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"But thanks be to God, Who in Christ always leads us in triumph..."
2 Corinthians 2:14, AMP

TODAY'S WORD:
In life, we all have to deal with the unexpected. Just because we're believers, just because we're good people or doing the right thing doesn't make us exempt from trouble. The scripture says, "The rain falls on the just and the unjust."

In times when something unexpected happens, or you find yourself facing a crisis, you don't have to go into "panic mode" or fall apart emotionally. Remember, that crisis is no surprise to God. It may be unexpected to you, but God knows the end from the beginning. He has solutions to problems that you haven't even had. He has equipped you for every battle, and He goes before you making your crooked places straight.

Today, focus on the fact that God is with you. Remember that He is walking with you and guiding you to a place of peace and victory. No matter what has happened, He will take what the enemy meant for evil and turn it around for your good! That circumstance is no surprise to God, and He has the answer for you!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:
"Heavenly Father, I come to You with an open and humble heart. Thank You for the victory that You have in store for me even when I can't see it. I choose to trust You and Your goodness knowing that You are faithful in Jesus' name. Amen."

Today, I want to talk about being thankful for God’s provision of healing. We have a covenant right to walk in divine health.

Some people say that God puts sickness on people and disease to teach us something. That is not in the Word! Jesus never said, “I’d sure like to help you, but God told me that He is trying to teach you something.” In fact, the opposite is true. The Word says that when multitudes of people came to Jesus, He had compassion on them and healed them ALL (Matthew 14:14). Acts 10:38 says,”God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil.” Not once did Jesus refuse to heal anybody. When a person said,”Master, I know you can heal me if you will,” He didn’t answer, “I know I can too, but I won’t.”

Look at Mark 16:17,18. It says, “these signs shall follow the believer…They shall lay hands on the sick, and the sick shall recover.” In Exodus 15:26 it says: “I am the Lord that healeth thee.” If you’ll read Psalm 103:2-5, you’ll see that it says He forgives our inquities and heals all of our diseases.

When Jesus died at Calvary, we see Him doing what Isaiah said He would: bearing our sin, our sickness, and our diseases. Jesus became a curse for us. He bore every sickness and disease listed in Deuteronomy 28. After naming all kinds of sicknesses and diseases, it says, “Also every sickness, and every plague, which is not written in the book of this law” (v.61). From the common cold to cancer – every sickness is under the curse. And, we have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb!

God wants you to receive your healing. He doesn’t care whether you go to the physician or to the minister as long as you put His Word first place in your life. According to Proverbs 4:22, the Word is health to your flesh. Begin to put the Word in your heart, confess it, and allow it to be medicine to your flesh.

Jesus Christ is the High Priest of our confession, and He will back His Word. Your symptoms may tell you that you are sick, but God says that you are healed.

Aren’t you glad God doesn’t want you sick? Today, be thankful for God’s provision for healing.

Confession: Thank you Father for providing my healing at Calvary. Health and healing are mine because You have redeemed me from the curse of the law.

Author: Jerry Savelle

Psalms 62:1-2

Having been saved by faith in Christ, we express our love and gratitude through devotion to Him. Regular Bible study and prayer should be an integral part of our daily routine. In addition, our commitment to the Lord will be revealed through a passion to obey, a spirit of humility, and a heart for service.

Obedience. David sought to obey God all his life. As a shepherd boy, he faithfully tended the animals in his father’s fields. While king, he set aside his desire to build the temple and let Solomon lead the effort, as God had commanded. Although David lived imperfectly, his desire was to do what the Lord asked. We see from Jesus’ words in John 14:15 that obedience should be our high priority as well: He said, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.”

Humility. After David killed Goliath, the crowds shouted praise about the young man. However, he did not become prideful. Instead, he remained in King Saul’s service and waited for God to make him the ruler of Israel. Even as king, he remained humble. He knew that what had been accomplished was because of the Lord’s actions and not his own (2 Sam. 7:18).

Service. Whether David was a lowly shepherd or a mighty king, his goal was to obey God and serve Him. This man after God’s own heart was fully devoted to his Lord. He sought to know Him and longed to carry out His will.

David’s actions reflected His humble attitude of servanthood and a longing to please his heavenly Father. Take steps each day to be sure your life expresses commitment to Jesus.

Bible in a Year: Psalms 112-118

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid (Matthew 5:14).

The Lord Jesus made this powerful statement about you. He says to you the very thing He said about Himself when He said, "As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world" (John 9:5). You’re a city that’s set on a hill: to be a light in your world. Matthew 5:15 says, "Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house."

This lets you know your calling as a Christian. You’re called to light up the darkness. Psalm 74:20 says, "…the dark places of the earth are full of the habitations of cruelty," but you’re that light in a dark world.

Ephesians 5:13 tells us, "…all things that are reproved, are made manifest by the light: for whatever doth make manifest is light." Light is that which makes manifest; light illuminates. You have a calling in this life to bring illumination to your world. 1 Thessalonians 5:5 says, "Ye are all children of light, and children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness." You can’t be different from your origin; the offspring of a dog will naturally be a dog, not a cat. Therefore, as a child of light, you’re light! You unveil God’s Word and reveal the things of the Spirit to the world.

You’re the light of your world, in much the same way as Jesus was the Light of the world. The Lord Jesus announced to the people: "I am the light of the world. If anyone follows me, he shall not walk in darkness but he shall have the light of life" (John 8:12). That’s just how you are! As a student, you’re the light in your school. As a businessperson, you’re the light of your industry. As a police officer, you’re the light of the service and community. As a soldier, you’re the light of the army. You’re the light in your workplace. Go ahead and light up your world! Let the love of Christ so shine through you, that the world may see it and glorify God in you.

Confession

I’m the light of the world, a city set on a hill that can’t be hidden. I’m manifesting the glory of God to my world, making His Name known, and bringing men and women unto righteousness, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

further study: Philippians 2:14-15; Matthew 5:16

: Acts 15:36-16:1-15 Esther 8-10

: 2 Corinthians 12:1-10 Isaiah 21

Then little children were brought to Jesus, that He might put His hands on them and pray; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. But He said, Leave the children alone! Allow the little ones to come to Me, and do not forbid or restrain or hinder them, for of such [as these] is the kingdom of heaven composed.
—Matthew 19:13-14

Children seem to be able to make a game out of anything. They quickly adjust, don't have a problem letting other children be different than they are, and are always exploring something new. They are amazed by everything!

Oswald Chambers wrote in My Utmost for His Highest: “The freedom after sanctification is the freedom of a child, the things that used to keep the life pinned down are gone.” We definitely need to watch and study children and obey the command of Jesus to be more like them (Matthew 18:3). It is something we have to do on purpose as we get older. We all have to grow up and be responsible, but we don't have to stop enjoying ourselves and life.

Don't let the world steal your confidence. Remember that you have been created on purpose by the hand of God. He has a special, unique, wonderful plan for you. Go for it! Don't shrink back, conform, or live in fear.


Lord, I can't be a child again, but I can have the freedom and the wonder of a child. I come to You as a child now, and I ask You to renew a childlike faith in me. Amen.

“To God be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus for all time, forever and ever! Amen” (Ephesians 3:21 TEV).

You can show God’s glory by joining the family of God. The Bible says in Ephesians 3:21, “To God be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus for all time, forever and ever! Amen” (TEV).

The Bible says that one day there will be a new heaven and new earth. The only thing that’s going to last for eternity is God’s family.

A thousand years from today, if there’s still earth here, there won’t be a Microsoft. There won’t be a Hollywood a thousand years from today. There won’t be a United States of America, because no earthly kingdom lasts forever. There won’t be all of the things we think are so great.

But there will still be the family of God. God’s people last. It’s the only thing that’s going to last!

You need to find a local congregation that will love you and help you grow in biblical truth and knowledge. You need to find your spiritual family. You need to find the place where you can give and share your talents and benefit from the abilities of others.

You need to join a local church. Why? Because it’s going to outlast everything else you do.

I make no apology in saying to you that maybe joining a spiritual family will be the most significant thing you do with your life. Because what the Church is doing in making a difference in the world is going to outlast your career. It’s going to outlast your hobbies. It’s going to outlast every other thing you do. It’s the only thing that’s going to last forever because it’s about changed lives.

There are only two things that are going to last forever: God’s Word and God’s people.

PLAY today’s audio teaching from Pastor Rick >>

Talk It Over


How do your priorities need to change so that you have an eternal perspective that is focused on things that really matter?
If you are not part of a local church, what steps do you need to take in that direction?
If you are part of a local church, how are you using your gifts and abilities to serve others in the church and your community?

Memorise: 
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. Psalms 27:1

Read: 1st Samuel 17:45-50, (KJV) 
45 Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.
46 This day will the Lord deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.
47 And all this assembly shall know that the Lord saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the Lord's, and he will give you into our hands.
48 And it came to pass, when the Philistine arose, and came, and drew nigh to meet David, that David hastened, and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine.
49 And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead; and he fell upon his face to the earth.
50 So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew him; but there was no sword in the hand of David.


Bible in one year: 
Acts 18:18-20:16,
Song of Solomon 5:2-9

Message:
There is a threatening giant mightier than Goliath that we must overcome if our lives will be meaningful and highly fulfilling. This giant is no other one than the devil. As a matter of fact, Goliath in our Bible reading for today was just an apprentice in the school of Satan. The Bible says that the devil is a roaring lion walking about, seeking whom he may devour (1st Peter 5:8). This was exactly what Goliath did, he roared at the children of Israel and they trembled before him.
“And he stood and cried unto the armies of Israel, and said unto them, why are ye come out to set your battle in array? Am not I a Philistine, and ye servants of Saul? Choose you a man for you, and let him come down to me. If he be able to fight with me, and to kill me, then will we be your servants: but if I prevail against him, and kill him, then shall ye be our servants, and serve us.”
1st Samuel 17:8-9
How did the children of Israel overcome the threatening giant of their lives? They overcame him through their representative, the young David, who knew the God that he served. The giant came, cursing David by the name of his gods and David returned the curses by giving a deadly prophecy against the uncircumcised Philistine in the name of his own God:

“This day will the Lord deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.”
1st Samuel 17:46

One lesson we learn from this story is that battles of life are beyond the physical. Even the giant did not rely on his strength alone; hence the reason he cursed David by his gods! David was up to the task, so he replied, not in the same way but in a greater dimension by condemning the host of the Philistine carcases to the beasts, not only the Champion’s. This is why the Bible says.
“For we wrestle not against the flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”

Ephesians 6:12
This is equally why we must put on the whole armour of God to be able to withstand the giants of our life, particularly in our Christian lives. Another lesson is that, since our weapons are not carnal, we must not attempt to fight against the giant with our senses or physical weapons. When King Saul gave physical weapons to David, he rejected them because he knew they would fail. He confidently challenged Goliath with his God. I encourage you to take hold of the Name of the Lord in your battle against the giants in your life and you will subdue them all. However, you must have a cordial relationship with the bearer of the Name through holiness and perfect obedience to His Word.


Prayer Point
Father, I come against all the giants of life threatening my destiny and I destroy them completely today in Jesus’ mighty name.

Open Heavens written by Pastor E.A Adeboye

Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her. She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee.
Proverbs 4:7-9


If you really want to get the wisdom of God, you'll have to do more than casually read the Scriptures a few minutes a day. You'll have to feed on them night and day. You'll have to get rid of the rubbish you've been feeding into your consciousness by reprogramming your mind with the Word of God.

"Oh, Brother Copeland," you may say, "that's unreasonable!"

Yes it is. But consider this: A music major in college practices for hours every day. Olympic skaters spend six to eight hours a day training for their routines. They do it because they're unreasonably committed to their goals.

The same is true for you. If you're going to achieve the kind of spiritual excellence you're hungry for, you're going to have to be unreasonably committed to the Word of God.

That may well mean that you'll have to carry a tape player around with you everywhere you go. It may mean that you'll have your razor in one hand and your tape player in the other or a tape player in one hand and a fork in the other.

Do whatever it takes to totally saturate yourself with the Word of God. I would speak to you no differently if I were your commanding officer about to send you into combat against the best trained elite troops of a savage enemy.

You are God's frontline assault force. You have an enemy who is doing his dead-level best to destroy you. In this crucial, all-out, no-holds-barred offensive, Satan will dispatch hell's choicest personnel to bring you down. If you're going to make it through in victory, you're going to have to put yourself in training.

Be unreasonably committed. Get wisdom.



Scripture Reading:
Proverbs 1:7-33

The Head that once was crowned with thorns is crowned with Glory now, Beloved. The Savior who once knelt to wash His followers' feet, is the same One before whom the enemy must now kneel in defeat. The One who bore your sin and shame is now robed in Majesty from on High. This same shining Robe of Righteousness covers you, Dear One. You are adorned with the Radiance of perfect Love. The fear that held you now must give way to Him who is your peace.

The final Breath upon the cross is now alive in you, Dear One. By My Spirit, you shall rise from the ashes of defeat. I am the Resurrected King. In My name, you come alive and walk in victory. I am your Victory, Beloved. I wear The Victor's crown. Every high thing must come down, every stronghold shall be broken in My Name. It is FINISHED! Have no doubt, Beloved. You are an overcomer by the Blood of the Lamb. The grave could not contain me, precious one! You are My delight. You are more than a conqueror through Him who loves you!.

Isaiah 61:10 I delight greatly in Yahweh; my soul rejoices in my God. For He has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of His righteousness, as a Bridegroom adorns His head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

Psalm 149:4For the LORD takes delight in His people; He crowns the humble with victory.
Hebrews 2:9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, CROWNED WITH GLORY and HONOR; that He by the grace of God should taste death for every man.

10For it became Him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the Captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. 11For both He that sanctifies and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause He is not ashamed to call them brethren,

12Saying, " I will declare Your Name unto My brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto You.13 And again, I will put my trust in Him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given Me."

14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death He might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; 15And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. 16For verily He took not on Him the nature of angels; but He took on Him the seed of Abraham. 17Wherefore in all things it behoved Him to be made like unto His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. 18For in that He Himself has suffered being tempted, He is able to come to the aid of them that are tempted.