Open Heavens 27 April 2017: Thursday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Responsibilities of God’s Children II

Topic: Responsibilities of God’s Children II [Thursday 27, April 2017]

Memorise: Abstain from all appearance of evil. – 1 Thessalonians 5:22

Read: 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 (KJV)

14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?

16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,

18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

Bible in One Year: Number 22, Jeremiah 21:11-22:10

MESSAGE:

Yesterday, we looked at some of the responsibilities of the children of God in ensuring that they finish the Christian race in triumph. Another of these responsibilities is that children of God must be on the lookout for whatever appears to be evil and run away from it. Anything that can lead to fornication or adultery, anything that has a shade of idolatry, or anything that has to do with love of money falls into the category of things you should flee from (1 Corinthians 6:18, 1 Corinthians 10:14, 1 Timothy 6:9-10). Living a holy life is not automatic as some presume; we have to make a conscious effort to live holy. We wrestle not against flesh and blood; rather, we wrestle against principalities, powers, rulers of the darkness of this world and spiritual wickedness in high places (Ephesians 6:12). To be effective in our warfare, our strategy has to be both offensive and defensive in nature. How do we engage in defensive warfare? It is by tactically abstaining from the world of darkness and sin.

In today’s Bible reading, we are exposed to the practical way of engaging in defensive spiritual warfare. The first thing is not to be unequally yoked together with unbelievers because the Bible expressly says that friendship with the world is enmity against God, and that whosoever will be a friend to the world is an enemy of God (James 4:4). It is however unfortunate that some Christians don’t see this as an eternal truth. Even some pastors will tell you that we must be friendly with the world in other to win them. The question is ever since we have been making friends with worldly people, how many of them have we won? Instead, on arrival, they pollute the Church, and we end up becoming more like them! The problem is that the Church does not want to take the lonely stand for the truth anymore; we want to be world-compliant. Have we forgotten that the Almighty God assures us that even if the world forsakes us, He would be with us (Hebrew 13:5)? How happy our God would be, if His Church would take the stance that Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego took in Babylon, when they were faced with Nebuchadnezzar’s  great fiery furnace (Daniel 3:16-18).

Beloved, it is your responsibility not only to rebuke the works of darkness but also to run away from all appearances of evil when necessary. Joseph did this successfully, and although he suffered for it for a while, he was later exalted to become the Prime Minister of Egypt (Genesis 39:11-23). That will be your story in Jesus’ Name. As you separate yourself to the Lord in holiness, your purity will stand you out from the crowd and cause you to be exalted in Jesus’ Name.

Action Point: Read Psalm 1 meditatively and pray that God will help you to always shun the presence of evil and its agents.

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DCLM Daily Manna April 27, 2017 by Pastor Kumuyi – Be Prepared!

Topic: Be Prepared! [Thursday April 27, 2017]

Text: Luke 12:32-48

Key Verse: "Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not" (Luke 12:40).

The Boys’ Scouts motto briefly reads: "Be prepared". This is at once a synopsis, an abbreviated message to the discerning to be well tutored for every situation in life. Nothing can be more succinct for the believer who is firmly admonished to always be ready for the sudden emergence of Christ at the rapture. Without this state of readiness, the unwary, so-called believer might be left behind.

Jesus teaches the importance of being ready at all times for the rapture. He states that blessed are those servants waiting and watching, giving the illustration that the return of the Lord will be like the break-in of a thief and the loss of precious valuables. He advises believers to be ready always as His coming will be sudden. The uncertainty of the time of the Lord’s return should jolt every believer to never retire to bed at night without taking stock of his or her life and settle any scores with others. It is incumbent on the believer to forgive offenders and remain blameless within and without. During the day, as we go about our duties (whether spiritual or secular), we should be vigilant.

Don’t be too encumbered with or too busy to miss the call-up signal. Don’t be so weighed down by the affairs of this world that you become too heavy to be caught-up to be with the Lord in the air. Get rid of every leaven of carnality, worldliness, hypocrisy and sin which can sap all spiritual strength. The life of Enoch who walked with God for so long and was called up alive is a reality to reflect on. "It is not over until it is over" – so goes the popular saying. And nowhere is this more applicable than in the race to heaven. The countdown to eternity has begun. Get prepared like the bride who is fully prepared for her bridegroom. Get washed in the blood of the Lamb, remain pure and live blamelessly.

Thought for the day: Be ready: it’s not over until it is over.

Bible Reading in one Year: 1 Corinthians 5-7

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Kenneth Copeland Ministries Daily Devotional April 27 2017- Obedience: No Small Thing

TOPIC- Obedience: No Small Thing


But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great.

Luke 6:49




Do you ever have seasons in your life when it seems like every time you go to church and every time you spend time in prayer and every time you open the Bible, you receive a revelation from God? I do. Spiritually, everything will be going great. I’ll be higher than a Georgia pine. Then, suddenly, something starts to happen. I start drying up in spiritual things.


 It seems like it doesn’t make any difference what I pray or how much I read the Word, I can’t get anywhere spiritually. I’m so dry my spirit’s creaking!

That used to baffle me. I didn’t know what the cause was. I didn’t have any sin in my life. I’d taken care of that. I was still praying. Still meditating. Still acting on and confessing the Word. But instead of getting results, I was getting nowhere. I’d stand in front of my mirror and confess faith over and over again and the only thing that happened was that my voice got tired!

If that’s ever happened to you, may I make a suggestion? Backtrack and find the last thing God told you to do that you didn’t do—and do it!

It’s probably nothing big. Just a seemingly small thing. But, believe me, those minor disobediences will dry up the flow of the Spirit just like the major ones will.

Most of us don’t realize that. We’ll get on our knees and say, “Oh Lord, I want to go to China for You. I’ll go to Africa. I’ll go to Russia.” But when God says, Go next door, we just shrug it off.

“I can’t do that,” we’ll say. “That guy next door doesn’t like me. Besides, I want to be like Brother Schambach and get a big tent.”

If you’ve done something like that, repent. Then pick up where you left off and do what God directed. And from now on, remember, no matter how insignificant God’s instructions may seem, obeying them is no small thing! It’s those simple acts of obedience that will make your spiritual house stand...or fall. All the small things combined become the direction of our lives.

Scripture Reading:
Luke 16:1-10

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Billy Graham Daily Devotional April 27 2017- God, Our Helper

TOPIC- God, Our Helper


I am like a sheltered olive tree protected by the Lord himself. I trust in the mercy of God forever and ever.
—Psalm 52:8 (TLB)




Turn to your Bible and read the wonderful stories of men who were alone in godless surroundings but who, by the help and presence of the living God, made a marvelous contribution to their own times. Joseph was surrounded by sin and intrigue in Egypt. His master’s wife tried to seduce him. He was tested by imprisonment, but through it all he trusted in God and sought to know and do His will; and he stands today as a wonderful example of the keeping and strengthening power of God in the heart of a man who believed in Him.


 Prayer for the day
In the dark days, I will put out my hand and You, loving Lord, will be there.

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Ray Stedman A Daily Devotion April 27th 2017- The Pleasing Aroma

TOPIC- The Pleasing Aroma


Read the Scripture: Genesis 8:1-22

The LORD smelled the pleasing aroma and said in his heart: Never again will I curse the ground because of man... (Genesis 8:21a).




What is striking is that the first thing Noah does when he leaves the ark is give thanks to God. Wouldn't you think he would at least have stopped to build a fire and cook a meal? No, this man knows how to put first things first. The first thing he does is to give thanks to God. What a scene, as Noah's family knelt down in the mud and gave thanks!

It is the constant call of God to people: give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:18). It is because, of course, giving thanks means we recognize reality. When you give thanks, you are recognizing the undergirding of God, the presence of God, in the midst of life and His control over the affairs of life. Thus, you cannot give thanks without recognizing the situation as it really is.

In Romans 1, God's charge against a false and godless world is that although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him (Romans 1:21a). They did not recognize the basis upon which their life depended. Though they would not hesitate to thank someone who so much as picked up a handkerchief for them, they could find no time to stop and give thanks to the God upon whom their life depended. But Noah built an altar, and he gave thanks to God for his deliverance.

Ray Stedman A Daily Devotion

God said, Never again will I send a flood upon the earth, because the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth. There's nothing that a flood can do to change the heart. Destruction does not change it, so God does not send a flood again. Another means must be found to change people. Thus, God lays the groundwork for a fresh proclamation of the message of redemption to a new world. We read that Noah's thanksgiving was a sweet savor in the nostrils of God. God delights in a person's thanksgiving and praise.


 God saw, in this act of Noah, the total givingness of Jesus, the fact that here was one who, like these sacrifices, yielded up His life for the sake of what would be accomplished thereby, without reluctance, but gladly, willingly. As God saw that reflected in sacrifice, it was to Him the fragrance of Christ. That is what God is after in our lives. How do you glorify God? How do you live for His honor? By giving yourself. That's the way. That is what true love is.

The world is constantly talking to us today about rights. Demand your rights! That is exactly the opposite of the Spirit of Jesus Christ. If you lose your life, you will save it, he said (cf. Mark 8:35). If in selfishness and greed you demand your life and try to hang on to it, you will lose it. God has written that across the pages of history, and He writes that across the page of every individual life. To lose your life is a sweet savor of Jesus Christ.

Ray Stedman A Daily Devotion April 27th 2017- The Pleasing Aroma

Thank You for the offering of Your Son, which is a pleasing aroma to You, Father. May my own life be an offering that is pleasing to You.
Life Application: We cannot truly give thanks without recognizing the situation as it really is. Is God's presence in our lives evidenced by our constant thankfulness for His givingness?

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OUR Daily Bread Devotional April 27, 2017- Learning the Language

TOPIC- Learning the Language


Read: Acts 17:22–32

As I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: to an unknown god. Acts 17:23




I stood before the gathering at a small Jamaican church and said in my best local dialect, “Wah Gwan, Jamaica?” The reaction was better than I expected, as smiles and applause greeted me.

In reality, all I had said was the standard greeting, “What’s going on?” in Patois [pa-twa], but to their ears I was saying, “I care enough to speak your language.” Of course I did not yet know enough Patois to continue, but a door had been opened.

Before you tell others about Christ, let them see how much you care.
When the apostle Paul stood before the people of Athens, he let them know that he knew their culture. He told them that he had noticed their altar to “an unknown god,” and he quoted one of their poets. Of course, not everyone believed Paul’s message about Jesus’s resurrection, but some said, “We want to hear you again on this subject” (Acts 17:32).

As we interact with others about Jesus and the salvation He offers, the lessons of Scripture show us to invest ourselves in others—to learn their language, as it were—as a way to open the door to telling them the good news (see also 1 Cor. 9:20–23).


 As we find out “Wah Gwan?” in others’ lives, it will be easier to share what God has done in ours.

Show us, Lord, what is important to others. Help us to think of their interests first, and allow opportunities to speak about the love of Jesus.

Before you tell others about Christ, let them see how much you care.

| Bible in a Year: 1 Kings 1–2; Luke 19:28–48

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Seed of Destiny Dunamis Center Thursday, 27 April 2017- GIVE IT ALL TO GOD

TOPIC- GIVE IT ALL TO GOD

SCRIPTURE: But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33



THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Commitment to God and His kingdom is key to greatness in life.

The Kingdom of God deserves the highest level of commitment on earth. As a Christian, your commitment to God should be greater than your commitment to your official work or anything else. This is because your primary assignment on earth is to be committed and dedicated to God.

Unfortunately, many Christians are more committed to money-making and career pursuits than they are to God who created them and, therefore, deserves their full commitment.

Abraham was a man who was doggedly committed to God. In Genesis 12:1-5, God disconnected him from physical relationships and associations yet he agreed to follow God. Abraham had a place where he met with God on a daily basis; it was a rigid routine (Genesis 19:27). It was Abraham’s habit to greet God first thing in the morning before talking to any man. In Genesis 22, God asked Abraham to sacrifice his only son and he agreed. What a sacrificial heart!

Beloved, I counsel you to dare to be like Abraham; be committed to God and His Kingdom.


 Remember this: Commitment to God and His kingdom is key to greatness in life.

ASSIGNMENT(S):
1. Show God how committed you are to Him by your lifestyle of giving.
2. Give Him your life, time, resources and energy.
3. Put God first in everything you do.

FOR FURTHER UNDERSTANDING, GET THIS MESSAGE:  HOUSE OF GLORY

PRAYER: Lord, I give You my life, soul and possessions. Do with me whatever You will, LORD, in Jesus’ Name.

DAILY READING: Judges 7:1 to 8:17, Luke 23:13 to 43, Psalm 97:1 to 98:9, Proverbs 14:7 to 8.

QUOTE:  Your favour for God’s Kingdom will command God’s favour in your direction. Culled from 30 SECRETS TO THE TOP by Dr Paul Enenche.

AMAZING FACT: A flamingo can eat only when its head is upside down.

TODAY IN HISTORY: 27/04/1945 - The Second Republic was founded in Austria.

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Finding beauty in your marriage by Joel Osteen

Finding Beauty in Your Marriage
Look for the Best in Each Other
In life, no matter how much good there is, you can always find something bad if you look for it. You can find some fault, some weakness, something that you don’t understand or like. You can either develop an eye for the good, or you can develop a critical eye and always see the bad.

This is why marriages are in so much trouble today. A spouse or both spouses have developed a habit of being negative and only seeing the negative. They’ve become too critical and view everything through their critical eye.

It’s like this man I heard about. His wife was making him breakfast, and he asked for two eggs, one scrambled and one fried. So she made them and put them on a plate. When he saw them, he shook his head. She said, “What did I do wrong now? That’s exactly what you asked for.” He said, “I should have known it. You fried the wrong egg.”

You see, you can train yourself to see your spouse’s strengths, or you can train yourself to see their weaknesses. You can focus on what you like about your spouse and magnify their good qualities, or you can focus on what you don’t like and magnify the things that annoy you.

Some people have become so critically minded that no matter what the other one does, it’s not going to be right. They never see the good their spouse does anymore, and they’ve forgotten the reasons they fell in love and got married. It’s because they’re magnifying the wrong things.

I know we all have faults and things that can get on each other’s nerves. But the key is, what are you magnifying? Are you just magnifying that annoyance, letting a critical spirit rise up? Or are you choosing to see the good and only focusing on the good?

If you’re negative toward your spouse and you operate out of a critical spirit, it’s going to poison your whole outlook. You won’t communicate properly. You won’t want to do things together, and it will affect you in every area.

After all, when we’re critical, we begin to nag and exaggerate and make a big deal out of things that are not big deals; that’s when we start complaining that the wrong egg got fried. “Well, you never take out the trash.” “Well, you never spend any time with me.” “You’re always late.”

I’ve discovered people respond to praise more than they respond to criticism. The next time you want your husband to mow the lawn, instead of nagging and saying, “You lazy thing. When are you ever going to mow our lawn? It looks so bad.” Just say, “Did I ever tell you that when you’re out there mowing the lawn, you look really good?” or “When I see your muscles bulging out of your shirt and that sweat dripping down your face, you look so handsome, so attractive.” You praise him like that, and he’ll mow the lawn every day! People respond to praise more than criticism.

When we’re constantly critical, we have to realize the problem is not with our spouse. It’s not even with our circumstances. The problem is with us.

There was this couple that moved into a new neighborhood. Early one morning while they were eating, the lady looked out the window and saw the neighbor hanging her wash out on the line to dry. She noticed that the wash was so dirty and so dingy. She said to her husband, “That neighbor doesn’t know how to wash. Her clothes aren’t clean. I wonder if she even uses detergent.” Day after day, she made these same comments. “I can’t believe she lets her family wear those dirty, dingy clothes.”

Several weeks later, she looked out that window, and the clothes were just as bright and clean and beautiful as could be. She was so surprised. She called her husband and said, “Honey, look. The lady finally learned how to wash. I wonder what happened.” The husband smiled and said, “Honey,

I got up early this morning and cleaned our window.” The problem was not that the neighbor had dirty laundry. The problem was the window she was looking through was not clean. She was seeing everything through a tainted filter. It’s the same way beauty; or you only see the scratch in the floor and never the amazing house; if you never see what your spouse does right and only what they do wrong, then my encouragement to you is to clean your window. The problem is not with your spouse. It’s an internal issue.

If you struggle in this area, I would encourage you to make a list of the qualities that you like about your spouse. Write down the things that they do right. He may not be a good communicator, but he’s a hard worker. Put that on your list. She may have some weaknesses, but she’s a great mother. She’s smart. She’s intelligent. Write that down. Every day go over it. Start focusing on their good qualities.

You have to make a switch. Decide today to start appreciating your spouse’s strengths and learn to downplay their weaknesses. If you do, your marriage will be filled with more peace, unity and love, and you’ll see God bless your marriage in greater ways.

JOEL OSTEEN

Joel Osteen is pastor of Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas — a vibrant and diverse church that Forbes calls the largest and fastest-growing congregation in America. Joel shares a positive message of hope and encouragement that extends all around the world. This message reaches all across America and 100 nations of the world. Joel’s books, Your Best Life Now and Become a Better You, quickly became #1 New York Times Bestsellers and are distributed worldwide in several languages.

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Great Marriages Take Work by Lisa Comes

Great Marriages Take Work
3 Powerful Truths to Help Your Marriage
You know the saying, “Marriages are made in Heaven, but they sure take a lot of maintenance on earth!”

That’s the truth!

Great marriages take work and it’s worth the work!

Many times people go from relationship to another seeking the perfect relationship. They can’t seem to maintain relationships, bailing out whenever conflict occurs; later learning there is no perfect relationship.

There is no such thing as the perfect marriage.

Relationships and marriage are high maintenance. If you want good, healthy, relationships in your life, you need to be willing to work at it, you need the wisdom of God, and you need to understand the dynamics of relationships.

Psalm 34:12–14 is a scripture that sums up in a nutshell what it takes to have fulfilling relationships and a good marriage. It says,

“Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.”

There are three powerful truths in this verse that when applied, will greatly aid in the success of a fulfilling and happy marriage. They are:

Control your tongue.
Do good to each other.
Seek peace and pursue it.

Why is it important for us to work on our marriages?
Because God designed us for relationships.

The most important thing in your life besides your relationship with God are the people in your life. It’s not your job or your money, or your hobbies. And if you’re married, it’s your spouse!

You can have everything, but if you lack good relationships, you are unfulfilled and empty.

On the other hand, you can have very little, but if you have friends and fulfilling relationships, you are rich!

It’s sad to say, but many people only know what it’s like to have dysfunctional relationships. There are so many homes that are full of strife and marriages not at peace. That is not God’s best for your marriage.

God wants you to enjoy your spouse. I believe with all my heart, that God divinely connected you with your mate. He wants you to enjoy your spouse and not be at odds with him or her.

Here are some helpful steps in staying connected with your spouse that if you work on, will produce a stronger, happier marriage.

1. Work on being more patient with your mate.
Be more understanding and compassionate.

2. Don’t go to bed angry.
When you do, it gives the enemy a foothold in your marriage. After you calm down, talk it out and make peace. Anger grows if you don’t deal with in it in a timely manner.

3. Lighten Up!
A merry heart does good like a medicine! Don’t be too serious all of the time. Remember to laugh, play and have fun with the people in your life. (Proverbs 15:13)

4. Avoid touchy subjects when possible.
Things that stir up strife — like differences in doctrine or politics, how you squeeze the toothpaste or which way the toilet paper goes, should just be avoided. Some things just aren’t worth the strife!

5. Accept your spouse for who they are.
People have different personalities. We have different gifts and talents, but we also have different needs. And we ought to learn what our spouse’s needs are and build them up according to their needs. Many times we try to meet our spouse’s needs according to what we like and we need — but it will not have the same effect because we are all different. Your spouse might need quality time to feel loved, yet you might like receiving gifts. By understanding how each other feels loved and what our different needs are, miscommunication will be avoided and love increased. (Eph 4:29)

6. Learn to forgive and let it go!
Sometimes we have to do this on a daily basis! Don’t hold on to the offenses. Don’t hold things against people. Jesus doesn’t hold things against us when we sin. (Ephesians 4:32)

My Daddy used to say that he and my mother argued from the neck up. That meant that they never let anything get into their heart. They didn’t hold things against each other. They dealt with the offense and moved on.

7. Recognize strife when it starts and stop before it gets out of hand.
(Proverbs 17:14)

8. Be a peacemaker.
Decide that you are going to be a peacemaker in your marriage, in your home, in the office, and everywhere you go. It is a choice that we make. We all can choose to be peacemakers (James 3:18, Proverbs 12:20, Proverbs 16:7, Matthew 5:9)

Ephesians 4:2–3 says to be completely humble and gently; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

All great marriages take work. Make it your goal to daily remember these biblical points. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you and to bring to your attention whenever you’re tempted to act out of love. And remember, where there is peace, God commands a blessing!

LISA COMES

The oldest daughter of John and Dodie Osteen, Lisa was healed at birth of a crippling condition similar to cerebral palsy, and as an adult, she miraculously survived the explosion of a pipe bomb in her office at Lakewood Church. Actively involved in outreach ministry since 1983, Lisa has been a Bible teacher for over 20 years. She is a graduate of Oral Roberts University and is married to Kevin Comes, Administrator of Lakewood Church. Lisa and Kevin are the parents of three children: twin daughters Catherine and Caroline, and son Christopher. For more articles, thoughts and notes from Lisa, please visit LisaComes.com.

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Joyce Meyer's daily devotional April 26, 2017- My Beloved Son (and Daughter)

Topic; My Beloved Son (and Daughter)


 April 26, 2017


And all of us...are constantly being transfigured into His very own image in ever increasing splendor and from one degree of glory to another....
—2 Corinthians 3:18

We all make mistakes every day of our lives. But if we love God and want to do what is right, He keeps working with us and loving us into wholeness. We don't have to feel rejected in the meantime. God sees the end from the beginning. He knows where we are now and is fully aware of every one of our faults, but He also knows where we can be if He keeps loving us and encouraging us to go forward. God changes us from one degree of glory to another, according to 2 Corinthians 3:18, but He also keeps loving, accepting, and approving of us while we are making the journey.

The Scripture tells us that a voice came from heaven two different times and said, This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Why was this necessary? I believe that Jesus needed to hear these words, and I believe we need to hear the same expression of love and affirmation. Knowing that God is on our side gives us confidence. Jesus received God's encouragement, and we need to do the same. Don't concentrate on everything that is wrong with you. That will distract you from proper fellowship with God. Thank God for your strengths and turn your weaknesses over to Him.

When God finished all of His creation, including man, He looked at it and said, "It is good!" God intends to work in and through you, so relax and believe that God approves of you!

Love Yourself Today: Say out loud, "I am God's beloved child. He approves of me and will finish the good work He started!"

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DCLM Daily Manna April 26, 2017 by Pastor Kumuyi – SPIRITUAL ADULTERY

Topic: SPIRITUAL ADULTERY



KEY VERSE:2 KINGS 17:1-8
"For so it was, that the children of Israel had sinned against the LORD their God, which had brought them up out of the land of Egypt, from under the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and had feared other gods" (2 Kings 17:7).

A little boy, when his mother was out, got a chair and climbed up to a shelf in the closet to see if there was anything pleasant to eat. He saw a small white paper parcel.

 When he opened it, it was filled with white powder. The boy tasted and found it sweet; he took some more and put it up again. He soon became sick. When he complained to his mother, she asked what he had eaten.

He disclosed that he had tasted "some of the sweet sugar in the closet". "Oh, my son, it is poison; it will kill you!" she exclaimed. The boy was taken to hospital to save his life. The boy never forgot the lesson thereafter, that what is sweet may be poison afterall. So it is with sin. Something we like much may be wrong; and if it’s wrong, it is sin.

This is what happened to Israel during the reign of Hoshea, when he did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord. King Hoshea and his people decided to forsake the Lord who brought them out of bondage and serve other gods, walking in the statutes of the heathen whom the Lord cast out from before the children of Israel. Israel paid dearly for this as God forsook them and they were carried away into captivity.

 In the Old Testament dispensation, Israel was referred to as the wife of God. "For thy Maker is thine husband; the LORD of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel..." (Isaiah 54:5). Hence, anytime the children of Israel went back from following the Lord, it was compared to the treachery of a wife against her husband. So, the relationship between God and His people is compared to marriage.

This is exactly the same picture we have in the New Testament concerning Christ and His Bride, the Church. When Christians withdraw their love from the Lord at any moment and gives same to the world, it is regarded as spiritual adultery.

The world in this instance means the evil system of the world as controlled by the devil. As a Christian, being friendly with the world is unequal yoke. It is like bringing light and darkness together; linking righteousness with unrighteousness and bringing God and Satan into fellowship. It is deadly.

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David Abioye's Daily Devotional April 26, 2017 –KNOWING WHAT YOU OUGHT TO KNOW

KNOWING WHAT YOU OUGHT TO KNOW |


Today: 2017-04-26


That which I see not teach Thou me…
Job 34:32


The purpose of knowledge is improvement and perfection.
It is those who think they know enough that pride themselves.
Those who actually know usually seek to know more.
There is what you know and there is what you ought to know. 1 Corinthians 8:1, 2
What you ought to know that you are yet to know is what makes you incomplete.
Jesus said to the rich man, “If you’ll be perfect, one more thing remains.”
Job acknowledged, “That which I know not, teach Thou me.”
Paul cried out, “That I may know Him!” Philippians 3:10.
One would wonder, “What more does Paul want to know, having known so much?” Yet he cried to know more.
God responds only to panting, hungry hearts.
Are you panting after God?
What you know is already stale, if you don’t seek to know more, what you know now will lead to your stalement.

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Joseph Prince Devotional 26 April 2017- DON’T SWEAT OVER LOSS OR WASTE

DON’T SWEAT OVER LOSS OR WASTE


Apr 26, 2017


Luke 15:22–23
“But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry;

Topics
Relationship With God

Keywords
Protection , Provision , Love Of God , Prodigal Son , Sonship

Scripture Reference
Luke
What would you say if your son, whom you had given a large inheritance to, came crawling home one day after wasting all his money on riotous living?

In the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11–24), the father did not say one word about loss or waste, though his son had indeed wasted his inheritance on riotous living. The father only saw his son’s homecoming as an opportunity to show him how much he loved him and to restore to him what he had lost.

Like the father in the parable, it is your heavenly Father’s desire to embrace you and show you how much you are loved. And it is His good pleasure to restore to you what you have lost.

Perhaps you have lost something recently, or you are frustrated that something has gone to waste due to a bad decision you made. My friend, God does not see the finality of the loss or waste the way you do. When you come to Him with it, He sees it as an opportunity to restore to you what has been lost or wasted.

Even if, like the prodigal son, you feel far away from your heavenly Father, or you feel that you have disappointed Him, don’t despair. The truth is that the moment you come to Him, He immediately restores to you the robe of honor to clothe your nakedness, the ring of authority to declare your position of power and dominion, and the sandals on your feet (which servants do not wear) to reinstate you as a son in His house.

He reassures you that you had never lost the position of sonship. And He celebrates your return to Him with the killing of a fatted calf because you are His beloved child whom He cherishes.

Beloved, in your Father’s house, you not only come under His complete protection, but you also enjoy His inexhaustible provision and unconditional love!

Thought For The Day
It is your heavenly Father’s desire to show you how much you are loved and to restore to you what you have lost.

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Living in Love by Victoria Osteen

Living in Love
Look for the Best in Each Other
I once heard about a husband and wife who were so upset after a big argument that they refused to speak to each other. That night, not wanting to be the first to break the awkward silence, the man left a note on his wife’s side of the bed that read, “wake me up at 6 o’clock in the morning.”

The next morning, by the time the husband woke up, it was already 8 o’clock. Furious, he roared, “Where is she?” and was about to chew out his wife when he found a note on his side of the bed: “It’s six o’clock; wake up.”

If we’re going to live in love, we have to learn to forgive one another. The Bible says, “Do not let the sun go down on your anger, but instead, forgive. And above all things, put on love.”1 That means: Above having your own way, above your own agenda, choose to put on love.

The apostle Paul prayed in Ephesians 3:17 that we would be “rooted and established in love so that we would have power together with all the saints.” When we choose to walk in love, we have the power of God in our lives, as well as healthier relationships.

We should always look for the best in each other. That’s one of the things I love about Joel. I used to think that he didn’t see the things that people did wrong. Then I realized: It’s not that he doesn’t see them; he chooses not to focus on them.

That’s what Jesus taught. One day a group of Pharisees brought a woman to Him who had been caught in adultery. The Law said that she should be stoned, but Jesus didn’t condemn her. Instead, He said, “Those of you without sin, go ahead; you throw the first stone.”

The woman’s accusers began to look within themselves. Then, they walked away.

We can all throw rocks and point out each other’s faults, but we need to make allowances for one another. We don’t know what some people have been through. We don’t know the pain and heartache they’ve experienced. When the woman’s accusers had all slipped away, Jesus told her, “Neither do I condemn you; go your way; from now on sin no more.”3

Let’s learn to walk in love and see the best in everyone. A house divided will fall. That’s why it’s so important to keep peace in your home. Be the first to apologize. Be quick to forgive.

Someone once asked me if Joel and I argue. Of course, we disagree, but you can’t argue with someone who won’t argue with you, and Joel won’t argue! He’s made up his mind that we’re going to walk in love, because that is where the power is. At times, Joel and I have said, “All right, we can’t see eye to eye on this, so we’re just going to agree to disagree.”

I can’t help it if he’s wrong sometimes!

When Joel and I got married, I like my own way, and when I didn’t get it, I wasn’t happy. Then God spoke clearly to me: Victoria, if you don’t change the way you’re acting, you’re going to change the man you married.

Well, that got my attention, because I didn’t want to change Joel’s personality. I love Joel. That’s why I married him. I knew that I had to be willing to make some changes.

In many relationships, after time, people neglect to walk in love. One day, they realize that their hearts have changed. You hear it all the time: “We just grew apart.”

Joel and I remind ourselves often that God brought us together. He’s got a good plan for our marriage. You need to remind yourself that God has put that person in your life, and He’s got good things in store. If you will do your part by being kind, respecting one another, treating each other the way you want to be treated, God will do His part, and you can live in love!

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Joyce meyer: A New Way Of Thinking

A New Way of Thinking

by Joyce Meyer

Two major lessons I’ve learned from studying God’s Word on the mind and writing Battlefield of the Mind are how much our thoughts affect every single area of our lives and how much you can choose your own thoughts. That’s where Satan does all his fighting—he tries to get you caught up with any bad or negative thought. But as believers who have the Word of God inside of us, we have the tools to defeat him.

I know about this from personal experience. For many years I went to church faithfully, week after week, but I wasn’t living a victorious Christian life. I read my Bible every day, served on the evangelism board and went door-to-door telling people about Jesus because I really wanted to serve God. But even though I was doing those things, I was still miserable most of the time.

I would go to church on Sunday, fight with my husband during the week, and get frustrated with my kids a lot. I’d feel miserable, depressed, angry—like a mess—and then go back to church on Sunday. I felt like I didn’t know how to act like a “sane” human being.

Ephesians 4:23-24 says to be constantly renewed in the spirit of your mind [having a fresh mental and spiritual attitude], and put on the new nature…created in God’s image….

This is so important, because it’s impossible to have a positive, peaceful life and at the same time have a negative mind.

I’ve discovered that when we take time to renew our minds with God’s Word, we learn how to think like God thinks, say what God says, and act like He wants us to act. Then we can have what He wants us to have—abundant life in Christ, filled with His righteousness, peace and joy (see John 10:10 and Romans 14:17).

How Are You Supposed to Think? The first thing we need to understand is that when we become new creations in Christ (see 2 Corinthians 5:17), what is normal for the world is no longer normal for us. There’s a way we’re supposed to live that reflects the image of Christ in the world.

For example, many people think it’s normal to worry, but as a Christian, worrying is not a normal way of thinking. Philippians 4:6 says we are to be anxious for nothing (NKJV). This doesn’t mean we won’t ever feel worried, but when we do, we can pray and give it to God so we can have His peace while we go through a hard time.

First Corinthians 2:16 says we have the mind of Christ. This means no matter what our circumstances may be, we can have God’s wisdom, discernment and peace to guide our decisions in the midst of them. There are several other godly mindsets I want to mention to help you learn how to renew your mind with the Truth of the Word:

The Made-up Mind

Colossians 3:2 says to set your minds and keep them set on what is above…not on the things that are on the earth. The only way we can accomplish what we really want to do in life is by determining what God has put in our hearts to do and then setting our minds to do it. With the help of the Holy Spirit, you can make up your mind and stop overthinking your decisions.

The Humble Mind

Philippians 2:5 says to let this same attitude and purpose and [humble] mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus…. A person with a humble mind is peaceful because they can wait on God’s timing and follow His direction; they don’t constantly struggle with wondering why or when. And a humble mind isn’t judgmental or critical of others.

The Focused Mind

We live in an age of distraction! It’s amazing how much information is coming at us most of the time through technology, the media and the busyness of the world around us. I’ve decided that the world probably isn’t going to change, so I have to change. I’m learning how to keep my mind on what I’m doing, rather than thinking about several things at once or what I want to do next.

You Can Choose. It was such a revelation for me when I realized I didn’t have to think about just anything that came into my mind. I could choose my thoughts and do my own thinking—on purpose. There is a way to havrit…to have victory in our circumstances and not live according to what the world views as “normal.” And it all begins with renewing our minds. The choice is up to us.

So make the decision to spend time each day reading and meditating on the Word. Pray and ask God to help you understand how to apply the wisdom you discover to your everyday life. As you do your part to renew your mind, God will do His. And you’ll love the transformation that comes with having a “normal” mind—the mind of Christ!

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Open Heavens Devotional 2017 Wednesday 26 April 2017:- Ressponsiblities of God’s children I

RESPONSIBILITIES OF GOD’S CHILDREN I – Wednesday April 26th2017

Memorise: As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: 1st Peter 2:2
Read: 1st John 3:1-3 (KJV)
1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

Bible in one year: Numbers 20-21, Jeremiah 21:1-10, Hymn: Sing hymn 6
MESSAGE:
All those who have accepted the Lordship of Jesus Christ over their life are children of God, by the grace of adoption through Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:5). As children of God, while God has some responsibilities to make a success of our walk of faith in this world, we also have some responsibilities we have to bear in this regard. Peter, in today’s memory verse, points out that one of our responsibilities as children of God is to desire things that are beneficial to our spiritual growth. When some new converts become children of God, due to zeal without knowledge, they begin to nurse some good desires which are inappropriate or unhealthy for sustaining their victory in the Christian race. For example, some converts after giving their lives to Christ immediately begin to desire the office of a pastor, evangelist or Christian minister of any sort. Although these are good desires, they are inappropriate and ill-timed. The first responsibility of a believer when he or she becomes a child of God is to desire the sincere milk of the word so that he or she can grow to maturity through it. It is after this that he or she can think of rendering service to the Kingdom work. Open Heavens 2017. Physically speaking, when a little baby desires to eat bread, yam, or rice, such desires could kill him or her. In the same vein, when a newborn believer desires to be a pastor or an evangelist overnight, he or she would not last long. This is the mistake some Christian organisations make when they make converts out of Muslims and traditionalists and immediately turn them into tools of evangelism. The resultant effect is that such converts, without having depth in the word of God, would begin to see themselves as evangelists. Based on my experience and observations, more often than not, such converts don’t last. For this season, children being born into God’s family must take time to study the word of God and become well grounded in it.
In our Bible reading today, we see another responsibility of children of God, which is that they must keep themselves pure (1st John 3:3). After being cleansed and purified by the Blood of Jesus, children of God have the responsibility of not going back to their old vomit or staining their garment of righteousness with the filth of this world (Ephesians 5:26-27). Practically, you achieve this by measuring your action against the standard of God’s word. Open Heavens Devotional 2017 Wednesday 26 April 2017:- Ressponsiblities of God’s children I. Anything that is contrary to the word of God is filth that must be avoided. This is the more reason why all children of God need to be grounded in the word first before anything else.

Action Point
Make sure you read, study and apply the word of God to your day-to-day living as a child of God, and you will grow in faith.

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Billy Graham Daily Devotional April 26 2017- The Miracle of Life

TOPIC- The Miracle of Life

The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handiwork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.
—Psalm 19:1–3

here is a language in nature that speaks of the existence of God. It is the language of order, beauty, perfection, and intelligence. Some time ago a scientist told me that when he gave serious thought to the majestic order of the universe and its obedience to unchanging law, he could not help but believe in God. He had become aware that God was speaking through nature.

God speaks in the certainty and regularity of the seasons; in the precision of the movements of the sun, the moon, and the stars; in the regular coming of night and day; in the balance between man’s consumption of life-giving oxygen and its production by the plant life of the earth; and even in the cry of a newborn child with its ever-new dimension of the miracle of life.

 Prayer for the day

The beauty of this day will be a constant reminder of the magnificence of You, God.

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Kenneth Copeland Ministries Daily Devotional April 26 - Press On in Patience By Gloria Copeland

TOPIC- Press On in Patience


…Be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

Hebrews 6:12

You’ve been walking by faith. You’ve been believing God to meet your need. But what do you do when the results seem slow in coming and you are tempted to give up?

Be patient!

There is not much said about patience these days. But, when it comes to receiving from God, it is just as important as faith.

It will make the difference between success and failure for you.


 Patience undergirds and sustains faith until the result is manifest. After you have meditated on the promises of God and have them in your spirit, patience will encourage you to hold steady. Patience is power. It has the courage to refuse the lie of Satan that says the Word is not working for you. It knows that God’s Word has never failed. Patience will not draw back in fear but will press forward in faith until you have the answer.

When the results of your faith seem slow in coming, don’t give up! Continue to put the Word first, with patience, and you will surely receive the promise of God!

Scripture Reading:
Hebrews 10:32-39

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DIGC Daily Devotional Wednesday, 26 April 2017- DO NOT WASTE YOUR LIFE

TOPIC- DO NOT WASTE YOUR LIFE


(FROM APRIL 2017 SEEDS OF DESTINY DAILY DEVOTIONAL BY DR. PASTOR PAUL ENENCHE)

SCRIPTURE:   A wise youth makes hay while the sun shines, but what a shame to see a lad who sleeps away his hour of opportunity. Proverbs 10:5 (TLB).






THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: A waste of time is a waste of life.

Time is an essential and irreplaceable unit of life. The loss of time is an irrecoverable loss. Unfortunately, it has been confirmed that the easiest thing to waste in life is time. While some people waste money, resources and opportunities, others waste time. Time is the stuff life is made of. Therefore, to waste time is to waste life and a waste of life is a waste of destiny.

Now, what do you do in life to ensure that your life is not wasted?
1. Ensure that there is always a vision in front of you – a daily, weekly or monthly objective.
2. Back your vision with planning. Planning is equal to strategic thinking. People stink when they do not think.
3. Have a time schedule for all you need to do. Many people have plans but they do not have schedules; so their plans never see the light of day. You do not expect something to happen, if it is not scheduled. Without a timeline, there can be no headline. Your vision is useless and planning is a waste of time if a schedule is not included.

Beloved, it is a tragedy to waste your time. Avoid the spell of time wastage by ensuring that there is always a vision in front of you, back up your vision with planning and have a time schedule for all your activities.

Remember this: A waste of time is a waste of life.

ASSIGNMENT(S):
1. Always endeavour to have a vision before you.
2. Prayerfully make plans and put those plans to action.


 FOR FURTHER UNDERSTANDING, GET THIS MESSAGE:  WHAT IT TAKES TO AVOID THE TRAGEDY OF A WASTED LIFE.

PRAYER: LORD, I shall not waste my life. I receive strength to go into action in order to fulfil destiny, in Jesus’ Name.

DAILY READING: Judges 6:1 to 40, Luke 22:54 to 23:12, Psalm 95:1 to 96:13, Proverbs 14:5 to 6.

QUOTE:  It is wisdom to find out what you are looking for in life; what God wants to do with your life. Culled from 21 FOOLISH THINGS PEOPLE DO by Dr Paul Enenche.

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OUR Daily Bread Devotional April 26, 2017- Someone to Touch

TOPIC- Someone to Touch


Read: Luke 5:12–16
Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. Luke 5:13

Commuters on a Canadian Metro train witnessed a heart-moving conclusion to a tense moment. They watched as a 70-year old woman gently reached out and offered her hand to a young man whose loud voice and disturbing words were scaring other passengers. The lady’s kindness calmed the man who sank to the floor of the train with tears in his eyes. He said, “Thanks, Grandma,” stood up, and walked away. The woman later admitted to being afraid. But she said, “I’m a mother and he needed someone to touch.” While better judgment might have given her reason to keep her distance, she took a risk of love.

Jesus understands such compassion. He didn’t side with the fears of unnerved onlookers when a desperate man, full of leprosy, showed up begging to be healed. Neither was He helpless as other religious leaders were—men who could only have condemned the man for bringing his leprosy into the village (Lev. 13:45–46). Instead, Jesus reached out to someone who probably hadn’t been touched by anyone for years, and healed him.

OUR Daily Bread Devotional April 26, 2017- Someone to Touch

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Ray Stedman A Daily Devotion April 26th 2017- The End Of The Old

TOPIC- The End Of The Old


Read the Scripture: Genesis 7:1-24
Ray Stedman A Daily Devotion


Every living thing on the face of the earth was wiped out; men and animals and the creatures that move along the ground and the birds of the air were wiped from the earth. Only Noah was left, and those with him in the ark (Genesis 7:23).
What a striking thing, the extent of the judgment of the flood! Many today raise the question, Was the flood universal? It is very difficult to answer that. But one thing is certainly clear: The flood destroyed the civilization of that day. The world of that time, says Peter (2 Peter 3:6), was deluged and destroyed. The civilization of that day came to an abrupt and sudden end. The Scripture warns throughout its whole extent of the suddenness of God's judgment. Every day bears testimony to the suddenness with which death can strike in individual lives.


 This was underscored for me once when I had a near-fatal accident. Driving down the highway, I was about ready to enter the freeway when a man in a pickup truck, waiting by the side of the road, suddenly pulled into my path when I was traveling about sixty-five miles an hour. My immediate thought was, Well, this is it. I'll not get through this, for it looked impossible. But, by God's grace, I was able to swerve around him to the front, and he stopped enough so that I was almost able to get by him. None of us were hurt. But it was a very close shave.

That sort of thing can happen to an age as well. That is the whole meaning of this passage. The fabric of our society can grow so rotten it can no longer support itself. Like a sail in a tempest, a tear appears that rapidly rips open, and soon the whole thing is in tatters. A total collapse follows once the process begins.

That is the lesson of the flood. It is clear from this that the great and fateful questions of faith are addressed to us privately and almost inaudibly. Seldom does God confront us with dramatic moments of decision. These people before the flood surely would have wished that the thunder would have rolled a week ahead. That would have tipped them off. But the skies are clear, and Noah is shut into the ark while there is no physical sign of impending judgment. They are shut up to believing or disbelieving the offer God made them through Noah.


 A lady handed me a note from her son the other day in which he said, When I see the world burning in obedience to the prophecies, then I'll believe. That is too late. That is also what these people said. When we hear the rain coming and the thunder rolling, we'll believe. But God had shut the door, and it was too late.

Do you take that seriously? You may die tomorrow. The great question of Scripture is that if life is that uncertain, why not live now? Not in the empty death of the world's delirium, but in the full swing of the Spirit's power, knowing that all that is truly vital is kept safe in the ark of Jesus Christ—kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time, says the apostle Peter (1 Peter 1:4b-5).

Thank You for this day, Lord. May I live this day knowing that it is a gift and that at any time You could choose to take me home.
Life Application: Many people have heard the story of Noah & the flood. What is the lesson of the flood that everyone should dwell on? Have we fully entered into the ark of Jesus Christ?

We hope you were blessed by this daily devotion.

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Joel and Victoria Osteen’s daily devotional April 25, 2017 – Close the Door on Fear

Today’s Scripture: "Do not give the Devil an opportunity to work." - (Ephesians 4:27, ISV)

Topic: Close the Door on Fear [Tuesday April 25, 2017]

So many people today are living with less than God’s best because they’ve allowed fear to creep in and take root in their lives. Fear is the greatest weapon the enemy uses to try to hold us back. Fear is not from God. Scripture tells us that fear brings torment. It’s designed to paralyze us and keep us from God’s blessings.

The good news is that God is greater than fear. His power in you is greater than any power that comes against you. But in order to walk in His power, you have to close the door on the enemy. See, the enemy can’t have access to your life unless you open a door and give him access. That’s why we have to be careful about what we watch, what we listen to, what we read, and what we say. When we open ourselves to fear, we give the enemy opportunity.

If you’ve allowed fear to steal from you in any area of life, today you can be free—you can be finished with fear. Conquering the enemy starts by making the choice to close the door on fear, and instead, meditate on God’s promises. We overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony! Let His truth sink down into your heart. Declare it out of your mouth. Let Him set you free and lead you into victory as you close the door on fear!

A Prayer for Today: "Father God, I come to You today declaring that I am finished with fear. Thank You for giving me power, love and a sound mind. I choose to stand on Your promises. Fill me with Your peace and joy today as I move forward in victory with You in Jesus’ name. Amen."

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David Abioye's Daily Devotional April 25, 2017 – Who Am I

Topic: Who Am I [Tuesday April 25, 2017]

The greatest sources of crisis and conflict in life is identity based.

Knowing who you are as ordained by God is what rescues you from every form of identity crisis.

That you are not something does not mean you are nothing.

Everyone is somebody and no one is a nobody.

No one is everything, so no one should be allowed to make you feel that you are nothing.

People get into games of comparison, competition, envy and strife simply because they are yet to know who they are.

Knowledge of who you are is what enhances your worth and gives you sense of value; it defines your glory.

I am yet to find who to envy because I’m not like any other person I’ve ever met.

Save yourself from the identity crisis by identifying and appreciating whom and what God has made you to be.

Don’t pride yourself but celebrate who you are.

Make yourself of no repute, yet, maintain your self esteem.

Never be proud, but don’t damage your ego.

You are valuable and distinct.

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