LIVING WATER - CAC DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE {02-08-2017}

CAC LIVING WATER DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE

Wednesday, August 2, 2017

ABILITY AND ATTITUDE

Read Matthew 25:14-30

MEMORISE
His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful slave; you were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things, enter into the joy of your master.' (Matthew. 25:21)

The parable of the talents shows two important things needed for bountiful harvest. It shows the relationship between ability and attitude. These two have no regards for race, religion, status or age. While ability can be naturally or divinely endowed, attitude depicts the human mind. Attitude is more of what occurs on the inside. We often say that “attitude determines altitude.” The level of success we attain is set by the attitude we display concerning what happens around us.

In the parable of the talents, management of resources is at stake. This is evident in the gift that the man who was going on the journey gave his servants. While the resources are expressed in terms of commodity for trading, they can also be taken to represent whatever enables human beings to be productive (cf. Matt. 17:21).

The attitude of the servants played major roles in their productivity. The servants with five and two talents both displayed positive attitudes to what they were given, hence their profits, over time. The servant with one talent was not productive because of his negative attitude. Attitude is a contagious thing. It affects almost every area of our lives. Just as positive attitude is capable of energising our abilities, so also is negative attitude capable of weakening our ability and destroying our potentials. Ability alone does not travel far, but can achieve a lot when it is accompanied with the right attitude.

Let this mind be in you. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ (Phil. 2:4).

PRAYER POINTS
1. Lord, help me to discover what You have deposited in me.
2. Lord, develop in me the attitude that will energise my God-given abilities.
3. Lord, remove barriers to the acceptance of Your gospel in gospel-resistant areas of the world.

EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: Numbers 11-14

Good morning and happy new day.
May God bless our going out and coming in, in Jesus name Amen.

Truly, truly I say unto you, unless a man is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

Source: LIVING WATER - CAC DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL {03-08-2017}

Open Heavens 3 August 2017: Thursday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye- Come Ye Apart 1

COME YE APART I – Thursday August 3 rd 2017

Memorise: On the first day shall be an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein. Leviticus 23:35

Read: Mark 6:30-32 (KJV)
6:30 And the apostles gathered themselves together unto Jesus, and told him all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught.
6:31 And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.
6:32 And they departed into a desert place by ship privately.

Bible in one year: 1 st Kings 14-15, Ezekiel 20:1-13, Hymn: Sing hymn 6

MESSAGE:
“Come ye apart” is a call for a holy convocation or a coming together of the saints in a solemn assembly. In the Bible, such a meeting was often called to enable the people of God separate themselves unto God. Such special days were devoted to spiritual activities such as praise, worship, celebration, Scripture reading, fasting, prayers and offering of sacrifices. In today’s Bible reading, the Lord Jesus Christ called for a holy convocation or solemn assembly with His disciples. The disciples had just returned from their very first missionary tour. Although they had many victories and testimonies of healing and casting out of demons, they were also very tired, confused (from seeing strangers casting out demons in the Name of Jesus), and full of several questions they wanted to ask the Master. On getting back to Jesus, they immediately bombarded Him with their reports, but Jesus would not engage them in the presence of the multitude. Instead, He called them apart for a solemn assembly. He said to them, “Come ye apart and rest a while”. Within the atmosphere of peace and quiet, the disciples were able to tell Jesus all about their labour, victories, challenges and ask their questions unhindered. The Lord Jesus in turn was able to properly instruct them, answer all their questions, clear their doubts, and minister to them appropriately.

However, it should be noted that the call for a solemn assembly was intentionally made to exclude the multitude. It was strictly designed for the hardworking disciples, who were exhausted, to come away and rest for some time. A solemn assembly is therefore a time to recharge our spiritual battery, a time of deep reflection and a time to meditate on the word of God. It is meant to be a time of total rest from daily physical work in order to be in the presence of the Lord. It is a time of separation unto God for spiritual worship, fasting and prayers, with high expectations of divine visitation. It is a time of very serious business with God that leaves no room for pettiness, gossip, indiscipline or any form of carnality. That is why the solemn assembly in the Redeemed Christian Church of God is strictly meant for mature ministers and workers of the Church. “Come ye apart” is an open invitation by God to His favoured children as a means of setting them apart for divine blessings. It could be a call to an individual, as was the case with Moses in Exodus 34:2-3 , or a call to a group of people, as was the case with Jacob and his family in Genesis 35:1-7 . May you receive your own special invitation today in Jesus’ Name.

Prayer Point
Father, as I separate myself to You in consecration, please set me apart for Your special blessings in Jesus’ Name.

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

Daily Devotional by Joyce Meyer Ministries {02-08-2017}

How to Gain Wisdom

by Joyce Meyer - posted August 02, 2017

If you will turn (repent) and give heed to my reproof, behold, I [Wisdom] will pour out my spirit upon you, I will make my words known to you.
- Proverbs 1:23

We need to pray and obey God's leading when He speaks to us. Obedience is not to be an occasional event for us; it is to be our way of life. There's a big difference between people who are willing to obey God daily and those who are only willing to obey to get out of trouble. God certainly shows people how to get out of trouble, but He bestows abundant blessings on those who decide to live wholeheartedly for Him and who make obedience to Him their lifestyle. The only pathway to true peace is obedience to God.

Many people obey God in the big issues, but they aren't aware that obedience in the little things makes a difference in His plan for their lives. The Bible says plainly that if we are not faithful in the little things, we will never be made rulers over much (see Luke 16:10). There is no reason for God to trust us with a major responsibility if we are not going to be faithful to do the little things He has asked us to do. I strongly urge you to be obedient to God even in the smallest of things. A sixteenth-century monk called Brother Lawrence was well known for walking continually in the presence of God. He said that He was pleased to pick up a piece of trash from the ground in obedience to God and because He loved Him.

In the verse for today, God says He will make known His words to us if we listen to Him when He corrects us. If we follow His guidance and are pleased to do each little thing He asks of us then He will open His wisdom to us, and we will have more revelation than we could ever imagine

Source: joycemeyer

Daily Devotionals - Andrew Wommack Ministries {02-08-2017}

OUR DEBT WAS PAID - August 02

Luke 16:17 "And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail."

The jot was not only one of the smallest letters of the Hebrew alphabet, but also one of the most insignificant, being sometimes deleted at the writer's pleasure. The tittle was only a mark or a point on a line that helped distinguish one letter from another. The tittle corresponds to our period or apostrophe. The point that Jesus is making is that even the tiniest detail of the law would not pass away.

Christ fulfilled every jot and tittle of the law. The law was ordained to life, but no one could keep it. So, God Himself became flesh. He did what no sinful flesh had ever done. He kept the law thereby winning the life of God as the prize for keeping the law. This granted Him eternal life but before He could give it to us, we still had a debt that had to be paid. This is similar to someone receiving the death penalty for some hideous crime, then some billionaire leaves his whole estate to him. It would do the condemned man no good. But if that same billionaire could somehow take that man's place and die for him, then he could go free and enjoy his new wealth. That's what Jesus did for us. He took our sins and gave us His righteousness.

Jesus did much more than just obtain eternal life for us, He also paid all the wages of our sins (Rom. 6:23). God literally placed the condemnation, or judgment, that was against us upon His own Son. Jesus' perfect flesh was condemned so our defiled flesh could go free. What a trade! Since Jesus bore our sentence (condemnation), we don't have to bear it. The debt has already been paid.

Source: awmi.net

Daily Devotionals and Bible Devotions

AUGUST 2, 2017

Blessed is She Who Believed

by JULIE GILLIES

“And blessed (happy, to be envied) is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of the things that were spoken to her from the Lord.” Luke 1:45 (AMPC)

It’s a compelling thought: God speaks jaw-dropping promises to His women, and if we dare to believe Him, we’ll be blessed.
Consider Mary, an average young woman living a quiet little life in Nazareth, tending to her family’s chores while daydreaming about her engagement to Joseph.

Suddenly, the angel Gabriel steps from Heaven onto her humble patch of earth and says something outrageous. He makes a promise that could never be fulfilled through mere human effort.

He declares the upcoming birth of a Savior — the long-awaited Messiah — through her, a virgin. He makes it clear she is God’s chosen vessel and through her, the stunning plan of redemption will occur. And then Mary does something equally outrageous.

She believes.

In spite of her initial misgivings and not quite understanding how it will all work, she chooses to believe what God tells her. And history declares her blessed among women.

Meet the Scripture where it all started, the first chapter of Luke. I call it every woman’s verse:

“And blessed (happy, to be envied) is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of the things that were spoken to her from the Lord ” (Luke 1:45 ).

God speaks. He gives the promise. And we believe.

Simple, right? Yet believing God’s promises is sometimes the hardest part. Believing is daring. Believing flies in the face of all we’re experiencing. We feel uncertain, scared we’re making it all up. Our faith feels woefully wobbly and feeble.

But if we dare to believe, we’ll be blessed among women. This truth holds the capacity to anchor our hearts while we face the two struggles every woman experiences.
Our first struggle is to believe we are who God says we are.

Unfortunately, we often believe less about ourselves — that how we are is how we’ll always be.

“My mother was moody, and I am, too.”

“My father was short tempered, and that’s just the way our family is wired.”

Struggles with stubbornness, strife, feelings of inadequacy, or the ability to hold a grudge are simply a given — a family legacy like freckles or muscular legs or blue eyes.

We’ve accepted a lesser version of ourselves.

What if, like Mary, we pondered and then truly accepted and dared to believe that we are who God says we are?

• Beautiful (Song of Solomon 1:15 );

• Accepted (Ephesians 1:6 );

• New creations (2 Corinthians 5:17 );

• Precious in His sight (Isaiah 43:4 );

• Unquestionably free (John 8:36 );

• Chosen (John 15:16 ).

Our second struggle is to believe the stunning promises God whispers to our hearts.

How many times do we struggle because what God speaks to our hearts makes no sense? We wonder, How? How can this happen since _____?

I struggle to grasp God’s infinite abilities, because the deep issues I wrestle with in private seem impossible to overcome. Or I’m baffled by the logistics. Though we desperately long to believe, so much of what we see is the exact opposite of the promise. Our hearts soak in the promise but cannot comprehend the how.

What if we dared to believe God could do anything — anything at all — in and through us? What if, like Mary, our hearts were open in the midst of our most baffling, uncomfortable, unlikely situations?
God births supernatural things through women. He whispers to our imperfect hearts and beckons us to believe His stunning promises. Even when we’re a hot mess. When we dare to believe Him, He is honored. He is glorified. And His promises begin to unfold.

As God birthed the Messiah through Mary, His chosen vessel, so He births beautiful things through each of us.
What promises are you holding on to? Has God whispered a stunning promise to your heart — one so big there’s no way it can be accomplished apart from Him? Or maybe you’re gripped by the fear that there’s no promise for you.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re somewhere between a rock and a hot mess, you’re not alone. And contrary to how it might seem, you’re actually in a good place. A divine place, where holy promise exists. A place where every woman can dare to believe and embrace all God offers.

TRUTH FOR TODAY:
Job 42:2 , “I know that You can do all things, and that no thought or purpose of Yours can be restrained or thwarted.” (AMPC)

Source: crosswalk

From Faith to Faith—Daily Devotional {02-08-2017}

Courage Comes From Faith

by Gloria Copeland

August 02, 2017

Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
Joshua 1:9

Courage comes from trusting God. It can’t be mentally drummed up. It comes from believing what God says regardless of what the circumstances look like. Courage comes from faith!

Where does discouragement come from? From fear and unbelief. It comes when you listen to the devil’s lies about what God is not going to do for you.

As the people of God, you and I must shake off discouragement and rise up with courage! We must quit looking at our own abilities and failures and limitations and start looking to God. We must rise up in the Name of Jesus and the power of His Spirit and establish the kingdom of heaven upon earth.

If you’ve been discouraged lately, stop listening to Satan’s lies. Stop receiving evil reports. Whenever someone tells you God is not going to deliver you, you just tell them, “He’s already delivered me in the Name of Jesus.”

Once you begin to realize who you are and what you’ve been given by the power of God, you’ll quit letting the devil run all over you. God didn’t suggest that you be strong and courageous. That is His command!

Scripture Reading:
Joshua 1:1-9

Source: kcm.org

Our daily bread {02-08-2017}

The Professor’s Confession

August 2, 2017 

Read: 1 John 3:11–18

Bible in a Year:
Psalms 60–62; Romans 5

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us.
1 John 3:16

Horrified by his students’ poor writing habits, renowned author and college professor David Foster Wallace considered how he might improve their skills. That’s when a startling question confronted him. The professor had to ask himself why a student would listen to someone “as smug, narrow, self-righteous, [and] condescending” as he was. He knew he had a problem with pride.

That professor could and did change, but he could never become one of his students. Yet when Jesus came to Earth, He showed us what humility looks like by becoming one of us. Stepping across all kinds of boundaries, Jesus made Himself at home everywhere by serving, teaching, and doing the will of His Father.

Jesus loved us by serving.

Even as He was being crucified, Jesus prayed for forgiveness for His executioners (Luke 23:34). Straining for every anguished breath, He still granted eternal life to a criminal dying with Him (vv. 42–43).

Why would Jesus do that? Why would He serve people like us to the very end? The apostle John gets to the point. Out of love! He writes, “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us.” Then he drives that point home. “And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters” (1 John 3:16).

Jesus showed us that His love eradicates our pride, our smugness, our condescension. And He did it in the most powerful way possible. He gave His life.

Father, we are so prone to look down on each other. Please forgive us. Give us the heart of love Your Son showed to us.

Source: odb.org

In Touch ministries Daily Devotions; {02-08-2017}

GOD’S WAYS: ORDINARY AND MIRACULOUS

AUGUST 02, 2017

1 Kings 17:2-7

In Isaiah 55:8, God declared, “My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways.” And in fact, one of the biggest frustrations of the Christian life stems from a lack of understanding about God’s ways. There are times when we could really use a miracle, but He does not come through for us the way we think He should. Our unmet expectations lead to confusion, disappointment, and even anger. We might think, Why did the Lord let me down?

Some people don’t believe God performs big miracles at all, while others are convinced that if He’s not doing the miraculous every day, then something is wrong with their faith. Neither belief is true. We need a balanced perspective, which we find in the Bible.

God works in both supernatural and ordinary ways, and He determines the method. Elijah ate food miraculously delivered by ravens, but his water supply from a brook was completely natural. When the water dried up, the Lord could have made more spring from the ground, but He didn’t.

Sometimes God uses ordinary means to move us in a new direction. The curtailment of Elijah’s water supply opened the door for his next assignment. When the Lord withholds miraculous intervention and lets your brook dry up, He has something else planned for you.
Seeing the work of God in the miraculous is easy. But He’s just as involved in the everyday aspects of life as He is in any supernatural event. Look for His fingerprint in the day’s mundane activities. He is there, opening and closing doors, drying up one opportunity but initiating another.

Bible in One Year: Isaiah 43-45

Source: intouch.org

Billy Graham; Daily Devotion {02-08-2017}

Demands of the Soul

By Billy Graham • August 2 •

Topics: Soul & Spirit

And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought . . .
—Isaiah 58:11

The soul demands as much attention as the body. It demands fellowship and communion with God. It demands worship, quietness, and meditation. Unless the soul is fed and exercised daily, it becomes weak and shriveled. It remains discontented, confused, restless. Many people turn to alcohol to try to drown the cryings and longings of the soul. Some turn to a new sex experience. Others attempt to quiet the longings of their souls in other ways. Nothing but God ever completely satisfies, because the soul is made for God, and without God it is restless and in secret torment. The first step to God is a realization of your spiritual poverty. The poor in spirit do not measure the worth of life in earthly possessions, which fade away, but in terms of eternal realities, which endure forever. Wise is the man who openly confesses his lack of spiritual wealth and in humilty of heart cries, “God, be merciful unto me, a sinner.”

Revive Your Soul Today. Cry Out to God .

Prayer for the day
As I look to You, my Lord and my Redeemer, the strivings of my soul will be satisfied. You alone bring lasting joy.

Source: billygraham.org

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL {02-08-2017}

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

WEDNESDAY, 2ND AUGUST. 2017

HE’S ALL YOU NEED.

For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him (John 3:34).

From the words of Jesus in Acts 1:8, we discover the source of true power and how we can receive that power into our lives: it’s by receiving the Holy Spirit: “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you….” The Holy Spirit is the embodiment of all power. So, if He lives in you, you don’t need to ask God for more power or for more anointing. The Holy Spirit didn’t come in a measure to give you a part of Himself, contrary to the understanding that some people have.

In the Old Testament, He only had to come upon God’s prophets, such as Moses, Samson, Samuel, David, Isaiah, etc., and the priests, judges, and kings of old. But the Bible says of Jesus, “For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him” (John 3:34). The Lord Jesus had the Holy Spirit in Him without measure.

The same Jesus, in John 20:21, said, “…as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.” If Jesus required the full measure of the Spirit to do the work the Father sent Him, and He has sent us as the Father sent Him, why then would we be sent with a measure and not the fullness of the Spirit? God’s purpose for us in Ephesians 3:19 is that we be “…filled with all the fulness of God.”

The Holy Spirit came into you, to make His abode in you. He lives in you in all His glory, majesty, might, wisdom and strength. He’s everything you need to live transcendently and be a success for Jesus Christ.

PRAYER
Dear heavenly Father, I thank you for the Holy Spirit has come to live and make His abode in me. I take advantage of His glorious presence in my life, and declare that I’m more than a man. I live out the supernatural life naturally, demonstrating the glory, wisdom and excellence of divinity. I’m joined to the Lord, and have become inseparable with Him, bearing fruits of His righteousness that’s inherent in my spirit, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
1 Corinthians 3:16 “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and [that] the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?”
Colossians 2:9-10 “For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. 10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:”
John 1:16 “And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.”

1-Year Bible Reading Plan:
Romans 6:15-7:1-6, Psalms 60-63

2-Year Bible Reading Plan:
Luke 12:35-48, Judges 8

Source: Christian daily devotion

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL {02-08-2017}

Open Heavens 2 August 2017: Wednesday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye-Want Your Prayers Answered?

WANT YOUR PRAYERS ANSWERED? – Wednesday August 2 nd 2017

Memorise: Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard. Proverbs 21:13

Read: Psalm 22:1-5 (KJV)
22:1 My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring?
22:2 O my God, I cry in the day time, but thou hearest not; and in the night season, and am not silent.
22:3 But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.
22:4 Our fathers trusted in thee: they trusted, and thou didst deliver them.
22:5 They cried unto thee, and were delivered: they trusted in thee, and were not confounded.

Bible in one year: 1 st Kings 12-13, Ezekiel 18:30-19:14, Hymn: Sing hymn 9

MESSAGE:
There was a popular Mexican soap opera on the Nigerian television scene a few years ago titled “The Rich Also Cry”. The title of this drama gives credence to the fact that every human being, no matter how intelligent, wealthy, powerful or highly placed, would at one time or the other in life require assistance to deal with circumstances beyond human capability and control. The situation that renders a person a great means incapacitated is usually the type that money, authority and influence cannot resolve. At such times, a call for supernatural assistance or divine intervention through desperate prayers to the Almighty God is the only option left. I pray that as you call on the Name of the Lord in the day of trouble, He will answer you by fire in Jesus’ Name. However, if you want your prayers to be answered, you have a responsibility to ensure that you are not in the habit of blocking your ears to the petitions of the poor and needy ones around you. Our memory verse says that a person who heartlessly disregards the needs of the feeble, weak and helpless is wicked. The prayers of such a person will be disregarded in the day of trouble, no matter how desperate their cry for help may be.

It is common knowledge that many African nations and some developing countries around the world have suffered and are still suffering under corrupt, selfish and tyrannical leaders. Officials are known to be crooked, and a bribe is required before any service is rendered. Salary and wages are not paid when due, and they are sometimes delayed for months on end by government and corporate employers. We have also seen some Christian ministers and clerics showing more interest in monetary gain that in serving God and the people. It is time for everyone involved in such evil acts to note that eternal damnation awaits them if they fail to repent. One of the terrible realities of our time is the fact that even the Church is falling short of fulfilling her responsibilities to the poor and needy. The Church must not leave the less-privileged persons in our communities at the mercy of politicians and government officials, irrespective of their promises and political agenda for the poor. This is because God has neither suspended nor revoked our mandate to care for the poor. The Body of Christ must wake up to the responsibilities of a loving and caring Church, if we want our collective prayers to be answered by God. I live my life in total dependence on the Almighty God as the Source of my life and all that I do; I am nothing without Him. I therefore cannot even bear to imagine what my life would be like if God ceased to hear me when I call Him. I decree in the Name that is above all other names that heaven will never ignore your cry for help in Jesus’ Name.

Prayer Point
Father, please give me the grace to be a great source of assistance to impoverished people around the world in Jesus’ Name.

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

From Faith to Faith—Daily Devotional {01-08-2017}

Receive Your Miracle

By Gloria Copeland

For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Romans 10:10

Do you need a miracle? Then believe it, confess it and receive it!
"Oh Gloria, I just don't know if I can do that."

Yes, you can! You've already done it once. When you made Jesus the Lord of your life, you believed, confessed and received the greatest miracle in the universe, the miracle of a reborn spirit! Every other miracle you receive will come in exactly the same way.

You start by simply believing what God's Word says concerning your area of need, by letting that Word change your heart and mind.

A lot of people try to skip that step. They try to believe for a miracle without spending enough time in the Word to change their hearts and minds. They just want to confess it with their mouths and have it instantly appear. But that won't happen. It's what we believe in our hearts and say with our mouths that we receive.

If you don't have enough faith yet to believe for the miracle you need, then you can get it. "Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Romans 10:17). So start filling the ears of your heart with the Word until faith for your miracle is born.

That's what the woman did who had the issue of blood. She believed in her heart that Jesus would heal her. Then she spoke her faith out loud. Then she acted on that faith--and she received her miracle.

It wasn't Jesus' decision. He didn't suddenly say, "You know, I think I'll work a miracle for that little lady today." No. She made it happen. She took her faith and drew on the power of God. That's why Jesus said, "Daughter, your faith has made you whole" (Matthew 9:22).

You have that same opportunity. God's power is always present everywhere. Your faith will bring it into your life, body or circumstances. So reach out to Jesus. Believe, confess and receive your miracle today.

Scripture Reading:
Matthew 9:18-31

Source: kcm.org

Daily Devotionals and Bible Devotions

How to Have Brave Faith When Life Gets Scary - Girlfriends in God - August 1, 2017

August 1, 2017
How to Have Brave Faith When Life Gets Scary

By Gwen Smith

Today’s Truth

“…but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm." (Proverbs 1:33 , NIV)

Friend to Friend
Let’s face it. Life can be scary.
We watch the news and feel like Chicken Little. The sky always seems to be falling.

We lose sleep over our loved ones, our lost ones, and our little ones.
We worry about the economy, finances, and employment.
We shake and shudder when more medical testing is required or the diagnosis is not favorable.
We are anxious with “what ifs” and “whys.”

It’s understandable that we wrestle with the opponent of fear. The world is broken and life isn’t a Hallmark movie or a fairy tale. (Although I do love a good Hallmark movie!) In the same token, while I realize it’s completely normal for us to process emotions of anxiety and unrest, the Bible says that it is not God’s plan for us to crumble in its wake. (2 Timothy 1:7 )

We can’t let fear run our lives. Fear was never meant to control or consume us.

The good news is that God doesn’t just tell us to suck it up and deal. He gives us the tools we need to help us in the fear-fight.

Proverbs 1:33 says, “but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm." I sure do like the promises in this verse. Yes, please. I want to live in safety and be at ease. Order me up some of that, God! (You want this too, right?)

So how can you and I have a brave faith when life gets scary? Let’s consider the text and break down the promises found in Proverbs 1:33 by looking at the: who, what, and why.

…but whoever listens to me …

WHO is the “me” we need to listen to? The context of the chapter lets us know that the me is God’s wisdom. I listen to God’s wisdom when I go to Him with my fears instead of allowing them to grip me. When I pray and place my anxieties in His care. When I reflect upon God’s Word, power, plan, and strength more than on the words of that analyst on the news channel.
God is the source of the wisdom I must listen to.

WHAT does it mean to “listen” in this verse? The Hebrew word shama’ is used. Shama’ means to hear, listen to, yield to, obey. (Strongs H8085) So to listen to the wisdom of God does not simply mean that my ears need to process His wisdom. It means that my heart needs to process and implement His wisdom. It is not just about hearing audibly, it’s about hearing spiritually … and responding accordingly.

…will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm.

WHY does it matter if I accept and walk in God’s wisdom verses my own? My own wisdom is limited. (1 Corinthians 1:25 ) It’s subjective and faulty. And while the implementation of earthly wisdom can and often does bring some benefit, it will not always lead me to the safety and ease I long for deep inside.

God’s wisdom is perfect. It leads my heart, mind, and soul to safety and rest in a world that is filled with scary realities and uncertainties. And it’s free for the asking! He gives us wisdom when we ask for it. That promise is found in James 1:5 . “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”

When we ask for and listen to God’s wisdom - when we hear it, yield to it, apply it and obey it - we will live in peace. Not the world’s peace – God’s peace. We will be at ease in Christ. Not with perfect lives, but with lives that are led by the Spirit of God, not controlled by fear and anxiousness. We can and will experience calm in spite of the chaos.

I hear your push back. Really? That seems too easy. It’s just not that simple, Gwen.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not trying to tap an easy-button here. The Biblical instruction might be simple, but the implementation of it isn’t. If you and I are going to live with a brave faith we need God’s help. Remember? Jesus said that without Him we can bear NO fruit.
(John 15:5 ) What does fruit have to do with this conversation? Glad you asked…

And the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace… (Galatians 5:22 )
Peace. God’s peace is more powerful than the fears of this earth and His peace abounds in His presence. It is evidence of the Holy Spirit at work within us.

When you and I spend time with Jesus… when we look beyond our fears to God’s sovereign strength… when we trust in the wisdom of God and set our hearts on His Word, we find the peace our hearts long for.

Let’s Pray
Dear God, I need Your peace today. I know that in order to be at rest I have to stop juggling fear with faith. So I ask for Your wisdom. Help me to be brave. I come now and hand over these concerns (pause to personalize this). Fill me with Your love, joy and peace instead, Lord.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

Source: crosswalk

Daily Devotional by Joyce Meyer Ministries {01-08-2017}

Transformation
by Joyce Meyer - posted August 01, 2017

So that they [even] kept carrying out the sick into the streets and placing them on couches and sleeping pads, [in the hope] that as Peter passed by, at least his shadow might fall on some of them. And the people gathered also from the towns and hamlets around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those troubled with foul spirits, and they were all cured.
- Acts 5:15–16

Peter was a man with a past. He was bold and not afraid of change, but he also had many faults. In Matthew 16:22–23, we see Peter trying to correct Jesus. In Matthew 26:31–35, we see that Peter thought more highly of himself than he should have. In Matthew 26:69–75, it is recorded that Peter denied even knowing Jesus.

Once Peter realized the depth of his sin, he wept bitterly, which showed that he had a repentant heart (v. 75). God is merciful and understands our weaknesses. In John 21, we see Jesus lovingly restore Peter. Peter had been included in God's plans for the future even though he had a past record of foolishness and failure. Peter had denied Christ, and yet he became one of the best-known apostles. Peter could have spent his entire life feeling bad about his denial of Jesus, but he pressed past that failure and became valuable to God's kingdom.

Lord, You are a God of transformation. Help me to press past my failures and become a valuable servant of Yours today. Thank You for including me in Your plans for the future. Amen.

Source: joycemeyer

Pastor Rick's Daily Hope {02-08-2017}

Sow in This Season to Reap God’s Blessing

BY RICK WARREN — AUGUST 2, 2017

“Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” (Galatians 6:9 KJV).

Every farmer knows that what you sow in one season, you will reap in another season. You plant in the spring, and you harvest in the fall.

The way you respond to someone or to a situation right now is definitely going to affect your future. If you respond correctly in a season of life and you do the right thing, even when you don’t feel like it, it pays great dividends in the future.

“Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” (Galatians 6:9 KJV). In other words, don’t give up.
No matter which season you’re in, there are four questions you can ask yourself that will help you reap God’s blessing in the next season.

1. What can I learn in this season of life? There are some things we only learn through experience. Deuteronomy 11:2a says,
“Remember today what you have learned about the Lord through your experiences with him” (GNT).

2. What can I enjoy in this season of life? The Bible says, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV). We are to live the good and the bad days with a sense of gratitude, because each day is a gift from God.

3. What is most important for this season? Ecclesiastes 3:1 says,
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens” (NIV). If that’s true, then you can’t have it all at one time. You have to make some tough decisions about what really matters at this particular time in life.

4. How can I help others in this season of life? The Bible says very clearly that you weren’t put on this earth just to live for yourself: “Whenever you are able, do good to people who need help” (Proverbs 3:27 NCV). God gave you abilities, talents, and energy to help other people.

Pray this prayer today:
“Jesus Christ, I want to grow in you. I want to develop spiritually. Please use the seasons of my life to help me mature in my faith? Would you teach me to trust you in every season, even the difficult ones? Lord, I invite you to be at the center of every season of my life, so you can build the character that I will take with me to Heaven. In your name I pray. Amen.

Source: pastorrick.com

Billy Graham Reference

Revive Your Soul Today. Cry Out to God

STEP 1

God loves you and has a plan for you!

The Bible says, “God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, [Jesus Christ], that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

Jesus said, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” — a complete life full of purpose (John 10:10).

--------

STEP 2

Here's the problem: man is sinful and separated from God.

We have all done, thought or said bad things, which the Bible calls “sin.” The Bible says, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).

The result of sin is death, spiritual separation from God (Romans 6:23).

The good news?

----------

STEP 3

God sent His Son to die for your sins!

Jesus died in our place so we could have a relationship with God and be with Him forever.

“God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

But it didn’t end with His death on the cross. He rose again and still lives!

“Christ died for our sins. … He was buried. … He was raised on the third day, according to the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).

Jesus is the only way to God. Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me” (John 14:6).

------------

STEP 4

Would you like to receive God’s forgiveness?

We can’t earn salvation; we are saved by God’s grace when we have faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. All you have to do is believe you are a sinner, that Christ died for your sins, and ask His forgiveness. Then turn from your sins—that’s called repentance. Jesus Christ knows you and loves you. What matters to Him is the attitude of your heart, your honesty. We suggest praying the prayer below to accept Christ as your Savior.

PRAY NOW

"Dear God, I know I’m a sinner, and I ask for your forgiveness. I believe Jesus Christ is Your Son. I believe that He died for my sin and that you raised Him to life. I want to trust Him as my Savior and follow Him as Lord, from this day forward. Guide my life and help me to do your will. I pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen."

Source: peacewithgod.net

Billy Graham; Daily Devotion {01-08-2017}

Internal Strife

By Billy Graham • August 1 •
Topics: Pride , Suffering

Pride goes before destruction and haughtiness before a fall.
—Proverbs 16:18 (TLB)

David, king of ancient Israel, found himself in the midst of a confused national situation. His kingdom was torn by internal strife. Slave hated master; master hated slave. People blamed the government, and government blamed the people. David looked about him and saw that every man thought himself perfect. Each individual placed blame upon other individuals. David knew that if sinful pride continued to increase, his nation would collapse spiritually. He knew that economic depression, moral disintegration, or military defeat inevitably follow spiritual decline. So David turned to God, and it was revealed to him by the Spirit of God that the spiritual tide of his nation could rise no higher than the spiritual level of his own heart. So he fell on his knees in utter humility and prayed, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:23,24).

Billy Graham: Don’t Let Pride Get in the Way

Prayer for the day
Lord, deliver me from the sin of pride, and fill me with continuing humility as I go about the tasks before me this day.

Source: billygraham.org

Our daily bread {01-08-2017}

Nozomi Hope

August 1, 2017 

Read: 2 Corinthians 4:7–18 | Bible in a Year: Psalms 57–59; Romans 4

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

In 2011, a magnitude 9 earthquake and a resulting tsunami took nearly 19,000 lives and destroyed 230,000 homes in the region northeast of Tokyo. In its aftermath, The Nozomi Project, named for the Japanese word for “hope,” was born to provide sustainable income, community, dignity, and hope in a God who provides.

Nozomi women sift through the rubble of homes and furnishings to discover broken china shards that they sand and insert into fittings to form jewelry. The jewelry is sold around the world, providing a livelihood for the women while sharing symbols of their faith in Christ.

Dear God, please show Your power as I share the treasure of Your gospel in my broken, but beautiful life. 

In New Testament times, it was customary to hide valuables in the unlikely vessels of simple clay pots. Paul describes how the treasure of the gospel is contained in the human frailty of followers of Christ: jars of clay (2 Cor. 4:7). He suggests that the meager—and even at times broken—vessels of our lives actually can reveal God’s power in contrast to our imperfections.
When God inhabits the imperfect and broken pieces in our lives, the healing hope of His power is often more visible to others. Yes, His repair work in our hearts often leaves the scars of cracks. But perhaps those lines from our learning are the etchings in our beings that make His character more visible to others.

Dear God, please show others Your power as I share the treasure of Your gospel in my broken, but beautiful life.

Source: odb.org

LIVING WATER - CAC DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE {01-08-2017}

CAC LIVING WATER DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE

Tuesday, August 1, 2017

OVERCOMING MOCKERY IN ADVERSITY

Read Nehemiah 4:1-15

MEMORISE
Hear, O our God, how we are despised! Return their reproach on their own heads and give them up for plunder in a land of captivity. (Nehemiah 4:4)

There are many strategies that the devil uses to obstruct the pathway of excellence. A typical example is an attack on the self-esteem of the individual. It is even much more difficult to bear, when the individual is going through adversity. In Nehemiah's experience, mockery was employed by his adversaries to attack his self-esteem, in building the wall (Neh. 4:1-3). They were called feeble Jews; an attack on their identity. The quality of their construction was regarded as inadequate; an attack on their ability.

Mockery makes its objects to feel as if their efforts will not amount to anything (2:19 cf. 4:2-3). It causes shame, thus becoming a direct attack on self-esteem. It is the direct opposite of what is necessary for attaining excellence. Mockery is even more painful, when it comes from those who are meant to be beneficiaries of outcome of the efforts being made. The psychological impact of mockery is difficult to bear because of the feeling of shame it triggers. It makes one doubt the importance of one's efforts (cf. 4:5), magnifying small challenges into huge obstacles. Mockery has the tendency to depress, making one lose momentum.

When you are being mocked, it is important that you do not give up because others do not approve of your efforts. Only ensure that you are doing what God desires (1 Pet. 3:13). The way we feel often determines our reactions to mockery. Untamed feeling of anger has the tendency to lead to murderous action. Remember that those who refuse to value us today may be the ones who will become proud of our achievements tomorrow (cf. 1 Sam. 10:26 – 11:15). Don't surrender to mockery (Judg. 10:18 – 11:1-4).

PRAYER POINTS
1. Lord, help me to manage my anger when others mock my efforts, and give me the confidence when others attack my self-esteem.
2. Lord, guide me to expend my energy on my goals rather than those who mock me.
3. Lord, help wives/husbands who are being bullied/battered by their spouses, because of their resolve to follow You.

EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: Numbers 8-10

Good morning and happy new month.

May good things continue to spring forth from our lives, in Jesus name Amen.

Desire to accept Jesus as your Lord and Saviour. Do that before it's too late.

Source: LIVING WATER - CAC DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE

Daily Devotionals - Andrew Wommack Ministries {01-08-2017}

FREED FROM THE LAW - August 01

Luke 16:16 "The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it."

The Bible teaches that there are different dispensations or divinely ordered ways of God dealing with mankind throughout the ages. A dispensation is simply a period of time in which God deals with mankind in a certain way.

The Old Testament law was only a temporary dispensation and ruled from the giving of the law (Ex. 20) until the ministry of John the Baptist. When Christ came, He put an end to the law for righteousness (Rom. 10:4). Anyone who advocates the keeping of the law for the purpose of right standing with God is going back to an Old Testament system of law that has been abolished and is making the work of Christ void in his life.

The New Testament believer is under the dispensation of God's grace. We are not under the law. That doesn't mean the law has passed away. It is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for the smallest part of the law to fail. The law hasn't failed. It has been fulfilled (Mt. 5:17). Christ fulfilled every jot and tittle of the law for us and imputes to us that righteousness is not based on our performance but on our faith in Him. The law was never given for the purpose of justification. It was totally powerless to save. It only showed us our need and pointed us to a Savior.

The law was not made for a righteous man and it still serves a purpose for those who are not born again. For those who do not accept Jesus as their Savior, the wrath of God, which the law produces, abides on them. In this present age, Jesus has come not to condemn men but to bring them grace and truth. Those who do not believe on the Son are presently under the wrath of the Old Testament law, and, unless they repent, will suffer the wrath of God eternally. Thank God for His grace today.

Source: awmi.net

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL {01-08-2017}

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

TUESDAY, 1ST AUGUST,2107

TEST THE SPIRITS.

Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world (1 John 4:1 NIV).

Some people have asked how they can distinguish between false prophets and true prophets or ministers of God. Well, it’s very easy to know a true minister of God.

First, a true prophet or minister of God draws people to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ and to the Word, not to himself or to some other gods.

Secondly, he walks in love. 1 John 4:8 says, “He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.” Walking in the love of Christ is very important. In addition, there has to be a consistency of the Word of God in his mouth. A true man of God doesn’t falter on the Word of God. He sticks to the Word, consistently maintaining and upholding the integrity of the Word. He proves the Word, first in his own life.

Another distinctive factor of a true minister is that the things he says come to pass. Now, that’s a little tricky, because sometimes, you could have a true prophet, pastor or evangelist make a mistake and say the wrong thing. Such a mistake could arise from his over enthusiasm or expectations of those around him or even because he’s not paying attention to the Holy Spirit. This, however, doesn’t make him a false prophet.

That’s why it’s important for you to know the Word for yourself. Part of the ministry of the Spirit in your life is to teach you the Word. Rely on Him and you’ll never be deceived. “I have written these things to you because you need to be aware of those who want to lead you astray. But you have received the Holy Spirit, and he lives within you, so you don’t need anyone to teach you what is true. For the Spirit teaches you all things, and what he teaches is true—it is not a lie. So continue in what he has taught you, and continue to live in Christ” (1 John 2:26-27 NLT).

PRAYER
Dear Father, your Word is a light to my path and a lamp to my feet. My steps in life are directed and ordered by you, through the Word and your Spirit. I’m positioned in the right place and at the right time for your purpose, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
Matthew 7:15-16 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. 16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
2 Corinthians 11:13-15 For such [are] false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. 14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 15 Therefore [it is] no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

1-Year Bible Reading Plan:
Romans 6:1-14, Psalms 56-59

2-Year Bible Reading Plan:
Luke 12:22-34, Judges 7

Source: Christian daily devotion

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL {01-08-2017}

Open Heavens 1 August 2017: Tuesday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye- Tired of Stagnancy?

TIRED OF STAGNANCY? – Tuesday August 1 st 2017

Memorise: 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

Read: 2 nd Peter 1:5-10 (KJV)
1:5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
1:6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
1:7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
1:8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
1:9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.
1:10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:

Bible in one year: 1 st Kings 11, Ezekiel 18:19-29 Hymn: Sing hymn 11

MESSAGE:
The word “stagnancy” is commonly used to describe the state of a standing body of water that is devoid of current or flow, which consequently results in an unpleasant smell. It can also be used to describe a dull and sluggish situation where there is little or no evidence of activity. Just as a body of water can become stagnant, a person’s life can also enter into a state of stagnancy. Stagnancy ultimately leads to lack of productivity, barrenness, fruitlessness, indebtedness, poverty, failure, sorrow and disappointment. Moreover, stagnancy sometimes develops into a state of confusion, inferiority complex, faithlessness, hopelessness and a loss of ambition. If a stagnated person does not receive help on time, the situation may degenerate into feelings of regret, depression, psychological imbalance and even suicide. I hereby decree into your life: in any area you may be experiencing stagnancy, receive the power to make progress now in Jesus’ Name.

Do you know that sin within a person’s life is a far more deadly destroyer of destiny than other external enemies? Out of all the numerous agents that the devil uses to cause stagnancy, the paralysing effect of sin is the most potent weapon that prevents people from making progress. Once a person steps into sin, the stagnating power of sin becomes activated in the person’s life. Consequently, guilty conscience, loss of confidence, and the law of divine retribution all combine to ensure that every effort to make real progress is rendered null and void. However, God has provided a very effective way to escape for anyone who is tired of stagnancy. According to today’s memory verse, meditating on and living in obedience to the word of God destroys the power of stagnancy and guarantees success and prosperity. Through this scripture, the Holy Spirit is saying that if the word of God abounds in you and you are completely obedient to its principles, the Lord will ensure that agents of stagnancy such as barrenness, unfruitfulness, blindness and short-sightedness are rendered impotent in your life. The question is, are you tired of stagnancy? Are you ready to do what it takes to break the stronghold of stagnancy in your life? If you are yet to give your life to Jesus, you need to first surrender your life to Him right now, confessing Him as your Lord and Saviour. Following this, you must develop a hunger for studying God’s principles intensively through the Bible and begin to live according to His word. As you commit yourself to these things, the power of God will descend on you to set you free from stagnancy and divinely empower you to make progress in all areas of your life. Welcome the unstoppable generation.

Prayer Point
Father, please break the power of stagnation over my life and work in Jesus’ Name.

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

In Touch ministries Daily Devotions; {01-08-2017}

THE AUTHORITY OF OUR MESSAGE

AUGUST 01, 2017

1 Kings 17:1

After encountering the prophet Elijah, King Ahab may well have thought, Of all the nerve! Just who does this guy think he is? Bursting onto the scene as if out of nowhere, Elijah confronted Israel’s wicked king with a message that would soon disrupt life throughout the region.
The validity of the prophecy rested with the Source, not the mouthpiece. Elijah was a man of great faith who spent time alone with the Lord and listened to Him carefully. The prophet could pass the message on with boldness and authority because he knew and trusted the One from whom it came.

We can’t expect our Father to communicate with us in exactly the same way that He spoke to the Old Testament prophets, but the process of receiving His message hasn’t changed. It starts with being alone in His presence and listening as He speaks through His Word. But it shouldn’t end there.

Prophets had the responsibility of telling the people what the Lord revealed to them. Similarly, we’re to share with others what we learn from God’s Word. Devotional time with the Lord is not just about our own interests and needs. The Father reveals His truths to us so we can share them with others.

Begin each day alone with God in His Word and in prayer, listening as He speaks to your heart. Believe what He says in Scripture, apply it to your life, and then share with someone else what He has revealed. Be bold and remember that the authority of your message comes from Him.

Bible in One Year: Isaiah 40-42

Source: intouch.org

Daily Devotionals and Bible Devotions

The Doorman - Crosswalk the Devotional - July 31

The Doorman

by Ryan Duncan, Crosswalk.com Editor

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." -
Matthew 11:28

Once upon a time, there lived a wise and righteous king who cared deeply for his people. In order to ensure that his kingdom prospered, the king summoned one of his servants and gave him this decree,
"Go and stand at the door of the palace. If someone comes and asks to see me, open the door and allow them in so I may speak with them."
So the servant went and did as the king commanded. People came from far and wide to see the king. Some were rich men, some were great scholars, others were from noble families, and when they asked to see the king the doorman gave them entry. Then one day a poor beggar came to the palace door and asked to see the king. The doorman looked him over and frowned.

The beggar's clothes were dirty and torn, he wore no shoes and was unpleasant to look at.

"Surely my king would not wish to meet with such a man as this," the doorman said to himself, and turned the beggar away. Soon the doorman began turning others away; people he deemed too poor, or too sick, or too strange. When the king discovered what was being done he summoned the doorman to him.

"Why have you been turning people away from the palace?" the king demanded angrily. The doorman was surprised and replied meekly, "My king, I was only performing the duty you gave me."
"Your duty was to open the door for those who would see me," said the king, "not decide if they were worthy to do so."

It's unfortunate when we behave like the doorman in this story. We style ourselves the "Watchmen on the Wall," and if we see someone who doesn't quite fit our definition of worthy, we slam the door in his or her face. But God's grace is not ours to give away, and true forgiveness belongs to Christ alone. Our job is to open the door that leads to Christ, through prayer, through friendship, and through service. Remember, we all stand on equal footing at the door of Christ's mercy.

Intersecting Faith and Life: Have you been turning away people who are looking for God? Or lighting the way to the narrow path? Take some time to consider.

Further Reading
>Luke 14:15-24

Source: crosswalk

LIVING WATER - CAC DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE {31-07-2017}

LIVING WATER - CAC DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE

Monday, July 31, 2017

STRENGTH THROUGH ADVERSITY

Read: 1 Peter 5:6-10

MEMORISE:
But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. (1 Peter 5:10)

No one enjoys going through a difficult time, yet, there is hardly a life that is completely free of troubles. This is due to the fact that we live in a fallen world, where nothing is perfect in itself. Some of the challenges we experience are not due to our own faults.

Apostle Peter encouraged the believers of his days in their own adverse conditions. The imperial persecution subjected them to severe experiences, to the extent that some were giving up on their commitment to Jesus Christ. For those early Christians, it was persecution that threatened their faith; for us today, it may not be persecution, but poverty, seeming failures, inability to sustain relationship, deteriorating health condition have devastating effects. Peter's words are still echoing loudly, that the best approach in any adverse condition is steadfastness in faith. He explains the reasons in terms of what God can do in the face of adversity (1 Peter 5:10).

The word, 'Perfect' implies the repair which God Himself will do in light of the damages that adversities have caused to His people. God's ability to establish in adversity denotes God's support in the sense of fixing something, so that it stands upright and immovable. He strengthens us in adversity by generating firm inward conviction, which is not moved by external factors.

Finally, God is able to settle His people through adversity by providing basis upon which we would stand and not be moved in resisting the devil. Humanity suffers for a while, on the one hand, and God calls to eternal glory in Christ, on the other hand. So, in whatever adversity you are, look to God, cling to Him, rely on Him for strength and hope in Him for all-round settlement. He is able (Psalms 34:5).

PRAYER POINTS
1. Lord, I need your support at all time in whatever occasion, most especially, in times of adversity.
2. Lord, give me the confidence to withstand every ungodly pressure, in the period of my adversity.
3. Pray for our brethren going through persecution, all over the world.

EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: Numbers 5-7

Good morning and happy new week.
The anointing to excel will fall on us, in Jesus name Amen.
The coming of Jesus is nearer than before. Therefore work out your salvation.

Source: LIVING WATER - CAC DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE

Daily Devotional by Joyce Meyer Ministries {31-07-2017}

Kingdom Living

by Joyce Meyer - posted July 31, 2017

[After all] the kingdom of God is not a matter of [getting the] food and drink [one likes], but instead it is righteousness (that state which makes a person acceptable to God) and [heart] peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
—Romans 14:17

God’s kingdom is made up of things far greater and more beneficial than worldly possessions. God does bless us with material possessions, but the kingdom is much more than that: It is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.

Righteousness is not the result of what we do, but rather what Jesus has done for us (see 1 Corinthians 1:30). He takes our sin and gives us His righteousness (see 2 Corinthians 5:21). When we accept this truth by faith and receive it personally, we are free to live and enjoy the life Jesus died to give us.

Peace is so wonderful—it is definitely kingdom living. This is why we pursue peace, crave it, and go after it (see Psalm 34:14; 1 Peter 3:11). The closer we get to God, the more we understand that Jesus is our peace (see Ephesians 2:14). God’s will for you and me is to enjoy His peace that goes beyond understanding (see Philippians 4:7).

Joy can be anything from calm delight to extreme hilarity. Joy improves our countenance, our health, and the quality of our lives. It strengthens our witness to others and gives us a godly perspective on life (see Nehemiah 8:10).

It is clear in the Word of God: Seek God and His kingdom, and He will take care of everything else (see Matthew 6:33).

There is no better life than life in the kingdom of God.

Source: joycemeyer

From Faith to Faith—Daily Devotional {31-07-2017}

Don't Serve the Problem

Kenneth Copeland

Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him.
Isaiah 55:7

You can't win a victory as long as the problem is the biggest thing in your life!

The Lord woke me up to that fact a few years ago. At that time I was facing some difficulties in my ministry that seemed so big to me, I thought about them from morning till night. Even though I was standing against them, I was thinking more about those problems than about the scripture promises I was standing on.

Then I saw something in Matthew 6:24-25: "Ye cannot serve God and mammon. Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life...."

I'd read that scripture hundreds of times, but that day I saw something I'd never noticed before. I saw that immediately after Jesus said, "No man can serve two masters," He said, "Take no thought." Suddenly it hit me: We serve our thoughts!
That's why Isaiah 55 says for us to forsake our thoughts, and by the Word, take God's thoughts. That's why 2 Corinthians 10:5 says to cast down thoughts that challenge the Word and bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.
Do you want deliverance from your problems today?

Then quit serving them! Quit allowing them to consume your thought life. And don't wait until circumstances change to do it. Instead, realize that circumstances won't ever change until you switch from wrong to right thinking.

I know that's not easy to do, especially in the midst of heavy darkness and trial. But you can do it if you'll do these three things:

First, remember you aren't alone. You have the Word (God's thoughts). You have the Holy Spirit to strengthen you and you have the mind of Christ.

Second, get around people who are full of faith. Instead of rehearsing your problem, let them do the talking. Make yourself listen. Join in with their faith and resist darkness.

Third, praise God. Do whatever it takes to make yourself praise. When you begin to praise, God's presence will turn back those worried thoughts and make them fall!
Your problems are not the biggest thing in your life. Jesus is. Serve Him with your thoughts and He will set you free!

Scripture Reading:
Isaiah 55

Source: kcm.org

Our daily bread {31-07-2017}

A “New Man”

July 31, 2017 

Read: Colossians 1:3–14 | Bible in a Year: Psalms 54–56; Romans 3

Continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel.
Colossians 1:23

As a group of teenagers visited a home for the elderly in Montego Bay, Jamaica, one young woman noticed a lonely looking man at the end of the room. He appeared to have little left in this world but a bed to sleep on—a bed from which he could not move because of his disability.

The teen began right away to share the story of God’s love for us and read some Bible passages to him. “As I shared with him,” she would say later, “I started to feel his eagerness to hear more.” Responding to his interest, she explained the wonder of Jesus’s sacrificial death for us. “It was hard for this man, who had no hope and no family,” she recalled, “to understand that Someone he’s never met would love him enough to die on the cross for his sins.”

Lord, thank You for the new life we have in Jesus Christ. 

She told him more about Jesus—and then about the promise of heaven (including a new body) for all who believe. He asked her, “Will you dance with me up there?” She saw him begin to imagine himself free of his worn-out body and crippling limitations.

When he said he wanted to trust Jesus as his Savior, she helped him pray a prayer of forgiveness and faith. When she asked him if she could get a picture with him, he replied, “If you help me sit up. I’m a new man.”

Praise God for the life-changing, hope-giving, available-to-all gospel of Jesus Christ! It offers new life for all who trust Him (Col. 1:5, 23).

Lord, thank You for the new life we have in Jesus Christ. Help us to share the hope of that new life with others so they can be made new as well.

Jesus offers new life.

Source: odb.org

Billy Graham; Daily Devotion {31-07-2017}

Molding You

By Billy Graham • July 31 • Topics:
Faith

When we suffer and die for Christ it only means that we will begin living with him in heaven.
—2 Timothy 2:11 (TLB)

I have a friend who during the Depression lost his job, a fortune, a wife, and a home. But he tenaciously held to his faith—the only thing he had left. One day he stopped to watch some men doing stonework on a huge church. One of them was chiseling a triangular piece of stone. “What are you going to do with that?” asked my friend. The workman said, “See that little opening away up there near the spire? Well, I’m shaping this down here, so it will fit in up there.” Tears filled the eyes of my friend as he walked away, for it seemed that God had spoken through the workman to explain his ordeal through which he was passing, “I’m shaping you down here, so you’ll fit in up there.”

Find encouragement in your suffering.

Prayer for the day
Thank You, Lord, for all the “shaping” in my life, which brings me closer to You.

Source: billygraham.org

Billy Graham Reference

Suffering

Why do people suffer ? And why do they die ? If God is good and loving , how could He allow that?
Tragedies and suffering often leave us confused, angry, horrified or bitter . They are further proof that Satan is at work in our lives and that evil is no stranger to us .
A great book of the Bible to read about suffering and evil is Habakkuk . It’ s only 3 chapters long, but it’ s a book about the prophet , Habakkuk, who asked God why He wasn ’ t punishing evil . God answered Habakkuk , saying that He would punish evil , but that He was working in His time to do so .
Sometimes we don ’ t understand God’ s timing, but we should remember that He did not create evil . God is a just , merciful and loving God who gave humans free will when He created them . Because we are all sinful , we all experience evil and unfairness , yet God is always in control and can use even evil to do good . James 1 :17 says, “ Every good and perfect gift is from above . ”

We can also use our time of suffering to look inward. We live in a fallen world where we are all in need of a Savior, and that’ s just what God provided . God loved us so much that He sent His Son , Jesus Christ , to die for our sins so we can live forever in heaven. Christ was perfect— holy —yet He suffered beyond imagination to pay the price for our sins and give us eternal life . Yes, we experience bad things here on earth , but we can rejoice in the fact that God has provided a place of eternal peace in heaven.
Also remember that because Christ suffered, He understands what we ’ re going through and has compassion on us . Christ not only gives us hope when we trust in Him , but helps us through hard times by comforting us in our grief , surrounding us with supportive people and allowing us to feel His presence in our lives .

Why do godly people suffer?
Having a relationship with God doesn’ t mean we won ’ t suffer . Sin affects everyone, and because of that, we all experience pain and hardship. The difference is that God promises to be with those who trust in Him . Psalm 34 :19 says, “ A righteous man may have many troubles , but the Lord delivers him from them all . ” That doesn’ t mean life will be easy, but that we will have help overcoming difficult times.

God is with us through all the obstacles we face so we don ’ t have to face them alone . We can lean on Him in tough times because we know He cares for us and will help us through any sorrow, grief or frustration we are dealing with . That gives us hope because even when we don ’ t understand why things are happening , we know that in God’ s infinite wisdom , He can bring good out of bad situations . He can strengthen our faith or work things out behind the scenes that we don ’ t see or understand . Suffering also allows us to help others in similar situations and pass on the hope that we have in Christ .

If you have accepted Christ as your Savior, be assured that He is always with you . The Bible says in
Deuteronomy 31 :6 that the Lord “ will never leave you nor forsake you . ” He understands our struggles and wants to help us if we will trust in Him. As I Peter 5 :7 says , “ Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you . ”

Why do people die ?
When God created the world, He created it perfect . There was no death. But when the first two people on earth , Adam and Eve , disobeyed God , sin entered the world, and we have all continued to sin since then. The Bible says that the price of sin is death (
Romans 6 :23 ). Unless Christ returns before we die , we will all die a physical death .

But it doesn’ t end there. Although our bodies will die , our souls will live forever. They will live in one of two places—heaven or hell. Heaven is a glorious place in God’ s presence where there is no suffering , pain or death. We will also have new bodies free of any ills or pains . Hell , on the other hand , is a place of torment and punishment where “ the fire is not quenched” (
Mark 9 :48 ). Both places are eternal; we will live there forever.

If we have accepted Christ into our lives, we have no reason to fear death. Although our bodies may succumb to illness or deformity , nothing can separate Christ ’ s followers from Him. Matthew 10 :28 says, “ Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul . ” Physical death is only a transition from life on earth with Christ to life in heaven with Christ . As John 11 :25 says, “ He who believes in me , though he may die, he shall live. ” We can also look forward to the day we will see in heaven our loved ones who also accepted Christ .

Source: goingfarther.net

In Touch ministries Daily Devotions; {31-07-2017}

AN ORDINARY PERSON

JULY 31, 2017

Matthew 4:18-20

The apostle Peter was an ordinary person who lived in an extraordinary time. His was the generation during which Jesus Christ lived on the earth, died for the salvation of mankind, and rose again.

It was through his brother Andrew that Peter (who was originally called Simon) met the Lord ( John 1:40-42 ). When Jesus invited him to become a disciple, he immediately left his fishing trade and placed himself under Christ’s authority ( Matt. 4:20). He became a passionate follower who consistently demonstrated an eagerness to be near the Savior and in the middle of whatever was going on. Whether meeting Jesus on the water during a storm ( Matt. 14:27-29) or speaking to Him during His transfiguration ( Matt. 17:1-5 ), Peter was devoted to his Master’s service.

In the beginning, the former fisherman was quick to speak and to act, and this impulsiveness created many problems for him. For example, when Jesus was talking about His imminent suffering and death, Peter objected, as if he knew better than the Lord. Christ’s rebuke was swift and direct ( Matt. 16:21-23). The apostle, however, learned from his mistakes. He’s a good example of how we should let go of personal desires, wholeheartedly embrace Jesus’ way, and walk closely with Him ( Mark 8:34).

The Lord chooses unexceptional people like Peter, you, and me to build His kingdom. He asks His followers to love Him above all else and fully commit to obeying Him. When we do, He will accomplish more through us than we could ever imagine.

Bible in One Year: Isaiah 36-39

Source: intouch.org

Pastor Rick's Daily Hope {31-07-2017}

Five First Steps to Building a Life of Love

BY RICK WARREN — JULY 31, 2017

“Keep company with him and learn a life of love. Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn’t love in order to get something from us but to give everything of himself to us. Love like that” (Ephesians 5:2 The Message).

I’ve been on this earth for a while now, and I’m still convicted by God about how little I really know about love and how often I am an unloving person. But the fact is, we all need work in this area. We all have a lot of growing to do as we mature in God’s love.

So how do you build a life of real deep love? That’s a profound question, and you will spend the rest of your life trying to do it. But I can give you some steps to get you out of the starting block — five things you can do this week that will help you get on the road to becoming a truly great person of love.

1. Learn how mature love acts and responds.
Personal change always begins with a change in perspective. You need to get God’s perspective on what love is really like, because the world knows nothing about real, deep love. You do that by getting into God’s Word.

2. Start your day with a daily reminder to love.
The first 10 minutes of the day set your entire mood for the rest of the day. Resolve to get up in the morning and say, “God, help me to remember that the most important thing is loving you and loving other people. If I don’t get anything else done today besides love you and the people that you put around me more, this has not been a wasted day.”

3. Memorize what God says about love.
God’s Word is filled with truths and principles on how to become a loving person. The problem is, when you’re in a situation where you’re tempted to be unloving, your Bible is usually at home on a shelf. That’s why you need to memorize Scripture — so that God can bring verses to mind when you need them the most.

4. Practice acting in unselfish, loving ways.
Love is like a muscle. The more you use it, the more it develops. If you want to become a truly loving person, you have to intentionally do some things that seem awkward at first. But the more you practice, the more it becomes second nature, and you become a genuinely loving person.

5. Get support from other loving people.
If you’re just sitting in your room and reading a book, you’re not going to get very far in learning how to love. You only learn it in connection to others, in the context of community. That’s one of the reasons why a small group is so important! It puts you in situations where you can grow as you see godly love modeled for you and as you practice serving others in unselfish, loving ways.

You never learn to love by just sitting back and listening. You learn it in relationship to other people.

Source: pasotrrick.com

Daily Devotionals - Andrew Wommack Ministries {31-07-2017}

THE RIGHT RIGHTEOUSNESS - July 31

Luke 16:15 "And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God."

Justification is not something to be earned, but a gift to be received. Seeking to earn salvation is the only sin that will prevent a person from being saved, because you cannot submit yourself to the righteousness of God which comes as a gift through faith as long as you are seeking to establish your own righteousness.

Most people are unaware that there are two kinds of righteousness. Only one type of righteousness is acceptable to God. There is our righteousness, which is our compliance with the requirements of the law. This is an imperfect righteousness because human nature is imperfect and incapable of fulfilling the law. And there is God's righteousness, which only comes as a gift and is received by faith. God's righteousness is perfect. Our righteousness is as filthy rags (Isa. 64:6). A person who believes that he must earn God's acceptance by his holy actions is not believing in God's righteousness, which is a gift. It has to be one or the other; we cannot mix the two.
Righteousness is not what Jesus has done for us plus some minimum standard of holiness that we have to accomplish.

Right standing before a holy God is not to be achieved in the keeping of the law, but in humble trust in the person and work of Jesus Christ. No one who is trusting in his own righteousness can have the benefit of Christ's righteousness. The righteousness that gives men relationship with God is the RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD, and it comes freely through faith in Jesus Christ (Rom. 3:22). It is true that the way we obtained this righteousness is by putting faith IN what Christ has done for us. But when we place our faith in Christ, then the righteousness that Jesus obtained by His faith becomes ours. We are possessors of Christ's righteousness, which His faith produced.

Source: awmi.net

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL {31-07-2017}

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

MONDAY, 31ST JULY. 2017

A LIFE OF GLORY.

And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one (John 17:22).

The Lord Jesus in our theme verse prays for the Church and says, “…the glory which thou gavest me I have given them….” He’s talking about us, the new creation; He has given to us the glory the Father gave to Him. Remarkably, He didn’t say, “I shall give them,” but “I have given them.” This is not a promise, but a present hour reality. What kind of a life should you be living then?

Peter the apostle tells us about the “…sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow” (1 Peter 1:11). Being born again, you’ve been born into a life of glory. Jesus has given you His glory; your life therefore, is a life of glory. What this means is that you’re blessed beyond measure; your progress in life is limitless. No nation or government can put a limit on you. So, you can lift your vision; look beyond the horizon and say, “Praise God! My life is a life of glory. Hallelujah! I’m making progress; I’m moving forward. I’ll never be defeated.”

Addressing His disciples in John 14:23, Jesus said, “…If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.” This is what you got when you received the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit brings you the presence of the Father and the presence of Jesus. He’s the glory of God and has brought that glory into your life.
The Bible says “…Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27). Because He lives in you, no sickness, disease and infirmity can thrive in your body. His presence in your life is the sure guarantee of a victorious and glorious life. Learn to trust in Him, and follow His Word. Then you can rest in Him and watch your life gravitate from glory to glory.

PRAYER
Thank you blessed Father, for making my life beautiful and glorious by the Holy Ghost who lives in me! I rejoice because your Spirit brings me your manifested presence always. And I know I’ll live and walk in glory, victory and prosperity every day, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:

Romans 8:30 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.

1 Peter 1:11 Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.

1-Year Bible Reading Plan:
Romans 5:12-21, Psalms 52-55

2-Year Bible Reading Plan:
Luke 12:13-21, Judges 6

Source: Christian daily devotion.

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL {31-07-2017}

Open Heavens 31 July 2017: Monday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye- Provision Before Need

PROVISION BEFORE NEED – Monday July 31 st 2017

Memorise: According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: 2nd Peter 1:3

Read: 2 nd Peter 1:1-4 (KJV)

1:1 Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:
1:2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,
1:3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
1:4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
Bible in one year: 1 st King 9-10, Ezekiel 18:1-18, Hymn: Sing hymn 10

MESSAGE:
“God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.”
Psalm 46:5

From the above passage of Scripture, one great benefit available to those who have God as their Refuge is that the help or assistance they need will never be late. There are at least three different times an individual can receive assistance. It could be before, during or after one experiences a need. If a need or an emergency arises today and you already have the wherewithal to meet that need, maybe from your earnings from paid employment or a business venture, you have already received help before that need arose. Open Heavens 31 July 2017: Monday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye- Provision Before Need. This is a great place to be in! Some families already have all they will never need to take care of their children and pay their way up to post-graduate degree programmes, even before this need arises. Such people will never panic for school fees. This is an example of provision before need, and it describes a state of living in abundance. You will experience such in Jesus’ Name!

Moreover, do you know that God follows this same pattern in dealing with His children? For example, before God created Adam and Eve, all they would ever need had been provided for in the Garden of Eden which God Himself planted. God knows exactly what you need even before you express or voice out your request ( Matthew 6:32 ). Do you know that God has already provided all you would ever need to live a victorious Christian life and fulfil your God-given destiny? The Holy Spirit speaks about this to us in 2 nd Peter 1:3 , where He says:

“According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:”

It is therefore possible for you to be a beneficiary of provision before need. However, one major challenge for most people with regards to this benefit is that when there is provision to meet their future needs, they become careless, frivolous and wasteful. Open Heavens 31 July 2017. When God provides ahead of time, it is possible to spend it on other things outside of God’s purpose. You therefore need divine guidance even in plenty. Having abundance does not justify wastefulness in God’s Kingdom. However, to partake of this great benefit, you need to increase your knowledge of the Provider, walk in obedience to Him, follow spiritual financial principles and wait on His directives always.

Prayer Point:
What some people waste daily is more than enough to feed several needy, hungry people. To trigger blessings from the Lord, such excess should be spent on meeting the needs of others.

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