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“And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.”Ephesians 4:11-12

We the saints—every believer who has given their heart to Christ—should be about the work of the ministry.

Sometimes, however, we are made to understand that the work of the ministry belongs only to apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers.

But these are given to the Church for the “equipping of the saints” and the “edifying of the body of Christ.”

So what are you—as an edified and equipped saint—called to do?

You are called to the work of the ministry.

If you are a member of the body of Christ, you should be receiving the equipping you need for ministry.

My purpose is to equip you to fulfill your purpose—and why I am so passionate about helping you mature spiritually.

Watch this week’s 4 Points Broadcast to learn what it means to be fully mature in Christ.

If you are to fulfill your assignment as the ministers and servant leaders you are called to be, you must be spiritually mature.

The Church as a whole could do better in equipping the saints for the work of the ministry.

And as we all know, there is no shortage of work that needs to be done in this world on behalf of the Kingdom.

There is no shortage of dark places in need of light.

Today, many countries across the globe are celebrating one of the word’s oldest holidays: Halloween. It has been commercialized to such an extent that we have lost sight of it’s original meaning.

The word Halloween or “Hallowe’en” dates to the 16th century and is of Christian origin: “Hallowe’en” means “hallowed evening” or “holy evening.” It comes from an Old English term for “All Hallows’ Eve” referring to the evening before “All Hallows’ Day”—widely known as “All Saints’ Day” today.

All Hallow’s Eve has preceded All Hallow’s Day since the 16th century.

Even earlier, in the 13th century, we find references to Halwemesse, a holy day of remembrance also celebrated on November 1st.

It is fascinating to look into early church history and discover that as far back as the 4th century there has been a day  set aside to acknowledge the lives of God’s saints.

“To those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.”
1 Corinthians 1:2

I celebrate you this week!

I encourage you to remember the role you play in the unfolding of God’s plan for humanity—the part you play in History.

Let’s remember this Hallow’s Eve and Hallow’s Day all that God has equipped us to do as His saints—His Church—His Ekklesia…meaning “the called out ones.”

“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”
1 Peter 2:9

What are you being called out to do?

Join us in just a couple of weeks for the End Your Year Strong Empowerment Summit where you will get the equipping and edification you need to make Kingdom history!

I dare you to dream again of all that is possible for you.

You are the saints we celebrate on All Saints’ Day!

You are the living epistles turning the pages of history Paul wrote about in his letter to the Corinthians. (See Corinthians 3:3.)

All of heaven is cheering you on during this pivotal season. All of heaven is waiting for you to fulfill your potential to make your mark on history.

Will you rise up to take your place in leading change?

“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.”
Hebrews 12:1

You and I are the “saints” God is depending on to shift the tide and shape the future.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ (Ephesians 1:3).

The Christian is the blessed of the Lord, and part of what it means to be blessed is to be empowered to prosper. God has empowered you to prosper in everything you do. This is so wonderful, because it means there’s no dryness, stagnation, lack or unproductivity in your life. You’ve been chosen and ordained for a life of praise, joy, excellence, victory, and glory in Christ Jesus.

In John 15:16, the Lord Jesus said, “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.” He emphasized the life of fruitfulness, productivity, and ever-increasing glory we’ve received in Christ, a life of transcendental blessings! This is your heritage. You became an heir of God and a joint heir with the Lord Jesus Christ the day you were born again.

Some Christians look at their lives and situation to conclude that maybe they’re not really blessed after all. “I don’t have a car; I don’t have a house; I don’t have money; how could anybody say that I’m blessed?” they would query. What they don’t realize is that life is spiritual, and the spiritual world controls the physical realm.

If you’d first acknowledge and profess in agreement with God’s Word that indeed, you’re the blessed of the Lord, those things which you can see and perceive—the symbols of prosperity—such as houses, cars, a good job, money, etc., will necessarily manifest as the results of the blessing. They’re not the blessing, but the effect of the blessing. The blessing is an unseen power or force that causes good things to happen to you, with you, for you, and through you! It causes the glory of God to be seen in your life.

The Holy Spirit is inside you to teach you God’s Word and how to activate His blessings in your life. He’ll teach you to talk right, walk right and live right until those around you are overwhelmed by the results of God’s blessing upon your life.

PRAYER Thank you blessed Father, for your grace and blessings upon my life! I prosper in all things. I’m fruitful in every good work. I produce fruits of righteousness, because I’m a tree of righteousness, chosen and ordained for a life of praise, joy, excellence, victory, and glory, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Hebrews 1
Jeremiah 34-35

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
John 9:1-7
1 Chronicles 1

 FURTHER STUDY:
Proverbs 10:22
Deuteronomy 28:2-6
Galatians 3:9  

1 Timothy 2:12—I exhort therefore, that first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men; for kings and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

In Reverence To God, Honor And Show Respect At All Times For Those In Authority, Regardless Of Their Words, Attitudes Or Behavior

In obedience to God’s Word, I offer up prayer and thanksgiving for all who are in positions of authority.  I speak blessings over them and pray that they might be saved and increasingly able to perceive and know how to precisely and accurately handle the divine Truth of God.  I pray that God will teach our leaders to do His will and that He will send His Spirit to guide our leaders to further His cause—for this will elevate our nation.  I pray that God will lead those in authority to lead a noble life, acting honorably and in complete honesty in all things, and that He will speak His Word over their lives.  For His Word does not return to Him void, without producing any effect.  Rather, it accomplishes His purpose and pleasure and prospers in the thing for which He sends it.

All authority comes form God, existing only by His permission and appointment.  Christ is the head of all who rule and carry authority.  They are God’s servants for my good; I am loyally subject and submissive to them.  I do not fear those in authority because I conduct myself in a way that is pleasing to God.  I do what is right to show that I can be fully trusted, so that in every way I make the teaching about God, my Savior, more attractive.  In accordance to the Word of God, I am submissive to authority for the sake of the Lord.

Source:  Man of God 18 Days of Promise

Daily Living

Memorise: And Sarah said, God hath made me to laugh, so that all that hear will laugh with me. Genesis 21:6

Read: 2nd Kings 2:1-15 (KJV)
2:1 And it came to pass, when the Lord would take up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal.

2:2 And Elijah said unto Elisha, Tarry here, I pray thee; for the Lord hath sent me to Bethel. And Elisha said unto him, As the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. So they went down to Bethel.

2:3 And the sons of the prophets that were at Bethel came forth to Elisha, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Lord will take away thy master from thy head today? And he said, Yea, I know it; hold ye your peace.

2:4 And Elijah said unto him, Elisha, tarry here, I pray thee; for the Lordhath sent me to Jericho. And he said, As the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. So they came to Jericho.

2:5 And the sons of the prophets that were at Jericho came to Elisha, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Lord will take away thy master from thy head to day? And he answered, Yea, I know it; hold ye your peace.

2:6 And Elijah said unto him, Tarry, I pray thee, here; for the Lord hath sent me to Jordan. And he said, As the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. And they two went on.
2:7 And fifty men of the sons of the prophets went, and stood to view afar off: and they two stood by Jordan.

2:8 And Elijah took his mantle, and wrapped it together, and smote the waters, and they were divided hither and thither, so that they two went over on dry ground.

2:9 And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me.

2:10 And he said, Thou hast asked a hard thing: nevertheless, if thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee; but if not, it shall not be so.

2:11 And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.

2:12 And Elisha saw it, and he cried, My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof. And he saw him no more: and he took hold of his own clothes, and rent them in two pieces.

2:13 He took up also the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and went back, and stood by the bank of Jordan;

2:14 And he took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and smote the waters, and said, Where is the Lord God of Elijah? and when he also had smitten the waters, they parted hither and thither: and Elisha went over.

2:15 And when the sons of the prophets which were to view at Jericho saw him, they said, The spirit of Elijah doth rest on Elisha. And they came to meet him, and bowed themselves to the ground before him.

Bible in one year: 
James 4-5,
1st Peter 1,
Hosea 9,

Hymn: 
Sing hymn 4

Message:
In Joshua 7, after the Israelites had defeated the people of Jericho, Joshua sent a handful of soldiers to attack Ai. Because Ai was just a little town, he expected victory without a sweat, but to his utter dismay, his people were defeated. After receiving the sad news, he fell on his face overwhelmed by shame, because defeat brings shame. The enemies would have laughed, wondering how a small city such as Ai could defeat Israel. However, while Joshua was lying before the Ark of the Covenant with his face to the ground, God told him the cause of the defeat and what to do to have victory again. Open Heaven 1 November 2017: Wednesday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Overflowing laughter.  Have you been defeated by a weakness or an enemy you considered too weak to bring you down? I declare to you that this is your season to laugh! The Lord will show you the way to victory today, and your laugher will begin.

Moreover, beyond laughter, there is something called overflowing laughter. In today’s Bible passage, when Elijah was about to be transported to Heaven, Elisha his servant had some unpleasant experiences everywhere he went with his master. As they visited each of the schools of prophets, the sons of the prophets, who were students in those schools, called Elisha aside and said to him, “Daddy’s boy, everywhere daddy goes, you go with him. Do you know that your daddy will be going finally today, and you will have no one else to follow about? We shall soon see what will become of you.” Every time they say this, Elisha replied them saying, “I know my master is going today, but mind your own business.” After Elisha was taken to Heaven and his mantle dropped, Elisha grabbed it, smote the river like his father had done, and the River Jordan parted into two for him to go through. The sons of the prophets, who were watching from a distance, came and bowed down to him. They had no choice but to admit that indeed, the spirit of Elisha now rested on him. The greatest laughter comes when your mockers become your servants. When God called me into ministry, a lot of people laughed. The greatest laughter came from my village, where they said, “Look at him – the only lecturer from this village who we thought was going to become an important personality. We knew something was wrong with him the moment he joined that church of ‘Amen’ and began saying ‘Amen’ Amen”. Nevertheless, today, God has given me overflowing laughter. Wherever they are laughing you to scorn, the Lord will give you overflowing laughter in Jesus Name!

Action Point
Pray that everyone who has been experiencing sorrow, disgrace and shame for long in your local assembly will begin to experience overflowing laughter from now on

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

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.

You don't understand now why I am doing it; some day you will.—John 13:7 (TLB)

May I remind you that physical illness is not the worst thing that can happen to you? Some of the most twisted, miserable people I have ever met had no physical handicap. Some of the world’s greatest and most useful people have been handicapped.

“The Messiah” was composed by Handel, who was suffering from a paralyzed right side and arm. Catherine Booth, in the last year of her life, said that she could not remember one day free from pain.

Helen Keller has written, “I thank God for my handicaps, for through them I have found myself, my work, and God.” Some of the most radiant Christians I have ever met were “wheelchair” saints. May God give you grace to “triumph in affliction.”

Read more about God in the midst of physical illness and pain.

Prayer for the day
When physical afflictions come into my life, may they draw me closer to You, my beloved Lord Jesus Christ.

But faith...worketh by love.Galatians 5:6

I used to wonder why we believers didn't see more of the power of God operating among us than we do. With what we know about faith and the Word, it seemed to me signs and wonders and miracles should be happening all the time.

So, one day I asked, "Lord, why isn't the power of God turned up to a higher volume in the Church?"

Do you know what He said? He told me we weren't walking in enough love yet.

God wants us to have power. But first, He has to be sure we'll use that power in love. He wants to know that we won't take it and mix it with judgment and criticism and blast people out of the water.

Kenneth, He said, I can't afford to back your words with supernatural power in a church service on Sunday morning and then have you get on the freeway that night and lash out at someone because he pulled over into your lane. You'd blow him off the highway. I can't leave the power of Almighty God at a high volume in the mouth of an unmerciful fool.

Then He reminded me of a time I took my son, John, hunting. He was just a little guy at the time, barely big enough to keep his gun from knocking him on his back every time he'd pull the trigger. I was teaching him how to shoot, and he was coming along pretty well.

That day we were walking along out at Gloria's grandparents' farm and John spotted one of the biggest tarantula spiders I'd ever seen. It was clinging to the wall of the barn. When John saw that spider, he took aim. He was going to blow that bug away.

If I hadn't stopped him, he would have too. And it wouldn't have dawned on him until it was all over that he was going to blow a hole in the barn at the same time. From my grown-up perspective, I could see that would be foolishness. He couldn't. He was looking through the eyes of a child.

Do you want God to put a shotgun of spiritual power in your hand, so you can blow the works of the devil to kingdom come? Then focus on love. Pursue it. Practice it. Study it. Grow up in it. Then you'll see the power of God operating through you.

Scripture Reading:
Romans 13:8-14

“You are his successor, O Belshazzar, and you knew all this, yet you have not humbled yourself” (Daniel 5:22 NLT).

God won’t teach you something new until you’ve put into practice what he’s already taught you.

God isn’t in the business of simply satisfying your curiosity. He tells you something and waits for you to act on it. Once you act on it, then you get to go to the next step.

You see, God wants you to apply the truth you’ve learned.

And you haven’t learned something until you’ve done it.

It’s not enough for you to tell people you believe the Bible. You must do what the Bible teaches.

If you don’t do what the Bible teaches, you don’t really believe it.

That’s what we see in the story of Belshazzar in the book of Daniel. He lost everything because he didn’t put into practice what he’d already learned.

He pridefully refused to learn the lessons that God had taught his grandfather. His empire fell because of that.

The Bible records Daniel telling him, “You are his successor, O Belshazzar, and you knew all this, yet you have not humbled yourself” (Daniel 5:22 NLT).

Belshazzar saw Nebuchadnezzar literally lose his mind for about seven years because of pride. He saw all the mistakes his grandfather made. He saw his grandfather come back and correct those things. He saw the good and the bad in Nebuchadnezzar’s life, and he chose to ignore God. Belshazzar chose to ignore the lessons.

So God took away his kingdom.

Belshazzar knew, but he didn’t learn. We need to understand the difference between knowing and learning. You can know a lot of things, but if you don’t act on them, you haven’t learned anything. God wants us to be doers of the Word, and that means he will support us as we step forward in faith, applying the things he’s taught us to do.

PLAY today’s audio teaching from Pastor Rick >>

Talk It Over

How has God taught you something new immediately after you’ve applied the last thing he taught you?
Is there something God has taught you that you haven’t put into practice yet? If so, are you willing to take that step so you can keep growing?
How has your faith been strengthened by watching other Christians apply the truths God has taught them?

"And I will make My covenant (solemn pledge) between Me and you and will multiply you exceedingly."(Genesis 17:2, AMPC)

God is in the multiplication business. It doesn’t matter what your need is today, God wants to increase you!

One time in the Old Testament, God simply multiplied the sound of four men’s footsteps and caused them to sound like a mighty army. When their enemies heard them coming, they took off running. Thousands of people, thousands of troops running for their lives, scared to death, thinking they were being attacked by a massive army, when in fact, it was just four people.

Friend, God can make you seem bigger than you really are. He can make you look more powerful. He knows how to multiply your influence, your strength, your talent. He can multiply your income or whatever else you need! You don’t have to figure it all out. All you have to do is believe. If you will release your faith and get up every day expecting God’s far and beyond favor, then you’re going to see God show up and do amazing things. He’ll bless you beyond your wildest dreams and multiply you in every area of your life!

A Prayer for Today
"Father God, thank You for Your faithfulness in my life. Thank You for Your promise to bless and multiply me. Direct my steps, keep me close to You as I increase in You in Jesus’ name. Amen."

1 Thessalonians 5:17—Pray without ceasing.

This is the year of your breakthrough! This is the year of great harvest in your life. Start declaring the good things of the Lord in your life today and watch as things begin to fall in line as the Holy Spirit moves.

This is the year that God answers the prayer you’ve been praying for years! This is the year that you and God are going to climb to the top of the mountain together, and the possibility you never thought would happen in your life becomes a reality.

Every miracle has two parts: your part and God’s part. Take the initiative today and start walking in faith toward the answer you are seeking. The Bible says to ask and then you will receive. Call upon the Lord and He will answer. Start asking, and get ready for the floodgates to be opened to you in Jesus’ name!

Source:  Daily Truth Devotional

Daily Living

3 John 1:1-8
After reading today’s passage, can you name the man to whom John addressed this letter? We’d be wise to take note of Gaius because John describes him as a beloved elder who walked in truth, acted faithfully in whatever he did, and loved strangers who visited the church as traveling evangelists and teachers.

Although this letter was written to Gaius around A.D. 90, the first mention of him in Scripture is over 30 years earlier, during Paul’s third missionary trip. He was originally from Derbe in Asia Minor—a town Paul visited on his first two journeys. Gaius apparently left home to accompany the apostle on his last trip; during that time he was dragged by a mob into a theater in Ephesus because of Paul’s preaching (Acts 19:28-32). He was also part of a group of men who traveled with Paul through Macedonia (Acts 20:4).

Since Gaius was a common name, some scholars wonder if the Bible’s referring to several men. But either way, his hospitality, love, and faithful service to the church are noteworthy. In Corinth, Gaius served as host not only for Paul but also for the entire church (Romans 16:23). And he was still practicing hospitality and serving as an elder when John wrote to him several decades later.

Hospitality isn’t reserved only for those who find it easy. Romans 12:9-21 contains a long list of commands that apply to all believers, and among them are admonitions to contribute to the needs of the saints and practice hospitality (v. 13). Gaius is a wonderful example for us because he was willing to be inconvenienced and open his home to the believers he knew as well as to those he didn’t.

Bible in One Year: John 1-3

Be unceasing in prayer [praying perseveringly].— 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Have you ever heard the biblical phrase “pray without ceasing”? To many, that sounds daunting and impossible. How could anyone bow their head, kneel, and pray 24 hours a day?

We need to have a more accurate and practical definition of prayer. Too often we view prayer as a very specific process that can only happen once we’ve gone to a private place and shut the entire world out.

But do you realize that even directing a thought toward God qualifies as silent prayer? It’s true! Prayer is communicating with God, so when the Bible says to “pray without ceasing” it means to always be open to communication with God. That could mean a two-hour prayer session, or it could be something as simple as being aware of His presence as you go throughout your day.

God has not made prayer complicated. He intends for prayer to be an integral, ongoing part of our everyday lives. So today, change your definition of prayer, and you can experience the joy that comes from constant communication with the God who loves you.

October 31, 2017

Fear is a spiritual force. It is one of Satan’s greatest tools to get an open door into your life. It could manifest through the fear of not being good enough, the fear of lack, the fear of rejection, the fear of failure.

Satan will try to intimidate you through words, actions or external signs. But none of those things can become a reality or come into manifestation until you act upon them.

Negative or fearful thoughts may come into your mind, but you can refuse to meditate on them and chose to immediately reject them. Circumstances may appear discouraging, but you can refuse to let go of your confidence and faith in what you know about God and His Word.

If you respond in fear and act on intimidation, those fears can become a reality in your life. Fear will bring things to pass just as faith will. Job said, “The thing which I greatly feared has come upon me” (Job 3:25).

The devil can not do anything that he wants to do anytime that he gets ready to do it. If he could, why would he have to deceive you first? Satan is limited when he can’t get you to act on his threats through fear.

1 John 4:18 (NIV) tells us, “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear…” And we know from 1 John 4:8 that God is love. Run to God, spend time with Him, act on His Word and fear will have no place in you.

Take courageous steps of faith and you will see God move in your life in amazing ways!

Confession: I refuse to fear! Regardless of how I feel or what my circumstances look like, I will stand in faith on God’s Word.

Author: Jerry Savelle

Ephesians 2:7
that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

Have you ever blown things out of proportion and gotten angry with God when you were going through a trying time? This happened to Jesus’ disciples when a storm hit them hard. In their fear of drowning, they cried out to Jesus, who was getting some much-needed sleep in the boat, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” (Mark 4:38)

For accusing Him of not caring, you would think that they received a rebuke from Jesus. But it was the wind which received His rebuke, and a great calm followed. (Mark 4:39) Because of His tenderness toward His own, Jesus did not waste time taking offence. Instead, He wasted no time taking care of the problem that had caused His disciples so much anxiety and fear.

This also happened to two sisters, Martha and Mary, who did not hesitate to let Jesus know how they felt when He finally showed up days after their brother Lazarus had died. Both sisters made the same remark to Him: “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.” (John 11:21, 32)

Both sisters had seen Jesus’ miracles of mercy and love. Now, in their grief, they focused on how He could have prevented their brother’s death, but did not. They did not know His heart—how tender it was toward them and how His help would never fail them, but would even extend to raising their dead brother. (John 11:41–44)

Beloved, your heavenly Father sees you trying to stay afloat when you are in the midst of a storm. He sees you trying to provide for yourself and your family, and thinking, “If I don’t take care of these things, no one else will!” And He wants you to know how tender His heart is toward you, how He is not offended by all the bad things you have ever said of or to Him. He wants you to know how much He wants to and will help and bless you. So let go and experience afresh the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward you!

Thought For The Day

In the midst of your storm, Jesus wants you to know that He wants to and will help and bless you.

As you stood beside the ocean and waited by the lake, I was there. As you raised your fist to heaven and fell to your knees, I was there. Just say it over and over, all is well with my soul, ALL IS WELL.... I am God guided, God designed, and God aligned.

I have wrapped you in my loving arms, and will carry you across the sand. See I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert (Isaiah 43:19). I am setting hearts a blaze for you, I am bringing conviction to your enemies. I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron (Isaiah 45:2).

I feel a Cyrus anointing falling on many. The Saints of God will take it by force if necessary. The wealth of the wicked, will be transferred to the hand of the godly. And when the noon day sun is high in the sky, and the heat upon your face, you will not grow weary. But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31). So wipe the sweat from your brow, and get ready for round two.

The godly will not be shaken, and the tide of the battle is turning. I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging for bread (Psalm 37:25). Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5). I will make your rough places smooth and your crooked places straight.

In the beginning was the word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God (John 1:1). From the beginning, God has had your destiny planned out. Trust your God, read the word, that’s all!!!!
Tammy Lang Jensen

Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love (1 John 4:7-8).

G od is your Father! The Lord Jesus confirmed this in John 20:17, when He said to Mary, “…Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.” Jesus knew God as His Father; now, He calls Him our loving heavenly Father as well. He sure is; we’re His offspring.

1 John 3:1 says, “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.” O, the power and import of this verse! He lavished His love upon us, so that we might be called the “sons” of God! Do you know what that means? It means we’re His sons in the same sense that Jesus is the Son of God. If you’d recall, that was the reason the Jews wanted.

Him dead; they heard Him say, “I’m the Son of God!” They said, “How dare you; a mere man, you’re making yourself equal with God?” “Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God” (John 5:18).

The latter part of 1 John 3:1 that we read says, “…therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.” The world doesn’t recognize God as our Father, and us as His legal and vital offspring, possessing the same life and nature with Him, because it didn’t recognize Jesus as such when He walked the earth. Nevertheless, “Now are we the sons of God” (1 John 3:2).

Now that you’re born again, you’ve been made alive and awakened to the fatherhood of God. Eternal life has been imparted to your spirit, and there’s a fellowship, a oneness with God that’s so real: “And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father” (Galatians 4:6).

PRAYER Dear Father, I thank you for the great love with which you loved me, demonstrated in sending Jesus to die in my place for the propitiation of my sins. Now I can call you my loving Father. I don’t walk in fear, but in confidence, knowing that your love for me is eternal! Thank you for bringing me into such glorious oneness with you, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Philemon 1:1-25
Jeremiah 33

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
John 8:44-59
2 Kings 24-25

FURTHER STUDY:
1 John 4:16-19
James 1:18
Hebrews 2:10  

Memorise: 
Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. Matthew 26:41

Read: Mark 13:32-37 (KJV)
13:32 But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.

13:33 Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.

13:34 For the Son of Man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch.

13:35 Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning:

13:36 Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping.

13:37 And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.

Bible in one year: 
James 1-3,
Hosea 8,

Hymn: 
Sing hymn 2

Message:
Prayerlessness is a major challenge facing contemporary believers. Many refuse to pray as they ought to because they have become overconfident and proud. The more you pray to God, the less dependent on yourself you become. As young Christians, some people pray quite often.

 When they became workers in God’s vineyard, they sustained their prayer tempo, but the moment they became pastors, their prayer-life nosedived. Why the decline? It’s because such people began to believe that they could now do things on their own. This is the highway to ruin. Are you praying less after God has elevated you spiritually? If your answer is yes, check yourself very well, you will discover that you now have more faith in yourself to succeed by your effort than by God’s support. This is one reason why God keeps a distance from the proud: He knows if He helps them achieve a feat, at the end, they will not think twice before taking His glory.

Besides pride, another reason for prayerlessness is carelessness. In Matthew 26:41, Jesus said:

“Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

 Also, in Mark 13:32-37, the Lord emphasised the need to watch. You cannot afford to be careless. You can’t afford to be cold, lukewarm or carefree in these days that we live in. Praying goes along with watching. You cannot pray effectively if you fail to watch as well. If you watch effectively, it will help to give you prayers direction. You will know what trending issues to lift before God’s throne. You will have some burdens in the place of prayer that will only be lifted after you have prayed through. Similarly, if you watch as you should, you will be able to relate events that are happening around you with the second coming of Jesus Christ. If you are keeping watch, you will be on your guard and on your toes. If you watch, you cannot be asleep. Beloved, this is not the time to sleep but the time to be spiritually awake, alert and prepared. This is the time to pray about virtually everything that crosses our path. It is a time to wholly depend on God, who knows the way, to show us the way in the midst of growing confusion and evil spreading around the world. Wake up! Pray more! Fast more! Watch more! May the Lord guide you in Jesus’ Name.

Prayer Point:
Father, please silence everything in me that is working against me having an effective prayer life.

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

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.

From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.Matthew 11:12

The Amplified Bible translates Matthew 11:12, "...a share in the heavenly kingdom is sought with most ardent zeal and intense exertion."

I want you to get violent today. Yes, violent, determined, zealous. I want you to get so committed to the things of God that you'll withstand any attempt to take them away from you.

Too many believers these days are like the Israelites. They're wandering around in a wilderness of defeat because there's an enemy in the promised land. They're being robbed of their rightful inheritance because they're afraid to fight him. They keep hoping that somehow they'll find a way in without using force. But they won't! You have to make demands where Satan and his associates are concerned.

When God sent the Israelites into Canaan, He said, "Send the armed men to go before you." They were to go up armed—ready for the fight. He knew they'd have to fight to take the land. He never promised them that they wouldn't. What He promised them was they'd win every time.

The same is true for you. You can't just lie down and play dead when you're dealing with the devil. He's not going to let go of any area of your life—of your health or your finances or anything else—without a fight. He's not going to give it up unless you force him.

Quit sitting there in the wilderness. Quit sitting there while the devil steals the blessings of God out from under you. You have God's permission and His power and His ability to take the land. Get violent enough to do something about it...today!

Scripture Reading:
Deuteronomy 31:1-8

For our citizenship is in heaven; from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.—Philippians 3:20 (NASB)

If you are moving to a new home, you want to know all about the community to which you are going. And since we will spend eternity some place, we ought to know something about it. The information concerning heaven is found in the Bible. When we talk about heaven, earth grows shabby by comparison. Our sorrows and problems here seem so much less, when we have keen anticipation of the future.

In a certain sense the Christian has heaven here on earth. He has peace of soul, peace of conscience, and peace with God. In the midst of troubles and difficulties he can smile. He has a spring in his step, a joy in his soul, a smile on his face. But the Bible also promises the Christian a heaven in the life hereafter.

Find out more on what Heaven will be like.

Prayer for the day
Father, as I face whatever trials come my way, I will take heart in the glorious promise of heaven—knowing I shall be with You!

Beloved. To you, I am the Amen. I am He who is faithful and true. I have the last say in your life, My Child. I know many of you have received bad reports.

They say your finances are crashing, your mind and body are deteriorating and daily you are fighting an uphill battle. It is reported there is no hope. But these reports are based on man's knowledge.

These negative reports are meant to fill you with fear. Men can only "predict" future events based on past experiences. The world does not know Me, Beloved. But you know Me. You are a citizen of heaven. You have been translated from the kingdom of darkness into the Kingdom of My Dear Son. It is written that My plans for you are good. You have a book, My Child, full of GOOD DAYS. All of your days were written in My Book before you were ever formed. My thoughts toward you are precious and vast. I have declared the end from the beginning.

Believe not the world's report, Beloved, but believe the report of the Lord. Acquaint yourself with My promises, for they are YES and AMEN for all who find Me. Call forth those things that be not as though they were. Call forth your Destiny that is written in your Book. Call forth that your days be fulfilled as they are written. My plans for you shall stand. My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all My purpose in your life, My Love. Fear not. Rest in My promises. Trust in My goodness and faithfulness. I have spoken, and I will bring it to pass; I have purposed, and I will do it.

…Psalm 139:16Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; And in Your book were all written the days that were ordained for me, When as yet there was not one of them. 17How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How vast is the sum of them!

... Isaiah 53:1 Who hath believed Our report? and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed?
... Proverbs 8:34 Blessed is the man who listens to Me, Watching daily at My gates, Waiting at My doorposts. 35 For he who finds Me finds life and obtains favor from the LORD.

...John 17:3 Now this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent.

... Isaiah 46:9 Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me, 10 declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, “My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,” 11 calling a bird of prey from the east, the man of My counsel from a far country. I have spoken, and I will bring it to pass; I have purposed, and I will do it.

“I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless. I hate the work of those who fall away; it shall not cling to me” (Psalm 101:3 ESV).

You’ll hear a lot of concern these days about water pollution and air pollution. And those concerns are important.

But there may be a more important pollution in our lives: mind pollution.

The Bible tells us that what we feed our minds is just as important as what we feed our bodies.

Psalm 101:3 says, “I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless. I hate the work of those who fall away; it shall not cling to me” (ESV).

When feeding your mind, you must choose from four kinds of content.

Poison - These are the concepts that will derange, degrade, or demoralize you. For instance, pornography will do that.

Junk food - Most of the stuff on television is the mental equivalent of junk food. You’ll find little to no nutritional value in it. You can eat junk food, but you’re not going to get very wise.
Brain food - This is the “good stuff.” It educates you in areas like math, history, English, and geography. You need to fill your mind with brain food. It’ll make you a well-rounded person.
Super food - This is the Bible. God’s Word will teach you what you won’t find anywhere else. It answers fundamental questions like, “Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Does my life matter? Is there a purpose to my life? Is there meaning? Am I significant?” You’ll only get answers to those questions in the Bible. We need to feast on God’s Word daily.
Unfortunately, many of us fill up our brains with junk food, and we leave ourselves little time for reading the Bible. If you watch six to eight hours of television a day, you’ll have no time for God’s Word. Worse yet, you won’t even be hungry for God’s Word.

Let’s cut out the junk food, and learn to feast on the Bible.

That’s how we become wise.

Talk It Over

Of the four kinds of “food” described in this devotional, which one do you consume the most? The least?
What’s one practical idea for spending more time consuming “brain food” and “super food”?
What kind of “junk food” media consumption are you the most susceptible to, and why?

Remind people to be submissive to [their] magistrates and authorities, to be obedient, to be prepared and willing to do any upright and honorable work.
(Titus 3:1, AMPC)

TODAY'S WORD:
How do you honor God? A lot of times people think, “Oh, I go to church to honor God. I read my Bible to honor God. I sing and clap in worship to honor God.” And yes, those are ways to honor God, but did you know that you also honor God when you get to work on time? You honor God when you are productive each day and respect the people who are in authority over you. You honor God when you excel in your career.

Actions speak louder than words. When you give your very best in the workplace, your whole life is giving praise to God. Showing up with a good attitude, friendly, organized, being your best—people will notice there’s something different about you. They’ll want what you have.

As believers, we should set the standard in all areas of life. People should see the depth of your character and your spirit of excellence and know that you are a child of the Most High God. Today, make the decision to honor Him in all that you do because you are His representative, His hands and feet in the Earth.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Father, I choose to honor You in all that I do. I choose to set the standard and do my very best. Thank You for the privilege of being Your representative. Help me to show Your love and excellence in everything I do in Jesus’ name. Amen.

And all of us, as with unveiled face, [because we] continued to behold [in the Word of God] as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are constantly being transfigured into His very own image in ever increasing splendor and from one degree of glory to another; [for this comes] from the Lord [Who is] the Spirit.
— 2 Corinthians 3:18

Prayer is so powerful because it joins the hearts of people on earth with the heart of God in heaven. When we pray, we connect with God, and He affects our daily lives beyond our comprehension.

I believe prayer is one of the greatest powers available in the entire universe. That may seem like a bold statement, but it’s true!

Prayer opens the door for God to work. It is the activity that you and I can engage in on earth when we need the power of heaven to come into our lives and bring wisdom, direction, encouragement or a miraculous breakthrough. Prayer connects us to the power of God—and that is why it is a greater force than anything else we can ever imagine. Even Jesus needed to pray and receive this power when He was on earth.

Only God’s power can bring peace and joy, grant wisdom, impart a sense of value and purpose to a person’s life, and work every kind of miracle.

Do you want to see that power work in your life? Then make prayer a priority.