Our Daily Bread devotional, January 18, 2017 - Long Shadows

Topic: Long Shadows [Wednesday January 18, 2017]

Read: Psalm 100, Bible in a Year: Genesis 43–45; Matthew 12:24–50

The Lord is good and his love . . . continues through all generations. Psalm 100:5

Several years ago, my wife and I stayed in a rustic bed-and-breakfast in the remote Yorkshire Dales of England. We were there with four other couples, all British, whom we had never met before. Sitting in the living room with our after-dinner coffees, the conversation turned to occupations with the question “What do you do?” At the time I was serving as the president of Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, and I assumed that no one there knew of MBI or its founder, D. L. Moody. When I mentioned the name of the school, their response was immediate and surprising. “Of Moody and Sankey . . . that Moody?” Another guest added, “We have a Sankey hymnal and our family often gathers around the piano to sing from it.” I was amazed! The evangelist Dwight Moody and his musician Ira Sankey had held meetings in the British Isles more than 120 years ago, and their influence was still being felt.

Open Heavens 18 January 2017: Wednesday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – He Controls Accommodation

Topic: He Controls Accommodation [Wednesday 18, January 2017]

Memorise: In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. – John 14:2

Read: John 14:1-3 (KJV)

1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.

2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

Bible in One Year: Mark 7-8, Isaiah 14:12-32

MESSAGE:

In Genesis 14:17-24, God the Father was revealed to Abraham as the Possessor of heaven and earth. Abraham received this revelation, and he set his heart to run with it. He was ready to forfeit the spoils of war because he was fully persuaded that he would never lack. He could take the risk of starting afresh because he knew the Lord as Possessor of Heaven and earth. The end result was that his wealth was greatly multiplied. Oh how true it is that the knowledge of God strengthens and births exploits! If you are afraid of poverty or of permanent loss, then you do not yet know the Father as Possessor of heaven and earth. If you afraid of dying small or dying in want, then you have not yet appropriated this revelation of His person in your spirit.

                                               FACTS ABOUT MIDNIGHT PRAYER:

1. MIDNIGHT is a time of transition, from one day to another. God can bring a transition in your life as you pray at MIDNIGHT.

2. MIDNIGHT is a time of great spiritual activity, both good and evil. Destinies of men are shaped and interrupted at MIDNIGHT.
If you are not shaping your destiny at MIDNIGHT, then somebody may interrupt your life at MIDNIGHT.

3. At a natural level great victories have been won when nations were caught by surprise as their armies were asleep at MIDNIGHT. Satan launches attacks at MIDNIGHT: he feeds people in their dreams at MIDNIGHT; he rapes others in their dream as they are asleep at MIDNIGHT, etc.

Our Daily Bread devotional, January 12, 2017 - Nothing Hidden

Topic: Nothing Hidden [Thursday January 12, 2017]

Read: Hebrews 4:12–16, Bible in a Year: Genesis 29–30; Matthew 9:1–17

Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Hebrews 4:13

In 2015 an international research company stated that there were 245 million surveillance cameras installed worldwide, and the number was growing by 15 percent every year. In addition, multiplied millions of people with smartphones capture daily images ranging from birthday parties to bank robberies. Whether we applaud the increased security or denounce the diminished privacy, we live in a global, cameras-everywhere society.

DCLM Daily Manna January 12, 2017 by Pastor Kumuyi – Taming The Monster

Topic: Taming The Monster [Thursday January 12, 2017]

Text: Isaiah 27:1-13

Key Verse: "In that day the LORD with his sore and great and strong sword shall punish leviathan the piercing serpent, even leviathan that crooked serpent; and he shall slay the dragon that is in the sea" (Isaiah 27:1).

History is dotted with accounts of men who wielded absolute power – totalitarian dictators who shattered the destinies of millions of fellow human beings. Notable among this class is Josef Stalin who presided over USSR, the biggest empire of all times. At the peak of his power, he was said to have taken the lives of his subjects at the rate of 1500 per day. Such men were dreadful and formidable like leviathan (a fierce sea monster). Isaiah chapter 27 is a prophecy about God’s plan and care for His people – Israel and the Church.

Open Heavens 12 January 2017: Thursday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – The Hidden Source of Blessing

Topic: The Hidden Source of Blessing [Thursday 12, January 2017]

Memorise: Let them be desolate for a reward of their shame that say unto me, Aha, aha. – Psalm 40:15

Read: Psalm 40:14-17 (KJV)

14 Let them be ashamed and confounded together that seek after my soul to destroy it; let them be driven backward and put to shame that wish me evil.

15 Let them be desolate for a reward of their shame that say unto me, Aha, aha.

16 Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: let such as love thy salvation say continually, The LORD be magnified.

17 But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me: thou art my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God.

Bible in One Year: Matthew 24-25, Isaiah 9:13-10:4

MESSAGE:

When you are connected to the All-Sufficient God, you will not lack any good thing. Why? Bible scholars call Him Jehovah El Shaddai. In other words, He is the "Breasted One". A baby sucks from the mother's breasts. Every time the child calls for milk, it is always there. All your needs can be fully satisfied in Christ. Sometime ago at our church in Ebute Metta (Lagos), I taught that when the Almighty God made this declaration:

Our Daily Bread devotional, January 11, 2017 - Work Together

Topic: Work Together [Wednesday January 11, 2017]

Read: Romans 8:28–30, Bible in a Year: Genesis 27–28; Matthew 8:18–34

We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

My wife makes an amazing pot roast dinner. She takes raw meat, along with raw sliced white and sweet potatoes, celery, mushrooms, carrots, and onions and throws them into the slow cooker. Six or seven hours later the aroma fills the house, and the first taste is a delight. It is always to my advantage to wait until the ingredients in the slow cooker work together to achieve something they could not achieve individually.

DCLM Daily Manna January 11, 2017 by Pastor Kumuyi – Go Not Down Into Egypt

Topic: Go Not Down Into Egypt [Wednesday January 11, 2017]

Text: Genesis 26:1-5

Key Verse: "And the LORD appeared unto him, and said, Go not down into Egypt; dwell in the land which I shall tell thee of" (Genesis 26:2).

Egypt has a very amazing history. The Ancient Egyptians started a civilization that lasted for more than 3000 years. They laid the foundation of what we have today as modern civilization. They contributed significantly to the development of Medicine, Engineering, Astronomy and Mathematics. The division of day and night into 24 hours and use of clock started with them.

Open Heavens 11 January 2017: Wednesday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Knowing the Father

Topic: Knowing the Father [Wednesday 11, January 2017]

Memorise: And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth: – Genesis 14:19

Read: Genesis 14:17-24 (KJV)

17 And the king of Sodom went out to meet him after his return from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer, and of the kings that were with him, at the valley of Shaveh, which is the king's dale.

18 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God.

19 And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth:

20 And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.

21 And the king of Sodom said unto Abram, Give me the persons, and take the goods to thyself.

22 And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lift up mine hand unto the LORD, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth,

23 That I will not take from a thread even to a shoelatchet, and that I will not take any thing that is thine, lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich:

24 Save only that which the young men have eaten, and the portion of the men which went with me, Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre; let them take their portion.

Bible in One Year: Matthew 22-23, Isaiah 9:1-12

MESSAGE:

The Almighty God is one, yet He manifests Himself as three different persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Different things happen that reveal the multifaceted nature of God's character whenever He manifests Himself as any of these three persons. When God manifests Himself as God the Father, the earth trembles, the hills melt and the enemies scatter

(Make quick money wit Bitcoin) You might have heard about Bitcoin or even transacting with Bitcoin already. Bitcoin has been in existence since 2009 but many Nigerians learnt about it in 2016 through some online investment schemes that transacts with Bitcoin.

However, Irrespective of the fact that you have done one or two transactions with Bitcoin, you will be astonished to realize that there are still more to explore on Bitcoin.

But some Nigerians are yet to know what Bitcoin is, to carry everyone along let’s do a brief introduction to Bitcoin.

Some persons have this misconception that 'Bitcoin belongs to Ponzi schemes' because they know nothing about Bitcoin. Ponzi schemes make use of currency that is worldly accepted. Previously Ponzi schemes used PayPal but due to high demand for Bitcoin and how ease and speedy it is for transactions, it becomes the ideal currency. So Bitcoin doesn’t belong to ponzi schemes, any person or organization can use Bitcoin for transactions just like PayPal.

What really is Bitcoin?

Bitcoins are fully digital virtual coins that can be exchanged directly between two parties via the web either in the same country or not, without the need for an intermediary such as Western Union Money transfer.

Unlike modern money, Bitcoin, which has often been called money for the internet, is not controlled or endorsed by any bank or central government or authority , such as the Federal Reserve.

Bitcoin is a means of exchange that is generally accepted in the digital world, that’s why it is called digital currency.

Just like any other currency, Bitcoin has value and it is also in the exchange market. When Bitcoin started, 1BTC was less than 1USD. As at today, 1BTC is equivalent to 1000+USD. Meaning if own 1BTC and you want to exchange it, the other party will pay you 1000USD (N500,000)

David Abioye's Daily Devotional January 10, 2017 – Cost Price Of Failure

Topic: Cost Price Of Failure [January 10, 2017]

It is very cheap to fail.

In fact it is the cheapest thing to acquire.

To fail, all you need to do is to do nothing.

Doing nothing aids you to fail quickly.

Our Daily Bread devotional, December 31, 2016 - Now Is the Day

Topic: Now Is the Day [December 31, 2016]

Read: 2 Corinthians 5:18–6:2, Bible in a Year: Malachi 1–4; Revelation 22

I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation. 2 Corinthians 6:2

Our preschool-age granddaughter Maggie and her kindergarten-age sister Katie hauled several blankets to the backyard, where they proceeded to build a blanket tent in which to play. They had been outside a while when their mom heard Maggie call for her.

“Mom, come here quick!” Maggie yelled. “I want to ask Jesus into my heart, and I need your help!” Apparently at that moment her need for Jesus became clear to her, and she was ready to put her faith in Him.

Open Heavens 31 December 2016: Saturday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Acceptable Service

Topic: Acceptable Service [Saturday 31, December 2016]

Memorise: Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. – James 1:27

Read: Romans 12:1-2 (KJV)

1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Bible in One Year: Numbers 7:84-10:10, Psalms 140

MESSAGE:

The major difference between David and the other soldiers at the war front was simply the fact that David could not stand the insult and blasphemy against the God of Israel. He knew God so well, and he feared and honoured Him so much that he decided to confront the giant warrior called Goliath without any fear of losing his life. David, in this case, took the meaning of acceptable service to another level. It can be very painful when the authority of God is so challenged, you will want to do anything to defend Him even if it means doing so with your life. In 1 Samuel 17:23-26, Goliath came out, boasted exceedingly and asked; “Where is the God of Israel?” For as many as had no intimate relationship with God, this threat, challenge and disgraced meant nothing to them. But then, one day, a little boy who loved the Lord was there, he heard Goliath talk against his God and he got very angry. His love for God propelled him to dare this giant that was bringing shame on God and His people.

Open Heavens 28 November 2016: Monday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – A Faithful Steward

Open Heavens 28 November 2016: Monday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – A Faithful Steward?

Topic: A Faithful Steward? [Monday 28, November 2016]

Memorise: Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. – 1 Corinthians 4:2

Read: Luke 16:1-8 (KJV)

1 And he said also unto his disciples, There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods.

2 And he called him, and said unto him, How is it that I hear this of thee? give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward.

3 Then the steward said within himself, What shall I do? for my lord taketh away from me the stewardship: I cannot dig; to beg I am ashamed.

4 I am resolved what to do, that, when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.

5 So he called every one of his lord's debtors unto him, and said unto the first, How much owest thou unto my lord?

6 And he said, An hundred measures of oil. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and sit down quickly, and write fifty.

7 Then said he to another, And how much owest thou? And he said, An hundred measures of wheat. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and write fourscore.

8 And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.

Bible in One Year: Exodus 4:1-6:13-3, Psalms 109:21-31

MESSAGE:

Faithfulness is another obligation that God requires of us as human beings and particularly as His children. God is faithful and He wants us to resemble Him with this attribute of faithfulness. In our text today, we read about a steward who was found unfaithful and the master was about to sack him, this unfaithful servant then went about from one debtor to another to falsify records in order to please his master. The efforts this steward put up to regain his master’s approval did nothing for the expansion of his master’s business, but the master still commended him. If the unfaithful servant could go to the extent he went in order to remain in service, why can’t the children of light go a greater extent to please our Father in heaven? The conclusion of our Bible reading says:

DCLM Daily Manna November 28, 2016 by Pastor Kumuyi – Faith Not Feeling

DCLM Daily Manna November 28, 2016 by Pastor Kumuyi – Faith Not Feeling

Topic: Faith Not Feeling [November 28, 2016]

Text: Genesis 26:1-5

Key Verse: "Sojourn in this land, and I will be with thee, and will bless thee; for unto thee, and unto thy seed, I will give all these countries, and I will perform the oath which I sware unto Abraham thy father" (Genesis 26:3).

On November 19, 1863 during the United States Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln delivered a graveyard oration that lasted only a few minutes. Known as the Gettysburg Address, the speech has been hailed throughout the ages for its nobility, brevity and capacity to hold out hope in dreary situations, This God-fearing American leader earns more accolades for his speech when it is considered that as he spoke, he was surrounded by famine, death and sorrow. Many still wonder if blessing, life and prosperity can emerge from famine and hopelessness?

Our Daily Bread devotional, November 28, 2016 - Beautiful

Our Daily Bread devotional, November 28, 2016 - Beautiful

Topic: Beautiful [November 28, 2016]

Read: Luke 7:36–50, Bible in a Year: Ezekiel 33–34; 1 Peter 5

She has done a beautiful thing to me. Mark 14:6

Picture two teenage girls. The first girl is strong and healthy. The other girl has never known the freedom of getting around on her own. From her wheelchair she faces not only the emotional challenges common to life, but also a stream of physical pains and struggles.

Winning Wisdom: Advocate Peace

Winning Wisdom: Advocate Peace

Author: Ese Ehimare Dave

Topic: Advocate Peace [Monday, 28th Nov. 2016]

Follow peace with all men...Hebrews 12:14

Jesus is the Prince of Peace. He is the Ruler and Advocate of peace and peaceful co-existence. One of the things He came to accomplish with His death, burial and resurrection is the establishment of peace, that was in the beginning, between God and man; and He went further to establish peace between humans - Jews and Gentiles - so that, as we individually have peace with God, we can also be at peace with one another.

Winning Wisdom: Truth Trumps Fact

Author: Ese Ehimare Dave

Topic: Truth Trumps Fact [Sunday, 27th Nov. 2016]

For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us. 1 Corinthians 1:20

We appreciate experts in all fields and we hold their opinions in high esteem, because they put in painstaking effort into their research and findings. And, yes, they come up with facts. They've birthed facts in medicine, economics,

Billy Graham’s daily devotional November 27, 2016 - Realities of Life

Topic: Realities of Life [November 27, 2016]

Casting down imaginations . . . and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. — 2 Corinthians 10:5

Thousands of people have made plans to escape from the realities of life. A new word has come into common usage the last few years. That word is “escapism.” The dictionary defines it as “a retreat from reality into an imaginary world.” The escape of imagination. Solomon spoke of the unregenerate heart as one which is inclined to excessive fantasy. The dream world Satan promotes always ends with disillusionment. Thousands of people live in an unreal dream world, while shirking their responsibilities toward their families and toward God. The Bible teaches that with Christ in your heart, you can face the realities of life. Even though they are hard, the grace of God will give you greater joy and pleasure than any dream world to which you try to escape.

DCLM Daily Manna November 27, 2016 by Pastor Kumuyi – Forgiveness Is Divine

Topic: Forgiveness Is Divine [November 27, 2016]

Text: Exodus 21:12-25

Key Verse: "But if a man come presumptuously upon his neighbour, to slay him with guile; thou shalt take him from mine altar, that he may die. And he that smiteth his father, or his mother, shall be surely put to death" (Exodus 21:14,15).

An Iranian woman who was blinded and badly disfigured by an acid attack by a spurned suitor recently pardoned her attacker. The woman was severely disfigured in the 2004 incident, when a bucket of acid was poured on her face and body and ultimately went through at least, 17 operations. In a court-ordered retribution, as a doctor was about to put several drops of acid in one of his eyes in a hospital operating room, the man who attacked her waited on his knees and wept. "What do you want to do now?" the doctor asked the 34-year-old woman, who suffered the attack. "I forgive him, I forgive him", she responded, asking the doctor to spare him at the last minute in a dramatic scene broadcast on Iran's state television.