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Memorise:
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; Hebrews 12:2b

Read: Hebrews 12:1-2, 12 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.


Bible in one year: 
Matthew 19:1-21:27;
Job 14:7-17

Message:
The phrase ‘Looking unto Jesus’ contains three very important words of salvation, encouragement and direction for daily Christian living. Nicodemus, in his search for the true God and eternal life every human being, approached Jesus for possible understanding.

Jesus made the new birth very plain by using an Old Testament illustration of the fiery serpents of brass put on a pole for the Israelites to look upon as recorded in the book of Numbers 21:8-9.

“And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.”
John 3:14-15
As looking unto the brass serpent on a pole in faith brought healing to the children of Israel in the wilderness, so also, whosoever shall look unto the crucified Christ as the Messiah and the Saviour of the world by faith, shall receive forgiveness of sins and be born again.

From time to time in the rigorous journeys of life, we sometimes find ourselves in a state of tiredness and confusion. At such times, Apostle Paul in Hebrews 12:1-2 admonishes us to run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith for encouragement. We are not to look into Jesus for encouragement only; we are also to look into Jesus as our perfect example, so as to follow in His footsteps.

“For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously”
1st Peter 2:21-23

Looking unto other gods for deliverance, healing and salvation has brought untold hardship and loss to many, while looking unto great men and women that are successful in life and ministry has resulted in great disappointment, sorrow and pain. As a matter of fact, this has been a major cause of failure in life, but there is no failure or disappointment in Jesus. Looking unto Jesus can only increase your faith and lead to physical and spiritual upliftment.

We are to look unto Jesus in our daily Christian living as the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the End, who provides us with direction through His word. This also brings us in contact with the divine knowledge, wisdom and power of God. An ordinary person therefore, becomes equipped to do exploit of supernatural dimensions.

Prayer Point
Father, please give me the grace to always look unto You for everything I need in life.

Today’s Scripture
“No weapon formed against you shall prosper...”
(Isaiah 54:17, NKJV)

As a believer in Jesus, you have certain privileges because you belong to Christ. When you chose Him, God put a blood line around you that the enemy cannot cross. As long as you’re keeping Him first place, you have a hedge of protection, a hedge of favor, a hedge of mercy surrounding you like a shield. When difficulties come, God says that because you’re His child, because you honor Him, even though that problem has formed, in the end it is not going to prosper. When it’s all said and done, it’s not going to harm you. God is going to turn it around and use it to your advantage. That’s your heritage as a believer!

Notice it doesn’t say that we’ll never have problems. No, life is full of difficulties. The promise God is making to us is that when things do come against us, because you’re in covenant relationship with Him, you can stay in peace knowing that it is not going to prosper. God has already paved the way for you to live in victory in every area of your life!

A Prayer for Today
“Father, thank You for Your many promises. I choose today to accept Your truth which sets me free. I declare by faith that no weapon formed against me shall ever prosper in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

2 Timothy 3:14-17

God’s plan ensures every believer can reach his or her maximum potential. He wants His children to live a certain way and make right decisions, so He accepts full responsibility for guiding them. In fact, He promises, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go” (Ps. 32:8). However, our lifetime isn’t mapped out in an instruction manual to read the day we’re saved. Discovering God’s will is a daily process of trust.

We learn God’s will by reading His Word. Scripture provides a comprehensive guide for any situation. There we find rules and commands that will lead to our success and principles for daily application. The Bible doesn’t detail every possible situation we might face, but its principles equip us to make decisions about any and every circumstance we encounter. Studying God’s Word is the only way for a believer to recognize His will.

We discover God’s will through circumstances. The Lord is actively guiding every incident of our lives to stitch the incongruent “threads” together for our good (Rom. 8:28). When I was young, I had no money to pay for seminary even though I’d felt God’s call to preach. As I discussed the situation one evening with a friend named Julian, my pastor walked by. Julian called him over and asked if he could help. The pastor told me to come see him. I did, and from that meeting came a four-year scholarship.

Believers must be alert for the moment God reveals His will. Pray every day that He’ll make you sensitive to His ways.

Bible in One Year: Leviticus 5-7

[Inasmuch as we] refute arguments and theories and reasonings and every proud and lofty thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God; and we lead every thought and purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One). . . .
—2 Corinthians 10:5

Take captive every thought coming into your mind that does not agree with the Word of God. Lead those thoughts away, and let them be replaced with ones that are obedient to Jesus Christ. In other words, change your mind!

This is something we have to be persistent in doing; and if you feel weary in the beginning of this new endeavor, I understand because I felt the same way. Instead of fighting with negative thoughts, simply replace them with positive ones. If you choose to think something good, then the bad thing cannot occupy that space in your mind anymore. We always overcome evil with good (see Romans 12:21).

Power Thought: My thoughts are obedient to Christ.

Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

Mark 11:24

Believing. That's the key to everything in the kingdom of God. It's the way we tap in to the very power of Almighty God. Most of us know that. But few of us are sure exactly how to do that kind of believing. We don't know how to put it into action.

Actually it's so simple, it's startling. It's as simple as saying, "I believe I receive."

Something happens in your spirit when you say those words. I don't understand how, but it does. I don't understand how my digestive system knows what to do when I swallow something, but it does. All I have to do is take a bite of food and it goes to work. I don't have to make it happen. I don't have to feel it happen. It just happens. That's the way the body is made.

In much the same way, when you feed on God's precious promises and "swallow" them into your spirit by saying, "I believe I receive," faith is released. You don't have to make it happen. You don't have to feel it happen. It just happens. The reborn spirit is made that way.

When you constantly say with your mouth, "I believe I receive my healing" or "I believe I receive my financial needs met," and then quote the scriptures that back those things, faith is released to bring power to bear on those needs.

As Dr. Kenneth Hagin says, you need to "keep the switch of faith turned on." And Gloria and I have discovered that speaking out that phrase, "I believe I receive," is one way to do it. We say it when we pray. We say it when we praise God. We say it when we read the Word.

We especially say it in the face of darkness when it looks like we're not receiving. When everything looks the worst, we say it the loudest. I believe I receive!

Do you want to activate your faith today? Then make these four key words the most important words in your vocabulary. Use them every day. You'll soon discover, just as we did...they work!

Scripture Reading:
Mark 11:12-24

1 Corinthians 2:2
For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.
The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Corinthian church, said that he determined to know nothing among them except “Jesus Christ and Him crucified”. In other words, Paul, who wrote two-thirds of the New Testament, had his mind full of Jesus and His finished work.

Beloved, God wants your mind full of the cross of Jesus. He wants you cross-conscious.

But what does it mean to be cross-conscious?

To be cross-conscious is to see Jesus, who loves you so much that He willingly died for you on the cross. To be cross-conscious is to look to Jesus, who offered His own body to be punished, so that your body can be free from all punishment.

To be cross-conscious is to fix your eyes on Jesus, who has provided for your deliverance and victory at the cross. At the cross, all your enemies were vanquished. All your diseases were destroyed. Your poverty was removed at the cross. Your sins were wiped out at the cross.

When the Israelites tasted bitterness in the waters of Marah, God showed Moses a tree, which he cast into the waters, making them sweet. (Exodus 15:23–26) The tree represents the cross, which turned the bitter waters sweet. Today, Calvary’s tree has turned your bitter situations sweet. Because of the cross, you can expect to see the bitter situations in your life made sweet!

When the Israelites were bitten by serpents in the wilderness, God told Moses to put a bronze serpent on a pole. The pole represents the cross and bronze speaks of judgment. Those who beheld the serpent on the pole lived because they saw their problem—the deadly serpent—nailed and put to death on the cross. (Numbers 21:6–9)

Today, you too will not die but live when you see all your sins judged at the cross, and with them, all your sicknesses, diseases, pains, failures and defeats! At the cross, all that is deadly in your life has been removed!

Thought For The Day
At the cross, your sins were judged, enemies vanquished, diseases destroyed and poverty removed!

“I don’t mean to say I’m perfect. I haven’t learned all I should even yet, but I keep working toward that day when I will finally be all that Christ saved me for and wants me to be. No, dear brothers, I’m still not all I should be.” (Philippians 3:12-13 LB)

Following Jesus is a decision and then a process for the rest of your life. You can’t follow without walking. You’ve got to have movement!

Philippians 3:12-13 says, “I don’t mean to say I’m perfect. I haven’t learned all I should even yet, but I keep working toward that day when I will finally be all that Christ saved me for and wants me to be. No, dear brothers, I’m still not all I should be” (LB).

When Paul wrote that verse, he was an older man in prison in Rome. He’s at the end of life. He’s an incredibly mature person. Yet he says he hadn’t arrived. If anybody had the right to say, “I’ve arrived spiritually,” it would be the guy who wrote most of the New Testament. But Paul says, no, I haven’t arrived. I’m still growing. I’m still learning. I’m still becoming more like Christ.

What’s the trap that will keep you from following Paul’s example and continue growing in Christ? Pride.

Pride will keep you from growing, because when you pretend that you’ve got it all together, you won’t make an effort to become more spiritually mature. No one has it all together! Humility leads to happiness because it makes you teachable.

Happy people never stop growing. Happy people never stop discovering, never stop stretching, never stop learning. If you’ve stopped growing, you’re miserable, because you were made to grow.

Happiness and humility go together because humble people are teachable. They are always asking, “How can I be a better husband? How can I be a better friend? How can I be a better boss? How can I be a better follower of Jesus?”

“Test yourselves to make sure you are solid in the faith. Don’t drift along taking everything for granted. Give yourselves regular checkups. You need firsthand evidence, not mere hearsay, that Jesus Christ is in you. Test it out. If you fail the test, do something about it” (2 Corinthians 13:5 MSG).

Talk It Over

How have you grown spiritually in the last year? Can others see that growth in you?
Why is it important to have the support of a small group as you strive to grow spiritually?
Why do you think people with a teachable spirit are happier?

Memorise:
And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the
Son of man be lifted up: John 3:14

Read: Hebrews 12:1-2, 12 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.


Bible in one year: 
Matthew 16:5-18:35,
Job 13:17-14:6

Message:
Human beings have been in search of the way back to their Maker since after the fall. The soul of man pants after the peace that only his Maker can provide. This is the reason man invented means of getting along with God in the name of religion. Unfortunately, man was unable to adequately reach out to his Maker until God in His mercies revealed Himself to us through His Son, Jesus Christ.
“And the Lord God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself. Genesis 3:9-10
Adam was sent out of the Garden of Eden and he became a wanderer and a destitute of the peace that he once had with his Maker. After many dispensations, God decided to reveal part of Himself to some people who sincerely sought to know Him. He related to Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses and the prophets to mention just a few. They did not only benefit form God’s self-revelation; they also helped their generation by pointing them to the Almighty God. Yet, the perfect relationship was not in view then. When the fullness of time came, God became man and lived among men in the person of Jesus Christ. When one of the disciples asked Him to reveal God the Father to them, Jesus said:

“…Have I been so long time with you and yet hast thou not know me, Philip? He that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father? Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me?...”

John 14:9-10
Jesus Christ is the perfect revelation of God, the father. He came to reveal the Father to us so


that we may know how best to worship Him. It was through His teaching that we know that God is a Spirit and whoever wants to worship Him must worship Him in Spirit. He told us that unless we are born-again, we cannot see the Kingdom of God. Religious activities are exercise in futility without this experience. Not until He came, even Doctors of the Jewish religious laws were ignorant of these principles of God’s Kingdom. Therefore we must always look unto Jesus for direction if we want to make it back to the One who created us in His own image. Our text says to look up unto Jesus because He is the author and finisher of our faith.

I encourage someone reading this devotional to look unto Jesus for salvation, for deliverance, for healing, for material prosperity and eternal life.

Prayer point’
Jesus Christ my Saviour, I look unto You today, perfect everything concerning my life please.

Numbers 13:25-14:10

The Lord gave the Israelites a commission to go and possess the land of Canaan. The people needed a separate place to thrive as a God-centered nation. And He chose an exceptionally good country for their development.

So at God’s direction, Moses sent 12 men to survey and spy out the land. What a surprise when 10 returned with discouraging, terrifying stories. All these spies could see were the obstacles to taking ownership of the land.

However, Caleb was certain that they’d “surely overcome” (Num. 13:30), because he was focused on God’s promises rather than obvious difficulties. He based his confidence on God’s words to Abraham: “To your descendants I will give this land” (Gen. 12:7).

The people didn’t share Caleb’s faith—tales of giants and fortified cities scared them. Ordinarily, those would’ve been obstacles worth fearing. But the Israelites served an omnipotent God who had proven He could overcome anything: He’d parted the Red Sea to facilitate their escape from Pharaoh, and He fed them in the desert.

Focusing on obstacles distorts our vision. Problems loom so large that we can’t see to take the next step in faith. In reality, if God has called us to do something, the only hindrance is between our temples! He’s already planned a way around, over, or through any barriers that might lie on the path to fulfilling His purpose for our lives. And when we, like the Israelites, succumb to fear and refuse to move forward, we miss out on the great reward that results from doing God’s will.

Bible in One Year: Leviticus 1-4

I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.

Revelation 1:8

Jesus is the beginning and the ending. He is the Almighty. When He told us that in the book of Revelation, He wasn't just giving us a general piece of information about Himself. He was giving us a powerful truth we can apply now, today!

Let me show you how. He said He is the beginning. So no matter what challenge or situation you may be facing right now, you need to start with Him. John 1:1 says Jesus is the Word. That means, if you're going to start with Jesus, you're going to start with the Word. Don't do anything until you find out what the Word has to say about it.

Then, stay on the Word. As Colossians 1:23 says, "Continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard."

Continue in the faith. The only way the devil can defeat you is to pressure you into throwing away the Word. Everything he does, every challenge he brings you is intended to make you doubt the Word of God. So don't let go of the Word, no matter what may happen. Settle it with God in prayer and stay with it forever. It is written!

Then end with the Word. Jesus said He was the first and the last. That means the word of your doctor is not the last word. Even the word of your pastor is not the last word. The Word of Jesus is the last Word!

Remember this: You are now what the Word says you are. You can do what the Word says you can do. And you can have what the Word says you can have. Begin to believe that. Begin to say it out loud in faith.

Now shout the victory. Yes, now! You don't have to wait to see the outcome to celebrate. You have Jesus' Word on the matter, so you know beyond any doubt that your breakthrough is coming. Once you've settled yourself on Him, you can be assured that He will have the last word!

Scripture Reading:
Proverbs 1:1-9

Do not [earnestly] remember the former things; neither consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs forth; do you not perceive and know it and will you not give heed to it? I will even make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.
—Isaiah 43:18-19

I truly believe this moment can be life-changing for you—that it will help you step out onto the path of your true life. The life that has been waiting for you since the beginning of time—and the one you may have been missing due to fear and intimidation.

Satan is the master of intimidation, but once you realize that he is the one behind all your hesitation, you can take authority over him by simply placing confidence in Jesus Christ and stepping out boldly to be all you can be. God told Joshua, “Fear not, for I am with you.” He is sending you that same message today: FEAR NOT! God is with you, and He will never leave you or forsake you.

Abraham was told, “God is with you in everything you do” (see Genesis 21:22). That sounds like large living to me. Are you ready for a larger life, one that leaves you feeling satisfied and fulfilled? I believe you are, and I want to do everything I can to help you on your journey.

Lord, I make my bold confession that I am thrilled to have You with me today and forever. Today is another step in my journey. Help me to live large. Amen.

John 14:26
But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things…

If you are asking whom or where you can go to to get the help you need, ask no more. Just turn to God who has already promised you the Helper, the Holy Spirit whom He has sent in Jesus’ name to dwell in you.

The Holy Spirit will teach you all things. Yes, teach you all things! Do you really believe that? Or are you like some who believe that you seek God’s counsel only for spiritual things, but consult “professional” help for all other things in your life?

God does not want you to run to and rely on worldly wisdom. Now, there is nothing wrong with going to a doctor or engaging a financial consultant, but God wants you to come to Him first for counsel and direction. That is why He has sent the Holy Spirit, the Counselor (John 16:7, NIV), to teach you all things. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of truth and He will guide you into all truth. (John 16:13)

The apostle John said, “But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things…the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things…” (1 John 2:20, 27)

So the way God teaches you is through the anointing within. It is a continuous anointing. In any particular situation, He is anointing you from within, teaching you by the presence or absence of His peace.

For example, a deal you are considering may sound very reasonable. But if you don’t have the peace in your spirit, don’t sign on the dotted line. Sign only when you have the peace. Be led by His peace and you will find that your heart will not be troubled, neither will it be afraid. (John 14:27)

When you follow that peace which only God can give to you as an inward witness, good things and even miracles will come forth!

Thought For The Day
The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of truth and He will guide you into all truth.

“For my determined purpose is that I may ... progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly.” (Philippians 3:10 AMP)

You were made to live in relationship with God, and if you think you can be joyful without getting to know him better, you’re just fooling yourself. Happiness is found in getting to know God a little bit better every day.

Paul discovered that. He says in Philippians 3:10, “For my determined purpose is that I may ... progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly” (AMP).

There is a difference in knowing about someone and knowing someone. I know more about Justin Bieber and Kim Kardashian than I want to, but I don’t really know them. I know my wife and I know my kids because I spend time with them. I have a relationship with them.

Paul became “deeply and intimately acquainted” with God because he had a relationship with him and took the time to get to know him.

You don’t get to know God by accident. It’s a “determined purpose.” It’s something you have to do something about. You have to invest your time in it.

But, we get too busy, and busyness destroys relationships. It destroys your relationship with your family, and it destroys your relationship with God.

To get to know Jesus, you’ve got to spend time with him. If you want to spend time with him, you’ve got to make time for him. Just set aside 10 or 15 minutes of focused time with God in the morning, and make sure you and your mind are not busy. Just be still, and it will make all the difference in the world.

Talk It Over

What is something you do every day for at least 15 minutes? Is it more important than spending time with God?
How do you need to adjust your schedule so that you can make time to spend with God?
What are the distractions that keep you too busy to spend time with God?

Today’s Scripture
“As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
(Isaiah 55:9, NIV)

Every person has things they’re believing for, situations they want to see changed, and dreams God has placed in their hearts. But sometimes, we try to figure out how it’s all going to happen. If we’re not careful, we’ll try to take control and start to tell God how to do it, when to do it, and where to do it! Today’s scripture tells us that God’s ways are not our ways. They are so much higher and better.

If things don’t happen on your timetable, instead of getting discouraged, why don’t you believe that God has something better in store? Just because it doesn’t happen your way doesn’t mean it’s not going to happen. Remember, God has a plan. He’s got it all figured out. Don’t limit Him by trying to get it done your way. Instead, simply say, “God, I’m trusting You. I know You have my best interest at heart. And even if I don’t get my way, I’m going to stay open and believe that You’re still directing my steps.”

A Prayer for Today
“Father, I choose to trust in You. I cast my cares on You. I give You my plans, dreams and desires for the future. Thank You for working behind the scenes on my behalf. I receive Your peace as I wait patiently to see Your plan unfold in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

Memorise: 
Blessed be the Lord my strength, which teacheth my hands to war,
and my fingers to fight: Psalms 144:1

Read: Psalms 103:1-5,
1 Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:
3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;
4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;
5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.

Bible in one year: 
Matthew 13:44-16:4,
Job 13:1-16

Message:
Still dwelling on counting your blessings, we must consider some other things as highlighted by the great Psalmist so that we may understand what made him a great worshipper. There are many seen and unseen battles of life that pose to destroy us, and it is the unseen battles of life that pose to destroy us, and it is the unseen Hands of the Almighty God that have kept us alive.

For life alone, we must bless the Lord. In our memory verse for today, the Psalmist blesses the Lord for teaching his hands to war and directing his fingers to fight aright. We must realise that not all fighters win in the battles of life, many are destroyed by the hostility of life. This might have influenced David to write:
“Bless the Lord O my soul …. Who redeemeth thy life from destruction….” Psalms 103:4
Considering the numerous battles David fought, particularly against king Saul, one should know



that but for God, David would have died a premature death. David lived to a very old age, though his beloved son overthrew him and sought his life; he survived his external and internal enemies. To him, the kindness God showed to him was not ordinary, it was the loving type. Meaning that kindness has categories! How I wish someone reading this devotional will appreciate God’s kindness to him as intensely as David did.

David saw good food, its nourishment and appetite to eat it as blessings from the Lord in verse 5 of our text today. What a grateful creature of the Almighty God David was. There is a story told of a woman, from Ijesaland in the South-West of Nigeria, who was fond of thanking God for good food and the appetite to eat well. Anytime Mama-Ijesa came up for testimony, she would tell of how God provided not only good food but also appetite to eat it. Her Pastor became bored of the one and only testimony of this grateful woman and stopped her from giving testimonies in the Church. Not long after, the Pastor took ill, and on his sick bed, all sorts of food were brought to him but he had no appetite to eat any of them. When Mama-Ijesa came visiting like other parishioners, she innocently asked whether her Pastor was eating well. It was then that the Pastor realised that having good food to eat is not enough, but having appetite to eat it is equally praiseworthy.

Action Point’
Take minimum of 15 minutes to thank God for His Goodness and Mercies over your life and that of your loved ones.

And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby), that He may remain with you forever.
—John 14:16

The Lord cares about every tiny detail of your life. People who don't believe this truth have a difficult time experiencing real intimacy with Him. You can and should talk to Him about everything. Nothing is too big and nothing is too small. He will help you put in your contact lens or drive in snow. He said, “I am with you always” (see Matthew 28:20 NIV), and He is always ready to help, strengthen, encourage, or comfort you.

The Holy Spirit is called “The Helper.” He is also referred to as “The Standby.” I love that He is standing by me at all times, waiting to assist me with whatever I need. But He is a gentleman and won't push His way into our lives. We open the door for Him to work simply by asking, which is prayer.

God is love, and when we dwell in His love, enjoying and being aware of it, we dwell in God. To dwell means, “to live and remain in.” “Dwelling” is not an occasional visit, but a permanent, fixed situation. I don’t say, “I visit my house.” I say, “I live in my house.” God wants us to say the same about Him and His love for us. His love is where we live. God is with us at all times, watching over us, keeping us safe, overseeing every detail of our lives. And the Holy Spirit is standing by to help you!

Love God Today: Whatever you need today—a parking place, help navigating a tough situation at work—know that God cares about the little things and the details of your life, and He wants you to depend on Him.

“Everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” (Philippians 3:8a NLT)

Every day when you get up, you need to remind yourself what counts and what doesn’t count. Don’t be distracted by what’s inconsequential and petty in life.

Why is this an important habit? Have you noticed how easy it is to lose your joy over some small thing? It’s usually the small irritations that cause you to lose your happiness. Somebody cuts you off in the middle of the road when you’re trying to make a turn, and you lose your happiness. You’re having a bad hair day or the clothes you put on don’t fit anymore, and you lose your happiness. It’s the little things that sometimes affect us the most, and yet they don’t really matter.

Paul says in Philippians 3:7, “I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done” (NLT).

What was the most important thing to you before you met Jesus Christ? Work? Career? Making money? Maybe it was getting a date. Maybe it was being popular. Maybe it was having security or being famous.

Paul says all those things don’t matter anymore compared to the joy of knowing Jesus.

The trap that’s going to keep you from developing this habit is pop culture. Every day there are thousands of advertising messages that say, “You aren’t worth anything until you’ve got our product.” Even television news makes every item sound like it’s the most important thing of the day. It’s not! Nothing is as worthless as yesterday’s newspaper. Just because it’s urgent and immediate does not mean it’s important.

You have to ask yourself about everything: How much will this matter in 100 years? How much of what I’m worrying about right now is going to matter tomorrow? It’s probably not going to matter tomorrow, much less for eternity. You need to live in light of eternity.

America is on trivial pursuit. We’re living for things that don’t really matter. So to be counter culture, you’ve got to focus not on what’s current but what’s eternal. When you live in light of eternity, you realize that the small things you’re worrying about aren’t going to matter in eternity, and instead of stressing out, you can be a happier person.

“Everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord” (Philippians 3:8a). Every day, remember what matters most.

Talk It Over

What small things have you been worrying about that have robbed your happiness?
What are the practical ways you can turn your focus to God and keep an eternal perspective?
What was the most important thing to you before you believed in Jesus Christ? How do you feel about it now?

Do not be shaken, Little One. Times of refreshing come in My Presence. You are My Beloved and I am yours. We are one by the Spirit. The enemy would make you believe that I am far away from you. But listen to the Voice of Truth. I am always with you, Beloved.

You have come through the veil of My flesh and nothing can ever separate us again. Stay close to Me in your mind and heart, so that you do not become discouraged. This is the time spoken of by the holy prophets long ago. A time of great darkness for the world, but a time of great intimacy between the Bride and your Bridegroom. I will never leave you nor forsake you, Beloved. I am at your right hand and My Spirit dwells in your heart.

Lean on My everlasting Arm and walk with Me, My Love. Listen not to the enemy's voice of condemnation, but listen to My Voice of Comfort. No more sighing, Dear One. Your flesh dwells securely in Me. Let your heart be glad and your whole being rejoice. I shall make known to you the path of life; in My Presence there is fullness of joy; at My right hand are pleasures forevermore
.....................................................................................................................................
Song of Solomon 7:10-11 I belong to my Beloved, and His desire is for me.
Come, my beloved, let us walk together.

Colossians 2:6 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him.
Romans 8:38-39 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Hebrews 10:19Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh.
Psalm 16:8 I have set the Lord always before me; because He is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure.11 You make known to me the path of life; in your Presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Acts 3:19-21 Repent therefore, and turn again, (be born again) that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that He may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus, whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets long ago.

Romans 8:1Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.

And the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because that Jesus had healed on the sabbath day, and said unto the people, There are six days in which men ought to work: in them therefore come and be healed, and not on the Sabbath day.

Luke 13:14

Religion is dangerous. Religion would rather debate about healing than see somebody healed. Religion would rather argue about deliverance than see someone set free.

You can see an example of that in Luke 13. Jesus healed a woman who had been bowed over for 18 years. Think of it, a dear old woman—a daughter of Abraham Jesus called her—set free after being bound by the devil for nearly two decades. You'd think the temple rulers would have been rejoicing at what Jesus had done. But, no! They were angry because He'd done it on the wrong day.

Do you know what's worse? Those very same religious leaders who criticized Jesus for healing on the Sabbath could have ministered healing to that woman themselves on any of the other six days of the week if they'd cared enough to do it.

That's why Jesus was so indignant with them. They had the same covenant of Abraham that Jesus was ministering on. But their religion had kept that woman bound instead of setting her free. It always does.

Remember that next time someone tries to get you sidetracked into a religious debate about healing or deliverance. If someone needs to be delivered from a demon, just do it! Don't get all hung up on theological questions about where the demon is.

"Is it in his body? Or his brain? Or his spirit? Or his pocket?" While you're arguing about questions like that, the demon will be driving the poor guy up the wall.

The question isn't, "Where is the demon?" The question is, "Why haven't we gotten this man delivered? He's our blood brother in the Name of Jesus and he ought to be free!"

Once you start asking that question, you won't care whether that demon is inside or outside, hovering over or sitting under. All you'll care about is getting that person free!

That's the difference between religion and the love of God. Religion argues. Love acts. Choose love today.

Scripture Reading:
Luke 13:11-17

Romans 8:31
What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
Are you faced with challenges in your life right now? Are you having marital problems and financial woes? Maybe your child is going astray or an old illness has returned. What then will you say to all these things?

Do you know what God wants you to say? He wants you to say, “If God is for me, who can be against me?”

If you knew that the President or the Prime Minister was for you, you might believe that everything will be okay. But you have an even better backing! The Bible tells us that God, the Almighty, the Creator of the heavens and the earth, is for you! What problem can fasten its grip on you when the Almighty God is for you? Can the devil come successfully against you with God on your side?

If God is for you today, if God is for you right now, you don’t have to moan, “If only I had this…If only I didn’t say that…” And you don’t have to worry about the future: “What if this happens…What if we don’t have enough…” My friend, regretting the past and worrying about the future won’t change anything. Look to your heavenly Father, instead. Because He is for you at this present moment, you can be confident that He will help you and provide for you.

Beloved, God sent His Son to die for you. And Jesus gave you a blood-bought right to an abundant life full of meaning and purpose! He gave you a blood-bought right to walk in divine health all the days of your life! He gave you a blood-bought right to His supply even when the economy goes down!

You have all these things not because you deserve them, but because Jesus shed His blood and gave you the right to have them. All these blessings are yours today because God is for you! And if God is for you, who can be against you!

Thought For The Day
All blessings are yours today because God is for you!

2 Peter 3:14-18

Spiritual discernment protects us from deception. Sin is always dressed up to look tempting and appealing; if we think what looks good and feels right must be OK, then we’re in danger of being misled by the enemy. When Satan tempts us, he never mentions consequences or negative impact.

Spiritual discernment is our God-given capacity to judge what’s right and wrong. It protects us from the suffering that accompanies disobedience. Ignoring an agitation in our spirit—which I call “spiritual static”—is a step onto sin’s pathway. When looking for a radio station, we want clear reception. The same is true in our lives. We need a clear connection to the Holy Spirit to have peace and assurance that we’re doing the right thing and aligned with God’s will.

Sometimes an opportunity appears harmless or, more likely, very appealing. But if the Holy Spirit within us sends a signal not to pursue it, then we dare not—for some reason, God doesn’t want us in that situation. And though we can speculate, we may never know what danger we avoided by being obedient.

Sin doesn’t initially appear as the ugly, deceitful disobedience it is. Instead, it comes wrapped in a pretty package, one hard to resist. God’s children can see past the glitter and false beauty if they choose to look. This spiritual wisdom comes only from a clean heart and discerning spirit. An astute believer is one who makes prayer, repentance, and biblical training a regular part of his or her routine.

Bible in One Year: Exodus 39-40

Today’s Scripture
“...faith without works is dead.”
(James 2:20, NKJV)

Are you waiting for God to do something in your life? One thing I’ve learned is that waiting should not be a passive thing. When we’re waiting the correct way, we’re on the lookout. We talk like what we are believing for is going to happen. We act like it’s going to happen. We’re making preparations.

It’s just like when you’re expecting someone for dinner; you don’t wait until they show up before you decide to start cooking. Most likely you start early in the day. You make sure the house is clean, you go to the grocery store, and maybe buy some flowers for the table. You make preparations because you’re expecting someone. Well, that’s the attitude we need to have while we’re waiting for God’s promises to come to pass. As you put actions behind your prayers, your faith comes alive and opens the door for God to move mightily on your behalf.

A Prayer for Today
“Father, I choose to put actions behind my faith today. I trust that You are at work in my life. I will wait the right way—with expectancy knowing that You are leading me into the path You have for me in Jesus’ name! Amen.”

Memorise:
Praise the Lord; for the Lord is good: sing praises unto his name; for it
is pleasant. Psalms 135:3

Read: Psalms 103:1-5, 
103 Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:
3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;
4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;
5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.

Bible in one year: 
Matthew 12:9-13:43,
Job 12:13-25

Message:
Ingratitude is dangerous, particularly when it is directed at God, the Almighty. There are many things we enjoy from God’s benevolence, but we take for granted. As we saw in the Bible reading for today, when David seemed to be forgetful of the goodness of the Lord, he decided to preach to his soul. He took his time to list the blessings of God upon his life so that his soul could be grateful for each of them.

The first thing he mentioned was the benefit of forgiveness he enjoyed from the Holy One of Israel. Modern day Christians do not appreciate the blessing of forgiveness like David did. We often take the work of redemption for granted. Anyone who appreciates the agonising death of Jesus Christ on the Cross for the sin of humanity wouldn’t want to indulge in sin any more, the apostle asked rhetorically:

“What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?”
Romans 6:1

Only those who take the issue of sin lightly would say, “Let us sin the more, so that we may enjoy

 
the grace the more”, and they shall not be guiltless according to the scriptures:
“For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for a judgement and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.”
Hebrews 10:26-27

Another blessing David listed in his collection of God’s benefits is divine healing. The Psalmist blessed the Lord for healing, whereas, some of us who enjoy divine health have never said thank you to the Giver of good health. The Lord promised that He would not allow us to be plagued with the kind of sicknesses and diseases that the Egyptian suffered and He made bold to say:
“… I am the Lord that healeth thee.”
Exodus 15:26

My prayer for someone using this devotional is that the Lord will grant you divine health which is far superior to healing in Jesus’ name. However, we must not take God’s grace and blessings for granted. We must endeavour to show our appreciation by living for God alone and by glorifying Him in our bodies.

Action Point
Take some time to count the blessings of the Lord upon your life and give Him adequate gratitude in return.

Phil. 1:1-10

Things are not always what they seem is the mantra of many mystery novels and television shows, but it’s also a wise attitude for successful living. Too many people make decisions based on feelings or judge situations by what appears to be real. God has given every believer a spirit of discernment so we can determine what’s best.

Think about how many decisions a person must make on a daily basis—choices about family, finances, work, and more. Ideally, a decision would have a correct choice and an incorrect one. As a result, the choice would be easy. In reality, what seems right isn’t always what’s best. Some things, while neither wrong nor sinful, are nonetheless outside of God’s will for us.

Scripture doesn’t contain specific directives regarding every possible life scenario. Instead, it’s filled with principles laid down by direct teaching or, at times, through stories. Believers are able to grow in spiritual maturity so that biblical principles coupled with guidance from the Holy Spirit become tools for making godly judgments. The question isn’t whether a certain choice looks good or feels right, but whether it’s God’s will for that point in a person’s life.

A well-developed spirit of discernment is essential for living in God’s will. Without this sensitivity to the Lord’s plan, a man or woman takes everything at face value. Many choices that look good and feel right are actually contrary to what the Lord desires for a believer’s life. That is why we must evaluate situations from a biblical perspective.

Bible in One Year: Exodus 36-38

Everyone has gone through times when they've struggled to believe God. We have really big prayers in our hearts, but then we look at what we have in our hands and think, "Can I really accomplish that?" In reality, our victories are not going to be won by our strength; our victories will be accomplished by God's gracious hand of favor. His hand of favor is what will bring about the extraordinary in our lives.

All through scripture, we see great men and women of faith who didn't hold notable positions. They didn't come from wealthy families or have all the right resources. One thing they had in common is that they all believed that God called them to do something great.

Joseph was just a young boy enjoying his life when he learned that his brothers despised him. They threw him into a pit and sold him into slavery. Have you ever heard yourself say, "Oh, my boss doesn't like me and that's why I can't get the promotion?" Or, you've felt like someone in your life has pushed you down, and you thought that they were the reason that you couldn't get ahead?

After Joseph was sold into slavery, he ended up in Potiphar's house where Potiphar's wife falsely accused him of something he did not do. Then He landed in prison. But through Joseph's ups and downs, he still believed he had the anointing of God. Ultimately, he ended up being the second in charge of all of Egypt! How could that have happened? When God calls you, when God anoints you, it doesn't matter what other people think about you or what other people do to you. With God on your side, nothing can hold you back!

"The LORD is for me, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?" (Psalm 118:6, NLT)

2 Peter 1:2
Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord,
If you would like to walk in a greater measure of God’s favor, 2 Peter 1:2 says that grace, which is the undeserved favor of God, and peace, can be multiplied to you. Peace is the word “shalom” in Hebrew. Its definition includes wholeness, health, safety and provision. So when you walk in divine favor and peace, you will walk in blessings in every area of your life!

But how do the undeserved favor and shalom of God increase in your life?

It is not by your laboring or toiling to earn it. The Bible says that it comes as your knowledge of Jesus and His finished work increases. It comes as you learn more about and believe that through Jesus’ one sacrifice at the cross, God removed all your sins, gave you His righteousness as a gift and put you in Christ to enjoy everything Jesus has. God’s favor is multiplied in your life when you simply believe that the favor of God that is on Christ is also on you because of what Jesus’ work at the cross has accomplished.

Today, you don’t have to struggle for favor. Just release it by speaking forth God’s Word in faith. On your way to work, say, “God’s favor surrounds me as with a shield.” (Psalm 5:12) As you continue to speak God’s favor over your life out of a revelation of Jesus’ finished work, you will see more of it being released.

When I first entered the workforce, I began to declare the favor of God in my job. Every time I was given a new assignment, I proclaimed that the divine favor of God was on me. The company began to prosper and I was blessed financially. By the time I left the company to serve God full-time, my income had increased so that I was in the top 15 per cent of earners in my age group in Singapore.

Today, in your workplace or at home, begin to declare the favor of God by faith. Expect to receive preferential treatment wherever you are. Say, “I am surrounded with the favor of God because of Jesus’ finished work. I have favor before God and man!” And see God’s favor work for you!

Thought For The Day
You don’t have to struggle for favor. Just release it by speaking forth God’s Word in faith.

I do not consider, brethren, that I have captured and made it my own [yet]; but one thing I do [it is my one aspiration]; forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the [supreme and heavenly] prize to which God in Christ Jesus is calling us upward.
—Philippians 3:13-14

Our relationships with God are progressive and we all move from one level to another. No one ever “masters” communication with God because there is no limit to the depth of relationship we can have with Him; it just keeps growing, keeps going deeper, keeps getting stronger. Our ability to hear His voice develops and improves over time.

Over time and with practice, we get better at sharing our hearts with God and we become more skilled and experienced at hearing His voice and understanding what He is saying to us. We never become certified experts in prayer and we never stop learning to communicate with God; our experiences just keep getting richer and better.

God has so much for you, and though you may not have arrived at your final destination, you can thank God you are on the pathway that will take you there. As long as you are making progress, it really doesn't matter if you are crawling, walking, or running. Just keep pressing on!

And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness; and have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's sake, immediately they are offended.

Mark 4:16-17

There seems to be an abundance of "stony ground" Christians these days. Initially, they get excited about the Word of God. They'll hear a message on prosperity, for instance, and they'll go home saying, "Hallelujah! I'm going to prosper in the Name of Jesus!" But then, somehow, things don't work out like they thought they should.

Their bank balance doesn't double overnight. They go through some disappointments. They suffer some criticism. Then, before you know it, their faith has withered away.

If you don't want that to happen to you, make up your mind right now that you're not going to let the rough times defeat you. Decide now that you're going to hang onto the Word even when the persecutions and afflictions come—because, I can guarantee you, they will come.

When you decide to walk by faith, you don't get rid of trials. You learn to overcome them.

When you let the Word of God get down into your heart, you're going to learn more about the devil than you ever wanted to know because he's going to do his best to see to it that the Word is unfruitful in you. He's going to be trying to mess you up every time you turn around. You'll have problems, but the difference is now you have the answer—the Word of God.

Thank God, however, through Christ Jesus you have the power to defeat Satan. When he brings problems and disappointments your way, you don't have to lie down and let them steam roll over you. Just keep fighting the good fight of faith until you win.

Sure you'll get knocked down sometimes. But when you do, get back up and say, "Look here, Devil, I'm not going to let you steal the Word out of my heart. It's in there and I'm meditating on it. I'm saying it with my mouth, and I'm acting on it until God's blessings overtake me. If you don't believe me, just hide and watch!"

If you'll take that attitude, no matter what that devil does, he'll never make a "stony ground" Christian out of you!

Scripture Reading:
2 Corinthians 4:6-18

“I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith.” (Philippians 3:9 NLT)

You can’t earn God’s approval. You can’t earn his love. You can’t earn his recognition. God is love, and he loves you unconditionally. If you want to be a happy person, you need to relax in God’s grace every day.

Philippians 3:3 says, “We Christians glory in what Christ Jesus has done for us and realize that we are helpless to save ourselves” (LB).

One of the things that will rob you of your happiness is legalism. Legalism is the attitude that you have to prove your love to God. Legalism is trusting in what you do for God instead of what Jesus did for you. It’s thinking that you have to follow rules and regulations and restrictions in order to prove yourself worthy.

How do you know when you’re a legalist? It’s when you’re judgmental of other people. How do you know when you’re living by grace? It’s when you’re gracious to others. People who live by grace often find it easier to forgive, because they recognize God continues to forgive them.

Legalism will suck your life dry of happiness. It sucks churches dry of happiness. Ever go to a legalistic church? That church is not happy. There’s no joy in a legalistic church. Everybody’s just there out of duty or guilt.

When you finally realize there’s nothing you can do to make God love you more, it is one of the most liberating feelings in the world. And, it is a key to happiness. Every day, remind yourself of the grace of God, and relax in it.

“I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith” (Philippians 3:9 NLT).

PLAY today’s audio teaching from Pastor Rick >>

Talk It Over

Even if you trust in God’s grace, what are the little traps of legalism in your daily life?
How can you “glory in what Christ Jesus has done” for you?

Do not fear, Beloved, or lose your hope. What looks like a set back shall SUDDENLY be turned in your favor. I will turn the devil on his head. Only I know the future, Beloved. Expect that SUDDENLY, you shall see My Word and promises made manifest in your life. I have declared the former things from the beginning; and they went forth out of My mouth; I did them suddenly, and they came to pass. I am removing those boots you have worn in battle and your uniform stained with your own blood, sweat, and tears.

For the Blood of the Lamb has rescued you and My gentleness makes you great. The multitude of your foes will be like fine dust, and the multitude of the ruthless ones like chaff that blows away. Yes, it will be in an instant, suddenly. For I have been preparing you, My Warrior Bride, for such a time as this. I have enlarged your steps under you, and your feet shall not slip. Suddenly, there shall be no more gloom in the land that suffered.

This thing shall be done suddenly, when you least expect it, My Child. The enemy shall be confounded at the sudden turn around in your life and there will be NOTHING he can do about it for My plans stand forever. My Word shall not return to Me void, but SUDDENLY, it shall be made manifest. In victory, you will go out with joy and be led forth with peace; the mountains and the hills will break forth into shouts of joy before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.…..............................................................................................................................................
-2 Chronicles 29:36 He rejoiced, and all the people, because of that which God had prepared for the people: for the thing was done suddenly.
-Isaiah 48:3 I have declared the former things from the beginning; and they went forth out of my mouth, and I showed them; I did them suddenly, and they came to pass.

-Isaiah 55:11So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it. 12 For you will go out with joy and be led forth with peace; The mountains and the hills will break forth into shouts of joy before you, And all the trees of the field will clap their hands.

-Isaiah 29:5 But the multitude of your foes will be like fine dust, and the multitude of the ruthless ones like chaff that blows away. Yes, it will be in an instant, SUDDENLY.

-Isaiah 18:35 You have also given me the shield of Your salvation, And Your right hand upholds me; And Your gentleness makes me great. 36 You enlarge my steps under me, And my feet have not slipped.
-Isaiah 51:5 Suddenly will My righteousness come near, and my Salvation (Yeshua, Jesus) will be shining out like the light; the lands will be waiting for Me, and they will put their hope in My Strong Arm.