Abiding TV

Beloved. When your Peace is disturbed, know that the enemy of your soul is at work. When you are walking on the serpent's head daily, your feet can get a little dusty. The thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy, but I came to bring you LIFE and LIFE abundantly. 

I am the Prince of Peace. I dwell in your heart through the Holy Spirit. It is always My will and plan for you to walk in My Peace. This Peace is not based on circumstance, but My Peace is My Presence. My Peace guards your heart and mind as you look to Me. No one can steal what I have adorned you with, My Bride. My Peace is a Glorious covering that you wear.

My Peace is what you walk in. My Peace is the substance of your supernatural shoes that I have placed upon your beautiful feet. Do not let your heart be troubled and do not be afraid. Wherever you go, whomever you bless, My Peace shall come upon that house and those who dwell in it. If anyone does not receive you or My Words, shake the dust from your feet and let My Peace return to you, Dear One, for when they do not receive you, they do not receive Me.

That dust is but the evidence of the serpent, for he "crawls in the dust of this world". Whenever your peace is disturbed, know that the enemy has tried to contaminate your thinking with his "dust." I shall keep you in Perfect Peace.

I will wash your feet with Living Water and cleanse you from the "dust" of the day. Serpent's food is not your portion, My Bride. The enemy will not touch the Apple of My Eye. In My Secret Place of Peace, you shall flourish and have an abundance of Peace and your enemies shall bow before Me and lick the dust..

...Ephesians 6:15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of PEACE;
...Matthew 10:12 "As you enter the house, greet it. 13And if the house is worthy, let your PEACE come upon it, but if it is not worthy, let your PEACE return to you. 14And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the DUST from your feet when you leave that house or town.

...John 13:10 Jesus saith to him, He that is washed (born again) is completely clean, but needs only to wash his feet (from the dust of the world) but is clean every whit (down to our very DNA): and you are clean,

...Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
...Psalm 72:6He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass: as showers that water the earth.7In His days shall the righteous flourish; and abundance of peace so long as the moon endureth. 8He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth. 9They that dwell in the wilderness shall bow before him; and His enemies shall lick the dust.
Amazing artwork by Mandy Adendorff: used with permission

You purposed and intended to live today. Are you consciously choosing, or floating downstream? Your word is an anchor to my soul and all that is within me. 

Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him (Psalm 62:5). Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good spirit lead me on level ground (Psalm 143:10).

So I said, do not take me away, my God in the midst of my days; your years go on through all generations (Psalm 102:24). And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28). What is your highest call, your one true self, your divine purpose.

Have you called it into manifestation. Will you realize it this year? Have you declared, to heaven and earth; I belong to God! Have you announced from the rooftops, who you will become. Because if you don’t decide with God, the enemy of your soul will decide for you. Will you allow his lies and deception to pull you to the pit., or will you believe the report of the Lord? I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13). I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted (Job 42:2).

Do you understand why you are here? But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth (Exodus 9:16). There is a division in your soul, to walk in the way of the Spirit. I am called the repair of the breach. Those from among you will rebuild the ancient ruins; you will raise up the age-old foundations; and you will be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of paths to dwell in (Isaiah 58:12). You will rebuild walls and restore homes.

Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light for my path (Psalm 119:105). Guide me along the way Father, keep me on my path. All that I am shall be found within you. The Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end....

Tammy Lang Jensen

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?  The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid. Psalm 27:1

The Fundamental Principle Of Christianity Is To Be What God Is, And He Is Light
David opens Psalm 27 with the simple declaration, “The Lord is my light.”  The Bible also calls Jesus the “day star”, the “bright and morning star” and the “true Light.”  Jesus said of himself, “I am the light of the world:  he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” John 8:12.

It is the destiny of the church to be the light in a dark world.  Light reveals…light exposes…light guides…light conquers darkness.  It’s time for the church to quit wailing about the darkness in the world and turn on the light of Jesus Christ.  It’s time for Satan to be seen shuffling through the back alleys of hell in a true Maalox Moment, dialing 911 and lamenting, “Where will the church strike next?”

A definition of the occult is “that which is hidden and secretive.”  Anything not open and above board is not of God.  You don’t have to be in the occult to walk in darkness—the first step away from the light is a step toward darkness.  The first step away from Jesus Christ is a step toward the prince of darkness.

When you reject the truth, you embrace a lie.  You are either saved or lost…sheep or goats…wheat or tares…light or darkness.  So “walk as children of light …and have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness” Ephesians 5:8, 11.  “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” Matthew 5:16.

Source:  Turn On The Light

Daily Living

Friday June 1st 2018
Memorise: For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain Philippians 1:21

Read: Esther 4:5-16 (KJV)
5 Then called Esther for Hatach, one of the king's chamberlains, whom he had appointed to attend upon her, and gave him a commandment to Mordecai, to know what it was, and why it was.
6 So Hatach went forth to Mordecai unto the street of the city, which was before the king's gate.
7 And Mordecai told him of all that had happened unto him, and of the sum of the money that Haman had promised to pay to the king's treasuries for the Jews, to destroy them.
8 Also he gave him the copy of the writing of the decree that was given at Shushan to destroy them, to shew it unto Esther, and to declare it unto her, and to charge her that she should go in unto the king, to make supplication unto him, and to make request before him for her people.
9 And Hatach came and told Esther the words of Mordecai.
10 Again Esther spake unto Hatach, and gave him commandment unto Mordecai;
11 All the king's servants, and the people of the king's provinces, do know, that whosoever, whether man or women, shall come unto the king into the inner court, who is not called, there is one law of his to put him to death, except such to whom the king shall hold out the golden sceptre, that he may live: but I have not been called to come in unto the king these thirty days.
12 And they told to Mordecai Esther's words.
13 Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king's house, more than all the Jews.
14 For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?
15 Then Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer,
16 Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.

Bible in one year: 
1st Kings 11,
Acts 4:1-22,

Hymnal: 
Sing hymn 12

Message:
It is important for everyone to know what he or she is living for. When you do not live for something, you will exist for anything – good, bad or ugly. Due to the nature of man, it takes determination to live for good (Ecclesiastes 9:3, Romans 7:21-24). Those who live for God live for good, while those who live for the devil live for evil. In Ecclesiastes 12:13b-14, the Holy Spirit reveals the essence of our living to us when He said:

“Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgement, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.”

The question today is: what are you living for?

Esther 4:5-16 tells the story of a young lady who decided to live for God and His people. She was ready to die if only the will of God would be done in her life through it. Despite the fact she was a queen, she declared, “if I perish, I perish” (Esther 4:16). In a similar situation, the book of Daniel tells of how three Hebrews boys disobeyed the decree of King Nebuchadnezzar when he wanted to lead them into idolatry. Shedrach, Meshach and Abednego were killing to be thrown into the fiery furnace in order to obey their God (Daniel 3:16-18).
                                                                           
Today’s memory verse offers an answer to the question of what we should live for. When we decided to live for Christ, everything will fall into place spiritually, and when we were settled spiritually, other aspects of our lives will receive meaning and fulfilment. This is the reason why our Lord Jesus Christ said in Matthew 6:31-33:


“Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

Some people live for the food they will eat, the clothes they will wear, the house they will live in and the car they will ride in, all at the expense of their soul.

However, if you hearken diligently to the words of the Lord to seek Him and live for Him, everything else will follow.

Prayer Point
Father, help me to live completely for You from today in Jesus’ Name.

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.

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Once you start stepping out in faith and walking in the spirit, the devil will see to it that you have ample opportunity to fall flat on your spiritual face. He’ll try to get you into some jams where there appears to be no way out.

But take it from me as one who’s been there, if you’ll look to God and trust His wisdom instead of your own, He’ll always show you a way of escape (1 Corinthians 10:13). Not only that, but He’ll do it in such a way that He’ll get the glory and you’ll have the last laugh on the devil.

I remember one particular Wednesday night in Wichita Falls, Texas, where I was faced with just such a situation. I was preaching on the reality of the righteousness of God, and the anointing was really strong. Just as my message reached its climactic moment, a woman in the audience suddenly burst forth in tongues. I told her to stop three times, but she only continued to grow louder. By the time she hushed, the anointing had gone and the message was forgotten. So I looked at that woman sternly and began to correct her for being out of order.

Then a man sitting next to her spoke up and said, “Brother Copeland, she is stone deaf. She can’t hear a word you’re saying.”

At that point, I had no idea what to do. Not only had my sermon been shattered, but the whole congregation was mad at me for getting onto that poor deaf woman. (I found out later the man next to her used her to disrupt services and run preachers out of town. When the service reached a high point, he’d punch her and tell her it was her turn to prophesy.)

So, I just stopped a moment and got quiet and waited for the Lord to tell me what to do. Sure enough, He told me. He said, Call her up and lay hands on her and I’ll open her ears.

Talk about a turnaround! When God healed that woman’s ears, He turned that disaster into one of the most powerfully anointed meetings I’d ever had. Everyone was blessed!

Next time the devil tries to back you in a corner, get quiet. Ask God to show you the way of escape. He’ll bring you out in victory every time.

Scripture Reading:
Acts 14:8-22

This certain hope of being saved is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls, connecting us with God himself . . .
—Hebrews 6:19 (TLB)

What are you placing your hope in for the future? Your country’s government, educational system, some plan or organization? My hope is in a Person, the Lord Jesus Christ, who sits at the right hand of God. I have hope and know that I’m going to heaven. And, right here and now in this present life, I have God’s presence to help me.

Suppose we had no Bible. Suppose there were no cross, no salvation, no empty tomb. Suppose we had nothing to hang on except, “Do your best, try to patch it up, do what you can.” Oh, but we have a hope. There is a plan of redemption, a plan for the future. The New Testament is an exciting Book to read, it is so full of hope and expectancy. And God is interested in you!

Is your hope in Jesus Christ?

Listen to this 1-minute message from Billy Graham about how we can have hope for the future.

Prayer for the day
Reading Your Word, my heavenly Father, makes me realize that the world and all its heartaches are so transitory. Inspire me to reach others with Your message of hope.

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light" (1 Peter 2:9 NIV).

Most of us spend our entire lives trying to earn acceptance. We want to earn it from our parents, peers, partners in life, people we respect, and even people we envy. The desire to be accepted drives us to do all kinds of things. It can influence the kind of clothes you wear, the kind of car you drive, the kind of house you buy, even the career you choose.

Would you agree that people do the craziest things to be accepted? Remember as a kid you wanted so badly to join the in-crowd that someone would say to you, “I dare you to do this,” and you did something stupid? You did it because your desire to be accepted overruled the desire for personal safety in your life. When you played baseball as a kid and teams were chosen, remember how great it felt to be picked by the better player? Remember how bad you felt when they got down to the last two or three and you still weren’t chosen?

We love the feeling of being accepted.

Being chosen does tremendous things for your self-esteem. First Peter 2:9 says, “You are a chosen people” (NIV). That ought to raise your self-esteem! Christ has accepted you — not based on your performance, something that you earned, or something that you deserve. God simply says, “I chose you.”

You may have accepted Jesus into your life, but have you ever realized that Christ has accepted you? You don’t have to earn it; you don’t have to prove yourself.

“Even if my mother and father abandon me, the Lord will take care of me” (Psalm 27:10 GW). Maybe you had parents whom you could never please. No matter what you did, it wasn’t good enough. If you got C’s, they wanted B’s. If you got B’s, they wanted A’s. If you got A’s, they wanted straight A’s.

The tragedy is that some of you today are still trying to prove yourself to your parents. You’re still trying to earn their acceptance, but, in all likelihood, you’re not going to get their approval if they haven’t given it to you by now because that’s their problem. The good news is this: You don’t need it to be happy! There are more than 7 billion people in the world. If two people don’t like you, who cares? As a part of God’s family, you have been accepted by God!

On what do you base your self-esteem?
How does the drive to be accepted by others affect you physically? What about emotionally and spiritually?
Do you find it easy or difficult to accept the truth that Christ has accepted you? Why?

"The glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house,' says the LORD Almighty. 'And in this place I will grant peace'...
Haggai 2:9, NIV

TODAY'S WORD:

We are living in a day where God is increasing His favor. He wants to amaze you with His goodness. Maybe you have seen God's goodness to a certain degree. In reality, you haven't seen anything yet! God has favor in your future that will supersede anything that you've seen in the past.

The scripture talks about how the glory of the latter day will be greater than the glory of the former day. That means what God did for your parents or grandparents, He's going to surpass in your generation. The blessing and favor of past generations was good, but we serve a God of increase! He has greater things in store for your future!

Today, get your hopes up. Enlarge your vision. Be expecting God to bring opportunities across your path. Expect to meet the right people and get the right breaks. Prepare your heart and mind to receive the increase and blessing God has for your future!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

"Father, thank You for being the God of increase. I trust that You have great things in store for my future. I surrender every area of my mind, will and emotions as I wait on You in Jesus' name. Amen."

And in the fourth watch of the night (3:00—6:00 a.m.) Jesus came to them, walking on the sea. When the disciples saw them walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out of fear. But immediately He spoke to them, saying “Take courage, it is I! Do not be afraid!” Peter replied to Him, “Lord, if it is [really] You, command me to come to You on the water.”

— Matthew 14:25-28

Let’s focus for a moment on this part of a well-known New Testament story. The disciples were in the middle of the Sea of Galilee at midnight when they looked up and saw Jesus walking on the water. That is amazing, but as the story continues, Matthew wrote of the boisterous winds, yet Jesus kept walking on top of the waves. The disciples were afraid—and that makes sense. Who would expect to see anyone walking on top of the water, even under the best of conditions?

Then Jesus cried out and told them, Take courage, it is I! Do not be afraid! (v. 27). This is the powerful moment in the story. What will happen now? Do they move over and give Jesus a place to sit in their boat? Should they get out and join Him on the waves? Do they huddle in fear, reminding themselves that human beings can’t walk on top of water?

Peter was the only one who responded in true faith. And let’s make no mistake here. For Peter to say, Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water (v. 28) was a tremendous act of faith. You’ll notice that he was the only one who spoke that way.

That was a powerful moment of faith. It was a defining moment that pointed out Peter’s great faith and belief in Jesus, the Anointed One of God. He was so convinced that Jesus truly was the Son of God that he was ready to get out of the boat and walk on top of the water with Him.

How many of you would get out of the boat? I emphasize this because it would be easy enough to say, “Lord, I see You walking on the water, and I believe I could walk on the water alongside You.” But would you? Do you have the kind of faith that would enable you to step out of the boat? Of the twelve disciples, Peter was the only one who took that step of faith.

I’m not citing this example of faith to discourage you or to make you feel that your faith is somehow lacking. I’m simply pointing out the great triumph of a man who dared to believe! Peter believed so strongly that he took a step of faith over the side of the boat and started walking toward Jesus.

Most of us know the rest of the story. Some might even smirk, saying, “Big deal! He got out of the boat, started walking on the water, got scared, and began to sink. And he also received a rebuke from Jesus: 'O you of little faith, why did you doubt?'" (v. 31). But think about it—Jesus didn’t say those words to the other disciples. He directed the words “you of little faith” to Peter. The implication is the others had no faith at that moment.

Think of these words not just as words of rebuke, but also as words of encouragement to Peter, the one who had enough faith to step out of the boat and begin walking on the water. But when he saw [the effects of] the wind, he was frightened, and he began to sink, and he cried out, "Lord, save me!" (v. 30).

What if you saw this as Jesus’ great encouragement, not just to Peter, but also to you? What if you looked at this event as Jesus saying to you, “You started so well. You believed Me, and got out of the boat. You did it! You walked on water just as I did. But then you allowed doubt to enter, and when that happened, you began to sink.”

This powerful story is a wonderful reminder that Jesus is always with you, and He will suspend natural laws to reach out to you and care for you.

Prayer Starter: Lord Jesus, please forgive my lack of faith. Increase my faith in Your Word, and help me to trust You enough to follow Your leading. When the circumstances around me threaten to pull me into deep waters of doubt, help me to focus on You. I ask these things in Your holy name. Amen.

THURSDAY
31
Philippians 2:12-16

Some of the most effective witnesses are those who have gone through painful, trying circumstances. Consider how the gospel has spread in parts of the world that are poor, oppressed, and troubled. Or think of your response to the triumphant stories of former criminals, people who have suffered abuse, and religious prisoners. God’s power is manifest in man’s weakest moments.

Whether believers develop into stronger witnesses as a result of difficulties depends on their response to crisis. Many people make the mistake of focusing on the will of man instead of God’s sovereignty. Then they find it impossible to believe that God will bring positive results from their pain.

Those who rise above their circumstances understand that God uses every experience for good. (See Gen. 50:20.) To trust that principle, we must realize that any situation we face is under the authority of a kind, loving Father. Paul’s time in prison yielded better and more abundant fruit than he could have produced any other way (Phil. 1:13). He spread the gospel to Roman guards because he was chained to one after another every day for years. As we turn our attention to Christ, He reveals opportunities for impacting people with the gospel. These are often chances we wouldn’t have had apart from trying circumstances.

You are always in God’s hand. I understand that in hard times, it’s not easy to focus on His sovereign will and the good He has in store for you. But I also know that God never allows anything to touch us that He will not turn to our benefit and the good of His kingdom.

Bible in One Year: Esther 6-10

May 31, 2018
Therefore, do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise. (Hebrews 10:35-36 NKJV)

Once you’ve made the decision to believe and act on what the Word of God says about your situation, you need to understand something: the manifestation of God’s answer may either come quickly, or it may take some time. The question is, are you determined to stand until your breakthrough arrives?

The Greek word translated as determined means “a firmness of purpose.” It also means “to give definite aim or direction; an unwavering resolution; to set boundary.”

The Word of God is either true, or it isn’t. God can either be trusted, or He can’t. Well, God’s Word is true and He can be trusted. So why waver? Make a firm resolution in your heart and mind that you are not going to compromise or be moved by what you see, hear, or feel.

Once you determine that the only thing you will allow to move you is the Word of God, you’ll see the wholeness that you are believing for.

Confession: Father, I determine to do Your will and live according to Your Word. My trust is in You alone, and I refuse to be moved by anything else. I hold on to my confidence, knowing I will receive all You have promised me.

Author: Jerry Savelle

Philippians 2:13

for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

Have you ever tried to break a bad habit on your own? You probably found that when you tried to stop it by sheer willpower, you saw improvement for a while, and then bounced back to square one. Worse, you found yourself binging on the very thing that you were trying not to do. And your condition is worse than before you started your “I’m going to quit” program!

The changes were temporary because it was you doing it.

A church member who had been a chain-smoker used to believe that with willpower, he could quit smoking. He would tell himself, “If there is a will, there is a way!” But he discovered that with willpower, he could stop smoking for a week or two, and then he would succumb to the pull of nicotine again.

When he turned his life over to God and learnt about God’s grace, he told God, “I realize that I cannot stop smoking. I cannot, but You can break my habit, Lord.” And every time he lit up, he would say, “Lord, I am trying to stop smoking, but I cannot. I am trusting You.” He would even say, “I am still righteous because of Jesus’ blood.”

Well, in the very same year, all his cravings to smoke vanished! When asked how he succeeded, he would say, “It is entirely God and none of me! It is all by His grace.” This man lost all the desire to smoke. That is true transformation.

When you receive the grace of God to do for you what you cannot do, you will experience effortless and permanent change on the inside, which in turn changes your actions on the outside. The Bible tells us that God works in us to give us both the will and ability to perform what He desires. It is God who removes the old want to’s and gives us new ones. And He even gives us the power to carry them out!

Beloved, look to His grace to do what you cannot do. Say, “Lord, I cannot, but You can!” Then, what you experience will not merely be behavior modification, but true and lasting inward transformation!

Beloved. I give you BEAUTY for ashes. I have clothed you in My garments of Salvation, My Robe of Righteousness; the garment of praise.

The enemy cannot stand the BEAUTY of these garments I have given you. You outshine every other living creature by your new birth. You are being transformed daily into the image of the Son, the fairest of ten thousand. We are One. These garments I have given you are GLORIOUS.

For I am in you, and you in Me. You are supernaturally clothed much more beautifully than any natural creature, Dear One.The beauty of the things of this world are but an inkling of the Holy Beauty you possess in Me. You have been given eyes to see, "eyes" all around, beautiful eyes to see, eyes to behold your Savior, eyes to see into the Spirit realms. Blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear. For truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous men longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.

I have given you the beautiful Garment of Praise for the spirit of heaviness. Do not fear, My Child. Your praise shall still the avenger; he cannot bear the BEAUTY of My Spirit in you, and My Glory shall fill My temple, which is your body, with JOY unspeakable. Arise, My Love, My Beautiful One, come away in the Spirit and SHINE in the BEAUTY of My Holiness. How beautiful you are, My darling! Oh, how beautiful! Your eyes behind your veil are Doves.

...Isaiah 61:3 To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He might be glorified.

...Revelation 4:6 And before the throne was something like a sea of glass, as clear as crystal. In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures, covered with eyes in front and back.

…Ezekiel 10:12Their whole body, their backs, their hands, their wings and the wheels were full of eyes all around, the wheels belonging to all four of them.

...Ezekiel 11:22 Then the cherubim lifted up their wings, with the wheels beside them, and the glory of the God of Israel was over them.

...Matthew 13:16 But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear. 17For truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous men longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.

...Song of Solomon 2:10 My beloved spoke and said to me, "Arise, my darling, my beautiful one, come with me.

...Song of Solomon 4:1How beautiful you are, My darling! Oh, how beautiful! Your eyes behind your veil are Doves.

Beautiful artwork by Jewell McChesney; used with permissiion

I was taken to a vision this morning. Where large boulders were falling on top of God’s people. I hear they are boulders of decision and cares of this world. 

Suddenly, each believer pulled out a hammer and began to chip away at the Boulder.

The hammer is the word of God, quick and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, And piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, and both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart (Hebrews 4:12). At first as they chipped away it did not look like they were making much progress. But suddenly, the Boulder began to splinter and shatter, and all that was left was a pile of rubble.

Use the word of God and bring destruction to the enemies plans. Leave his camp in rubble and plunder the spoils. A good man leaves and inheritance to his children’s children, and the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous (Proverbs 13:22). Time to March in and take back all that was lost or stolen. I hear in my spirit the word RECLAMATION: The process of claiming something back or reasserting a right. The cultivation of wasteland or land formerly underwater; the recovery of useful substances from waste products.

The Lord will surely comfort Zion and will look with compassion on all of her ruins; he will make her deserts like Eden, her wastelands like the garden of the Lord. Joy and gladness will be found in her, Thanksgiving and the sound of the singing (Isaiah 51:3). The Lord has a beautiful restoration plan, if you will just wait on him. 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 streams in the wasteland (Isaiah 43:19). Though it tarry, wait for it, for it shall surely come.

As sure as the breaking of the dawn or the ending of a day. I will rescue you, my beloved, my bride. For this is what the Lord Almighty says: after the glorious one has set me against the nations that have plundered you— but whoever touches you, touches the apple of his eye (Zechariah 2:8). Those who war with you, war with me! Be still and wait for the deliverance by the hand of the Lord. Moses answer the people, do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today.

The Egyptian’s you see you today, you will never see again (Exodus 14:13). Be Blessed, Be Bold....Take back your land....

Tammy Lang Jensen

It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life (John 6:63).

Not many people realize that life is indeed, spiritual. The physical world in which we live isn’t all there is; it’s in fact controlled from the spirit world.

All around us in this physical world are angels, but you can’t see them with your physical eyes; you have to pass over into the realm of the spirit to see them. Now, the point of all that is this: everything God says to us is real in the realm of the spirit, but to make them real in your life, you have to speak them forth. The Word of God is activated by your words.

Your words are “spirit words”; when you speak, you connect to the spirit realm. Your words are the connection between the earth realm and the spirit realm. Every time you speak, whatever you say is real in the realm of the spirit. If they’re positive, faith-filled words, they’ll produce faith-results. If they’re words of fear, discouragement, and defeat, they’ll produce such negative results as well.

Your words are either working for you or against you; the reason you must watch what you say. It brings  to mind the words of Jesus in Matthew 12:37: “For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.” Recall what He said in our opening verse.

We’re made, not just to look like Him, but also to function like Him. We release spirit and life through our words. The energy released by your words will either give life or produce death. It’s for the same reason the Bible says in Proverbs 18:21, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue….”

Release positive energy through your words. Speak life to your world, to your family, your job, your ministry, your finances, etc. Speak life to everything that concerns you. Affirm God’s Word in every situation. What you say is what you get (Mark 11:23); never forget it. Therefore, speak life only, and always; speak “spirit words”; faith-filled words.

Prayer:
I declare peace with prosperity for the nations of the world, and affirm that the Gospel of Christ has free course and is glorified; the righteousness of God is exalted in the nations, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
Romans 10:6-8; 1 Corinthians 2:12-13

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
John 15:18-16:1-16 & 1 Chronicles 5-6

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
1 Corinthians 14:31-40 & Proverbs 27  

So Joshua arose, and all the people of war, to go up against Ai; and Joshua chose thirty thousand mighty men of valor and sent them away by night. Joshua 8:3

And he commanded them, saying:  “Behold, you shall lie in ambush against the city, behind the city.  Do not go very far from the city, but all of you be ready.”

“Then I and all the people who are with me will approach the city; and it will come about, when they come out against us as at the first, that we shall flee before them…”

“Then you mighty men of valor shall rise from the ambush and seize the city, for the LORD your God will deliver it into your hand. Parenthesis added

There are two of God’s laws, which form the basis of human laws for all ages since the Flood:  Do not commit murder and execute men who commit murder Genesis 9:5-6.  Notice that scripture records the birth of capital punishment—it was God’s idea!  When a criminal murders someone, he not only attacks the victim, but the victim’s family, society at large and God Himself, for men are created in the image of God.

Scripture tells us it is imperative that we punish criminals, both as individuals and nations.  God sanctions law enforcement and sometimes war as unpleasant as it is as necessary and justifiable.  When nations become criminal they must be called to account for their actions.

The Just War Theory St Augustine/Thomas Aquinas gives us several criteria to help judge whether a nation is right to wage war:

• A Just war is one aimed at repelling or deterring aggression.

• A just war must be authorized by legitimate authority with genuine intentions.

• War must be a last resort with all peaceful alternatives exhausted.

• The probability of success must be sufficiently clear to justify the costs.

• The damage inflicted must be proportionate to its objectives.

• Noncombatants must not be targeted.

The next time you hear someone express uncertainty regarding the validity of an American military action or inaction, tell him or her to consider these principles to judge whether or not it is justified.

Defend and support our military personnel for they are America’s mighty men of valor representing One Nation Under God.  Pray for their protection and God’s favor that as He set up Godly authority under Joshua and delivered Israel from their enemies, He will do the same for America.

God bless the mighty men and women of valor who serve us today and who have served in the past, as we remember the sacrifices of our troops and their families this Memorial Day.

Source:  Knowing The Secrets Of God, pages 92-95

Daily Living

Thursday May 31st 2018
Memorise: Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: John 11:25

Read: Ezekiel 37:1-10 (KJV)
1 The hand of the Lord was upon me, and carried me out in the spirit of the Lord, and set me down in the midst of the valley which was full of bones,
2 And caused me to pass by them round about: and, behold, there were very many in the open valley; and, lo, they were very dry.
3 And he said unto me, Son of man, can these bones live? And I answered, O Lord God, thou knowest.
4 Again he said unto me, Prophesy upon these bones, and say unto them, O ye dry bones, hear the word of the Lord.
5 Thus saith the Lord God unto these bones; Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live:
6 And I will lay sinews upon you, and will bring up flesh upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and ye shall live; and ye shall know that I am the Lord.

7 So I prophesied as I was commanded: and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and behold a shaking, and the bones came together, bone to his bone.
8 And when I beheld, lo, the sinews and the flesh came up upon them, and the skin covered them above: but there was no breath in them.
9 Then said he unto me, Prophesy unto the wind, prophesy, son of man, and say to the wind, Thus saith the Lord God; Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live.
10 So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood up upon their feet, an exceeding great army.

Bible in one year: 
1st Kings 9-10,
Acts 3,

Hymnal: 
Sing hymn 3

Message:
Bones are often associated with dead bodies with death itself. Dry human bones symbolises a human body that has been dead for an extended period of time: in some cases, for hundred or thousand of years. By this time, it is impossible for anyone in the right frame of mind to contemplate any means by which such bones will come back to life again.

This was the situation in the valley of dry bones when God asked Ezekiel, “Son of man, can these bones live?” Knowing well that it was impossible by any human means for that he was standing before the One that created the universe by the power of His word,  Ezekiel tactically answer by saying “O Lord God, thou knowest. “Then the Lord asked the prophet to prophecy to the bones, and in Ezekiel 37:7, as soon as he prophesied, this happened:

“…there was a noise, and behold a shaking and the bones came together, bone to his bone.”

I therefore prophesy to everything that stands as dry bones in your life and to every symbol of death in your family; hear the word of the Lord: Be restore back to life now in the Name of Jesus.

In Ezekiel’s vision of dry bones brought back to life by God’s Spirit, the resurrection of the bones is used as a symbol. Ezekiel’s vision is not directly related to life after death, but rather with the salvation of God’s people from captivity and exile. Some people are locked up in a strange land, enjoying the pleasures of sin. Some are addicted to harmful behaviours, burdened by their conscience and far away from the Spirit of God sends the breath of life into them; their return to their Creator can be likened to new life rising from the grave. To anyone that is in bondage, captivity or exile, to anyone that has been displaced from his or her position, to anyone that is being told that he or she has reached a point of no return in life, I decree once again: Let there be a noise and a shaking from heaven that will set you free from now on in Jesus’ Name.

 The dry bones were sitting quietly in their forgotten state, fully surrendered to the power of death that held them bound. They were without any hope until God told Ezekiel to prophesy to them. One more time, I prophesy that the wind of the Holy Spirit will blow against every agent of death that is holding your life and destiny bound right now in the Name of Jesus. This marks the beginning of real progress in your life, and henceforth you will be unstoppable in Jesus’ Name.

Prayer Point
Father, please let everything about me that is dead and dry live again by Your grace and power, in Jesus’ Name.

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.

Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

Romans 6:4

As a believer, you actually have residing in you the same new life God gave Jesus when He raised Him from the dead. The old sinner you once were has died. You’ve become a new creation on the inside.

You are full of the resurrection life of God!

But sin, disobedience and living a selfish, carnal life will keep that resurrection life from flowing out. Sin will separate you from the power of God, even though you’re born again. Resurrection life will lay dormant in you if you walk in sin.

You can’t overcome sin by trying to stop sinning, however. You overcome it by walking after the new life God has put within you, by spending time in the Word and in prayer. As you do that, the Spirit of God will strengthen you and enable you to put that sin under your feet.

Remember, though, the Holy Spirit will not subdue those old fleshly habits of yours on His own. He’ll wait on you to take the initiative. Then He will strengthen you to follow through with your decision. He will teach you how to walk in the new life that is on the inside of you.

Take the first step today by asking for His help. Say, “Lord, I desire to experience the power to live by this new life every day. By a decision of my heart, I put down the dictates of sin. I declare myself dead to sin. In Jesus’ Name, I will spend time in prayer and in the Word today. As I do, I believe I’ll receive a Holy Ghost refreshing in my life. I believe I’ll begin to live out the resurrection power that You’ve placed in me!”

Scripture Reading:
Romans 7:1-6

Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
—2 Corinthians 5:17

The world says that all we need to do is be decent, respectable, and reasonable. True, that is all one needs to do to be a member of the Great Society, but to be a member of the Kingdom of God, there must be an inner change. A Communist in Hyde Park, London, pointed to a tramp and said, “Communism will put a new suit on that man.” A Christian standing nearby said, “Yes, but Christ will put a new man in that suit!”

Watch Billy Graham preach a message on change.

Prayer for the day
Thank You, Lord Jesus, for the change that came deep within me when I received You.