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Open Heavens Today by Pastor E.A Adeboye…. Spirit Not Flesh

SPIRIT, NOT FLESH 
Memorise: Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? Hebrew 12:9; Read: Isaiah 40:6-8, Bible in one year: Genesis 8-10, John 11:45-12:8
Mann is limited because he is confined to a body made from dust (Genesis 3:19). He is also limited because even at his best, he is comparable to the flowers of the field (Isaiah 40:6-8), which grow, glow, fade and die. Sometimes, because they are glowing so beautifully, they are cut and used either for play or for decoration, after which they die. Unlike man, God is not limited, because He is Spirit and He is not made of dust. Jesus in John 4:24 revealed the nature of God to us when He said:
“God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.”
Not only is God a spirit, He is the Father of spirits (Hebrews 12:9). All spirits derive their powers from Him. If you can appreciate how powerful angels are, then you can begin to comprehend this God who created and empowered billions of angels and has the power to command them to cease to exist in a moment. Imagine that one angel alone, razed down the entire army of a mighty nation in just one night (2nd Kings 19:35). This should give you a little insight into how great and mighty the Father of spirit is.
To break away from our limitations as humans, we must move towards becoming more of spirit by becoming more like God. Man is a tripartite being made up of spirit, soul and body. All three components must be developed in that order. Your spirit must be given the greatest priority in development, followed by your soul. Your body should not be developed to the detriment of your spirit and soul. If you are not born-again, your spirit is dead, and the soul is heading for Hell. In the unsaved state, the flesh is in charge of an individual’s life. The flesh is a servant of sin and therefore, a slave to Satan. Wherever the flesh rules, Satan is in control. If your body is what dictates to you when you pray, how you pray, how often you eat, what to do with your passions and how you relate with God, you can be sure that it will never draw you closer to God. It will do everything possible to separate you from God and keep your spirit-man dead or weak. The longer you live in the flesh by gratifying it lusts, the weaker you become in the spirit. But if you can be born-again and develop your spirit-man by feasting regularly on God’s word, praying in the Holy Spirit, walking in obedience to God and worshiping Him in spirit and in truth, your limitations will give way to your empowered form. Decide to grow your spirit-man in all you do from today!
Action Point
Whenever you worship God, always engage your spirit-man.

 

The De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) Gospel Choir makes it to BBC’s Songs of Praise final

The DMU troupe are one of just six gospel choirs taking part in the showpiece event, with the filming for the final competition taking place at London’s Hackney Empire theatre.

Sister Ellah Kandi, part of the 34-strong choir that went to London for the pre-recorded finals, said: “A few months ago we entered the competition and we had to send two recordings of ourselves singing.

“Many, many choirs entered, but they only chose six for the finals.

“Then they came to our rehearsals at DMU and requested we sing the songs we’d sent. Then they gave us tips on how we could develop our choir. They were impressed with what they saw.”

Ellah sees this as a remarkable accolade for the DMU Gospel Choir.

“It’s definitely an achievement,” Ellah said.

“The amount of choirs that go through the first stage, it’s just unbelievable.

“We were absolutely blown away; to know we’re in the top six choirs in the country, that is awesome.”

The good news of making it to the Songs of Praise finals follows hot on the heels of DMU’s graduation week, during which the DMU Gospel Choir produced breath-taking performances throughout the week.

Ellah added: “This year the graduations were extra special. I personally really enjoyed them, we all enjoyed every minute.

“We had students and parents thanking us for making it so special for them, and that just made us want to do it better and better each time. It was definitely a hallelujah moment.”

You can see how the DMU Gospel Choir got on in the Songs of Praise finals on BBC next month. The competition will be televised in two parts on Sunday 23 and Sunday 30 August.

FRESH GRACE EVERY DAY.. BY JOSEPH PRINCE

Fresh Grace Every Day

Aug 09, 2015

“I am concerned about the big business deal that I have to close tomorrow.” “I am worried about tomorrow’s job interview.” “My medical test results will be out tomorrow. I am afraid it won’t be good.”

God does not want you to worry about tomorrow. He wants you to know that He gives you all the help you need for today, and when tomorrow comes, so will fresh help from Him.

This is God’s principle even in the Old Testament. When the children of Israel were in the desert, God gave them fresh manna from heaven every morning. (Exodus 16:13–16, 31) They did not have to worry about tomorrow because when tomorrow came, there was fresh manna again. He was their provision every day.

Today, God’s manna is the grace He gives you every day. If you are worried about a situation tomorrow, know that there will be sufficient grace for that situation when it comes. God wants you to simply rest in His ability to heal, deliver, protect and provide for you every day.

In the Old Testament, when the armies of Moab and Ammon came against King Jehoshaphat, God told the anxious king, “Do not be afraid nor dismayed…for the battle is not yours, but God’s…You will not need to fight in this battle…stand still and see the salvation of the Lord…” (2 Chronicles 20:15–17)

When the next morning came, King Jehoshaphat saw how God caused such confusion to come upon his enemies’ camp that it brought about their own slaughter. Amid all that fighting in the enemy camp, God’s people merely stood still and saw Him fight the battle for them just as He had promised.

My friend, when you see a problem looming in your tomorrow, don’t be afraid or dismayed. Look to the Lord, and see His grace and salvation deliver you.

God wants you to live a stress-free life, not one filled with worries about tomorrow’s problems. When tomorrow comes, His grace will be there for you as your help, protection, favor and enabling!

Thought For The Day

God gives you all the help you need for today. When tomorrow comes, so will fresh help from Him.

Our Daily Manna 9th , August, 2015 by PASTOR W.F KUMUYI

TOPIC: Divine Healing Anyday

Sunday, August 09, 2015
TEXT: LUKE 6:1-11
KEY VERSE: “And looking round about upon them all, he said unto the man, Stretch forth thy hand. And he did so: and his hand was restored whole as the other” (Luke 6:10).
Scientists have revealed that the eucalyptus tree is destined to save the world from a dearth of wood. Its growing powers are marvelous. A certain large plantation on the Pacific coastline has been cut down three times, yet it is again high in the air. It is most serviceable. It produces cordwood and piling, makes excellent fuel, protects orange and lemon groves along the coast from the ocean winds. Above all, the medicinal value of its oil extract is remarkable. In California, it is a home cure for almost every ailment. A wonderful tree, full of promise for mankind.
Meanwhile, there exists a more wonderful Tree destined to save the world in a true sense. Jesus is the Tree of life – with incomparable healing capacity which has touched the body, soul and spirit of millions. He is the hope of the world. He is the Saviour, Healer, and Light of the world. He is the True Vine, with the incomparable capacity, to save, heal and deliver. A Christian songwriter writes: “He healed them all – the blind, the lame, the palsied, The sick in body and the weak in mind, Whoever came, no matter how afflicted, Were sure a sovereign remedy to find.”
Jesus Christ healed the man whose right hand was withered, despite the reservation of the Scribes and Pharisees. Their objection was that He healed on a Sabbath day – a day of worship and rest for the Jews. But, by the act of that healing, Christ proved that He is the Lord of the Sabbath. He is not restricted to any day or event to do the will of God.
Many people wait for Combined Services, Crusades, Retreats and Special meetings to be healed, whereas Jesus Christ is ever present to heal. If you have faith like the man whose hand was withered, you are a sure candidate of Christ’s healing now!
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: JOB 1 – 4
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Jesus heals anyday, anytime.

Your Blessings Are Reserved ~ Pastor E.A Adeboye

Open-Heavens-2015-22-2Topic: Your Blessings Are Reserved [Sunday August 9, 2015]

Memorise: The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant place; yea, I have a goodly heritage. –Psalm 16 :6 Read: Psalm 16:5-9 (KJV)

5. The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot.

6. The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage.

7. I will bless the LORD, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons.

8. I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.

9. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.

Bible In One Year: Genesis 3-4; John 11:1-27

MESSAGE:

One thing that robs many people of peace is the uncertainty of the future. If you are living in right standing with God, your future is guaranteed not by man or by the economy of your nation, but by God. Hence, Isaiah 3:10 says:

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

Are you saved, sanctified and living a life that pleases God daily? If you are, then you have no reason to be worried about your tomorrow. Your future is secured in Christ. This is the reason why Jesus charged His own not to worry over what to eat, drink or wear (Matthew 6:25-34).With this assurance, Apostle Paul also inPhilippians 4:6 said:

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known unto God.”

Are you afraid of what your future will bring? Fear not! Your tomorrow will be great. If you are truly in Christ and you are not toying with sin, your tomorrow shall be far greater than your today! Your end shall be glorious.

Another reason why the righteous have peace is the assurance that they will prosper. Our Heavenly Father in Isaiah 1:19 promised that:

“If ye be willing and obedience, ye shall eat the good of the land:”

If you are holy, your portion of divine blessings is reserved for you. Part of the wealth of this world has been reserved by God just for you. Nobody can take your portion from you. When you know this, you will not be moved or be afraid, no matter what you go through. No wonder today’s Bible reading says that while God was sharing land to His children, a good portion, very fertile and fruitful, was allotted to you. It also assures you that God is the One who secures your blessing so that no one can steal it from you. As you live in righteousness before Him, simply put your trust in Him. Ask Him to lead you to your reserved land. Nothing will take your reserved portion of blessings away from you. Simply please God by regularly worshipping and thanking Him; win souls and support the expansion of His kingdom on earth. As you do these, He will surely lead you into the portion of divine inheritance reserved for you.

Action Point: Thank God for reserving a blessing for you in His safe heaven.

Open Heavens Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer’s Ministries.

Our Daily Manna. August 8th by Pastor W.F Kumuyi

Topic: Valiant Soldiers Of Christ [Saturday August 8, 2015]

Text: 1 Chronicles 11:26-47

Key Verse: “Also the valiant men of the armies were, Asahel the brother of Joab, Elhanan the son of Dodo of Bethlehem” (1 Chronicles 11:26).

Theodore Roosevelt (1858–1919) once said: “Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they lie in the gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat.” A brave spirit like this, if found in an army, could be the determinant for victory, if God is in it.

This, then, was the privilege of David as God prepared him to be king over all Israel. Great men came to David and serve with him to make his kingdom strong. The list is long but they are all referred to as valiant men in our text. They were tough and no seekers of pleasure. They preferred rejection, danger and every hardship of life than living under the oppressive hands of King Saul. They fought alongside David until he was made king and the kingdom was established under him.True Christians are not only followers but also soldiers of Christ. We are to be brave and steadfast in our faith and service to the Lord. A steadfast Christian soldier is never a deserter. He endures hardness and is never a lover of the world or the attraction it holds. He loves the Lord. We cannot compare with valiant men of our text whose names are in the Book of Life and are now gone to their rewards if we are often cast down in despair and gloom at the slightest experience of pain and difficulty in life.

As David’s great men individually distinguished themselves in battle, and were qualified to be included in the list of great men by their deeds of bravery, so must we fight the good fight of faith and overcome sin, self and Satan. We must manfully fight on to rescue perishing souls in spite of persecution and intimidation that will become common in these last days.

Bible In One Year: John 19-21

Thought For The Day: There is a divine roll call, strive to enter in.

DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.

Open Heavens August 8th, by Pastor E. A Adeboye.

Topic: Favour Brings Divine Focus [Saturday August 8, 2015]

Memorise: And as Jesus passed by he saw a man which was blind from his birth. – John 9:1

Read: John 9:1-7

1 And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth.

2 And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?

3 Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.

4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.

5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.

6 When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay,

7 And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.

Bible In One Year: Genesis 1-2; John 10:22-42

MESSAGE:

John 9:1 talks about a man who was born blind. He had been blind for over 40 years, but when his day of favour came, Jesus saw him. This was not an accidental glance; rather, God directed the attention He gives to the whole universe to this blind man. The favour of God brought this blind man under divine focus. Through this same favour, Esther also came under special focus (Esther 5:1-8). King Ahasuerus did not just see Esther; he focused his attention on her. This was not ordinary king; he was a very busy king overseeing 120 nations. As busy as he was, when he looked at Esther, it was not just a passing glance but a life-changing glance of favour.

Similarly, in John 5:2-6, in the midst of a multitude of sick but expectant folks, there was a man who had been there for 38 years without help. Jesus saw him and singled him out of the crowd. Among all the multitude of people having your particular type of problem, favour will locate you today and you will be singled out for a miracle in Jesus’ Name. There was a particular man who had two PhDs but still could not get a job for more than six years. By the time he was brought for prayers, he looked like a mad man. He looked like someone who never stepped into a school, because he had gone through a lot. We introduced him to Jesus and he willingly accepted Him into his life. Not long after, the people in his local government, who had been looking for someone to employ, suddenly took interest in him. What several application letters could not do became settled when God focused his attention on him, and his long pressing need was met. For so long it might appear you have been going unnoticed. You have called out to God, fasted, praised and worshipped Him sincerely from your heart, but it appears as if God has either turned a deaf ear or your prayers have never passed the ceiling of your house.

You are becoming discouraged as a result of this, and you are wondering if your prayer efforts are of any use. Do not be discouraged! God is not only looking towards your direction right now, He is also paying proper attention to you. Your situation is about to turn around for good. Hold on to the Lord in faith. Give Him more thanks, praise, worship and adoration. Wait on God until your change comes!

“If a man die, shall he live again? all the days on my appointed time will I wait, till my change come.” –Job 14:14

Action Point: Ask God to remember all innocent people who are unjustly awaiting trial in prisons. Ask Him to grant them favour and set them free.

Open Heavens Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer’s Ministries.  

BET Networks Says Farewell To “Bobby Jones Gospel”

This past Sunday the Grand Ballroom of the historic Mayflower Hotel, nicknamed the hotel of Presidents, was transformed into a church sanctuary as entertainment industry executives and music personalities testified about the life and ground-breaking television career of the Ambassador to Dominica, otherwise known as Dr. Bobby Jones, the founder and host of Black Entertainment Television’s (BET) “Bobby Jones Gospel,” the longest running program in cable television history.

The biggest names in gospel music from multi-platinum artist Kirk Franklin to eight-time Grammy Award nominated singer Vickie Winans, who served as mistress of ceremonies, crammed the luxurious ballroom to tell humorous anecdotes about Jones and how he gave gospel artists a national television platform while also serving as the cornerstone for the then fledgling BET cable network in 1980.

BET founder Robert Johnson sent a videotaped message about how Dr. Jones’ program was the network’s first show and was just what it needed when it was getting off the ground. Current CEO Debra Lee recalled first meeting Dr. Jones when she was BET’s general counsel and was charged with conferring with Dr. Jones’ on a new contract during intense negotiations. BET Networks’ President of Music Programming and Specials Stephen Hill was on hand and explained how Dr. Jones approached him several months ago to plan “an exit strategy” for the program. He also affirmed that the program was not cancelled and that Dr. Jones was not forced to retire.  “I wanted to leave at the top of my game,” Dr. Jones told a studio audience between show tapings at BET during the weekend.

As guests dined on savory salmon, haricot vert and New York cheesecake with a passion fruit glaze, the room was serenaded by the likes of singer Isaac Carree, Season Two “Sunday Best” winner Y’Anna Crawley and Dr. Jones’ own Nashville Super Choir performing a medley of songs. Dr. Jones closed the evening with appreciative remarks that teetered between tears and laughter.

Over the course of the last three and a half decades, Dr. Jones has not only given household gospel names such as Yolanda Adams and Franklin their national TV debuts; but he has also hosted an assortment of mainstream celebrities ranging from country music legend Loretta Lynn to R&B Diva Patti LaBelle on the show. The show just taped it’s final season of shows over the last two weeks with big name performances by current gospel megastars such as Casey J, Pastor Charles Jenkins, Israel Houghton alongside legends such as Adams, Franklin and Fred Hammond. The new and final season of “Bobby Jones Gospel” premieres in October.