Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world ( Philippians 2:14-15).
In Matthew 5:14, Jesus said you’re the light of the world; meaning that without you, those in your world —your sphere of contact—will be in darkness. You’re to quell the works of darkness through your good works; the preaching of the Gospel. In the midst of the prevalent darkness in today ’s world, Jesus said, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven ” (Matthew 5:16).
The Bible says in Isaiah 9:2, “The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined. ” God’s desire is for this prophecy to be fulfilled through you, as you shine the light of the Gospel to those around you who ’re still in darkness. “How do I do this?” you might want to ask. First of all, you must pray for the salvation of the souls of men and women in your environment: you must haul back the forces of darkness through fervent prayer, and claim the souls of men into the Kingdom.
Secondly, you must share the Gospel with passion. Someone you share the Gospel with and lead to Christ today might just be the member of a gang of robbers or a terrorist group. By saving his soul, you ’ve made the world a safer place. Never be intimidated by the evil and wickedness that ’s seen in the world today. Don’t allow yourheart to be troubled because of the activities of wicked and unreasonable men, for greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world (1 John 4:4). The Holy Spirit in you is infinitely more powerful than all the forces of wickedness in the world.
Therefore get passionate about the Kingdom. Light up your world for Jesus! Share the good news of His salvation with everyone around you. That ’s the cure for the evil and wickedness in the world today: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek ” (Romans 1:16).
Prayer
Dear Lord, I pray that the knowledge of your Gospel will increase around the world and that the hearts of men and women, young and old would be turned to the light and the salvation that ’s in Christ Jesus. I pray that your truth will dawn in their hearts, causing them to become partakers of your grace. Amen!
Further Study:
Matthew 5:15-16; John 5:34-35
DAILY SCRIPTURE READING:
1 Year Bible reading plan:
John 7:1-24;1 Kings 15-17
2 Year Bible reading plan:
Mark 10:23-31;Numbers 18
Sunday, 15 May 2011
Saturday, 14 May 2011
May 14 – The “Fourth Man” In The Fire – Pastor Chris
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me ( Psalm 23:4).
In Daniel chapter three, we read the inspiring story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who were bound and thrown into a fiery furnace for refusing to bow to king Nebuchadnezzar’s idol. Nebuchadnezzar’s command was so urgent, and the fire so intense that the soldiers who threw the three young Hebrew men into the furnace were scorched to death instantly.
But then, right inside the fire, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego remained unhurt! A “fourth man” was inside the fire with them, and cushioned them against the effect of the raging inferno. At the sight of this, the Bible says “Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonished, and rose up in haste, and spake, and said unto his counsellors, Did not we cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? They answered and said unto the king, True, O king. He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God (Daniel 3:23-25).
Notice how he described the “ fourth man” in the fire; he said, “and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God. ” That “fourth man” was the Holy Spirit! He ensured that the fire didn’t hurt Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego: “…not a hair of their heads was singed; their coats were unscorched, and they didn ’t even smell of smoke” (Daniel 3:27 TLB). Nebuchadnezzar was humbled by this miracle and declared, “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, for he sent his angel to deliver his trusting servants when they defied the king ’s commandment” (Daniel 3:28 TLB). That was no ordinary angel, but the Holy Spirit Himself!
The Lord never promised that you wouldn ’t go through the fire, but that when you walk through the fire you shall not be burnt; neither shall the flame kindle upon you (Isaiah 43:2). The Holy Spirit, “the forth man in the fire,” will be right there to protect you, and bring you out victoriously from any adversity. No wonder He ’s called the friend that sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24); His presence with you and in you guarantees your victory on every count!
Prayer
Dear Holy Spirit, my trust is in you to help, guide, lead and protect me today and always! I appreciate and acknowledge your indwelling and eternal presence in my life in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Further Study:
Isaiah 59:19; Isaiah 43:2-3
DAILY SCRIPTURE READING:
1 Year Bible reading plan:
John 6:60-71;1 Kings 12-14
2 Year Bible reading plan:
Mark 10:13-22;Numbers 17
In Daniel chapter three, we read the inspiring story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who were bound and thrown into a fiery furnace for refusing to bow to king Nebuchadnezzar’s idol. Nebuchadnezzar’s command was so urgent, and the fire so intense that the soldiers who threw the three young Hebrew men into the furnace were scorched to death instantly.
But then, right inside the fire, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego remained unhurt! A “fourth man” was inside the fire with them, and cushioned them against the effect of the raging inferno. At the sight of this, the Bible says “Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonished, and rose up in haste, and spake, and said unto his counsellors, Did not we cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? They answered and said unto the king, True, O king. He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God (Daniel 3:23-25).
Notice how he described the “ fourth man” in the fire; he said, “and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God. ” That “fourth man” was the Holy Spirit! He ensured that the fire didn’t hurt Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego: “…not a hair of their heads was singed; their coats were unscorched, and they didn ’t even smell of smoke” (Daniel 3:27 TLB). Nebuchadnezzar was humbled by this miracle and declared, “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, for he sent his angel to deliver his trusting servants when they defied the king ’s commandment” (Daniel 3:28 TLB). That was no ordinary angel, but the Holy Spirit Himself!
The Lord never promised that you wouldn ’t go through the fire, but that when you walk through the fire you shall not be burnt; neither shall the flame kindle upon you (Isaiah 43:2). The Holy Spirit, “the forth man in the fire,” will be right there to protect you, and bring you out victoriously from any adversity. No wonder He ’s called the friend that sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24); His presence with you and in you guarantees your victory on every count!
Prayer
Dear Holy Spirit, my trust is in you to help, guide, lead and protect me today and always! I appreciate and acknowledge your indwelling and eternal presence in my life in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Further Study:
Isaiah 59:19; Isaiah 43:2-3
DAILY SCRIPTURE READING:
1 Year Bible reading plan:
John 6:60-71;1 Kings 12-14
2 Year Bible reading plan:
Mark 10:13-22;Numbers 17
May 13 – Put Others First – Pastor Chris
… Love (God’s love in us) does not insist on its own rights {or} its own way, {for} it is not self-seeking; it is not touchy {or} fretful {or} resentful … (1 Corinthians 13:5 AMP).
God’s love does not insist on his own right or his own way for it is not self- seeking. In other words, it cares more for others than for self. As a child of God you must learn to put others first. This is one of the characteristics of “agape”— God’s kind of love—it’s not selfish. The Bible says “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another ” (Romans 12:10).
Another attribute of love revealed in the opening scripture is that it is not touchy. There are people who are touchy or quick- tempered; they ’re so sensitive, you have to be careful the way you talk to them, lest they be offended. That ’s not the way of love. Love is not easily offended. Love is not resentful. Have no enemies. Never have people you dislike, hate, or show antipathy towards. Love doesn ’t permit that. To habour resentment is an ugly attitude that defiles a man ’s spirit. Never find yourself acting like you’ve been cheated in life just because you heard of someone else ’s promotion or something that’s been done to honour someone else.
Search your heart with the Word today, and be sure that the attributes of love listed in 1 Corinthians 13 form the basis with which you relate with other people. Never rejoice at the injustice suffered by others, rather, rejoice only when right and truth prevail. Refuse to be conceited,self-seeking, touchy or resentful. Confession I refuse to be resentful, touchy, or self-seeking, because I ’m full of divine love! The love of God is growing in my heart, and I ’m deeply rooted and grounded in love. As I go forth today, I manifest love to everyone I meet, in Jesus ’ Name. Amen.
Further Study:
1 Corinthians 13:1-2 AMP
DAILY SCRIPTURE READING:
1 Year Bible reading plan:
John 6:25-59;1 Kings 10-11
2 Year Bible reading plan:
Mark 10:1-12;Numbers 16
God’s love does not insist on his own right or his own way for it is not self- seeking. In other words, it cares more for others than for self. As a child of God you must learn to put others first. This is one of the characteristics of “agape”— God’s kind of love—it’s not selfish. The Bible says “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another ” (Romans 12:10).
Another attribute of love revealed in the opening scripture is that it is not touchy. There are people who are touchy or quick- tempered; they ’re so sensitive, you have to be careful the way you talk to them, lest they be offended. That ’s not the way of love. Love is not easily offended. Love is not resentful. Have no enemies. Never have people you dislike, hate, or show antipathy towards. Love doesn ’t permit that. To habour resentment is an ugly attitude that defiles a man ’s spirit. Never find yourself acting like you’ve been cheated in life just because you heard of someone else ’s promotion or something that’s been done to honour someone else.
Search your heart with the Word today, and be sure that the attributes of love listed in 1 Corinthians 13 form the basis with which you relate with other people. Never rejoice at the injustice suffered by others, rather, rejoice only when right and truth prevail. Refuse to be conceited,self-seeking, touchy or resentful. Confession I refuse to be resentful, touchy, or self-seeking, because I ’m full of divine love! The love of God is growing in my heart, and I ’m deeply rooted and grounded in love. As I go forth today, I manifest love to everyone I meet, in Jesus ’ Name. Amen.
Further Study:
1 Corinthians 13:1-2 AMP
DAILY SCRIPTURE READING:
1 Year Bible reading plan:
John 6:25-59;1 Kings 10-11
2 Year Bible reading plan:
Mark 10:1-12;Numbers 16
Thursday, 12 May 2011
May 12 – Change The Facts With Faith – Pastor Anita
While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal (2 Corinthians 4:18).
Faith is a leap on the Word. It ’s believing and accepting God’s Word as the truth, while giving no attention or consideration to the evident negative circumstances. Someone may ask, “How can I say I’m healed when the growth in my body is getting larger ?” Or “Why should I say I’m rich when there’s no money in my bank account?”
Faith doesn’t deny that the growth is present or that you have no money in the bank. What faith does is to change those facts by refusing to give them attention or consideration. In walking by faith, you don ’t dwell on facts; rather, you fix your attention on the realities of God ’s Word that confirms your divine health and prosperity.
So, quit thinking faith is all about pretending to have what you actually don ’t have. Faith is calling real what God has said about you, therefore acting that way, irrespective of what natural circumstances tell you. When David faced Goliath as a young boy, he didn ’t deny that he was facing a giant. But where everyone else was focused on the size of the giant, David only gave consideration to the truth that God was with Him (1 Samuel 17:1-51). That’s faith!
Faith doesn’t give attention to the things that are perceivable to the senses, for all such are subject to change! Paul writing to the Corinthian Church said, “… we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen.” That means you don’t give attention or consideration to the negative circumstances which your natural eyes can see. Instead, change them with the word of faith in your mouth!
Confession
I ’m fully persuaded that irrespective of how I feel or what I see, I ’m what God says I am; I have what He says I have, and I can do what He says I can do. The Word of God that inspires faith is in my heart and in my mouth today, and I overcome every adversity and prevail against oppositions in the Name of Jesus. Amen.
Further Study:
Romans 4:19-21
DAILY SCRIPTURE READING:
1 Year Bible reading plan:
John 6:1-24;1 Kings 9
2 Year Bible reading plan:
Mark 9:38-50;Numbers 15
Faith is a leap on the Word. It ’s believing and accepting God’s Word as the truth, while giving no attention or consideration to the evident negative circumstances. Someone may ask, “How can I say I’m healed when the growth in my body is getting larger ?” Or “Why should I say I’m rich when there’s no money in my bank account?”
Faith doesn’t deny that the growth is present or that you have no money in the bank. What faith does is to change those facts by refusing to give them attention or consideration. In walking by faith, you don ’t dwell on facts; rather, you fix your attention on the realities of God ’s Word that confirms your divine health and prosperity.
So, quit thinking faith is all about pretending to have what you actually don ’t have. Faith is calling real what God has said about you, therefore acting that way, irrespective of what natural circumstances tell you. When David faced Goliath as a young boy, he didn ’t deny that he was facing a giant. But where everyone else was focused on the size of the giant, David only gave consideration to the truth that God was with Him (1 Samuel 17:1-51). That’s faith!
Faith doesn’t give attention to the things that are perceivable to the senses, for all such are subject to change! Paul writing to the Corinthian Church said, “… we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen.” That means you don’t give attention or consideration to the negative circumstances which your natural eyes can see. Instead, change them with the word of faith in your mouth!
Confession
I ’m fully persuaded that irrespective of how I feel or what I see, I ’m what God says I am; I have what He says I have, and I can do what He says I can do. The Word of God that inspires faith is in my heart and in my mouth today, and I overcome every adversity and prevail against oppositions in the Name of Jesus. Amen.
Further Study:
Romans 4:19-21
DAILY SCRIPTURE READING:
1 Year Bible reading plan:
John 6:1-24;1 Kings 9
2 Year Bible reading plan:
Mark 9:38-50;Numbers 15
Wednesday, 11 May 2011
May 11 – The Word In Your Spirit! – Pastor Chris
Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you ( John 15:3).
Not only can God’s Word nourish and build you up spiritually, physically and materially as revealed in Acts 20:32, it also washes, purifies and cleanses your spirit, ridding it of fear, doubt and guilt. When the Word gains entrance into your heart, fear and doubt melt away, and faith takes over; righteousness displaces guilt, and strength replaces weakness. All these are the results of the cleansing and transforming power of the Word in you.
Jesus said in our opening scripture “ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. ” He lets us know that the Word has cleansing power. This means you can experience a day-to-day renewal and transformation in your life as you assimilate God ’s Word into your spirit; it cleanses you from all unrighteousness. The Word in your spirit will make you what it talks about, and cause you to grow unto maturity in Christ.
Some Christians tend to appraise their spiritual growth in terms of how long they ’ve been born again. Well, you may have been a Christian for twenty years, that ’s not what transforms your life. The Word of God in your spirit is what transforms your life and takes you from one level of glory to a higher level. That ’s what changes your state, and instates you in your estate in Christ.
You must realize that what God seeks the most to give you in your life, is not healing, money, a job or any of the physical things you could be asking for. What He seeks to give you is His Word in your spirit; for He knows that the Word in you will make you what it talks about. So settle your heart on the Word today, and watch yourself
transformed from glory to glory.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you today for the blessing of your Word, and with joy, faith and meekness, I receive into my spirit today, your engrafted Word that ’s able to save my soul and keep me ever-radiant in your sight, in health and prosperity, in Jesus ’ Name. Amen.
Further Study:
Psalm 119:11; Ephesians 5:26
DAILY SCRIPTURE READING:
1 Year Bible reading plan:
John 5:31-47;1 Kings 7-8
2 Year Bible reading plan:
Mark 9:30-37:Numbers 14
Not only can God’s Word nourish and build you up spiritually, physically and materially as revealed in Acts 20:32, it also washes, purifies and cleanses your spirit, ridding it of fear, doubt and guilt. When the Word gains entrance into your heart, fear and doubt melt away, and faith takes over; righteousness displaces guilt, and strength replaces weakness. All these are the results of the cleansing and transforming power of the Word in you.
Jesus said in our opening scripture “ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. ” He lets us know that the Word has cleansing power. This means you can experience a day-to-day renewal and transformation in your life as you assimilate God ’s Word into your spirit; it cleanses you from all unrighteousness. The Word in your spirit will make you what it talks about, and cause you to grow unto maturity in Christ.
Some Christians tend to appraise their spiritual growth in terms of how long they ’ve been born again. Well, you may have been a Christian for twenty years, that ’s not what transforms your life. The Word of God in your spirit is what transforms your life and takes you from one level of glory to a higher level. That ’s what changes your state, and instates you in your estate in Christ.
You must realize that what God seeks the most to give you in your life, is not healing, money, a job or any of the physical things you could be asking for. What He seeks to give you is His Word in your spirit; for He knows that the Word in you will make you what it talks about. So settle your heart on the Word today, and watch yourself
transformed from glory to glory.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you today for the blessing of your Word, and with joy, faith and meekness, I receive into my spirit today, your engrafted Word that ’s able to save my soul and keep me ever-radiant in your sight, in health and prosperity, in Jesus ’ Name. Amen.
Further Study:
Psalm 119:11; Ephesians 5:26
DAILY SCRIPTURE READING:
1 Year Bible reading plan:
John 5:31-47;1 Kings 7-8
2 Year Bible reading plan:
Mark 9:30-37:Numbers 14
Tuesday, 10 May 2011
May 10 – The Ability Is In The Instruction! – Pastor Chris
Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life ( Proverbs 4:13).
The ability to do whatever God tells you to do is in the instruction. That ’s because God’s Word has inherent power to produce what it talks about. Now, whether the instruction or counsel is from the written pages of the Bible or a word from the Spirit through your Pastor, or you heard God’s voice in your spirit, it makes no difference. Don ’t rationalize or try to reason it out in your head. Act on it!
It’s important that you act swiftly on God’s instructions; don’t grumble, complain or put up a logical excuse against His instructions to you. Rather, get about whatever He tells you to do joyfully, for in the instruction is also the provision and ability you need to carry it out. The Bible says His commandments are not grievous (1 John 5:3). The Lord will never ask you to do what He hasn ’t enabled or equipped you to do. So when He gives you an instruction, just know that the ability required to make it happen came with the Word.
Carnal people haven’t realized this; hence they tend to always put forth so- called “logical arguments,” which, for the most part, only reveals their spiritual ineptitude and lack of faith in the Word. God ’s Word is not logic, and doesn’t appeal to the sense realm! So when God ’s Word comes to you, don’t try to reason it out first in your mind; just acton it in faith. By so doing, it ’ll produce in you and for you what it talks about.
When you joyfully and happily act on God ’s instructions, you open the door for the miraculous; you ’ll never have to struggle to make things work. So I urge you today to take fast hold of the instructions that come to you from the Lord, and do them: “Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life ” (Proverbs 4:13).
Prayer
Dear Father, I take fast hold of your instructions and heed your counsel that comes to me through your Word and by the Holy Spirit today! I thank you for the wisdom to put your Word to work and its ability to produce in me what it talks about, in Jesus ’ Name. Amen.
Further Study:
Proverbs 10:17; Luke 5:5-7
DAILY SCRIPTURE READING:
1 Year Bible reading plan:
John 5:1-30;1 Kings 4-6
2 Year Bible reading plan:
Mark 9:14-29;Numbers 13
The ability to do whatever God tells you to do is in the instruction. That ’s because God’s Word has inherent power to produce what it talks about. Now, whether the instruction or counsel is from the written pages of the Bible or a word from the Spirit through your Pastor, or you heard God’s voice in your spirit, it makes no difference. Don ’t rationalize or try to reason it out in your head. Act on it!
It’s important that you act swiftly on God’s instructions; don’t grumble, complain or put up a logical excuse against His instructions to you. Rather, get about whatever He tells you to do joyfully, for in the instruction is also the provision and ability you need to carry it out. The Bible says His commandments are not grievous (1 John 5:3). The Lord will never ask you to do what He hasn ’t enabled or equipped you to do. So when He gives you an instruction, just know that the ability required to make it happen came with the Word.
Carnal people haven’t realized this; hence they tend to always put forth so- called “logical arguments,” which, for the most part, only reveals their spiritual ineptitude and lack of faith in the Word. God ’s Word is not logic, and doesn’t appeal to the sense realm! So when God ’s Word comes to you, don’t try to reason it out first in your mind; just acton it in faith. By so doing, it ’ll produce in you and for you what it talks about.
When you joyfully and happily act on God ’s instructions, you open the door for the miraculous; you ’ll never have to struggle to make things work. So I urge you today to take fast hold of the instructions that come to you from the Lord, and do them: “Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life ” (Proverbs 4:13).
Prayer
Dear Father, I take fast hold of your instructions and heed your counsel that comes to me through your Word and by the Holy Spirit today! I thank you for the wisdom to put your Word to work and its ability to produce in me what it talks about, in Jesus ’ Name. Amen.
Further Study:
Proverbs 10:17; Luke 5:5-7
DAILY SCRIPTURE READING:
1 Year Bible reading plan:
John 5:1-30;1 Kings 4-6
2 Year Bible reading plan:
Mark 9:14-29;Numbers 13
Monday, 9 May 2011
May 09 – He Wants Your Joy To Be Full! – Pastor Anita
At that time you won’t need to ask me for anything, for you can go directly to the Father and ask him, and he will give you what you ask for because you use my name. You haven’t tried this before, but begin now. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and your cup of joy will overflow ( John 16:23-24 TLB).
The Lord doesn’t want you sad, bitter or frustrated in life. He wants your joy to be full always. That ’s why He gave you an open invitation to ask anything in His Name and expect to receive answers. Matthew 7:8 says “For every one that asketh receiveth….” Asking will be incomplete until you have received. So if there ’s anything you desire, you can put your faith to work even now! You can ask the Father in the Name of Jesus, and receive the answer by faith; it ’s that simple.
The Lord Jesus clearly revealed that it ’s the Father’s good pleasure to answer your prayers and grant your requests. So, not only is God able, He ’s equally willing to grant any request you make of Him. No wonder Jesus, with excitement and assurance said in Luke 11:9, “Ask and it shall be given you….” God is a giver; He gives generously and graciously to all without holding back (James 1:5). He said in Luke 12:32 “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father ’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” It excites the Lord to bless you and do you good.
If it’s His good pleasure to give you the Kingdom, what more wouldn ’t He give you? Romans 8:32 says, “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things ?” Here, the Apostle Paul emphasized our heavenly Father ’s liberality and benevolence towards us! He gives us all things freely to enjoy; yours is to ask in faith, in the Name of Jesus, and receive.
Always remember that the Lord is interested in you; it’s His delight to answer your prayers and grant you your heart ’s desires. He said in John 15:7, “If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. ” This is your assurance—abiding in Him, and His Word abiding in you — therefore whatever you ask in prayer, believing, you ’ll receive, and your cup of joy will overflow!
Prayer
I rejoice exceedingly today because my faith is producing results, causing my joy to overflow as I receive answers to every prayer. I’m grateful to you, blessed Father, for the opportunity and privilege to ask anything in the Name of Jesus and receive answers. I thank you for this awesome blessing, in Jesus’ Name.Amen.
FURTHER STUDY:
Matthew 7:9-11; Matthew 21:22
DAILY SCRIPTURE READING:
1 Year Bible reading plan:
John 4:27-54;1 Kings 2-3
2 Year Bible reading plan:
Mark 9:2-13;Numbers 12
The Lord doesn’t want you sad, bitter or frustrated in life. He wants your joy to be full always. That ’s why He gave you an open invitation to ask anything in His Name and expect to receive answers. Matthew 7:8 says “For every one that asketh receiveth….” Asking will be incomplete until you have received. So if there ’s anything you desire, you can put your faith to work even now! You can ask the Father in the Name of Jesus, and receive the answer by faith; it ’s that simple.
The Lord Jesus clearly revealed that it ’s the Father’s good pleasure to answer your prayers and grant your requests. So, not only is God able, He ’s equally willing to grant any request you make of Him. No wonder Jesus, with excitement and assurance said in Luke 11:9, “Ask and it shall be given you….” God is a giver; He gives generously and graciously to all without holding back (James 1:5). He said in Luke 12:32 “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father ’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” It excites the Lord to bless you and do you good.
If it’s His good pleasure to give you the Kingdom, what more wouldn ’t He give you? Romans 8:32 says, “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things ?” Here, the Apostle Paul emphasized our heavenly Father ’s liberality and benevolence towards us! He gives us all things freely to enjoy; yours is to ask in faith, in the Name of Jesus, and receive.
Always remember that the Lord is interested in you; it’s His delight to answer your prayers and grant you your heart ’s desires. He said in John 15:7, “If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. ” This is your assurance—abiding in Him, and His Word abiding in you — therefore whatever you ask in prayer, believing, you ’ll receive, and your cup of joy will overflow!
Prayer
I rejoice exceedingly today because my faith is producing results, causing my joy to overflow as I receive answers to every prayer. I’m grateful to you, blessed Father, for the opportunity and privilege to ask anything in the Name of Jesus and receive answers. I thank you for this awesome blessing, in Jesus’ Name.Amen.
FURTHER STUDY:
Matthew 7:9-11; Matthew 21:22
DAILY SCRIPTURE READING:
1 Year Bible reading plan:
John 4:27-54;1 Kings 2-3
2 Year Bible reading plan:
Mark 9:2-13;Numbers 12
Sunday, 8 May 2011
May 08 – The Effulgence Of His Glory! – Pastor Chris
And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one ( John 17:22).
Romans 8:30 says, “Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. ”As God’s children, we’re the carriers of His glory. In Exodus 33:18, Moses begged to see the glory of God. But today, in the New Testament, not only does the glory reside in us, we have become the effulgence of God ’s glory. God’s purpose isn’t just to have His glory reside in us, but for us to be immersed and completely inundated by it until we become inseparable from the glory, thus becoming the glory.
This is the reason the new creation, in the New Testament, is called the glory of God. Just as the Lord Jesus is the glory of God you too are the effulgence of the Father’s glory. So when you walk, it’s the glory of God walking, for your life is the expression of the glory of God. You need to understand that you ’re not journeying to become the glory of God; it ’s already a present-hour reality. You were born to be the glory of God. Wake up to this truth, and it will change your mentality!
Every day, say concerning yourself, “I am the glory of God; I don’t fail! I’m a success forever, praise God !” It makes no difference the challenges you might be facing, the glory of God is going to be manifested in that situation!
Why? Because you’re involved in it, and you’re the glory of God, therefore you ’re being manifested. Romans 8:19 says “For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. ” The whole creation is waiting for your showing up; it ’s not the showing up of the weak and low- minded, but the showing up of the glory of God —the sons of God. Live confidently today with this consciousness that you ’re the manifestation of the glory of God!
Prayer
Dear Father, I rejoice to know that you ’ve brought me into union with you, thereby making me the dispenser and effulgence of your glory! My life today is the manifestation of your greatness and your glory that’s in my spirit, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Further Study:
2 Corinthians 3:7-11; 2 Corinthians 3:18
DAILY SCRIPTURE READING:
1 Year Bible reading plan:
John 4:1-26;1 Kings
2 Year Bible reading plan:
Mark 8:34-9:1;Numbers 11
Romans 8:30 says, “Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. ”As God’s children, we’re the carriers of His glory. In Exodus 33:18, Moses begged to see the glory of God. But today, in the New Testament, not only does the glory reside in us, we have become the effulgence of God ’s glory. God’s purpose isn’t just to have His glory reside in us, but for us to be immersed and completely inundated by it until we become inseparable from the glory, thus becoming the glory.
This is the reason the new creation, in the New Testament, is called the glory of God. Just as the Lord Jesus is the glory of God you too are the effulgence of the Father’s glory. So when you walk, it’s the glory of God walking, for your life is the expression of the glory of God. You need to understand that you ’re not journeying to become the glory of God; it ’s already a present-hour reality. You were born to be the glory of God. Wake up to this truth, and it will change your mentality!
Every day, say concerning yourself, “I am the glory of God; I don’t fail! I’m a success forever, praise God !” It makes no difference the challenges you might be facing, the glory of God is going to be manifested in that situation!
Why? Because you’re involved in it, and you’re the glory of God, therefore you ’re being manifested. Romans 8:19 says “For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. ” The whole creation is waiting for your showing up; it ’s not the showing up of the weak and low- minded, but the showing up of the glory of God —the sons of God. Live confidently today with this consciousness that you ’re the manifestation of the glory of God!
Prayer
Dear Father, I rejoice to know that you ’ve brought me into union with you, thereby making me the dispenser and effulgence of your glory! My life today is the manifestation of your greatness and your glory that’s in my spirit, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Further Study:
2 Corinthians 3:7-11; 2 Corinthians 3:18
DAILY SCRIPTURE READING:
1 Year Bible reading plan:
John 4:1-26;1 Kings
2 Year Bible reading plan:
Mark 8:34-9:1;Numbers 11
Saturday, 7 May 2011
May 07 – Let Nothing Stop You! – Pastor Chris
For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace ( Romans 6:14).
There’re too many today in the Church who are overburdened by the weight of sin-consciousness — the ‘feeling’ that they’ve sinned or have done something wrong. Satan uses this as a weapon to keep them in bondage and make them ineffective. They constantly have this guilt- feeling that makes them think they ’re not qualified or good enough to be used of God.
What they need to realize is first, that the sin-problem has been dealt with by Jesus. The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 5:21, “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. ” So sin is no longer a factor. Plus that, God is not a man (Numbers 23:19), and doesn’t judge or see the way men do. He enlisted you into the ministry to do His work and enjoy His best not because of your own good works or self-righteousness, but because of His faithfulness and grace: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: ” (Ephesians 2:8).
God has counted you faithful, putting you in the ministry (1 Timothy 1:12); therefore nothing and no sin should hinder your faith or dampen your zeal from doing His work. Remember, you didn ’t call yourself to do His work, He called you; and before He called you He knew you. He knew all the mistakes you could ever make, yet He justified you and commissioned you to go in His Name and preach the Gospel to every creature. So you have a responsibility to do God ’s work; let nothing stop you. 2 Corinthians 3:5-6 says, “Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think anything as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. ” God did this in spite of you: He qualified you and made you an able minister of the New Testament. He ’s already done it, and it’s irrevocable (Romans 11:29). Therefore refuse to allow sin or a guilt- conscience distract you from ministering to the Lord or from fulfilling your purpose as a minister of reconciliation. Get busy for the Lord and stay on task as a soul-winner!
Prayer
Blessed Father, I love you, and nothing can take my heart away from serving you and fulfilling your purpose for my life! I ’ll always bring you glory through service in your vineyard, and in the preaching of the Gospel, for that ’s what my life is for, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY:
Hebrews 12:1
DAILY SCRIPTURE READING:
1 Year Bible reading plan: John 3:22-36;2 Samuel 23-24
2 Year Bible reading plan:
Mark 8:13-33;Numbers 10
There’re too many today in the Church who are overburdened by the weight of sin-consciousness — the ‘feeling’ that they’ve sinned or have done something wrong. Satan uses this as a weapon to keep them in bondage and make them ineffective. They constantly have this guilt- feeling that makes them think they ’re not qualified or good enough to be used of God.
What they need to realize is first, that the sin-problem has been dealt with by Jesus. The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 5:21, “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. ” So sin is no longer a factor. Plus that, God is not a man (Numbers 23:19), and doesn’t judge or see the way men do. He enlisted you into the ministry to do His work and enjoy His best not because of your own good works or self-righteousness, but because of His faithfulness and grace: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: ” (Ephesians 2:8).
God has counted you faithful, putting you in the ministry (1 Timothy 1:12); therefore nothing and no sin should hinder your faith or dampen your zeal from doing His work. Remember, you didn ’t call yourself to do His work, He called you; and before He called you He knew you. He knew all the mistakes you could ever make, yet He justified you and commissioned you to go in His Name and preach the Gospel to every creature. So you have a responsibility to do God ’s work; let nothing stop you. 2 Corinthians 3:5-6 says, “Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think anything as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. ” God did this in spite of you: He qualified you and made you an able minister of the New Testament. He ’s already done it, and it’s irrevocable (Romans 11:29). Therefore refuse to allow sin or a guilt- conscience distract you from ministering to the Lord or from fulfilling your purpose as a minister of reconciliation. Get busy for the Lord and stay on task as a soul-winner!
Prayer
Blessed Father, I love you, and nothing can take my heart away from serving you and fulfilling your purpose for my life! I ’ll always bring you glory through service in your vineyard, and in the preaching of the Gospel, for that ’s what my life is for, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY:
Hebrews 12:1
DAILY SCRIPTURE READING:
1 Year Bible reading plan: John 3:22-36;2 Samuel 23-24
2 Year Bible reading plan:
Mark 8:13-33;Numbers 10
Friday, 6 May 2011
May 06 – Faith And Corresponding Actions – Pastor Chris
Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?… (James 2:19-20).
Many people mistake believing for faith; but believing is not faith, and faith is not believing. When you receive God ’s Word into your heart and believe what it says, that ’s just the first step in the equation; there must be corresponding action to your believing.
For example, the Bible says, “… With the heart man believeth unto righteousness and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation ” (Romans 10:10). So, when you heard the Gospel and were convinced in your heart to believe Jesus died for you, you were made right with God. But that didn ’t suffice for your salvation; there had to be the corresponding action of confessing the Lordship of Jesus over your life! It was that confession that catapulted you into salvation.
No matter how a man may cry and be grateful to God for sending Jesus to die for him, if he doesn ’t confess the Lordship of Jesus over his life, the salvation that Jesus brought wouldn ’t be a vital experience in his life. This principle is the same for every other aspect of your life as a Christian. You must not stop at merely believing what the Word says; you also must act on the Word.
Faith leaps on the Word; it believes the Word and acts accordingly. Faith has to have action to it; “Isn’t it obvious that faith and works are yoked partners, that faith expressesitself in works? That the works are “ works of faith”? The full meaning of “believe” in the Scripture sentence, “ Abraham believed God and was set right with God,” includes his action. It’s that mesh of believing and acting that got Abraham named “God’s friend” (James 2:21-23 MSG).
Confession
Not only do I believe what the Word says about me, I endorse and establish it to be real in my life through my confessions of faith! The Word of God produces in me today a harvest of what it says as I put it to work and act my faith in every situation and circumstance of life, irrespective of any adversity, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Further Study:
James 2:21-23 (WNT)
DAILY SCRIPTURE READING:
1 Year Bible reading plan: John 3:1-21;2 Samuel 22
2 Year Bible reading plan:
Mark 8:10-12:Numbers 9
Many people mistake believing for faith; but believing is not faith, and faith is not believing. When you receive God ’s Word into your heart and believe what it says, that ’s just the first step in the equation; there must be corresponding action to your believing.
For example, the Bible says, “… With the heart man believeth unto righteousness and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation ” (Romans 10:10). So, when you heard the Gospel and were convinced in your heart to believe Jesus died for you, you were made right with God. But that didn ’t suffice for your salvation; there had to be the corresponding action of confessing the Lordship of Jesus over your life! It was that confession that catapulted you into salvation.
No matter how a man may cry and be grateful to God for sending Jesus to die for him, if he doesn ’t confess the Lordship of Jesus over his life, the salvation that Jesus brought wouldn ’t be a vital experience in his life. This principle is the same for every other aspect of your life as a Christian. You must not stop at merely believing what the Word says; you also must act on the Word.
Faith leaps on the Word; it believes the Word and acts accordingly. Faith has to have action to it; “Isn’t it obvious that faith and works are yoked partners, that faith expressesitself in works? That the works are “ works of faith”? The full meaning of “believe” in the Scripture sentence, “ Abraham believed God and was set right with God,” includes his action. It’s that mesh of believing and acting that got Abraham named “God’s friend” (James 2:21-23 MSG).
Confession
Not only do I believe what the Word says about me, I endorse and establish it to be real in my life through my confessions of faith! The Word of God produces in me today a harvest of what it says as I put it to work and act my faith in every situation and circumstance of life, irrespective of any adversity, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Further Study:
James 2:21-23 (WNT)
DAILY SCRIPTURE READING:
1 Year Bible reading plan: John 3:1-21;2 Samuel 22
2 Year Bible reading plan:
Mark 8:10-12:Numbers 9
May 05 – As We Look, We Are Changed! – Pastor Chris
But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord (2 Corinthians 3:18).
In the book of Exodus, we read of how Moses saw the glory of God and he became a changed man. By being in the presence of God, listening to His Word, his visage began to radiate the glory of God, to the extent that the children of Israel could not look at the face of Moses (Exodus 34:29-35).
Today, you also can experience such glorious transformation as you contemplate or look at the glory of God in the mirror of God, which is the Word of God. There’s a transformation that takes place in your life as you meditate on the Word of God; you ’re transfigured, and you become what you see in the Word. The principle is “as you look, you are changed!”
It reminds me of the wonderful testimony featured sometime ago in our Atmosphere For Miracles TV programme of a certain man who was given up to die. He was stabbed terribly and the doctors had said he couldn ’t live because so much had gone wrong in his body, and he had become an invalid. His wife was taking care of him until the doctors suggested that she should place him in an institution and wait for him to die. But the lady had been watching Atmosphere For Miracles. So every day, she carried her husband and placed him in front of the TV, and all the man could do was look! He couldn ’t talk, think, move or recognize anything; not even his own house.
Then after several months, he began to recognize things around him; he saw the miracles on TV and he began to believe. Gradually, his reasoning returned, and also, strength returned to his body, until he regained full consciousness, became hale and hearty, and returned to work. What happened to him was that as he looked, he was changed! As he beheld the glory of God and the power of God demonstrated in the lives of others, that same power from the Spirit and the Word of God produced healing and health in his body.
That’s what the Bible says happens as you keep looking at the glory of God — in the Word of God; hope, faith and strength comes into your spirit and you become the glory that you see. Hallelujah!
Prayer
Dear Father, I’m conscious of your glory that’s in my spirit and the transformation that’s taking place in my life even now, as your Word gains the ascendancy in me. My life is an expression of your glory, so I talk and move with wisdom, dignity, and power today, in the Name of Jesus.
Further Study:
Romans 12:2
DAILY SCRIPTURE READING:
1 Year Bible reading plan:John 2;2 Samuel 20-21
2 Year Bible reading plan: Mark 8:1-9;Numbers 8
In the book of Exodus, we read of how Moses saw the glory of God and he became a changed man. By being in the presence of God, listening to His Word, his visage began to radiate the glory of God, to the extent that the children of Israel could not look at the face of Moses (Exodus 34:29-35).
Today, you also can experience such glorious transformation as you contemplate or look at the glory of God in the mirror of God, which is the Word of God. There’s a transformation that takes place in your life as you meditate on the Word of God; you ’re transfigured, and you become what you see in the Word. The principle is “as you look, you are changed!”
It reminds me of the wonderful testimony featured sometime ago in our Atmosphere For Miracles TV programme of a certain man who was given up to die. He was stabbed terribly and the doctors had said he couldn ’t live because so much had gone wrong in his body, and he had become an invalid. His wife was taking care of him until the doctors suggested that she should place him in an institution and wait for him to die. But the lady had been watching Atmosphere For Miracles. So every day, she carried her husband and placed him in front of the TV, and all the man could do was look! He couldn ’t talk, think, move or recognize anything; not even his own house.
Then after several months, he began to recognize things around him; he saw the miracles on TV and he began to believe. Gradually, his reasoning returned, and also, strength returned to his body, until he regained full consciousness, became hale and hearty, and returned to work. What happened to him was that as he looked, he was changed! As he beheld the glory of God and the power of God demonstrated in the lives of others, that same power from the Spirit and the Word of God produced healing and health in his body.
That’s what the Bible says happens as you keep looking at the glory of God — in the Word of God; hope, faith and strength comes into your spirit and you become the glory that you see. Hallelujah!
Prayer
Dear Father, I’m conscious of your glory that’s in my spirit and the transformation that’s taking place in my life even now, as your Word gains the ascendancy in me. My life is an expression of your glory, so I talk and move with wisdom, dignity, and power today, in the Name of Jesus.
Further Study:
Romans 12:2
DAILY SCRIPTURE READING:
1 Year Bible reading plan:John 2;2 Samuel 20-21
2 Year Bible reading plan: Mark 8:1-9;Numbers 8
Wednesday, 4 May 2011
May 04 – The Father’s Love Is In You – Pastor Chris
And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us ( Romans 5:5).
The highest revelation of Christianity is Christ in you, living out His love in you. That ’s because love is the highest and topmost quality of God ’s character, so much so, that the Bible says, “… God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him ” (1 John 4:16). As a Christian, your life ought to be an outshining of God ’s great love—His unconditional and self-giving love! You’re a testimony of the Father’s great love.
“But God’s love is too high; how can one ever attain to such high level of love ?” you might ask! Well, Jesus already prayed in John 17:26: “And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them. ” Sometimes I read this verse and cry because it’s just too much. Jesus asked that our heavenly Father ’s love may be in us. We know God heard His prayer because in Romans 5:5, Paul tells us that the same love Jesus prayed about has now been shed in abundance in our hearts by the Holy Spirit.
So, you don’t need to try to attain to God’s level of love, for His love is already in you, and it ought to drive you into action for the Kingdom. The Bible says, “ For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life ” (John 3:16). God’s love for the world drove Him to give His very best for the salvation of others.
This also should be your testimony; the Father ’s love in you should compel you to give your all to the Lord and dedicate yourself to the expansion of His kingdom. It should motivate you to preach and give big-time for the propagation of the Gospel! The Father ’s love in you should compel you to lay your all down for the Lord and live unto Him: “For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again ” (2 Corinthians 5:14-15).
Prayer
Dear Father, thank you for bringing your great love into my life. Your love is shed abroad in my heart by the Holy Spirit and it drives me today to put in everything and do all that is required for the message of the Gospel to reach out to the ends of the earth, in Jesus ’ Name. Amen.
Further Study:
1 John 4:12-16
DAILY SCRIPTURE READING:
1 Year Bible reading plan:
John 1:19-51;2 Samuel 18-19
2 Year Bible reading plan:
Mark 7:24-37;Numbers 7
The highest revelation of Christianity is Christ in you, living out His love in you. That ’s because love is the highest and topmost quality of God ’s character, so much so, that the Bible says, “… God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him ” (1 John 4:16). As a Christian, your life ought to be an outshining of God ’s great love—His unconditional and self-giving love! You’re a testimony of the Father’s great love.
“But God’s love is too high; how can one ever attain to such high level of love ?” you might ask! Well, Jesus already prayed in John 17:26: “And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them. ” Sometimes I read this verse and cry because it’s just too much. Jesus asked that our heavenly Father ’s love may be in us. We know God heard His prayer because in Romans 5:5, Paul tells us that the same love Jesus prayed about has now been shed in abundance in our hearts by the Holy Spirit.
So, you don’t need to try to attain to God’s level of love, for His love is already in you, and it ought to drive you into action for the Kingdom. The Bible says, “ For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life ” (John 3:16). God’s love for the world drove Him to give His very best for the salvation of others.
This also should be your testimony; the Father ’s love in you should compel you to give your all to the Lord and dedicate yourself to the expansion of His kingdom. It should motivate you to preach and give big-time for the propagation of the Gospel! The Father ’s love in you should compel you to lay your all down for the Lord and live unto Him: “For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again ” (2 Corinthians 5:14-15).
Prayer
Dear Father, thank you for bringing your great love into my life. Your love is shed abroad in my heart by the Holy Spirit and it drives me today to put in everything and do all that is required for the message of the Gospel to reach out to the ends of the earth, in Jesus ’ Name. Amen.
Further Study:
1 John 4:12-16
DAILY SCRIPTURE READING:
1 Year Bible reading plan:
John 1:19-51;2 Samuel 18-19
2 Year Bible reading plan:
Mark 7:24-37;Numbers 7
Tuesday, 3 May 2011
May 03 – Be In Active Service For The Lord – Pastor Anita
But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint (Isaiah 40:31).
To wait upon the Lord means you ’re actively serving the Lord. It parallels the Spirit ’s admonition through the Apostle Paul in Romans 12:11 for us not to be slothful in business, but fervent in spirit, serving the Lord. As Christians, we ’re soldiers in active service. We ’re built to function actively in the Kingdom. As our opening scripture reveals, the more active you are in serving the Lord, the more He renews your strength and empowers you to do even more!
So, it’s important that you take whatever you do in the house of God seriously. Always be willing to give your best and go the extra mile! This should be your attitude. Never become weary or complacent; be active for the Lord all the time. It ’s actually one of the secrets to a sound, healthy and vibrant life! For example, facts reveal that there ’re people who, all the years they were in active service, working either for the government, or in private practice, were always in good health. But as soon as they retired they took ill, nursing one sickness after the other, just because they retired from active duty! Man was not made to retire; man was made to function —to work—to be active.
Look at Moses for example; he actively served God until he was a hundred and twenty years old. At that age, the Bible says his eyes were not dim, nor his natural forceabated (Deuteronomy 34:7). He still had sharp eyesight and walked with a spring in his steps! This was so for Moses because as read in our opening scripture, they that wait upon the Lord; that is, they that are active in their service to the Lord, shall renew their strength! Plus that, they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint!
This is one of the many beautiful results of the presence of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God in your life as you dedicate yourself to actively serving the Lord and the work of the Kingdom. The Lord will restore, renew and refresh you continually! You should say like David: “Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me … Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagles ’” (Psalm 103:1-5).
Prayer
Blessed Father, I thank you for the renewing and glorious refreshing of the Holy Spirit in my life today as I serve you diligently and fellowship with you through the Spirit and the Word, in Jesus ’ Name. Amen.
Further Study:
2 Corinthians 4:16
DAILY SCRIPTURE READING:
1 Year Bible reading plan:
John 1:1-18;2 Samuel 15-17
2 Year Bible reading plan:
Mark 7:14-23;Numbers 6
To wait upon the Lord means you ’re actively serving the Lord. It parallels the Spirit ’s admonition through the Apostle Paul in Romans 12:11 for us not to be slothful in business, but fervent in spirit, serving the Lord. As Christians, we ’re soldiers in active service. We ’re built to function actively in the Kingdom. As our opening scripture reveals, the more active you are in serving the Lord, the more He renews your strength and empowers you to do even more!
So, it’s important that you take whatever you do in the house of God seriously. Always be willing to give your best and go the extra mile! This should be your attitude. Never become weary or complacent; be active for the Lord all the time. It ’s actually one of the secrets to a sound, healthy and vibrant life! For example, facts reveal that there ’re people who, all the years they were in active service, working either for the government, or in private practice, were always in good health. But as soon as they retired they took ill, nursing one sickness after the other, just because they retired from active duty! Man was not made to retire; man was made to function —to work—to be active.
Look at Moses for example; he actively served God until he was a hundred and twenty years old. At that age, the Bible says his eyes were not dim, nor his natural forceabated (Deuteronomy 34:7). He still had sharp eyesight and walked with a spring in his steps! This was so for Moses because as read in our opening scripture, they that wait upon the Lord; that is, they that are active in their service to the Lord, shall renew their strength! Plus that, they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint!
This is one of the many beautiful results of the presence of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God in your life as you dedicate yourself to actively serving the Lord and the work of the Kingdom. The Lord will restore, renew and refresh you continually! You should say like David: “Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me … Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagles ’” (Psalm 103:1-5).
Prayer
Blessed Father, I thank you for the renewing and glorious refreshing of the Holy Spirit in my life today as I serve you diligently and fellowship with you through the Spirit and the Word, in Jesus ’ Name. Amen.
Further Study:
2 Corinthians 4:16
DAILY SCRIPTURE READING:
1 Year Bible reading plan:
John 1:1-18;2 Samuel 15-17
2 Year Bible reading plan:
Mark 7:14-23;Numbers 6
Monday, 2 May 2011
May 02 – A Fraternity Of The God-kind! – Pastor Chris
…Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High ( Psalms 82:6).
The ancient Greek and Roman societies had pantheons to which they often held their devotions. A “ pantheon” is the collection of all the gods of a religion. Paul acknowledged this when he visited Athens in Acts 17:22-23: “…Men of Athens, I notice that you are very religious in every way, for as I was walking along I saw your many shrines …” (NLT). They built shrines for gods—mere idols made from perishable materials like stone, wood, and iron.
The Bible however tells us of another pantheon, an assembly of gods, headed by the Lord Jesus Christ. The Apostle Peter talked about it in 2 Peter 1:4: “Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” The phrase “partakers of the divine nature” indicates that as believers in Christ, we’re in fraternal union with divinity! We ’re comrades, associates or fellows with divinity.
The expression “divine nature” derives from the Greek “theias phuseos,” which literally means, “an association of the God-kind.” This means that if you’re born again, you’re an associate of the God-kind; you ’re in fraternity with divinity! It means you’ve been born into God’s class, with His nature and character in your spirit.You ’ve been translated from the ordinary realm of mankind to the supernatural class of the God-kind.
You’re no longer at the mercy of what life hands down to you; rather, you can decide what you want to see because God has placed all things under your feet (Ephesians 1:22). He has made you to sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus, where you reign victoriously over satan, sickness, failure and death.
This is Christianity! That God would bring man into His own class of being! No wonder the Bible says, “…Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High ” (Psalms 82:6). You’re in vital union with the Godhead. Now, you can better appreciate how come you’re superior to satan and have dominion over the forces of darkness! It ’s the result of your fraternity with Deity.
Prayer
Dear Father, I thank you for bringing me into fellowship and union with you, thereby, making me an associate of the God-kind and a member of the assembly of the saints in light! I reign in life as a king and rule over all circumstances today, in Jesus ’ Name. Amen.
Further Study:
John 1:12-13; Revelation 5:10
DAILY SCRIPTURE READING:
1 Year Bible reading plan:
Luke 24:36-53:2 Samuel 12-14
2 Year Bible reading plan:
Mark 7:1-13;Numbers 5
The ancient Greek and Roman societies had pantheons to which they often held their devotions. A “ pantheon” is the collection of all the gods of a religion. Paul acknowledged this when he visited Athens in Acts 17:22-23: “…Men of Athens, I notice that you are very religious in every way, for as I was walking along I saw your many shrines …” (NLT). They built shrines for gods—mere idols made from perishable materials like stone, wood, and iron.
The Bible however tells us of another pantheon, an assembly of gods, headed by the Lord Jesus Christ. The Apostle Peter talked about it in 2 Peter 1:4: “Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” The phrase “partakers of the divine nature” indicates that as believers in Christ, we’re in fraternal union with divinity! We ’re comrades, associates or fellows with divinity.
The expression “divine nature” derives from the Greek “theias phuseos,” which literally means, “an association of the God-kind.” This means that if you’re born again, you’re an associate of the God-kind; you ’re in fraternity with divinity! It means you’ve been born into God’s class, with His nature and character in your spirit.You ’ve been translated from the ordinary realm of mankind to the supernatural class of the God-kind.
You’re no longer at the mercy of what life hands down to you; rather, you can decide what you want to see because God has placed all things under your feet (Ephesians 1:22). He has made you to sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus, where you reign victoriously over satan, sickness, failure and death.
This is Christianity! That God would bring man into His own class of being! No wonder the Bible says, “…Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High ” (Psalms 82:6). You’re in vital union with the Godhead. Now, you can better appreciate how come you’re superior to satan and have dominion over the forces of darkness! It ’s the result of your fraternity with Deity.
Prayer
Dear Father, I thank you for bringing me into fellowship and union with you, thereby, making me an associate of the God-kind and a member of the assembly of the saints in light! I reign in life as a king and rule over all circumstances today, in Jesus ’ Name. Amen.
Further Study:
John 1:12-13; Revelation 5:10
DAILY SCRIPTURE READING:
1 Year Bible reading plan:
Luke 24:36-53:2 Samuel 12-14
2 Year Bible reading plan:
Mark 7:1-13;Numbers 5
Sunday, 1 May 2011
May 01 – Be Personal With The Lord! – Pastor Chris
O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me ( John 17:25).
What an inspiring prayer of Jesus! Do you ever pray in this manner, where you address the Father with endearing words, as Jesus called Him above “O righteous Father”? It’s a beautiful way to address Him, and I do it from time to time. Talking this way with the Lord —addressing Him in a way that’s personal to you —results from an intimate relationship which you’ve consciously groomed over a period of time.
In a general conversation amongst Christians, I like to listen to how often they can address Him as “the Lord.” If I’m conversing with someone who says, “The Lord told me so and so,” I get the idea that the person somehow has either been in Christ for a long time, or has had an encounter with the Lord. Not everyone calls Him “ Lord” like that. Most people just say, “God told me,” but calling Him “Lord” suggests a greater measure of intimacy. You ’re saying in other words, “He may be the God of us all, but He is my Lord. ” Of course, I’m aware that everyone who calls Him Lord doesn ’t necessarily know or love Him (Matthew 7:21, Luke 6:46).
Paul was a man who had such personal encounters with the Lord, and this always reflected in his communication. Once in his prayer, he said, “That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him ” (Ephesians 1:17). What a prayer! Not only did he address Jesus Christ as Lord, he also described God as the Father of glory. That ’s how a mature Christian who has consciously nurtured a personal relationship with the Lord talks!
Learn to address the Lord personally, using endearing words as the Word teaches, whether in a general conversation or in prayer. That ’s one sure way of developing greater intimacy in your relationship with Him.
Prayer
Gracious and loving heavenly Father, Shepherd of my soul and Lord of my life, thank you for bringing me into intimate union with you. Thank you, righteous Father for the infinitude of your grace and mercy towards me! I rejoice greatly in your love today, confident that your presence with me and in me is my guaranty of a prosperous and victorious life, in Jesus ’ Name. Amen.
Further Study:
Psalms 68:24-26; Isaiah 40:28
DAILY SCRIPTURE READING:
1 Year Bible reading plan:
Luke 24:13-35;2 Samuel 9-11
2 Year Bible reading plan:
Mark 6:45-56;Numbers 4
What an inspiring prayer of Jesus! Do you ever pray in this manner, where you address the Father with endearing words, as Jesus called Him above “O righteous Father”? It’s a beautiful way to address Him, and I do it from time to time. Talking this way with the Lord —addressing Him in a way that’s personal to you —results from an intimate relationship which you’ve consciously groomed over a period of time.
In a general conversation amongst Christians, I like to listen to how often they can address Him as “the Lord.” If I’m conversing with someone who says, “The Lord told me so and so,” I get the idea that the person somehow has either been in Christ for a long time, or has had an encounter with the Lord. Not everyone calls Him “ Lord” like that. Most people just say, “God told me,” but calling Him “Lord” suggests a greater measure of intimacy. You ’re saying in other words, “He may be the God of us all, but He is my Lord. ” Of course, I’m aware that everyone who calls Him Lord doesn ’t necessarily know or love Him (Matthew 7:21, Luke 6:46).
Paul was a man who had such personal encounters with the Lord, and this always reflected in his communication. Once in his prayer, he said, “That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him ” (Ephesians 1:17). What a prayer! Not only did he address Jesus Christ as Lord, he also described God as the Father of glory. That ’s how a mature Christian who has consciously nurtured a personal relationship with the Lord talks!
Learn to address the Lord personally, using endearing words as the Word teaches, whether in a general conversation or in prayer. That ’s one sure way of developing greater intimacy in your relationship with Him.
Prayer
Gracious and loving heavenly Father, Shepherd of my soul and Lord of my life, thank you for bringing me into intimate union with you. Thank you, righteous Father for the infinitude of your grace and mercy towards me! I rejoice greatly in your love today, confident that your presence with me and in me is my guaranty of a prosperous and victorious life, in Jesus ’ Name. Amen.
Further Study:
Psalms 68:24-26; Isaiah 40:28
DAILY SCRIPTURE READING:
1 Year Bible reading plan:
Luke 24:13-35;2 Samuel 9-11
2 Year Bible reading plan:
Mark 6:45-56;Numbers 4
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