Living Beyond Average

LIVING BEYOND AVERAGE
More than 90% of the world never make history. They never achieve the pick of there lives because they fail to utilize the inbuilt potential created with them. This is because they are locked down in the the shallow cupboard of there minds and yet they are satisfied.
To live beyond average you must first realize that you are not in the place you ought to be and you must hunger and thirst for something more. I mean something really more.
The next step is to be determined to do something about it. Here are the list of what can help bring out the potential In you.
1. LOOKING INWARD
2. LOOKING OUTWARD
3. LOOKING UPWARD.
Let's discuss these one after the other. It may take a long time before we get through them. However if really you what to be above average then you will follow us till the very last.
Before we begin you must note that 'KNOWING WITHOUT ACTING IS AS BAD AS DOING WRONG'. this therefore means that reading our article without acting on it is doing wrong to yourself because you will be wasting your time.
Today will shall be discussing LOOKING INWARD.
LOOKING INWARD (PART I)
REALIZING YOUR INBUILT POTENTIAL

(your inbuilt potential is the power needed to propel you to your greatness)

God has made you just like himself and he has deposited greatness within you. Many has failed to realize this, that's why they live a life of mediocrity and swim in happiness of average achievements. This ought not to be so because you are a replica of God, made with an inbuilt potential. God is above average.
All you have to do is just look inward and you will find that potential within. I heard of a story about a husband and wife who were traveling in a car made of four cylinder engine. The car was moving with ease with two of four cylinders on the smooth highway until it got to a hill. The car began to decelerate and its engine began to roar. But sooner the car began moving with similar velocity with that it was moving on the smooth highway. What has happened to the car? It has switched from using two cylinders into using the third and the fourth and finally overcame the hill. Note when the car began to use the third and the fourth. It was when it was confronted by a hill. Why am I telling this story?
I tell this story because you are like that car created with four cylinders. You may be operating under two cylinders, some even one. Know today that you can do better than what you are doing now. All you need to be above average is within you. Yes I say its within you. Don't look at your weakness but rather improve on your strength and you will become better and better as the day goes by. Always remember that the absence of problem don't make great people but the ability to manage them does.
' KNOWING WITHOUT ACTING IS AS BAD AS DOING WRONG '
Thank you very much for visiting our page today. Please do well to share this post and be an inspiration to someone. Join us tomorrow as we continue the living beyond average series

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David Abioye's Daily Devotional May 13, 2017 – Strive For Excellence Prt 1

Topic: Strive For Excellence Prt 1 [Saturday May 13, 2017]

Excellence can be defined in two ways.

With God, it is a perfect state.

With human, it is an improvement process.

Excellence don’t come cheap, you have to strive for it.

The word strive is used as it relates to sport or competition.

To strive means to struggle; The struggle is not altogether vile or vain word. It means a violent effort or vigorous contest. i.e. to contend with an adversary.

To make effort.

It is human effort that produces divine effect.

To push forward; to press through.

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Joyce Meyer's daily devotional May 13 2017 – The Condition of Our Minds

Topic: The Condition of Our Minds [Saturday May 13, 2017]

…But we have the mind of Christ (the Messiah) and do hold the thoughts (feelings and purposes) of His heart. — 1 Corinthians 2:16

I reached the curb in front of the airport, where my friend would pick me up. I was calm and relaxed and thought of the great conversation we would have. To my surprise, she wasn’t there yet. That was odd because she’s the kind of person who is never late for anything. I remained calm and peaceful. I spotted what I thought was her car and took a step forward, but the car went past me, and there was a stranger in it.

Not more than three minutes had passed, but I realized I was anxious and worried. What had happened to her? Had she been in an accident? Did she forget me? From calmness to anxiety in less than three minutes, and nothing had changed—nothing except my mind. Worried thoughts struggled inside me.

I pulled out my cell phone and started to dial, when I heard a car honking, as she pulled up to the curb. My mind shifted once again to calmness, even joyfulness. How quickly my emotions had shifted in that short period of time.

My mind had quickly changed when my circumstances did. Sometimes I find it easy to hear God speak . . . and to believe without any difficulty. Yet at other times, worry and anxiety push their way into my mind. The Bible says we are to walk by faith and not by sight, but that day at the airport, I was definitely being led by what I saw. When we worry, we are not walking in faith and trusting God.

For a long period of my life, I had a critical, suspicious, and judgmental mind. That may seem normal for many nonbelievers, but I was a Christian. I was going along with the same thinking and mindset that I had known for years. It was normal to me—it was just the way I was. For years, I had no awareness that my wrong thinking was causing any problems.

Because no one had taught me, I didn’t know I could do anything to change my thought life. It simply had not occurred to me. No one had taught me about the proper condition for the believer’s mind. God offers us a new way to think and a new way to live.

God has called us to renew our minds (see Romans 12:2). For most of us, it is an ongoing process. We don’t control our thinking all at one time.

One day I read 1 Corinthians 2:16, where Paul says we have the mind of Christ. What could he have meant? I pondered that verse for days. I concluded that for us to have the mind of Christ doesn’t mean we’re sinless or perfect. It does mean we begin to think the way Christ thinks. If we have His mind, we think on those things that are good and honorable and loving.

I confessed to God how many times my mind had focused on the ugly, the mean, and the harsh.

In 1 Corinthians 2:14, Paul wrote, But the natural, nonspiritual man does not accept or welcome or admit into his heart the gifts and teachings and revelations of the Spirit of God, for they are folly (meaningless nonsense) to him . . . because they are spiritually discerned and estimated and appreciated. Yes, I thought, that’s exactly how it works. The natural mind—even that of the Christians whose minds are tampered with by Satan—doesn’t grasp what God is doing. Those things seem foolish.

We must remind ourselves that we have Christ’s mind—we have the ability to think loving and caring thoughts. We can defeat Satan’s attacks.

Holy God, I want to live with the mind of Christ. I ask You to enable me to think positive, loving, caring thoughts about myself and about others. Help me to see and think on the good things in life and not the bad. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Open Heavens 13 May 2017: Saturday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Forbid Extension!

Topic: Forbid Extension! [Saturday 13, May 2017]

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

Read: Genesis 15:10-15 (KJV)

10 And he took unto him all these, and divided them in the midst, and laid each piece one against another: but the birds divided he not.

11 And when the fowls came down upon the carcases, Abram drove them away.

12 And when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and, lo, an horror of great darkness fell upon him.

13 And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years;

14 And also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge: and afterward shall they come out with great substance.

15 And thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age.

Bible in One Year: Deuteronomy 18-20, Jeremiah 30:10-24, Hymn: Sing hymn 4

MESSAGE:

One assurance you have as a believer is that the boat of your life and endeavours cannot sink. Be assured that every storm, contrary wind and wave that is working against you is only for an appointed time. The Holy Spirit made this clear in 1 Peter 5:10 when He said,

“But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.”

Beloved, don’t believe the lie of the devil that things will continue to get worse. They will not! Don’t believe that the unpleasant situation you find yourself in will persist. It will not! Every pain, sorrow or distress is for a set time and it will definitely expire. After its expiration, the imperfect shall be perfected, the unstable shall be established, the weak shall be strengthened and there shall be divine settlement. These shall be your portion from now in Jesus’ Name!

However, sometimes, the devil attempts to extend the period of a trial of faith beyond what was originally sanctioned by God. This is why we need to know God’s will concerning a situation and thereafter stand on it. You need to know your kingdom rights and insist on receiving them. The devil is rightly called a thief in John 10:10. He steals what does not belong to him. Any ground you fail to conquer in the Kingdom will be lost to the enemy’s camp. Any promise of God you do not know and lay claim to shall be lost to the enemy. How much of God’s promises and prophecies do you know? How many of them have you laid claim to? Do you know that God can allow you go through a trial of faith situation for three years, but if you fail to know the exact duration or are not sensitive enough, the devil can take advantage of that situation and prolong the hardship? This was the case in today’s reading. God spoke of Abraham’s descendants going into slavery in a strange land for a period of 400 years and thereafter they would come out with great wealth; but do you know that by the time the Israelites were delivered, they had spent an extra 30 years in slavery (Exodus 12:40)! Even today, many believers have allowed the devil to enjoy extra time afflicting them. They have moved from the preset trial period to a period of satanic affliction, thinking they are still going through the God-ordained trial of faith. How can you check this? Ask God. Seek His face over it. Use all the weapons you have as a Christian: the Name of Jesus, the Blood of Jesus, the promises of God and a life of holiness to combat that unpleasant situation. If the situation stops, it means your trial is over.

Prayer Point: Every Satanic extension to my “trial of faith” period is terminated now in Jesus’ Name.

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

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Kenneth Copeland’s daily devotional May 13, 2017 - Take Your Place

Topic: Take Your Place [Saturday May 13, 2017]

[For my determined purpose is] that I may know Him [that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly], and that I may in that same way come to know the power outflowing from His resurrection. - Philippians 3:10, The Amplified Bible

The more you fellowship with God around His Word, the more you’ll know the “power outflowing from His resurrection.” You’ll develop joy. You’ll develop faith. You’ll start developing God’s own characteristics...just by fellowshiping with Him. You’ll begin to understand who you really are in Jesus.

I remember one day I was reading the story of the woman with the issue of blood who touched the hem of Jesus’ garment and was healed.

I’d read the story many times and pictured myself as almost everyone in the story, just experiencing how it would feel to be someone in the crowd or even the one who was healed.

Suddenly God spoke to my spirit and said, Read that again and this time picture yourself as the one wearing the garment.

I was stunned. “Lord,” I said, “how can I do that? I can’t take Your place!”

That’s just what’s wrong with the Body of Christ, He told me. That’s the reason the world doesn’t know anything about Jesus. You identify with everyone except Me. But I sent you to be My witnesses, to imitate Me, to stand in My place...not everyone else’s!

So, I read that story again. This time I pictured myself in the role of the one with the Anointing of the Holy Ghost. Instead of crawling up to touch the hem of His garment, I was the one wearing the garment, freely giving what God had given me. After all, the Bible does say, “Clothe yourself with the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Do you know who scares the devil most of all? Believers who’ve found out they can do that. Believers who, instead of begging for a little touch from Jesus, are letting His very life flow out to others.

Come on, give the devil a scare. Fellowship with your Father around the Word and start discovering who you really are today.

Scripture Reading: Luke 8:40-48

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 13, 2017 by Pastor Kumuyi – Undone Cake

Topic: Undone Cake [Saturday May 13, 2017]

Text: 2 Kings 13:3-7

Key Verse: "Nevertheless they departed not from the sins of the house of Jeroboam, who made Israel sin, but walked therein: and there remained the grove also in Samaria" (2 Kings 13:6).

"Some often repent, yet never reform; they resemble a man traveling in a dangerous path, who frequently starts and stops, but never turns back," so said Bonnell Thornton. He might have been referring to Israel, as did Charles Spurgeon who noted that, "Israel’s repentance was only half-hearted; they repented because they suffered.

They repented because of the suffering rather than because of the sin. They went back to the sin after they escaped from the sorrow." The ascension of Jehoahaz to the throne was the beginning of the fulfillment of a promise made to Jehu (2 Kings 10:30). This dynasty - though founded on a violent overthrow of the previous royal house - continued because Jehu came to the throne doing the will of God, though, he later relapsed into the idolatry of Jeroboam (2 Kings 10:31). Jehoahaz followed in the footsteps of his father Jehu and his idolatrous lifestyle attracted the divine displeasure and judgment of God who delivered them over to be punished by the kings of Syria. Therefore, when in suffering, he cried unto the Lord in seeming repentance, God listened to his prayer because of His great mercy and care for Israel.

Although God answered the prayer and sent a deliverer, Israel continued in their false worship. This attitude, after God gave a respite, was proof that his prayer did not mark a lasting or real revival in his life. His repentance was like a cake not well baked. False repentance hinders the needed striving towards true, godly transformation of life and attitude.

Not only will it keep you from enjoying the fruit of repentance (the blessing of abiding in Christ), it also leads to enduring enslavement to sin. The sobering reality is that unabated false repentance will result in spiritual death (2 Corinthians 7:10). Repentance is essential for the Christian life. When someone truly repents from sin and turns to God by faith in Jesus, he receives pardon from God. Such repentance is genuine and He expects that from you today.

Thought for the day: Repentance without righteousness is like a car without an engine.

Bible Reading in one Year: 2 Chronicles 22-25

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 13, 2017 by Pastor Paul Enenche – The Power of Fasting In Dissolving Mysteries

Topic: The Power of Fasting In Dissolving Mysteries [Saturday May 13, 2017]

Scripture: And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance. Acts 10:10.

Thought For The Day: Fasting has the capacity to open your eyes in the spirit to see the mysteries around your life.

Fasting is one of the strongest weapons of a Christian. Jesus Christ defeated the Devil in the wilderness by the power of fasting and the Word (Matthew 4:1-4). Fasting puts one on the fast lane in life, and to fast is to last.

One of the powers of fasting is the dissolution of mysteries.

Fasting is a confirmation of desperation; fasting intensifies your desire and prayer fire. If you have prayed for a mystery to be dissolved and it seems that the situation remains unchanged, the only way you can enforce change is to embark on a fast.

How does fasting dissolve mysteries?

It is by connecting us to the frequency of revelations. Fasting is a secret of receiving insights to dissolve the mysteries of life.

Beloved, whenever you fast, you are positioned in the realm where God can give you the direction to dissolve the mysteries of your life. Fasting makes your light to break forth (Isaiah 58:6, 8). Fasting has the capacity to open your eyes in the spirit to see the mysteries around your life.

Beloved, my counsel is: embark on periodic fasts to break the mysteries around your life.

Remember this: Fasting has the capacity to open your eyes in the spirit to see the mysteries around your life.

Assignment(s):

1. Embark on periodic fasts.

2. Pray adequately in the spirit as you fast.

Prayer: O LORD, give me a strong appetite for periodic prayer and fasting for the dissolution of the mysteries around my life.

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

Amazing Fact: In Canada, the most productive day of the working week is Tuesday.

Today In History: 13/5/1888 - Slavery was abolished in Brazil.

Daily Reading: 1 Samuel 2:22 to 4:22, John 5:24 to 47, Psalm 106:1 to 12, Proverbs 14:30 to 31.

Quote: The power of mystery is lost when it is revealed. Culled from UNVEILING AND DISSOLVING MYSTERIES by Dr Paul Enenche.

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 13, 2017 - Camping Psalms

Topic: Camping Psalms [Saturday May 13, 2017]

Read: Psalm 8:1–9, Bible in a Year: 2 Kings 17–18; John 3:19–36

Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! Psalm 8:1

When my husband and I go for nature walks, we bring our cameras and take close-ups of the plants at our feet, which are like microcosms of the world. What amazing variety and beauty we see, even in the fungi that spring up overnight and dot the woods with splashes of bright orange, red, and yellow!

The snapshots of life that surround us inspire me to lift my eyes to the Maker who created not only mushrooms but also the stars in the heavens. He designed a world of infinite scope and variety. And He made you and me and placed us in the very middle of this beauty to enjoy and to rule over it (Gen. 1:27–28; Ps. 8:6–8).

My thoughts turn to one of our family’s “camping psalms”—psalms we read as we sit around the fire. “Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory in the heavens. . . . When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?” (Ps. 8:1–4).

How amazing that the great God who created the world in all its splendor cares for you and me!

Prayer: O Lord, our majestic Maker, our hearts turn toward praise when we see snapshots of Your beautiful world. Thank You for creating us! Help us to rule Your world with wisdom.


A God wise enough to create me and the world I live in is wise enough to watch out for me.  Philip Yancey

Insight:

The power God displayed in creation (Ps. 8) is not limited to creation alone. God also expressed His power when He raised Jesus from the dead, proving that Christ was (and is) the Son of God (Rom. 1:4). We also have the assurance that His power is available to work in and through us to carry us during the challenges of life. In fact, our weakness is the perfect platform to exhibit His power. Paul wrote, “[The Lord] said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me” (2 Cor. 12:9).

Are you struggling with weakness? Reflect on the expansiveness of God’s power and then ask Him to help you discover that power in your situation.

This message was written By Alyson Kieda [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]

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Billy Graham’s daily devotional May 13, 2017 - God Provides

Topic: God Provides [Saturday May 13, 2017]

Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. — John 13:13

He (the Spirit) will never lead you contrary to the Word of God. I hear people saying, “The Lord led me to do this. . . . The Lord told me thus and so . . . ” I am always a little suspicious unless what the Lord has said is in keeping with His Word. God never directs us to do anything contrary to His Word.

The prophet Samuel once said, “Obedience is better than sacrifice.” The Scripture teaches, “He that willeth to do His will shall know the doctrine.” When you find yourself up a blind alley, not knowing which way to turn, if you are willing to do His will, He will reveal Himself. He conceals His will only from those who, before they consent to do His bidding, seek to know what He is going to say. Be an obedient Christian. Remember that “where God guides, He provides. Where He leads, He supplies all needs!”

Prayer for the day: Let me be acutely attuned to Your Word, so that each decision I have to make will be in Your will, almighty God

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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DONT GIVE UP: The story of Hayes Jones

When you have a problem, one that is especially difficult and baffling, perhaps terribly discouraging, there is one basic principle to apply and keep applying. it is simply this- never quit.

it is often difficult to keep persisting due to the discouragement associated with the previous experience. however, with determination and hard-work, you will not give up. To give up is to invite complete defeat. And not only in connection with matter at hand. Giving up contributes to an ultimate defeat of the personality.

 God created man with great potential and knowledge to handle every problem. If man could create an aircraft that can fly above mountains, then we can think and work our way through every problem.

A good example of someone who never gave up was Hayes Jones.

THE STORY OF HAYES JONES

 

Back in 1960, this man was the phenomenon of the year in high hurdle racing. He won race after race. He broke records. He was, in fact, sensational. Naturally he was picked for the Olympics games held that year at Rome. There he ran in the 110-metre high hurdles amid worldwide expectations that he would carry off the gold medal.

But surprisingly. He didn't. He finished third. It was of course, a keen disappointment. His first thought was: ''so what! i might as well quit running''. There would be no more Olympic games for four  long years. Besides, he had already won all the other coveted high hurdles championships. why subject himself to four long years of keeping in top form? The only sensible thing was to forget it and get started in a business career.

This was plain logic, for sure. But Hayes Jones couldn't settle for that. ''you can't be logical,''he says, ''about something you've wanted all your life.'' So he started training again, three hours a day, seven days a week. And in the next couple of years made some new records in the 60-yard and 70-yard high hurdles.

Came the night of February 22, 1964 at Madison Square Garden. Jones was competing in the 60-yard high hurdles. He had announced that this would be his last indoor race. Tension ran high; every eye was in him. And he won, tying his own record. Then a strange thing happened. In those days in the Garden, when runners had crossed the finish line they disappeared under a ramp before they could slow down and stop. Walking back on to the track, Jones stood for a moment  with head bowed, acknowledging the applause. Then the seventeen thousand people packing the Garden stood in tribute. Jones wept. Many spectators wept, too, because a once defeated man had still stayed in there. He wouldn't quit, and the fans loved him for that.

He entered the 1964 Olympics at Tokyo and ran the 110-metre high hurdles in 13.6 seconds, finishing first-winning his gold medal.

After that he went to work for an airline as a sales representative.

Later he offered to help as a volunteer in his city's physical fitness programme. His activities got spectacular results.

This was a defeated man who never gave up. He believed that he could get the gold and he got. what is that problem confronting you and leaving you with no problem but to quit? Just believe that you can get the gold out of it and you definitely will. In summary don't give up just like Hayes. The potential you need to surmount any challenge is in you. Never give up.  

 

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daily quote for 12th, may 2017

 

i dont trust words, i trust actions.

 

No matter how you feel, get up, dress up, and never give up

 

New beginnings are often disguised as painful endings.

 

Everyday may not be good but there is something good in everyday.

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Open Heavens 12 May 2017: Friday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Lessons on Vow

Topic: Lessons on Vow [Friday 12, May 2017]

Memorise: That which is gone out of thy lips thou shalt keep and perform; even a freewill offering, according as thou hast vowed unto the LORD thy God, which thou hast promised with thy mouth. – Deuteronomy 23:23

Read: Judges 11:29-36 (KJV)

29 Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jephthah, and he passed over Gilead, and Manasseh, and passed over Mizpeh of Gilead, and from Mizpeh of Gilead he passed over unto the children of Ammon.

30 And Jephthah vowed a vow unto the LORD, and said, If thou shalt without fail deliver the children of Ammon into mine hands,

31 Then it shall be, that whatsoever cometh forth of the doors of my house to meet me, when I return in peace from the children of Ammon, shall surely be the LORD'S, and I will offer it up for a burnt offering.

32 So Jephthah passed over unto the children of Ammon to fight against them; and the LORD delivered them into his hands.

33 And he smote them from Aroer, even till thou come to Minnith, even twenty cities, and unto the plain of the vineyards, with a very great slaughter. Thus the children of Ammon were subdued before the children of Israel.

34 And Jephthah came to Mizpeh unto his house, and, behold, his daughter came out to meet him with timbrels and with dances: and she was his only child; beside her he had neither son nor daughter.

35 And it came to pass, when he saw her, that he rent his clothes, and said, Alas, my daughter! thou hast brought me very low, and thou art one of them that trouble me: for I have opened my mouth unto the LORD, and I cannot go back.

36 And she said unto him, My father, if thou hast opened thy mouth unto the LORD, do to me according to that which hath proceeded out of thy mouth; forasmuch as the LORD hath taken vengeance for thee of thine enemies, even of the children of Ammon.

Bible in One Year: Deuteronomy 16-17, Jeremiah 29:24-30:9, Hymn: Sing hymn 14

MESSAGE:

Sometimes, some people promise God one thing, but when the time comes to redeem the pledge, they bring something else. Do you think that God does not have records in Heaven? Once you make a pledge to God, don’t try to change it. Ecclesiastes 5:6 says,

“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?”

After you have committed yourself to a particular thing as a vow, if you later return to say, “It was a slip of the tongue, God will understand”, you are only deceiving yourself. Such an excuse is not acceptable to God. God expects you to stand by your word. Hence, as part of the requirements to stand in God’s holy place, Psalm 15:4 says if you make a vow, you are expected to do everything possible to redeem it, no matter the cost, sacrifice or inconveniencies involved. Do you have this quality? It is part of the integrity we must have as believers.

Another lesson on vows is that you must be extremely careful before making a vow. Think very well before pledging a commitment to do a particular thing, because once it has gone out of your mouth, you may not be able to beat a retreat. Some people get carried away with zeal and make a mouth-watering vow but later find it difficult to redeem it. Be careful! Only vow to give up what is within the limit of your capability and not what you know you cannot cope with! The story of Jephthah is a very touching one. He needed victory so badly that he vowed to sacrifice to God whatever first came out of his house to meet him on his return. After the battle was over, as he returned home with great joy, it was his only child – his virgin daughter – that came out first to welcome him. He felt so bad. He realised the rashness of his vow, but he could not turn back from his promise. Finally, one more lesson on vows is that God does not like to hear the voice of vow-defaulters, and He would ultimately destroy their efforts (Ecclesiastes 5:6). Is God fighting you over a vow you have defaulted on? Repent now and restitute. If need be, seek the guidance of a Spirit-filled Christian counsellor or pastor.

Action Point: Unpaid vows are debts that can hinder you from making heaven. Prayerfully recall your unpaid debts and redeem them fast.

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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Ray Stedman A Daily Devotion May 12th 2017- The Living Word

TOPIC- The Living Word

Read the Scripture: 1 John 2:24-25

And this is what he promised us—even eternal life (1 John 2:25).

Most of us read the words eternal life as though they only apply to heaven in the future. Everlasting life, we call it, life that never ends. That is not inaccurate. Eternal life is life that never ends, but the essential factor about eternal life is not quantity, but quality. What John is speaking of here is not merely something we are going to get in heaven someday, but it is something we can experience and enjoy now. It is fullness of life, the full quality of divine life lived out in your situation, right now, and increasing in fullness of enjoyment forever. In other words, eternal life is the daily adventure of experiencing God's solution to every problem instead of your own. It is the discovery of God's program for every opportunity, instead of yours. Every time we are confronted with a problem, there are two things we can do.


  In the weakness of our own intellect, relying upon our own human resources, we can try to work out the problem. When we do, the result is inevitably the same. Life dissipates into a drabness, a boredom, a routine that leaves us utterly uninterested and desiring to be uninvolved. That is our program.

Or we can have God's solution to any problem or any opportunity. In any situation we can say, Lord, You are in me, and You have come in me to live through me. This situation has been brought about by your planning and your programming. Father, I wouldn't be in it if it were not for you. Now, Lord, do through me what you want to do with it. Then we watch to see what God does, and we become instantly available to Him to move in whatever direction it looks like the situation demands. As we do, we discover that His program begins to unfold in that situation. Every obstacle becomes a glorious opportunity to display the fullness of glory, wisdom, and power that is in the God who has come to live and make His home within us. Ray Stedman A Daily Devotion

I remember as a young Christian reading that great promise in Ephesians, Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us... (Ephesians 3:20). I remember looking at that verse and saying to myself, Is that really true? Does God really offer to do for me beyond that which I can ever ask or think at this moment? That's fantastic! I can ask a lot of life. I can dream and imagine a great many wonderful experiences that I would love to have, to bring satisfaction to my life and heart. I even had the program outlined in my mind, just how God could do it. But as I look back across these thirty years, I can see that God did not take my program and do it my way, but He has abundantly fulfilled the promise. My life is richer than I ever dreamed it would be when I was a young Christian.

If we are ready to give ourselves to the Word of God, to let it possess us, to understand it, and to obey it—if that which you heard from the beginning abides in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father. The experience of that is eternal life!

Father, grant to me, through all the feeble searchings of my heart, the discovery of eternal life in my everyday experience.
Life Application: What is the daily adventure of experiencing God's solution to every problem instead of our own called? Are we willingly letting the living Word possess us each day?

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DCLM Daily Manna May 12, 2017 by Pastor Kumuyi – Let the Captives Go

Topic: Let the Captives Go [Friday May 12, 2017]

 

Text: Deuteronomy 15:12-23

Key Verse: "And if thy brother, an Hebrew man, or an Hebrew woman, be sold unto thee, and serve thee six years; then in the seventh year thou shalt let him go free from thee" (Deuteronomy 15:12).

Generally in life, there are two broad categories of captives: the lawful or willing captive (slaves/servants) and the forced or unwilling captive. Some servants give themselves over to their masters to serve them for a particular period of time on an agreed wage or salary as seen in the case of Jacob with Laban, his uncle. However, at other times, servants are bought as captives of war or from parents or guardians who cannot support them with the basic necessities of life, as a means of raising money for themselves.

These are bond slaves who most often, will have to serve their masters till death or until when they are strong enough to pay for their freedom. In Israel at one time, God gave a commandment specifically about slaves/servants/captives who were Hebrews and were bought or purchased by a Hebrew master. His directive was that they be freed and properly settled on release after six years of faithful service. They, the Hebrew masters, must not see this as a hard thing to do or be grieved at heart when releasing their brethren who had served them faithfully for six years. Obedience to this injunction of God attracted great blessings from Him.

Similarly, today’s masters who are believers and have believers working under them as apprentices, house-helps or workers at their homes, businesses or companies are to faithfully release and settle their subordinates properly, after their service term. They are not to cheat or defraud them or subject them to scorn or ridicule. If Jesus Christ fully forgave ours sins and identified with our frailties, we must also bear with those under us, irrespective of the pressures we face.

A believer cannot revel in acts of slavery and servitude towards others, for Jesus, our Saviour, calls His disciples "friends" and not slaves or servants. If Christ so treats us, so must we also relate with those under us.

Thought for the day: A Christian is he who lives as he that serveth.

Bible Reading in one Year: 2 Chronicles 18-21

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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Kenneth Copeland’s daily devotional May 12, 2017 - River of Revelation

Topic: River of Revelation [Friday May 12, 2017]

 

But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. - James 1:22

Have you ever been in the position in the past where every time you opened the Bible you received a river of revelation? Does it seem lately that the river’s run dry? If so, I strongly suggest that you backtrack to the last revelation God gave you. Back up and see if you acted on it, if you did what God showed you to do. If you didn’t, start again, digging in to that revelation and then putting it into action in your life. You’ll soon find new revelations are beginning to flow.

You see, revelation is most prolific when you are acting on the Word. I’ve discovered that for myself again and again. The more I act on the Word, the more I see into it. That’s why James 1:22 tells us to not only hear God’s Word but to do it!

It may seem that the things God has revealed to you are very insignificant. They may not even make good sense to your natural mind. But do them anyway! If you had insight into the spirit realm, you’d see they’re far more important than you think.

Open God’s Word anew today. Come before Him with expectancy of a fresh revelation of the Scripture and commit to Him to follow it up with actions of obedience. Be a doer of God’s revelations and not a hearer only and your river will never run dry.

Scripture Reading: James 1:22-27

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 12, 2017 - He Changes Us

Topic: He Changes Us [Friday May 12, 2017]

 

. that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel. — Ephesians 6:19

The word “mystery” means beyond human knowledge or understanding. God’s mysteries baffle the unbelieving, but bless the believer. The mystery of righteousness, like some of the other great mysteries of God, we cannot comprehend, but we know it works. We stand amazed at this great mystery which enables God to change the human heart, its attitudes, its desires, and its nature.

God, a holy God, who loves righteousness and hates wickedness, through a process of redemption has refashioned us in the image of Himself. How marvelous! For generations He has been applying His righteousness to the hearts of men. Even in our time, with its complexities of living, God is in the business of changing men and women by the mystery of righteousness.

Prayer for the day: Give me Your boldness to tell others the secret of eternal joy in Jesus Christ.

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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Dunamis’ Daily Devotional May 12, 2017 by Pastor Paul Enenche – The Mystery of the Blood: A Key to Dissolving Mystery

Topic — The Mystery of the Blood: A Key to Dissolving Mystery [Friday May 12, 2017] 

Scripture: And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. Revelation 12:11.

Thought For The Day: Approach the Communion table with faith and expectation for the dissolution of mysteries.

God is the God of answers and solutions. He has the answer to any difficulty right in His Hands. There is no mystery of life that God cannot dissolve.

Previously, we have identified the prayer of inquiry and the revelation of God’s Word as two potent ways of dissolving the mysteries of life.

Today, we want to look at another potent weapon of mystery dissolution. It is called the Blood of Jesus Christ! Mysteries can be dissolved by the application of the Blood of Jesus Christ. This is where you prayerfully plead or apply the Blood of Jesus on any mystery surrounding your life.

The Blood of Jesus Christ can be used to dissolve the mysteries of your life – chronic singleness, barrenness, HIV/AIDS, joblessness, chronic struggle, iniquity, etc.

So, every time you partake in the Communion Bread and Wine, do not just approach it religiously; trust God for the opening of your spiritual eyes to see what you should see (Luke 24:30, 31).

I have realised that everywhere the Blood is applied, fire falls. When we plead the Blood, the fire of the Holy Ghost is provoked.

Beloved, my counsel is, apply the Blood on every endeavour of your life. Approach the Communion table with faith and expectation for the dissolution of mysteries.

Remember this: Approach the Communion table with faith and expectation for the dissolution of mysteries.

Assignment(s):

1. Partake in the Communion Bread and Wine always.

2. Endeavor to present in the Communion services.

Prayer: O LORD, dissolve every mystery of my life by the mystery of the Blood in Jesus’ Name.

FOR FURTHER UNDERSTANDING, GET THIS MESSAGE: UNVEILING MYSTERIES.

Daily Reading: 1 Samuel 1:1 to 2:21, John 5:1 to 23, Psalm 105:37 to 45, Proverbs 14:28 to 29.

Quote: The Blood of Jesus sets one free from sin, sorrow, shame, sickness and captivity; the Blood of Jesus washes as white as snow. Culled from UNVEILING AND DISSOLVING MYSTERIES by Dr Paul Enenche.

Amazing Fact: The penguins have supra-orbital gland above their eyes which helps to remove sodium chlorides from their blood stream; it functions like the kidney.

Today In History: 12 May 1903 - After successful military operations in Sokoto and Kano, Britain adds 260,000 km square to its Nigerian territory.

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 12, 2017 - The Advocate

Topic: The Advocate [Friday May 12, 2017]
 

Read: John 16:7–15, Bible in a Year: 2 Kings 15–16; John 3:1–18

When he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. John 16:13

As I boarded the airplane to study in a city a thousand miles from home, I felt nervous and alone. But during the flight, I remembered how Jesus promised His disciples the comforting presence of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus’s friends must have felt bewildered when He told them, “It is for your good that I am going away” (John 16:7). How could they who witnessed His miracles and learned from His teaching be better off without Him? But Jesus told them that if He left, then the Advocate—the Holy Spirit—would come.

 Jesus, nearing His last hours on earth, shared with His disciples (in John 14–17, today known as the "Farewell Discourse") to help them understand His death and ascension. Central in this conversation was the coming Holy Spirit, an advocate who would be with them (14:16–17), teaching (15:15), testifying (v. 26), and guiding them (16:13).

We who have accepted God’s offer of new life have been given this gift of His Spirit living within us. From Him we receive so much: He convicts us of our sins and helps us to repent. He brings us comfort when we ache, strength to bear hardships, wisdom to understand God’s teaching, hope and faith to believe, love to share.

We can rejoice that Jesus sent us the Advocate.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, You sent Your Son to save us and Your Spirit to comfort and convict us. May we bring You glory as we thank You for Your goodness and love.

The Holy Spirit fills Jesus’s followers.

Insight:

When Jesus comforts His disciples before His impending crucifixion and eventual ascension (going back to heaven to sit at the right hand of the Father), Jesus says He must go away so the Holy Spirit will come. The disciples didn't know the Holy Spirit, so how would His coming comfort them? Jesus offers the answer. The Spirit will continue what Jesus started. He will bring conviction of sin, righteousness, and judgment. He will speak to the disciples not simply on behalf of Jesus, but He will speak to them the very words Jesus speaks (John 16:13–15). The Spirit would be with them in a way that Jesus couldn’t be. No matter where each of them went, together or separately, the Spirit—and therefore Jesus Himself—would be with them.

This message was written By Amy Boucher Pye [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]

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Effect of marijuana on life.

EFFECT OF MARIJUANA ON LIFE

Marijuana come from the Indian hemp plant and the part that contains the drug is found primarily in the flowers and much less in the seeds, leaves and stems of the plant.

Marijuana is one of the most abused drugs in the world today, this is because of its intoxicating effect. marijuana contains over 400 chemicals including THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) which creates the mind altering effect that classifies marijuana as a drug and therefore responsible for its intoxicating  effect.

One will think that since this drug is natural, it is harmless, this is not true as hamlock is also a natural plant but has the ability to kill. Another question often asked is why it is used in the treatment of certain diseases. The answer is simple and clear as it contains CBD (Cannibidiol) which is responsible for its medical benefits.

It is important to state that the type given to a patience in the hospital is a type of marijuana that contains low TCH and high CBD. This reduces the intoxicating effect of the drug.

below is the effect of marijuana on human life.

LONG TERM EFFECT

1. Short term memory problems.
2. Severe anxiety, including paranoia (fear that one is being watched or followed)
3. Very strange behavior, seeing, hearing or smelling things that are not there, not being able able to tell imagination from reality. (psychosis)
4. Panic.
5. Hallucination.
6. Loss of sense of personal identity.
7. Lowered reaction time.    
8. Rage.
9. Increased heart rate (risk of heart attack).
10. Problems with coordination. 
11. Sexual problems. 
12. Up to seven times susceptible to STD's than non users (for female).

LONG TERM EFFECT

1. Decline in IQ.
2. 50-70% prone to cancer compared to tobacco  smokers.
3. Infertility due to abnormal menstrual cycle and deformation of sperm cells.
4. Premature delivery and giving birth to mental deranged children
5. Poor school performance and higher chance of dropping out.
6. Impaired thinking and ability to learn and perform complex task.
7. Lower life satisfaction.
8. Addiction
9. Potential development of opiate abuse.
10. Relationship problems, intimate partner violence.
11. Financial difficulties.
12. Increased welfare dependence.
13. Greater chance of unemployment 
14. Antisocial behavior. 

conclusion

  The rate of consumption of marijuana has increased severely and this has led to social crises, increase in crime rate, paranoia, cancer, broken relationships, poor financial savings. If you are addicted to marijuana we strongly advice you have a rethink and put an end to it. It may seem difficult but with determination and hardwork, you can quit marijuana. we wish you good luck

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Open Heavens 10 May 2017: Wednesday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Microwave Christianity

Topic: Microwave Christianity [Wednesday 10, May 2017]

Memorise: And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: – Hebrews 6:11

Read: Hebrews 6:1-3(KJV)

1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,

2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.

3 And this will we do, if God permit.

Bible in One Year: Deuteronomy 11-12, Jeremiah 29:1-14, Hymn: Sing hymn 6

MESSAGE:

In the midst of delay, man often comes up with alternatives to God’s original plan or purpose. This is a dangerous thing to do because man’s alternative charts a new course, which can completely take the individual concerned out of God’s original plan. Also, any such alternative is usually nothing more than just a quick fix compared to God’s permanent solution. Speaking of quick fixes, the age we live in encourages that. We live in an age of instant gratification. Most people are no longer interested in any type of process; whatever they want, they want it now! This is what I term the “Microwave Mentality”. People are so much in a hurry that they cannot dedicate time to do what they should do properly.

Sadly, the trend of microwave mentality has crept into the Church and has given birth to what I call “Microwave Christianity”. Microwave Christianity is doing more harm than good to the Body of Christ. A preacher says, “All you have to do is just believe”. The sinner says, “I believe”. “Praise God, you are now born again”, the preacher replies. He is in so much of a hurry to get the sinner saved that he cannot even tell him or her to confess his or her sins to God. Can God save a sinner who has not confessed his or her sins (Romans 10:10)? That is “microwave salvation”! The name of that sinner may be written in the preacher’s book or in the register of church members, but is it in the Lamb’s Book of Life? What about discipleship? Everything follows the same pattern – microwave! When products of this anomaly are confronted by the storms of life or persecution for their faith, they find it difficult to endure. Isaiah 28:10 reveals to us the pattern we must follow in raising champions for God:

“For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little.”

In this age of instant gratification, God remains unmoved and unchanged: He still follows His order and timing in raising those He will use. Every spiritual microwave product portends problems, sorrow and regret in the future. From salvation to discipleship, no stage must be skipped. Diligence plays a key role in everything that concerns the Kingdom of God. Hence, Hebrews 6:1 says the elementary principles must be laid first, before you can move onto perfection. If the foundation is tempered with, the product will be unstable. When people are recommended to occupy spiritual positions that they are not spiritually qualified for, those sponsoring them are only creating problems for the future. Are you a product of Microwave Christianity? Go back to the basis and rebuild yourself!

Key Point: If we fail to diligently fight for the faith that was delivered to us, a time will come when all we would be left with will be fakes!

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 10, 2017 by Pastor Kumuyi – Error of Persistent Disobedience

Topic: Error of Persistent Disobedience [Wednesday May 10, 2017]

Text: Judges 2:11-15

Key Verse: "And they forsook the LORD God of their fathers, which brought them out of the land of Egypt, and followed other gods, of the gods of the people that were round about them, and bowed themselves unto them..." (Judges 2:12).

A man once spent 16 years in prison for a crime he did not commit. It was a miscarriage of justice! Although there are occasional miscarriages of justice in earthly courts, there will be none of such in the hearing of Heaven.

When men appear before God to give account for their deeds, every transgression and disobedience will receive a just recompense of reward. For the Judge of all the earth will do right! When a man appears before Him, it will be either "Come ye blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you...", or "Depart from Me, ye cursed into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels". Israel had been special, occupying a privileged position in the heart of God. No other nation enjoyed such immense privilege. Yet, Israel did evil in God’s sight.

They forsook the God of their fathers and served Baalim and Ashtaroth. As a result, they could no longer stand before their enemies. The hand of the Lord that had been their sustenance was now against them and they were delivered into the hands of spoilers (oppressors). God, being merciful, would raise up judges to deliver them, but they yet rebelled and disobeyed the judges and reverted to their evil ways. Eventually, the Lord promised not to deliver them again as they persisted in rebellion and disobedience. Many times, oppression comes in form of sicknesses, diseases, hardship, failures, penury, all in the bid to bring the rebellious back to God when the once beloved of the Lord goes astray from Him.

Continual disobedience at such times will only result in perpetual displeasure from the Almighty. Are you already experiencing the heavy hands of God in any area of your life? The sure way back to His favour is sincere repentance and humble return like the prodigal son and He will abundantly pardon and restore you unto Himself again.

Thought for the day: The God of justice is yet a Father of mercy.

Bible Reading in one Year: 2 Chronicles 9-12

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 10, 2017 by Pastor Paul Enenche – Prayer of Enquiry: A Key To Dissolving Mysteries

Topic — Prayer of Enquiry: A Key to Dissolving Mysteries [Wednesday May 10, 2017]

Scripture: Then was the secret revealed unto Daniel in a night vision. Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven. Daniel 2:19.

Thought For The Day: Mysteries can be dissolved by the prayer of enquiry

Previously, we saw mystery as an issue clothed in darkness – something in your life that cannot be understood. We also noted that camping with God can help to unveil and dissolve mysteries.

Today, we would look at how to dissolve mysteries through the prayer of enquiry.
One of the ways through which mysteries can be dissolved is the prayer of enquiry. This is when you make up your mind to pray for the unveiling of the mysteries around your life.

A real life story can help to illustrate this: a lady told me some time ago that every time things were about to work for her, something would mysteriously happen and suddenly, they would slip off her hands.

So, she decided to embark on prayer of enquiry and began to ask the LORD, ‘O God, what is happening to me? What is the mystery behind my predicament?’ Then the LORD opened her eyes: in the dream of the night, she saw that she was on a queue alongside other people and some people were distributing good things to them. When it was her turn to collect hers, someone who looked exactly like her but was not on the queue jumped into the line, collected what was meant for her and disappeared. By this revelation, the mystery was unravelled; an impersonating devil had been responsible for her predicament.

Beloved, determine to pray and enquire and God will show you something that will dissolve the mysteries around your life in Jesus’ Name.

Remember this: Mysteries can be dissolved by prayer of enquiry.

Assignment(s):

1.     Embark on a deliberate prayer of enquiry for the dissolution of mysteries around your life.

2.     Press into God until you see results.

FOR FURTHER UNDERSTANDING, GET THIS MESSAGE: UNVEILING MYSTERIES.

Prayer: O LORD, I decree that every mystery around my life be demystified in the Name of Jesus Christ! Amen!

Quote: God is interested in revealing and dissolving the mysteries around your life. Culled from ‘PRINCIPLES AND POWER OF PRAYER’ by Dr Paul Enenche.
               
Daily Reading: Judges 21:1 to Ruth 1:22, John 4:4 to 42, Psalm 105:1 to 15, Proverbs  14: 25.

Amazing Fact: The word “set” has the most definitions in the English language.

Today In History: 10/05/1994 - South African president Nelson Mandela was sworn into office.

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 10, 2017 - The Purpose of God for You

Topic: The Purpose of God for You [Wednesday May 10, 2017]

Everything comes from God alone. Everything lives by his power, and everything is for his glory. To him be glory evermore. — Romans 11:36 (TLB)

Have you ever wondered why God placed us on this planet? What our purpose is in being here? It is because God is love. There may be life on other planets, but I believe man is unique in the sense that he was created in the image of God. God created on this planet as it were “little gods” whom He could love and who would return love to Him. Reverently speaking, God was lonely. He wanted someone to love and who would return love to Him. That sounds incredible, but the Bible tells us that God loved, and so He created and put us on this planet.

Prayer for the day: Freely I love You, divine God, who daily brings joy to my soul.

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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Kenneth Copeland’s daily devotional May 10, 2017 - Head for the Light

Topic: Head for the Light [Wednesday May 10, 2017]

We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts. - 2 Peter 1:19

So many times when we need insight into a problem, we try to get it by focusing our attention on that problem. We study it. We ponder it. We examine it from every angle. But the Apostle Peter gives us a different approach. He says we should take heed (or focus our attention) to the written Word of God until the answer to that problem dawns on us through the light of revelation.

We use the term seeing the light in the natural all the time. We say, “Have you seen the light on that yet?” meaning, “Do you have insight into that situation?” Well, the entrance of God’s Word into our hearts brings light (Psalm 119:130). It brings the insight we need.

Have you ever been in a dark room and tried to find your way out? Or been lost outside in the night? What is the first thing you look for in these situations? Light!

It could be coming from under the door or shimmering from a lamp in a house far off. But either way, you head straight for it. You don’t waste your time studying the darkness. You don’t focus your attention on that. You fix your eyes on the light because you know its brightness will drive out the confusion of the darkness and orient you to your surroundings.

If you need insight on some problem or situation you’re facing, pay attention to the Word. Head for the Light and the answer you need will dawn on you.

Scripture Reading: John 1:1-9

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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Our Daily Bread Devotional, May 10, 2017 - Unlighted Paths

Topic: Unlighted Paths [Wednesday May 10, 2017]

Read: Joshua 1:1–9, Bible in a Year: 2 Kings 10–12; John 1:29–51

The Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

As we ventured home from a family vacation, the road took us through some desolate parts of central Oregon. For nearly two hours after dusk we drove through deep canyons and across desert plateaus. Fewer than twenty sets of headlights punctuated the darkness. Eventually the moon rose on the horizon, visible to us when the road crested hills but eclipsed when we traveled through the lowlands. My daughter remarked on its light, calling it a reminder of God’s presence. I asked whether she needed to see it to know He was there. She replied, “No, but it sure helps.”

After Moses’s death, Joshua inherited leadership of the Israelites and was charged to take God’s chosen people into the Promised Land. Despite his divine commission, Joshua must have felt challenged by the daunting nature of his task. God graciously offered Joshua assurance to be with him on the journey ahead (Josh. 1:9).

The road of life often travels through uncharted territory. We voyage through seasons when the path ahead isn’t clearly visible. God’s plan may not always be apparent to us, but He has promised to be with us “always, to the very end of the age” (Matt. 28:20). What greater assurance could we hope for, no matter what uncertainty or challenge we might face? Even when the path is unlit, the Light is with us.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for being near me even when I cannot see You. Please comfort me with Your presence.

God is with us even when we can’t see Him.

Insight:

A classic worship song describes God as “immortal, invisible, God only wise, in light inaccessible hid from our eyes.” One of the challenges of faith is that we trust in a God we cannot see. But, Jesus came to make the invisible God visible. John 1:18 says, “No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God [Jesus] . . . has made him known.” When we become fearful or discouraged in the dark seasons of life, we can still see God’s love clearly through His Son.

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

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Open Heavens 9 May 2017: Tuesday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Upgrade Your Tithe

Topic: Upgrade Your Tithe [Tuesday 9, May 2017]

Memorise: And as soon as the commandment came abroad, the children of Israel brought in abundance the firstfruits of corn, wine, and oil, and honey, and of all the increase of the field; and the tithe of all things brought they in abundantly. – 2 Chronicles 31:5

Read: Malachi 3:8-12 (KJV)

8 Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.

9 Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation.

10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

11 And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts.

12 And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the LORD of hosts.

Bible in One Year: Deuteronomy 9-10, Jeremiah 28:5-17, Hymn: Sing hymn 10

MESSAGE:

If you want to experience the blessings that God promised His children, you must be prepared to fellow divine financial principles. Do you know that your seed will determine your harvest? 2 Corinthians 9:6 says,

“But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.”

From the above scripture, we learn that if you spare or hold back a good part of your seed, God will also hold back a good part of the harvest He wanted to give to you. On the other hand, if you go beyond the norm in your giving, God will also do the extraordinary regarding your harvest. This is why I encourage you to grow in all forms of giving. It is wrong for you to remain on the same spot in your offerings when God keeps increasing you. Do you know that you can provoke a change in your financial situation by increasing your offerings even when your income has not changed?

In addition to growing in your offering, you can also grow in your tithe. You can go beyond the basic level of tithing which is 10%. The Lord once told me to exceed my tithe and watch what He would do; He said I could call the difference a seed. Sometimes in 1979, I attended a Kenneth Hagin conference in Tulsa, Oklahoma, which had about 17,000 people in attendance. During the meeting, there was a fund-raising event. The brother who took the offering challenged everyone to give their very best, and surprisingly, he added that he and his wife would match the total sum we all gave. Astonished by his challenge, we were certain he would be in the red by the time our offering was counted. When we had all given our offering, a total sum of $13.5 million was raised; surely, we thought, we would be unable to match this! However, to our great surprise, when the total was announced, he said, “Is this the best you all can do?” He and his wife then wrote a cheque for that exact sum. When I saw this, I said to myself, “This man must know something I don’t know, and I am going to find out what it is.” Wise people always gather knowledge; they seek to know what made a great person great, so as to apply the same principles. By the time I discussed with this brother, I learnt that five years before, he started a business with $500 and struck a deal with God that God would receive 90% of his profit while he would keep just 10%. As at the time he was telling me his story, his business had grown into a $50 million company. I took up this challenge and increased the percentage of my tithe. What can you do that you have not done before, to change what you normally receive from God? Rise up and do it now.

Prayer Point: Father, grant me the grace to upgrade all areas of my life.

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Billy Graham’s daily devotional May 9, 2017 - New Heaven, New Earth

Topic: New Heaven, New Earth [Tuesday May 9, 2017]

The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever. — Revelation 11:15

Christianity is a Gospel of crisis. It proclaims unmistakably that this world’s days are numbered. Every graveyard and every cemetery testify that the Bible is true. Our days on this planet are numbered. The Apostle James says that life is only a vapor that appears for a moment and then vanishes (James 4:14). The prophet Isaiah says that our life is like the grass that withers and the flower that fades (Isaiah 40:6,7).

There is no doubt that nations also come to an end when they have ceased to fulfill the function that God meant for them. The end will come with the return of Jesus Christ. He will set up a kingdom of righteousness and social justice where hatred, greed, jealousy, and death will no longer be known. That is why a Christian can be an optimist. That is why a Christian can smile in the midst of all that is happening. We know what will come. We know what the end will be: the triumph of the Lord Jesus Christ!

Prayer for the day: While the world around me is in such turmoil, Your peace lives in my heart, as I look for Your triumphant return!

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 9, 2017 by Pastor Kumuyi – Wonder of God’s Creation

Topic: Wonder of God’s Creation [Tuesday May 9, 2017]

Text: Psalm 104:24-35

Key Verse: "O LORD, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches" (Psalm 104:24).

One of the greatest prophets in the history of mankind found it difficult to control his utter amazement until he avowedly exclaimed: "Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee". This prophet tried to measure the enormity of God’s power by virtue of what He had done and concluded that there was no problem or challenge that God could not solve.

Obviously, God’s creations are the greatest inventions ever. They are so unique that they are far higher than the sharpest of imaginations. He strategically and methodically planned them and they form the basis of any human invention. They are awesome and in God’s own words, "very good". The suspension of the heavens, the stars, the moon, the planets, the galaxies, the milky ways and colourful constellations on invisible columns of air calls for deep meditation.

The separation of the land from the sea, the innumerable creatures and beasts on land and in water, sustenance of lives and provision for all creatures are thought-provoking and cogitation-arousing. The creation of the mammalian heart that works like an electrically-powered pumping machine and yet whose batteries do not run down, condemns the folly of atheists. As powerful as God is in creation, so is He in consumption.

As wonderful as His creation is, He is also ready to consume the world of sinners by the word of His mouth. "Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels" (Matthew 25:41). Why not take heed therefore and avoid God’s indignation?

Thought for the day: A mind made great through salvation submits reactly to the greatness of the Almighty.

Bible Reading in one Year: 2 Chronicles 5-8

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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