FAITH: THE BELIEVERS’ LIFELINE IN TROUBLE

FAITH: THE BELIEVERS’ LIFELINE IN TROUBLE
 
  

And we being exceedingly tossed with a tempest, the next day they lightened the ship; and the third day we cast out with our own hands the tackling of the ship. And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was then taken away. But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss. And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship. For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee. Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me. And to you who are troubled rest with us… (Acts 27:18-25; 2Thessalonians 1:7).

That was the Great Apostle Paul in trouble on the high Sea, as they made their journey to Rome. The trouble was so extreme to the extent that Luke, the omniscient narrator, to borrow from literary lexicon, stated that all hope of their being saved was lost. Things were terribly bad. Yet Paul stood his ground of faith. Brethren that is what we need in trouble.

The life in which we live can be cruel, sometimes. Especially, against those that separated themselves unto the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Once a man or woman gives his or her life to Christ, automatically, such a person is declared persona non grata by Satan the Devil, the Prince of this world. Beginning from that moment that decision is taken, if it is genuine and thorough-going, Satan, the Wicked Devil with capital “W”, will let lose all hell against such a determined and diehard decision for Christ. He will make so much trouble that, if care is not taken, the believer will doubt the genuineness of the decision he has taken.

In fact, sometimes, his onslaught will be so grievous that it can daze and debilitate, spiritually, the strongest of all Christian warriors. As a Wicked Adversary without any ounce of milk of humankind, he(Satan) launches a very ferocious onslaught against the sincere and submissive believer. Now, how does he do that? Well, his strategies, stratagems and machinations are as varied as they are intriguing. Very, unpredictably, subtle and wicked. If he throws his fiery darts, and the believer withstands, he will introduce his wily, deceptive machinations or devices. So, maliciously, unpredictable.

Now, the questions is, how will the believer overcome? What is the lifeline of the believer when it appears this evil personality is almost having a field in the precious life of truly born again child of God? Well, it is faith, the believer’s lifeline in trouble.

Three things we are looking at:

1. OUR DEVELOPMENT OF FAITH-LIFELINE IN TIMES OF TROUBLE AND TREPIDATION:
And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. And to you who are troubled rest with us… (Mark 11:22; 2Thessalonians 1:7).

He said,”…to you who are troubled, rest with us. That is what we call faith-rest. The kind of faith that will look at the spiritual storm in the face, and say, blow on, I am dwelling in secret place of the Most High and abiding under the shadow of the Almighty. The faith that will declare like Job, though He slay me, I will still love and trust Him who first loved me and shed His sinless blood for me. This is the kind of faith that will confess like Jonah in Jonah chapter 2:4,”…although,” I paraphrase,” I am cast out of thy sight; yet I will look again toward thy holy temple.

Meanwhile, folks , did you know our natural tendency during trouble? It is to be overwhelmed by trepidation or extreme fear. But, not Paul. He said,” I have settled it in my life that, no matter what life will throw at me, I will rest in the power and promises of God. I will dwell, like the songwriter said, in the depth of his mercy that never comes to an end”.

That is the kind of faith, we need, as believers in times of trouble. No matter how troublesome the trouble is, the Lord is saying have faith in God. Also, Paul, the man that saw it all, is saying, out of experience, “Rest with us in troubles”.

2. OUR DEPLOYMENT OF FAITH-LIFELINE IN TIMES OF TRIBULATION AND TEMPEST:
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace (peace and rest of faith), in the world ye shall tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. (John 16:33).

Friends , if you worry to death over your tribulations, as a born again believer, you are just wasting your precious time and killing yourself,by instalments . The Lord said, “Be of good cheer”. How can you assume that attitude when you are in the Prison of Herod that has just killed James? It will take strong faith in the Lord. How do you relax and continue with your Bible reading or message preparation, as a minister of God, when it is overwhelmingly evident that the malicious Syrians have laid siege against you. I am telling you it will take strong faith. Dear, it is this faith that we need in every circumstances. Even if we are dying, let us die in this faith.

3. OUR DOMINION THROUGH FAITH LIFE-LINE IN TIMES OF TRAVAIL AND TORMENT:
For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. (Rom.8:22, 23).

Truth be told, sometimes, Satan, the believers’ Adversary will bring psychological, even physical torment, against the genuinely born again child of God. Note, it is not possession. Travail and torment. Have you, as a sincere child of God, been in a situation where a challenge you never imagined or envisaged appears from the Blue and hit you like a Thunderbolt? You are wondering, what have I done to deserve all these? And, unfortunately, they are coming in deluge, torrent and quick succession. No breather, at all.

Now, that is when to develop, deploy and dominate through the faith lifeline. It is not a time to throw in the sponge. It is, rather, a time to pick up the gauntlet. A time to strengthen our faith, knowing fully well, that the same affliction are accomplished or experienced by our brethren in all ages.We just brace up and take the challenges in strides.Never correlating them,nor personaizing them.Just taking them as one of those things that happen those who are privileged to be alive.

As I round off this write up, dear friend, I want to challenge you not to give up. No matter what. Just rest with us and make sure you are a child of God, we are going to win the day, by the grace and mercy of the Almighty God. May God help us all in Jesus name,Amen.God bless you abundantly

Source: Chidiebere Dennis Owah

INCUBATION TODAY (14-08-2017)

INCUBATION TODAY (BRO EMMA OKORIE)

MONDAY 14TH AUGUST, 2017

TOPIC: A REPENTANT HEART GOD WILL NOT OVERLOOK

 

Meditation

"And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.  And Peter went out, and wept bitterly.” (Luke 22:61-62)

 

Today’s Text: Luke 22:55-62

 

Repentance basically means regret or sorrow for something bad one has done. One can be sorrowful out of fear of reprisals or adverse effects of what one has done but repentance is beyond this. Repentance means godly sorrow or regret, a decision never to allow such happen again. Peter was the most prominent of Jesus’ disciples. He had vowed to stand by Jesus no matter what but while Jesus stood trial at the Chief Priest’s, Peter denied Him vehemently, even three times! When their eyes met, a mere look by Jesus convicted him of his sins. He was smote in his spirit. He broke down and wept out of a repentant heart.

Don’t be so familiar with God that it becomes hard for you to repent when you err. Lowly and unbelieving people hear the truth of the gospel and are cut to the heart and repent, but religious leaders who have become so familiar with God hedge and harden their hearts pretending that all is well. Their egos have become their god and they are willing to go to any length in compromise to protect their positions and pride. These leaders preach the gospel, win souls but are headed to hell because of unrepentant hearts.

Repentance comes with excruciating pain and no right thinking person wants to go through that pain twice. Many of us sin over and over again, asking for forgiveness all the time because we did not have genuine repentance in the first place. There are definite qualities that show genuine repentance for by their fruits you shall know them. One who is not genuinely repented is dangerous. He fears neither man nor God. Peter was grieved and his repentance was total. Are you genuinely repented or are you nursing a seared conscience and nothing moves you anymore? With the state of your heart it is easy to see where you are headed. Repent today that your lot may be with the cloud of witnesses in heaven.

 

Prayers:
1. Do a proper heart search. Confess every outstanding sin in your life.
2. Ask the Lord to forgive you.
3. Purpose in your heart not to travel that route ever again.

 

Confession:
Dear Lord, I truly repent of all my inadequacies and promise never again to slide into sin.

 

Further Study:

Hosea 10:12
"Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.”*

 

Acts 3:19
"Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.”

 

Acts 17:30
"And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men everywhere to repent.”

 

2 Corinthians 7:10
"For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.”

 

Jonah 3:6-7
“For word came unto the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, and he laid his robe from him, and covered him with sackcloth, and sat in ashes. And he caused it to be proclaimed and published through Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles, saying, Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste any thing: let them not feed, nor drink water.”

 

Luke 15:21
"And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.”

 

2 Corinthians 7:10
"For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.”

Daily Devotionals - Andrew Wommack Ministries {14-08-2017}

GIVE THANKS DAILY

- August 14

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Luke 17:18 "There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger."

Relatively few people who receive the goodness of the Lord return to give Him thanks for what He has done. That does not keep the Lord from doing what is right for us. He healed all ten of these lepers according to their request - not just the one who was thankful. However, there was only one out of the ten that was made "whole."

The Lord desires that we prosper in spirit, soul, and body. He wants us to be whole - not just healed. Part of the reason God meets our physical needs is to prove to us His willingness and ability to meet our emotional and spiritual needs. The Lord is concerned about our temporal needs (Mt. 6:30), but He is even more concerned about our eternal needs. All of these lepers needed physical healing and the Lord was moved with compassion and met their need.

He was also desiring to meet their spiritual needs, but only one out of the ten came back for that.

Being unthankful is always a sign that self is exalting itself above God. A selfless person can be content with very little. A self-centered person cannot be satisfied. Thankfulness is a sign of humility and cultivating a life of thankfulness will help keep "self" in its proper place.

Thankfulness to the Lord for what He is and what He has done is a very important part of the Christian life. One of the many benefits of thanksgiving and praise is that they keep us from being "self" oriented.

Giving thanks is a totally unselfish action and is a key to relationship with the Father that makes us "whole" and not just "healed."

Source: awmi.net

Billy Graham; Daily Devotion {14-08-2017}

The Beginning of Wisdom

By Billy Graham • August 14 •
Topics: God

But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom .
—1 Corinthians 1:30

I believe we ought to get all the education we can, but we dare not make it our god. John Dewey once defined education as the systematic, purposeful reconstruction of experience; but so much of modern education leaves out God. What we are actually doing is reconstructing our sins. We expand our sins, enlarge them, multiply them. We need education, but not just for the mind and the body; we also need education for the spirit. Man has a spirit, and in our educational system today we need a spiritual emphasis. If we bring up a generation that lacks the wisdom that God can give, they can turn into educated savages and fools. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” and education. Let’s make sure our rock is God.

Learn the basics of knowing Jesus and living as a Christian with this free course . 

Prayer for the day
Almighty God, I am grateful to You that Your Word educates my spirit and makes me whole.

Source: Billy Graham Evangelistic Association

Pastor Rick's Daily Hope {14-08-2017}

Better to Be Poor and Honest

BY RICK WARREN — AUGUST 14, 2017

“It is better to be poor and honest than to be foolish and tell lies” (Proverbs 19:1 NCV).

God does not bless dishonesty. Proverbs 16:11a says, “The Lord demands fairness in every business deal” (TLB). That includes wages, salaries, and taxes. If you want God’s blessing on your finances, you must be honest about them. The Bible also says, “It is better to be poor and honest than to be foolish and tell lies” (Proverbs 19:1 NCV).

Why is this an important principle? When you’re going through a season of financial stress, the temptation is enormous to toss out your integrity and to cheat in order to make ends meet. It may mean you shade the truth on a sale or exaggerate or deflate the value of something. It may mean you claim a false deduction on your taxes. You always lose in the long run when you lose your integrity. And that’s what you are taking to Heaven — your character, not your money. You always lose when you give up your integrity.

The Bible says in Proverbs 10:22, “The blessing of the Lord brings wealth, without painful toil for it” (NIV). Profit that is made dishonestly brings trouble with it. Why? If you rip off people, other people are going to rip you off. If you cheat — including the government — you’re going to get cheated in life. What you sow, you will reap.

This decision to be honest in your finances is not something you make once for all. It’s a daily decision. You’re going to be tempted to lie. Sometimes honesty costs you. Have you learned that? Sometimes it costs to tell the truth on a form.
But God says that if you’re faithful to him in this, you’ll never have to worry about your financial needs.

PLAY today’s audio teaching from Pastor Rick >>

Talk It Over
>> Where in the financial details of your life can you choose to honor God today?

>> How have you seen God bless your hard but honest decisions about money?

>> Why is doing the honest thing with your finances often the more difficult choice?

Source: pastorrick.com

In Touch ministries Daily Devotions; {14-08-2017}

OVERCOMING OBSTACLES

AUGUST 14, 2017
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Matthew 17:14-21

Nothing is impossible for the heavenly Father. No obstacle confuses God or poses any kind of challenge for Him. Though we know He is sovereign over every situation, we have trouble maintaining this perspective, just like the disciples in today’s passage. Too often when difficulties arise, we ...

Experience a shift in focus.
During trials, we tend to take our eyes off the Lord and instead see only our problems. The longer we look at our circumstance, the larger it seems. As we dwell on it in thought and conversation, our mindset can become very negative. Though God still has a direction for us to take, we are no longer concentrating on His purposes.

Develop an incorrect assessment of resources.
In our troubles, we start taking inventory of our own strength and abilities. When they prove insufficient, we become discouraged. The truth is that we don’t have what is needed for life’s trials—Jesus Himself told us that. (See John 15:5.) But God’s capabilities are unlimited, His power is never-ending, and His wisdom is complete. We need to take stock of His resources, not our own.

View obstacles as barriers.
For the obedient believer, impediments represent opportunities, not problems. The Lord can demonstrate His awesome power through our difficulties. (See 2 Corinthians 12:7-10.) At such times, we grow in our faith and learn more about our Father. If we view hardships simply as troubles, then we can miss demonstrations of God’s love, power, and wisdom.

Start each day committed to a Christ-centered focus, a dependence on His resources, and an “opportunity” mindset.

Bible in One Year: Jeremiah 18-21

Source: intouch.org

Daily Devotional by Joyce Meyer Ministries {14-08-2017}

Wisdom is Calling

by Joyce Meyer - posted August 14, 2017

Wisdom cries aloud in the street, she raises her voice in the markets.
- Proverbs 1:20

God wants us to use wisdom, and according to today's scripture, wis¬dom is not difficult to obtain; the Holy Spirit wants to reveal it to us; we simply need to pay attention. For example, have you ever needed to make a decision and had your "head" (your intellectual abilities) try to lead you one way while your heart is leading you another? Have you ever had a situation in which your natural thoughts and feelings seemed to be guiding you in one direction, but something inside of you kept nagging you to go another direction?

Chances are, wisdom is crying out to you. One way to love yourself is to listen to it and obey. Many times, it cries out in your heart that you should or should not do a certain thing—you should eat healthily, you should be kind to other people, you should not spend money you do not have. These are all practical examples of using wisdom in everyday life. When you sense such leadings, the Holy Spirit, who speaks to your heart, is trying to help you make a wise decision, even though it may not be the choice you want to make or it may not seem to make sense in your present circumstances.

The Spirit wars against our flesh, and vice versa (see Gal. 5:17). When we know the wise choice and don't make it, the reason is often that we are allowing our flesh to lead us and to see if we can get away with unwise decisions—which are also known as "foolishness." The flesh leads us to foolishness, but God wants us to walk in wisdom and make choices now that we will be happy with later.

Love Yourself Today What is wisdom saying to you today? Are you willing to follow it?

Source: Joycemeyer

Our daily bread {14-08-2017}

Love for Children

August 14, 2017

Read: Matthew 18:1–10 | Bible in a Year: Psalms 89–90; Romans 14

Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.
Matthew 19:14 NLT

Thomas Barnado entered the London Hospital medical school in 1865, dreaming of life as a medical missionary in China. Barnado soon discovered a desperate need in his own front yard—the many homeless children living and dying on the streets of London. Barnado determined to do something about this horrendous situation. Developing homes for destitute children in London’s east end, Barnado rescued some 60,000 boys and girls from poverty and possible early death. Theologian and pastor John Stott said, “Today we might call him the patron saint of street kids.”

Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children”  Matthew 19:14 NLT

NLT). Imagine the surprise the crowds—and Jesus’s own disciples—must have felt at this declaration. In the ancient world, children had little value and were largely relegated to the margins of life. Yet Jesus welcomed, blessed, and valued children.

James, a New Testament writer, challenged Christ-followers saying, “Pure and lasting religion in the sight of God our Father means that we must care for orphans . . . in their troubles” (James 1:27 NLT). Today, like those first-century orphans, children of every social strata, ethnicity, and family environment are at risk due to neglect, human trafficking, abuse, drugs, and more. How can we honor the Father who loves us by showing His care for these little ones Jesus welcomes?

See the book A Cup of Cold Water in His Name: 60 Ways to Care for the Needy by Lorie Newman at
dhp.org/jd007.html .

Be an expression of the love of Jesus.

By Bill Crowder

Source: odb.org

Daily Devotionals and Bible Devotions

God's Will - Streams in the Desert -

August 14

Thou couldst have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above . John 19:11

Nothing that is not God's will can come into the life of one who trusts and obeys God. This fact is enough to make our life one of ceaseless thanksgiving and joy. For "God's will is the one hopeful, glad, and glorious thing in the world"; and it is working in the omnipotence for us all the time, with nothing to prevent it if we are surrendered and believing.

One who was passing through deep waters of affliction wrote to a friend:

"Is it not a glorious thing to know that, no difference how unjust a thing may be, or how absolutely it may seem to be from Satan, by the time it reaches us it is God's will for us, and will work for good to us?

For all things work together for good to us who love God. And even of the betrayal, Christ said, "The cup which my Father gave me, shall I not drink it?"

We live charmed lives if we are living in the center of God's will. All the attacks that Satan, through others' sin, can hurl against us are not only powerless to harm us, but are turned into blessings on the way.
--H. W. S.

In the center of the circle
Of the Will of God I stand:
There can come no second causes,
All must come from His dear hand.
All is well! for 'tis my Father
Who my life hath planned.
Shall I pass through waves of sorrow?
Then I know it will be best;
Though I cannot tell the reason,
I can trust, and so am blest.
God is Love, and God is faithful,
So in perfect Peace I rest.
With the shade and with the sunshine,
With the joy and with the pain,
Lord, I trust Thee! both are needed,
Each Thy wayward child to train,
Earthly loss, did we but know it,
Often means our heavenly gain.
--I. G. W.

Source: crosswalk.com

From Faith to Faith—Daily Devotional {14-08-2017}

Don't Underestimate Your Prayers

By Kenneth Copeland



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I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
1 Timothy 2:1-2

That verse is clear, isn’t it? The instruction is plain. Yet even in these tumultuous days when our nation is so desperately in need of God’s guidance, most of God’s people don’t do what that verse commands.

Why not?

I believe it’s because most of us are overwhelmed by the problems we see around us. How could my prayers make a dent in the national debt? we think.

How could my faith affect foreign policy?

In other words, we fail to pray because we fail to realize just how powerfully our prayers can affect this country.

It’s time we caught hold of that. It’s time we realized that if we’d just be obedient to 1 Timothy 2:1-2, there’s no council of any kind on earth, no king, no president, no congress, no anything that could overthrow God’s purpose for His people.

God has called us to intercede. He has commanded us to pray for those in authority. He has given us His Word, His power, His Name, His authority and His faith. We have all the tools necessary to pray effectively for our government and its leaders.

I urge you to intercede. It is your responsibility as a believer to get involved in the affairs of your country. God wants this great land of ours, and the only way He’s going to get it is through His ambassadors—you and me.

Pray for your nation. Every day. And never again underestimate the world-changing power of those prayers.

Scripture Reading:
Daniel 2:1-30

Source: kcm.org

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL {14-08-2017}

Rhapsody Of Realities Daily Devotional

Topic: He’s Lavished His Love On You

Monday, August 14 , 2017

By Pastor Chris

Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not (1 John 3:1).

The word, “bestowed” in our opening verse means, “lavished.” Therefore, putting it rightly, it should read, “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath lavished upon us”
This is the sense in which God has loved us with an everlasting love: love without limits. Think about it: we, who shouldn’t have been known of God, who shouldn’t have ever come close to God are now, as a result of the superabundant love He’s lavished upon us, accepted of Him. We’re now called the sons of God. This is an amazing reality. 1John 3:2 says, “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.”

Notice it’s not talking about us becoming the sons of God when we get to heaven; it’s not a futuristic thing; we’re sons of God NOW!However, in our outward appearance, we may not look so, but for sure, when He comes, we shall be like Him in appearance. But already, as He is, so are we in this world (1 John 4:17). As He is loved of God, so are we. The Father loves you as much as He loves Jesus.

You’re secured in the Father’s love; take advantage of His everlasting love for you. He loves you as though you were the only one on earth! Not only is His love for you without limits, it’s also unconditional. The Bible says, “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins” (1 John 4:10). Clearly, He demonstrated His boundless love for us, even while we were yet in sin. Have faith in that love, for it’s been poured out abundantly for you.

PRAYER
Dear Father, I thank you for lavishly pouring out your love upon me and giving me all things that pertain unto life and godliness. I can boldly declare that I’ve been accepted in the beloved, and blessed with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ, in Jesus Name. Amen.

Further Study:
1John 3:1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Daily Scripture Reading

1-Year Bible Reading Plan:
Romans 15:14-33,
Psalms 99-101

2-Year Bible Reading Plan:
Luke 16:1-12,
Ruth 1-2

Source: Christian daily devotion

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL {13-08-2017}

Open Heavens 13 August 2017: Sunday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye- Captives of the mighty

CAPTIVES OF THE MIGHTY

– Sunday August 13 th 2017

Memorise: If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. John 8:36

Read: John 5:1-9 (KJV)
5:1 After this there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.
5:2 Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches.
5:3 In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water.
5:4 For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had.
5:5 And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years.
5:6 When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole?
5:7 The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me.
5:8 Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.
5:9 And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath.

Bible in one year: 2 nd Kings 10-11, Ezekiel 23:35-49, Hymn: Sing hymn 4

MESSAGE:
The reason why many people are so helpless in life today is because they are in captivity. Many are in the bondage of sin, sickness, poverty, addition, demonic possession and other evil conditions. The resultant effects of captivity include loss of freedom, psychological imbalance, and emotional trauma, loss of contact with loved ones, hopelessness and dejection. A captive is a person with a lost identity. Such a person may have been royalty before being captured by the enemy, but he or she has become a slave and must now live at the mercy of his or her new owner. A captive loses dignity and suffers from low self-esteem and emotional trauma from thinking about the situation that led to his or her captivity. A captive is in a worse situation than an ordinary prisoner because a prisoner’s jail term is fixed, but a captive has no hope of being set free. Above all, the situation of a captive is hopelessly filled with regret. The big question is, can a captive find true freedom? The Holy Spirit answers this question in Isaiah 49:24-25

“Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captive delivered? But thus saith the LORD, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children.”

Hallelujah! A captive can indeed be set free. Jesus in Luke 4:18 declared that He came to set the captive free:

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the broken-hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,”

I bring you good news today: no matter how difficult your experience in captivity has been, and no matter how heavy the chain of your affliction is, JESUS is here to set you free! Open Heavens 13 August 2017: Sunday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye- Captives of the mighty.

Jesus Christ is the promised Messiah, Redeemer and Deliverer, sent to set everyone who will accept Him as the Lord and Saviour of their lives from the bondage of Satan, the world and the flesh. What is your problem? Are you operating under the powerful grip of a secret sin, sexual immorality, a secret society, a blood covenant or any form of addition? Jesus, in John 8:36 , has those words for you:
“If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.”

Jesus came to set the captives free; call on His Name for your deliverance now!

Prayer Point
Lord Jesus, Please manifest your power to set me free from every form of captivity I am experiencing today.

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.

LIVING WATER - CAC DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE {13-08-2017}

The Living Water CAC DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE

DATE: Sunday, August 13, 2017

TOPIC: THE SECRET OF BECOMING MIGHTY.

READ: 2 CHRONICLES 27:1-9

MEMORISE: Jotham grew powerful because he walked steadfastly before the Lord his God". (2 Chronicles 27:6)

King Jotham was the king who succeeded King Uzziah. He reigned well, walked steadily and constantly in the way of the LORD that his fathers had earlier walked in. He repaired the gate of the house of the Lord and fortified the wall of Ophel. He built cities in the mountains of Judah. He conquered the enemies. He also became mighty in wealth, power, and had influence upon the neighbouring nations. He was able to achieve these because he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord. He prepared his ways before the LORD his God. He did not commit the great fault of his father - Uzziah (2 Chro. 26:16). Though, he lived a shorter life, compared to that of his father, yet, he finished with honour.

For any Christian to become successful, mighty, and also finish well and strong in life, one should emulate King Jotham - do what is right in the sight of the Lord, as the Bible will be your guide. Be conscious of the presence of Jehovah, and constantly look up to His face in order to see what pleases Him, so that you can order your life, accordingly. Also, learn from the mistakes of those who have fallen, never to tread their accursed path (cf. 1 Cor. 10:11). Do you order your ways before JEHOVAH, your God? Where are your eyes focused? On the world? On the television set? On friends? Or, on Christ? (Col. 3:1ff; Heb. 12:4). Where your mind is focused would determine what your life becomes, at the end of the day (cf. Matt. 6:21).

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, help me so that it will be convenient for me to do your will at all time.
2. Father, let your Word be my anchor as I journey through life in order not to derail from faith.
3. Father, please help the leaders of your people to leave godly legacy to their followers as they follow You with the whole of their heart.

EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: DEUTERONOMY CHAPTER 20 - 24

Good morning and happy new week.
May this week usher in glorious goodness, in Jesus' name Amen
Stay connected to Jesus. He's the source of life.

Source: LIVING WATER - CAC DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL {13-08-2017}

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

HE’S GIVEN US HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS .

Sunday, August 13th . 2017

By PASTOR CHRIS OYAKHILOME PHD

For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith (Romans 1:17).

Most religions of the world are reflective of man’s efforts to attain righteousness. Men have been seeking the righteousness of God, struggling and trying their best to become righteous. Sadly, even amongst Christians, there’re those still struggling to be righteous, thinking that if they became more righteous, God will hear their prayers.

The righteousness of God is revealed only in the Gospel, and what the message says is that He’s given us His own righteousness, because we couldn’t get or attain it by ourselves. The Gospel is good news, and what it means, in a nutshell, is that you couldn’t be righteous on your own, no matter how you tried. As a result, God had to give you His own righteousness as a gift. All you have to do is to accept His righteousness, and it’ll be imparted to your spirit and you can live accordingly.

That God has given you His own righteousness is such a liberating truth. The gifts and the calling of God are without repentance (Romans 11:29). It’s also something that can’t be improved upon, because it’s perfect, being God’s own righteousness. This means you can never be more righteous than you already are. You can stand before Him now and always, unashamed. What an amazing reality!

That’s the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Romans 3:24 says, “Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” We’ve been declared righteous by His grace; we’ve been acquitted by His grace. We’ve been freed of all charges. 2 Corinthians 5:21 says, “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”

Jesus took our place of sin and gave us His righteousness. We’re thus the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. We’re as righteous as Jesus is, and this is entirely God’s doing: _“To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus” (Romans 3:26). Blessed be God!

PRAYER
Thank you, dear Father, for imparting your righteousness to my spirit! I rejoice, knowing that I now stand justified in your presence. Thank you for ushering me into the transcendent life, where I reign and rule with Christ forever, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
Isaiah 53:10-11 Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put [him] to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see [his] seed, he shall prolong [his] days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. 11 He shall see of the travail of his soul, [and] shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.
Romans 5:17 For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING

1-Year Bible Reading Plan:
Romans 15:5-13,
Psalms 94-98

2-Year Bible Reading Plan:
Luke 15:20-32,
Judges 21

Source: Christian daily devotion

Daily Devotional by Joyce Meyer Ministries {13-08-2017}

The Key to Fulfillment

by Joyce Meyer - posted August 13, 2017

Now therefore thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider your ways and set your mind on what has come to you.
- Haggai 1:5

God has a great big, wonderful, fulfilling life planned for you and me, but if we are stubborn (see Exodus 33:3) or hard-hearted, then we will miss what He has for us. Stubbornness and refusal to hear and obey God's voice keeps us set in our ways and unable to make progress. When we find ourselves in this condition, we often fail to stop and ask ourselves what the problem is.

Today's verse recounts a time when God's people were dissatisfied and experiencing many problems, so God told them to consider their ways. Many times when people are not fulfilled in life, they look everywhere except within themselves to find the reason. If you are unfulfilled in your life, do as God told the Old Testament people to do and "Consider your ways." Ask God to speak to you about "your ways," and pay attention to what He says. I have had to do this many times, and I have had to make changes in my thinking, my motives, or my behavior as a result. As I considered my ways over time, I found I was stubborn, hardheaded, opinionated, proud, and many other things that kept me from making progress. But, thank God, He has changed me! I pray He keeps on changing me and never stops.

I want everything God wants me to have and nothing He doesn't. I belong to Him and so do you. He wants you to have a happy, blessed, wonderful life, full of satisfaction and fulfillment. If you aren't living that kind of life, take time to consider your ways; ask God to show you what needs to change; and then do what He tells you to do.

God’s word for you today: Don’t be afraid to face the truth about yourself, because it sets you free.

Source: joycemeyer

Daily Devotionals - Andrew Wommack Ministries {13-08-2017}

FOCUS ON THE THINGS ABOVE

- August 13

John 11:44 "And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go."

Symbolically, Lazarus is like many Christians. The Bible speaks of us passing from death unto new life when we get born again. But it is also true that in the physical and emotional realm, we bring our "graveclothes" from our old life with us (i.e. habits, attitudes, etc.), and we need to be "loosed" to fully enjoy our new life.

Our emotions and attitudes follow what we think. When we focus our attention on our problems, they are magnified out of proportion. When we neglect our problems and think on God's provision, the answer is magnified and the problem shrinks. Whatever we think upon is going to dominate us. If we think on depressing things, we'll be depressed. If we think on uplifting things, we'll be uplifted. If we think, "by His stripes, we are healed", we'll be healed. If we think on sickness, we'll be sick.

Godly contentment isn't dependent upon circumstances. That is totally opposite of the way most people think today. No one really desires depression but very few feel any responsibility or authority to maintain positive emotions in the face of negative circumstances. They think emotions follow circumstances. That's not true. Emotions follow the way we think, and we can chose to think on things that are lovely, true, of good report, and so forth regardless of our circumstances. As we think, is how we respond emotionally.

Focus your attention on the invisible truths of the spiritual realm that are eternal, instead of the visible things of this physical world that will pass away.

Source: awmi.net

From Faith to Faith—Daily Devotional {13-08-2017}

Heart to Heart

By Gloria Copeland

For who has known or understood the mind (the counsels and purposes) of the Lord so as to guide and instruct Him and give Him knowledge? But we have the mind of Christ (the Messiah) and do hold the thoughts (feelings and purposes) of His heart.
1 Corinthians 2:16, The Amplified Bible

Isn’t it exciting to realize that you can hold the thoughts and feelings and purposes of God’s very own heart in your heart? Isn’t it thrilling to know the Creator of heaven and earth wants to be one spirit with you and transmit His thoughts to your mind?

First Corinthians 6:17 says that when you were joined to the Lord you became one spirit with Him. He came into union with you so that He can talk to you heart to heart. God wants you in this harmony with Him so that His thoughts can become your actions. He wants you to walk so closely with Him that you never lack power to overcome the evil of this world. He wants you to be so in tune with His Spirit that you are able to feel His heart of compassion toward those around you who are hurting or bowed down with sickness and pain. He wants to be one with you, so He can reach out through your hands and fulfill His purposes in the earth.

Make a fresh commitment today to walk in union with your God. Give your attention to His Spirit in your inner man. Determine to yield to His voice and not to the voices of the world or the flesh!
Allow the mind of Christ to flow through you!

Scripture Reading:
1 Corinthians 2

Source: kcm.org

Our daily bread {13-08-2017}

From Fear to Faith

August 13, 2017

The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer. Habakkuk 3:19

The doctor’s words landed in her heart with a thud. It was cancer. Her world stopped as she thought of her husband and children. They had prayed diligently, hoping for a different outcome. What would they do? With tears streaming down her face, she said softly, “God, this is beyond our control. Please be our strength.”

What do we do when the prognosis is devastating, when our circumstances are beyond our control? Where do we turn when the outlook seems hopeless?

The prophet Habakkuk’s situation was out of his control, and the fear that he felt terrified him. The coming judgment would be catastrophic (Hab. 3:16–17). Yet, in the midst of the impending chaos, Habakkuk made a choice to live by his faith (2:4) and rejoice in God (3:18). He did not place his confidence and faith in his circumstances, ability, or resources, but in the goodness and greatness of God. His trust in God compelled him to proclaim: “The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights” (v. 19).

When we are faced with difficult circumstances—sickness, family crisis, financial trouble—we, too, have only to place our faith and trust in God. He is with us in everything we face.

Dear God, I thank You that I can always turn to You. When I am faced with the difficulties of life, I can put my trust in You. Thank you that You are my “refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1

When faced with difficult circumstances we can trust God to be our strength.

By Karen Wolfe

Source: odb.org

Billy Graham; Daily Devotion {13-08-2017}

Life-Changing Power

By Billy Graham • August 13 •
Topics: Faith, Lifestyle

Christ died and rose again . . . so that he can be our Lord both while we live and when we die.
—Romans 14:9 (TLB)

With a frequency that is amazing, the Bible affirms the fact of the bodily resurrection of Christ. Perhaps the most direct of all its statements is Luke’s account in the book of Acts, where he reports, “To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days” (Acts 1:3). What are we going to do with these “many infallible proofs”? Someone asked my colleague George Beverly Shea how much he knew about God. He said, “I don’t know much, but what I do know has changed my life.” We may not be able to take all of this evidence into a scientific laboratory and prove it; but, if we accept any fact of history, we must accept the fact that Jesus Christ rose from the dead.

Audio: Billy Graham explains how the risen Christ is adequate for the world’s problems.

Prayer for the day
All the arguments concerning Your existence are refuted, Lord Jesus, as I feel Your presence each day. It causes my soul to rejoice knowing that You, my living Lord, are with me!

Source: Billy Graham Evangelistic Association

In Touch ministries Daily Devotions; {13-08-2017}

AN EXAMPLE OF HUMILITY

AUGUST 13, 2017

John 13:1-17

Sometimes we need a wake-up call that opens our eyes so we can see who we truly are. And watching someone else do what we should have done can be a most effective eye-opener. When Jesus started washing the disciples’ feet, they must have felt an instant sense of uneasiness, especially after their recent discussions about which of them was the greatest ( Mark 9:34-35).

As we noted earlier, foot washing was the task of the lowest slave in the household. But since Jesus and His disciples were eating in a borrowed room, there was no slave posted at the door. All the disciples considered this job beneath them, so everyone’s feet remained filthy until Jesus, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, humbled Himself to serve those who should have served Him. After three years of teaching and modeling humility to His disciples, Jesus finally got their attention with a towel and a bowl.
I can imagine how the disciples felt, because I remember the time a friend came to my office, wanting to wash my feet. I immediately protested, but he dropped to his knees and proceeded to take off my socks and shoes and wash my feet. He did it as an act of humble service, but I felt humiliated because in the process, I saw something in me that I didn’t like—ugly pride.

If we want to follow in Jesus’ footsteps of humility, we must do an honest self-evaluation by asking the Lord to reveal any sinful attitudes hiding in our heart. The purpose is not to make us feel worthless but to give us a yearning to become more like Christ.

Bible in One Year: Jeremiah 15-17

Source: intouch.org

LIVING WATER - CAC DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE {12-08-2017}

The Living Water CAC DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE

DATE: Saturday, August 12, 2017 International Youth Day

TOPIC: PREPARE TO BE PREFERRED

READ ESTHER 2:7-11

MEMORISE: And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut. (Matthew 25:10)

A lot of bachelors and spinsters of marriageable age in churches, are not only unmarried, but are sadly 'unmarriable!' Why? Their unpreparedness for the sacred institution. One who fails to prepare adequately for an/a examination/
competition, has planned to fail! Marriage will work well for those who prepare well for it. The preparation is all-encompassing - spiritual, social, emotional, economic and psychological. A serious-minded brother/sister will be looking forward prayerfully to an equally serious-minded would-be partner. Any young man/woman looking forward to be preferred by the best suitor possible, must put all these into proper considerations.

Among others, shabby dressing habits, impolite manners, and unkept house/body, have made many to lose their God-ordained suitors, regardless of their being born again and heaven-conscious! If you are single and godly, you stand the chance to get the best, if you can add virtues to your faith (2 Pet. 2:5). You can learn a lot from Esther. Apart from divine favour and providence, she was well-prepared. Eventually, she was preferred (Est. 2:9).

Get it right: your physical outlook alone is incomprehensive enough as readiness to earn you your preferred suitor. Cosmetic applications are insufficient to be preferred. As a matter of fact, they fade away when battered by wrong marriage afflictions! Try to prepare yourself more, with godly virtue - the right beauty (1 Pet. 3:3-4).

Ultimately, we should be reminded always, that every believer who refuses to be readily prepared for Christ's second coming will not be allowed to marry The Bridegroom, and that would be the worst for such, on that glorious day! (Matt. 25:13) Prepare, never to miss the ultimate appointment with Him.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, give me the grace to be prepared for Your coming.
2. Lord, endow our teeming youths with the right qualities that would make good and godly homes.
3. Lord, restore Your peace in every Christian home being troubled by Satan, the author of confusion, in Jesus' name.

EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: DEUTERONOMY CHAPTER 14-19

Good morning people of God. Happy weekend!

May His grace single you out for greatness and favour, in Jesus' name. Amen

Source: LIVING WATER - CAC DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL {12-08-2017}

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL.

BORN INTO LIBERTY

Saturday, August 12th . 2017

By Pastor Chris

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Some Christians, due to their ignorance of the Word, still maintain a “deliverance mentality”: the mentality of always wanting to be set free from one bondage or the other. Even the kind of songs they sing most times show that they lack the understanding of who the Christian really is. In reality, the Christian doesn’t require “deliverance.”
It’s important that we understand the generic terminology in the Epistles used in referring to all of us as having been saved and delivered. The whole world has been saved and delivered by Jesus Christ through His vicarious death. When He died, He died for everybody. When God raised Him from the dead, He was raised for everybody.
Thus, everybody was raised together with Christ, but that’s the legality of salvation. It only becomes a vital experience for the one who, in accordance to Romans 10:9, proclaims the lordship of Jesus. At that moment, you’re born again, and are translated into the Kingdom of light. You become a child of God. That’s who the
Christian is. Jesus didn’t “set you free.” You were born anew. You’re a new creation without a past, born into the presence of God and into righteousness!
James 1:18 says, _“Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth….”_ God literally gave birth to us, through the Word. If this is true (and it’s indeed true), how could He give birth to people who’ll still be in servitude or bondage to Satan? It just doesn’t add up. Get to know who you are. You were born into liberty; the liberty to serve God, the liberty to enjoy your life in Him and be all that He’s called you to be. You’re superior to Satan and therefore could never be in bondage to him. Accept this truth and it’ll put an end to the struggles.
All through the ministry of Jesus, He never needed to be set free or delivered from the devil or any trouble; the Bible says as He is, so are we in this world. Acts 17:28 says, _“…in him we live, and move, and have our being….”_ You’re completely shielded from Satan and his devices and therefore, not in need of any kind of deliverance. That’s the greater truth, and that’s the revelation by which you ought to live.

PRAYER
I’m a new creation in Christ Jesus, born anew into the liberty of the sons of God! I enjoy my life in Christ, having been blessed richly in all things. I walk in favour, divine health and prosperity every day of my life, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
Romans 8:1-2 → [There is] therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
Colossians 1:12-13 → Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated [us] into the kingdom of his dear Son:
Galatians 5:1 → Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING

1-Year Bible Reading Plan:
Romans 14-15:1-4,
Psalms 90-93

2-Year Bible Reading Plan:
Luke 15:11-19,
Judges 20

Source: Christian daily devotion

Daily Devotional by Joyce Meyer Ministries {12-08-2017}

At Home in Your Heart

by Joyce Meyer - posted August 12, 2017

May Christ through your faith [actually] dwell (settle down, abide, make His permanent home) in your hearts!
- Ephesians 3:17

If you are born again Jesus dwells on the inside of you through the power of the Holy Spirit. Your inner life—your attitudes, thoughts, and emotions—is holy ground where the Spirit of God wants to make His home. This inner life is of more serious interest to God than your outer life.

If you want to be a comfortable home for God, you must give up grumbling, complaining, faultfinding, and murmuring. The Bible says God inhabits the praises of His people (see Psalm 22:3). He is comfortable in the midst of your praises. You need to wake up every morning and say, "Oh, good morning Jesus. I want You to be comfortable in me today. Praise You, Father. I love You, Lord." And you need to go to bed every night and say, "Thank You for all the good things You've done today and will be doing tomorrow." Before you do anything else, invite Jesus to make Himself at home in your heart.

Source: joycemeyer

Daily Devotionals - Andrew Wommack Ministries {12-08-2017}

GROANING IN THE SPIRIT

- August 12

John 11:33 "When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled."

The Greek word that is translated "groaned" expresses that Jesus was deeply moved, but not necessarily with sorrow. It was more a groan of anger at Satan who had caused all the grief Jesus was seeing around Him. Jesus came to "destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil" (Heb. 2:14), and He was grieved to see the pain that His enemy had inflicted on those He loved.

This is the type of groaning that the Holy Spirit does for us. It is not just the Holy Spirit sympathizing with us, but it is the Holy Spirit doing battle for us when we don't know how to pray. In this case, it was the Holy Spirit doing battle through Jesus against death and the doubt of those present, that would have kept Lazarus in the grave.

Everyone who has the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit has or will have this happen to them. This groaning of the Holy Spirit is not just grief but a groan of anger and resistance against Satan's devices in our lives. Many times Christians don't discern this because they think it is just them grieved with their situation. But this is the Holy Spirit desiring to get into intercession with us against our problems.

Although the groaning is unutterable, you can discern it, and many times people react with audible groans or other outward acts. This has led to religious doctrines and traditions that are unscriptural and offensive to many people. There is nothing wrong with us reacting to the inner working of the Holy Spirit as long as we don't confuse our reactions with the Holy Spirit's actions. This intercession cannot be uttered. Any counterfeits that religion may have produced only serve to illustrate that there has to be a genuine. The genuine groaning in the Spirit is priceless.

Source: awmi.net

Daily Devotionals and Bible Devotions

August 12/13

Handling Difficult Circumstances

Philippians 3:8-11

The apostle Paul understood how to handle tough circumstances. Even while he was confined in a prison cell, he kept his eyes on Christ and trusted firmly in the Savior. Therefore, despite being in chains, he was able to celebrate the Lord’s work in his life. In fact, the epistle he wrote from jail to the Philippians was filled with rejoicing (1:18; 2:18; 3:1).

Focusing on Christ is neither a natural reaction nor an easy one. Our instinct is to dwell on the situation at hand, searching for solutions or stewing over the pain and difficulty. As a result, troubles look scary and overwhelm us with a sense of defeat.

However, fear and defeat cannot live long in a heart that trusts the Lord. I’m not saying you’ll forget what you’re going through, but you can choose to dwell on His provision and care instead. He is the Deliverer (2 Cor. 1:10). He is the Healer (Deut. 32:39). He is the Guide (Prov. 3:6). The believer who lays claim to divine promises discovers that God pushes back negative emotions. In their place, hope, confidence, and contentment take up residence (Phil. 4:11). You aren’t going to be happy about a difficult situation, but you can be satisfied that God is in control and up to something good in the midst of trouble.

The Lord’s principles and promises don’t change, no matter how severe or painful the situation is. Focus on Christ instead of the circumstances — God will comfort your heart and bring you safely through the trial. Then you can answer Paul’s call to “rejoice in the Lord always” (Phil. 4:4).

Source: crosswalk

From Faith to Faith—Daily Devotional {12-08-2017}

A Supernatural Cycle of Blessing

By Kenneth Copeland

Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days.
Ecclesiastes 11:1

One of the most exciting things I ever discovered about God’s law of sowing and reaping was the fact that financial harvests are not seasonal. If you plant year round, you can be receiving year round.

Don’t misunderstand. I’m not saying your harvest will come instantly. It usually won’t. You may have to wait for it for several months. What I’m saying is, if you’ll keep planting consistently, you’ll receive just as consistently. If you’ll continually cast your bread on the water, eventually it will come in on every wave!

Of course, some people never get to enjoy that kind of constant blessing. That’s because, instead of giving, they keep waiting to receive. They stand on the beach saying, “I wonder where my prosperity is? As soon as it comes in, I’ll start giving.”

God’s economy doesn’t work that way. He said, “Give and it will be given to you again. The way you measure it, it shall be measured back to you” (Luke 6:38). You have to make the first move. You have to send a ship out before your ship can come in.

Think about that next time you’re tempted to complain about the things life brings your way. Remember that whatever you’ve been casting out there is always what you find on down the road. If you’ve been giving doubt, unbelief and fear, that’s what has been coming to you. If you’ve been giving nothing, then nothing is what you get.

You’re holding the seeds of your own future in your hand right now. Step out in faith and use them to put the supernatural cycle of blessing in motion. Start now planting one good seed after another. Eventually you’ll enjoy a good harvest every single day!

Scripture Reading:
Luke 6:31-38

Source: kcm.org

Our daily bread {12-08-2017}

Grateful for Everything

August 12, 2017

Read: Deuteronomy 8:6–18
Bible in a Year: Psalms 84-86; Romans 12

When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the LORD your God for the good land he has given you.
Deuteronomy 8:10

In Australia, it can take hours to drive between towns and fatigue can lead to accidents. So at busy holiday times rest stops are set up on major highways with volunteers offering free coffee. My wife, Merryn, and I grew to enjoy these stops during our long drives there.

On one trip, we pulled in and walked over to order our coffee. An attendant handed the two cups over, and then asked me for two dollars. I asked why. She pointed to the small print on the sign. At this stop, only the driver got free coffee; you had to pay for passengers. Annoyed, I told her this was false advertising, paid the two dollars, and walked off. Back at the car, Merryn pointed out my error: I had turned a gift into an entitlement and become ungrateful for what I received. She was right.

When the Israelites were about to enter the Promised Land, Moses urged them to be a grateful people (Deut. 8:10). Thanks to the blessings of God, the land was abundant, but they could easily treat this prosperity as something they deserved (vv. 17–18). From this, the Jews developed a practice of giving thanks for every meal, no matter how small. For them, it was all a gift.

I went back to the woman and apologized. A free cup of coffee was a gift I didn’t deserve—and something for which to be thankful.

Blessed are You, O Lord our God, King of the universe, who brings forth bread from the earth. A JEWISH THANKSGIVING PRAYER FOR MEALS

Be grateful to God for even the smallest gift.

By Sheridan Voysey

Source:  odb.org

Billy Graham; Daily Devotion {12-08-2017}

Poverty of Soul

By Billy Graham • August 12 •
Topics: Soul & Spirit

For my people [are] foolish, they have not known me . . .
—Jeremiah 4:22

No man is more pathetic than he who is in great need and is not aware of it. Remember Samson? Standing there in the valley of Sorek, surrounded by the lords of the Philistines, ” . . . he wist not that the Lord was departed from him.” It has been truly said, “No man is so ignorant as he who knows nothing and knows not that he knows nothing. No man is so sick as he who has a fatal disease and is not aware of it. No man is so poor as he who is destitute, and yet thinks he is rich.” The pitiable thing about the Pharisees was not so much their hypocrisy as it was their utter lack of knowledge of how poor they actually were in the sight of God. There is always something pathetic about a man who thinks he is rich when he is actually poor, who thinks he is good when he is actually vile, who thinks he is educated when he is actually illiterate.

Read Billy Graham’s My Answer: There is No Substitute for Christ

Find Peace with God Today .

Prayer for the day
Might I always remember the poverty of my soul before Your love invaded my life, Lord Jesus, and I knew You as Savior.

Source: Billy Graham Evangelistic Association

In Touch ministries Daily Devotions; {12-08-2017}

HUMILITY AND GREATNESS

AUGUST 12, 2017

Matthew 20:20-28

What do you want Christ to do for you? That’s essentially the same question Jesus asked the mother of James and John. Before we look down on her for asking Him to give her sons a place of prominence and authority, we must consider what we would ask of Jesus. Would there be any selfishness in our request?

We are born with a self-centered nature, which remains present even after salvation and comes out in a variety of ways. Furthermore, we live in a culture that clamors for greatness and constantly tells us to assert ourselves so we can move up the ladder of success or get what’s rightfully ours. But what Jesus taught about greatness is the exact opposite: Become a servant to others ( Mark 9:35).

True greatness is measured not on earth but in eternity. When we stand before the judgment seat of Christ, He’ll be looking for humility rather than impressive earthly accomplishments. This doesn’t mean Christians should turn down positions of prominence; rather, we should accept such roles as opportunities to be a steward for Christ and a servant of all.

Humble people understand who they are—and who the Lord is. They recognize Him as the source of their life and every possession and ability they have. Their assignment while on earth is to use whatever He has entrusted to them, whether great or small, in a way that glorifies Him and benefits others. Though it’s doubtful anyone will praise us for our humility in this life, we must remember that the reward of a true servant comes only in eternity.

Bible in One Year: Jeremiah 12-14

Source: intouch.org

INCUBATION TODAY (12-08-2017)

*INCUBATION TODAY (BRO EMMA OKORIE)*

*SATURDAY 12TH AUGUST, 2017*

*TOPIC: BELIEVERS ARE CALLED TO SEEK AND TO SAVE SOULS*

 

*"What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?" (Luke 15:4)*

 

*Today’s Text: Luke 15:1-10*

 

The mission of Christ on earth was to seek and save the lost. His parable of the lost sheep highlights His mission on earth. Even though the loss seemed insignificant in comparison to what He had left, the man so loved his sheep that he went out in search for one lost. It gives God enormous delight when He finds lost sheep. Every sinner that repents brings Joy to heaven.

The mission was revealed ahead of time in Isaiah 53:4-6. “Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.” The Father laid on the Son every man’s iniquity and He bore in His body our grief and sorrows. John affirmed this when identifying Jesus. He said, “…Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” (John 1:29b). The entire ministry of Jesus Christ was geared at delivering man from the grip of Satan. With sin came sickness and death and Jesus came to bail man out. Jesus came to preach the good news to the poor, to bind up the broken hearted, liberate captives and throw open prison doors. The sum total of His mission was to restore man back to God.

Jesus illustrated His mission through many parables in Luke 15. The heartbeat of God is to seek and to save man who has strayed. This is the same reason for which the father of the prodigal son celebrated when his son was found. If I may ask, what gives you satisfaction as a child of God? How is it that material things are constantly pricing your faith? Our testimonies are full of “God prospered my business; He healed me,” etc. Have you ever testified how many souls you won for God?

Sometimes we are offended at God because He has not given us the material things we desire. We compare ourselves with others we think we are better than. We allow what people say to discourage us from doing the work of God. If Jesus was despised and chastised, His followers will not fare better. We must be ready to pay the price for doing whatever it takes to bring souls to Christ. He that winneth souls is wise. Let every desire of your heart, like the Master’s, be to do the will of the father and to finish it. Resolve today to embark on this assignment closest to the heart of Jesus.

 

*Prayers:*

*Ask the Lord for a burden for lost souls.Ask for the strength to walk the streets to seek for souls.*

 

*Confession:*

*Lord, henceforth I receive your call to seek and to save and go out to fulfill this commission.*

 

*Further Study:*

*Luke 19:10*

*"For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.”*

 

*Matthew 15:24*

*"But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”*

 

Matthew 18:12

“How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray?”

Popularity

Teen Topics

Popularity

The Issue:

Popularity seems like such a great thing! Being loved and admired by people sounds so wonderful. However, is popularity all that it is hyped up to be? Should popularity
really be one of our goals in life? Let’s see what Scripture  says about this topic.

What does the Bible say?

Notice what can happen when we crave popularity:

▶ I Sam. 18:7-9 – We can become very jealous of other people.

▶ Acts 12:1-4 – It can cause us to do things we should not do.

▶ John 12:42-43 – We will live to please people more than God.

Where should our focus be?

~> Gal. 1:10 – Our focus should be on doing what God wants.

The truth about popularity:

>> Acts 4:18-20 – Doing what God wants is not always popular.

 Compare Mark 11:9-10 with Mark 15:12-13 – People may love you one day/hate you the next, as even Jesus experienced.

What should I do?

The goal of trying to become popular is not something we as  believers should live for. The endless pursuit of trying to win  over people’s love is not what God has called us to do.

Rather, our attention must be on pleasing God with our lives.

If, while living for God, He allows us to become popular, so be  it. Our popularity can be used to further shine for His glory.

But if popularity does not come our way, then there is no loss.

As long as we are pleasing God with our lives, what else really  matters? May we live in a way that makes every effort to  draw people’s attention toward Christ, not ourselves!

Source: www.minibiblelessons.com

4 THINGS GOD SHOULD HAVE GIVEN ME

4 THINGS GOD SHOULD HAVE GIVEN ME

You bless us when we pray to You, don’t You?

In church, we’re taught to clasp our hands tightly, shut our eyes, bow our heads and pray earnestly for whatever we want. I think I score brownie points for attending Sunday service regularly and serving in different ministries—you know, music, children, and youth ministry.

Your Word instructs us to “. . . present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6) and “. . . he will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4). Now that’s a promise written in the Bible. Oh, in fact, You promised again in Matthew 6:33 that “ . . . and all these things will be given to you as well.”

Since You so kindly offered and promised, here are four things I want. I’m not sure why You had denied me of them for the past 20 years, but it’s not too late to give them to me now. Like, right now.

1. Talent in Music

You seem to have forgotten about this when You created me. While You gave my friends the gift of perfect pitch and the enviable skills of playing multiple instruments, I was stuck with the amazing ability of not being able to differentiate between different notes.

Okay, fine. You did give me the ability to play one instrument. But, seriously, the guitar isn’t that hard to pick up and so many other people can play more than one instrument. Can’t I just have one more musical talent?

Also, if You had made me talented in music, I could have been the next Chris Martin of the gospel music industry. Just think of all the melodious tunes I could have written and the many lives my music would have impacted for you. Better yet, there would be thousands of people at my concert praising Your name.

Doesn’t that just sound wonderful? It sure does to me.

2. An Abundance of Money

This is important. Do you know how embarrassing it is when I need to count the coins in my wallet at the end of each week to see if I can afford the additional ice-cream cone from McDonalds?

Now, if You had made me rich, I would be able to buy whatever I wanted without worrying about the price tag that comes with it. Too many clothes? That wouldn’t be an issue; I could just get another wardrobe. Not enough space? I could move into a huge house and not worry whether my king-sized bed could fit through the door.

I could even give to missions and help You grow Your Kingdom. I could sponsor pastors training in Bible school and plant new churches. I know, God, I should start giving now. But look, I’m not earning that much now, so You shouldn’t expect so much. I’ll definitely start giving when I earn more.

So just give me the wealth first, okay?

3. A Pretty Face

Wow, God, just look at that girl—her large sparkling eyes, high cheekbones, and beautiful smile.
Instead of making me look like that, you gave me slits for eyes and a round face. No amount of make-up can enhance my features or change the way I look—I’ve tried it. No matter how fashionably I dress, it doesn’t change the fact that I’m not pretty. With a face like hers, I could wear rags and still look effortlessly beautiful. And that’s probably when guys will start to notice me.

Of course, it’s not about being complimented or being the envy of others. I just want to be pretty so that I can help Your people feel better about themselves when I dish out beauty tips on how to look prettier.

4. Intellect

You know that I’ve never been the one to ace all my subjects or top the class. I’ve always been comparatively slower in understanding concepts and learning new things. None of my teachers or friends has ever called me “smart”.

Honestly, God, I think that’s Your fault. If You had blessed me with wisdom like how You blessed Solomon, I wouldn’t have to struggle so much during classes and spend so many late nights cramming for exams. And I wouldn’t need to go for endless hours of tuition to catch up with the syllabus. Don’t You know how much effort it takes for me to walk to my tuition classes two blocks away?

And if I were smart, I would have been in a position to help my weaker classmates with their schoolwork. I wouldn’t need to be that annoying friend asking for help instead. You said it’s more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35); I want to obey You, okay?

I’ve said my piece and I hope You understand why I need all these things. Seriously, God, I have a tough life now. I know You said suffering produces perseverance, character; and character, hope (Romans 5:3-4). But I’m not the “suffering” kind. I know myself better than You do.

Look, if You gave me all these things, I’d praise You every day and tell everyone of Your goodness. I mean, I could do it now as well, but wouldn’t You look so much greater if I had more when I praised You?

Source:  ymi.today

THE PROMISE OF FORGIVENESS

THE PROMISE OF FORGIVENESS

When we let go of others’ wrongs, we find true freedom.

BY CHARLES F. STANLEY

Walls have been used throughout human history, for both protection and separation. Perhaps the most impressive one ever constructed is the Great Wall of China, which is an amazing 13,170 miles long. However, the most famous one in modern times was the Berlin Wall, a barrier that cut a city in half and prevented German citizens from traveling freely.

But physical walls aren’t the only ones humans build. Because of our need to feel secure, we sometimes erect invisible boundaries to keep other people from getting too close. Unforgiveness is one of these walls. It’s meant to keep out the one who wronged us, but it also keeps us imprisoned in the self-destructive consequences of bitterness.

When Jesus was asked how many times to forgive a brother, He told a story about a slave who owed an exorbitant amount of money to the king ( Matt. 18:23-35 ). Although the king forgave him, that man then refused to excuse the debt of a fellow slave who owed him a small sum. When the king heard about it, he imprisoned the unforgiving slave.

WHY IS UNFORGIVENESS A PROBLEM?
At times it’s obvious when someone is harboring unforgiveness: Mention the offender’s name, and all sorts of negative emotions bubble to the surface. But other times an unforgiving spirit may not be so apparent because it’s been repressed or denied. A person might wonder why he feels critical or distrustful, without realizing these emotions are symptoms of something deeper.

Unforgiveness is like a balloon. If we try to suppress it in one area of our life, it will pop out in another one. This is no way to live, and it’s certainly not what God intends for us. According to Ephesians 4:31, we are to put away all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, slander, and malice—each of which is evidence of an unforgiving spirit. And in Hebrews 12:15, we are warned not to let a root of bitterness spring up, causing trouble and defiling those around us.

WHY SHOULD WE FORGIVE?
The biggest problem with forgiveness is that it doesn’t seem fair. After all, justice requires that a guilty person pay for his offense. Therefore, if the wrong cannot be undone, then holding a grudge seems like the best option. But doing so disregards God’s will and results in devastating lifelong repercussions.

▶ Jesus calls us to forgive. In the Lord’s Prayer, He says to pray, “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors” ( Matt. 6:12). Then He adds a warning: “But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions” ( Matt. 6:15). Now, this doesn’t mean we’ll lose our salvation if we hold onto grievances, but unforgiveness brings sorrow to the Holy Spirit, is contrary to Christ’s lavish pardon of our sins, and hinders our communion with God. (See Eph. 4:30-32 NLT.)

▶ Forgiveness is a Christlike characteristic. No one suffered more unjustly than Jesus or forgave more freely. Although He was sinless, all our sins were placed on Him as He hung on the cross and paid the penalty we deserved. When we forgive others as Christ did, His life is displayed in us, and He gets the glory ( Gal. 2:20).

▶ Unforgiveness is harmful to us. It not only causes emotional, mental, physical, and relational problems, but like any other sin, it also stifles us spiritually because we’re not walking in the Spirit. John warns that anyone who claims he’s in the Light but hates his brother stumbles around in the darkness of sin, and his eyes are blinded to his true condition ( 1 John 2:9-11 ).

HOW CAN WE RECOVER FROM AN UNFORGIVING SPIRIT?
Through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit, we Christians have within us the ability to obey God’s commands. And that includes forgiving whoever has wronged us—no matter how great the offense. However, working through forgiveness requires time and healing, much like recovering from an illness.

▶ Repent of the sin of unforgiveness. Repentance means a change of mind and direction. The first step is to take responsibility and confess our sin to God. Then we must change the way we think about our offender so we can begin to respond differently. This is exactly what Paul told the Ephesians to do: “Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you” (Eph. 4:32).

▶ Release the offender. The Greek word for forgive means “to let go or give up a debt.” Unforgiveness is an attempt to make the other person pay for what he’s done, and that is what we must release. Instead of demanding justice, we are called to trust God as the Judge. Peter says a person who patiently endures mistreatment finds favor with God ( 1 Peter 2:19-21).

▶ Recognize that God will often use an offense to reveal a weakness. An unforgiving spirit is an ugly part of us that the Lord wants to bring into the open so we can repent and be free of it. Although we’re focusing on the wrong done to us, God wants to use the situation to produce in us what we are lacking: Christlike character and humility (Col. 3:12-13).

▶ Remember how often and how much God has forgiven us. Whenever we come, confessing our sins to the Lord, we have His promise of forgiveness and cleansing (1 John 1:9). Considering how God has so graciously forgiven us, what right do we have to hold anything against others (Matt. 18:32-33)?

So much is at stake when it comes to forgiveness. We either hold onto our “right” to have vengeance, or we release it to God. The first choice leads to a miserable prison of our own making. But the second results in glorious freedom, restored joy, and restful peace in God. Which will you choose?

Source: intouch.org

Don’t Give the Devil a Foothold

Don’t Give the Devil a Foothold

BY RICK WARREN

“Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil” (Ephesians 4:26b-27 NLT, second edition).

When you give the Devil a foothold into your life, he takes a stronghold. What does that mean? If you give Satan control of one little part of your life, he will soon take over the whole thing. You give him a foothold into your life, and he turns it into a stronghold.

Let me explain it this way: On D-Day, Allied forces landed on the beaches of Normandy. It was critical that they establish a beachhead — that is, a foothold on the beach that would allow them to set up a staging area to bring in more men and equipment for the battle. From that tiny foothold, the Allied forces were able to push inland in an effort to liberate France.

But Satan isn’t trying to liberate you. He wants to establish a foothold in your life in order to take over more and more of your life. Once he gets deep enough into an area of sin, he turns the foothold into a stronghold, and that makes it harder for you to take back control of your life.

How does Satan get a foothold in your life? In Ephesians 4:27, the example is anger, but it could be any negative emotion. If you fill your life with worry, he’s gained a foothold in your life. If you fill your life with resentment, he’s gained a foothold in your life. If you allow guilt to turn into shame, Satan has a foothold in your life.

The Apostle Paul says the best way to deal with these negative emotions is immediately. He says, “Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil” (Ephesians 4:26b-27 NLT, second edition). You make a choice to deal with it right away.

Otherwise, the negative emotion will fester in your heart and give Satan the opportunity to establish a foothold in your life.

Talk It Over
~> What negative emotion have you allowed the Devil to use to take a foothold in your life? Or, what emotion has the potential to become a foothold for the Devil?

~> What does it mean for a negative emotion to fester in your life?

~> How can you be proactive about dealing with negative emotions that may arise in your life?

Source: pastorrick.com