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"Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
(Joshua 1:9, ESV)

TODAY'S WORD:

No matter what today has in store, as a believer in Jesus, you can approach the day with boldness and confidence. Why? Because the Lord is with you, and in Him is everything you need in this life. That means that if you need provision for something today, provision is with you. If you need wisdom today, wisdom is with you. If you need strength, joy or peace today, they're with you. You can be confident today knowing that all of your needs are supplied spiritually, physically and emotionally because the Lord is with you. And best of all, He's promised never to leave you! Isn’t it good to know that you will always have whatever you need any time you need it!

Today, don't let lies from the enemy or pressure from the world keep you from taking hold of everything the Lord has for you. Open your heart by faith and receive whatever it is that you need today. Just begin to thank Him for His provision in your life and move forward in confidence and strength knowing that the Lord is with you!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me today. Thank You for Your faithfulness. I know that You are closer to me than the air I breathe. Today I receive Your promises in faith and choose to cast all of my cares on You in Jesus' name. Amen.

And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.

— Ezekiel 36:26

You do not have to depend on your own human efforts to overcome adversity and opposition or to earn favor and win promotion. When God is ready to move in your life, He will give you favor and promotion—and no devil in hell or person on earth will be able to prevent it from happening.

It doesn’t matter what people think of you. Your weaknesses and inabilities don’t make any difference to God. His criteria for using people is not their talents, gifts, and abilities. He is looking for people who are willing and yielded. God looks for availability, not ability.

Let God build you, your reputation, and your career. When the time is right, He will deliver you out of adversity, and then you’ll see the fulfillment of your dreams.

Prayer Starter: Father, I thank You that my times are in Your hands (see Psalm 31:15). Help me to keep my trust in You, knowing that all blessings and promotion come from You a

Romans 6:18

And having been set free from sin, you have become the servants of righteousness. Of conformity to the divine will in thought, purpose and action.

Proclaim your freedom from addiction!

God broke the power of addiction in my life when I surrendered completely to His will and direction.  Because I once rebelled against the words of God and spurned the counsel of the Most High, I sat in darkness and bondage.  I stumbled and fell, and no one was there to help.  But when I cried out to the Lord in my trouble, He heard me and saved me from my distress.  In His goodness and loving kindness, He brought me out of darkness and shattered the bonds that held me.  By His Word, I am healed.

I am a new creation in Christ Jesus.  My old person was nailed to the cross with Christ in order that my body, the instrument of sin, might be made ineffective and inactive for evil. I am no longer a slave to sin, having been delivered from its power when I was crucified with Christ.  The life I now live, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loves me and gave His life for me.

He who lives in me is mightier than he who is in the world.  When I come close to God, He comes close to me.  Christ empowers me with strength to do all things.  With faith in God’s promises, I vow to never again yield my body to its cravings, subject to its lusts or evil desires.  I walk confidently as a servant of righteousness—conforming my life to God’s divine will in thought, purpose and action.  I am victorious because my faith is in Christ.  I believe He is the Son of God, and I place my hope and trust in Him alone.

In obedience to the Word of God, I abstain form the sensual urges, evil desires and passions of the flesh that wage war with my soul, my mind, and my body.  I strip myself of my former nature, corrupted through lusts and evil desires.  I no longer set my mind on things that gratify the flesh, and I am no longer controlled by the unholy desires of my flesh.  I renounce the lust of my flesh, the lust of my eyes, and the pride in my life, for these do not come from God but are from the world itself.

Instead, I put on the new nature, created in God’s image, in true righteousness and holiness.  My new spiritual self is ever in the process of being renewed after the image and likeness of God, I am constantly renewed in the spirit of my mind by concentrating on and seeking those things that gratify the Holy Spirit.  I am led by the desires of the Spirit, for the Holy Spirit lives within me to direct and control me.

Christ came so that I might have and enjoy abundant life.  Whereas, Satan comes to steal, kill and destroy.  I steep myself in the Word of God that I might know the divine power that is mine in Christ’s name.  I meditate on His commands day and night to keep myself from sin, and I remain cautious at all times—on the lookout for Satan’s attempts to lead me astray.  Jesus was made to be like me in every way, in order that He might become a sympathetic and faithful High Priest.  He, Himself, suffered by being tempted in all things—tested and tried.  Because of this, He therefore, immediately runs to the sound of my cry when I am tempted, tested or tried.  He knows how to rescue the godly, no matter the situation, out of temptations and trials.  So then I fearlessly, confidently and boldly draw near to Him and receive mercy and grace to help in times of trouble.

I walk in faith, not fear, for God is with me.  He will never forsake me.  He strengthens and helps me and makes the darkness into light before me.  I ask, and God places a hedge of protection around me.  He is my refuge and dwelling place.  He drives the enemy out before me.  Though I walk in the midst of trouble, He revives me—through the valley of the shadow of death, He is with me.  He stretches out His hand against the wrath of my enemies and His right hand saves me.

I test all things until I recognize that which is good; then I grasp it tightly in my hand.  I will not be overcome by evil, but will overcome evil with good.  I no longer try to fit into this world, but am transformed by the renewal of my mind.  In this way I can rightly discern what the good, acceptable and perfect will of God is for me.  Christ has set me free from the grips of addiction and sin.  I determine in my heart, by the grace of God, to stand fast.  I will never again be ensnared by the yoke of slavery to sin.

Devotion taken from Pastor Hagee’s book Man of God 18 Days of Promise

Today's Bible Reading

Old Testament

2 Chronicles 30:1-31:21

New Testament

Romans 15:1-22

Psalms & Proverbs

Psalms 25:1-11

Proverbs 20:13-15

WEDNESDAY
01
Romans 12:3-8

Have you ever noticed that people in the church don’t all think the same way? When we become frustrated in our attempts to communicate with a fellow believer, we may begin to wonder whether something is wrong in our spiritual life. After all, aren’t we supposed to be a united body of Christ?

It turns out that the problem could be the result of spiritual gifting. The Holy Spirit gives gifts to every believer for the common good of the church (1 Corinthians 12:4-7). But unless we realize this, we may fail to appreciate the gifts of other believers. Then it’s easy to start harboring the opinion that everyone else should be like us.

For instance, someone with the gift of mercy might judge a believer with exhortation skills to be heartless—the exhorter may appear to value explaining the spiritual benefits of adversity over sympathizing with the hurting person. Yet both gifts are beneficial; used properly, they work together to help a sufferer see there’s hope in the hardship and comfort for endurance.

The root of division over spiritual gifts is self-focus, which can be displayed in two ways. If we think too lowly of our spiritual gift, we may become resentful or feel unimportant. If, on the other hand, we think too highly of our gift, we may believe it’s the most important one.

If you feel at odds with a fellow believer because of your differing approaches to issues in the church, stop and thank the Lord for that person and his gifting. Then pray that he will be used for the good of the fellowship and for God’s own glory.

Bible in One Year: Isaiah 40-42

August 1, 2018

Psalm 84:11 says, “For the Lord God is a sun and shield: The Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.” Notice at the end of that verse it says “them that walk uprightly.” God will withhold nothing from them that walk uprightly. I believe withholding nothing is God’s best. But there is a requirement to that. God requires that we walk uprightly.

Having God’s best sounds great. We all want to experience His best in our lives. But why isn’t the Body of Christ experiencing it? I believe the primary reason most of the Body of Christ is not experiencing God’s best in their lives is because it requires a serious commitment. It requires diligence and unwavering determination. To have God’s best you must be willing to give Him your best. And, that is where so many of God’s people fall short. We all want to have God’s best, but we are not willing to give Him our best. Most Christians are not willing to make that kind of commitment. You have to constantly ask yourself: How desperate am I for God’s best in my life?

I have found that desperate people will do desperate things. They will do whatever it takes to change their situation. If you are truly desperate to have God’s best in your life then you will be willing to do whatever the Word requires of you. It is not going to happen automatically. You have to strive for it.
That’s what happened to me 46 years ago, I got desperate for change. I got tired of just existing. I got tired of just barely getting by. I got tired of living from paycheck to paycheck. I got tired of the devil stealing everything that I had worked hard for. I was tired of feeling frustrated all the time. Are you at that place? Are you tired of just surviving? Are you ready to experience God’s best for your life? Then say right now, “As for me, I choose to have God’s best in my life.” When you truly understand this, then you will begin to realize that having God’s best is a chosen and determined outcome.

Make a decision today and everyday, to put God’s Word first and to walk uprightly before Him! Remember when you do, He promises that no good thing will be withheld from us!

Author: Jerry Savelle

Romans 4:5

But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness,

Boldness is what God wants you to have when you come to Him. He does not want you to be afraid to come to Him, feeling unworthy because of your sins. He wants you to come boldly to Him, knowing that the death, burial and resurrection of His Son Jesus Christ has justified you and qualified you to boldly receive from Him.

This was the kind of boldness that the woman with the issue of blood had when she touched Jesus (see Mark 5:25–34). Now, by touching Jesus, she knew that she was breaking a Levitical law which states that anyone with a bodily discharge is unclean, and should not appear in public, let alone touch another person (see Leviticus 15).

But she refused to feel condemned by the law. She believed what she had heard about Jesus, and was confident that there would only be love and compassion, not condemnation, from Him. She believed that Jesus would justify her and qualify her to receive the miracle she needed. That was why she boldly pressed her way into the crowd to touch Jesus, who indeed said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well” (Mark 5:34).

What was it about her faith that made her well? Romans 4:5 talks about faith that believes God justifies the ungodly. When you believe that God justifies the ungodly, it will give you boldness to come to God, even when you feel unclean because you have just blown it.

When you fail, don’t run away from God. Run boldly to Him, knowing that you are justified by the blood of Christ and not by your good behavior.

The devil may say to you, “How can you do that? Who do you think you are?” Don’t listen to him. Pick yourself up and thank God for the blood and the gift of no condemnation (see Romans 8:1). If God justifies the ungodly, how much more you, His beloved child!

Official Video to "Alagbara" from the Album 'Songs From The Place of Prayers'

Pastor Taiwo Odukoya Ministering During Sunday Service (3rd June, 2018)

Pastor David Ogbueli is a Minister of the Gospel. An icon of transformational leadership excellence. His passion for Personal and National Transformation has produced various initiatives and ministers causing a stir among youths, governments, corporate institutions, the media and other stakeholders both in Africa and globally.

Dharius Daniels is a cultural architect and trendsetter for his generation. He is the founder and Lead Pastor of Change Church. Change Church is a vibrant ministry that impacts people of all ages, socioeconomic classes, and ethnic backgrounds.

Prophecy For Unusual Progress by Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo

Nothing has randomly happened in your life. Everything has been carefully orchestrated, even the good and the bad, the blessings and the disappointments. Even in times where we’ve failed and made mistakes, God has already planned how to restore us and get us back on course.


God has ordered your steps. Your life is divinely orchestrated. Let Joel teach you how to keep moving forward even when you don’t understand. Stay in faith when people betray you. Do the right thing when the wrong thing is happening. Your time is coming. What God has ordained will come to pass! No person, situation, or thing can stop what God has ordained for your life!

For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ (Romans 5:17)

T he Lord Jesus occupies the most exalted position there is; He’s seated at the right hand of the Father, far above all principality, and power, might, and dominion, and every name that is named. But did you know that you’re in Him? You’re seated with Him in glory. The Word declares: “But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:4-6).

We’re called to exercise dominion and to live as masters and victors in life through Jesus Christ. We reign in Him and through Him over Satan, darkness, the world, and all creation. Revelation 5:10 tells us that Christ Jesus has made us kings and priests unto God, and we shall reign on the earth.

God gave Jesus authority over all creation. At the mount of transfiguration, He spoke out of heaven saying, “...This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him” (Matthew 17:5). He commanded everything that exists—living and non-living—to be subject to Jesus and, by extension, to you, because you’re in Him; you’re one with Him. You occupy His place of authority, with the power of attorney to act in His stead. You’re not ordinary. You operate from a higher realm where your words are backed by Deity.

Every word Jesus uttered came to pass; He changed hopeless situations because He had all authority in heaven and in earth—the same authority He bequeathed to the Church—you and me. He said in Matthew 28:18-19, “…All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore…” ; thus, we’re on the go in His Name; the Name that opens every door.

Realise that all authority has been vested on you to alter the circumstances of your life to sync with God’s perfect will. Therefore, speak words of power and break the influence of Satan over men’s lives, and cause the light of the Gospel to shine in their hearts.

CONFESSION:
I walk in dominion over Satan, darkness, and the world. I’m seated together with Christ in glory, dominion, and power. My light shines ever so brightly, and I gloriously fulfil my destiny in Christ, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
Luke 10:19 AMPC; 1 John 4:17

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Romans 6:1-14 & Psalms 56-59

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Ephesians 5:1-8 & Isaiah 52  

Wednesday August 1st 2018
Memorise: But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light. 1st Peter 2:9

Read: Daniel 4:28-37 (KJV)
28 All this came upon the king Nebuchadnezzar.
29 At the end of twelve months he walked in the palace of the kingdom of Babylon.
30 The king spake, and said, Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty?
31 While the word was in the king's mouth, there fell a voice from heaven, saying, O king Nebuchadnezzar, to thee it is spoken; The kingdom is departed from thee.
32 And they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field: they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and seven times shall pass over thee, until thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.
33 The same hour was the thing fulfilled upon Nebuchadnezzar: and he was driven from men, and did eat grass as oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven, till his hairs were grown like eagles' feathers, and his nails like birds' claws.
34 And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation:
35 And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?
36 At the same time my reason returned unto me; and for the glory of my kingdom, mine honour and brightness returned unto me; and my counsellors and my lords sought unto me; and I was established in my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added unto me.
37 Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase.

Bible in one year: 
Esther 4-7,
Matthew 12:9-32,

Hymnal: 
Sing hymn 2

Messages:
“But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak in the day of judgement.”
Matthew 12:36

It is unfortunate that King Nebuchadnezzar did not know the above scripture; perhaps he would have been spared the agony of experiencing God’s humbling judgement for seven years. While the strolled in his palace on a day like any other, he flippantly attributed his conquests and success to his ability, forgetting that there are kings and there is the King of Kings. He did not consider the benevolence of God Almighty in his rise to greatness, and this attitude sent him to God’s school of humility. May you never have to learn humility by passing through this school in Jesus’ Name. As children of God who have been made kings unto God, there are many lessons we should learn from King Nebuchadnezzar. As revealed in today’s memory verse, the reason for our divine election as Kings is to show forth the praises of the Almighty Abba Father, who has called us out of darkness into the marvellous light of His Son, Jesus (Revelation 1:6). We have indeed been made joint-heirs of the throne of our Lord and Saviour (Revelation 3:21, Ephesians 2:6). Based on Nebuchadnezzar’s experience, it will be dangerous for us to forget that we are who we are only because of God’s grace. The Holy Spirit reminds us of this in 1st Corinthians 4:7, saying:

For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?”


Children of God should be conscious of the fact that we were not redeemed to boast or to please ourselves. Revelations 4:10 reveals that the elders in heaven lay their crowns at God’s feet in worship and adoration; this is exactly what the King of kings expects from us also. The question is, how seriously do you take the Lordship of Jesus Christ over your life?

Christians who live in lawlessness due to unlimited liberty are saying that they have no King above them. Therefore beloved, examine yourself today to see whether you have taken control of your life away from the King of kings. If you have, quickly return the authority over your life back to Him. Furthermore, do not forget that your crown as a king under the King is called the crown of righteousness; therefore, walk and reign on His behalf in perfection (2nd Timothy 4:8).

Action Point
Confess to the Lord your submission and loyalty to His lordship over your 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 Churches in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer's Ministries.

For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Romans 10:10

Do you need a miracle? Then believe it, confess it and receive it!

"Oh Gloria, I just don't know if I can do that."

Yes, you can! You've already done it once. When you made Jesus the Lord of your life, you believed, confessed and received the greatest miracle in the universe, the miracle of a reborn spirit! Every other miracle you receive will come in exactly the same way.

You start by simply believing what God's Word says concerning your area of need, by letting that Word change your heart and mind.

A lot of people try to skip that step. They try to believe for a miracle without spending enough time in the Word to change their hearts and minds. They just want to confess it with their mouths and have it instantly appear. But that won't happen. It's what we believe in our hearts and say with our mouths that we receive.

If you don't have enough faith yet to believe for the miracle you need, then you can get it. "Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Romans 10:17). So start filling the ears of your heart with the Word until faith for your miracle is born.

That's what the woman did who had the issue of blood. She believed in her heart that Jesus would heal her. Then she spoke her faith out loud. Then she acted on that faith--and she received her miracle.

It wasn't Jesus' decision. He didn't suddenly say, "You know, I think I'll work a miracle for that little lady today." No. She made it happen. She took her faith and drew on the power of God. That's why Jesus said, "Daughter, your faith has made you whole" (Matthew 9:22).

You have that same opportunity. God's power is always present everywhere. Your faith will bring it into your life, body or circumstances. So reach out to Jesus. Believe, confess and receive your miracle today.

Scripture Reading:
Matthew 9:18-31

Pride goes before destruction and haughtiness before a fall.
—Proverbs 16:18 (TLB)

David, king of ancient Israel, found himself in the midst of a confused national situation. His kingdom was torn by internal strife. Slave hated master; master hated slave. People blamed the government, and government blamed the people. David looked about him and saw that every man thought himself perfect. Each individual placed blame upon other individuals. David knew that if sinful pride continued to increase, his nation would collapse spiritually. He knew that economic depression, moral disintegration, or military defeat inevitably follow spiritual decline. So David turned to God, and it was revealed to him by the Spirit of God that the spiritual tide of his nation could rise no higher than the spiritual level of his own heart. So he fell on his knees in utter humility and prayed, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:23,24).

Billy Graham: Don’t Let Pride Get in the Way

Prayer for the day
Lord, deliver me from the sin of pride, and fill me with continuing humility as I go about the tasks before me this day.

Beloved. Why is your soul so downcast? Why are you disquieted in your mind, My Child. You are heavy laden with the cares of this world. 

Even your own physical body has betrayed you at times. Know this, Dear One. In the last days, the enemy seeks to wear out the saints. I understand and I am well acquainted with your griefs and sorrows. But I am your God and Savior. I am mighty to save. So come to Me, My weary one.

I know you have little strength left. Even now, I have come to be your strength. Just reach out in faith. Surrender it all. Let My Spirit lift you up and take you away from it all. Turn your face to the warm breezes of My Spirit. Turn your face to My Face. I am your Sonshine. I bring forth the Wind from My treasuries. You are not an earth dweller, Beloved. As I am, so are you in this world. There are no chains holding you down any longer.

Whom the Son has set free is free indeed. Come with Me and ride the Winds of the Spirit. The enemy will not know where you are, where you have been or where you are going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit. Let not your heart be troubled. Keep your mind on things above. Let My joy be your strength. Come away from the world and ride the Winds of the Holy Spirit, My Love. Your Beloved speaks to you and says, "Arise, My darling, My beautiful one, and come away with Me." You shall be seen riding upon the Wings of the Wind"

...2 Samuel 22:7 In my distress I called upon the Lord; I cried to my God, and He heard my voice from His temple; my cry came into His ears. 11 He rode on a cherub and flew; He was seen upon the wings of the wind.

... Deuteronomy 32:1Like an eagle that stirs up its nest, That hovers over its young, He spread His wings and caught them, He carried them on His pinions.

...Ezekiel 11:24 And the Spirit lifted me up and brought me in a vision by the Spirit of God
...John 3:5 “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at My saying, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The WIND blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”

...Acts 2:2 And suddenly there came from heaven a noise like a mighty rushing WIND, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.

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

Then a shoot will spring from the stem of Jesse, and a branch from his roots will bear fruit (Isaiah 11: 1). 

When I raise up this people they will walk in wisdom, understanding and knowledge. They will not prescribe to the old ways, but walk in the new covenant of God.

Their vats will overflow with new wine, and their barns will overflow with grain. I will reach out my hand a second time and bless my people once again. There is a new purity coming forth from my people. It’s a natural byproduct of my glory and my spirit being poured out in unprecedented amounts.

In my vision, the man brought me back to the entrance of the temple. There I saw a stream flowing east from beneath door of the temple and passing to the right of the altar on its south side (Ezekiel 47:1). I hear wherever these waters flow, people will be changed. Swarms of living creatures will live wherever the river flows. There will be large numbers of fish, because this water flows there and makes the salt water fresh; so where the river flows everything will live (Ezekiel 47:9). The Lord has come to purify your river, to sanctified your soul.

To make quick work of your deliverance, and get you on the narrow path. Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it (Matthew 7:13). For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water; whoever then first, after the stirring up of the water, stepped in and was made well from whatever disease with which he was afflicted (John 5:4).

Have you discerned your season, have you run to the water. Have you been cleansed by the baptismal of the Lord. Those who seek my face will find me. I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire (Matthew 3:11).

Be purified by the water, sanctified by the fire, and moved by the spirit. Let nothing hold you back from all God has for you....

Tammy Lang Jensen

““Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life” (Timothy 6:18-19 NLT).

God’s Word tells us in Matthew 6:20-21 to store up our treasures in heaven.
How can we do this? In one of his most misunderstood statements, Jesus said, “I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings” (Luke 16:9 NIV).

Jesus did not mean for you to “buy” friends with money. What he meant was that you should use the money God gives you to bring people to Christ. They will then be your friends for eternity, friends who will welcome you in heaven! It’s the best financial investment you’ll ever make.

You’ve probably heard the expression “You can’t take it with you,” but the Bible says you can send it on ahead by investing in people’s eternal destination: “By doing this they will be storing up real treasure for themselves in heaven — it is the only safe investment for eternity! And they will be living a fruitful Christian life down here as well” (1 Timothy 6:19 TLB).

What are ways you can invest your money in other people? What are ways you can invest your money in bringing people to Jesus? Pray about this, and see who or what God brings to mind. No matter how small, make one investment in eternity this week.

Your actions will affirm your faith.

PLAY today’s audio teaching from Pastor Rick
Talk It Over

In what area do you spend most of your money?
How is your investment in that area making — or not making — an eternal impact?
What is your motivation when you give your money to invest in other people?

"Peter replied to Him, 'Lord, if it is [really] You, command me to come to You on the water.' He said, 'Come!' So Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus."
Matthew 14:28-29, AMP

TODAY'S WORD:

Why do you think Peter wanted to get out of the boat? Why did he all of the sudden think he could walk on water when Jesus called him? Well, you might say, "Joel, it's because he saw Jesus open the blind eyes and cleanse the lepers." Yes, that's true. But the other disciples in the boat saw the same things. Why didn't they want to get out? I believe it was because Peter understood that it was his time. He stirred up his faith. He believed at that moment that he could do what God placed in his heart. Jesus said, "Peter, do you want to get out of that boat?" He said, "Yes, I do." Jesus replied, "Well, come on out." Notice that Jesus didn't say, "Peter, stay in that boat. Don't you know I'm the Son of God?" No. He said, "Peter, I like your attitude of faith. I like the fact that you believe you can do great things."

I encourage you today to have that same kind of boldness. Start believing that your time is here! All the dreams that you've buried, those desires that you thought would never work out, it's time to start believing again. It's your time, and it's time to step out of the boat!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

"Dear Father, today I choose to believe Your Word. I believe You are faithful to complete the good work You've started in my life. I choose to follow Your voice and step out of the boat. Thank You for bringing to pass the dreams in my heart in Jesus' name. Amen."

And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.

— Ezekiel 36:26

Many times, when somebody is born again, the first things they are told are: “You need to change your hairstyle, or dress differently. You have a tattoo that needs to be covered up. You’ve got an earring in the wrong place.” Their introduction to Christianity is a list of rules, things they must do, and things they must not do, according to what people think is right and wrong.

Sadly, too many times no one talks to them at all about their heart or their relationship with God. Instead it’s about all these things they have to do if they want to be part of a particular religious organization. Although God will lead us to make positive changes in our lives, He totally accepts us as we are, and we need to do the same for new Christians. Give them time, and God will lead them by giving them new desires.

Jesus died so we could have a deep, passionate, personal relationship with God. He didn’t die to give us a list of rules. He gave us something much deeper and much better—He gave us access to God so that we could be in close personal relationship with our heavenly Father.

Prayer Starter: Thank You, Lord, that You want a close, intimate relationship with me, and that You patiently change me from the inside out. Help me to remember this when I’m tempted to be too hard on myself or others. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Jeremiah 29:12-13

The you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek me and find Me, when you search for Me with all of your heart.

What is prayer? Prayer is not sending God to run your errands. A Christian must get on his knees before he can get on his feet. Prayer is not getting God prepared to do your will. Prayer is getting prepared to do God's will. Prayer is the only way to release the supernatural power of God in your life.

I often hear people say, "I want to do something abut this problem." Until you're praying, you're not doing anything about the problem. Prayer has the power to cure sickness and shatter the habits that enslave you. Prayer does not need proof; it needs practice. God is not far off. He is as close as the next prayer you pray.

Source:  Life Lessons to Live By - What is Prayer?

Today's Bible Reading

Old Testament

2 Chronicles 29:1-36

New Testament

Romans 14:1-23

Psalms & Proverbs

Psalms 24:1-10

Proverbs 20:12

TUESDAY
31
Ephesians 1:11-14

Because of God’s grace, we are extremely wealthy people. No amount of earthly riches can compare. At salvation, God ...

Freed us from sin’s power. Although the flesh remains, it no longer rules over us. As new creations indwelt by God’s Spirit, we have His power to resist temptation and to obey.

United us with our Savior. Since the moment we first believed, we’ve been living in Christ and He’s been living in us. And we are sealed in Him by the Spirit.

Made us part of God’s family. God has become our Father, and we are His adopted sons and daughters. Our spiritual family extends all over the world.

Translated us into the kingdom of light. The kingdom of darkness, which includes this world and all its unsaved inhabitants, is under Satan’s rule. (See Acts 26:18.) When someone receives Jesus Christ as Savior, his or her home becomes the kingdom of light (Col. 1:12-13). From then on, that person is a citizen of heaven, who is called to serve as Jesus’ ambassador to the unsaved (2 Corinthians 5:20).

Gave us an eternal inheritance. The precious promises of Scripture are one part of our birthright. More awaits us in heaven, where it cannot fade away or be defiled (1 Peter 1:4).

Started the sanctification process. To sanctify means “to set apart for God’s use” and “to make holy.” With our cooperation, the Spirit works to transform us into Jesus’ likeness.

When life is pressing you down, ponder the riches of divine grace. Discouragement will lift, and spiritual joy will take over.

Bible in One Year: Isaiah 36-39

July 31, 2018
Oh, fear the Lord, you His saints! There is no want to those who fear Him. The young lions lack and suffer hunger; but those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing (Psalm 34:910 NKJV).

The Word of God is clear: those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing. Notice this verse does not say, “Those who seek what is in God’s hand shall not lack any good thing.” It doesn’t say, “Those who seek what God can give them shall not lack any good thing.” And yet there are believers who do this very thing.

You never have chase down a good thing. The moment you seek the good thing, you disqualify yourself from this particular promise of God.

Many people start off seeking God, and then get distracted when they see a good thing coming on the horizon. They lose sight of God, and at the same time they disqualify themselves from the promise.

Stay focused and committed to letting God do things His way. Let God bring you the good thing you are believing for. If it is your good thing, He can and will bring it into your hand. You do not need to chase it down.

When God puts something into your hand, no one can take it away. When God gives it to you, you can rest secure in the knowledge that no devil, no person, and no negative situation can rob you of what is rightfully yours.

Give God the opportunity to show Himself strong on your behalf. His Word promises that if you seek Him you will not lack any good thing. So, let God do it His way.

Confession: I choose today to seek God, knowing that as I put Him first in my life He will see to it that I do not lack any good thing

Author: Jerry Savelle

John 15:9

“As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love.

In your workplace, you probably take coffee breaks, lunch breaks, tea breaks and definitely toilet breaks. Why not do the same in your spiritual life—take time out for breaks, especially love breaks?

What is a love break? It is the time you take to enjoy and feed on the love of Jesus for you. At any time during the day, wherever you are, find a quiet spot and feed on the love of Jesus. Just sit down and talk to Him. Say to Him, “Thank You, Jesus, for loving me. Nothing is going to happen to me that You don’t already know about. Jesus, when I could not save myself, You died for me. You gave up Your life for me. What else will You not do for me!”

Such love breaks are typified in the Old Testament by Aaron the high priest and his sons eating the breast of the animal sacrificed. (Leviticus 7:31) The breast of the animal speaks of the love of Jesus. Today, you are a priest to God. (Revelation 1:6) So spend time feeding on the love of Jesus for you, and see yourself nourished, strengthened and sustained by His love. Jesus is our High Priest today. This means that His food is in loving us. He enjoys loving us and is also “nourished” by His love for us.

But do not forget that the breast was roasted by fire (Leviticus 7:35), which speaks of God’s judgment on Jesus as He hung on the cross because He was carrying our sins. So as you feed on Jesus’ love for you, see Him loving you at the cross. When things around you are not going well, do not allow the devil to say to you, “If God loves you, how come these things are happening to you?” My friend, interpret God’s love for you based on the cross, not on your present circumstances.

During the day, when you are hard at work, when busyness sets in, when problems pile up or when discouragement comes, just stop everything and take a love break with Jesus! Let Jesus love you. Let yourself enjoy being loved by Him. Lean on His bosom, abide in His love and be nourished by His love for you!

Anthony Evans Singing "One Thing Remains" By Jesus Culture