The Importance of Treating Others Well - Joyce Meyer

November 29, 2016

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God [do not offend or vex or sadden Him], by Whom you were sealed (marked, branded as God’s own, secured) for the day of redemption . . .
—Ephesians 4:30


I take a verse such as Ephesians 4:30 very seriously—I certainly do not want to “grieve the Holy Spirit” and I know you don’t either. But how do we avoid doing it?

Reading the verses surrounding verse 30 makes it clear that one thing that grieves the Holy Spirit is when people mistreat one another. Consider that:
In verse 29 we are encouraged to edify others with the words or our mouth.
Verse 31 exhorts us not to be bitter, angry, or contentious and to beware of slander, spite, and ill will.
In verse 32 we are told to be kind to one another, forgiving readily and freely.

When we realize it grieves the Holy Spirit when we are sharp or hateful with someone, or when we stay angry with someone, we will look to change.

I encourage you to ask God to help you see others the way He sees them. Ask Him to give you the kindness and patience you need to deal gently and lovingly with the people in your life, especially those who are unkind or difficult to be around. God will be pleased when He sees you have a heart attitude that wants to love and bless others.
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FEARLESS MESSENGER? - Pastor E.A Adeboye

November 29, 2016

Memorise: 

Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee saith the lord. Jeremiah 1:8
Read: Jeremiah 1:4-10 (KJV)


4 Then the word of the Lord came unto me, saying,
5 Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.
6 Then said I, Ah, Lord God! Behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child.
7 But the Lord said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak.
8 Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the Lord.
9 Then the Lord put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the Lord said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth.
10 See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant.




Bible in one year: Exodus 6:14-8:32, Psalms 110-111
MESSAGE
There are different ways by which God can send His word to His people. The Word of the Lord came unto Jeremiah telling him to fear not the faces of the people He was sending him to because the message He had given him would not be a pleasant message for them. Same was the account of Jonah when he was given a message to the people of Nineveh. Open Heaven Tuesday 29 November 2016:- Fearless Messenger? The message of God to His children is always in various forms. It contains doctrine, reproof, correction and instruction in righteousness (

(2nd Timothy 3:16). It is always difficult for man to be confronted with his errors and wicked ways, and this was the assignment that God gave Prophet Jeremiah. How I wish there are many prophet Jeremiahs in our land, there would be more revival in our land. Prophets like Jeremiah who will call a spade a spade and not water down the Word of God because of the faces of the people. You cannot entangle yourself with the affairs of this world and still deliver the message of God without bias. There are many men of God who are afraid of the people God is sending them to. The God we serve has not given us the spirit of fear but of boldness and soundness of mind.
You have to be fearless in preaching the Word of God. You must be instant in season and out of season. We live in a time when people do not want to listen to the absolute truth of God’s Word. People are very selective about the kind of messages they listen to. Do you receive the Word with gladness each time the Word points you to the cross? 2nd Timothy 4:3 says:


“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;”

God wanted Jeremiah to warn the people about the punishment to come if they would not repent from their ways of wickedness. God told Jeremiah to inform those who were proud and wicked, that the rod of affliction was coming on them. [Open Heavens Devotional 2016] The essence of this message to the people was for them to purge themselves from righteousness. Each time the Word of God comes to you, it is an opportunity to amend your ways before it is too late. God wants you to be a vessel unto honour, sanctified and meet for His use so that you can be prepared for every good work.


Whatever assignment God has given to you, do not be afraid. You will meet with many oppositions and enemies but you can be sure God is by your side. They may look big, but they are not bigger than the One who has sent you. God will always deliver you out of the hand of persecutors. He will not only stand by you as you deliver the Word, He will deliver you from every trouble in the course of the assignment. When God sends you a message, He also backs you with His power. They may not like your face, but you can be sure that once you have declared the counsel of God to them, at the point of judgment; you will not be responsible for their blood.

Key Point

If God be for you who can be against you?
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THANK YOUR WAY TO PEACE - Joseph Prince

November 29, 2016

Philippians 4:6

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;


You would probably have read this verse before, but would you like to know how to apply it in your everyday life? Let me give you an illustration to help you.

Let’s say that you are one of those in your company eligible for a promotion and you will know tomorrow whether you get it. You want the promotion badly because it means more income for your family. So you lie in bed at night tossing and turning. You pray, “Father, please take away all my worries about this promotion. Give me faith.” One hour later, you are more anxious than ever. It seems like God is not answering your prayer!

How come? Because you are not doing it God’s way.

Pray like this instead: “Father, I cast all my worries about the promotion into Your loving hands because You care for me and love me.” The Bible tells us to cast all our cares upon the Lord for He cares for us. (1 Peter 5:7) Then, say, “Father, I would like to have the promotion.” It is okay to ask Him for that. Now, here comes the most powerful part—thanksgiving. Finish off with thanksgiving. Thank God for His faithfulness.

Say something like, “Father, whether I get the promotion or not, I thank You that You will always provide for my family with more than enough. You who feed the birds of the air and clothe the lilies of the field will take care of us. So I am not going to worry about this promotion. You are the source of all my blessings.” (Matthew 6:30, Philippians 4:19)

When you pray like this, all of a sudden, you are no longer held hostage by the promotion. I call this the “thank You” therapy. The more you know God’s Word, the more you can thank Him. The more you thank Him, the more His peace reigns in your heart. And many a time, before you know it, it is morning! You don’t even remember falling asleep. The peace of God reigns like that.

My friend, whatever your concern is, bring it to your Father in prayer and thank your way to peace!

Thought For The Day

The more you know God’s Word, the more you can thank Him. The more you thank Him, the more His peace reigns in your heart.
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The Power Of Why - Bishop T.D Jakes

November 29, 2016

Your questions lead to the truth.



Rumi once said we should look for the answer inside our question.

Indeed, the questions we ask ourselves point to the very truths we seek.

We ask why we are hurting, yet know the reasons all too well. We ask why they treat us this way (and how much longer we can take it) yet forget to listen to our own wisdom. We ask which path to follow, yet our intuition keeps pointing towards the light.

Still, living with our questions feels like standing on uneven ground; we fear never getting back our footing.

But our questions are the roadmap to our truth.


Researchers have found that too often we fear asking questions; we stick to a course of action, ignoring our instincts and staying within perceived “safe” parameters. Yet, asking questions, and making decisions with flexibility and room to change, sets us on course to greater fulfillment and self-agency.

Allow yourself to ask why and sit awhile with the unknown. As uncomfortable as it may seem, there is power in asking why. All of your questions herald the arrival of the answers you seek.

Socrates once said that, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” In truth, the examination of our life choices, through every one of our questions, inspires a fundamental insight into the life we are meant to lead.

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FALSE WITNESS - Dag Heward-Mills

November 29, 2016

READ: 3 John 9-12
A false witness who utters lies, And one who spreads strife among brothers.
Proverbs 6:19, NASB

Do not follow people like Diotrephes who exalt themselves against apostles and spiritual leaders.

“I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church. Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God” (3 John 1:9-11).

Satan was the first person to lift himself up against authority. The authority he lifted himself up against was God. Everyone who exalts himself against existing authority is following Satan. This is why John advised the church: “Do not follow that which is evil.”

How often are spiritual leaders attacked and prevented from doing their work? Diotrephes is the quintessential opposition to spiritual authority.

Entire churches can gang up against their pastor and fight him. You can hardly find a person in this world who has not criticized one pastor or another. But you must not follow that which is evil!
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Satan at Work - Billy Graham

November 29, 2016

In whom we have redemption . . . the forgiveness of sins.
—Ephesians 1:7


Satan is at work in our world. The Bible is my authority. He exists and he has control over thousands of young people, whose hearts have never been captured by Jesus Christ. He has hundreds of agents writing pornographic literature and producing sex movies to pollute young minds. He has intellectuals in high positions teaching a hedonistic and permissive philosophy.

Daily I come in contact with mixed-up people who are caught in the anguish of their own unpreparedness, intellectuals who have been seduced by false science, and rich men who are held in the grip of insecurity. They have no commitment to any goal. They lack an anchor for their real selves. And I long to take every one of them by the hand and lead them into the presence of the One who said, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

Prayer for the day

So many are without You, Lord! Use me to lead others from a destructive course to the one which will give them the satisfaction that only You can give.
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DON'T BUY A LIE - KENNETH COPELAND

November 29, 2016

And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God.
Deuteronomy 28:2


"Well, brother, in the end I'm sure you'll see these financial problems are actually a blessing in disguise." Have you ever heard anybody say that to someone who's hurting financially? Chances are, you have. It's a popular idea. The problem is, it's a lie used by the devil to keep believers down.

As a result, many believers today are suffering one financial defeat after another. So let's go to the Word of God today and get the issue of prosperity and poverty straight. Let's find out, once and for all, which is the blessing, which the curse.

You can find the answer to that question in Deuteronomy 28. What God describes in verses 1 through 14 is the blessing—prosperity. In verses 15 through 31, God describes poverty—and He has called it a curse.

The curse is meant to destroy. Not to teach people a lesson. Not to make them more spiritual. But to destroy them.

Regardless of how intense the lack is, the nature of poverty remains the same. It is, and will always be, a curse.

Satan has gone to great lengths to convince God's people that poverty is a blessing in disguise. But poverty is something the devil contrived!

Don't buy into his lies. Get your thinking in line with the Word of God. If you're a born-again child of God, you no longer have to live under the curse of poverty or any other curse for that matter. You've been redeemed!



Scripture Reading:

Deuteronomy 28:1-31
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The Blessings of Meditation - Joyce Meyer

November 28, 2016

My son, attend to my words; consent and submit to my sayings. Let them not depart from your sight; keep them in the center of Your heart. For they are life to those who find them, healing and health to all their flesh.
—Proverbs 4:20-22

In these verses, the writer used the words, attend to my words, which is another way of exhorting us to meditate. I love the fact that God not only frequently tells us to meditate—to ponder seriously His Word, but He frequently promises results. It's as if God says, "Okay, Joyce, if you meditate, here's what I'm going to do for you."

In this passage, the promise is life and health. Isn't that amazing? It's even a promise that when you contemplate and brood over the Bible, it will affect your physical body.

We've known for a long time that when we fill our minds with healthy, positive thoughts, it affects our body and improves our health. This is just another way of repeating this truth. Or take the opposite viewpoint: Suppose we fill our minds with negative thoughts and remind ourselves how frail we are or how sick we were the day before. We soon become so filled with self-pity and self-defeating thoughts that we get even sicker.

In the previous pages, I've already mentioned the idea of prosperity (see Psalm 1 and Joshua 1:8). I believe that by "prosperity," God means that we'll be enriched and prosper in every part of our lives. It's not a promise of more material wealth, but an assurance of being able to enjoy all the wonderful blessings we have.

Recently when I meditated on several passages in the Bible, I realized God was showing me that the Word has hidden treasures in it—powerful, life-giving secrets—which God wants to reveal to us. They are there for those who muse, ponder, and contemplate the Word of God.

What we often forget is that God wants our fellowship, our company, and our time with Him. If we want a deep relationship with our heavenly Father, we have to make quality time for God. I recently heard someone say, "Quality time comes out of quantity times." In other words, it's only as we spend time with God on a regular, daily basis that we have those special, life-changing moments. We can't program them to happen, but if we're there on a daily basis, God will cause some of those times to be quality times of special blessing.

D. L. Moody once said that the Bible would keep us from sin, or sin would keep us from the Bible. That's the principle here. As we concentrate on God's Word and allow it to fill our thoughts, we will push away all desire to sin or to displease God in any way. We become more deeply rooted in Him. Again, think of it in the negative. When our mind remains focused on our problems all the time, we become consumed with them. If we meditate on what's wrong with others, we see even more flaws and faults. But when we concentrate on God's Word, light comes into our souls.

I want to go back one more time to that powerful statement in Philippians 4:8. No matter which translation or paraphrase we read it in, the message is powerful and exactly what we need to do to condition our minds for victory.

Here's Eugene Peterson's paraphrase in The Message: Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious, the best, not the worst: the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse.

Dear Father in heaven, teach me the blessings of pondering Your Word, of filling my heart and mind with Your spiritual manna. May I grow into maturity and become more and more like Your Son, Jesus. It's in His name that I pray. Amen.
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A FAITHFUL STEWARD? - Pastor E.A Adeboye

November 28, 2016

Memorise: 

Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. 1st Corinthians 4:2


Read: Luke 16:1-8 (KJV)
1 And he said also unto his disciples, There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods.

2 And he called him, and said unto him, How is it that I hear this of thee? give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward.
3 Then the steward said within himself, What shall I do? for my lord taketh away from me the stewardship: I cannot dig; to beg I am ashamed.

4 I am resolved what to do, that, when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.

5 So he called every one of his lord's debtors unto him, and said unto the first, How much owest thou unto my lord?

6 And he said, An hundred measures of oil. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and sit down quickly, and write fifty.

7 Then said he to another, And how much owest thou? And he said, An hundred measures of wheat. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and write fourscore.

8 And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.




Bible in one year: Exodus 4:1-6:13, Psalms 109:21-31
MESSAGE
Faithfulness is another obligation that God requires of us as human beings and particularly as His children. God is faithful and He wants us to resemble Him with this attribute of faithfulness. In our text today, we read about a steward who was found unfaithful and the master was about to sack him, this unfaithful servant then went about from one debtor to another to falsify records in order to please his master. Open Heaven Monday 28 November 2016:- A Faithful Steward? The efforts this steward put up to regain his master’s approval did nothing for the expansion of his master’s business, but the master still commended him. If the unfaithful servant could go to the extent he went in order to remain in service, why can’t the children of light go a greater extent to please our Father in heaven? The conclusion of our Bible reading says:


“And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely; for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.”


Another lesson we can learn from this story is that your upward movement to the next level is predicated upon how well you perform in your present level of operation. Luke 16:11-12 says:


“If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteousness mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man’s who shall give you that which is your own?”


Beloved, the Lord is interested in promoting you. As a matter of fact, your promotion is long overdue. I am happy to announce to you that this is your time, however, what are you doing with your present level of position? Are you productive or you are hoarding your ideas so that you can have something to use when you come to a leadership position? You are just destroying and delaying your progress if this is your attitude. To be faithful simply means to be full of faith. Do you have faith in the organisation you are working with? You will not be at your best if you don’t have faith in that organisation you work with? Proverbs 22:29 says:


“Seest thou a man diligent in his business? He shall stand before kings he shall not stand before mean men.”


Daniel was a typical faithful steward. 28 November 2016 Open Heaven. This is how he survived four generations of rulers – Nebuchadnezzar, Darius, Cyrus and Belshazzar. The faithfulness of Mordecai saved the entire Jewish race during the reign of Ahasuerus. My prayer is that you will be highly favoured by the virtue of your faithfulness in Jesus’ name.

Prayer Point

Father, I want to be faithful, please take away from me the spirit of unfaithfulness in Jesus’ name.
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CREATION CAN’T BUT REDEMPTION CAN! - Joseph Prince

November 28, 2016

John 9:7And He said to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which is translated, Sent).So he went and washed, and came back seeing.

When Adam sinned and fell, everything about creation fell. Yet, people today are still putting their trust in creation. For example, they try to become healthy by eating what is called the “Eden diet”—vegetables and no meat. They are acting as if creation did not fall. They also forget that there are people who eat well and exercise regularly, and still drop dead in the prime of their lives!

Thank God that what creation cannot do, redemption can and did. Jesus demonstrated this when He spat on the ground, made clay with the saliva and put it on a blind man’s eyes. (John 9:6–7) Now, it is certainly unusual to put clay on a blind man’s eyes because he would become doubly blind!

So why did Jesus do that?

He was demonstrating to us that all our body parts come from the ground and that because creation is fallen, the work of creation cannot open a blind man’s eyes. But the work of redemption can! That is why He sent the blind man to the pool of Siloam. The word “Siloam” means “Sent”, referring to the sent one, Jesus. When the blind man washed his eyes in the pool of the sent one, he received supernatural healing for his eyes.

Beloved, when we go to Jesus, the sent one who came to redeem us with the price of His blood, and we rest in His finished work, we will receive the miracle we need. If we believe that by His stripes we are healed (Isaiah 53:5), we will have greater health than those who trust in creation.

Jesus was sent to redeem us from every curse that came upon creation with the fall of Adam. (Galatians 3:13) He has redeemed us from sickness, pain, sorrow, depression, poverty and even death. The world may know Him as the Creator. But today, we know Him as our Redeemer. Where the work of creation cannot save us, His work of redemption can and has!

Thought For The Day

Where the work of creation cannot save us, Jesus’ work of redemption can and has!
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This Is When The World Needs You Most - Bishop T.D Jakes

November 28, 2016

You are needed more than you know.



In her novel “Go Set A Watchman”, Harper. Lee wrote that “our friends need us most when they are wrong.”

Her words are meant as reminder that when the people around us lose their way, that is when they need our guidance the most.

When we are in the midst of a world that seems to be more and more misguided and wrong, we are beacons in the fray that can right the wrongs.



True it is a huge responsibility for an individual to take upon their shoulders, but history is full of people both ordinary and extraordinary who changed the world and human history for the better.


In that way, they took positive action and created a butterfly effect. A butterfly effect is when an act has such enormous consequences that it is felt across distance, time, and even cultures.

Just as they did, we must create our own butterfly effects in order to answer the needs of a tumultuous world.



There are many ways to carry out change, but it helps to start small. Be genuine in your interactions with people. Volunteer your time and resources to those who will benefit from them the most. Live according to your values.

There is no wrong way to change the world. No action is too small to have an impact. No person is too insignificant to see positivity come from their work
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FEW DAYS - Dag Heward-Mills

November 28, 2016

READ: Job 14:1-12
Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble.
Job 14:1


You must redeem the time because your days will be few and full of trouble.

My heart was hot within me, while I was musing the fire burned; then I spoke with my tongue: "LORD, make me to know my end and what is the extent of my days; Let me know how transient I am.

Behold, You have made my days as handbreadths, And my lifetime as nothing in Your sight; Surely every man at his best is a mere breath. Selah.

Surely every man walks about as a phantom; Surely they make an uproar for nothing; He amasses riches and does not know who will gather them.

Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear to my cry; Do not be silent at my tears; for I am a stranger with You, A sojourner like all my fathers. Turn Your gaze away from me, that I may smile again before I depart and am no more .

Psalm 39:3-6, 12-13 (NASB)

Even if you want to serve the Lord, you are living in a real world which is full of many diverse troubles. These troubles will serve as perfect distractions as long as you live. The troubles of this world will also serve as perfect deceptions to you. These deceptions have already captured the heart of millions. Because of the multitude of life’s problems, few people ever think of eternity , and the reality of Hell and Heaven even though it lies just a step away from us all.
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The Sufficiency of God - Billy Graham

November 28, 2016

I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
—John 10:10


In God’s economy, you must go down into the valley of grief before you can scale the heights of spiritual glory. You must become tired and weary of living alone before you seek and find the fellowship of Christ. You must come to the end of “self” before you can begin to live. The happiest day of my life was when I realized that my own ability, my own goodness, and my own morality were insufficient in the sight of God. I am not exaggerating when I say that my mourning was turned to joy, and my sighing into singing. Happy are they that mourn for the inadequacy of self, for they shall be comforted with the sufficiency of God.
Prayer for the day

Almighty God, You have given me real life through Jesus Christ. My soul praises You.
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PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS FOR THIS WEEK!!! - Bishop David Oyedepo

November 28, 2016

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS FOR THIS WEEK!!!

Anything out of place in your life is restored today in the name of Jesus!
The great God, Who subdues mountains, will arise on your behalf in Jesus' name!
As you praise God, you will begin to break through every resistance in Jesus’ name!
Everything resisting your advancement is brought down today in Jesus' name!
Everything that has etched you in is broken down today in Jesus’ name!
Every terminal situation shall experience a turnaround today in Jesus' name!
Every form of pain and discomfort drops off your life today in Jesus’ name!
Today, your enemies shall be judged!
By the favour of God at work in your life, those who hate you will favour you in Jesus' name!
From today, your labour shall no longer be in vain!
As you praise God this week, the turnaround God will intervene in your situation!
Receive the grace to mind your spiritual life, so that you can qualify for the next level of blessings God has in store for you in Jesus’ name!
Everything God has ordained for you this year shall come to pass before you arrive at Shiloh 2016!
Before Shiloh 2016, God will re-brand your life supernaturally!
Welcome to your week of supernatural turnaround testimonies!
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IMITATE THE FAITHFUL - KENNETH COPELAND

November 28, 2016

Remember your leaders and superiors in authority, [for it was they] who brought to you the Word of God. Observe attentively and consider their manner of living…and imitate their faith.
Hebrews 13:7, The Amplified Bible


Apart from the Word of God itself and prayer, nothing can do more for you than watching and imitating a real man of faith. I found that out in a big way many years ago when I was a student at Oral Roberts University. As co-pilot on the airplane that transported him and his staff to his healing meetings, I had the opportunity to study Oral Roberts up close. I followed him around. I heard him preach. I watched him lay hands on the sick.

I'll never forget the day I had the opportunity to put some of what I'd learned from him into action. I'd just been to a few of his meetings. Spiritually, I was still as green as a gourd. But I'd been assigned to help the people in the "invalid room" get ready for Brother Roberts to lay hands on them. I was standing there for the first time surrounded by every kind of sickness and disease you can imagine. And when Brother Roberts came in, instead of laying hands on the people himself, he caught me by the coat sleeve and said, "You're going to do the praying. You're going to lay hands on them."

I know all the blood must have drained out of my face because I'd never prayed for anything like that in my life. I might have considered praying for a headache or maybe a serious hangnail, but that's it!

The first lady we came to had cancer of the stomach. She weighed less than 80 pounds. She was just the picture of death. I walked over toward her and before I could open my mouth, I heard a voice from behind me say, "In the Name of Jesus, take up your bed and walk." She instantly spit that cancer out on the floor. Then she jumped off that bed and screamed, "I'm healed," and started running around the room.

Let me tell you, that moment changed me. When I stepped up to the next person and raised my hands, I could see the healing coming. I'd seen Jesus heal through Brother Roberts, so in my mind's eye, I could see Him healing through me.

You can do the same thing. Find someone who's operating in more faith and power than you are and learn from him. Watch Jesus in him and then copy him. Sooner or later, others will start seeing Jesus in you.


Scripture Reading:

2 Kings 2:1-15
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BLESSED ARE YOUR BASKETS, KNEADING BOWLS AND NETS! - Joseph Prince

November 25, 2016

Deuteronomy 28:5

“Blessed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl.

In Bible times, reapers carried baskets on their backs to collect the harvest from the fields. They had to ensure that their baskets were strong and sturdy, so that what they collected would not fall out. The women of that day used kneading bowls to knead dough for making bread. If they used poor-quality bowls which broke easily, they would not be able to make bread.

So baskets and kneading bowls in those days represented the means by which one got his tangible blessings. Beloved, your Father in heaven does not want you to worry about the means by which you get your blessings. Because of the sacrifice of Christ, He says to you, “Blessed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl.”

This means that if you are a cab driver, your cab will not break down on your rounds because God says to you, “Blessed shall be your cab.” If you are a businessman, your capital investment will not fail you because God says to you, “Blessed shall be your capital investment.” And if you are a salesman, your products will be looked upon favorably because God says to you, “Blessed shall be your products.”

These blessings are yours because Jesus paid for them with His death and He enforced them with His resurrection.

On one occasion, Jesus told Peter to throw his nets into the water. When Peter threw one net down, he caught so much fish that the net “was breaking”. To save the bumper haul, the other disciples quickly filled their boats with the fish, lest the net gave way completely. (Luke 5:4–7)

After Jesus rose from the dead, a similar incident took place. Once again, Jesus asked His disciples to cast their net out. They caught a multitude of fish. But “although there were so many, the net was not broken”. (John 21:11) Notice that in the first case, the net was breaking. In the second case, it was not! Something supernatural happened to their nets after Jesus rose from the dead!

Beloved, because of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, not only are you blessed (Ephesians 1:3), but your nets, baskets and kneading bowls—the means by which you obtain your blessings—are also blessed!

Thought For The Day

Because of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, you as well as the means by which you obtain your blessings are blessed!
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Giving Thanks - Joyce Meyer

November 25, 2016

Jesus lifted up His eyes and said, Father, I thank You that You have heard Me.
—John 11:41


Here we see a good example of Jesus giving thanks to God. When you pray, I encourage you to end your prayer, as Jesus did here, by saying, "Father, I thank You that You have heard me." One reason I encourage you to do that is because, as John tells us, when we know that God has heard us, we know that He has granted us our requests (see 1 John 5:14-15). The devil wants you and me to pray and then go off wondering whether God has heard us and is willing to grant us what we have asked. The way we overcome that doubt is by lifting up the voice of thanksgiving (Psalm 26:7 and Jonah 2:9).
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GOD’S KIND OF LOVE - Pastor E.A Adeboye

November 25, 2016

Memorise: Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13

Read: John 15:7-13 (KJV)


7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.
9 As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.
10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.
11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.
12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.




Bible in one year: Genesis 46-47, Psalms 107:33-43
MESSAGE
God is love; He dwell in love; He acts in love; He judges in love. Everything around God is love. In our text for the day, we are confronted with God’s kind of love demonstrated through His Son, Jesus Christ. Open Heavens Friday 25 November 2016:- God’s kind of love Jesus Christ affirms the quality of God’s kind of love that He represents when he said:


“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends”
John 15:13


Now, as beneficiaries of this great love, we are obliged to show this kind of love to our Maker and more importantly to our neighbours.


It is wisdom for us to love the One who loves us at least for two reasons. One; when we love someone that loves us, he keeps on loving us the more. Secondly, the love that is not reciprocated will grow sour. Even God stops loving those who do not return His love.Proverbs 8:17 says:


“I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.”


How can we love a God that we do not see? We can, by loving our neighbours, Matthew 25:35, 37, 40 says:


“For I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink. I was a stranger, and ye took me in… Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungered and fed thee? Or thirsty, and gave thee drink? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”


John the beloved apostle went further to teach us how to love our God in practical terms 1st John 4:19-21:


“If a man say, I love God and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen how can he love God whom he hath not seen?”


May the good Lord give us the grace to show our love to Him through our neighbours. 25 November 2016 Open Heavens.

Prayer Point

Father, give me your own kind of love. I want to live for you and Your Church.
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Until You Walk In Another’s Shoes - Bishop T.D Jakes

November 25, 2016

Sometimes what’s kept inside cannot be said.




It has been said that if you judge people, you have no time to love them.

Let’s put ourselves in another’s shoes before uttering even one word to critique, to harm or to judge. Judgement courts disconnection and separation while empathy welcomes love.

How often have we felt judged or misunderstood?

Every one of us walks through life carrying on as best we can; we tell ourselves that the world does not stop for our pain or problems. Every day, in hundreds of ways, each of us put on our own protective masks in order to manage life. We bury our fears, hurt and disappointments and should not forget that others do the same.

Those that judge us cannot know the depth of what is kept inside, and those whom we question may need the gift of our own compassion and grace.


As we seek to understand another’s motivations and concerns we make room in our own lives for growth; our living example of empathy promotes more peaceful relationships and interactions.

Remember that what someone keeps tightly closed up inside sometimes can’t be said.

Before you judge, seek to understand.
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NOT HELL! - Dag Heward-Mills

November 25, 2016

READ: Isaiah 14:9-15

Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.
Isaiah 14:15


Indeed, a clever trick has been played on the human race. Millions are sliding into eternity unaware of the great dangers just ahead. The rich and the poor alike will go to Hell because they do not know Jesus Christ.

How surprised many poor people must be, when they discover that their problems will only intensify because they descend into Hell. Can you imagine the shock of the poverty/sickness-ridden masses who die only to descend into the abyss where there is even more weeping and gnashing of teeth?

“This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 13:49-50, NIV).

But can you imagine the even greater shock that greets the millionaires, the big-shots, the politicians and the multitudes who live good lives on this earth, when they die and descend instantly into the darkness of the abyss?

“Hell from beneath is moved for thee to meet thee at thy coming: it stirreth up the dead for thee, even all the chief ones of the earth; it hath raised up from their thrones all the kings of the nations” (Isaiah 14:9).
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Whose Son Is He? - Billy Graham

November 25, 2016

To us there is but one God, the Father . . . and one Lord Jesus Christ . . .
—1 Corinthians 8:6


Ultimately, in one way or another, or at one time or another, we shall be faced with this question: What think ye of Christ? Whose Son is He? If Jesus Christ is not who He claimed to be, He is a deceiver, or an egomaniac. We must answer this question with both belief and action. We must not only believe something about Jesus, but we must do something about Him. We must accept Him, or reject Him.

Jesus made clear who He was, and why He came into the world. He asked His disciples, “Whom do men say that I, the Son of man, am?” They told Him of a variety of designations on the human level. Then Jesus turned to them and asked, “But whom say ye that I am?” Whereupon Peter replied with his historic affirmation, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:13-16).

This is the apex of faith. This is the pinnacle of belief. This is where the faith of each must rest if he hopes for salvation. Christ is inescapable! You, too, must decide, “What shall I do with Christ?”

Prayer for the day

You are the Christ, Lord Jesus, Son of the living God! In adoration I worship You—my Redeemer.
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STIR UP THE POWER - KENNETH COPELAND

November 25, 2016

Greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears…. I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you…. For God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
2 Timothy 1:4,6-7, New King James Version


There are times when you know what God has called you to do, but you just don't feel you have the inner resources you need to do it. Somehow you've simply run dry. You know the Word says that "out of your belly shall flow rivers of living water" (John 7:38). But, during those times, you can't even find the creek bank, much less the river.

The Word of God tells us how to handle those situations through a clear command: "Stir up the gift inside you."

You stir yourself up! Everything you need is already in you. Jesus put it there. Everything you'll ever need to accomplish what God has called you to do has been placed inside you by God Almighty.

Faith is in there. Power is in there. Love is in there. Believe that. Speak it out. Say it to yourself now, right out loud:

"In the Name of Jesus, I stir up the gift that's within me by faith. I'm stirring up my faith. I'm not going to wait until I feel stirred up. I'm stepping out by faith and expecting my feelings to follow!

"I'm stirring up the love of God that's in me. I'm stirring up the power. I'm stirring up myself and running the devil out of my affairs. I'm stirring myself up in the Spirit of the living God! I am stirred up!"


Scripture Reading:

2 Timothy 1:1-8
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Burn On, Not Out - Joyce Meyer

November 24, 2016

Look carefully then how you walk! Live purposefully and worthily and accurately, not as the unwise and witless, but as wise (sensible, intelligent people).
—Ephesians 5:15


One of the reasons I previously found myself stressed-out, burned-out, and sick was from not knowing how to say “no.” I wanted to take every ministry opportunity that came my way, but it just was not possible. We must all learn to let God’s Spirit, and not other people’s desires (or our own), lead us.

Frequently people tell me that God has shown them that I am supposed to come to their churches or conferences and be their speaker. There was a time when that would pressure me because I thought, If I say no, then I am, in reality, saying they didn’t hear from God.

But other people cannot hear from God for us. We are individuals and have the right to hear from God ourselves. I started realizing that no matter what others thought they had heard, I could not do the engagement with peace if I had not heard from God about it myself.

Are you saying “yes” with your mouth while your heart is screaming “no”? If so, you will eventually be stressed-out, burned-out, and possibly sick. We just cannot go on like that forever without ultimately breaking down under the strain.

No matter how many people you please, there will always be someone who will not be pleased. Learn that you can enjoy your life even if everyone does not think you are wonderful. Don’t be addicted to approval from people; if God approves, that is all that really matters.

Being committed is very good, but being overcommitted is very dangerous. Know your limits and don’t hesitate to say “no” if you know that you need to. God has assigned a lifespan to each of us, and although we don’t know exactly how long we have on earth, we should certainly desire to live out the fullness of our years. We want to burn on, not burn out. We should live with passion and zeal, not with exhaustion; we should be good examples to others.

Trust in Him: Are you committed, or overcommitted? No one else will stand before God and give an account of your life; only you will do that. Be prepared to be able to say to Him, “I trusted You and followed my heart to the best of my ability.”
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DELIVERANCE MADE SIMPLE - Pastor E.A Adeboye

November 24, 2016

Memorise: And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. John 8:32Read: John 8:31-36 (KJV)

31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
33 They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free?
34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.
35 And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever.
36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.




Bible in one year: Genesis 44-45, Psalms 107:23-32
MESSAGE
Deliverance constitutes a serious challenge in many Christian circles. In my personal experience, I have discovered that demons bow out easily wherever there is the manifest presence of the Lord. Wherever God is, there is an aura that is unmistakably evident; that aura is the Glory of His presence. For most people who have had a definite experience with God, it is only the glory of God that they could access. Only very few like Moses could go a little further. Open Heavens Thursday 24 November 2016:- Deliverance made simple


The truth remains that the presence of God wields the same power as the Personality of God because where God’s presence is, God Himself is. Several things are possible in His presence, one of which is that idols and the powers behind them not only bow but also surrender. A classic example of this is demonstrated in 1st Samuel 5:1-5. In this account, the nation of Israel fought the Philistines and God gave them into the hands of their enemies because of their disobedience, the Ark of the Covenant was captured and taken into the house of Dagon – the national deity of the Philistines. This Dagon was a huge image, but it fell down before the Ark of the Covenant which represented the Presence of God. Initially, the priests of Dagon thought it was a mistake and put the image back up. But by the following morning, they were convinced beyond reasonable doubts that their idol was bowing to the God of gods.


Some Christians are afraid of entering into a shrine to declare the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It only shows that they do not know what they have inside of them. If you know who you are carrying, there will be no need to fear any idol. If you truly carry the Glory of God and you step into a shrine, they will immediately fish you out and would be uncomfortable until you leave. If you don’t leave, a lot of things will go wrong. In a local community where women were forbidden to go out during a particular idol festival and men were equally harassed, a brother went to the headquarters of the idol worshipers at the peak of their festival to preach Jesus to them. 24 November 2016 Open Heavens. These idols worshippers knew that it could only mean the brother carried a dangerous power for him to have the boldness to walk into their midst. Are you being threatened with some idol and you are afraid? If you are truly a child of God, you should be feared and not the other way round. Are you confronted with a demon possessed person that needs deliverance? Ask God to increase His presence in your life today and you will become a threat to demons.
Prayer Point

Father, make me bold enough to preach the gospel even before demons in Jesus’ name.
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GOD WANTS TO SET YOU UP FOR A BLESSING - Joseph Prince

November 24, 2016

Ruth 2:12

The Lord repay your work, and a full reward be given you by the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge.”


Have you ever wondered why, in some Bible stories, God asked the people to give what little they had to Him? It may appear cruel, but the truth is that God was setting them up for a blessing! God’s way is to use whatever we have, and multiply it back to us once we put it in His hands.

The widow of Zarephath had only a handful of flour and a little oil to make one last meal for her son and herself before they faced starvation. But she trusted God and used a portion of the little that she had to make a cake for the prophet Elijah. And God rewarded her by making sure that her bin of flour was not used up and her jar of oil did not run dry until the drought ended. (1 Kings 17:8–16)

Similarly, the boy who gave his little lunch of five loaves and two small fish to Jesus not only ate well, but he also saw it being used to feed more than 5,000 people with 12 baskets full of leftovers! (John 6:1–13)

Whenever we give what little we have to God, whether it is money, time or energy, it opens up our hearts so that God can fill us up with more. And when we give our lives to God, we can trust Him to make things right for us and to be the rewarder of our faith.

When Ruth, a childless Moabite widow, left the comfort of her home to follow her mother-in-law Naomi and the God of Israel back to a foreign land (Ruth 1:16), she was given a full reward by the Lord. God gave Ruth protection and ensured that she was well-provided for through Boaz, a wealthy relative who took on the role of kinsman-redeemer for her and Naomi. (Ruth 2:9, 4:9–10)

Beloved, as you trust God with what you have today, know that He loves you and is setting you up for more blessings. So expect to see even more of His provision and abundance in the days to come!

Thought For The Day

Whenever we give what little we have to God, it opens up our hearts to receive more from Him.
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No Longer A Victim - Bishop T.D Jakes

November 24, 2016

Step into your power.




Every day we must remember that, “Strength does not come from a physical capacity alone, but from an indomitable will.”

Whether we survived physical abuse or emotional pain, our spirit endures. Inside each of us exists a divine spark--a power and strength that will pull us through the fear, anxiety and fracture.

For some of us the traumas constantly hinder our inner peace; try as we may to overcome, the scars run deep. Surviving trauma changes us as many report suffering everything from insomnia, anxiety, anger, and even feelings of self-blame.

But being victimized does not chain us to a life of being a victim.

Surviving means that we rebuild, we strengthen ourselves and thrive.



Researchers have found proven ways to begin the healing; group therapy, for example is effective at reducing PTSD, anxiety and depression, even more so than individual therapy. Massage and touch therapy also help restore an energetic balance to our bodies, setting us up for healing and renewal.

Conquering the trauma happens when we: are patient with ourselves and our feelings, seek emotional support, and allow ourselves to socialize and relax again. We have only scratched the surface of the limitless power within.

We are no longer victims; we are survivors and conquerors.
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SPIRIT OF REVELATION - Dag Heward-Mills

November 24, 2016

READ: Psalm 119:17-19


That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:
Ephesians 1:17



Here are ten ways to receive revelation.

1. When you listen to anointed messages from preachers and teachers of the Word of God (Ephesians 4:11-12).

2. When you study the Word of God in relation to sermons and messages you have recently heard (2 Timothy 2:15).

3. When you study the Word of God and search for the deeper meanings of words in the Bible (2 Peter 1:21).

4. When you have discussions with fellow pastors, teachers and prophets (Acts 13:1-3).

5. When you read the real life stories of men of God that have gone ahead of you (Acts 1:1).

6. When you study the dreams and visions of well-recognized prophets. I have received much revelation for my life by studying the visions and dreams of Kenneth Hagin and Rick Joyner (John 20:17-18).

7. When God reminds you of something important. Don’t take it lightly when you suddenly remember something you have forgotten (John 14:26).

8. When the Lord puts a burden on your heart (Jeremiah 23:32-40).

9. When God impresses something on your heart through the inner witness (Romans 8:16).

10. When God speaks to you through a dream or a vision. (Acts 16:9).
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Word and Deed - Billy Graham

November 24, 2016

O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever.
—Psalm 118:1


This year as we observe our season of thanksgiving, let us be grateful not only in word but also in deed. Let our gratitude find expression in a resolve to live a life more unselfish and more consecrated to Jesus Christ. When we sit around our tables laden with sumptuous delicacies, let us not forget that half the world will go to bed hungry. As we enjoy the comforts of our cozy homes, let us not forget that great numbers in other parts of the world have no homes to go to.

When we step into our sleek automobiles, let us not forget that most of the people in the world cannot afford even a bicycle. In the Lord’s Prayer as recorded in the sixth chapter of Matthew, we read, “Give us this day our daily bread.” Scripture teaches that the good things of this life are the gifts of God, and that He is the donor of all our blessings. Thanksgiving? Yes. Let us get on our knees humbly and thank God for the blessings He has given us, both material and spiritual. They have come from His hands.

Prayer for the day

You bring me such abundance, almighty God. As I think of Thanksgiving Day, may my heart be completely consecrated to Your Son, Jesus Christ, so that through Him my life will show my gratitude to You.
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LET YOUR LIFE SHINE - GLORIA COPELAND

November 24, 2016

Be thou an example of the believers in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
1 Timothy 4:12


One thing the world needs to see is good examples. They need to see believers walk in love and purity and faith in their homes, in their schools and in their businesses.

The Apostle Paul exhorts us in Romans 12:17 to live above reproach in the sight of all men. Other scriptures teach us to avoid all appearance of evil. So, when you go after God, don't walk out on the edge, trying to see how much you can get by with. Go all out in God's direction. Conduct yourself in a way that will put to rest any question about whether or not you're a Christian. Let the people around you see your love and faith and purity in every situation.

Your example will go a lot further than your words. When our son, John, was a little boy, we were spending time with my grandparents. John was sleeping with my granddaddy and he woke him up in the night and said, "Pop, I have an earache. Would you pray for it?" Well, my grandparents were raised in a church that didn't believe in healing. I don't know what Pop did, but it didn't work. So, John just got up and said, "I'm going to go get in bed with my mother. When she prays, it stops hurting." About 18 years later, Pop told me the story.

You see, I had set an example of faith and love and John remembered it. While your children are growing up, they might forget some of the sermons you've preached or act like they're not interested in the things of God. But they'll never forget your example.

Even at the place where you work or go to school or just in your neighborhood, people might reject or argue with the words you say. But they'll never refute or forget your acts of love.

Don't let petty sins and spiritual compromises cast a shadow over your example. Live above reproach and let the light of Jesus shine brightly through you.


Scripture Reading:

Romans 12:9-21
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Takers Respect Givers Who Set Boundaries - Bishop T.D Jakes

November 23, 2016

It's time to draw a line in the sand.



Some suggest the world can be divided into two camps: givers and takers.

While the two sides vary in many ways, the clear difference between them can be summed up by advice columnist Irma Kurtz.

She observed that “Givers have to set limits because takers rarely do”.

True to her observation, this concept of giver/taker dynamics has been a topic of much research by author and psychology professor Adam Grant.

Takers “like to get more than they give”, Professor Grant found, and they also feel that if they don’t put themselves first, no one else will.

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Givers, he reports, are found in much smaller numbers than takers and “are other-focused, paying more attention to what others need from them”.




Givers give without the goal of reward where takers help themselves even when offering assistance to others.

This data would make it seem that an ideal relationship would be one between a giver and a taker since they can fulfill their individual needs to give and take, but that is not the case.

The truth is that even givers reach their breaking point when dealing with takers. This is what causes conflict to arise between the two groups.

When givers feel they are being taken advantage of, they will go against their natural tendencies and stop their generosity. In turn, this leaves takers feeling cheated because their is no longer a benefit for themselves.




This struggle can be well avoided by knowing where to draw your line in the sand.

When confronted with fair and consistent boundaries, takers are forced to change and instead become matchers--someone who is willing to compromise in giving to get in return.

There are many ways a giver can set boundaries. The first thing to do is identify the habitual takers in our lives. Being conscious of them can help us to minimize exposure to them or prepare us for their requests so we are not blindsided when they come.




The nature of the world is that takers never get tired of taking, but if boundaries are set and respected, givers will never grow tired of giving.

The cycle of give and take can continue with a line drawn in the sand.

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DEALING WITH ANCESTRAL CURSES II - Pastor E.A Adeboye

November 23, 2016

Memorise: Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; 

Colossians 2:14


Read: Colossians 2:14 (KJV)
14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
Bible in one year: Genesis 42-43, Psalms 107:10-22
Ancestral curses are said to be in operation when a terrible problem persistently runs through generations with a family. For example, an uncontrollable anger or promiscuity may be noticed in a teenager and on investigation; such is traced to the parents and grandparents. Open Heavens Wednesday 23 November 2016:-DEALING WITH ANCESTRAL CURSES II
Many people today live under bondage as a result of their forefathers’ sins. Exodus 34:7 says:


“….visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children’s children, unto the third and to the fourth generation.”


However, the moment God comes into such lives, things change dramatically. When God is in control of your life, it will be evident through the tremendous peace that will calm your storms, but when the devil rules the life of an individual, there will be total confusion. 1st Corinthians 14:33 says God has nothing to do with confusion. When the devil takes over the life of a man, everything will turn upside down. Instead of wearing clothes, he will walk about naked. Instead of wearing decent clothes, he will put on rags. The one who finds it uncomfortable to wear decent clothes capable of covering his or her nakedness surely has gone nuts.


In Luke 8:26-33, after Satan took control of the Gadarene man’s life, he left his bed for the graveyard. He abandoned decent clothes for rags. If one wears clothes that expose what should be covered, it is evident that such a fellow is losing his or her mind to the devil. This Gadarene demoniac began to inflict wounds on himself. 23 November 2016 Open Heavens. He was crying out of pain yet couldn’t stop himself. When people engage in things that can destroy them, it means their heads are besieged. The warning that smoking is injurious to a man’s health is not enough to stop a smoker from indulging in the act because his head has been taken over by demons. Anyone who uses mind-bending substances such as Indian hemp, cocaine, alcohol, cigarette or powerful capsules is living in a spiritual graveyard. Besides, this man was violent, he could not be controlled. He rebelled against reason, he was wild. If you find it difficult to submit to authority or comply with simple rules, examine yourself. The state of the head is revealed by the conduct of the body. No matter how refined an individual is, if something is wrong with the head, it will show. What is the state of your head? Is it well with your head?

Prayer Point
Father, please completely destroy the power of ancestral curses in my life in Jesus’ name.
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Develop Your Character - Joyce Meyer

November 23, 2016

Withstand him; be firm in faith [against his onset—rooted, established, strong, immovable, and determined], knowing that the same (identical) sufferings are appointed to your brotherhood (the whole body of Christians) throughout the world.
—1 Peter 5:9


We may look at other people and think they never have to go through anything difficult, but we all go through different things. Some people have gone through devastating things that nobody knows anything about. Some people have learned the art of suffering silently. They know only God can help them, so they don’t bother telling everyone they meet what they are going through.

It is not wrong to share our troubles with a friend or counselor, but the point is that we cannot assume others are not having challenges in life just because they don’t look depressed or don’t talk about their problems. We all get hurt at times, and we all have the same opportunity either to let it make us bitter or to let it make us better. How can injustices make us better? For one thing, they help us develop character. Doing what is right when we don’t have feelings supporting us builds strong character in us. Intelligence and talents are God’s gifts, but character is developed. We need to move beyond hurt and be willing to give ourselves away and lay down our lives for others (John 15:13).

Lord, help me to get my eyes off of my troubles and to reach out and help those around me who are hurting. Give me discernment and compassion to truly make a difference. Amen.
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USE YOUR DOUBLE PORTION OF SPEAKING POWER - Joseph Prince

November 23, 2016

1 Peter 2:9

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people...


God calls us “a royal priesthood”. This means that we are kings as well as priests under the king-priesthood of Jesus Christ. This has never happened before in the history of God’s people. In the Old Testament, kings and priests were two distinct groups of people. You were either a king or priest, but not both at the same time.

Today, because we are in Christ, we are king-priests—a royal priesthood. This means that we have a double portion of speaking power because as kings, “Where the word of a king is, there is power” (Ecclesiastes 8:4), and as priests, “by their word every controversy and every assault shall be settled”. (Deuteronomy 21:5)

So if you are a Christian businessman, you will have an edge over worldly businessmen. What you say about your business deals will come to pass. And if you are falsely accused, know that by your very word, every controversy and every assault will be settled!

And as a king-priest parent, when you bless your children, your words have the power to set in motion supernatural events which will bring them into God’s abundance and superabounding grace. And there will be such a courage and resilience about them that it will empower them to win the fights of life!

When the devil comes to you and says that you will die young because your father and grandfather died young, or that you will never be successful because you are not well-educated, you must remember that the devil is neither a king nor a priest. There is no power in his words. But there is power in yours because you are a king-priest in Christ!

So instead of agreeing with him, believe and declare, “I will not die young. With long life He will satisfy me and show me His salvation!” Say, “The Lord will make my way prosperous and give me good success!” Use your double portion of speaking power and see these blessings come to pass!

Thought For The Day

You have a double portion of speaking power because you are a king as well as a priest in Christ Jesus.
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BUILD A HOUSE - Dag Heward-Mills

November 23, 2016

READ: 

1 Chronicles 22:1-19
...a time to tear down and a time to build,

Ecclesiastes 3:3, NIV


Rich people make it an early priority to build a house. Rich people discern the season for building. Very few people in this world ever build houses for themselves. One of the reasons they do not build houses is because they constantly wait for the right season of their lives to build. But the best time to build a house is now. There has never been, and there will never be enough money . Now is the best time to build and rich people always build now.

“A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up” (Ecclesiastes 3:3).

Rich people build houses because they do not follow fantasies.

“He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough” (Proverbs 28:19).

Rich people do not follow imaginary high-sounding ideas. There are people who are full of schemes, projections and plans. They can speak for hours on end about their proposals and what they think will work. Such people do not usually accomplish much for themselves. Such people never build houses.

You simply need to roll up your sleeves and get to the job. People who plan for years to travel abroad instead of going to the school that is nearby often do not amount to much.
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The Abundant Life - Billy Graham

November 23, 2016

He that eateth, eateth to the Lord; for he giveth God thanks . . .
—Romans 14:6


Do you think that God would have bothered to send His Son to the world, if man had been able to face life and eternity alone? Christ’s coming to the world proved that God was not happy with man’s unhappiness. He sent Him not only that we might have eternal life but that we might have life here and now, and that we might have it more abundantly-Life with a capital L!

Jesus’ teaching was unique and different. He took religion out of the theoretical category and placed it in the practical. He spoke with authority! He spoke with finality! He spoke as though He knew . . . and He did! His was not the soft empty conjecture of the philosopher, who professes to search for truth-but readily admits he has never found it. It was more the confident voice of the mathematician who gives his answers unhesitatingly, because the proof of the answers can be found within the problem.

Prayer for the day

Lord God, I know that I am completely dependent upon You. Thank You for daily providing all that my body needs
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OBEY HIM IN THE LITTLE THINGS - GLORIA COPELAND

November 23, 2016

He who is faithful in a very little [thing] is faithful also in much.

Luke 16:10, The Amplified Bible

Have you ever wanted to take on some really big project in the kingdom of God, but the Lord just wouldn't seem to let you? If so, there's probably a good reason why.
You can see what I'm talking about if you'll read about what God did with the children of Israel after He brought them out of Egypt. He wanted to take them on into the Promised Land. But before He could do it, God had to know if they would obey Him. He had to know if they would listen to His voice. Because if they didn't, the enemies they were about to face would wipe them out.
So, do you know what He did? He tested them in a small matter.
Exodus 16:4 tells us about this simple test. "Then said the Lord unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or no."
God took a little, insignificant matter—the food they ate—and used it to see if they would listen to Him or not. He told them how much of it to gather, when to gather and when not to, and what to do with it after they brought it in.
And the Israelites went right out and violated those instructions. They showed God by their actions that His voice was not important to them. They were not willing to obey even His simplest commands.
God works the same way today. Before He sends you on a major mission, He gives you the opportunity to prove you can be trusted with small instructions.
But many of us miss that opportunity. We pray, What do You want me to do, Lord? Where do You want me to go? I'll do anything You say. But then when the Lord says, I want you to get up and pray in the Spirit one hour every morning, we fail to obey Him. We say, "Oh yeah, that would be good. I ought to do that." But somehow we never quite get around to it.
Don't make that mistake. Start today obeying God in the little things. Let Him see that He can trust you out there in a place of much authority. Let Him know you'll be faithful to His words and to the voice of His Spirit. Once He knows you won't let disobedience wipe you out, He'll start sending bigger assignments your way.
Scripture Reading:
Exodus 16:1-28
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VICTORY BY FAITH - Dag Heward-Mills

November 22, 2016

READ: Mark 11:20-26
For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith
1 John 5:4


Faith is a firm belief in something for which there is no proof. It is also a belief in God.

Faith is the personal trait that will cause you to overcome big problems and obstacles. You see, people who have faith are able to move mountains. A mountain is a big problem. In order to move mountains around and become “he that hath” you will need the positive trait of faith. Great achievements are usually great victories over insurmountable challenges.

Faith is the personal trait that causes an individual to have a good report. “For by it the elders obtained a good report” (Hebrews 11:2).

To have a good report that you are experiencing abundance, you need to be a little wiser than the neighbourhood monkey . You will need to see the correlation between positive traits and prosperity . Bible teaches us that good reports were given to men of faith. Good things are usually said about positive faithfilled people who believed in a vision before it became a reality . You always remember the people who believed in you before things worked out. There are people who come along but never believe in you or your vision. Such people will not have a good report. A good report is for those who believe when there is nothing to see.

Faith is the personal trait that makes a person victorious. Victory is given to men of faith. Without faith you will never be victorious and become “he that hath.” The victory that you need will be provided - through your faith in God.
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Lesson In Humility - Bishop T.D Jakes

November 22, 2016

Know enough to know you need to know more.




It’s hard to accept failure.

Admitting that we’ve fallen short of our goals goes against the stubborn parts of our nature.

That is all the more reason why we need to accept the consequences of our failures and learn from them.

There are a great many possibilities that come out of failure but we tend to only dwell on the negative ones.

We know that if we plan to succeed, we must plan to fail.




One lesson we gain from failure is humility.

It is important to know what humility is in order to take full advantage of its message.

Author C.S. Lewis once wrote that, “true humility is not thinking less of yourself; it’s thinking of yourself less.”

Humility is not humiliation.

Humility is being able to admit that the positions we hold are fallible and being alright with that.

It is where true wisdom can begin because we are freed from the fear of failure and open to possibilities we may never have allowed ourselves to see before.



A person who has taken the lesson of humility to heart is ready to learn, grow, and understand much more than someone who is still beating themselves up over their missteps.
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Become Sensitive Again - Kenneth Copeland

November 22, 2016

Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: and be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

Ephesians 4:31-32

Years ago I was in Detroit, and I met a woman who was raised in a communist-bloc country. While I was visiting with her, a news broadcast came on. And as we sat there listening to it, suddenly tears came to her eyes.

"What's the matter?" I asked.

Although I hadn't noticed it, the news commentator had said something derogatory about the president. "I don't like to hear anyone talk about this country like that," she said. "I don't care whether it's true or not. I don't want to hear it."

The newscaster's comment had slipped right by me. But it had brought tears to her eyes. Why? Because she had a sensitive heart where this country is concerned.

We need to be more like that dear lady when it comes to our pastors, our teachers, our evangelists and even our fellow believers.

We need to realize that our own insensitivity has driven the Anointing of the Holy Spirit from many of our lives and our churches. We need to realize that the license we've given ourselves to criticize other members of the Body of Christ has weakened us all.

What will strengthen us again?

The power and the anointing of the Holy Spirit that falls on every sensitive and seeking heart.

I urge you to regain the tender heart you once had. Remove the calluses within you by repentance, by a commitment to live the law of love, by a renewed devotion to the Word, and by fellowship with your Father.

Don't allow the condition of your heart to hold back the Spirit of God. Become sensitive again!

Scripture Reading:

Ephesians 4:1-13
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Thanksgiving With Meaning - Billy Graham

November 22, 2016

The Lord is close to those whose hearts are breaking; he rescues those who are humbly sorry for their sins.
—Psalm 34:18 (TLB)


It is the custom of many Christians to bow their heads in public places and give thanks for the food that has been placed before them. I have had scores of waiters and waitresses tell me that when we bowed our heads, it was the first time they had ever seen that happen in their restaurant.

Millions never pause to give a word of thanks to God for the food provided. Few homes have a moment of thanksgiving at the beginning of the meal or at any other time of the day. Even at Thanksgiving time only a minority will pause and give thanks to God.

Thanksgiving is recognition of a debt that cannot be paid. We express thanks, whether or not we are able otherwise to reimburse the giver. When thanksgiving is filled with true meaning and is not just the formality of a polite “thank you,” it is the recognition of dependence.

Prayer for the day

Lord Jesus, I know that apart from You I can do nothing of lasting value. Help me to come to the end of self and allow You to control the reins of my life.
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Alone with God - Joyce Meyer

November 21, 2016

After He had dismissed the multitudes, He went up into the hills by Himself to pray. When it was evening, He was still there alone.
—Matthew 14:23


Spending time alone with God in a quiet place is vital to me and I believe it is also vital for you. I have an office in my home where I go each morning to meet with God before I begin my day. In addition to that, about four times a year I like to get away for a few days and be alone. I enjoy and need the extended time of quiet and focusing on God.

Most people take vacations yearly and plan some type of entertainment each week. We want to have fun and relaxation, and there is nothing wrong with that. We need it in order to maintain balanced, healthy lives and emotions. But we actually need the spiritual vacations even more and they should be the first thing we put on the yearly calendar or our weekly schedules.

Just imagine how it would honor God if you booked your time with Him before booking anything else. I conduct conferences in the United States and abroad and I am always impressed by the number of people who travel and take vacation time to be at one of these conferences. I always compliment them and I know that God is proud of their choices. They will grow spiritually because they are sacrificing something in order to spend time with God.

Don’t wait until some difficulty or tragedy demands that you spend time with God in order to find answers to your situation. Seek God first and regularly, and then you will already be strong spiritually and enabled to deal with anything that comes. If Jesus needed to be alone with God the Father, then we certainly need it.

God’s word for you today: Get your calendar out right now and schedule some special time with God.
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NO LEAVEN BUT THE TRUTH - Joseph Prince

November 21, 2016

Leviticus 2:11

‘No grain offering which you bring to the Lord shall be made with leaven, for you shall burn no leaven nor any honey in any offering to the Lord made by fire.


When I was a young Christian, I heard of an illustration for Psalm 23 about shepherds who sometimes break the legs of sheep which habitually stray, so as to teach them not to stray. That erroneous teaching—“The Lord is my Shepherd, He breaketh my legs”—stuck with me for years, causing me needless fear of God’s punishment when I felt that I had strayed from Him.

Such erroneous teachings are what God’s Word refers to as “leaven”. That is why Jesus cautioned His disciples, “Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the Sadducees.” (Matthew 16:6) The leaven of the Pharisees was their doctrine of legalism, which judges and condemns people who fail to keep God’s laws. The leaven of the Sadducees was their doctrine of humanism, which discounts the supernatural and teaches that everything can be explained away using reasoning or science.

When God told His people in Leviticus 2:11, “No grain offering which you bring to the Lord shall be made with leaven,” we are reminded that how we appreciate Jesus, our grain offering, must not be mixed with wrong teachings. For example, when we talk about “suffering with Christ” (Romans 8:17), we must know that it is not about suffering sicknesses or lack, things which Jesus has redeemed us from, but suffering persecution, scorn and rejection for His name’s sake, which we are likely to face as good Christians.

My friend, what you believe about Jesus is important because the Holy Spirit bears witness only to the truth. (John 16:13) So ask Him to unveil the beauty of Christ and the perfection of His finished work to you when you read God’s Word. Find out from the Word how Christ has redeemed you from every curse and paid for you to enjoy all of God’s blessings with His sacrifice at the cross.

Beloved, get rid of any leaven in your believing. Believe and declare that you are healed, not sick; abundantly supplied, not in lack; and forever righteous in Christ. And when you start believing and confessing God’s truths, the anointing of the Holy Spirit will be released for the breakthrough you need!

Thought For The Day

What you believe about Jesus is important because the Holy Spirit bears witness only to the truth.
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GET TO THE JOB! - Dag Heward-Mills

November 21, 2016

READ: Esther 7:1-10


...Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king’s house, more than all the Jews.
Esther 4:13


Esther was prepared to give up the treasured position of living in the king’s house. She was prepared to lose her privileges and her recognition for the sake of her high calling.

Position-conscious and privilegeconscious people cannot and do not achieve much! This is because the position is more important to them than the job.

Many years ago, a man called Uncle James said to me, “Some people have ‘the post’ but they don’t have ‘the job’. And some have ‘the job’ but don’t have ‘the post’.” Uncle James was encouraging me to do the job of ministry and not to be too concerned about whether I had the recognised post or position.

You must focus on the job you are called to do, whether it goes with the position, title or not. Esther was in the king’s house. The trappings of the palace and the corridors of power in which she walked, were not able to sway her from her real job of saving God’s people in their time of need. Concern yourself with your real calling and not with the trappings of power and position.

There are many people who come into power and immediately start asking for the privileges that go with the position. Such requests only reveal a desire for the position and its associated advantages.
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MIRACLE-PRODUCING OBEDIENCE - Pastor E.A Adeboye

November 21, 2016

Memorise: His mother saith unto the servants, whatsoever he saith unto you, do it. 

John 2:5
Read: John 2:1-11 (KJV)

1 And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there:


2 And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage.


3 And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine.


4 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come.


5 His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.


6 And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece.


7 Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim.


8 And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it.


9 When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom,


10 And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now.


11 This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.




Bible in one year: Genesis 37:12-39:23, Psalms 106:32-48
MESSAGE
Many people do not know the secret of daily miraculous living. They think it has to do with strange things or occultism. Little do they know that a life of obedience enhances the supernatural intervention that results in miraculous events. It is unfortunate that even some children of God are missing out this truth as well. In our Bible reading for today, we can see the confirmation of the title of today’s devotional reading. Open Heavens Monday 21 November 2016:- Miracle-producing obedience There was a marriage ceremony in Cana of Galilee and our Lord Jesus, His family and disciples were present. There came a need that only God could meet. The mother of Jesus Christ knew that the Representative of God was on ground to do what was humanly impossible. So, she approached the Miracle Worker but not without a seemingly negative reaction. It is interesting to note that despite our Lord’s reaction, His mother gave a profound instruction to the waiters. “…Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.” (John 2:5). Afterwards, Jesus Christ instructed the servants to fill the empty water pots with water and asked them to go ahead and serve it as wine. I decree to someone using this devotional; whatever potential shame the enemies are planning concerning you, God will intervene with a miracle that will nullify it.


There are lessons we must quickly learn from this story; God always involves man in the process of miracle-working events. When man cooperates with God through obedience, he experiences the miraculous. Naaman said that his expectation was that the man of God will come out and touch him. Howbeit, he was disappointed; he was to be part of the process. He had to go and dip himself in the Jordan River seven times before he could experience the miracle he sought for. He almost missed it when he refused to comply with the instruction of the prophet of God. 21 November 2016 Open Heavens.


Another lesson we must learn from this story is that whenever you are trusting God for a miracle, you must not only be ready to receive instruction from God, you must also be attentive to the details of the instruction. After you get the message right, you must then go ahead and carry out the instruction. The servants indeed fetched the water; they also served it as wine under the instruction of our Lord. One may think it is simple to do what the servants did. They took the risk of being accused of playing on the intelligence of the people that came to the ceremony. Beloved, perfect obedience will change your story, just be willing to do whatever God asks you to do.
Prayer Point

Father, give me the spirit that trembles at your Word and does whatever You want me to do.
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