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Seeds of Destiny 10 January 2018 by Pastor Paul Enenche: The Products of Vision

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Topic: The Products of Vision [Seeds of Destiny Wednesday January 10th, 2018]

Scripture: And the Lord said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward: For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever.Genesis 13:14-15.

Thought For The Day: A life without a meaningful goal is a life that must groan.

It has been established that vision is vital to the journey of life and destiny. There are many benefits of living a life of vision. Apart from being the secret of speed, fuel for enthusiasm and giving a clear focus to life, vision also imparts discipline in the life of a person.

In our study today, we shall look at products of vision:

1. Vision is key to Wisdom

Wisdom travels in the direction of vision. The point is, if you know where you are going in life, how to get there eventually opens up. When David had the vision of killing Goliath, God opened his eyes to see the forehead of Goliath where the stone sank into and brought him down. Where there is no vision, there is bound to be mental paralysis. It is not possible for your mind to work until your eyes are open to vision. When your vision is working, your mind is also working; you begin to identify things to do and how to get them done in order to get to where you are going.

2. Vision is key to possession

From our anchor Scripture, we understand that what a person sees determines what he seizes; what man sees determines what God gives. God told Abraham that He would give him all the land he could see. What you picture is what you can capture. Whatever does not cross your mind can never cross your life. What does not occur to you cannot occur for you. Whatever you cannot visualize you cannot realize. If it is not within your view, it is beyond your reach. So, vision is key to possession.

3. Vision is the compass of destiny.

Just like an aircraft will crash if it does not have the compass, a person’s life will crash if he does not have a clear direction of where he is going. Destiny is never accomplished without vision. The truth is, where you face determines where you end.

4. Vision is the secret of impact

There is no impact without target. Someone who shoots an arrow must aim at it. Your aim determines your end; your target determines your impact. There can be no score until there is a goal. A life without a meaningful goal is a life that must groan. Where there is no goal, there is no gold.

Remember This: A life without a meaningful goal is a life that must groan.

Assignments:

1. Review the vision of your life from time to time.

2. Make effort to actualise your vision for living.

Prayer: O LORD, I ask for the grace to pursue my vision for living. Help me not to waste my life on earth, Lord, in Jesus’ Name.

FOR FURTHER UNDERSTANDING, GET THIS MESSAGE: THE LIFE OF VISION.

Amazing Fact: Human bone is as strong as granite. A block of bone the size of a matchbox could support nine tonnes of weight.

Today In History: 10/01/1870 - John D. Rockefeller incorporated Standard Oil.

Daily Reading: Genesis 23:1 to 24:51, Matthew 8:1 to 17, Psalm 9:13 to 20, Proverbs 3:1 to 6.

Quote: Inspiration is the light shone into a man’s spirit from the Spirit of God. Culled from 10 PRINCIPAL SECRETS OF PRINCIPAL PEOPLE by Paul Enenche.

Today’s devotional was written by Pastor Paul Enenche of the Dunamis International Gospel Centre (DIGC), headquartered at Abuja, Nigeria, with Pastor Paul and Becky Enenche, as the Senior Pastors. It is a power-packed arena where God’s Presence, Principles and Power are at work for the salvation, healing and restoration of human destinies and dignities.


Commitment In Marriage (1) by Pastor Faith Oyedepo

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Topic: Commitment In Marriage (1)

Dear Reader,

Happy New Year! It is a great privilege to write with you in mind. It is my prayer that all that God has in store for you and your family this year will be fully actualised. All through this month, I will be teaching on the topic: Commitment in Marriage.

It is important to know that behind every successful relationship and marriage, is commitment.  It is a vital tool that holds marriage together. The level of your commitment to your relationship with your husband, wife or family members will ultimately determine how heavenly your home will be.

What then, is Commitment?

The Oxford Dictionary defines it as “an engagement or obligation that restricts freedom of action.” In other words, there are some things you cannot do by reason of your commitment. This is why Apostle Paul said: All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any (1 Corinthians 6:12). Commitment makes you choose what is important above the norm. Sometimes, privileges that are lawfully yours will be forfeited for the interest of your family.

However, there are two main levels of commitment. They include:
  • Commitment to God: Your first commitment must be to God. This is the foundation that makes for the success of all other commitments. We understand from Hebrews 3:4 that, …every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God. That means, all your efforts to build a heavenly home will amount to nothing without the help of God. God is really all you need to have all your needs met. Without Him you can do nothing. That is, without commitment to God in your marriage, you cannot be committed to your spouse. The Bible says: I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing (John 15:5).
In actual fact, any man or woman who is genuinely committed to God is bound to be committed to the success of his or her home because he or she will endeavour to obey God. Let me say this to single men and women, before you marry any man or woman, ensure that he or she is genuinely committed to God, because if he or she is not, it will affect the success of the home.

I remember on September 12, 1976, my husband (then my fiancé) wrote a paper titled “Sailing Under Sealed Orders.” One thing that struck me most in that vow of commitment to God was the phrase, “Christ is either Lord of all or not Lord at all…” I rejoiced when I read it and even had to sign that I would allow him to serve God completely and unreservedly. That is why I am not surprised at his commitment to our home, because his commitment to God is unquestionable.
  • Commitment to Spouse: Your commitment to God will be more practicable when you are committed to your spouse and family members. Commitment to God and to your spouse is like a bicycle. Each wheel represents these two levels of commitments. When one is broken, the other is non-functional. Without commitment on both levels, no matter what else is in place, that family is going nowhere.
Commitment is what drives a man to love his wife despite how he feels or what she has done or failed to do. It is also what drives a woman to be submissive to her husband, under all circumstances. Any man you see who finds it difficult to love his wife or makes excuses for not loving her, is not committed to making that marriage work.

If you are a stubborn and insultive wife, who refuses to submit to her husband, your problem is simply lack of commitment! If you are committed to the success of your marriage, you will not need anyone to advise you; you will willingly and excitedly submit to your husband and your husband will express his love to you.

Commitment is the framework on which a marriage is built. A man and his wife must therefore, be totally committed to each other spiritually, physically, emotionally and otherwise. This in turn brings the required peace, joy and security in the home.

To be committed to God and your family, the first thing you need to do is to give your life to Christ because that is where commitment begins from. If you are not born again you need to do so before it is be too late. Do say this prayer in faith: Dear Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me my sins and cleanse me with Your Blood. I accept You as my Lord and personal Saviour. Make me a child of God today. Thank You for delivering me from sin and satan to serve the living God and thank You for accepting me into Your Kingdom.

Congratulations! If you prayed this simple prayer of faith with me, you are now born again and a child of God. He loves you and will never leave you. Read your Bible daily, obey God’s Word and seek Christian fellowship (John 14:21).

With this, you are guaranteed all-round rest and peace in Jesus’ Name! Call or write to share your testimonies with me through contact@faithoyedepo.org, 07026385437 OR 08141320204.

For more insight, these books authored by me are available at the Dominion Bookstores in all Living Faith Churches and other leading Christian bookstores: Marriage Covenant, Making Marriage Work, Building A Successful Home and Success in Marriage (Co-Authored).

Pastor Faith Oyedepo is the wife of Bishop David Oyedepo, the founder of the Living Faith Church Worldwide a.k.a. Winners’ Chapel, and Senior Pastor of Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, Nigeria.

DCLM Daily Manna 10 January, 2018 by Pastor Kumuyi – The Principal Thing

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Topic: The Principal Thing [DCLM Daily Manna Wednesday January 10th, 2018]

Text: Proverbs 3:13-26

Key Verse: “Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.”(Proverbs 3:13).

King Solomon made the right choice when he asked God for wisdom to rule instead of asking for riches, power or victory over his enemies. Little did he know at that time that he actually asked for the key to all other blessings.

Many in his shoes would have done otherwise. He adjudged the greatest king that ever lived going by the depth of his wisdom, riches and the extent of his kingdom.

Writing from his experience by divine inspiration, Solomon reveals in today’s passage that truly, wisdom has all that mankind really seeks. The value of wisdom is far more than riches and gold or any other material possession. Wisdom comes with long life, wealth, riches, health, honour, real pleasure and true happiness; hence, the admonition to seek wisdom and value it above every other thing. Foolishness in man is revealed in the way he leaves substance to run after shadows. He thinks that by getting wealth and riches, he will have peace, be happy and free from worry anxiety. But this has not been the case.

This is why wisdom becomes the principal thing to seek after. How then does one get this wisdom? Like King Solomon, we must ask from God. It starts with getting your life right with Him. This means that you must enter into relationship with Him through repentance and faith in Christ’s sacrifice. Then, be schooled in the Scriptures as the Bible is the treasure book of wisdom.

If you want to have this great wisdom, you must make it a habit to thoughtfully read and meditate on the word of God daily. You also need to live, walk and be guided by the Spirit of Wisdom.

Thought For The Day: You have all if you have Jesus, the Wisdom of God!

Bible Reading in one Year: Job 24-28

DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.

Joyce Meyer's Daily 10 January 2018 Devotional: Settle the Dispute

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Topic: Settle the Dispute [Joyce Meyer's Daily Wednesday January 10th, 2018]

But Jesus, for His part, did not entrust Himself to them, because He knew all people [and understood the superficiality and fickleness of human nature], and He did not need anyone to testify concerning man [and human nature], for He Himself knew what was in man [in their hearts--in the very core of their being]. —John 2:24-25

To be successful in accomplishing God’s will for our lives, we must have determination. One definition of determine is, “to settle a dispute by an authoritative decision or a pronouncement.” This definition encourages me because I make “pronouncements” often as a way of building my determination in certain areas.

For example, when I’m weary and tempted to feel sorry for myself for some reason, I tell myself, “Oh, no you don’t! Stop your whining and straighten up! God loves me, and I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!”

Galatians 5:17 tells us that the flesh and the spirit don’t get along. Remember, the definition of determine carries the idea of settling a dispute. This is important because if you are going to commit to anything, you will have to settle the never-ending dispute between your flesh and your spirit.

You may not always want to make the effort to be determined, but don’t give up or you’ll be outside of God’s will. When you’re tempted to give up, make “pronouncements” based on God’s Word, encouraging yourself to stay determined and settle the dispute between your spirit and flesh as you follow His plan.

Prayer Starter:Holy Spirit, I want to settle the dispute between my flesh and spirit, and I can’t do it without determination. Strengthen me and give me the right pronouncements to keep me going so that I never give up.

From Joyce Meyer’s Ministries.

Open Heavens 10 January 2018: Wednesday daily devotional by Pastor Adeboye – The Perfect Book of Instruction

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Open Heavens 10 January 2018: Wednesday daily devotional by Pastor Adeboye – The Perfect Book of Instruction

Topic: The Perfect Book of Instruction [Open Heavens Wednesday 10th January 2018]

Memorise:All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 2 Timothy 3:16

Read: 1 John 1:1-5 (KJV)

1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;

2 (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;)

3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.

4 And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.

5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

Bible in One Year: Genesis 24, Revelation 8:13-9:19, Hymn: Sing Hymn 9: The Old Rugged Cross

MESSAGE:

One of the problems confronting contemporary Christians today is accepting the infallibility of the Holy Scriptures. The truth of the matter is this: the Christian faith falls into disarray the moment the integrity of the Bible is destroyed by any so-called logical argument. Glory be to God, our Christianity is not based on logic or human reasoning; rather, it is built on the wisdom of God and on the demonstration of His power. Hallelujah! This is the foundation built upon by the prophets and apostles of the early Church. 1 Corinthians 2:4-5 says,

4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: 5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.”

Is it not amazing that right from the time of the early apostles, some people crept into the Church to argue against some of the fundamental beliefs of the Christian faith, such as the resurrection of the dead (1 Corinthians 15:12, 2 Timothy 2:18)? It should therefore be no surprise to any student of the Bible that toady, even some so-called clergy do not believe in the resurrection of Christ. Paul, in 1 Corinthians 15:13-20, used the wisdom of God to present the truth about the resurrection and its significance to the Christian faith. Some people choose to ignore such presentations of truth, and consider them to be fables or allegory. The early Church succeeded in subduing many heresies because they held unto the Scriptures as the infallible word of God. More than ever before, the sufficiency of the Bible for doctrine, for reproof and for instruction in righteousness is being questioned and doubted today. Thank God, the Holy Spirit knew this would happen, and He, in 2 Timothy 3:16, declared thus to all this who will listen and be saved:

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:”

People argue against Scripture passages that attack their ego or their weaknesses. They pick up what suits them in the Old Testament, like the blessings listed in Deuteronomy 28:1-14, but when they get to Malachi 3:10 that speaks on tithing, they see it as an outdated instruction to the Jews only. Moreover, some people jump at Philippians 4:19 and appropriate it into their lives as infallible Scripture, but when they get to places like 2 Corinthians 6:14-18, they will claim such passages were written only for the Church at Corinth. Such people choose to ignore the words of 1 Corinthians 10:11. All these are signs of the end-times. Know this for sure: the word of God is settled in heaven, forever. Amen.

Prayer Point: Father, help my faith in Your holy word to be unshakable, and grant me grace to live by it.

Hymn 9: The Old Rugged Cross

1. On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
The emblem of suff’ring and shame;
And I love that old cross where the Dearest and Best
For a world of lost sinners was slain.

Chorus:
So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it someday for a crown.

2. Oh, that old rugged cross, so despised by the world,
Has a wondrous attraction for me;
For the dear Lamb of God left His glory above
To bear it to dark Calvary.

3. In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine,
A wondrous beauty I see,
For ’twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,
To pardon and sanctify me.

4.To the old rugged cross I will ever be true;
Its shame and reproach gladly bear;
Then He’ll call me someday to my home far away,
Where His glory forever I’ll share.

Open Heavens 10th January 2018, Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer's Ministries.

iOpenHeavens is the electronic version of the Hard Copy. The Open Heavens devotional application is available across all mobile platforms and operating systems: iOS, Android, Blackberry, Nokia, Windows Mobile and PC.

Billy Graham’s Daily 11 January 2018 Devotional: Eternity

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Topic: Eternity [Billy Graham’s Daily Thursday January 11th, 2018]

What we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will give us later. — Romans 8:18 (TLB)

Nowhere does the Bible teach that Christians are to be exempt from the tribulations and natural disasters that come upon the world. It does teach that the Christian can face tribulation, crisis, calamity, and personal suffering with a supernatural power that is not available to the person outside Christ. The early Christians were able to experience joy in their hearts in the midst of trials, troubles, and depression.

They counted suffering for Christ not as a burden or misfortune, but as a great honor, as evidence that Christ counted them worthy to witness to Him through suffering. They never forgot what Christ Himself had gone through for their salvation; and to suffer for His name’s sake was regarded as a gift rather than a cross. Christians can rejoice in tribulation because they have eternity’s values in view. When the pressures are on, they look beyond their present predicaments to the glories of heaven. The thought of the future life with its prerogatives and joys helps to make the trials of the present seem light and transient.

Prayer for the day:Father, help me to go beyond the afflictions and tribulations of our age, and to look toward the inheritance reserved for us in heaven.

Written by Billy Graham, Founder of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association(BGEA). BGEA exists to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ by every effective means and to equip the church and others to do the same.

Andrew Wommack’s Daily 11 January 2018 Devotional: Joseph Was A Man Of Faith

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Andrew Wommack’s Daily 11 January 2018 Devotional: Joseph Was A Man Of Faith

Topic: Joseph Was A Man Of Faith [Andrew Wommack’s Daily Thursday January 11th, 2018]

Matthew 1:24, "Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife."

Text: Matthew 1:18-24

Much attention is given to Mary and her piety, but Joseph was quite a man of faith, too.

Verse 18 says that Mary was "found" with child, implying that the pregnancy was observed by Joseph, not explained to him by Mary. And this was after Mary had been away visiting Elisabeth for three months! (Lk. 1:56) Certainly Joseph was tempted with the same thoughts that you or I would have been. How could she expect him to believe that this was a virgin birth?

As special as Mary was, she had an equally special young man for a fiance.

How many men would have believed such an incredible story even if an angel had told them in a dream? It took more faith on Joseph's part than it did on Mary's.

This is the way it always is. Those who hear of the vision or call of God second hand have to exhibit an even greater faith than the person who received the word from the Lord directly.

The scriptures don't mention whether or not Mary ever attempted to convince Joseph of the truth. What would have been the use? Only God could make someone believe a story like this. It is to Mary's credit that she trusted God and to Joseph's credit that he believed God. Today, do as the Lord bids you and trust God to take care of the rest.

This message was written by The Association of Related Ministries International (ARMI) is an extension of Andrew Wommack Ministries (AWM). ARMI is a unique partnership committed to providing resources to help like-minded ministers succeed in a spirit of excellence and to draw from the experience and expertise of both the AWM and Charis Bible College staff. (www.awmi.net).

Kenneth and Gloria Copeland’s Daily January 11, 2018 Devotional: Don't Look at the Storm

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Kenneth and Gloria Copeland’s Daily January 11, 2018 Devotional: Don't Look at the Storm

Topic: Don't Look at the Storm [Kenneth and Gloria Copeland, Thursday January 11th, 2018]

But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? -Matthew 14:30-31

If there's any way the devil can get your eyes away from the Word, he'll do it. He'll cause trouble. He'll make the circumstances around you pitch and roll like a rowboat in a hurricane. He'll do anything he can to get you to concentrate on the realm of the physical senses and the situation around you instead of on the promise of God—because he knows that if he doesn't, you'll take that promise and beat his brains out with it.

That's what he did to Peter. When Peter first jumped out of the boat that day in response to Jesus' word, what happened? He walked right across that water without a problem. His whole being was fastened on that word Jesus had spoken to him, "Come!"

But when he took his eyes off that word, he started looking at the storm. He started looking at the impossible thing he was doing. After all, he was a fisherman. All his training and experience told him when the waves were that high, you were going under. He started to focus on what he knew in the natural instead of what Jesus said. When he did that, his faith slipped out of gear and he started to sink.

Don't let that happen to you. Once you get a revelation from the Word of God, hang on to it. Don't focus on anything else.

The devil will do everything he can to get you to turn loose of it. He'll stir up things around you. He'll try to get you into fear. He'll push every button he can from the past to get you back into your old way of thinking.

But don't let go. Keep your eyes on the Word of God until it's more real inside you than anything else. If you do, you'll be able to walk your way across the water just fine.

Scripture Reading: Matthew 14:22-33

This message was written by Kenneth and Gloria Copeland, the leader of the Kenneth Copeland Ministries (www.KCM.org) that specializes in teaching principles of bible faith - prayer, healing, salvation and other biblical topics.


Seeds of Destiny 11 January 2018 by Pastor Paul Enenche: Biblical Examples of Men of Vision

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Seeds of Destiny 11 January 2018 by Pastor Paul Enenche: Biblical Examples of Men of Vision

Topic: Biblical Examples Of Men Of Vision [Seeds of Destiny Thursday January 11th, 2018]

Scripture:And the Lord said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward: For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever.Genesis 13:14-15.

Thought For The Day: To be dreamless is to be doomed.

From our previous studies, we saw the importance of vision in life. We saw that vision is what takes a person to where he is meant to be in life.

Today, we shall look at men of vision and how they ended.

There were men in the Bible and in our contemporary world who had vision and their vision took them to greater heights in life. A few examples of these men would make us pursue our vision for living:

1. Abraham

God told Abraham that He would give the land He saw to his descendants. God fulfilled His promise and gave the land of Canaan to the children of Israel, the descendants of Abraham because he (Abraham) saw it.

2. Joseph

In Genesis Chapter 37, Joseph saw himself as the leader of his brothers. Though it took him thirteen years to actualise that vision, it eventually came to pass when he became a leader in Egypt. The dreams of today are the realities of tomorrow. To be dreamless is to be doomed.

3. David

He had a vision of bringing down Goliath and the vision came to pass (1 Samuel 17: 49-50)

4. Moses

Moses had a vision of delivering his people from the bondage of Egypt. Even though he failed at his first attempt, the vision eventually came to pass when God stepped in (Exodus 12:40).

Beloved, endeavour to follow the practical steps of these great men of God by conceiving a vision for your life.

Remember This: To be dreamless is to be doomed.

Assignments:

1. Take a closer study of the lives of Abraham, Joseph, David and Moses.

2. Practice what you learn from their lives.

Prayer: O Lord, give me the grace to walk with You like the Patriarchs. Do with me Lord, what You created me for, in Jesus’ Name.

FOR FURTHER UNDERSTANDING, GET THIS MESSAGE: THE LIFE OF VISION.

Amazing Fact: We have the same amount of hairs on our body as a chimpanzee. Most are useless and so fine that they are invisible.

Today In History: 11/01/1964 - U.S. Surgeon General Luther Terry released a report that said that smoking cigarettes was a definite health hazard.

Quote: Vision is the focal object of a man’s pursuit. Culled from 10 PRINCIPAL SECRETS OF PRINCIPAL PEOPLE by Dr Paul Enenche.

Daily Reading: Genesis 24:52 to 26:16, Matthew 8:18 to 34, Psalm 10:1 to 15, Proverbs 3:7 to 8.

Today’s devotional was written by Pastor Paul Enenche of the Dunamis International Gospel Centre (DIGC), headquartered at Abuja, Nigeria, with Pastor Paul and Becky Enenche, as the Senior Pastors. It is a power-packed arena where God’s Presence, Principles and Power are at work for the salvation, healing and restoration of human destinies and dignities.

Our Daily Bread 11 January 2018 Devotional – What’s Inside?

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Topic: What’s Inside? [Our Daily Bread 11th Thursday January, 2018]

Read: 2 Corinthians 4:7–18, Bible in a Year: Genesis 27–28; Matthew 8:18–34

But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. - 2 Corinthians 4:7

“Do you want to see what’s inside?” my friend asked. I had just complimented her on the old-fashioned rag doll her daughter held in her small arms. Instantly curious, I replied that yes, I very much wanted to see what was inside. She turned the doll face down and pulled open a discreet zipper sewn into its back. From within the cloth body, Emily gently removed a treasure: the rag doll she’d held and loved throughout the years of her own childhood more than two decades prior. The “outer” doll was merely a shell without this inner core to give it strength and form.

Paul describes the truth of Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection as a treasure, carried about in the frail humanity of God’s people. That treasure enables those who trust in Him to bear up under unthinkable adversity and continue in their service. When they do, His light—His life—shines brightly through the “cracks” of their humanness. Paul encourages us all not to “lose heart” (2 Corinthians 4:16) because God strengthens us to do His work.

Like the “inner” doll, the gospel-treasure within us lends both purpose and fortitude to our lives. When God’s strength shines through us, it invites others to ask, “What’s inside?” We can then unzip our hearts and reveal the life-giving promise of salvation in Christ.

Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for saving me. Please shine Your light brightly through my broken life so others will be invited to know You too.

The gospel of truth shines through the brokenness of God’s people.

Insight:

Second Corinthians 4 describes how God’s love mends broken people. We see evidence of this life-change in the story of Zacchaeus, a man who made large profits by overtaxing his people. When Jesus called him out of his sin, Zacchaeus instantly vowed: “If I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount” (Luke 19:1–10). His actions demonstrated his changed life.

How do your actions demonstrate God’s work in your life? Alyson Kieda

This message was written By Kirsten Holmberg [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]

Our Daily Manna January 11, 2018: ODM devotional: Fire From The Philippines

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Topic: Fire From The Philippines [Our Daily Manna ODM Thursday, January 11th, 2018]

Basic scripture : Matthew 27:1-10

We got the testimony below from our Facebook page and I am led to publish it. It is great to know that this vision and this little book has gone so far and wide, worldwide, despite the wicked attacks of enemies. Oh Thank you Jesus!

I was a victim of human trafficking when I was in Abu Dhabi. At that time, we were locked up somewhere. I met a Nigerian who had one bag of our daily manna booklets and she was giving them out! I was blessed by all the messages when I was reading my copy. A lot had happened then. I was sold to Lebanon!

Their purpose for us was slavery. But when I got that book, I prayed the” prayers for Difficulty in a foreign land” among 402 prayers in the book and I went home free! My freedom from slavery is a testimony! God is so good (from lazy Lao; the Philippines). What a mighty God we serve!

No matter the heat of the battle you are facing now as you use today’s devotional, note that, No power can extend your battle! Whatever has a beginning has end! You must testify! As you remain faithful to the prayers in this vision and you follow the prophetic instructions, BATTLE EXTENDERS WILL SCATTER! Juds sold Jesus and was happy! After a while, he lost his peace and hanged himself! Any power that says that your decorations and testimony will not appear, shall hang themselves at last this year! Amen!

I see a MULTITUDE DANCING WITH YOU this year! Amen. This sister from Philippines was helped by ODM given to her! I am led to ask to give out 5 extra copies of this ODM booklet and there shall be a SPECIAL PROPHETIC GRACE released over your life, family and destiny within the next 5 days(5 stands for GRACE)

TODAY IS DAY 6 of this 21 day fasting programme. Turn to page 35 of the “WAR AGAINST HUMAN – 13” booklet for today’s special prayers.

Prayer Points: Take your best worship song to God.

1. Thank God for today’s word and pray as you are led.

2. I decree, men and women shall dance with me this year in Jesus name.

3. Holy Ghost arise against every power that says I shall not testify in Jesus name.

4. Pray for the testifier in today’s devotional.

5. Pray about today seriously and any other issues affecting your peace.

By Bishop (Dr) Chris E. Kwakpovwe (Cek)
Publisher/Writer Of ODM And

Rev (Mrs) Flora E. Kwakpovwe (Fek)
Co-Publisher/Writer Of ODM.

TREM’s Daily 11 January 2018 Devotional by Dr. Mike Okonkwo - Change Your Mentality

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Topic: Change Your Mentality [TREM’s Daily Thursday January 11th, 2018]

“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind…” (Romans 12:2a KJV)

The Christian life, though full of trials, is nevertheless progressive. It is from grace to grace and from glory to glory. You must, therefore, walk with the mentality that God did not call you to shame or embarrassment. He called you to a life of glory and virtue.

Beloved, like I would always say, refuse to look at what is happening around you. Rather, fix your heart on God’s word. His word to you is that He will do a brand-new thing. (Isaiah 43:19). Begin to walk, talk, act and think like one who has taken delivery of something new. When God speaks of something new in your life, He is not talking about refurbishment. No! He means something novel, original, fresh, unique, brand new and occurring for the first time. That means you should not expect negative things to happen to you like it used to in the time past. Remember that as a man thinks in his heart so is he. Wake up in the morning and expect only good to happen to you.

One way to change your mentality is to create your day with your mouth. Don’t allow the devil create your day. Speak what you want to see and it will come to pass. Refuse whatever tag or label of failure the world wants to put on you. They may have tagged you a failure in time past, refuse it because God says only new things are permitted to happen in your life. Expect your health to be renewed! Expect new opportunities and new vistas in business. Trust God for fresh ideas and creativity that will catapult you to a new dimension in life. Refuse to settle for the mundane. Refuse to cancel out yourself, even in the face of the manipulations of the adversary.

I decree that no one will exchange your miracle. The wealth of hidden places will be revealed to you and you will not be stranded. Good news concerning you will be noised abroad. I bless you.

Further Reading: Isaiah 43:18-21

Daily Bible Reading: Morning- Gen 27, 28 / Evening- Matt: 9:18-34

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

Handling Family Challenges (1) by Pastor Faith Oyedepo

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Topic: Handling Family Challenges (1)

Dear Reader,

Happy New Year! It is the first edition for the year and it holds many blessings for you. It is my prayer that all that God intents for your family this year be achieved in Jesus’ name! From recent observations, it is clear that topmost on the counselling list of churches and centres are family-related issues. Many people have questions on the family for which few people seem to have adequate answers to. The general impression is that no human being can enjoy total success in family life.

However, this is far from the truth. God, the originator of marriage and the family, designed it to be successful and enjoyable. His purpose for instituting marriage remains the same. Nothing can alter it – not even civilisation, technological advancement or philosophical reasoning. However, the fact that many are frustrated, unhappy, fed up and failing does not tamper with the truth of God’s Word. Marriage is designed for success. This truth must be appreciated in order to appropriate it in your marriage. The key to family success can only be found in the Word. This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success (Joshua 1:8). Success in all areas of life is God’s will for you, but it does not come by chance, it must be consciously acquired from the Word.

A successful family is where there is joy, abundance, rest and love. This is God’s utmost desire for you. Just like every game or sport has rules guiding it, there are rules to follow in order to have a successful family life. To break any of these rules does not only disqualify you from having a successful family, but also results in challenges in the family. Throughout this month, I shall teach on this important topic: Handling Family Challenges.

What Are Challenges?

Challenges are defined as difficult tasks that test someone’s ability. So, handling family challenges can be said to be the ability to deal with, manage or control some difficult situations in the family. In other words, it means taking care of the family by removing every destructive element in it.

There are some little foxes that serve as threat to family peace, joy and happiness. The Bible says:

Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes (Songs of Solomon 2:15). Foxes are usually identified with destruction in the Scripture. They are little things that some may consider too insignificant to merit any attention. But, amazingly, those seemingly insignificant things can destroy unity in the families, if not properly handled. All through this month, I shall examine some of them and how they can be successfully handled.

Challenges of Family Life

UNFORGIVENESS

This is the seed that breeds bitterness. The Bible says: Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled; (Hebrews 12:15). The term “springing up” connotes a thing that starts small and then suddenly explodes. Bitterness starts from very little things. Perhaps, your spouse or a family member has done something to hurt you and you refuse to forgive him or her, every remembrance of the incident brings pain to you. Watch it! That’s a root of bitterness springing up gradually. If it is not handled immediately, it will ultimately trouble the peace of your home.

Unforgiveness has many negative effects ranging from lost of peace and rest, to falling short of God’s grace. Not only does it trouble individuals, it goes beyond that to defile the person (Acts 8:23). Unforgiveness and bitterness torments. It opens the door to certain devourers such as poverty, barrenness, sickness, etc., in the family. Now that we know the effects of unforgiveness and bitterness, wisdom demands that we properly handle them in order to experience family success.

How Then, Can You Overcome Unforgiveness?

Someone may ask what must I do to overcome unforgiveness and bitterness? The answer is simple, forgive! The Bible says: Let all bitterness…be put away from you, with all malice (Ephesians 4:31). Forgive whosoever has offended you. Don’t wait for the person to come and apologise to you, because he may not. Learn the secret of instant forgiveness. That is, forgive as soon as you are offended, whether the offender asks for it or not. This is one of the secrets of success in family life. The Word of God has this to say about strife and envy: For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work (James 3:16). Many have lost their families to bitterness; you don’t have to join them. This principle of instant forgiveness has helped me a great deal. My husband and I practice it and it pays off for us. It pays to forgive!

Before you can forgive, firstly, you need to be forgiven by God by accepting Jesus as Lord and personal Saviour. If you desire His forgiveness, say this prayer in faith: Dear Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me my sins and cleanse me with Your Blood. I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Make me a child of God today. Thank You for delivering me from sin and satan to serve the living God and thank You for accepting me into Your Kingdom.

Congratulations! If you prayed this simple prayer of faith with me, you are now born again and a child of God. He loves you and will never leave you. Read your Bible daily, obey God’s Word and seek Christian fellowship (John 14:21).

With this, you are guaranteed all-round rest and peace in Jesus’ Name! Call or write to share your testimonies with me through contact@faithoyedepo.org, 07026385437 OR 08141320204.

For more insight, these books authored by me are available at the Dominion Bookstores in all Living Faith Churches and other leading Christian bookstores: Marriage Covenant, Making Marriage Work, Building A Successful Home and Success in Marriage (Co-Authored).

Pastor Faith Oyedepo is the wife of Bishop David Oyedepo, the founder of the Living Faith Church Worldwide a.k.a. Winners’ Chapel, and Senior Pastor of Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, Nigeria.

RCCG 50 Days Fasting and Prayer Points in 2018 [First Lap]

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PREAMBLE: We give glory to God who has given us victory by Strengthening us above all our enemies and has put a new song in our mouth. Arising from the last Holy Ghost Congress, we have started singing Songs of Victory. It is therefore not surprising that God gave our father in the Lord, The General Oversea; Pastor E.A. Adeboye “Stronger than Our Enemies” as the theme for the first Holy Ghost Service in the Year 2018. He reiterated in his prophecies for this year that “Many of us will triumph over our enemies” because it is a year of reward when many will “count down comprehensive victories”. May God help us to experience the harvest of these prophesies in full. May we have an unprecedented victories in all spheres of life that will keep us singing with an overflowing joy in Jesus name. Amen.

As we know that whatever is good require prayers, the following prayer points will be helpful as we wait upon the Lord in a declared 50 days of fasting and prayers starting from Thursday 11th January to Thursday 1st March, 2018. May you be mightily blessed, as we pray through in the mighty Name of Jesus.

THURSDAY 11th Jan 2018
DAY 1 WORSHIP AND PRAISES
  • Intense praise and worship Psalm 124
  • Praise God for being God Almighty. Gen 17:1
  • Let your soul bless the lord and praise His Holy name Psalms 34:1
  • Let us praise Him for the manifestation of Signs and Wonders since the establishment of RCCG.
  • Psa 150:1 Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power.
  • Psa 150:2 Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness.
  • Psa 150:3 Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp.
  • Psa 150:4 Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs.
  • Psa 150:5 Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals.
  • Psa 150:6 Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.
FRIDAY 12th Jan 2018
DAY 2: MERCY AND FORGIVENESS
  • PRAYER OF FORGIVENESS: Text: Matt. 18:22Jere. 31:34; LUKE 23:34, 1kings 13:1-6; Act 7:54-60, John 3:16.Your lack of forgiveness can sabotage your comprehensive victory. Since no one can offend you Seventy times Seven Times, therefore, learn to forgive so that your fasting and prayers can be acceptable before God. Your waiting on Him will never amount to an hunger strike. Amen.
  • Example of complete forgiveness in the Bible- JOSEPH, Gen. 45:5-15; Gen 50:19-20, DAVID 1 Samuel 24:1-22, 2 Samuel 9:1-13. Stephen Acts. 7:59-60.
  • Father!!! Please have mercy on me for not forgiving others and give me the heart of flesh to forgive in Jesus name.
  • Father!!! By your grace, I forgive totally all that I have offended me; I released them from every captivity of bitterness in my heart.
  • Father!!! By your Holy Spirit, touch the heart of those that I have offended to forgive and forget my offenses in Jesus name.
  • Father!!! I release all that have offended me now, please release every benefit and blessing that un-forgiveness has delayed in my life, in Jesus name.
  • Fire of the Holy Ghost!! Purge my heart of every un-forgiveness in Jesus name.
  • Lord Jesus, by your blood, released me from every family captivity resulting from inherited offenses.
  • Father!!! Everyone I need to forgive for my life to break through, please lead me to them now in Jesus name.
  • Father!!! Let every seed of un-forgiveness in my life be consumed by fire in Jesus name.
  • Father!!! Please let me reap the reward of a forgiving heart in Jesus name.
SATURDAY 13th Jan 2018
DAY 3: PRAYERS OF THANKSGIVING
  • Intense praise and worship
  • Thank God for His mercy that is renewed upon us every morning. Ps 136:1
  • Let us thank God for Late Pa. Josiah Akindayomi and other Men of honour inspired by the Holy Spirit to establish the RCCG.
  • Let us bless the name of the Lord for the obedience of Pastor E.A. Adeboye and other men of vision to the call of God upon them.
  • Thank God for Daddy and Mummy G.O and for what God is doing through them. Ps. 1
  • Let us thank God for the progress made so far in RCCG. Ps127:1-2
  • Thank God for preserving our lives. Ps 23:1-4
  • Thank God for the peace of God that is reigning in your country. Ps 23:2
  • Thank God for the glory of God that is manifesting all over the world. Ps 24:1
  • Thank God for the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ that is penetrating the unreached part of the world. Mk 16:16-18
SUNDAY 14th Jan 2018
DAY 4: PRAYERS OF THANKSGIVING
  • Intense praise and worship
  • Thank God for His mercy that is renewed upon us every morning. Ps 136:1
  • Let us thank God for Late Pa. Josiah Akindayomi and other Men of honour inspired by the Holy Spirit to establish the RCCG.
  • Let us bless the name of the Lord for the obedience of Pastor E.A. Adeboye and other men of vision to the call of God upon them.
  • Let us thank God for the progress made so far in RCCG. Ps127:1-2
  • Thank God for preserving our lives. Ps 23:1-4
  • Thank God for the fulfilment of all the promises of God in past years
  • Let us thank for not allowing civil war in our country
  • Let us thank God for not allowing hunger and famine in our country.
  • Let us bless the name of Jehovah God for his protection past years. Ps 124:1-end
MONDAY 15th Jan 2018
DAY 5: BREAKING GENERATIONAL SINS AND CURSES
  • PRAYER FOR BREAKING GENERATIONAL SINS, SOUL TIES AND CURSES: Text: Rom. 5:15; Exo. 20, 34:5-7, Eze 18:19.Generational sins, courses and patterns are attitudes, actions, beliefs, behaviour, and/or habits that we have inherited from our family or relatives. We then “enter into” the same thing pattern and make it our own.
  • Father!!! Let every unknown soul tie influencing my life negatively, be consumed by fire in Jesus name.
  • Father!!! I stand in the finished work of the cross to severe my life from every effect of generational sin of my household in Jesus name.
  • Father!!! Deliver me from every evil pronouncement that is causing affliction in my family in Jesus name.
  • Father!!! By the fire of the Holy Ghost, every strongman perpetrating evil occurrence in my life and ministry let them be consumed by fire in Jesus name.
  • Father!!! I stand in the blood of Jesus and revoke every legal ground that the enemies have possessed in Jesus name.
  • Holy Ghost fire!!! Release your demolishing bullets and dynamites on every curse and soul ties affliction in my life.
TUESDAY 16th Jan 2018
DAY 6: PRAYERS OF THANKSGIVING
  • Intense praise and worship
  • Thank God for genuine men of God and their ministerial assignments in RCCG. Mk. 16: 16-18
  • Thank for fighting for your country against destruction and terrorists. Ps91:1-3
  • Thank God for blessing your country and making her triumphant over her enemies of progress. Ps 124
  • Thank God forgiving your country victoryover civil war. Ps 91
  • Thank God for His mercy on RCCG. Rom. 9: 15-16
  • Thank God for not allowing the enemy to have none of his ways on RCCG Ps. 124
  • Thank God for His awesome moves in RCCG. Ps 136
  • Thank God for what He has done for you and every individual in RCCG. Ps 138
  • Thank God for the family of Daddy and Mummy G.O and for His mercy on them Exod. 33:19
  • Let us thank God for His new move in raising a New Army of vibrant youths in RCCG. Isa. 43: 18 -19
WEDNESDAY 17th Jan 2018
DAY 7: PRAYERS OF DIVINE PRESENCE
  • Let us bless the name of Jehovah God for his protection over me and my family in past years. Ps 124
  • Thank God for preserving our lives, guidance and provisions. Ps 23:1-4
  • Thank God for the fulfilment of all the promises of God in past years
  • Let us thank for not allowing civil war in our country
  • Let us thank God for not allowing hunger and famine in our country.
  • Father, please go with me in the journey of my life all through. Exodus 33:14-19
  • Father; wherever your presence cannot be, restrain my feet from going there also.
  • O my Father, help me to dwell in your presence always in this New Year and beyond. Psalms 91:1
  • Father; let me under the covering of your shadows.
  • Father; let your angel encamp around me in all my ways
THURSDAY 18th Jan 2018
DAY 8: PRAYER OF REDEDICATION AND COMMITMENT
  • Intense praise and worship
  • Ask God for mercies for the past acts of non commitment
  • Pray that you will be more available for God use this year. 2 Tim 2:21
  • Pray that our churches home and abroad will be supportive of Daddy GO in mission outreaches programmes. 2 Cor 6:1
  • Pray that they will be more passionately involved in missions, evangelism, church planting and discipleship this year. Matt 28: 19
  • Pray that they will do this by the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Lk.24:49; Acts1:8;
  • Ask the Lord to send more (Labourers) missionaries to un-reached people groups. Matt 9:37-38, Mk.16:15.
  • Pray that the Church will have willingness and passion to commit more resources to missions, supportand empowering of missionaries.
FRIDAY 19th Jan 2018
DAY 9: MINISTERS AND MISSIONARIES
  • Intense praise and worship
  • Ask God for mercies for past acts of non commitment
  • Pray for fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon His ministers and missionaries in RCCG Acts 1:8
  • Pray for fresh empowerment to preach the good news, proclaim freedom to prisoners, recovery of sight to the blind and release of the oppressed. Is.61:1-3.
  • Pray for ministers and missionaries and their families, particularly those in the North – strength, wisdom, encouragement, protection and provision
  • Pray for them anointing, compassion, revived prayer life, healthy family life, fruitfulness, grace and favor.
  • Pray for open heavens, God’s presence, courage, peace, joy, holy lifestyle, divine direction, mercy and long life for all our Missionaries.
  • Pray for signs and wonders, healings and deliverance to follow the ministry of missionaries on mission fields because unless peoplesee the power, they will not believe.
  • Ask the Lord to send more (Labourers) missionaries to un-reached people groups. Matt 9:37-38, Mk.16:15.
  • Pray that the Church will have willingness and passion to commit more resources to missions, support and empowering of missionaries.
More are coming....please bear with us

DCLM Daily Manna 11 January, 2018 by Pastor Kumuyi – Synergy in Service

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DCLM Daily Manna 11 January, 2018 by Pastor Kumuyi – Synergy in Service

Topic: Synergy in Service [DCLM Daily Manna Thursday January 11th, 2018]

Text: 1 Chronicles 9:14-34

Key Verse: “And certain of them had the charge of the ministering vessels, that they should bring them in and out by tale. Some of them also were appointed to oversee the vessels, and all the instruments of the sanctuary, and the fine flour, and the wine, and the oil, and the frankincense, and the spices.” (1 Chronicles 9:28,29).

The large amount of labour saved by giving workers specialized tasks during the Industrial Revolution led to the development of the principle of division of labour by some classical economists. Making workers to focus on specific tasks in the production line led to more effectiveness, efficiency and productivity. Much time and labour was saved while much task was accomplished at lesser cost.

Interestingly, this principle has been long in practice in Bible days as seen in the case of the Levites and their different assigned duties. The Levites were specially called and set aside for the service of the Lord in Israel. But there were different divisions and sections of the work assigned to the different families of the house of Levi. The ease of running the temple service and worship depended on each family carrying out its assigned duties.

It is interesting to observe here how this was done without friction. Everyone recognized his importance in the whole picture and played his part without rivalry, strife or envy. This unity in service is expected among Christian servants today.

We must recognize our specific calling and commit ourselves to fulfilling them without hindering others from serving God. There must be unity. If unity in service will not be mechanical, believers must seek and obtain the sanctification experience through which the adamic nature of pride is uprooted in earnest prayer of faith. We must thus recognize the fact that we cannot do it all by ourselves, no matter how strong and multi-talented we may be. We have to recognize the place and importance of others and give them to function. Remember, God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit cooperated to accomplish our redemption.

Thought For The Day: A three-fold cord is not easily broken.

Bible Reading in one Year: Job 29-31

DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.


Joyce Meyer's Daily 11 January 2018 Devotional: Are You Following the Holy Spirit or Your Emotions?

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Topic: Are You Following the Holy Spirit or Your Emotions? [Joyce Meyer's Daily Thursday January 11th, 2018]

For the desires of the flesh are opposed to the [Holy] Spirit, and the [desires of the] Spirit are opposed to the flesh (godless human nature); for these are antagonistic to each other [continually withstanding and in conflict with each other], so that you are not free but are prevented from doing what you desire to do. — Galatians 5:17 (AMPC)

I talk a lot about how we need to follow the Spirit, not our emotions. However, I find that a lot of people don’t even understand how our emotions operate in the first place.

Emotions are in the realm of the soul. Our soul is made up of our mind, will and emotions—it tells us what we think, what we want and how we feel. Of these three areas of the soul, it’s our feelings that get stirred up the fastest.

In other words, the wisdom and discernment of the Holy Spirit in our spirit become easily drowned out by the cries of our emotions.

The Bible says that this “life of the flesh” doesn’t please God. This doesn’t mean that God doesn’t love us. What it does mean is that He is not satisfied with nor will He accept fleshly behavior.

However, once you understand how negative emotions work, you can overcome them. Our souls may be strong, but our spirits can be stronger if we strengthen them by spending time in God’s presence. Get in the Word today, and give your spirit the strength to overcome your emotions.

Prayer Starter:God, I don’t want to let my emotions overpower my spirit. As I spend time with You and read Your Word, give me the power I need to be led by the Spirit, not just how I feel.

From Joyce Meyer’s Ministries.

Open Heavens 11 January 2018: Thursday daily devotional by Pastor Adeboye – Help From Above

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Open Heavens 11 January 2018: Thursday daily devotional by Pastor Adeboye – Help From Above

Topic: Help From Above [Open Heavens Thursday 11th January 2018]

Memorise: My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth. – Psalm 121:2

Read: Psalm 121:1-8 (KJV)

1 (A Song of degrees.) I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.

2 My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.

3 He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.

4 Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.

5 The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand.

6 The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.

7 The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.

8 The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.

Bible in One Year: Genesis 25-26, Revelation 9:20-10:11, Hymn: Sing Hymn 10: My Faith Looks Up To Thee

MESSAGE:

Not many people know that the surest source of help is the God of heaven and earth, and for this reason, so many people struggle for a very long time without having anything to show for their efforts. No wonder wise King Solomon, in Psalm 127:1, confessed thus:

“Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.”

If you have been struggling all your life, with little or nothing to show for it, your struggles have come to an end today in Jesus’ Name. One struggle a lot of people battle with throughout their lifetime is the struggle against the power of sin. Apostle Paul, before coming to the knowledge of the saving grace in the Lord Jesus Christ, found himself in this situation. In Romans 7:24, he bemoaned his spiritual condition, saying,

“O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?”

The good news is that Paul found help from above and he is today, through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, numbered among the saints. The same Jesus who did it for Paul can do it for you. The Lord is telling you to look up to Him for that help you seek, because looking elsewhere is an exercise in futility. The Lord Himself will send help from above to you today in Jesus’ Name. The Saviour who helped the woman caught in adultery to come out of her state of spiritual hopelessness, will set you free from the power of sin and empower you to sin no more in Jesus’ Name (John 8:3-11).

Beloved, let Jesus help you. He is calling you today, saying,

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” - Matthew 11:28

For you to receive help from above, you need to answer His call as matter of urgency. You can do this by surrendering your life to Him. You must stop relying on your own ability and stop trusting in the arm of flesh (Jeremiah 17:5). As a child of God, you must put your trust in Him even as you call upon Him in prayer to come and help you. However, before calling on the Lord, first ensure that there is no impediment in your life that would deny you of His help, because in Isaiah 59:1-2, He says,

1 Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: 2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.”

Prayer Point: Abba Father, please send help to me today, and don’t let me be put to shame.

1. My faith looks up to Thee,
Thou Lamb of Calvary,
Saviour divine!
Now hear me while I pray,
Take all my guilt away,
Oh, let me from this day
Be wholly Thine!

2. May Thy rich grace impart
Strength to my fainting heart,
My zeal inspire!
As Thou hast died for me,
Oh, may my love to Thee
Pure, warm, and changeless be,
A living fire!

3. While life’s dark maze I tread,
And griefs around me spread,
Be Thou my guide;
Bid darkness turn to day,
Wipe sorrow’s tears away,
Nor let me ever stray
From Thee aside.

4.Whenlife’s swift race is run,
Death’s cold work almost done
Be near to me.
Blest Saviour, then in love,
Fear and distrust remove;
Oh, bear me safe above,
A ransomed soul!

Open Heavens 10th January 2018, Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer's Ministries.

iOpenHeavens is the electronic version of the Hard Copy. The Open Heavens devotional application is available across all mobile platforms and operating systems: iOS, Android, Blackberry, Nokia, Windows Mobile and PC.

Billy Graham’s Daily 12 January 2018 Devotional: God Never Makes Mistakes

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Billy Graham’s Daily 12 January 2018 Devotional: God Never Makes Mistakes

Topic: God Never Makes Mistakes [Billy Graham’s Daily Friday January 12th, 2018]

Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:9

God is especially close to us when we are lying on a sickbed. God will make the bed soft and will freshen it with His presence and with His tender care. He makes the bed comfortable and wipes away our tears. He ministers to us with special tenderness at such a time and reveals His great love for us.

Tell me why the gardener trims and prunes his rosebushes, sometimes cutting away productive branches, and I will tell you why God’s people are afflicted. God’s hand never slips. He never makes a mistake. His every move is for our own good and for our ultimate good. Oftentimes He must deform us and mutilate our own image. Deformity sometimes precedes conformity.

Prayer for the day: When times of tribulation come, help me, dear Lord, to glory in them for Your sake.

Written by Billy Graham, Founder of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association(BGEA). BGEA exists to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ by every effective means and to equip the church and others to do the same.

Andrew Wommack’s Daily 12 January 2018 Devotional: God Desires Faith

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Topic: God Desires Faith [Andrew Wommack’s Daily Friday January 12th, 2018]

Luke 2:7, "And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn."

Text: Luke 2:1-7

What an amazing account! God Almighty was born of a virgin and placed in a feeding trough in a stable. Who would ever expect the Creator of the universe to make His entrance into the world in such a humble fashion?

Men always seek to proclaim their glory as far and wide as possible. Yet here is the only one who really has any glory to proclaim, and He comes humbly. It wasn't because He didn't have the power to do things otherwise.

He could have chosen to be born in a fashion that would have brought all creation to their knees in worship. He could have announced His birth to the most powerful and famous men of the day instead of lowly shepherds. He could have had the most luxurious accommodations instead of a stable. But that is not the way of our God. It would not have taken any faith on the part of men if Jesus came in such a manner that His deity was obvious.

Likewise with us, the Lord could manifest Himself to us in such a way that we couldn't miss Him, but that wouldn't please Him. God desires faith and, "without faith it is impossible to please Him" (Heb. 11:6).

Today, let's please our Heavenly Father and acknowledge His presence in faith just because of His promise (Mt. 28:20; Heb. 13:5).

This message was written by The Association of Related Ministries International (ARMI) is an extension of Andrew Wommack Ministries (AWM). ARMI is a unique partnership committed to providing resources to help like-minded ministers succeed in a spirit of excellence and to draw from the experience and expertise of both the AWM and Charis Bible College staff. (www.awmi.net).

Kenneth and Gloria Copeland’s Daily January 12, 2018 Devotional: Our Only Hope Is Jesus

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Kenneth and Gloria Copeland’s Daily January 12, 2018 Devotional: Our Only Hope Is Jesus

Topic: Our Only Hope Is Jesus [Kenneth and Gloria Copeland, Friday January 12th, 2018]

Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope: Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. - Acts 2:26-27

More than 21 years ago, God said something to me that will mark my ministry forever. It was this: The only hope that any man has anywhere in the world is faith in Jesus Christ.

In light of what's happening around us today, the truth of that statement is more painfully obvious than ever before. We are a generation with diseases no man can heal, with problems no man can solve. What fleeting successes we have are quickly overshadowed by new and greater crises.

All too often, that's as true for believers as it is for unbelievers. It shouldn't be. But it is. Believers are being killed by the same diseases that are devastating the rest of the world. They're being plagued by the same problems. And many are walking around without hope—just like the rest of the world.

Why? Because the only hope that any man has is faith in Jesus Christ. And the majority of Christians don't know how to live by faith.

Instead of being filled with the Word and with faith, they've been stuffed full of religious tradition and superstition. And they're suffering. When the devil hits them with sickness and disease, with poverty or depression or divorce, they often stand by helplessly as it destroys them. They simply don't know what else to do. The Bible says, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge..." (Hosea 4:6).

But you know. Your hope is in Jesus. Trust Him. And tell the world—their hope is in Him too.

Scripture Reading: Mark 4:35-41

This message was written by Kenneth and Gloria Copeland, the leader of the Kenneth Copeland Ministries (www.KCM.org) that specializes in teaching principles of bible faith - prayer, healing, salvation and other biblical topics.

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