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"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!"
(2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV)

TODAY'S WORD:

As a believer in Jesus, you are a new creation. You have a new spirit and a new life! There may be “old” things in your life that you are trying to get rid of. Maybe you have old habits or addictions that you want to change. Remember today that the new has come. It’s a new year with new opportunities, and it’s time for you to be the new you. Let this be the year that you break old habits and addictions. Let this be the year that you move forward into a new life of victory. Let this be the year that you take hold of all the spiritual blessings the Lord has promised—peace, health, protection and victory.

Be encouraged today because no matter what is happening in your life right now, you have a chance for a new beginning. Choose to leave the old behind—leave behind old behaviors, old thinking, old words, and old mindsets and embrace the new by faith. Trust that He is leading you, and this year, declare His Word and embrace the blessings that He has prepared for you!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Father, thank You for making me new. Help me to understand Your plan for me so that I can fully embrace Your promises. I choose today to leave behind the old life and receive Your strength and power for a victorious New Year! In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Saying, Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but [always] Yours be done.

— Luke 22:42

God wants us to get in the habit of running to Him for grace (supernatural inner strength). He wants us to rely solely on Him.

But the enemy tries to lie to us, telling us that we're not good enough to be in God's presence. Satan tries to convince us that we've made too many mistakes for God to want to have anything to do with us.

But that's not what God's Word says. His Word says that as His redeemed and forgiven children, we can boldly approach His throne. You need to receive this truth today and make the choice to live by it.

Instead of saying, "I don't feel like God loves me," "I don't feel like I'm forgiven" or "I don't feel like I have a future," say, "God loves me, and nothing can separate me from His love. He has forgiven me and I can approach Him right now with confidence that He accepts me."

Every time you feel unworthy, remember what the Word of God says, and then boldly go to your heavenly Father. He is waiting eagerly to receive you.

Philippians 3:12-21

No matter where you are in your walk with Christ, it’s never too late to begin pursuing a deeper relationship with Him. Whether you’re already passionate about Jesus or know Him only on a surface level, it is wise to do as Paul urged—to “press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:14). To get started, follow these six steps:

1. Study Scripture. No one can know God apart from His Word since He speaks to us through it, revealing who He is and what He does.

2. Be willing to spend time alone with the Father in prayer, meditation, and worship. One of the main reasons Christians don’t have a close relationship with Jesus is that they’re unwilling to invest the time needed to know Him better.

3. Trust God. The depth of any relationship depends on the level of trust.

4. Obey Him. As we take each step of obedience, the Lord will reveal more of Himself.

5. Observe how Christ works in your life. By paying attention to how the Lord operates, you’ll become familiar with His ways and goals.

6. Make Jesus your top priority. Be willing to lay aside anything that competes with your loyalty and devotion to Him.

Knowing Christ intimately is possible for all believers. The key is persistence, so forget past failures and press on. Find an example to follow. My grandfather’s relationship with Jesus was the inspiration for my journey of intimacy with Christ. I knew that if he had that kind of relationship with Jesus, so could I.

Bible in One Year: Revelation 18-22

Ephesians 2:8

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,

Many a time, people ask me, “Pastor Prince, I know that God’s promises are true, but how can I be sure that His promises will come true in my life?”

My friend, if you want God’s promises to be sure in your life, you cannot depend on yourself. If you depend on yourself—your obedience, goodness, service and even faith—you will not be able to receive God’s promises. But when you depend on God’s grace—His unmerited, unearned, undeserved favor toward you—that is when His promises become sure in your life.

This was true of the woman with the issue of blood. (Matthew 9:20–22) She didn’t go around saying, “I must have faith…I hope that I have enough faith…I will have faith…I will not lose faith.” No, she was only conscious of the grace of Jesus—how He always healed the sick, how powerful He was in raising the dead and how willing He was to use that power for her healing.

She just saw His grace abounding toward her, so much so that she said, “If only I may touch His garment, I shall be made well.” And when she came behind Jesus and touched the very hem of His garment, she was healed. At that same moment, Jesus stopped, turned around and said to her, “Be of good cheer, daughter; your faith has made you well.”

When the woman saw His grace, God saw her faith! And so it was by grace, through faith, that God’s promise became sure in her life.

God wants you to see His grace. And when you see His grace, He sees your faith. God says, “For by grace are you saved through faith.” The Greek word for “saved”, sozo, doesn’t just mean to save from hell, but also to heal, preserve and make whole. So it is by grace that you are made whole, kept healthy, preserved and blessed. It is by grace through faith that God’s promises become sure in your life.

My friend, don’t worry if you feel that you lack faith. Begin to see God’s grace in your situation and He will see that as faith. And because He sees your faith, you will receive the breakthrough you need!

January 1, 2018

Who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ. And made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 1:3 and 2:6 NKJV)

Although we are residents of Earth throughout the years of our natural lifetime, from our spiritual position in Christ we are with Him in the heavenly places.

What this means is, God will meet all of our needs now, while we are alive on Earth, just as if we were already in heaven. From a biblical standpoint, everything that Jesus has is available to us, for the Bible says, “God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19 NKJV).

Knowing this truth will enable you to never again view yourself from a position of trying to get something from God. He’s already given you everything you will ever need; your responsibility is to simply receive it.

First, be diligent to imagine yourself seated in heavenly places, unaffected by Adam’s curse: no poverty, no lack, no sickness, and no pain or depression; just an abundance of every good thing.

Second, begin to see yourself with the abundance that you actually have in heavenly paces. When you do, this abundance will start to manifest in the physical realm.

As you consistently perceive yourself as living in heavenly places, your natural circumstances will begin to change, coming into line with God’s Word that declares all of your need is supplied by His riches in Christ Jesus!

Confession: I am seated with Christ Jesus in heavenly places. In Him my every need is met, and I have an abundance to give to those in need. I receive all of the blessings that God has for me.

Author: Jerry Savelle

In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not (John 1:4-5).

In John 8:12, Jesus said, “…I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” Again, in John 9:5, He said, “As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” Light is that which defines, describes and illumines. In Psalm 119:105 the Psalmist writes, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”

To live without Christ is to live in gross darkness and utter hopelessness. You can’t even know yourself outside Him, for only in Him—His light—is your true identity and personality revealed. The Bible says with Him is the fountain of life: in His light shall we see light (Psalm 36:9). Hallelujah!

If you use all the lights in the world to define your life, you’re sure to see things that you don’t like. But under His light, you’re excellent and full of glory. God’s light—His Word—shows who you are, what you have, and your abilities in Christ. You may use the X-rays and see the human bones or anatomy, but only the Word shows the greater One that lives in you.

Apart from showing you your endowments and rights in Christ, the Word also produces in you such changes that are consistent with the message it bears. Moreso, the Word leads and directs you in God’s perfect will for your life, imparting you with the wisdom to fulfill it.

As you study God’s Word and meditate therein, you’ll have light as to the specific things you’re supposed to do this new year. You’ll have light as to the goals to set, and the definite steps to take in actualizing those goals. You’ll have the insight and knowledge to deal excellently in all your affairs. You’ll walk in success, health, prosperity, peace, and strength if you would walk in, and see by God’s Light—His Word.

CONFESSION I’m walking in the path of life, fulfilling God’s perfect will for my life. The light of God is in my spirit, to know, and walk in my inheritance in Christ Jesus. Thank you blessed Father, for guiding me by your light, in the path of greatness and excellence, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

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

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Acts 5:33-42
Nehemiah 3

FURTHER STUDY:
Psalm 119:130
Isaiah 2:5 

3 John 1:2—Beloved I wish above all else that you prosper and be in good health, even as your soul prospers.

Jesus Christ gave us thirty-eight parables.  Sixteen of those thirty-eight parables deal with money management.  Do you realize that more is said in the New Testament about money than heaven and hell combined?

Five times more is said about money than prayer.  There are five hundred verses on both prayer and faith, yet there are over two thousand verses dealing with money and possessions.

You will never prosper until you believe and confess that it is God’s will for you to prosper!

It is God’s will for you to prosper.  If God blessed Abraham with lavish prosperity, He can pour blessings of prosperity upon you that you will be unable to contain.  You must confess His Word for your prosperity.

The fact is that you will either master your money, or your money will master you.  Who wouldn’t want God to explode their prosperity?  Who wouldn’t like the windows of heaven to open and for God to bless them with blessings they could not contain?

Psalm 1:13—Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful…  And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

Source:  Mastering Your Money

Finances

Monday 1st January 2018

Memorise: Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Psalm 103:2

 Read: Psalm 150:1-6 (King James Version)
150:1 Praise ye the Lord. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power.
150:2 Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness.
150:3 Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp.
150:4 Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs.
150:5 Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals.
 150:6 Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord.

Bible in one year: 
Genesis 1-2,
Revelation 1,

Hymnal: 
Sing hymn 1

Message:
King Hezekiah declared a profound truth when he testified that only the living can praise the Lord (Isaiah 38:19). Children of God, as living spirits, we have many reasons to be thankful for. Whenever I consider the loving-kindness of God and His tender mercies, demonstrated through protection, providence, love, forgiveness, healing, good health and, above all else, salvation of the soul, I always come to the conclusion that indeed the Lord has been very gracious to His children. No wonder the Holy Spirit, in Psalm 150:2, succinctly instructed us to.

“Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness.”

This is so important that in Psalm 103:1-5, David counsels his own soul to bless the Lord in thanksgiving, admonishing himself not to forget anyone of God’s benefits. In other words, there is a tendency for us to forget all that the Lord has done for us. open heaven devotional. Nevertheless, we have no reason to be ungrateful to God, because His goodness forever flows to us. The prophet Jeremiah testifies of this truth in Lamentations 3:22-23, saying:

“It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.”

Moreover, what is our joy as children of God? It is the assurance of a better tomorrow: the assurance of a better year ahead of us. Only those who are saved by the grace that is in Christ Jesus have this assurance.

Declaring this assurance, the Holy Spirit in Isaiah 3:10 says,

“Say ye to the righteous, that it shall be well with him: for they shall eat the fruit of their doings.”

Who is the righteous? The righteous is the one who has accepted Jesus Christ as his or her personal Lord and Saviour. The righteousness of Christ is bestowed upon such people because they believe and have appropriated the ransom paid on their behalf by the Lord Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God who took away the sins of the world (John 1:29). God is saying to you that you shall be grateful to Him for all He has done for you in the past, particularly in the just concluded year. If you remain thankful, your tank of blessings shall be full as you go into the New Year. However, not giving your life to the One who paid the supreme price for your salvation is the greatest form of ingratitude. Therefore, repent and give your life to Christ today! He will be your Shepherd and you shall want nothing throughout the New Year and in the years to come. open heaven devotional for today. Hallelujah! (Happy New Year!!!)

Action point: 
Thank God for all His goodness and mercies over your life in the past; give your life to Him afresh and renew your commitment to serve Him in holiness and perfect obedience in this New Year.

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.

. . . 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.

Listen to Billy Graham’s audio message about numbering your days.

Time is short. Make a decision to accept Christ today.

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.

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Romans 10:13

Today people everywhere are gathering together to celebrate the first bright moments of the new year.

Yet, for thousands of others, this day will be the toughest 24 hours of their lives. For those people, New Year's Day will serve only as a dim reminder of loneliness and loss. It will simply mark the beginning of another year of failure.

What about you? What's this year really going to be like for you?

You may appear to be happy enough. You may be passing out seasonal smiles and holiday greetings just like everyone else. But inside, you may hurt. You may be disappointed. You may even feel like you can't go on.

If so, I want you to know something. All of that can change in an instant. You can start your life over today and make this New Year's Day the most joyful day of your life!

How many times have you said to yourself, "If I could just start over, I'd do it all differently"? That doesn't have to be simply an idle wish. Jesus Christ has actually made it possible. That's His Christmas present to you. He paid the price for all your sins. He paid the penalty for all your mistakes.

That's the reason He came to earth. That's the reason He was born—so you could start over!

You may look at your life and say, "But I've made some terrible mistakes. I've done some despicable things." That doesn't matter. Jesus paid the price for them all!

How can you make a new start? Romans 10:9 says that "if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." It's as easy as saying, "Jesus, I'm turning my life over to You. From this day forward I'm Yours."

What better time to turn your life around than on this first day of the new year. Right now, wherever you are, just give your life to Jesus. Then jump up and down and holler, "Praise God, I'm starting all over!" And find out what it really means to have a happy new year!

Scripture Reading:
Romans 10:1-13

Beloved. I am sending Tidal Waves of Glory upon you now. 

It will be like nothing the world has ever seen. Not even My Own have experienced such an outpouring of My Spirit. You have been asking and you shall receive.

A vast ocean of My Love has been released. The Power of My Living Water shall burst forth into all the earth. It is the River from My Throne of Grace. Wherever it flows, LIFE shall come instead of death, health shall appear instead of sickness, peace instead of chaos, joy instead of sorrow. Lift up your eyes to My Throne, Beloved. Can you hear the sound of My Waterfalls? Deep calls unto deep.

There is a River whose streams make glad the city of Your God. It's Water is BRIGHT with My Light and crystal BLUE and PURE. Everything LIVES where My River goes. It is a River of Life. It is a River of Healing. It is a River of Peace. It is a River of Mercy. It is a River of My Holy Spirit. It is a River of Pure JOY. This Water Fall of Grace shall cover the earth, the knowledge of the Glory of God as the waters cover the sea. The nations shall come to Me.

And you, Dear One, shall be filled to overflowing. Such JOY shall flood your soul you will not be able to contain it. And you shall KNOW Me, Beloved, as a Bride knows her BRIDEGROOM. You shall feast on the abundance of My house, and drink from My River of delights. My purpose will be established, And I will accomplish all My good pleasure.

...Psalm 46:4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High.

...Psalm 36:8 They feast on the abundance of your house, and you give them drink from the river of your delights.

...Psalm 42:7 Deep calls to deep at the sound of Your waterfalls; All Your breakers and Your waves have rolled over me. 8 The LORD will command His lovingkindness in the daytime; And His song will be with me in the night, A prayer to the God of my life.

...Revelation 22:1-2 Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb.

...Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. 7If you had known Me, you would know My Father as well. FROM NOW ON, YOU DO KNOW HIM AND HAVE SEEN HIM."

...Isaiah 46:10 Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things which have not been done, Saying, 'My purpose will be established, And I will accomplish all My good pleasure'

“Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see” (Hebrews 11:1 NLT).

Faith is visualizing the future. It’s believing before you see it. Hebrews 11:1 says, “Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see” (NLT).

How will you see 2018 through eyes of faith?

A lot of people say, “I’ll believe it when I see it!” God says the exact opposite is true: “You will see it when you first believe it.” There are many things in life that have to be believed before they can be seen.

In 1961, the Soviet Union sent the first cosmonaut into space. When the cosmonaut returned to Earth, the Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev declared they’d been to space and didn’t see any god there.

About 10 months later, the United States sent John Glenn into space. He circled the earth three times on his Mercury mission, came back down, and told the world, “I saw God everywhere! I saw his glory in the galaxy. I saw his splendor in the universe. I saw his majesty in the stars.”

Which one was right? They both were. Jesus said, “Unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God” (John 3:3 NLT). Before there is spiritual transformation in your life, you’re too narrow-minded to see the possibility of what God wants to do in your life.

Wernher von Braun, the leading scientist in the early stages of the U.S. space program, said, “There has never been any great accomplishment in history without faith.”

It is faith that causes the scientist to believe that we can put a man on the moon. It is faith that causes an architect to design a building because, first, she believes it can be done. It is faith that causes an Olympic athlete to practice and go to the Olympic trials because she believes she can achieve. It is faith that causes a sculptor or an artist to believe that he can paint a picture or attempt the sculpture. Someone has to believe it before you see it. It is a universal principle of life.

Let’s believe in God’s love and guidance as we enter 2018. Believe it before you see it. Trust God’s promises and trust his work in your life during the next year.

Talk It Over

What do you believe God wants to accomplish through you in 2018?
How does faith affect your goal setting?
Why would God want us to believe in faith instead of just showing us before we believe?

Saying, Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but [always] Yours be done.

— Luke 22:42

Growing into a mature Christian who follows the Holy Spirit is not something that happens overnight—it is a learning process that takes time. Little by little, one experience after another, God tries and tests our emotions, giving us opportunities to grow.

God allows us to go through difficult situations that stir up our emotions. In this way, you and I are able to see for ourselves how emotionally unstable we can be and how desperately we need His help

Jesus exemplified this for us. The night before He died for our sins, He was in great emotional turmoil. He didn't want to die, but He moved past His emotions and prayed to God, Not my will, but Yours be done. Things certainly didn't get better immediately, but in the end Jesus emerged victorious through the greatest trial possible.

You can make it through your emotional trials. Jesus wasn't led by His feelings, and you don't have to be either. When God lets things affect you emotionally, seize the moment and view it as an opportunity to step into a place of absolute trust in God.

"…I will walk within my house with a perfect heart."
(Psalm 101:2, NKJV)

TODAY'S WORD:

This time of year, people often take time to reflect and set goals for the New Year. But have you ever set “perfection” as a goal on your list?

Now, that may seem a little strange or unobtainable to many, but really, in God’s eyes perfection isn’t about performance. In fact, it isn’t about behavior at all. What God is looking for is a heart that is perfect toward Him. Scripture says that man looks on the outside, but God looks at the heart. That means that He is more pleased with someone who has a heart toward Him who may mess up than He is with someone doing all the right things for all the wrong reasons.

The condition of your heart is extremely important to God. When you have a right heart, you are humble before Him. You seek His ways. You get up each day with a desire to please Him. You submit every area of your life to Him, and you are willing to make adjustments and receive correction so you can grow and come up higher.

As you prepare for the coming year, make knowing Him your number one priority. Yield yourself to Him and let Him shape your character. Serve Him with all your might and let your heart be perfect toward Him!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Father in heaven, thank You for all of Your blessings in my life. I declare today that You are good and thank You for Your mercy. I set my heart and mind on You and ask that You have Your way in me. Help me to love You perfectly and keep me close to You in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Philippians 3:12-21

No matter where you are in your walk with Christ, it’s never too late to begin pursuing a deeper relationship with Him. Whether you’re already passionate about Jesus or know Him only on a surface level, it is wise to do as Paul urged—to “press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:14). To get started, follow these six steps:

1. Study Scripture. No one can know God apart from His Word since He speaks to us through it, revealing who He is and what He does.

2. Be willing to spend time alone with the Father in prayer, meditation, and worship. One of the main reasons Christians don’t have a close relationship with Jesus is that they’re unwilling to invest the time needed to know Him better.

3. Trust God. The depth of any relationship depends on the level of trust.

4. Obey Him. As we take each step of obedience, the Lord will reveal more of Himself.

5. Observe how Christ works in your life. By paying attention to how the Lord operates, you’ll become familiar with His ways and goals.

6. Make Jesus your top priority. Be willing to lay aside anything that competes with your loyalty and devotion to Him.

Knowing Christ intimately is possible for all believers. The key is persistence, so forget past failures and press on. Find an example to follow. My grandfather’s relationship with Jesus was the inspiration for my journey of intimacy with Christ. I knew that if he had that kind of relationship with Jesus, so could I.

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!

December 31, 2017
Those who receive [God’s] overflowing grace (unmerited favor) and the free gift of righteousness [putting them into right standing with Himself] reign as kings in life. (Romans 5:17 AMP)

Did you know that you can reign over the affairs of your life just as a king reigns over his kingdom?

If you have received Jesus as your Savior and Lord, then through the application of the principles in God’s Word you can see every situation in life turn out positively and for your good. But being able to live supernaturally above the circumstances of life is conditional; it is based upon you receiving these two things:

God’s abundant grace. His grace enables you to talk in power over your weaknesses by stepping out of your own ability and into His ability.
The free gift of righteousness. Righteousness (right standing with God) allows you to live free of all condemnation and sin-consciousness, fully confident and secure before God and man.
Grace and righteousness cannot be earned. They are precious gifts from God that you receive in the same way you receive anything else from God: by faith!

You will never take control of your life and rule your circumstances in your own strength. But you can reign as a king in this life—walking in victory in every situation—if you are in Christ, walking in God’s free gifts of grace and righteousness.

Confession: Because of God’s abundant grace and His gift of righteousness, I reign as a king in this life. I am the head and not the tail; I am above and not beneath.

Author: Jerry Savelle

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

…but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before (Philippians 3:13).

There’s so much the Lord has in store for you to enjoy in the coming year. Look forward to the New Year with faith and joy, for greater glory lies ahead, and it completely outshines the victories and triumphs of yesterday. Refuse to allow the seeming failures, weaknesses, and disappointments you may have experienced dissipate your enthusiasm and faith to win.

Set your goals and focus on the Spirit and His Word. Don’t focus on the past. Look ahead. Raise your vision. The regrets of yesterday and the fear of tomorrow are enemies of today’s happiness. Position yourself aright for a triumphant life by keeping your gaze on, and living in the Word. Refuse to give up on your dreams.

Proverbs 4:18 says, “…the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.” Believe and affirm this as the reality of your life. You can only make progress as a child of God. Your journey in life is upward and forward only; no disappointments, because “…we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).

Cheer up! The future is bright. You have nothing to fear. The Lord has already made the crooked paths straight; therefore, you’ll triumph in the coming year. He said in John 16:33, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”

See yourself making greater impact with the Gospel in the coming year. See yourself in health, joy, and prosperity. See yourself walking in righteousness and producing works and fruits of righteousness. See yourself fulfilling the will of the Father, pleasing Him in all things as you receive and run with the Word for the year.

Make certain to participate live in our December 31 st New Year’s Eve Service in your Church, online at http://pastorchrisonline.org or via major satellite and terrestrial TV stations, and designated viewing centres around the world.

CONFESSION
I’m strong and very courageous, standing firm in faith, reaching out and apprehending the glories that lie ahead. My path is like the first gleam of dawn, which shines ever brighter until the full light of day. I’m walking in righteousness and producing works and fruits of righteousness. Blessed be God!

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

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Acts 5:24-32
Nehemiah 1-2

FURTHER STUDY:
Isaiah 43:18-20 MSG 

Psalm 91:15 - “He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him.”

What did George Washington do when it looked like the American Revolution was lost? At the time, he was leading a ragtag bunch of farmers with pitchforks against the British Army, the finest in the world at that time.

Washington’s fan club was calling for him to be fired. Even worse, he knew that a large number of his volunteers would return home at the first of the year and that he (along with his officers) would be hung by King George if they could not prevail. A quick glance at his upcoming calendar looked bleak.

What did Washington do when his life, his reputation, and his sacred honor were all on the line? He knelt in the snow and prayed. I’m sure you have seen the paintings of this magnificent scene. It is a brilliant, patriotic moment.

Washington knew then what America needs to realize today: When we are at our weakest, God is at the top of His game. We can never have a stronger army than when God is on our side. For if God be for us, who can be against us?

Source:  Daily Truth Devotional

Foundations of Faith

Sunday December 31st 2017

Memorise: “He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son 
that causeth shame.” Proverbs 10:5

Read: Genesis 3:7-10 (KJV)  
3:7 And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.
3:8 And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God amongst the trees of the garden.
3:9 And the Lord God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?
 3:10 And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.

Bible in one year: 
Songs of Solomon 4-8
Malachi 3:16-4:6,

Sing 
Hymn 9

Message:
Although God is very much willing to help you, before you can receive help from Him, you have to first settle the issue of your spiritual location. o In today’s Bible reading, when  God came visiting Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, and He did not find them where He expected them to be, He made a passionate call to them saying: “Adam, where are you?” If God will help you, He needs to know where you are. Do you want God’s help today? If yes, where are you standing presently? Are you where you were at the beginning of the year? Are you stagnant, unproductive, unprofitable, and not making progress?   In the parable of the talents, the fellow who received one talent proved to be unproductive (Matthew 25:24-30). That is however not God’s expectation of you. Some people are unproductive because they do the right thing at the wrong time. Proverbs 10:5 says,

“He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame.”

There is a tie for everything. There is time to work and a time to rest. Rest follows work and not the other way round. Today, quite a number of people unfortunately go on vacations even though they have not worked. Rest is earned. If you rest without deserving it, you will be showing to the whole world how unwise you really are . When many children of affluent people, who never worked one day to earn an income, are bequeathed with great wealth, the next thing they think of doing is how to go on a spending spree of the funds they never worked for.

Beloved, where is your present location? If you are located in laziness, disobedience, self-will or un-forgiveness, receiving help from God may be a mirage. If you are sleeping when you should be actively engaged for the Master, you are a shame to the Body of Christ. open heaven .The harvest of the world is already ripe and gradually becoming overripe. This is harvest time. How many souls did you personally win to Christ this year? Is there any significant improvement to your life compared to last year or have you lost further grounds to laziness, procrastination and idleness? Can you say you are experiencing progress?  Movement can be sideways, forward or backward. May you never go backward in Jesus’ Name! Consider your location and take appropriate steps so that you can receive God’s help this season.

Action Point:
Before asking God for anything, make sure you are not located in disobedience or unbelief.

 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.
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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.

Find out how much God loves you.
Prayer for the day
Yes, almighty God, I have felt the consolation of Your love!

The emerald green eyes of a warrior, the turquoise blue of the ocean. Stunning things that appeal to the eye, to remind us of your vastness.

 We serve a God of vastness and expanse. The heavens are telling of the glory of God, and their expanse is declaring the work of his hands (Psalm 19:1).

Now over the head of the living beings there was something like an expanse, like the awesome gleam of Crystal, spread out over their heads (Ezekiel 1:22). Then I looked, and behold, in the expanse that was over the heads of the cherubim something like a sapphire stone in appearance, resembling a throne, appeared above them (Ezekiel 10:1).

Enter in, into the throne room; come in by the door of Grace. I have raised you up for a time such as this, don’t waste your appointed place. Some doors you shall pass only once, then you shall pass this way no more. God calls this your appointed time. He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man’s heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end (Ecclesiastes 3:11).

Trust in the Lord, and take his hand. Stop waiting on everything to be perfect. I will never (under any circumstance) Desert you (nor give you up or leave you without support, nor will I in any degree leave you helpless) nor will I forsake or let you down or relax my hold on you, most assuredly not! (Hebrews 13:5).

God will be with you every inch of the way, he will never ask you to go it alone. But he will ask you to go, to step out, to be brave, to take that leap of faith! If you have faith of a mustard seed, you will watch it grow into a great harvest! Harvest time is here my child, HARVEST TIME IS HERE!!!!

Tammy Lang Jensen

“Let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up” (Galatians 6:9 NLT).

In the waiting room of life, you can choose to trust God instead of panicking. You also need to remember two things: One, God is never in a hurry. And two, God is never late. God’s timing is always perfect.

What happens in those times where it appears that God is late? God is getting you ready for a miracle!

There are so many examples of this in Scripture, including the story of Lazarus (John 11). Mary and Martha had a brother named Lazarus, who was one of Jesus’ best friends. They lived in Bethany, which was just a few miles from where Jesus was on the day Lazarus got sick. They sent word to Jesus that his friend was gravely ill and asked him to come to them.

He could have easily been in Bethany in an hour or two. But it took Jesus three days to go about five miles. When he got there, they told him, “You’re too late! We’ve already buried Lazarus.”

Jesus wasn’t late. Because Jesus already knew what he was going to do. His goal was not to heal Lazarus. His goal was to raise him from the dead. Jesus’ goal was not to just make Lazarus well. His goal was to do a miracle of astronomical proportions.

Jesus walked up to Lazarus’ tomb, told them to roll the stone away, and said, “Lazarus, come forth.” And Lazarus did!

Sometimes God lets a situation get so bad that only a miracle will do. Don’t give up your faith. Hold on. Keep praying and serving and going to small group. Keep sowing. Keep believing. Because you’re getting ready for a miracle.

God already knows what he’s going to do in your life next month, next year, and in the next decade, and his plan for you is good.

Talk It Over

Where do you get the energy to go to small group and church and to keep serving when you’re going through a difficult situation?
God’s plan for you is good. Why do you think bad things still happen to you sometimes?
Take some time to write out a prayer to God that expresses how you want to grow and where you need help the most when you are in a difficult waiting period.