prayer Point:
Father, please give me the grace to seek your kingdom and righteousness with all my heart, with all my soul and with all my might, in the Name of Jesus.

Perdamaian Yang Memerdekakan

Matius 5:20-26  20 Maka Aku berkata kepadamu: Jika hidup keagamaanmu tidak lebih benar dari pada hidup keagamaan ahli-ahli Taurat dan orang-orang Farisi, sesungguhnya kamu tidak akan masuk ke dalam Kerajaan Sorga. 21 Kamu telah mendengar yang difirmankan kepada nenek moyang kita: Jangan membunuh; siapa yang membunuh harus dihukum. 22 Tetapi Aku berkata kepadamu: Setiap orang yang marah terhadap saudaranya harus dihukum; siapa yang berkata kepada saudaranya: Kafir! harus dihadapkan ke Mahkamah Agama dan siapa yang berkata: Jahil! harus diserahkan ke dalam neraka yang menyala-nyala.
23 Sebab itu, jika engkau mempersembahkan persembahanmu di atas mezbah dan engkau teringat akan sesuatu yang ada dalam hati saudaramu terhadap engkau,
24 tinggalkanlah persembahanmu di depan mezbah itu dan pergilah berdamai dahulu dengan saudaramu, lalu kembali untuk mempersembahkan persembahanmu itu. 25 Segeralah berdamai dengan lawanmu selama engkau bersama-sama dengan dia di tengah jalan, supaya lawanmu itu jangan menyerahkan engkau kepada hakim dan hakim itu menyerahkan engkau kepada pembantunya dan engkau dilemparkan ke dalam penjara.
26 Aku berkata kepadamu: Sesungguhnya engkau tidak akan keluar dari sana, sebelum engkau membayar hutangmu sampai lunas.

Tajuk: Perdamaian yang Memerdekakan

Mengajar Firman Tuhan tidak cukup hanya dengan perkataan tetapi turut menjadi pelakunya. Hidup benar adalah hidup sebagai pelaku Firman Tuhan iaitu dalam kasih, perkataan dan mencari pedamaian.

Kemarahan adalah satu punca manusia melakukan kejahatan baik dalam perbuatan dan perkataan yang keluar daripada mulut. Kemarahan ini akan menimbulkan konflik di dalam sesetengah orang yang mendengar perkataan kesat yang pernah kita luahkan.

Sebab itu, dalam ayat 23 menyatakan bahawa kita perlu meninggalkan persembahan kita jika kita mengetahui ada sesetengah orang kurang senang dan tidak berpuashati dengan perbuatan kita. Orang inilah yang harus kita kenali dan temui untuk berdamai dengan mereka. Sebabnya ialah kita telah menimbulkan perangkap terhadap diri kita. Akibat kemarahan kita telah mencetuskan kepahitan dalam hati orang. Inilah yang menyebabkan kita berdosa.

Meskipun kita sudah mengenepikan apa yang terjadi, jangan lupa pendakwa kita telah bersiap sedia mendakwa kita atas kesalahan yang kita lakukan. Pendakwa kita adalah sang iblis. Dia akan membuat pelbagai tuduhan terhadap kita dan apabila tuduhan itu benar, kita pula akan dihakimi.

Orang yang bersalah biasanya akan dipenjarakan sehingga tempoh hukuman selesai. Penjara adalah satu tempat di mana kita dirantai dan tidak bebas. Dalam kerohanian, penjara adalah sesuatu yang menyekat pertumbuhan kita. Sebab itu, perdamaian adalah penting untuk membebaskan peribadi kita daripada belenggu dosa yang menjadi kepahitan bagi orang lain.

Tuhan adalah hakim yang adil dan setiap orang akan menuai daripada apa yang ditabur. Selagi kita belum berdamai dengan sesetengah orang, kita akan sentiasa dibelenggu. Sekiranya anda mendapati diri kamu dalam situasi ini, ambil masa untuk berdiam dan dorong diri kamu sendiri untuk berdamai dengan yang lain. Ketidakpedulian kita terhadap kepahitan orang lain atas perbuatan kita hanya membuatkan si pendakwa menang. Berdamailah, maka kamu akan merasakan pembebasan terjadi ke atas diri kamu sendiri. Haleluya!

Doa: Bapa seperti Engkau mengampuni, kami juga mahu mengampuni. Ampunilah segala kesalahan kami dan lepaskanlah kami daripada kemarahan dan dendam. Berikanlah kami keberanian untuk berdamai dengan orang yang kami sakiti. Dalam nama Yesus. Amen.

The Holy Spirit Is A Person

How To Inherit Your Blessing Part 1

HOW TO INHERIT YOUR BLESSING PART 2

Rom 12:2
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
NASB

When you walk in the will of God then you will see a physical manifestation of the blessings of God. Romans 12:1-3 shows us how to walk in all of God’s will for our lives; that we can do this only when we are transformed and this transformation comes by the renewing of the mind.
The renewing of the mind means you allow the principles of God’s kingdom change the principles of your thinking that are not already in conformity to God’s principles. I will give a very common example: In the world today, success is primarily measured by the amount of money a man has; this mindset creates a love for money and causes men to serve mammon rather than serving God. In the kingdom of God, success is not primarily measured by the amount of money a man has but is measured by a man’s stature with God. If a man continually thinks that success is measured by material possessions, such a man cannot be free from covetousness, he will never be free in the aspect of money and this means he may never inherit God’s blessings in that aspect because the financial blessing will take such a man away from God and God values him more. If such a man eventually gets financial blessing without breaking that stronghold in his mind, such a blessing is most likely not from the lord. The blessings of the lord, it makes rich, and He adds no sorrow (see Prov 10:22).
Go into today determined to walk in all of God’s will for your life and see a physical manifestation of the blessing. Let the principles of God’s kingdom control the decisions you make.

Prayer:
Thank your heavenly father for accepting you into the kingdom. Pray He will help you walk always in the light of His word. Pray that your mind will be transformed to the mind of Christ.

By SD Abraham

READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Proverbs 13
PLEASE SHARE THIS WITH FRIENDS

His Presence Our Blessing

Open Heavens Daily Devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye
Friday September 12

HIS PRESENCE, OUR BLESSING

Memorise:
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
Psalm 23:6

Read: 2 Samuel 6:6-11

6 And when they came to Nachon's threshingfloor, Uzzah put forth his hand to the ark of God, and took hold of it; for the oxen shook it.
7 And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah; and God smote him there for his error; and there he died by the ark of God.
8 And David was displeased, because the LORD had made a breach upon Uzzah: and he called the name of the place Perezuzzah to this day.
9 And David was afraid of the LORD that day, and said, How shall the ark of the LORD come to me?
10 So David would not remove the ark of the LORD unto him into the city of David: but David carried it aside into the house of Obededom the Gittite.
11 And the ark of the LORD continued in the house of Obededom the Gittite three months: and the LORD blessed Obededom, and all his household.
Message

There are many blessings in the presence of God. This is the key to drawing multitudes to the Lord through His presence in your life. When people notice that God is mightily present in your life, they will seek Him through you. It is not about making noise; it is about the visible and verifiable workings of God. Beginning from today, you will be a carrier of His glory in Jesus’ Name.

The story in our Bible reading today shows us two dimensions about what the presence of God can do among His people. It can bring judgment or blessings. Uzzah touched the Ark with the motive of preventing it from falling off the oxen, but the Lord struck him dead instantly because he was not sanctified to do so. Holiness is very important for accommodating the presence of God in order to attract His blessings. We must understand that toying with sin in the congregation of God’s people is asking for instant judgment which no one can stand. When God is with you, you will begin to get blessings you never bargained for. You will begin to experience supernatural promotion. As a slave, through the presence of God in his life, Joseph became an overseer. Everything in the empire of Potiphar was put in his care. He took over the house; it was he who decided what the master would eat. The presence of God with him ensured his promotion, even in a hostile environment. Psalm 75:6-7 says,
“For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.”
In Genesis 39:20-23, when Joseph was thrown into prison, the jailer made him the overseer of all other prisoners, because God was with him. If God is with you, wherever you are, you will succeed. Romans 8:31 reminds us that if God is for us, who can be against us? This also means that if God is against an individual, who can be for him? If the presence of the Lord is with you, let the whole world come against you, they will fall down flat before you. You will do mighty things, and people will want to know your secret. The secret is that God is with you. If God is with you, you may be selling water and yet be better off than someone working at the bank. The moment the presence of God is with you, you will be able to say like David in Psalm 23:4:
”Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.”

Key Point:
The blessing that comes with God’s presence is worth the price of consecration required to attract and keep it.

Wind of Change

Saturday September 13

WIND OF CHANGE

Memorise:
And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.
Acts 4:33

Read: 2 Kings 2:11-14

11 And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.
12 And Elisha saw it, and he cried, My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof. And he saw him no more: and he took hold of his own clothes, and rent them in two pieces.
13 He took up also the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and went back, and stood by the bank of Jordan;
14 And he took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and smote the waters, and said, Where is the LORD God of Elijah? and when he also had smitten the waters, they parted hither and thither: and Elisha went over.

Message

When the wind blows, you get new power and there is a symbolic change of garment, as it happened in the life of Elisha. After experiencing the wind of change, Elisha took off his old garments and tore them to pieces. It was only after he tore off the old that he put on the mantle that Elijah had dropped off for him. To experience the new power that the wind of change brings, you must be ready to tear off your old garments and get into new garments.

At the time Jesus was crucified, Peter was a terrified weakling who went into hiding. After the wind blew on the day of Pentecost, this same Peter became the first empowered, bold preacher of the gospel of Jesus. In addition to his power-packed preaching, Peter also spoke boldly the words that brought about the first recorded miracle among the early Christians. This is precisely what all Christians of today desperately need: power and grace. The apostles of the early church had so much power that their exploits for God are still inspiring us today. Besides, there was so much grace upon their lives and ministry that even the authority of the established rulers of their day paled into insignificance. Nicodemus came to Jesus and testified to the greatness of His power in John 3:2:
“The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.”

This is the time for the wind of change to blow in your life. The Lord Almighty wants to fill your mouth with testimonies. An end has come to all the curses that have been working against you. The anointing of the Lord can break all the curses in your life. This power knows no limitations. The impossibilities on your way have to be removed because God is poised to do wonders in your life. He wants to put a new song in your mouth that will make your feet break forth into dancing and rejoicing. Get ready for a divine intervention that will divinely position you for uncommon breakthrough. You must however settle your account with the Lord and get rid of sin because it can stand in your way to blessing. God wants you to prosper and be in good health, and so shall it be in Jesus’ Name.

Prayer Point:
Pray that the anointing will destroy every yoke in your life and family.

Faith Speak

The Leverage daily devotional by Pastor Segun Obadje
Saturday, August 23
Faith Speaks
2 Corinthians 4:13; Hebrews 11:3

Mark 11:23 "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."" Too few of us have realized that our words rule us. Not only do they rule us, they also determine the outcomes of our lives. Today's realities are yesterday's spoken words. The envelope around our lives is a sum total of the words we speak. Even the kind of people we magnetize or repel is a consequence of our daily speech. The Word declares in Proverbs 18:21: "Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof."" Whether or not we speak life, is our responsibility; our choice. People are not responsible for what we say, we are. Circumstances may pressurize us, however, what we say or do not say is our choice (Eph.4:29). Our words are meant to create our realities. We are not meant to speak words that will create ugly realities we can't put up with. We ought to be wise enough to speak the words we would love to see come to pass. Remember, we were made to create like God. How? By speaking forth words that will in turn become our realities (Gen.1:1􀀂3; 26􀀂27). Why say words that will unsettle you from God's plan? Why say words that will bring disgrace instead of grace? Why give the devil a foothold by saying words that are consistent with his nature? Beloved, you can discipline yourself to always speak the Word, the situation or circumstance notwithstanding. You can yield your tongue to the Holy Spirit as you pray in other tongues consistently; He will help you say the right things. In addition, beef up your vocabulary with God's Word daily.

Other Scriptures for Meditation: Romans 4:17- 21, Hebrews 13:5-6

My Solid Front (Confession)
In the Name of Jesus, I declare that my faith is in the Word of God therefore I speak the word for performance today. AMEN.

Purpose

Monday September 1

PURPOSE

Memorise:
In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:
Ephesians 1:11

Read: Romans 8:28-31

28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?

Message

Purpose is commonly defined as the reason for which something is done, or why something exists. It is therefore correct to say that the purpose of a product can only be determined by the creator and maker of that product. God is the Creator and Maker of the Heavens, the Earth, and all that is in them, according to Genesis 1:1. In Genesis 1:27, the Bible says that God created man in His own image and He made them male and female. Therefore, God is the only one who is in a position to speak authoritatively on the purpose for which a person exists.

The Bible is very clear on the fact that God created man for fellowship. The created cannot by any means fellowship with the creator as equals. We are to fellowship with God in holy worship, in absolute reverence and fear, and in total submission to the will of God. This fellowship is so important to God that when it got broken because of the sin of Adam and Eve, He paid the ultimate price of His Son’s sacrifice in order to reconcile us to Himself. This is why 1 Peter 2:9 says:
“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:”
God’s highest purpose for you is revealed in this passage as being “to show forth the praises of God who called you out of darkness into His marvellous light”. We are therefore primarily made as agents of worship to glorify God our maker. May you live up to God’s expectations of His glory being made manifest in every area of your life, in Jesus’ Name.

However, many 21st century Christians have erroneously redefined the purpose of existence to mean the same thing as personal ambitions and goals. They are busy working hard in pursuit of ephemeral personal agendas, believing that they are fulfilling the purpose of God. May you not labour in vain. The Bible says that “we are predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things after the counsel of his own will”. This means that no one can determine his purpose in life by himself because it has been predetermined before the creation of the world and therefore not open to choice. The purpose of every human being in this world is to glorify God.

Prayer Point:
Father, please don’t let me misunderstand the purpose of my existence. Let my life glorify you my Lord and my King in Jesus’ Name.

Pencobaan Di Padang Gurun

Yesus ketika dicobai di padang gurun. Matius 4:1-11  Maka Yesus dibawa oleh Roh ke padang gurun untuk dicobai Iblis. Dan setelah berpuasa empat puluh hari dan empat puluh malam, akhirnya laparlah Yesus.
Lalu datanglah si pencoba itu dan berkata kepada-Nya: "Jika Engkau Anak Allah, perintahkanlah supaya batu-batu ini menjadi roti."Tetapi Yesus menjawab: "Ada tertulis: Manusia hidup bukan dari roti saja, tetapi dari setiap firman yang keluar dari mulut Allah." Kemudian Iblis membawa-Nya ke Kota Suci dan menempatkan Dia di bubungan Bait Allah, lalu berkata kepada-Nya: "Jika Engkau Anak Allah, jatuhkanlah diri-Mu ke bawah, sebab ada tertulis: Mengenai Engkau Ia akan memerintahkan malaikat-malaikat-Nya dan mereka akan menatang Engkau di atas tangannya, supaya kaki-Mu jangan terantuk kepada batu."  Yesus berkata kepadanya: "Ada pula tertulis: Janganlah engkau mencobai Tuhan, Allahmu!" Dan Iblis membawa-Nya pula ke atas gunung yang sangat tinggi dan memperlihatkan kepada-Nya semua kerajaan dunia dengan kemegahannya, dan berkata kepada-Nya: "Semua itu akan kuberikan kepada-Mu, jika Engkau sujud menyembah aku." Maka berkatalah Yesus kepadanya: "Enyahlah, Iblis! Sebab ada tertulis: Engkau harus menyembah Tuhan, Allahmu, dan hanya kepada Dia sajalah engkau berbakti!" Lalu Iblis meninggalkan Dia, dan lihatlah, malaikat-malaikat datang melayani Yesus.

Ketika kita menerima Yesus dalam sebagai Tuhan kita, hidup kita tidak akan menjadi lebih mudah dan tidak senang. Ini adalah kita bergumul dengan dunia di dalam roh kita yang diselamatkan. Mengenal Tuhan tidak akan mengurangkan pencobaan dalam hidup kita kerana roh akan membawa kita dicobai untuk mengenalpasti keaslian iman kita. Yesus dibawa oleh Roh untuk dicobai di padang gurun.

Di sana, Yesus diuji secara fizikal dan keinginan tubuh sama ada Dia mampu untuk mengawal keinginan daging sebagai seorang manusia. Dia kelaparan dan kehausan ketika berada di padang gurun. Kita turut dicobai dengan cara yang sama iaitu kemampuan kita mengawal nafsu dan juga keperluan kita setiap hari. Namun, Yesus tetap berjalan  dalam iman-Nya. Dia memilih kehendak Tuhan dan firman Tuhan berbanding dengan roti iaitu kehendak tubuh. Di sini kita perlu ingat bahawa Dia adalah manusia, daging seperti kita yang memiliki keinginan namun mempunyai pengawalan diri yang tinggi.

Apabila iblis gagal memesongkan keinginan daging, iblis cuba untuk mempengaruhi Yesus agar meragui identitinya sebagai Anak Allah dengan menguji sejauh mana Allah menjaga dan melindunginya. Namun, Yesus memilih untuk percaya kepada Bapa yang di Surga berbanding dengan ajakan iblis untuk menguji hati Napa terhadapnya. Dalam pemikiran kita akan ada satu persoalan di mana kita akan mula meragui Tuhan, apakah Tuhan akan menyediakan segala apa yang kita inginkan? Apakah Dia akan sentiasa bersama kita selalu? Betulkah Tuhan itu mengasihi kita? Adakah Dia benar-benar peduli akan kita? Kita menginginkan bukti daripada Tuhan bahawa Dia mengasihi kita. Kita seringkali menguji kebesaran Tuhan dengan terjun ke satu situasi yang sukar yang tidak perlu dilakukan. Dan apabila Dia berdiam tidak menjawab doa kita, kita fikir Dia tidak mengasihi kita. Di sana keraguan mula timbul dalam peribadi kita,  apakah saya betul-betul anak Allah yang dikasihi Tuhan? Bukankah Dia adalah pembekalan kita? Keraguan kita terhadap identiti sebagai anak Allah adalah pencobaan yang pernah dialami Yesus. Sama seperti Yesus, kita mahu memilih percaya kepada Bapa berbanding dengan suara asing  yang mengganggu pemikiran kita. Apabila kita memiliki perhubungan dengan Tuhan secara intim, kita dapat mengenal suara Tuhan.

Iblis tidak berhenti begitu saja untuk mencobai Yesus. Dia akhirnya menawarkan dunia dan juga segala kekayaan yang ada sekiranya Yesus menyembahnya. Namun demikian, Yesus tidak menjawab tawaran iblis itu sekalipun. Tetapi Dia mengenyahkan iblis di hadapan-Nya serta merta dan mengakui hanya Tuhan sahaja yang layak disembah. Kita seringkali ditipu oleh tawaran dunia yang nampaknya megah tetapi tidak berkekalan. Pada waktu kita mula berfikir untuk sesuatu yang kita inginkan dan kejar, kita harus menyelidiki hati kita dan bertanya apakah saya masih menyembah Tuhan sekiranya saya memperoleh apa yang saya inginkan? Jika anda berfikir panjang dalam hal ini, cepat-cepat pendekkan persoalan yang ada dan berdoa kepada Tuhan. Jawapan seterusnya adalah cari di dalam Firman-Nya sebab hanya Injil yang membawa anda kepada terang Tuhan.
Setelah Yesus berjaya menghalau iblis, Bapa menghulurkan bantuan kepada-Nya dan malaikat datang melayani Dia. Kesimpulannya, segala pencobaan yang kita alami adalah berkaitan rapat dengan pilihan yang kita buat sama ada untuk memilih keinginan sendiri atau Firman Tuhan. Iblis mencobai apa yang terkandung dalam hati kita dan bukannya situasi kita. Apakah yang paling kita hargai. Namun, jika kita berjaya memilih kebenaran Tuhan, maka Tuhan akan menghulurkan bantuan pada waktunya. Jika kamu mahu melihat perubahan terjadi dalam hidupmu, cari dahulu kerajaan Allah dan kebenarannya, maka semuanya akan ditambahkan kepadamu.

Doa: Bapa di Surga, saya memilih untuk berkenan dan hidup benar di hadapan Engkau. Bawalah saya ke jalan menuju kepada kerajaanmu dan bukannya memuaskan keinginan saya sendiri. Jangan biarkan saya di dalam pencobaan dan jauhkanlah saya dari yang jahat. Dengan kuasa yang diberikan oleh Yesus Kristus, saya mengenyahkan iblis daripada hidup saya. Amen.

What Type of Wisdom?

Open Heavens Daily Devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye
Tuesday September 23

WHAT TYPE OF WISDOM?

Memorise:
Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
1 Corinthians 1:25

Read: Luke 14:28-32

28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?
29 Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him,
30 Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.
31 Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand?
32 Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace.
Message

The Bible in Proverbs 4:7 tells us that wisdom is very important:
”Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.”
Wisdom is described as the principal thing. In other words, irrespective of what you want to get from God, make sure you get wisdom first. If you are wise, whatever God gives to you will not lead to your destruction. There are three types of wisdom: the wisdom of Satan, the wisdom of man and the wisdom of God. Satanic wisdom is corrupted wisdom. Human wisdom is at times called common sense, whereas the wisdom of God is pure and excellent. It is the wisdom of Satan that propels a person to pull down a fellow human being, in order to get favour. This Satanic wisdom motivates people to look for help from secret societies. Such wisdom eventually destroys the seeker. It is the wisdom of Satan that gives riches through devilish means. All these are contrary to the wisdom of God. It is the wisdom of man that produces business lies. It tells you to use ungodly means in achieving your goals. Common sense will not work with God because it will often be contrary to His will. Any knowledge that tells you that you know more than God is dangerous. You cannot use common sense to interpret your Christian walk or the things that God will want to do in your life. That a virgin would conceive does not have a place in modern science. Sometimes, the wisdom of God will tell you to flee when common sense tells you to stay and defend yourself. There are many people who have played ‘James Bond’ with their lives and unfortunately, did not live to tell the story. For others who survived, it is a sad experience.

“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.”
James 3:17
The wisdom of God is holy wisdom. It is neither the wisdom of hypocrisy nor that which you use for character assassination. The wisdom of God shows you how to make Heaven. The wisdom of God makes you understand that all the commandments of God are for your own benefit. It makes you think about Heaven as you relate with people everyday, thereby drawing you closer to God. This kind of wisdom is not limited to spiritual matters alone; rather, it permeates every aspect of our lives. We can obtain divine wisdom for our daily trade, for leadership and for everyday living.

Key Point:
Those who are directed by God will never go astray.

The Word Is Your Life

Monday, September 22
The Word Is Your Life
Joshua 1: 8; Proverbs 4:20-22

Matthew 4:4 "But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God."" God has given us His Word so we can live by it. Man was created to be sustained by God's Word. No man has a self-sustaining life. The life (energy, vitality) of man is renewable by the Word of God. In view of this fundamental knowledge, we ought to live by God's Word daily if we really have to live. Living is more than mere existence. Mere existence is being without functioning in the power and purpose of one's creation, while living is the exact opposite. There are countless number of people today who just merely exist without living out the power and purpose of God's gracious dream for their lives. They are ignorant of the how to live right according to God's design. Man was created to function in and by the Word of God. God's Word is our life; we live by it. This is one of the great truths to discover in a lifetime. God's Word is bread for our spiritual nourishment; it is water to satisfy our thirst. It is the end to all search and research of man. It is the answer to every question that was, that is and will be. When the questions of life come to the Word, they find satisfying answers once and for all. Beloved, found your life on God's Word and you'll be forever glad you did. This is the way to live big according to God's purpose.

Other Scriptures for Meditation: Psalm 119:103; Jeremiah 15: 16

My Solid Front (Confession)
In the Name of Jesus, I declare that I attend to the Word of God and I incline my ears to it. God's Word dwells in me richly and I enjoy victory as I act on it. Amen.

Dream and Vision

Open Heavens Daily Devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye
Sunday September 21

DREAMS AND VISIONS

Memorise:
I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:14

Read: Habakkuk 2:1-3

1 I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved.
2 And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.
3 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.
Message

There are the two paramount things that will keep you on course in achieving your destined greatness. First, you need to have a specific dream of what you want your future to look like, and then keep the dream alive by having a focus or vision. It is rightly said in the Bible that where there is no vision, the people perish. Set specific and workable goals for yourself and endeavour to work towards actualising them. Refresh yourself daily on your dream and vision through consistent and devoted quiet time. Be an ardent worshipper of God and give your best to the Master’s service. As you do these, you will see the Almighty elevating you in all areas. The Spirit of God can brighten your dream and refocus your vision. Maybe you even have small dreams and vision, the Almighty can boost them beyond your imagination. Prior to becoming the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, I was the Head of Department of Mathematics at the University of Ilorin, Nigeria. I was living in a mansion with a two-bedroom guest quarters. I also had a servant’s quarters with four bedrooms. All these were not part of the main house. But when I became the General Overseer, I had to live in a one-room apartment at Mushin (a poor neighbourhood in Lagos). I left my wife and children at Ilorin as a result of my mission in the church. Due to my deplorable living condition at that time, I had to tidy up things before my family could join me. Before bringing them over, I went to God in prayers and explained the challenges I was facing to Him. I told God to build a house for me. Left to me, I did not mind using the one room apartment, but the thought of housing my entire family in one room posed a challenge to me. God’s response to me was: “Son, don’t ask for a house, because I have decided to build you a city”. That response was beyond what I could comprehend. After this encounter, I began to dream of a city where everybody would be a Christian. A city where there would be no form of molestation. A city where there would be no power failure or water shortage. God began to stretch my mind to see a city where His praises would fill every mouth.

In like manner, God can give you great dreams of greatness and visions of uncommon glory. Can you see yourself completely whole? Can you see yourself not struggling to catch a bus but sitting comfortably at the back of your chauffeur driven car? If you can, then you will have it. Do you have a dream of making a phone call to a bank manager to come and collect the money you have? Why not have a dream of driving to the airport to board your own private jet? The vision of greatness should be so much in your mind that your spiritual growth will be beyond limitation.

Action Point
Father, give me visions of uncommon glory and dreams of greatness.