by dailyd | Sep 23, 2018 | More
Topic: A Little Every Day
Unto what is the kingdom of God like? and whereunto shall I resemble it? It is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and cast into his garden; and it grew, and waxed a great tree; and the fowls of the air lodged in the branches of it. – Luke 13:18-19
If you’re going to grow in the kingdom of God, you’re going to do it just like a seed that’s been planted in the ground. How does a seed grow? All at once? No, it grows constantly—24 hours a day—a little all the time until it accomplishes what it was created to do.
Most of us don’t operate that way spiritually. We study and pray very hard for a few days and then quit. Then, when some disaster comes, we make a mad attempt to pray and stand on the Word, all the while realizing that, for some reason, we’re just not as strong as we ought to be.
There’s no such thing as an overnight success in the kingdom of God! Real strength, real growth comes as you consistently and constantly keep the Word before your eyes, in your ears, and in the midst of your heart. Not just when you want to or when you feel like it, but constantly, like the seed, a little all the time.
A man came up to me once and said, “Man, your ministry just took off overnight, didn’t it?”
“If it did,” I answered, “it was certainly the longest night I ever spent in my life!”
From his perspective my success did seem to spring up quickly. That’s because he didn’t see me during all those hours and weeks and months and years I spent in the Word of God. He didn’t see the daily process that lay behind that success. He just saw the results.
Make up your mind to begin that daily process of constant growth today. Determine to start putting the Word in your heart consistently. Every day a line here, a line there—a tape here, a tape there.
Begin to act as though that Word is true every hour of the day regardless of what comes or how you feel. Keep adding to your faith—meditating on it, confessing it, seven days a week.
Eventually, your faith will be bigger than you ever dreamed it could be.
Scripture Reading: Luke 13:18-21
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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by dailyd | Sep 22, 2018 | More
TOPIC: Forgive Others
TEXT: MARK 11:11-27
KEY VERSE: “And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive your trespasses”
(Mark 11:25).
A Christian once said to another believer who pleaded for forgiveness, “I have forgiven you but I will never forget”. This is the state of many believers who profess they had obtained forgiveness from the Lord and love Him.
Our text teaches some aspects of the Christian life which is altogether anchored on forgiveness so as to be acceptable before God. No amount of prayers, service or gift, which does not come from a forgiving heart, can be accepted by God. A believer who prays while bearing grudges is likened to a fig tree sprouting leaves and bearing no fruit. Real prayer of faith dismantles pride and vengeance, but seeks peace. The believer’s body, like the temple, which Jesus cleansed in Jerusalem, is the temple of the Holy Spirit and must not harbour bitterness, anger, hatred, grudges and vengefulness. These are spiritual poisons that defile the believer and God’s congregation.
For churches to bear required fruits, there must be forgiveness and harmony among believers. We must be united by the true love of God. Perhaps, you have allowed the deadly spiritual poison of unforgiveness in your life, you should repent, ask God to give you the grace to forgive others and be determined not to bear grudges or harbour hatred any longer.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Let go of offences and forgive others.
DAILY BIBLE READING: Zechariah 8-14
DCLM Daily Manna 22 September 2018 Devotional 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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by dailyd | Sep 22, 2018 | More
Topic: The Blessing of Encouragers
Read: Acts 9:26–31 | Bible in a Year: Ecclesiastes 10–12; Galatians 1
Scripture: But Barnabas took [Saul] and brought him to the apostles. Acts 9:27
Message: The 2010 movie The King’s Speech tells the story of England’s King George VI, who unexpectedly became monarch when his brother abandoned the throne. With the country on the brink of World War II, government officials wanted a well-spoken leader because of the increasingly influential role of radio. King George VI, however, struggled with a stuttering problem.
The Blessing of Encouragers
I was especially drawn to the film’s portrayal of George’s wife, Elizabeth. Throughout his struggle to overcome his speech difficulty, she was his constant source of encouragement. Her steadfast devotion provided the support he needed to overcome his challenge and rule well during the war.
The Bible highlights the stories of encouragers who gave powerful assistance during challenging circumstances. Moses had Aaron and Hur’s support during Israel’s battles (Exodus 17:8–16). Elizabeth encouraged her pregnant relative Mary (Luke 1:42–45).
The Blessing of Encouragers
After his conversion, Paul needed the support of Barnabas, whose name literally means “son of encouragement.” When the disciples were fearful of Paul, Barnabas, at the risk of his own reputation, vouched for him (Acts 9:27). His endorsement was essential to Paul being welcomed by the Christian community. Barnabas later served as Paul’s traveling and preaching companion (Acts 14). Despite the dangers, they worked together to proclaim the gospel.
Believers in Jesus are still called to “encourage one another and build each other up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11). May we be eager to offer encouragement to help support others, especially as they face difficult circumstances.
Thought for the Day: The encouragement of a friend can make all the difference.
Our Daily Bread 22 September 2018 Devotional was written by Lisa Samra (Our Daily Bread Ministries)
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by dailyd | Sep 22, 2018 | Open Heavens
Topic: Godliness (Open Heavens 22 September 2018)
Memorise: “For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:”– Titus 1:5
Read: Exodus 40:1-10, Matthew 3:13-15 (KJV)
Exodus 40:1-10:
1 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
2 On the first day of the first month shalt thou set up the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation.
3 And thou shalt put therein the ark of the testimony, and cover the ark with the vail.
4 And thou shalt bring in the table, and set in order the things that are to be set in order upon it; and thou shalt bring in the candlestick, and light the lamps thereof.
5 And thou shalt set the altar of gold for the incense before the ark of the testimony, and put the hanging of the door to the tabernacle.
6 And thou shalt set the altar of the burnt offering before the door of the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation.
7 And thou shalt set the laver between the tent of the congregation and the altar, and shalt put water therein.
8 And thou shalt set up the court round about, and hang up the hanging at the court gate.
9 And thou shalt take the anointing oil, and anoint the tabernacle, and all that is therein, and shalt hallow it, and all the vessels thereof: and it shall be holy.
10 And thou shalt anoint the altar of the burnt offering, and all his vessels, and sanctify the altar: and it shall be an altar most holy.
Matthew 3:13-15:
13 Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.
14 But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?
15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.
Bible in One Year: Song of Solomon 1-4, Mark 11:20-12:12
MESSAGE:
Our God is a God of order. To walk in godliness, orderliness is very important. As a matter of fact, you cannot be holy if you are not orderly, because it takes obedience to be orderly. Contrary to the opinion of some Pentecostal zealots, God cherishes orderliness. But for the grace and mercy of God, disorderliness would have killed many so-called children of God and ministers of the gospel. Orderliness was so important to God that He instructed Moses on how to conduct His sanctuary in the wilderness, as seen in today’s Bible reading. When two of Aaron’s sons, who were priests in their own right, introduced disorderliness in the sanctuary, they both died at the altar of God. Numbers 3:4 says:
“And Nadab and Abihu died before the LORD, when they offered strange fire before the LORD, in the wilderness of Sinai, and they had no children: and Eleazar and Ithamar ministered in the priest’s office in the sight of Aaron their father.”
Similarly, when King Saul usurped Samuel’s role by offering sacrifice unto the Lord, he was damned for it because he broke divine protocol. According to 1 Samuel 13:10 & 13:
“10 And it came to pass, that as soon as he had made an end of offering the burnt offering, behold, Samuel came; and Saul went out to meet him, that he might salute him. 13 And Samuel said to Saul, Thou hast done foolishly: thou hast not kept the commandment of the LORD thy God, which he commanded thee: for now would the LORD have established thy kingdom upon Israel for ever.”
King Saul lost his throne because of his lack of respect for heaven’s order. Beloved, when it comes to spiritual matters be weary of breaking protocol; it may cost you more than you can ever imagine. I love the spirit in Aaron and Ur, associates of Moses who assisted his intercession during the battle with the Amalekites. Narrating their service, Exodus 17:12 says:
“But Moses’ hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.”
Aaron and Hur understood divine protocol. They knew that the only hands recognized by heaven in this project were Moses’ hands. Instead of raising their own hands when Moses’ hands became tired, they helped to stay the hands that needed to be raised, and the victory was won. Commit today to respecting and observing orderliness in every area of life.
Prayer Point:
Father, please instill in me today the spirit of orderliness, and grant me grace to continue to do things according to your specifications.
Saturday Hymn 4: Trust And Obey
1. When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will, He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.
Chorus:
Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
2. Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies,
But His smile quickly drives it away;
Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh or a tear,
Can abide while we trust and obey.
3. Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share,
But our toil He doth richly repay;
Not a grief or a loss, not a frown or a cross,
But is blessed if we trust and obey.
4. But we never can prove the delights of His love
Until all on the altar we lay;
For the favor He shows, for the joy He bestows,
Are for them who will trust and obey.
5. Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet,
Or we’ll walk by His side in the way;
What He says we will do, where He sends we will go;
Never fear, only trust and obey.
Open Heavens 22 September 2018 Saturday 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. The Open Heavens devotional application is available across all mobile platforms and operating systems: iOS, Android, Blackberry, Nokia, Windows Mobile and PC. Open Heavens 22 September 2018 Saturday Daily Devotional.
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by dailyd | Sep 21, 2018 | More
Topic: Faith Has No Expiration Date
“Do not remember the former things, or ponder the things of the past. Listen carefully, I am about to do a new thing….” — Isaiah 43:18-19 (AMP)
Faith is the evidence of the things that we do not see and the proof of their reality (see Hebrews 11:1). Faith is what we have while we are waiting for God to answer our prayer and provide what we need. But what if God takes a long, long time to answer? That is when waiting can become difficult, and that is also when our faith is tested.
I am currently waiting on at least seven things I have prayed about, and they are all things I have been waiting on for a long time, some of them for years. As I was feeling a little disappointed yesterday about having no answers yet, I was reminded that faith has no expiration date, and if it does, then it is not faith that can endure testing.
Faith means that we not only ask God for something, but also that we must trust Him to be the head of the “ways and means committee”! He chooses the way to answer us and the timing to do so. In the meantime, we get to be patient, or we can at least learn to be patient! I am still learning, and perhaps you are also.
Let me encourage you today to know that although God probably won’t show up in your timing, He promises not to be late. Don’t just trust God for something, but trust Him all the way through the process it takes to get it. Don’t let your faith expire!
Prayer Starter: Father, thank You that I have faith while I am waiting for a breakthrough in my situation. Help me remain faithful, even as You are faithful! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
From Joyce Meyer’s Ministries.
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