Abiding TV

John 10:3
…he calls his own sheep by name…

Do you sometimes feel like you are just a face in a crowd or a number in a system? You are identified by your social security number. Even when you see the doctor, you are called by your queue number. If you feel depersonalized and dehumanized, that is exactly how the devil wants you to feel — that you do not matter much to anyone, especially to God.

But you do matter to God! He calls you by name. He knows exactly what you are going through and where you are hurting. He sees you and cares for you, just as He cared for the people when He first walked on earth.

My friend, He will do for you what He did for the woman in Samaria. The Bible says that “He needed to go through Samaria” to get from Judea to Galilee. (John 4:4) Now, any Jew of His day would have taken a different and longer route to avoid going through Samaria because they hated the Samaritans, though the way through Samaria would take much less time. But Jesus deliberately took the shorter, avoided route, just so He could stop by Samaria to speak to the woman who had been searching for something in her life to satisfy her.

This woman had had five husbands and the man she was living with was not her husband. Clearly, things had not been going right in her life. She was probably looking for answers and fulfillment, and must have felt ashamed about her failed marriages and current lifestyle.

Yet, in spite of all this, she mattered to Jesus! He needed to go to her to minister to her. And indeed, after she met Jesus, the perfect Man, she was transformed. She was no longer ashamed, and went into the city to tell the people about Him. (John 4:28–29)

Beloved, Jesus wants to meet you wherever you are at in life and minister His grace to you. You certainly matter to Him. He came to give you life and life more abundantly. (John 10:10) You are not just a face in a crowd or a number. No, He knows you by name and has a personal love for you. And in spite of the mess that you might be in, He wants to meet your every need and make your life beautiful!

Thought For The Day

You do matter to God! He knows what you are going through and wants to meet your every need.

Philippians 3:13-15

Have you ever attempted to walk in a straight line while looking at your feet? Try this on the beach sometime so you can look back at your footprints. You’ll probably be surprised at how crooked the path is. But fix your eyes upon something far away, and each step will point in the desired direction—toward that distant focal point.

Our lives are like this. If we set goals, then our decisions and thoughts will lead toward the desired end. On the other hand, if we bumble along without specific aims, we will wander and waste much precious time and energy.

Goals are crucial to the well-lived life. Why, then, do so many people fail to formulate purposeful aims? Some simply do not see the importance of a plan, while others are too lazy to devise one or don’t know how to go about it. Then there are those who lack faith in God’s ability to help them achieve their aspirations.

Think about the many goals Jesus had—they drove all that He did. His daily aims involved such things as serving others and teaching those who sought righteousness. But more than that, our Savior centered everything on a primary purpose set even before time began: to lay down His life on the cross in order to save mankind from sin and glorify the Father.

We were created to glorify the Lord and be fruitful in His service. Imagine the impact our lives could have if we asked God to guide our goals. Pray, “What do You want to change about my life? What do You want to accomplish through me?” Let Him determine on what and on whom you focus.

Bible in One Year: Genesis 1-3

Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.

Hebrews 2:1

It's happened to all of us. We get a little of the Word of God under our spiritual belts. We have a few victories. Our lives are going great for the first time in years. Then suddenly we slip and it all falls apart. We find ourselves having to start all over again.

That's what happened to the people the book of Hebrews was written to. They made such great spiritual progress that they got to the place where they should have been teachers. Then they slipped back so much, they needed baby food again. (See Hebrews 5:12.)

What caused them to fall so far? They let other things get in the way of their faith. They let the promises of God slip, so they slipped.

That's happened to a multitude of believers in the last several years.

"Well, Brother Copeland," they said, "we're tired of that faith stuff." Or, "We just don't have time to spend that much time in the Word."

They've turned their attention away from the promises of God. It's not that they didn't believe them anymore. It's just that they directed their attention to other things. They let their Word level drop and since low Word level equals low faith level, they soon began suffering defeat in areas where they once had victory.

Don't let that happen to you. When things are going well, don't just ride the tide of God's blessing. Dig deeper into what God has for you. Give more earnest heed to the promises of God. Concentrate on moving ahead, on becoming so strong in the Spirit you can not only get your own needs met, you'll meet others' needs as well!

Remember: Low Word Level = Low Faith Level = Slip.

Don't get so busy enjoying today's victory that tomorrow ends up in defeat. Look into the things you've learned. Give the Word more of your attention—not less. Keep moving from faith to faith. Instead of trying to trip you up, Satan and his bunch will be crying, "Oh no, that faith man is coming after us again!"

Scripture Reading:
Hebrews 5:11-14, 6:1-12

3 John :2 says, “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.”

It is God’s will for you to prosper and for you to be in health. When John wrote that verse, he was expressing the mind of God, the heart of God, and the will of God. The phrase “above all things” would indicate that this is at the top of God’s list of desires for His people.

Webster’s dictionary defines “prosperity” as “the condition of being successful or thriving especially in economic well-being.”

Thriving financially would mean that you are abounding. Or you could say it this way: you have more than enough to meet your needs. Once again, God wants you in a position where not only your needs are met but you are able to get involved in meeting the needs of others.

He also wants you to be able to do more for the Kingdom of God. Just think, you, being able to invest large sums of money into the Kingdom of God.

Wouldn’t that be a great way to live? God wants you to be able to help ministries that He has raised up in these last days to reach the nations with the Good News that Jesus is Lord. He wants to use YOU!

Now I understand that this may not be how you are living right now. But spending time in God’s Word will give you vision. God wants you to see yourself receiving His best, meeting people’s needs, and giving big to the Kingdom of God. Begin to picture yourself doing all of those things. Set it as your goal.

Genesis 12:2-3 says, “. . . and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: . . . and in thee shall all the families of the earth be blessed.”

Obviously, the more blessed you are, then the more you can be a blessing. Some family in the earth right now needs for you to be blessed. Why? So that you can become the answer to their prayer.

Just think about what a joyful life you would live if you were in a position to not only have all of your needs met, but able to meet the needs of other families in the earth. That is God’s best for your life!

Author: Jerry Savelle

I heard in the Spirit the phrase "Great Expectations of Great Blessings" for 2017.
"Beloved. Have you adopted the phrase," Hope for the best, but expect the worst?" My Dear Child, this should never be your way of thinking. It is My plan that in all the ages to come, you shall be shown and enjoy the exceeding RICHES of My Grace in My kindness toward you.

Align your expectations with Mine, Dear One. For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Expect the BEST from your Abba Father. Your hardship shall have an ending and your expectation of good things shall not be cut off. Expect and pray that My will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. I shall give you all things freely as I have given you My Son. For this is My plan for you, My Child. Expect GOOD things from My Hand. My promises to you are Yes and Amen. No good thing will I withhold from you.

WHATSOEVER you ask in prayer, believing that you have received it, expecting it, you shall have it. I am not a man that I would lie, My Beloved. Expect that soon, I shall bring you forth also with silver and gold: and there shall not be one feeble person among you. For your citizenship is in Heaven and from it expect your Savior to come who will transform your lowly body to be like His glorious body.

The world will be glad when you depart for the fear of you has fallen upon them. Until then, you shall not be ashamed, Dear One, but with boldness, My Power shall be MAGNIFIED in your body. I shall bring forth My people with JOY and My Chosen with gladness. No more sighing, My Warrior Bride. Expect to see My Goodness made manifest in the land of the living. Surely goodness and lovingkindness shall follow you all the days of your life, and you will dwell in the house of your LORD forever.

...Ephesians 2:4 “But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ … that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

...Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

...Proverbs 23:18- For surely there is an end; and your expectation shall not be cut off.

...Philippians 1:20 “According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.”

...Philippians 3:20-21 says, “But our citizenship is in Heaven, and from it we await (also translated expect) a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like His glorious body, by the power that enables Him even to subject all things to Himself.”

Thou hast set all the borders of the earth: thou hast made summer and winter (Psalm 74:17).

Nobody can be more or do more than what God has allotted to him. In other words, you can’t achieve more than whatever God has planned and destined for you to achieve; you’ll not go beyond it. Our opening verse says, “He has set all the borders of the earth.…” He set the boundaries that no one can go beyond. So, the wise thing to do is to discover what God wants you to do, and then, go all
out to fulfill it.

God will always send you the word that’s meant for you. He gives us the Word for the year, to guide our thinking, planning and actions. That word is for you to live by; take it and run with it. You can be as successful as God has ordained for you to be this year if you’d walk with Him by the Word, through the Spirit. True success is achieving God’s set goals for you at different levels of your life.

Measure your success by what you do with the Word of God, and how you live to fulfil God’s purpose for your life. Be definite about the things you want to achieve for the Lord and run with the visions He unveils to your spirit. Take some time to fast, pray, and meditate on the Word for the year,
and as you do, you’ll be better positioned to experience the victories and blessings ordained for you by the Spirit.

The more you study the Word, the more you discover God’s plan for your life, and know exactly how He wants you to live.

PRAYER
Dear Lord, you’re able to carry out your purpose in me, doing superabundantly, far over and
above, and infinitely beyond my desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams. You’re mightily at work in me, both to will and to do your good pleasure and delight. I’m guided by your Word, to fulfil your purpose for my life, in Jesus’
Name. Amen.

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Matthew 1
Genesis 1-2

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Matthew 1:1-14
Genesis 1

FURTHER STUDY:
Proverbs 19:21 MSG
Ephesians 2:10 AMP
Ephesians 1:11

Memorise:
Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit. Ecclesiastes 7:8

 Read: Job 8:5-7 (King James Version)
8:5 If thou wouldest seek unto God betimes, and make thy supplication to the Almighty;

8:6 If thou wert pure and upright; surely now he would awake for thee, and make the habitation of thy righteousness prosperous.

8:7 Though thy beginning was small, yet thy latter end should greatly increase.


Bible in one year: 
Matthew 1-3, Isaiah 1:1-17,
Hymn Sing hymn 1

Message:
Welcome to this New Year! It is always good to experience something pleasantly new. At the dawn of a new year, hopes are renewed, aspirations are born and expectations are high. But when the ups and downs of life take their toll in the course of the year, many people are not able to sustain the zeal and zest that they started the year with. Does this sound familiar? For some, it appears as if the events they experience in the course of the year are set up to completely dash their hopes. If this has been your experience, it shall be different this time around in the mighty Name of Jesus. 1 January 2017 open heavens message

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”
Jeremiah 29:11

As you take in the fresh New Year breeze, know for sure that God has something great in store for you which will unfold in the course of this year. Something huge is coming your way, so let your hope be fixed on the Lord. God wants you to end this year big and great, and to have your heart overflowing with joy. Open Heavens Sunday 1 January 2017:- Starting a New Year. Remember that in the Kingdom of God, the end of a thing is always of greater significance than its beginning. Hence, the Holy Ghost in Job 8:7 said:


“Though thy beginning was small, yet thy latter end should greatly increase.”

Because some people start a new year with little or nothing, they don’t expect anything great to come their way that year. If you find yourself in such a situation, know that if you settle some key issues in your life, you can be assured of a greater, bigger and glorious year. First, start the year with God (Proverbs 8:17). If you are still living in sin, the greatest way to start this year is by going on your knees, confessing your sins to God, asking for His forgiveness and inviting Jesus Christ to be your captain and pilot from now onwards. Also, you need to cultivate a personal relationship with God by studying the Bible regularly, fellowshipping with other believers in a Bible-believing Church, worshipping God and taking time to pray on daily basis. In addition, daily ask God for direction, wait to receive it, and be sure to follow as He leads. Utilise all opportunities that come your way and give your best to God and His work. If you do all these, I assure you that this year will end very well for you.

Action Point: Thank God for granting you access to this New Year. Let your thanksgiving be a daily offering to God this year.

Open Heavens Daily Devotional, written by Pastor E.A Adeboye,
The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer's Ministries.

iOpenHeavens is the electronic version of the Hard Copy. The Open Heavens devotional application is available across all mobile platforms and operating systems: iOS, Android, Blackberry, Nokia, Windows Mobile and PC. Click HERE to DOWNLOAD Daily Open Heavens Devotional from January to December 2017

. . . Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead.
—Philippians 3:13 (TLB)

As we flick the calendar to a new year, we come face to face with the fact that our days on earth are numbered. As the Psalmist wrote, “Teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” No thoughtful person can approach New Year’s Day without some introspection. We are reminded of the brevity of time. We also look back over our failures, mistakes, and missed opportunities, and vow that we will make better use of our time during the coming year. We should take time to be pleasant, to smile, to extend the small courtesies we often omit-to show love to our family. Psychiatrists tell us that most people are starved for love. Take time for the goodbye kiss; we shall go to work with a sweeter spirit. Let us take time to get acquainted with our families. We are not machines. We are not robots. The secret of a happy home is that members of the family learn to give and receive love. Let us take time to express our love in a thousand ways.

Prayer for the day
As I begin a new year, Lord Jesus, I pray that my walk through the days ahead will be filled with Your love for others, a love that does not count the cost.

“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life’” (John 8:12 NIV).

When Jesus said, “I am the light of the world,” he was defining himself. He was saying, “I know who I am.” At least 18 times in the Bible, Jesus said, “I am” and then gave a description. He described himself as the door, the bread of life, the way, the truth, the resurrection, and the life. Over and over, he defined himself. Jesus knew who he was (and still is) and, as a result, he was not under pressure.

This is the principle of identity. As long as you are unsure of your identity, you’re going to be pressured to fit into other people’s molds. They will manipulate you. They will try to make you into what they think you ought to be, rather than what God made you to be.

One of the major causes of stress comes from trying to be somebody that you’re not. When you are fearful that someone’s going to find out what you’re really like and that you might not be able to keep up the façade, it causes stress.

The only way you can counterbalance outside external pressures is to have an internal sense of satisfaction about who you are and who God made you to be. You discover who you are by knowing whose you are.

The Bible says that you were created by God. You are deeply loved by him. You are accepted as you are. He has a plan for your life. Until you settle this issue of identity, you will be insecure and you will be pressured by stress. You cannot serve other people until you settle this issue.

Jesus constantly did things that surprised everybody else. He put himself below others and served them. None of the other disciples would have ever thought to wash each other’s feet in the Upper Room because of their insecurity. But Jesus always served from a position of strength. He knew who and whose he was, so it didn’t matter that he lowered himself to serve them.

Service comes from self-esteem. Until you overcome your insecurity and feel good about yourself, you won’t feel like helping anyone else. Be secure in who you are and whose you are so that you can effectively serve others.

Talk It Over

What are the differences in what the world and others say about you and what you believe God says about you?
What does it mean to serve from a position of strength?
Why do we serve more effectively when we are secure in our identity in Christ?

"Now therefore, give me this mountain of which the Lord spoke in that day..."
Joshua 14:12, NKJV

TODAY'S WORD:
In the Bible, Caleb helped lead the people of Israel into their Promised Land. But I love that Caleb didn't just stop there. When he was 80 years old, he said, "God, give me another mountain." He was saying, "God, give me something else to do. Give me another assignment." Notice, he was planning on living out his life in victory. He could have said, "God, just let me retire. Man, my back's hurting. I can hardly see anymore. Medicare wouldn't pay that latest prescription. I'm so aggravated." No, he was strong. He was energetic; he was ready for the next challenge.

Friend, no matter how old or how young you are, God has another assignment for you. You wouldn't be here if God didn't have a purpose for you. I believe that this next year is going to be your best ever. Make plans for the next victory. Make plans to increase in influence, abundance and favor. Choose today to live full of joy, peace, strength and health, and take a step of faith into the life of victory He has in store for you!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:
"Father, thank You for creating me and giving my life purpose. Help me discover the gifts and talents You've placed within me so that I can use them for Your glory and move forward into the life of victory You have prepared for me in Jesus' name. Amen."

For those who are according to the flesh and are controlled by its unholy desires set their minds on and pursue those things which gratify the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit and are controlled by the desires of the Spirit set their minds on and seek those things which gratify the [Holy] Spirit.
—Romans 8:5

If you are walking in the flesh, it’s because you put your mind on fleshly things. If you’re walking in the Spirit, it’s because you put your mind on spiritual things.

Imagine a truck filled with concrete. The concrete is eventually going to take the shape of whatever mold it’s poured into—a driveway, a patio, a retaining wall, a road, or a foundation. The concrete cannot take any form unless a mold is created. Your thoughts are like the mold.

Your thoughts create a shape for God to pour His power into, to do something with your life. If you want a powerful life, choose to keep your mind on things that agree with God’s will so He can work with you toward your goals.

Power Thought: My mind is set on spiritual things.

Matthew 10:33—If you deny me before men, I will deny you before my Father.

It’s Time For America To Rise Up And Speak Up With Such Passion That The Political System Melts At Your Resolve!

Take an honest look at America, if you dare.  Look at how far we have fallen in the past 40 years.  Forty years ago the top problems in American schools were talking in class, not lining up properly and not putting your waste paper in the garbage can.  Now the top problems in the public school system are assault, rape and drug addiction.  We’ve come a long way…in the wrong direction.

God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah for sodomy.  The Governor or Texas has said in a political speech concerning homosexuals, “What you do in your bedroom is your own business.”  And I agree.  But what you do on Main Street is my business.  What you do to recruit my children and my grandchildren is my business.

America is bowing to the gods of this world.  We are no longer a nation under God.  We are a nation under many gods.  When Hollywood labels the Son of God as a lustdriven, sexcrazed, demonized lunatic, as portrayed in the Last Temptation of Christ, it’s time to speak.

A lot of Christians are running around trying to blend in like lizards in the work force Monday through Saturday.  Then they come to church on Sunday and sing like they’re on fire for the living God.  It is time to live out during the week what you receive on Sunday because there’s coming a day when your real commitment will go through the test of fire and you don’t want to stand before a holy God, with nothing to show but smoke on your clothes!

Source:  Twelve Sunday Morning Part 3

Luke 12:15-21

In today’s passage, we read about a rich man who made poor use of his days. Incorrectly assuming that his life would last for many years, he not only left God out of his plans but also allowed materialism to guide him.

Paul, on the other hand, knew his time was short and made the most of His remaining days on earth. For one thing, his priority was to care for others as long as possible. His letters from prison illustrate this: Despite knowing he would soon face death, Paul devoted his time and energy to instructing fellow believers and praying for them.

The apostle also recognized the value of time spent encouraging Christians to do everything as if for the Lord (Col. 3:23). This is important even when one’s task seems unrelated to the church. Our Father’s work isn’t just for missionaries and pastors; He calls all His children to different fields and assignments.

Paul also knew that the Christian life encompasses struggles. And he was realistic about acknowledging his own imperfections (Rom. 7:5-25). This meant that to make the best use of his time, he needed to persevere, remember God’s promises, and rely on divine power for victory. Indeed, at the end of his life, Paul was able to say, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith” (2 Tim. 4:7).

Life is a gift. Every one of us has a limited number of days on this earth. How will you utilize your time so you can look back and, like Paul, confidently say that you ended well?

Bible in One Year: Revelation 18-22

John 19:30
So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.

Imagine looking at Leonardo da Vinci’s famous Mona Lisa painting in the Louvre museum. Would you think of adding more brush strokes to it? Of course not! It was done by a master, so what could you possibly add to the painting to improve it?

In the same way, that is how we are to look at Jesus’ work on the cross. He cried out, “It is finished!” You cannot complete a completed work. You cannot finish a finished work. Our salvation is won. Our sins are all forgiven. We are made forever righteous by His blood. Christ paid completely and perfectly for our total forgiveness, righteousness and every blessing!

In fact, these three words, “It is finished”, come from one Greek word teleo. In the days of Jesus, a servant would use it when reporting to his master: “I have completed the work assigned to me.” (John 17:4) The word means, “It is finished, it stands finished and it will always be finished!” Perhaps the most significant meaning of teleo is how it is used by merchants: “The debt is paid in full!” When Jesus gave Himself on the cross, He met fully the righteous demands of the law. He paid our debts in full!

Today, it is not our works that will bring us the blessings. It is Christ’s finished work. Christian living is not about doing, but believing in His finished work. Under the law, we must do. Under grace, it is done!

Maybe you are faced with overwhelming odds today. Jesus promises, “It is finished!” You are not going to be delivered because you have already been delivered. You are not going to be healed because you are already the healed! God healed you 2,000 years ago! Isaiah 53:5 declares, “By His stripes you are healed!” You are already pregnant with healing. Keep resting in His finished work and it will manifest!

My friend, the work is finished. The victory is won. Our enemies have been made His footstool. Our blessings have been bought by His blood! Live life knowing that there is nothing for you to do—only believe! It is finished!

Thought For The Day
It is believing in Christ’s finished work that will bring us the blessings.

Proverbs 28:20 says, “A faithful man shall abound with blessings.”

Abounding would imply that increase has taken place. But notice it didn’t take place overnight. It was the result of faithfulness and faithfulness takes time.

Let me define faithful for you. It means:
1) Sticking with God and His Word no matter what happens in your life
2) Being steadfast in your allegiance to God
3) Unwavering loyalty
4) A firm resistance to the temptation to give up, draw back, or to compromise.

God promises that if you will stick with Him and His Word, then you will abound with blessings.

God promises that if you will be steadfast in your allegiance to Him, then you will abound with blessings.

God promises that if you have unwavering loyalty to Him, then you will abound with blessings.

God promises that if you will develop a firm resistance to the temptation to give up, draw back, or compromise then you will abound with blessings.

Hebrews 10:39 says, “We are not of them who draw back.”

The Message Translation says, “We’re not quitters who lose out. Oh, no! We’ll stay with it . . . trusting God all the way.”

I want to encourage you today, don’t get discouraged if you don’t see things happening in your life immediately, have faith that God is working behind the scenes on your behalf. Your due season will come. It will happen.

Galatians 6:9, “And let us not be weary in well doing; for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” The key word there is “IF.”

Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, “To every thing there is a season…”

According to God, there is an appointed time to reap the harvest. So don’t be discouraged. Your harvest time will come. Our part is to not become weary and quit.

Confession: “I will not grow weary in well doing. My harvest time is coming in Jesus name!”

Author: Jerry Savelle

The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage (Psalm 16:6).

In Jeremiah 29:11 GNB, the Lord said something so beautiful; it reads, “I alone know the plans I have for you, plans to bring you prosperity and not disaster, plans to bring about the future you hope for.” How comforting and uplifting this is! As you look to the coming year, be optimistic, full of faith and expectation because He has made your life glorious and your future is bright.

You need not be apprehensive or fretful about the coming year. God has already seen the year ahead; to Him, it’s already in the past. He’s already done all that needs to be done for you to have extraordinary victories and success in 2017. He has already perfected everything for you; all you
need is to stick to His Word; follow the guidance, direction and leading from the Spirit concerning the coming year. Be sure to attend our December 31 st Night Service onsite, online or via Satellite for that sure word from God that’ll position you for transcendental blessings, and a triumphant 2017.

God already prearranged and made ready the good life for you to live. Refuse to be moved by the challenges and cares of this present moment! Jesus said, “...Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on....” (Matthew 6:25-26).
God doesn’t want you to be anxious about the future. He wants you, rather, to “Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God” (Philippians 4:6).

Keep your focus on the Word. Follow the Lord in the Word, and through the Word with all your heart. God’s Word is dependable and guaranteed to produce results. When you trust in the Lord and in His eternal Word, it doesn’t matter the heat or hardship others may experience, your path will be one
of continual victory, progress, peace, health, and joy. Good things will keep happening for you, with you, and through you.

PRAYER
Dear Father, my trust is in you for an extraordinary 2017, filled with blessings, testimonies, and miracles. I’m excited to know that you’ve made my life glorious, and my future is bright; you’ve
perfected all that concerns me, and granted me all that I need to live a successful life. Thank you
for leading me in the path of your righteousness, wisdom, and glory, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

1 YEAR  BIBLE READING PLAN:
Revelation 22
Malachi 3-4

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Revelation
22:11-21
Malachi 3-4

FURTHER STUDY:
Ephesians 2:10
Psalm 16:6

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 1st 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.

It can be very painful when you have problem that has persisted, especially when you know that your God is more than able to solve it.  People may even ask, “Did you not say your God can do all things? Why has He not done yours?” Yes, it can be painful, but you must be prepared to love God to the extent of not minding what people say about your condition.

In Psalms 115:1-3, when the unbelievers where asking the psalmist: “Where is your God?” instead of being embarrassed or wallow in self-pity, he was not bothered. In fact, he began to make excuses for God because of his love for Him. He replied them: “Are you asking of my God because of this little problem? My God is still in Heaven. He is still on the throne and He cannot be dethroned. If you must know, my God does whatever He pleases and is not accountable to anyone. Whether He does it or not, you cannot take Him to court. He knows the right time to solve this problem because your time and mine may not be His. Is it not for me? I am prepared to wait for His time; I am not in any hurry”. With that kind of answer, the mouths of the enemies will be stopped. How much do you love God? The proof of your love for God against all odds in the mark of an acceptable service unto Him!

Prayer Point
Father, I commit my life to You wholeheartedly.

Open Heavens Daily, written by Pastor E.A Adeboye

“You come to him as living stones, a spiritual house that is being built into a holy priesthood” (1 Peter 2:5a GW).

God says that you are a priest. Depending on your background, that may be scary or confusing. Peter is saying that the two benefits that priests have are now available to everyone who is a believer.

In the Old Testament, priests did two things:

They had the right, privilege, and responsibility to go directly to God. They could pray and talk to God, worship, and fellowship with God. Everybody else had to go through a priest.
The priest had the privilege and responsibility of representing God to the people and ministering to the needs of other people (serving).
Those are the very two things that are true of you when you become a believer.

You now have direct access to God. You don’t have to pray through anybody else. You don’t have to confess through anybody else. You don’t have to fellowship with God through anybody else. You can read your Bible, talk with the Lord, and fellowship directly with him.

The Bible says that when Jesus died on the cross, there was a veil in the Temple that separated the Holy of Holies, where God’s Spirit was, from where man was. Only priests could go behind that veil once a year. When Jesus died on the cross, God ripped that veil — about 70 feet — from top to bottom, symbolizing that there is no longer a barrier.

You have also been gifted for ministry to serve other people. Every Christian is a minister — not a pastor, but a minister. Any time you use your talents and gifts to help others, you are ministering.

“It is he who saved us and chose us for his holy work not because we deserved it but because that was his plan long before the world began” (2 Timothy 1:9a TLB). Why did God save you? So you could serve him. A non-serving Christian is a contradiction.

How do you know what your ministry is? Look at your talents, gifts, and abilities. When you use those talents and gifts to help other people, that’s called ministry — nothing fancy or scary about it. It’s just helping others. Can you be a priest in a sales office? You bet you can. Can you be a priest as an accountant? Of course. Driving a truck? Sure. Any time you’re helping other people in God’s name, you’re ministering.

Talk It Over

What are your spiritual gifts and abilities? How are you using them to serve God and others?
With what attitude do you think God wants you to serve? Why?
How do you make the most of your status as a priest? Do you take full advantage of your direct access to God?

From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the Lord's name is to be praised.

Psalm 113:3

Praise God. Praise Him in the morning. Praise Him at noon. Praise Him at night. If you've never praised God in your life, then get started right now. Praise Him for freedom. Praise Him for healing and Calvary. Praise Him for the Name of Jesus.

You ought to be shouting your way to work and shouting your way back home! If there's anything the devil can't stand, it's praise.

If you've taken territory from the devil and he's coming against you to get it back, this is not the time to sit down and whine about how things aren't working out. It's not time to decide that God has taken His hand off your life.

It is time to get into the Word and get yourself re-anchored in God's promises. It is time to keep those promises constantly before your eyes and in your heart. It is time to pray the prayer of faith and take your stand on the basis of His provision. It is time to continue to do the things you know to do.

When Satan starts shaking your mountain, don't retreat and run for cover. Speak to the mountain with the authority you wield in the Name of Jesus Christ. Then, when you're done with that, start to praise and shout the victory.

You don't have to be afraid of Satan. He'll be afraid of you!

Scripture Reading:
Psalm 50

We know how much God loves us because
we have felt his love . . .
—1 John 4:16 (TLB)

Never question God’s great love, for it is as unchangeable a part of God as is His holiness. Were it not for the love of God, none of us would ever have a chance in the future life. But God is love! And His love for us is everlasting.

The promises of God’s love and forgiveness are as real, as sure, as positive, as human words can make them. But, like describing the ocean, its total beauty cannot be understood until it is actually seen. It is the same with God’s love. Until you actually possess true peace with God, no one can describe its wonders to you.

Prayer for the day
Yes, almighty God, I have felt the consolation of Your love!

The end of this year, this season, is drawing near. A new season will begin soon and the choice is yours which path to walk.

God has created a plan for each of us but it is up to you to follow his direction, his guidance, his words; to follow the path He has laid out before you.

None of us can predict tomorrow or the next day or the next, but if we remain on His path for each of us, we will remain blessed.

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline."
2 Timothy 1:7, NLT

TODAY'S WORD:
So many people today are living with less than God's best because they've allowed fear to stop them from pursuing their dreams. We have to remember that fear is not from God. It's a lie from the enemy to paralyze us and steal our power.

Today's verse tells what God has given us: power, love and self-discipline or self-control. When you are confident in God's promises, there's nothing that can stop you. But when fear creeps in, you hesitate. You're not as strong as you were before. Not only that, but it affects your love. Love prompts us to give, and when we are afraid, we tend to clench our fists and act selfishly. Fear also affects our self-discipline or self-control. It makes us panic and do things without thinking.

If you've allowed fear to steal from you in any area of life, today you can be free—you can be finished with fear. Conquering fear starts with a choice to believe God's promises and then taking a step of faith to act on them. As you step out, God will be with you. He'll give you power, love and self-discipline so that you can confidently move forward into the abundant life He has for you!

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

. . . You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind (intellect). This is the great (most important, principal) and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as [you do] yourself.
—Matthew 22:37-39

Loving God, yourself, and other people should be our focus in life. We should be "love-focused" individuals. Receive God's amazing, unconditional love, then you can love yourself and live to give the love away that God has given to you. It is God's number one priority, and it should be ours also.

This is the time of year in which we often look back and look forward. Take time to survey what your life has been like compared to what you want it to be, and work with God to make whatever changes need to be made. I urge you to end this year with a commitment to abide in love, for when we abide in love we abide in God. Jesus said, "I give you a new commandment that you should love one another, just as I have loved you, so you too should love one another. By this shall all (men) know that you are My disciples, if you love one another."

Everyone chooses to live for something! What will your choice be? I implore you not to live for yourself, but to choose to live striving to obey the the "new Commandment" that Jesus gave. Now faith, hope, and love abide, but the greatest of these is love (see 1 Corinthians 13:13).

Today and Every Day...Love God, Love Yourself, and Love Others. And don't forget to love out loud!

Revelation 21:8—But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake, which burneth with fire and brimstone:  which is the second death.

There Are Two Kinds Of People—Those Who Are Bowing On Their Faces To The Gods Of This World, And Those Who Are Standing Ramrod Straight In Honor Of The God Of Abraham, Isaac And Jacob!

There are those who are bowing to hedonism…and materialism…and secular humanism…and to the New Age… and eastern philosophies…and to occultism…and to Satanism.  And there are those who are standing ramrod straight in the streets of San Antonio, and in Los Angeles and in New York City, because you believe that there is a God who is allpowerful.  He is not a God of wood or stone…not a god of crystal…not a god that’s in a tree.  He is the Living God, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and he is the only God.

Where are you in this picture?  Standing or bowing?  Saved or lost?  Wheat or tares?  Sheep or goats?  Are you a child of God—or a cowardly compromiser bowing on your face, trying to be politically correct and run with the herd?  The Bible says you cannot serve two masters.   Better to be on your feet for Christ than bowing with the politically correct crowd.

Your life is not limited by where you are; your life is only limited by what you are.  A high position does not make a great man.  A pygmy on the top of Mt. Everest is still a pygmy.  St. Paul in prison is a greater man than Nero on the throne.

Are you bowing with the moral cowards to the golden images of this world, or standing ramrod straight for the Lord?


Source:  Twelve Sunday Morning Part 3

2 Timothy 4:6-8

Our culture desperately tries to postpone death. Vitamins, exercise, and diet are ways we attempt to live as long as possible. Not that these things are bad! Motive, however, is key.

For instance, since our bodies are God’s temple (1 Cor. 3:16), we should take care of His dwelling. And since He has good works for us to do (Eph. 2:10), we should stay fit to complete His tasks.

On the other hand, prolonging life for fear of dying isn’t of God. Because Jesus died in our place, those who have faith in Him as Lord and Savior need not fear death. Once saved, we have assurance of a real place where we will live eternally in His presence. And according to Scripture, fear itself isn’t from God (2 Tim. 1:7). In fact, the apostle Paul assures us that far from being a dreadful change, physical death actually leads believers home to be with the Lord forever (2 Cor. 5:8).

God already knows the duration of each person’s life. With this in mind, how can we best prepare for what’s next? The first step is to receive Jesus as Savior through faith. Next, we should live a surrendered life and strive to walk according to His will. Furthermore, it is vital that believers fight the tendency to view this world as home. If we become too comfortable here and look for security and worth in earthly success, we won’t be able to maintain an eternal perspective.

It is an inescapable fact that our time on earth is temporary. It would be foolish not to prepare for something inevitable. How can you best live so that you are ready when God decides your life span is complete? (Psalm 139:16).

Bible in One Year: Revelation 13-17