Open Heavens 7 May 2017: Sunday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Be A Perpetual Worshipper!

Topic: Be A Perpetual Worshipper! [Sunday 7, May 2017]

Memorise: Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! – Psalm 107:15

Read: 2 Kings 5:8-17 (KJV)

8 And it was so, when Elisha the man of God had heard that the king of Israel had rent his clothes, that he sent to the king, saying, Wherefore hast thou rent thy clothes? let him come now to me, and he shall know that there is a prophet in Israel.

9 So Naaman came with his horses and with his chariot, and stood at the door of the house of Elisha.

10 And Elisha sent a messenger unto him, saying, Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean.

11 But Naaman was wroth, and went away, and said, Behold, I thought, He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the LORD his God, and strike his hand over the place, and recover the leper.

12 Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? may I not wash in them, and be clean? So he turned and went away in a rage.

13 And his servants came near, and spake unto him, and said, My father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have done it? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean?

14 Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.

15 And he returned to the man of God, he and all his company, and came, and stood before him: and he said, Behold, now I know that there is no God in all the earth, but in Israel: now therefore, I pray thee, take a blessing of thy servant.

16 But he said, As the LORD liveth, before whom I stand, I will receive none. And he urged him to take it; but he refused.

17 And Naaman said, Shall there not then, I pray thee, be given to thy servant two mules' burden of earth? for thy servant will henceforth offer neither burnt offering nor sacrifice unto other gods, but unto the LORD.

Bible in One Year: Deuteronomy 5-6, Jeremiah 27:1-15, Hymn: Sing hymn 14

MESSAGE:

If you try to fathom the vastness of the universe and the precision with which all things work together to maintain a balance, you will appreciate the greatness of our God who created it all. When you then contemplate on the micro details of your place in this universe, and how God is still concerned about “little you”, showering you with His love, goodness, faithfulness, mercy and grace, you will be left with no other option than to forever worship Him. God deserves our worship. Worship should not be something you do for a period and then take a break; it should be something you do for the rest of your life. How consistently have you worshipped God? One Bible character who understood this principle of worship is Naaman (2 Kings 5:1-17). Naaman had a physical burden that defiled all medication until he met with the man of God, Elisha. He was asked to go to the River Jordan and dip in it seven times. He did this, and was cleansed. Thereafter, He returned to thank God with a lot of money, but the man of God turned down his gifts saying, “freely I received, and freely I give to you.” Naaman than requested for some of the soil of the land, so that he could take it back to his homeland and build an altar where he would worship God perpetually. He plainly said to the man of God, “For what your God has done for me, I will serve no other god but your God for the rest of my life.”

For a good number of people, God has done several big things for them, and yet they do not have an altar dedicated to worshipping His majesty in their homes. I am not referring to a physical building, but rather a place consecrated to worshipping God and God alone. Some people say that if only they had several rooms, they would dedicate a corner of your room to worshipping Him. Sometime ago, the only place I could worship God without distraction was in my bathroom. There I could sing and dance to God without anybody watching. I could jump and do whatever I wanted in my bid to worship Him. With the door locked, it would just be God and I. if you desire to worship God in spirit and in truth, start by getting a place where you can do that in your home. Also, fix a time or times when you will do this, so that the manifest presence of God will always come down at such a time. Get your Bible, hymn book, notebook and anything else that can aid your worship and get on with it. Be a perpetual worshipper of God!

Action Point: Worshipping God is one of the few activities we will continue to do in eternity. Ask God for grace to worship Him continuously and acceptably.

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.

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Kenneth Copeland’s daily devotional May 7, 2017 - The Grace of Giving

Topic: The Grace of Giving [Sunday May 7, 2017]

Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also. - 2 Corinthians 8:7

How do you give to the Lord?

Do you just drop some money in the plate at church without much thought? Or do you just write a check to God at the first of every month and pay Him like you pay all your other bills?

You need to think about that because how you give is a matter of deep concern to God. He’s particular about how offerings are given. He won’t receive just any old thing however you feel like giving it.

In Malachi, for example, God refused to receive Israel’s offerings. They were bringing Him their defective animals, their blind calves and the injured ones they couldn’t do anything else with—and God said it offended Him. He told them, “You don’t have any reverence or honor for Me, and I’m not going to accept your offering.”

That kind of thing didn’t die out after the book of Malachi. Many today don’t have any reverence for God at offering time. People wait for the preacher to beat them over the head until they feel so guilty they have to reach down in their pocketbooks and get some money out.

But I want you to know, that’s offensive to God. In fact, He spoke directly to a friend of mine about it. The statement He made to her so impressed me, I wrote it down word for word.

It grieves Me when the Church takes offerings, He told her. I said to worship Me. Don’t take from the people, but let them bring their gifts and worship Me. Then they will see the fruits of their giving.

If you and I want God to be pleased with our offerings, we’re going to have to do what the Apostle Paul wrote about in 2 Corinthians 8:7. We’re going to have to learn to “excel in this grace of giving” (New International Version). We’re going to have to quit being casual about it and to learn to give with faith and reverence in worship.

Next time the offering plate is passed, don’t just drop your gift carelessly in the plate. Get serious. Determine to obey God. Worship Him with your money and be thankful. He’ll do more than simply receive it, He’ll open the windows of blessing for you.

Scripture Reading: Malachi 1:1-14

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

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DCLM Daily Manna May 7, 2017 by Pastor Kumuyi – Start Early

Topic: Start Early [Sunday May 7, 2017]

Text: Deuteronomy 21:18-23

Key Verse: "If a man have a stubborn and rebellious son, which will not obey the voice of his father, or the voice of his mother, and that, when they have chastened him, will not hearken unto them" (Deuteronomy 21:18).

A Christian woman narrated an unpleasant scene she witnessed at a supermarket. She said, "A woman was shopping with her son, who was about 10 years old. The child could be heard all over the store, demanding to leave. The mother continued to shop while the child’s demands became louder and more insistent.

Finally, with his hands on his hips, the boy screamed, "I want to go and I want to go NOW!" When his mother quietly told him that she still needed to get some wares, the boy hit her. The mother laughed apologetically and said "Now, Jason, that wasn’t nice"." The Christian lady was clearly seeing the mother’s ‘acquittal’ of her son’s unruly behavior. In the present rapidly changing world, where the positive values of yesteryear are crashing out, owing to the destructive impact of television, movies, Internet, pornography, music and drugs, caring parents’ influence over their children is inalienable. One major reasons for waywardness in children is that parents begin child training too late.

They do not pay much attention to their children until they become wayward and difficult to control. This is contrary to the injunction in the Scripture which says, "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it" (Proverbs 22:6). God expects that we begin training, moulding and nurturing our children while they are still very young. He expects us to teach them little by little while they are still growing. But if we neglect this important duty in their formative years, when they grow older, it will be difficult, if not impossible to train them.

Our children will consider us incompetent parents, which will encourage them to perpetrate evils without remorse. Unfortunately, it is when children get to this worrisome stage, that parents wake up to reality and thereafter nervously struggle to change the children overnight by compulsion. Let us prayerfully bring all our children, biological and spiritual to godly and parental authority NOW!

Thought for the day: A child without godly and parental dictates easily lacks the control of his impulses and no better than a vagabond.

Bible Reading in one Year: 1 Chronicles 25-29

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

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Dunamis’ Daily Devotional May 7, 2017 by Pastor Paul Enenche – Association That Enhances Greatness

Topic: Association That Enhances Greatness [Sunday May 7, 2017]

Scripture: And the man waxed great, and went forward, and grew until he became very great: Genesis 26:13

Thought For The Day: Being part of a great system makes one great in life.

Yesterday we saw that being part of a great system makes one great in life. The Bible confirms this fact when it says that he that walks with the wise is wise (Proverbs 13:20).

Now, to illustrate this point with a practical example: every part of an elephant is big – even the toe nails of an elephant are not small because the elephant is naturally big. Also, every part of a lion is ‘lionic’ – they carry the lion’s gene.
So, even if the devil tells you that you are not great as a person, provided you are connected to God, your greatness is confirmed.

At the beginning of our Ministry, people thought we were wasting our time going into ministry, but now, it is clear that it was not and will never be a waste of time.

Maybe before now, when you told people that you have surrendered everything about you to God, they mocked you, but now, they are watching you at the top where God has positioned you.

Beloved, if the devil wants to disconnect you from your destiny, he disconnects you from God and from any great source you are connected to. Therefore, make up your mind not to be distracted and disconnected from your Source of greatness in life.

Remember this: Being part of a great system makes one great in life.

Assignment(s):

1.    Make up your mind to associate with greatness.

2.    Remain permanently connected to the great God.

3.    Deploy your potential anywhere you find yourself.

FOR FURTHER UNDERSTANDING, GET THIS MESSAGE: POTENTIAL IS NOT ENOUGH.

Prayer: O LORD, help me to be great in life. Give me the grace to deploy my potentials for the fulfilment of my destiny, LORD in Jesus’ Name.

Daily Reading: 2 Samuel 9:1 to 11:27, John 15:1 to 27, Psalm 119:49 to 64, Proverbs 16: 1 to 3.

Quote: Not everybody around God is with God. Culled from “REASON FOR LIVING” by Dr Paul Enenche.

Amazing Fact: An octopus has 3 hearts.

Today In History: 7/5/1945 - Germany signed unconditional surrender ending World War II.

PROPHETIC PARENTAL BLESSING: In this fifth month, I prophesy that God shall perfect all that concerns you. Every crooked path around your life, marriage, career, academics, business and destiny shall be straightened, in Jesus’ Name.

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Our Daily Bread Devotional, May 7, 2017 - Praise in the Dark

Topic: Praise in the Dark [Sunday May 7, 2017]

Read: Matthew 26:17–30, Bible in a Year: 2 Kings 1–3; Luke 24:1–35

Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. Hebrews 13:15

Even though my friend Mickey was losing his eyesight, he told me, “I’m going to keep praising God every day, because He’s done so much for me.”

Jesus gave Mickey, and us, the ultimate reason for such never-ending praise. The twenty-sixth chapter of Matthew tells us about how Jesus shared the Passover meal with His disciples the night before He went to the cross. Verse 30 shows us how they concluded the meal: “When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.”

It wasn’t just any hymn they sang that night—it was a hymn of praise. For millennia, Jews have sung a group of Psalms called “The Hallel” at Passover (hallel is the Hebrew word for “praise”). The last of these prayers and songs of praise, found in Psalms 113–118, honors the God who has become our salvation (118:21). It refers to a rejected stone that became a cornerstone (v. 22) and one who comes in the name of the Lord (v. 26). They may very well have sung, “The Lord has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad” (v. 24).

As Jesus sang with His disciples on this Passover night, He was giving us the ultimate reason to lift our eyes above our immediate circumstances. He was leading us in praise of the never-ending love and faithfulness of our God.

Prayer: You are always worthy of praise, Lord, even when I don’t feel like praising You! Help me to learn to praise You more and more.

Praising God helps us recall His goodness that never ends.

Insight:

How might Jesus’s example encourage you to praise God during hard times?

This message was written By James Banks [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]

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Billy Graham’s daily devotional May 7, 2017 - Truth Brings Freedom

Topic: Truth Brings Freedom [Sunday May 7, 2017]

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

The mark of a true Christian is found in his personal relationship to the Person of Jesus Christ. Christianity is Christ. Christ is Christianity. I speak reverently when I say that Jesus is more than His ideas. All that He said was true, but without Him even the truth would have been powerless. Men know the power of truth, and truth is that which sets men free. Jesus said, “I am the truth.”

Prayer for the day: Thank You, Jesus, for the shackles that have been broken in my life!

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

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Ray Stedman A Daily Devotion May 5th 2017- How To Walk As He Walked

TOPIC- How To Walk As He Walked


Read the Scripture: 1 John 2:3-6

By this we may be sure that we are in him: he who says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked (1 John 2:5b-6 RSV).



This phrase, abides in him, means exactly the same thing as fellowships with him. The Lord Jesus made that clear when He said, as is recorded in John's gospel, No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me (John 15:4b). You can be in Christ, as a member of the vine, and bear only leaves. That is mere relationship. But if you want fruit in your life, there must be that further attitude of abiding in Him, resting in Him. That is what produces significant results in life.

The sign of abiding is to walk in the same way in which Christ walked. That does not mean to do the same things that Jesus did; that means to act from the same principle upon which He acted, to reflect the same kind of relationship to the Father that He had. That is the sign of fellowship. Ray Stedman A Daily Devotion

What was the secret of our Lord's power? That is what brought Nicodemus to Him by night: to try to ferret out the secret if he could. Many others came wondering what the secret of His power was. The amazing thing was that He kept telling people what it was. But we skip over it with easy disregard. He said, the Son of Man does not do these things of Himself. That is, I'm not doing this; the Father who dwells in Me is doing it. I don't speak these words of Myself, but I speak only that which I hear the Father say. It's the Father who speaks the words; it's the Father who does the work. I am a man, available to Him, but He is in Me, and His working in Me is the secret of the things that I do. I am simply counting on Him every minute to be at work and to do these things, and He does them (cf. John 14:10-11).


 That is the great secret, and that is one of the hardest things for Christians to learn. How did He walk? He walked in total, unrelenting, unbroken fellowship and dependence upon the activity of the Father who indwelt Him. But that seems so hard for us to learn. With us, it is the Son of God who lives within us, and He has come to reproduce the effect of His death and the power of His resurrection—to live again His life in us. But we have such difficulty with this. Our attitude is, Please, Father. I'd rather do it myself We are brought up with the idea that we have in ourselves an ability to act significantly, that God is looking to us to act on His behalf, and if we fail Him, the whole program will fall apart, but if we do accomplish something for God, He should be eternally grateful to us for our faithfulness.

But this is not what a Christian is called to do. A quiet, unrelenting dependence upon an indwelling God to be always at work in us, reproducing the value of His death and the power of His resurrection—that is what Christianity is, that is what fellowship is, and that is what abiding in Him means.

Thank you, Lord, that You are making provision for me, filling me with Your very life. I pray that I may grasp this more and more and cooperate with You in it.
Life Application: What does it mean to have the life of Christ in us? Have we grasped this abiding reality that Jesus demonstrated to us as the way for us to walk with God?

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Open Heavens 5 May 2017: Friday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Any Pending Vows?

Topic: Any Pending Vows? [Friday 5, May 2017]

Memorise: When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed. – Ecclesiastes 5:4

Read: Ecclesiastes 5:4-6 (KJV)

4 When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed.

5 Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay.

6 Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin; neither say thou before the angel, that it was an error: wherefore should God be angry at thy voice, and destroy the work of thine hands?

Bible in One Year: Deuteronomy 2-3, Jeremiah 25:34-26:11, Hymn: Sing hymn 14

MESSAGE:

Our God is a God of faithfulness and He takes vows seriously (Deuteronomy 7:9). In Genesis 28:20-22, Jacob made a vow to the Lord at a time of distress and uncertainty in his life. Twenty years later, after the Lord had prospered Him, the Lord reminded him of the vow he had made unto Him (Genesis 31:13). Later, the Lord reminded him yet again of his vow and instructed him to move on from where he was to the place where he would fulfil his vow (Genesis 35:1-6). It does not matter how long ago you made a vow, God doesn’t forget!

“When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed.” - Ecclesiastes 5:4

One of the lessons from the above passage is that you are not compelled to make a vow to God. However, if you do, don’t delay in redeeming it, or else God will regard you as a fool. It is important to know that in life; what comes or doesn’t come to you will be largely determined by your spiritual standing or status before God. If God sees you as righteous, He will release all the blessings reserved for the righteous upon you, as long as you ask Him. In other words, if your status before God is that of a righteous fellow, God will treat you with respect. He will treat you like he would treat His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, who accorded you that righteous standing. However, if you violate His words and that lingers, it can definitely affect your spiritual status and change the way God relates with you. For instance, if you fail to pay your vow after so long a time, your status is changed from that of a righteous person to that of a fool. Eventually, you lose the honour, respect and royal treatment God accords to the righteous. Why? It is because a fool denies the existence of God (Psalms 14:1). In other words, if you believe God exists and is aware of your vow, you would hurriedly redeem it. When you do not pay your vow to Him, you are saying that God does not exist, and this puts you into the same category as King Nebuchadnezzar, who in Daniel 3:15 pompously asked, “Who is that God that can deliver you from my hands?” When God is thrown such a challenge, whether verbally, in thought or through actions, He is forced to accept the challenge and to prove His existence. Vow defaulters call for God’s divine hammer to fall on them. Some people make a vow or pledge to God, yet one or two months after God has kept part, they are still dilly-dallying on fulfilling their vow. Are you defaulting in your vows to the Lords? Ask God for forgiveness and immediately set out to redeem them.

Action Point: Take stock of all your pending vows and take steps to redeem them 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.

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DCLM Daily Manna May 5, 2017 by Pastor Kumuyi – Resurrected As Angels

Topic: Resurrected As Angels [Friday May 5, 2017]

Text: Mark 12:18-27

Key Verse: "For when they shall rise from the dead, they neither marry, nor are given in marriage; but are as the angels which are in heaven" (Mark 12:25).

The resurrection of the dead is a cardinal doctrine of the Bible. In fact, there will be a physical resurrection of all who died in this world, whether as sinners or as believers. Resurrection is the coming together of the body and soul of those who would have died before the rapture. Jesus exemplified the resurrection when He rose from the dead, thus, becoming the pioneer and setting the stage for this glorious experience. All resurrected bodies will be immortal like those of angels.

The question of the Sadducees about whose wife the dead woman will be at the resurrection came out of ignorance or non-acceptance of the doctrine of the resurrection of the dead. At resurrection, the saints will be like angels in Heaven, who neither marry nor are given in marriage. Jesus told them they erred because they knew not the Scriptures, neither the power of God to raise the dead. God is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living. In the intervening period between death and the resurrection, the soul of the believer goes to Paradise.

This fact is exemplified by Christ’s statement to the repentant thief on the cross: "Today shall thou be with me in paradise" (Luke 23:39-43). It is interesting to know that it is from Paradise that Christ later rose from the dead and ascended into Heaven. On the other hand, when a sinner dies, his/her soul goes immediately to hell, where he is conscious of ensuring and engulfing pains and anguish. The doubt and unbelief of scoffers will not prevent the complete resurrection programme of God for both the saved and the unsaved in the same way it did not prevent the resurrection of our Saviour and Lord, Jesus Christ.

The only way to partake in the First resurrection, which will take place at the rapture and avoid the shame and sorrow of the second resurrection, is to totally surrender to Christ today by repenting, confessing and forsaking all sins. If saved already, the need to continue to live in peace and holiness without which no man shall see the Lord and prepare to be a resurrected angel is of paramount importance. Beyond that, an entire consecration of every life for God’s use is an absolute necessity for all heaven-bound saints.

Thought for the day: Salvation: key to be a resurrected angel.

Bible Reading in one Year: 1 Chronicles 16-20

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

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Dunamis’ Daily Devotional May 5, 2017 by Pastor Paul Enenche – Activating the Hidden Greatness

Topic: Activating the Hidden Greatness [Friday May 5, 2017]

Scripture: And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. Matthew 25:15.

Thought For The Day: Everyone is wired by God with unique potentials and abilities.

In life, I have realized that the discovery of one’s potentials, abilities and talents is critical to the maximization and fulfilment of one’s destiny.

Everyone is endowed by God with unique set of potentials and talents according to our anchor scripture.

Now, what is potential?

The word potential connotes latent qualities, abilities or capacities of a person that may be developed for current and future usefulness or impact. It can also be seen as the hidden gifts, talents or endowments that one is born with which when properly developed can make one great in life.

However, it is important to know that just having potential is not enough for the maximization of destiny. Rather, it is the discovery and deployment of potential that is a major factor behind the fulfilment of destiny.

Many people who are destined to be great remain less than what they were created to be because of their ignorance of the potentials they carry. It is your duty to activate your potentials by deploying them.

Beloved, discover and deploy your potentials for the maximization of destiny.

Remember this: Everyone is wired by God with unique potentials and abilities.

Assignment (s):

1.     Discover the hidden potentials in you at the place of prayer.

2.     Deploy your potentials in order to maximize your destiny.

FOR FURTHER UNDERSTANDING, GET THIS MESSAGE: MAXIMIZING YOUR LIFE.

Prayer: Help me LORD, to discover the hidden potentials in me. Give me the grace to deploy them in Jesus’ Name.

Daily Reading: Judges 15:1 to 16:31, John 2:1 to 25, Psalm  103:1 to 22, Proverbs14:17 to 19.

Quote: Your relevance is a function of your learning. Culled from ‘21 UNCOMMON KEYS TO FINANCIAL OVERFLOW’ by Dr Paul Enenche.

Amazing Fact: The tongue is the only muscle in the human body that works without any support from the skeleton.

Today In History: 05/05/1961
From Cape Canaveral, Florida, Navy Commander Alan Bartlett Shepard Jr. was launched into space aboard the Freedom 7 space capsule, becoming the first American astronaut to travel into space.

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

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Our Daily Bread Devotional, May 5, 2017 - The Ministry of Memory

Topic: The Ministry of Memory [Friday May 5, 2017]

Read: Jeremiah 29:4–14, Bible in a Year: 1 Kings 19–20; Luke 23:1–25

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

Our experiences of loss and disappointment may leave us feeling angry, guilty, and confused. Whether our choices have closed some doors that will never reopen or, through no fault of our own, tragedy has invaded our lives, the result is often what Oswald Chambers called “the unfathomable sadness of ‘the might have been.’ ” We may try to suppress the painful memory, but discover we can’t.

Chambers reminds us that the Lord is still active in our lives. “Never be afraid when God brings back the past,” he said. “Let memory have its way. It is a minister of God with its rebuke and chastisement and sorrow. God will turn the ‘might have been’ into a wonderful [place of growth] for the future.”

In Old Testament days when God sent the people of Israel into exile in Babylon, He told them to serve Him in that foreign land and grow in faith until He brought them back to their home. “ ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’ ” (Jer. 29:11).

God urged them not to ignore or be trapped by events of the past but instead to focus on Him and look ahead. The Lord’s forgiveness can transform the memory of our sorrow into confidence in His everlasting love.

Prayer: Father, thank You for Your plans for us, and for the future that awaits us in Your love.

God can use our deepest disappointments to nurture our faith in Him.

Insight:

What is one past sorrow that you find great difficulty in letting go? How does God’s promise in Jeremiah 29:11–14 comfort and encourage you as you turn your pain over to the Lord?

This message was written By David C. McCasland [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]

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Billy Graham’s daily devotional May 5, 2017 - The Need For Love

Topic: The Need For Love [Friday May 5, 2017]

Keep yourselves in the love of God . . . — Jude 1:21

A husband and wife visited an orphanage where they hoped to adopt a child. In an interview with the boy they wanted, they told him in glowing terms about the many things they could give him. To their amazement the little fellow said, “If you have nothing to offer except a good home, clothes, toys, and the other things that most kids have-why, I would just as soon stay here.” “What on earth could you want besides those things?” the woman asked. “I just want someone to love me,” replied the little boy.

There you have it! Even a little boy knows that “man shall not live by bread alone.” Our deeper yearnings and longings can be met only by a renewed fellowship with the One in whose image we were created, God.

Prayer for the day: Thank You for loving me, God. This knowledge never ceases to amaze me. I praise and love You, my heavenly Father

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

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Joel Osteen Ministries Devotional May 4, 2017- HE IS A REWARDER

HE IS A REWARDER


TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:
"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him."
(Hebrews 11:6, NIV)

TODAY'S WORD:
Do you see God as a rewarder today? Notice this verse doesn’t say that God rewards those who “deserve” it or have “earned” it. It doesn’t say that God rewards those who act perfectly and never make mistakes.

No, God’s blessing isn’t based on our performance, it’s based on our faith—our belief in Him and His goodness. In fact, one verse says that He longs to be good to those who are looking for His goodness!

I encourage you today to spend some time meditating on His goodness and dwelling on His faithfulness.

Look for Him and expect Him to act. Spend some time reading the Psalms and begin to praise and thank Him for all He is doing. Open your eyes of faith and see all of the wonderful things He has prepared for you. Let His Word shape your thoughts, and remember He is a rewarder! He wants to bless you today because you earnestly seek after Him!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Father God, thank You for Your Word which fills my heart and mind with faith. I believe that You are good and that You are a rewarder. I choose to put my trust in You knowing that You have blessings in store for my future in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Joseph Prince Devotional May 4, 2017- No More Sleepless Nights

No More Sleepless Nights


May 04, 2017

Psalm 127:2
It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows; for so He gives His beloved sleep.

Topics
Rest

Keywords
Rest , Beloved , Care(s) , Worries , Sleep

Scripture Reference
Psalms

Are you one of those who have trouble sleeping at night? Perhaps just this morning you said, “I was up the whole night—my boy was running a high fever,” or “I slept for only two hours—I was awake polishing up my presentation,” or “I couldn’t sleep at all—I was worried about the bills that are piling up.”

God “gives His beloved sleep”. Who are His beloved? You and I! Because we are in Christ, we are His beloved. (Ephesians 1:6; 2 Thessalonians 2:13)

God says, “It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows…” In other words, it is pointless to worry and lose sleep because the truth is, “Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it; unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.” (Psalm 127:1)

So let God be the one who builds your career and watches over your financial investments. Let Him be the one who guards your health, marriage and children. Don’t worry and stay up late as if you are the source of the increase, or the one who has the power to make things happen and save the situation. No, God is the one and He says to you, “My beloved child, throw that care to Me and go to sleep.” And while you are sleeping, He is working on your situation. He, who neither slumbers nor sleeps (Psalm 121:3–4), works the night shift for you as you sleep!

But because we are such doers and performers, it is hard for us to let go and let God take over. But when we actually do, casting all our cares, anxieties and worries once and for all into His hands, we will see how He cares for us affectionately and watchfully. (1 Peter 5:7) We will see Him taking care of our problems and working things out for good. (Romans 8:28)

Beloved, trust your Father’s love for you. Cast your cares on Him and have no more sleepless nights

Thought For The Day
Cast all your cares and worries into God’s hands, and see how He cares for you affectionately and watchfully.

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Joyce Meyer's daily devotional May 4, 2017- THE HELP OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

THE HELP OF THE HOLY SPIRIT


May 04, 2017

For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
—Romans 8:5 KJV

Romans 8:5 teaches us that if we “mind” the flesh, we will walk in the flesh. But if we “mind” the things of the Spirit, we will walk in the Spirit. Our actions follow our thoughts!

Let me put it another way: If we think fleshly thoughts, wrong thoughts, and negative thoughts, we cannot walk in the Spirit. It seems as if renewed, godlike thinking is a vital necessity to a successful Christian life.

Your life may be in a state of chaos because of years of wrong thinking. If so, it is important for you to come to grips with the fact that your life will not get straightened out until your mind does. You should consider this area one of vital necessity.

Ask God to help you learn to think thoughts that He would have you think. You cannot overcome any problem by determination alone. It is important to be determined, but determined in the Holy Spirit, not in the effort of your own flesh. The Holy Spirit is close to you. He is your Helper—seek His help. Lean on Him. You can make it with His help.

Give the Holy Spirit control of your life. He will lead you into the perfect will of God for you, which includes exceeding, abundant blessings, peace, and joy.

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David Abioye's Daily Devotional May 4, 2017 – BEWARE OF HELP FROM MEN

BEWARE OF HELP FROM MEN


| Today: 2017-05-04


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


Where you are now is the platform for your future placement.
You don’t wait to become big to manage well: you manage well to become big.
Don’t wait to have fruits to be faithful.
It is when you are faithful that you can become fruitful.
Appreciate where you are and you will not cease to appreciate in life.
Appreciation of God is the spring board for appreciation of destiny.
I have never met with an ungrateful progressive man.
Unthankfulness will always lead to depreciation.
There is no doubt a grateful heart will result into a graceful life.
If you want to be graceful, be grateful.
Use gratitude to enhance your altitude.

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Open Heavens 4 May 2017: Thursday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Help for The Helpless

Topic: Help for The Helpless [Thursday 4, May 2017]

Memorise: The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. – Psalm 46:7

Read: Psalm 9:18-20 (KJV)

18 For the needy shall not alway be forgotten: the expectation of the poor shall not perish for ever.

19 Arise, O LORD; let not man prevail: let the heathen be judged in thy sight.

20 Put them in fear, O LORD: that the nations may know themselves to be but men. Selah.

Bible in One Year: Deuteronomy 1, Jeremiah 25:17-33, Hymn: Sing hymn

MESSAGE:

There are general blessings and also personal blessings. I have observed that anytime David wanted to discuss something that was very important to him, he normally personalised it. For instance, in Psalm 23:1, he says,

“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.”

He did not say, “The Lord is our shepherd.” He was simply saying, “I can only speak for myself; I don’t know about you.” I pray that you will experience God as the Good Shepherd, so that you can testify personally and not just by sharing other people’s experiences. A shepherd is a person who looks after sheep. One thing you will observe about sheep is that they are very defenceless against predators. They cannot bite, they have no claws, and they cannot run fast; their only defence is the shepherd.

You will agree with me that it is a very frightening thing to be defenceless in a hostile world. It is indeed a horrible feeling to be completely hopeless. When a man is sick, he runs to the doctor hoping to be healed, but when the doctor tries his best and says there is nothing else he can do, the sick becomes hopeless. When a man has serious financial problems, he runs to his bank expecting a bail-out, but what will he do when the bank insists on using assets he doesn’t have as collateral? In the same way, when a child is sick, he looks up to his parents for help and care, but how will the child feel if his parents tell him that the forces battling against him are beyond their capability? Worst still, imagine how you will feel if your pastor tells you that after praying all manner of prayers, there is nothing more he can do to help you! It is a terrible thing to feel lonely or forsaken by relatives and loved ones. A man who once experienced such a situation used these words to express his feelings in Psalm 102:6-7:

“6 I am like a pelican of the wilderness: I am like an owl of the desert. 7 I watch, and am as a sparrow alone upon the house top.”

Have you been in such a situation? Do you feel exposed, naked and prone to shame? Are you facing the worst of times with no one to defend you? Has everyone you thought could help deserted you and now you think life is worthless? I bring you good news today! There is hope for the hopeless and cover for the naked. God is so very close to you, and He will reach out and touch you today. The Lord will make a way for you! Call on Him and tell Him you have no one to help you but Him. Ask Him to help you now. He will answer and turn your situation around for good.

Key Point: When everything else has failed, never give up your hope for a better life; although it may take time, help will surely come.

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.

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Kenneth Copeland’s daily devotional May 4, 2017 - No More Surprises

Topic: No More Surprises [Thursday May 4, 2017]

But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. - 1 Corinthians 2-10

God is not full of surprises. He’s not an unpredictable being who likes to keep you guessing. Countless believers, however, have the idea He is.

“You just never know what God is going to do,” they say. They base that idea on 1 Corinthians 2:9 which says, “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” They interpret that scripture to mean that God is keeping secrets from His people.

But, praise God, He isn’t!

In fact, verse 10 says He’s given us His Spirit to reveal those secrets to us! He desires for us to know everything that’s on His heart.

If you’re in the dark about God’s will for you, you don’t have to stay that way. He wants you to know about His plans and provisions for your life. He’ll show them to you if you’ll let Him.

So, don’t depend on guesswork. Determine today that you’re going to start receiving that revelation from the Holy Spirit. As you read the Word, pray in the spirit and ask Him to reveal to you the reality of the Scriptures. Ask Him to shed His light on them and show you exactly how they apply to you.

Remember: God isn’t in the business of keeping secrets from you. He’s in the business of revealing them. Take time to listen to Him and you’ll never have to settle for a life of uncertainty again.

Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 2:1-16

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

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Billy Graham’s daily devotional May 4, 2017 - Everlasting Peace

Topic: Everlasting Peace [Thursday May 4, 2017]

But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace . . . — Ephesians 2:13,14

Meaningless mouthings about peace will not bring it to the world. In Glasgow, Scotland, we watched the Communists march around St. George’s Square carrying their banners with the words, “Our motto is PEACE!” My thoughts raced back to Korea, where I had seen the havoc and suffering caused by these people who now use “peace” as their motto.

Peace is more than five little white letters painted on a piece of red cloth, carried by a goose-stepping zealot in a Red parade. It is not a mere cessation of hostilities, a momentary halt in a hot or cold war. Rather, it is something positive. It is a specific relationship with God into which a person is brought. It is a spiritual reality in a human heart which has come into vital contact with the infinite God.

Prayer for the day: Your everlasting peace transcends the promises of mankind, Lord Jesus.

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

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DCLM Daily Manna May 4, 2017 by Pastor Kumuyi – His Perfect Sacrifice

Topic: His Perfect Sacrifice [Thursday May 4, 2017]

Text: Numbers 19:1-10

Key Verse: "And ye shall give her unto Eleazar the priest, that he may bring her forth without the camp, and one shall slay her before his face" (Numbers 19:3).

The practice in the Old Testament was sacrificing animals to atone for the sins of the people. There were different kinds of animal sacrifices: daily, weekly and yearly sacrifices as well as sabbatical sacrifice. Without these sacrifices, nobody could have a relationship with God, including the priests.

The sacrifices, notwithstanding, the people could not be rid of their sins. The sacrifice could not last more than a few days; so the people lived in bondage to sin. In addition, the sacrifices only gave them an abridged sense of peace, offering temporary relief. God, being a holy God, will have nothing to do with impurity. He therefore commanded Moses and Aaron in the text to institute an ordinance of purification for sin. God saw the way people struggled with sin despite the various sacrifices they performed. Hence, He decided to perform one perfect sacrifice for man that would take away sin once and for all (Hebrews 10:12). He provided a sinless Lamb for that purpose. That Lamb is Jesus Christ.

He was sacrificed for the sins of humanity, completely abolishing the sacrifice of anything or anyone else for the remission of sins. Unlike the animal sacrifices that could not rid people of sins, the sacrifice of Christ has remitted the sins of the whole world (Isaiah 53:3-6). In spite of the huge sacrifice Jesus made for humanity, it is sad to note that many people are still in bondage to sin.

Are you still under the weight of guilt and condemnation of sin, when Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God has paid the ultimate price for your freedom? We were to have died for our sins because "the soul that sinneth, it shall die". Yet, Jesus died in our stead to redeem us from eternal damnation. Sin gives the devil unlimited access to afflict and drag a soul to hell. Accept Christ’s sacrifice in absolute faith and submit to the sovereignty of His will to appropriate the fullness of redemption benefits for time and all eternity.

Thought for the day: Without Jesus, life is as the twilight with the dark night ahead.

Bible Reading in one Year: 1 Chronicles 12-15

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

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Dunamis’ Daily Devotional May 4, 2017 by Pastor Paul Enenche – Ingredients for Greatness

Topic: Ingredients for Greatness [Thursday May 4, 2017]

Scripture: Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite. Psalms 147:5

Thought For The Day: Until you are trained, you cannot reign in life.

We serve a great and mighty God. He is the ‘agidigbacious’ and mighty-breasted One.  Since we were created in the image of that same mighty God, it is an abomination for anyone to exist as a nonentity on the earth. Our DNA forbids littleness of life.

However, there are ingredients which when judiciously combined and effectively harnessed will lead to the manifestation of greatness in life.

What then are these ingredients for greatness in life?

1) Potential:

The word potential connotes latent qualities, abilities or capacities of a person that may be developed for current and future usefulness or impact. Everyone on earth has been wired by God with potential(s) for great achievements in life.

2) Packaging:

The right packaging of potential is a vital ingredient for greatness.

3) Presentation:

This simply means exhibition. The way you present yourself and your product (potential) determines your relevance in life.

4. Training:

Until you are trained, you cannot reign in life. It is training that produces quality staff and administration in any organization.

5. Communication:

It does not matter what is in your heart, until it is clearly communicated, nobody would be interested in it.

Dare to be great in life; deal with every spell of littleness in your life. Embrace the life of greatness.

Remember this: Until you are trained, you cannot reign in life.

Assignment(s):

1.     Make up your mind to be great in life.

2.     Company with the great God to experience His greatness

3.     Release the ingredients of greatness in you.

FOR FURTHER UNDERSTANDING, GET THIS MESSAGE: POTENTIAL IS NOT ENOUGH.

Prayer: O LORD, I ask that You remove the mindset of littleness from my life. Grant me the grace to release the ingredients of greatness in me that will make me great, in Jesus’ Name. Draw me closer to Yourself LORD so I can be like You, Lord in Jesus’ Name.

Quote: God has no place for His people but the top. Culled from 30 SECRETS TO THE TOP by Dr Paul Enenche.

Daily Reading: 1 Samuel 12:1 to 13:23, John 7:1 to 30, Psalm 108:1 to 13, Proverbs 15:4.

Amazing Fact: Children laugh about 400 times a day, while adults laugh on average only 15 times a day

Today In History: 4/5/1979 – Margaret Thatcher, leader of the Conservative Party was sworn in as Britain’s first female prime minister.

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

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Our Daily Bread Devotional, May 4, 2017 - Five-Minute Rule

Topic: Five-Minute Rule [Thursday May 4, 2017]

Read: Psalm 102:1–17, Bible in a Year: 1 Kings 16–18; Luke 22:47–71

He will respond to the prayer of the destitute; he will not despise their plea. Psalm 102:17

I read about a five-minute rule that a mother had for her children. They had to be ready for school and gather together five minutes before it was time to leave each day.

They would gather around Mom, and she would pray for each one by name, asking for the Lord’s blessing on their day. Then she’d give them a kiss and off they’d run. Even neighborhood kids would be included in the prayer circle if they happened to stop by. One of the children said many years later that she learned from this experience how crucial prayer is to her day.

The writer of Psalm 102 knew the importance of prayer. This psalm is labeled, “A prayer of an afflicted person who has grown weak and pours out a lament before the Lord.” He cried out, “Hear my prayer, Lord; . . .  when I call, answer me quickly” (vv. 1–2). God looks down “from his sanctuary on high, from heaven he [views] the earth” (v. 19).

God cares for you and wants to hear from you. Whether you follow the five-minute rule asking for blessings on the day, or need to spend more time crying out to Him in deep distress, talk to the Lord each day. Your example may have a big impact on your family or someone close to you.

Prayer: Teach me to be aware of Your presence, Lord, and to talk to You freely and often.


Prayer is an acknowledgment of our need for God.

Insight:

Our Father welcomes us into His presence in prayer, but we also have the encouraging record of Jesus Himself praying for us! As the Teacher moved ever closer to the cross, Jesus prayed for His followers who walked with Him and all (including us) who would later come to Him (John 17:20). And when we pray, the Holy Spirit helps us align our prayers with the Father’s purposes (Rom. 8:26–27).

This message was written By Anne Cetas [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]

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7 Things to avoid in your relationship

7 THINGS TO AVOID IN YOUR RELATIONSHIP

Before we begin, it is important for you to know that no relationship - whether friendship or love relation - is perfect, no matter how hard you try. Your partner has a bad character and so do you. If you are trying to save your relationship or make it a bit happier, here are seven things you and your partner should avoid doing in your relationship.

1. STOP SUSPECTING

It is good to keep in touch with your partner but don't go too far. Relationship is all about trust. So keep in mind that you are his beloved and he isn't going to cheat on you. When you trust your partner then there will be no need to suspect.

2. BREAK THE HABIT OF COMPARING

Comparing your partner others especially your ex or your friends partner will do you more harm than good. It makes you see reasons to break the relationship. Remember nobody is perfect. From time to time we all make comparisons and it often happens unintentionally but this should no go extra mile in your relationship. When you see something your partner is not doing right tell him or her instead of criticizing and comparing. Try as much as possible to concentrate and the aspect of your partner.

3. DONT TAKE YOUR PARTNER FOR GRANTED 

You will never build a long term relationship when you take your partner for granted. Always try to make your partner feel important. Letting your partner know about your love toward her is not sufficient, so you must constantly appreciate your partner for who she or he is.

4. STOP LYING.

To keep you relationship lying must never be an option, no matter how tiny it is. You may even call it white lie. Your white lie today can become black in your relationship tomorrow and may even ruin it. Just try as much as possible to be honest to your partner.

5. GET RID OF ANGER.

Even the bible says that anger lies in the bosom of fools. I know you don't want to be a fool in your relationship. It is important to know that sustaining a relationship is not an easy task because mistakes are inevitable and there is nothing wring with that. All you have to do is discuss about it and try to forgive who ever is wrong. When you are also wrong learn to say am sorry. Anger can never sustain a relationship.

6. DON'T PRESSURIZE YOUR PARTNER TO DO WHAT YOU WANT

When you pressurize your partner, it shows a sign of immaturity. If you behave this way, you are actually disrespecting your partner. If you or your partner continue to pressurize each other from the beginning, that relationship will not last.

7. DON'T LET YOUR RELATIONSHIP BECOME BORING.

At the beginning of a relationship everything is new, so you love to spend time with each other. But as it progresses, the relationship may become boring. You must avoid this as it will crush your relationship eventually. Nobody wants a boring relationship. To  prevent this, always try doingnew things like vising new places, hanging out with friends and constantly doing what your partner likes. Also try to be funny.

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Joyce Meyer's daily devotional May 3 2017 – A Key to Effective Prayer

Topic: A Key to Effective Prayer [Wednesday May 3, 2017]

I do not call you servants (slaves) any longer, for the servant does not know what his master is doing (working out). But I have called you My friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from My Father… — John 15:15

One of the most important keys to effective prayer is approaching God as His friend. When we go to God believing that He sees us as His friends, new wonders are opened to us. We experience new freedom and boldness, which are both things to be extremely grateful for.

If we do not know God as a friend, we will be reluctant to be bold in asking for what we need. But if we go to Him as our friend, without losing our awe of Him, our prayers will stay fresh, exciting, and intimate.

A friendship involves loving and being loved. It means knowing that God is on your side, wanting to help you, cheering you on, and always keeping your best interest in mind. God loves you and desires your friendship!

Prayer of Thanks: Father, I am thankful that You have promised to be my friend. Help me to come to You in prayer, knowing that You love me and You are for me. Thank You, God, that I am never alone. You are my friend, and You are with me.

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David Abioye's Daily Devotional May 3, 2017 – From Where You Are

Topic: From Where You Are [Wednesday May 3, 2017]

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

Where you are now is the platform for your future placement.

You don’t wait to become big to manage well: you manage well to become big.

Don’t wait to have fruits to be faithful.

It is when you are faithful that you can become fruitful.

Appreciate where you are and you will not cease to appreciate in life.

Appreciation of God is the spring board for appreciation of destiny.

I have never met with an ungrateful progressive man.

Unthankfulness will always lead to depreciation.

There is no doubt a grateful heart will result into a graceful life.

If you want to be graceful, be grateful.

Use gratitude to enhance your altitude.

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Open Heavens 3 May 2017: Wednesday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Finding Alternatives?

Topic: Finding Alternatives? [Wednesday 3, May 2017]

Memorise: Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. – Proverbs 3:7

Read: Genesis 16:1-4 (KJV)

1 Now Sarai Abram's wife bare him no children: and she had an handmaid, an Egyptian, whose name was Hagar.

2 And Sarai said unto Abram, Behold now, the LORD hath restrained me from bearing: I pray thee, go in unto my maid; it may be that I may obtain children by her. And Abram hearkened to the voice of Sarai.

3 And Sarai Abram's wife took Hagar her maid the Egyptian, after Abram had dwelt ten years in the land of Canaan, and gave her to her husband Abram to be his wife.

4 And he went in unto Hagar, and she conceived: and when she saw that she had conceived, her mistress was despised in her eyes.

Bible in One Year: Number 34-36, Jeremiah 25:1-16

MESSAGE:

After several years of waiting for God’s promise to be fulfilled, Sarah sat down one day, had a long thinking session, and came up with an alternative plan which she presented to Abraham, and He accepted it. She had been barren for several years and was now obviously tired of being in that state; hence, she decided to give Hagar, one of her slaves, to her husband hoping to get a child through this arrangement. How mistaken she was! Sarah’s experience has a lot to teach contemporary Christians. When God is leading you in a certain direction, or if He has made a promise to you, any contrary opinion or alternative is borne out of impatience, doubt or unbelief. It’s when people can no longer wait for God’s plan that they come up with their own alternatives. One lesson from this story is that man’s alternative charts a new course for you, which can take you completely out of God’s original plan.

Just like Abraham and Sarah, many people have come up with alternatives that have landed them at destination they never expected. But for God’s patience and mercy, the step Abraham and Sarah took was enough to derail from God’s original course. The reason why the Holy Spirit says in Proverbs 3:5-6 that you should subordinate your plans under God’s will is so that He can guide you along His original plan for your life. Believe it or not, God has a plan for your life (Jeremiah 1:4-5). If you follow this plan, you will definitely obey God’s word and remain in His will. God’s word never negates His will for your life (James 1:18). The question is, “Are you still in God’s plan?”

To keep within God’s will, you must be filled with His word and His Spirit, prayerful, watchful, thankful and humble. Why? The natural man within you will always come up with alternatives to God’s perfect plan for your life. You need to be watchful because some alternatives may look like the original plan, but in essence, they are miles apart. If you will access God’s perfect plan for your life, then you must leave no space for the flesh or the devil to give you an alternative. You must trust, rely on and completely depend upon God. God’s choice is always the safe choice. For this reason Proverbs 29:25b says,

“…but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.”

If you depend on God 99% and leave 1% for an alternative, that is enough to derail you. Never reply on what you think you know or your assessment of the situation. No matter how brilliant your ideas may be, God has something better. Bring your plans before God’s searchlight and let Him tell you if it’s okay or not.

Action Point: Has impatience made you pursue your own alternatives? Stop and beat a retreat 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.

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DCLM Daily Manna May 3, 2017 by Pastor Kumuyi – Better Than the Fowls

Topic: Better Than the Fowls [Wednesday May 3, 2017]

Text: Luke 12:13-31

Key Verse: "Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?" (Luke 12:24).

Have you ever seen a worried bird with deep wrinkles on its brow or one with bleary bloodshot eyes caused by sleepless nights of worry? Have you ever seen a bird worried about who would pay rent or mortgage on its nest? Birds don’t worry or fret because they have absolute trust in God for their safety and survival.

Jesus taught His followers not to be anxious about anything, since God, the Giver of life and Feeder of ravens will surely supply all their needs. As a believer, you cannot be compared with innumerable broods of ravens put together. A child of God belongs to God in two ways: by creation and by redemption. God created you with a special purpose to fulfil specific projects for Him in this life. That is why you are extremely and eternally valuable in His sight – far more than the ravens. Your life has present relevance and future significance in God’s programme for the Church and the world. God will never fail nor disappoint His children. What He says, He is able to accomplish.

All we need do is to keep our own part of the covenant. You must resolve to follow God’s instructions diligently. Thereafter, you must never doubt the unfailing power of God. Rather, live daily with the strong assurance of God’s love and power to provide all your needs: spiritual, physical, material, and financial needs. Whenever you find yourself losing sight of your uniqueness in God’s agenda and becoming dejected over the vicissitudes of life, resolve to believe His word, and you will see God’s goodness even in seemingly unpleasant situations.

Thought for the day: "He that feeds the sparrow is too faithful to forget you, His own image and likeness."

Bible Reading in one Year: 1 Chronicles 9-11

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

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Dunamis’ Daily Devotional May 3, 2017 by Pastor Paul Enenche – Understanding Your Unique Potentials

Topic: Understanding Your Unique Potentials [Wednesday May 3, 2017]

Scripture: Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15

Thought For The Day: Where there is no study, there can be no stardom.

It has been established that one’s potential is a key ingredient in the maximization of one’s destiny on earth. Everyone is wired by God with unique potentials for greatness in life.

However, there are many people who are multi-talented and endowed with multi-faceted potentials, yet with low level of productivity. Their level of productivity is not commensurate with their potentials. They can almost do everything with ease yet they have zero or little results in life.

This is because the mere possession of potential is not enough for the fulfillment of destiny. Apart from possessing potentials, a person or an organization with potentials ought to study or research on their potentials in order to maximally fulfill their destiny.

The truth is, there can be no fulfillment in life without the investment of time to study around one’s potential. Where there is no study, there can be no stardom.

Beloved, you might have discovered that you are multi-talented yet you are multi-limited. You might have been endowed with great potentials yet your results cannot be compared with your abilities. My counsel is, study around your potentials to know what it takes to deploy them and fulfill your destiny.

Remember this: Where there is no study, there can be no stardom.

Assignment(s):

1. Be an avid student of the Word

2. Endeavour  to study around your potentials

3. Deploy your potentials with all your strength.

Prayer: Help me LORD to push out the greatness in me for the expansion of Your Kingdom and the benefit of humanity, in Jesus’ Name.

Quote: You cannot rub mind with the Almighty God and be a dull person. Culled from 10 PRINCIPAL SECRETS OF PRINCIPAL PEOPLE By Dr Paul Enenche.

Daily Reading: Judges 17:1 to 18:31, John 3:1 to 21, Psalm 104:1 to 23, Proverbs 14:20 to 21.

Amazing Fact: Our tongue is the home of our taste buds

Today In History: 03/05/1952 - The first airplane landed at the geographic North Pole.

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

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Billy Graham’s daily devotional May 3, 2017 - Seeing Our Need

Topic: Seeing Our Need [Wednesday May 3, 2017]

Only a fool would say to himself, ‘There is no God.' And why does he say it? Because of his wicked heart, his dark and evil deeds. His life is corroded with sin. — Psalm 53:1 (TLB)

We live like a little ant on this little speck of dust out in space. We get a Ph.D. degree and we strut across the stage and say, “Well, I don’t know whether or not there is a God.” And we can’t even control ourselves. We can’t even keep from blowing ourselves apart. We can’t even keep from manufacturing nuclear weapons that could destroy the world. We can’t even keep from hating each other, and fighting with each other, and killing each other.

We can’t even keep from stealing from each other. We can’t even keep from dying, because all of us are going to die. No wonder the Bible says, “The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God,” because a man that would deny the existence of God is a fool.

Prayer for the day: Almighty God, help me to live in such a way, that when I tell others of Your existence, they will be drawn to acknowledge and receive You.

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

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4 ways your phone is damaging your health

4 ways your phone is damaging your health

The world at large has been addicted to the use of smart phones, which has been our source of news, communication, entertainment and so much more. There is little they can't do these days.
Despite its usefulness, it still cause harm to our health. It can lead to

1. CANCER RISK.
A new study from Sweden suggest decades of cell phone use can triple your chances for brain cancer. This study looks at users who are constantly holing cell phones against their heads. In 2011, the world health organization conceded cell phones as being carcinogenic. So refuse the rate you use your cell phones.

2. DISEASES CARRIERS
Let's be honest, how often do you cell your cell phone? Research shows that most of our cell phones are as dirty as public toilet(we fail to realize this fact). Research also shows that the heat emitted from our cells phones help in bacteria growth. This means that your cell phone today maybe the source of you disease tomorrow.
3. SPINAL MISALIGNMENT

The constant checking of your cell phone leads to constant tilting down of your head to look at your phones screen. This in turn can lead to back and neck pain as well as migraine. You check yourself now to know if your are filling any pain.

4. EYE STRAIN
Eye strain can result from looking at your phone or computer screen for a long time. It is something that has been affecting people since the advent of personal computers which we now carry about in our pockets. In fact it even has a medical name - computer vision syndrome - The good news is that computer vision syndrome doesn't seem to have any long term effect, however, its immediate symptoms aren't very pleasant. To decrease your eye strain, simply take a break for a minute or two every half an hour or so.
ADVISE
Cell phones expose a great deal of radiation and your best bet for protecting your brain is to reduce the amount of verbal conversation you are having on the phone. Use speaker phone when you're at home and utilize text messages when you can.
                                                                                        INSPIRATIONALFAMILY
REFERENCES
Fit day
Global healing center

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