Topic: Preach The Whole Truth (Open Heaven 27 August 2020)

Memorise: But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. – 1 Thessalonians 2:4

Read: Acts 20:26-28 (KJV)

26 Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.

27 For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.

28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

Bible in One Year: Ezekiel 5-8

MESSAGE:

If someone claims to be telling you the truth, but you later find out he was hiding some details from you, you would feel he/she has lied to you. This is what Pastors do when they hide some truth from their members so as not to appear harsh. If the sheep that God has placed in your care get malnourished and die a spiritual death, their blood will be on your hands.

“…He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.” – John 21:16

Many years ago, I was invited as the main speaker at a three-day crusade. On the third day, I told my host that since I had spent the first two days speaking about our Christian lives here on earth, I wanted to speak on restitution, to prepare the people for Heaven. He refused, saying “You want to scatter the people you have already gathered?” Then he asked me to speak on prosperity. Due to ministerial ethics, I had to oblige him, so I chose 3 John 1:2 as the anchor scripture: “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” Thank God for the “even as”; I ended up talking about heaven.

In the Redeemed Christian Church of God, I have been speaking the whole truth to the people, even the very hard truths, yet the Church keeps growing, God will draw people to the place where He is sure they will hear the truth. It is okay to preach about prosperity, blessing and other things that being a Christian avails you, but you are a liar if you never preach about sanctification, holiness, restitution and so on. When Jesus was about to leave the earth, in John 17:12 He gave a report of the people He had been discipling, saying:

“While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.”

When you are about to leave also, you will be required to give a report. What will your report be on that day?

Open Heaven 27 August 2020 Thursday Key Point:
God’s word needs no sugarcoating; preach it as it is.

Open Heaven 27 August 2020 Thursday Hymn 30: When We Walk With The Lord
1. When we walk with the Lord
in the light of his word,
what a glory he sheds on our way!
While we do his good will,
he abides with us still,
and with all who will trust and obey.

Refrain:
Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

2. Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies,
But His smile quickly drives it away;
Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh or a tear,
Can abide while we trust and obey. [Refrain]

3. Not a burden we bear,
not a sorrow we share,
but our toil he doth richly repay;
not a grief or a loss,
not a frown or a cross,
but is blest if we trust and obey. [Refrain]

4. But we never can prove
the delights of his love
until all on the altar we lay;
for the favor he shows,
for the joy he bestows,
are for them who will trust and obey. [Refrain]

5 Then in fellowship sweet
we will sit at his feet,
or we’ll walk by his side in the way;
what he says we will do,
where he sends we will go;
never fear, only trust and obey. [Refrain]

https://thenewvine.com/2020/08/27/open-heaven-27-august-2020-preach-the-whole-truth/

You can now join the live stream of the ongoing virtual RCCG Annual Convention 2020 here.

This year’s edition marks the 68th Annual Convention of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, and it is tagged “WONDERFUL”

Please click the link below to watch any of the events.

LIVE NOW⇒ RCCG HOLY GHOST CONVENTION 2020 – DAY 2 PSF HOUR WATCH HERE: https://thenewvine.com/2020/08/04/watch-the-live-stream-of-rccg-2020-annual-convention-wonderful-here/

You cannot serve two masters: God and money. — Matthew 6:24 (TLB)

Tell me what you think about money, and I will tell you what you think about God, for these two are closely related. A man’s heart is closer to his wallet than anything else. It is a staggering fact that for the past few years people have spent ten times as much for luxuries and non-essentials as they have for all charitable and religious purposes. This is a commentary on our shallow and superficial religious faith.

While the Bible warns us against greed and selfishness, it does encourage frugality and thrift. Even Jesus said to His disciples after He fed the multitude, “Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.” Although our Lord had the power to create, He Himself lived frugally and without luxury. John Wesley had a threefold philosophy about money. He said, “Make all you can; keep all you can; and give all you can.” Most of us get all we can, spend all we can; borrow all we can; and give meagerly to God.

Prayer for the day:

Lord, give me a generous heart so that others may know Your love and compassion.

Written by Billy Graham, Founder of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA). BGEA exists to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ by every effective means and to equip the church and others to do the same.

https://thenewvine.com/2020/08/04/billy-graham-devotional-4-august-2020-guard-against-greed/

Text: Luke 13:1-10 (KJV)

1 There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices.

2 And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things?

3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

4 Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem?

5 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

6 He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none.

7 Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?

8 And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it:

9 And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.

10 And he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath.

Key Verse: “I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.” – (Luke 13:3)

MESSAGE:

Our newsstands are daily filled with tragic incidences occurring in different parts of the world with rising death tolls. Fire outbreaks, cyclones, hurricanes, tornadoes, road and boat crashes, etc., are happening almost on a daily basis. Many alive one moment, are swept into eternity the very next. All these are causing serious concerns in different quarters and are reasons for us to pause and learn.

Also Read: Open Heaven 4 August 2020 – Remember Lot’s Wife II

In our text, some people had gone to Jesus to complain of the evil deeds of Governor Pilate who had killed some worshippers and mingled their blood with their sacrifices. Christ’s response was both surprising and revealing. They might not have been the worst sinners in Galilee to have suffered such things. Also, the eighteen on which the tower of Siloam fell and killed might not necessarily have been the worst sinners in Jerusalem. He therefore urged those still alive by the mercy of God to repent lest they too perish.

Christ’s teaching must be clear to everyone. We live in a world where evil, orchestrated by Satan, is prevalent. He steals, kills and destroys. The point is that someone needs not be the worst person or sinner to fall victim in the hands of the evil one. The only place of security therefore is under “the canopy“of Jesus Christ, which must be entered by repentance from sin and faith in His finished work. Sinners belong to Satan and he hurts them. Believers belong to God and He protects them. That is not to say they are not being attacked by the enemy but God still delivers them.

As Christians therefore, the news of tragic happenings all around us should make us remain ever thankful to God for His daily mercies and protection, and spur us to reach out with love, compassion and a sense of urgency to the sinners all around us so they will not perish.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Act fast before more perish!

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Nehemiah 1-4

READ OTHER ARTICLE: https://thenewvine.com/2020/08/04/deeper-life-daily-manna-4-august-2020-lessons-from-misfortunes/

Memorise: These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. John 16:33

BIBLE READING: 1 KINGS 17:8-16

8 And the word of the Lord came unto him, saying,

9 Arise, get thee to Zarephath, which belongeth to Zidon, and dwell there: behold, I have commanded a widow woman there to sustain thee.

10 So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, behold, the widow woman was there gathering of sticks: and he called to her, and said, Fetch me, I pray thee, a little water in a vessel, that I may drink.

11 And as she was going to fetch it, he called to her, and said, Bring me, I pray thee, a morsel of bread in thine hand.

12 And she said, As the Lord thy God liveth, I have not a cake, but an handful of meal in a barrel, and a little oil in a cruse: and, behold, I am gathering two sticks, that I may go in and dress it for me and my son, that we may eat it, and die.

13 And Elijah said unto her, Fear not; go and do as thou hast said: but make me thereof a little cake first, and bring it unto me, and after make for thee and for thy son.

14 For thus saith the Lord God of Israel, The barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the day that the Lord sendeth rain upon the earth.

15 And she went and did according to the saying of Elijah: and she, and he, and her house, did eat many days.

16 And the barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail, according to the word of the Lord, which he spake by Elijah.

Bible Reading In One Year: Psalms 73-74; Romans 5:1-21

MESSAGE:

Hope is a four-Letter word that has become very scarce in the world today. A lot of people are sad, desperate and hopeless. This however, should never be the case for a Christian. Jesus is the hope of the world and we have free access to Him. Jesus says in John 14:19 that because He lives, we will live also. There is a saying that when there is life, there is hope. Also, in John 16:33, Jesus Christ says that in this world there would be tribulations but we are to be of good cheer because He has overcome the world!. Again, in Romans 8:37, the word of God says we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us.

Dear child, what seemingly hopeless situation are you in?, Have you brought it to Jesus?, If yes, then that situation is not hopeless at all. God is working behind the scene to give you the expected end concerning that situation. You just need to remain positive and constantly speak life and positive words to that situation.

Prayer Point:

Lord Jesus, I put my hope in you. Please end every hopeless situation in my life right now.

Hymn: My Faith Looks Up To Thee

My faith looks up to Thee,
Thou Lamb of Calvary,
Saviour divine!
Now hear me while I pray,
Take all my guilt away;
O let me from this day
Be wholly Thine.
May Thy rich grace impart
Strength to my fainting heart,
My zeal inspire;
As Thou hast died for me,
O may my love to Thee
Pure, warm, and changeless be,
A living fire.
While life’s dark maze | tread,
And griefs around me spread,
Be Thou my guide;
Bid darkness turn to day,
Wipe sorrow’s tears away,
Nor let me ever stray
From Thee aside.
When ends life’s transient dream,
When death’s cold, sullen stream
Shall o’er me roll, Blest Saviour, then in love,
Fear and distrust remove;
O bear me safe above,
A ransomed soul.

READ OTHER CHRISTIAN ARTICLES HERE: https://thenewvine.com/2020/08/04/because-he-lives-open-heavens-for-teens-4-august-2020/

Topic: Remember Lot’s Wife II (Open Heaven 4 August 2020)

Memorise: Wise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction. – Proverbs 10:14

Read: Psalm 90:12 (KJV)

12 So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

Bible in One Year: 2 Kings 22-23, 2 Chronicles 34-35

Open Heaven 4 August 2020 Tuesday MESSAGE:
It is wise to learn from the experience of others, but sometimes, we ourselves have experiences we ought to learn from. Nebuchadnezzar was a man who learnt from his personal experience. God had warned him in a dream and also arranged for Daniel not only to interpret the dream to him, but also to counsel him on how to escape the wrath of God. Unfortunately, he did not heed the warning and for seven years, he ate grass like an animal (Daniel 4). Thank God he got a second chance. By the time he came back to his senses, he had learnt his lessons and recognised Jehovah as the real King. Nobody needed to teach him that again; his experience had done enough. Daniel 4:34 says:

“And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation:”

There are however, some foolish people who refuse to either learn from the experience of others or even theirs. Such people usually never live to tell the story. King Pharaoh for example, should have realised, at least by the third plague, that the God of Israel is not a God to fight. Little wonder God hardened his heart afterwards and he did not realise this truth even after the tenth plague and his eventual death (Exodus 9).

Many people talk about the foolishness of Pharaoh, but some are doing the same thing. How can someone who committed adultery and lost some privileges from that act still go back into it? How can someone who stole and was imprisoned come out and steal again? For people who refuse to learn from personal experience, the end will be disastrous if they don’t repent and forsake their sins. A word is enough for the wise.

Open Heaven 4 August 2020 Tuesday Reflection:
Learn from your past experiences and those of others. Remember Lot’s wife.

Open Heaven 4 August 2020 Tuesday Hymn 18: My Faith Looks Up To Thee
1. My faith looks up to thee,
thou Lamb of Calvary,
Savior divine:
now hear me while I pray,
take all my guilt away,
O let me from this day
be wholly thine.

2. May thy rich grace impart
strength to my fainting heart,
my zeal inspire;
as thou hast died for me,
O may my love to thee
pure, warm, and changeless be,
a living fire.

3. While life’s dark maze I tread,
and griefs around me spread,
be thou my guide;
bid darkness turn to day,
wipe sorrow’s tears away,
nor let me ever stray
from thee aside.

4. When ends life’s transient dream,
when death’s cold, sullen stream
shall o’er me roll,
blest Savior, then, in love,
fear and distrust remove;
O bear me safe above,
a ransomed soul.

READ OTHER ARTICLES HERE https://thenewvine.com/2020/08/04/open-heavens-august-4th-2020-remember-lots-wife-ii/

It is not pleasing to God for people to leave Him out of their daily lives, then work religious formulas to try to appease Him.

Don’t waste your time just going through the motions. Either have a real relationship with God that is alive and meaningful or face the fact that you don’t have one at all and do whatever is needed to get one.

If You are not sure on your relationship with God, ask yourself these questions and you will find out quickly enough where you are spiritually;

1.Are you growing daily in your knowledge of God and His ways?

2. Do you look forward to going to church or is it something you do out of obligation?

3. Do you feel close to God?

4. In your life are you manifesting the fruits of the Holy Spirit? – love, joy, peace, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, meekness, humility, and self control.

5. How much have you changed since you committed your life to Christ?

If you are not satisfied with your answers to these questions, throw your life entirely unto God and ask the Holy Spirit to get involved in every aspect of it.

If You have not been providing a good home for the Holy Spirit, He has been missing you and whether you know it or not, you have been missing Him.

READ OTHER ARTICLES HERE>>> https://thenewvine.com/2020/08/01/see-how-you-can-get-close-to-god-again/

“Communion” means communicating or fellowship with intimacy. Like wise the communion of the Holy Spirit means daily and constant fellowship with the Holy Spirit.

This communion is essential for our spiritual well being. Through the communion of the Holy Spirit, we receive Spiritual blessings and we tell Him our earnest desire.

Though our hearts are full of earnest desires, if the Holy Spirit does not help us commune with God through prayer, we cannot pray properly.

Romans 8:26-28 says; In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. NIV.

If the Holy Spirit does not help us commune with God, our prayers will be like that of the Pharisees. We will not be able to pray according to the will of the father and our prayers will not be answered.

READ MORE ARTICLES HERE>>>https://thenewvine.com/2020/08/01/the-communion-of-the-holy-spirit/

When there is nothing from God on an issue, the state of hopelessness will worsen. The major challenge which believers going through the path of hopelessness face is that they lack a word from God in respect to their situation.

But if God has spoken a word on the matter, the case is as good as closed in your favour. So here are some things you can do to receive God’s word over that hopeless situation.


Take Time To Read and Study The Bible.
God always has something to say about your situation, but are you ready to study God’s word and do what He says you should? Joshua 1:8 says;

This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.(King James Bible)

Know That God Is Assuring, It Is Not Impossible.
Luke 1:37 says; “For with God nothing shall be impossible” (King James Bible), Understand that with God nothing shall be impossible.

Take That Situation To God In Prayer.
Relax my friend, all you need to do know is to take that situation to God in Prayer. Believing that by the Power of God that hopeless situation will be resolved today.

My Prayer is that as you return to that hopeless situation, every impossibility shall become possible in the Name of Jesus. Amen.

Read More Articles Here: https://thenewvine.com/2020/07/26/are-you-in-an-hopeless-situation-see-what-you-need-to-do/

When there is nothing from God on an issue, the state of hopelessness will worsen. The major challenge which believers going through the path of hopelessness face is that they lack a word from God in respect to their situation.

But if God has spoken a word on the matter, the case is as good as closed in your favour. So here are some things you can do to receive God’s word over that hopeless situation.


Take Time To Read and Study The Bible.
God always has something to say about your situation, but are you ready to study God’s word and do what He says you should? Joshua 1:8 says;

This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.(King James Bible)

Know That God Is Assuring, It Is Not Impossible.
Luke 1:37 says; “For with God nothing shall be impossible” (King James Bible), Understand that with God nothing shall be impossible.

Take That Situation To God In Prayer.
Relax my friend, all you need to do know is to take that situation to God in Prayer. Believing that by the Power of God that hopeless situation will be resolved today.

My Prayer is that as you return to that hopeless situation, every impossibility shall become possible in the Name of Jesus. Amen.

Read More Articles Here: https://thenewvine.com/2020/07/26/are-you-in-an-hopeless-situation-see-what-you-need-to-do/

As Christians, Jesus Christ gave us a specific assignment according to John 17:18;”As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world”. This is to say that our mission as christians is to share the gospel throughout all nations. Apostle Paul also made clear about the importance of this mission in Acts 20:24;

“But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself so that I might finish my course with Joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus,to testify the gospel of the grace of God”.

As disciples of Jesus we are meant to prioritise this mission before any other thing just as Apostle Paul did. In essence, our entire existence is to testify the gospel of God around the world, so therefore every aspect of our lives should be used as a medium to share the gospel because that’s our ultimate assignment in this world.

Read More Articles Here: https://thenewvine.com/2020/07/24/fulfilling-the-mission-we-were-made-for/

Have you ever found yourself in an innocent conversation with your spouse that quickly spiraled downward? Somewhere in the middle, you felt it turning sideways, yet you felt powerless to slow down the negative momentum.

Or perhaps your spouse is struggling, in a dark place where your encouragement can’t seem to reach. You wish you had the right words, the right response for every situation. The simplest and most effective way to build your marriage is by learning what God says about the relationship. Really learn. By memorizing verses that speak to the needs and issues in marriage, God will supply you with powerful responses, exactly when they’re needed.

Here are 5 Scriptures that every married couple should memorize. They will not only change the way you communicate, they will change the way you live together by building harmony and purpose into your marriage. Instead of giving in to irritability, insecurity, or indifference, these Scriptures will take root in your soul and transform you into the loving, respectful, considerate spouse you vowed to be when you got married.

1. “That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.” (Genesis 2:24)
God intended couples to feel connectivity to one another in marriage—like they complete each other. Marriage is about the creation of a new life together.

2. “Love is patient, love is kind…”
“…It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-

The great love chapter of the Bible applies to all relationships but especially to marriage. Selfishness, unkindness, arrogance, and grudges don’t belong in marriage.

3. “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” (Ephesians 5:21)
Setting the stage for the following famous “wives submit” and “husbands love” verses, Paul reminds couples that submission applies to everyone for everyone. Husbands and wives should not seek to control the other, but willingly defer to each other instead.

4. “However, each one of your also must love his wife as he love himself, and the wife must respect her husband.” (Ephesians 5:33)
Paul explains the highest needs that women and men feel: most women feel loved through expression of emotion, and most men feel loved through expressions of respect.

5. “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone…”
“…Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” (Colossians 3:13-15)

When your spouse hurts or offends you, you must speak honestly (with love and respect) about the issue, rather than silently seething and expecting your spouse to figure out what’s wrong. Forgiveness is a conscious, intentional act of love.

https://thenewvine.com/2020/07/02/5-scriptures-every-married-couple-should-memorize/

Admit You Are Powerless The first step to restore your marriage is to admit that you cannot manage your marriage problems on your own. This means you recognize the ineffectiveness of your attempts to change yours, and your spouse’s faults and character defects. You come to grips with the reality that you are fundamentally powerless to control or change your spouse, his or her character defects, and many of the things that happen in your life. You must come to the place where you are willing to admit that the strategies you have tried have not worked, and that every attempt you make to change or control your spouse fails. It means that you recognize that you are not in control but that GOD is, and that He must be the focus of your life; not you, not your spouse, not your career, not money, nor children, but GOD. It means that you must learn to leave your spouse in God’s hands and trust Him to work on your mate. Remember that whatever condition your marriage is in, God is in business of performing miracles, transforming lives, and healing broken hearts. Indeed God can help you restore your marriage. “We saw how powerless we were to help ourselves; but that was good, for we put everything into the hands of God who alone could save us…2 Corinthians 1:9 Because we are powerless, we need to call on the power of the Holy Spirit in our marriage. We need power that is beyond us to overcome our sinful tendencies, and to enable us to be the husband and wife that God would have us to be. God provides this power through the person of the Holy Spirit. God, the Holy Spirit wants to help you succeed in your marriage. The Holy Spirit is available to help every believing Christian and He can help you to restore your marriage. At the moment we receive Jesus Christ as our personal Savior, the Holy Spirit comes into our lives permanently to indwell us. Christ promises, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you” (Acts 1:8a). The Holy Spirit is God with all the attributes only God can have. Not only is the Holy Spirit all-powerful, but like God the Father, and God the Son, He has a personality and we can come to know Him personally. He has feelings and can be grieved by our actions (Ephesians 4:30). He can be obeyed or disobeyed (Acts 10:19-20). Because we have earthly models of fathers and sons, it is often easier to identify with and rely upon God the Father and Jesus. It is harder to identify with a spirit. Yet, in marriage we can’t afford to miss out on the powerful ministry that the Holy Spirit offers you to restore your marriage. As the Holy Spirit enters our lives, He works in us to produce a living fellowship between God and us. Of course, His work also affects the relationships we have with others around us, particularly our spouses and our children. Here are some of the works of the Holy Spirit that strongly impact our relationships: He gives us power to be Christ-like (Ephesians 3:16) He directs our lives on a daily basis (Romans 8:14) He convicts us of sin (John 16: He empowers us to fight sin in our lives (Galatians 5:15-16) He causes our marriages to glorify Christ (John 16:14) He produces the “fruit” of the spirit in our lives; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23) Consider these three steps that can lead your marriage toward a renewed sense of intimacy: Believe that God loves you and that He desires to walk with you in oneness through the power of the Holy Spirit. Confess to God your utter dependency on the Holy Spirit for power. If there is any known sin in your life, confess it by agreeing with God that it is sin and is displeasing to Him; Draw upon God’s power by faith and obedience. Begin walking by the Spirit in your daily life.
Pray for Your Mate, Your Marriage and Yourself Begin to pray everyday for your spouse. Believe God for a miracle in your marriage. Psalm 77:14 says, “You are the God who performs miracles.” The Bible makes it clear that God wants people to stay married. We need to expect God to supernaturally intervene in our circumstances. Unbelief and fear paralyzes us and causes us to believe our problems are too big for God. We need to believe that God can still move mountains. Jesus said, “According to your faith will it be done to you” (Matthew 9:29). Stormie Omartian, in her book, The Power of a Praying Wife suggests praying this prayer for your marriage:
Adjust your expectations Most marriages encounter problems and conflicts sooner or later. Some marital problems and conflicts can be anticipated and avoided, others cannot be foreseen, and must be dealt with and resolved as they come. This takes the effort of both partners. Marital problems are complex and there are no easy answers, or quick solutions for most. If they have been occurring over a long period of time, the relationship may be at a point of crisis. A marriage crisis is very painful to go through, but that does not mean the relationship should be ended. In fact when problems and conflicts are worked through, they can strengthen the love in a
relationship and provide an opportunity for a couple to grow and learn, and move to a higher level of mutual satisfaction in their marriage. Recognizing the need to deal with problems and conflict can help restore your marriage as you go through them together. Relationship struggles often reveal that there are some things that we have not understood about our partner and vice versa. They often reflect the stock pile of unmet needs that have occurred. They may even indicate areas of neglect, misunderstanding and differences. They show us that there is work to be done in the relationship. In unhappy relationships, the root cause of unhappiness is a lack of unconditional love and acceptance. Controlling, demanding and unrealistic expectations are just symptoms of that cause. When we stop seeing marriage as an obligation for our partner to fill our expectations, and instead see it as an opportunity to learn to truly accept our spouse for who he or she is, we take a major step in seeing our marriages become happy and fulfilling. In his marriage research laboratory at the University of Washington, psychologist John Gottman has been studying married couples for more than twenty years. He has found that the most destructive characteristics in a relationship, what he calls the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, (1) criticism, (2) contempt, (3) defensiveness and (4) stonewalling. The first two traits suggest that one partner has a lot of trouble accepting the other one; the second two are typical reactions of not feeling accepted. The importance of acceptance has also been documented by other researchers who have found that an inability to accept differences is a leading predictor of failure in marriage. In short, these factors can be a detriment to your attempt to restore your marriage. Does acceptance mean you consider the other person to be perfect? Of course not. It does not mean that you think their personality is without flaw or that everything they do is perfectly okay with you. It does not mean that you don’t want them to be better. Nobody is perfect, and people will always have qualities we don’t like, characteristics we find annoying, and behavior that we wish they’d stop. Acceptance is not the same as agreement. Acceptance means that you recognize their essential worth, and consider them to be deserving of your esteem, and your love, despite their imperfections. Needless to say, certain things are unacceptable. There are non-negotiable standards. Physical abuse is one of them. Repeated infidelity, alcoholism and drug addiction may also be unacceptable. Accepting behavior that crosses the line does not promote a healthy relationship, nor is it a mark of wisdom. You won’t be able to restore your marriage by burying your head in the sand. But, short of putting up with what is truly intolerable, the capacity for acceptance – hard as it sometimes is to achieve – is an essential ingredient of true love and a lasting marriage. 4. Resist the Enemy The source of all marital problems can be traced back to the Garden of Eden with creation’s first married couple. Genesis 1 and 2 tells us that Adam and Eve lived in perfect union with God, and with each other. Without fear or shame, they instinctively delighted themselves in creation, in each other, and God. It was in essence a taste of Heaven on earth. God instructed them not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2:17). They were told that if they did, they would die. Then one day, something tragic happened. Suddenly, without warning, their world…their lives…their marriage, and hence ours, changed forever. Genesis 3 depicts exactly what happened and how it affected their relationship. Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, 3 but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’ “ “You will not surely die,” the serpent said to the woman. 5 “For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves (Gen. 3:1-7) Into the tranquil beauty of this innocent garden the enemy crept. Whispering to Adam and Eve – and hence to all of us – the serpent suggested, “You can’t trust God…you’ve got to take matters into your own control… then you’ll be like God.” Adam looked on silently while his wife’s doubt led to disobedience. Passively, yet willingly, her husband joined her in a definitive act of disobedience to their maker. Satan is no impotent, imaginary character, but rather he is a present and real enemy who seeks the destruction of God’s people, including their marriages and families. He attacked the first marriage, and he is still attacking marriages today. The problem is that many times couples get duped into fighting each other in their marriages, rather than fighting the real enemy. Your mate is not your enemy. Your real enemy is Satan and his evil forces. I once read a magazine article about conflict in marriage that said, “Marriage is the only war where you sleep with the enemy.” But that’s not true, your mate is not your enemy. It is important for you to know that. Your enemy is Satan, and he is the one who will do anything and everything in his power to destroy your marriage. Jesus described him as a thief, He said “The thief comes only to steal and to kill and destroy”(John 10:10a). The apostle Paul tells us in Ephesians 6:12 “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Unfortunately, many believers do not take his existence or scriptural warnings and instructions about him seriously. We can be absolutely certain that the enemy will do everything in his power to “kill, steal, and destroy,” first the joy and intimacy of your marriage, and then the very marriage and family unit itself. 2 Corinthians 2:11 tells that we should not let Satan take advantage of us by being ignorant of his schemes. According to 2 Corinthians 11:3 we know that, Satan has the ability to attack us much the same way he attacked Adam and Eve: “But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ” (2 Corinthians 11:3). Satan corrupted Eve’s thinking through deceitful suggestions. He tempted her to think that God was holding out on her, that God could not be trusted. Through suggestion, he caused her to doubt, and to think irrationally. He deceived her into thinking and believing that she should not depend on God, but should take matters into her own hands, instead of following God and His will for her life. Today Satan uses the same tactics, and tries to do the same thing to us. One of his chief tactics in your present circumstances will likely be to try to convince you that this situation is too big for God. That is a lie. Jesus said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God”(Mark 10:27). Nothing is too difficult for God. Certainly God can help you to restore your marriage. Satan seeks to mess with our minds, cause us to doubt God’s power and to distract us from following Christ. This is Satan’s disguise. He seeks to perpetrate selfish and independent attitudes in man. He seeks to corrupt us through our thinking, to get us to exalt ourselves through selfish and independent actions and attitudes. The undisciplined mind is vulnerable to satanic attacks designed to defeat us by causing wrongful thinking. To have the life and marriage God wants for us, we must be alert, deal with our enemy, refute his lies and think straight. James admonishes us, “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you”(James 4:7). The apostle Paul admonishes us to bring every thought captive to obedience to Christ: “For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ”(2 Corinthians 10:3-5, NIV). Our mind is the battlefield. Through deceit, and lies, the enemy tries to keep every believer from trusting, and walking with God. His typical method of attacking the thought life generally involves nothing more than well-timed suggestions. He knows our weaknesses and vulnerabilities, and his carefully timed suggestions can bring dangerous results. Unless the enemy and his demonic allies are resisted, a believers mind will be like a city without walls, easily invaded by anything that happens to be around. Solomon describes this in Proverbs: “He that has no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls” (Proverbs 25:28). The spiritual war for our marriages is won or lost on the battlefield of the mind. Until a person recognizes this and begins to take steps to resist the enemy, all other efforts to win the battle are futile. The Apostle John tells us, “Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world” (1 John 4:4).

https://thenewvine.com/2020/07/02/three-steps-to-restore-your-marriage/

Perhaps this is why the Bible talks so much about waiting. God wants us to know that waiting is far from a passive activity in which we do nothing. In fact, Scripture teaches us that God wants us to actively participate in the work he desires to accomplish. Waiting strategically can cultivate good fruit in in our lives usuch as patience, perseverance, and endurance. It also draws us closer to our Savior and points those who are watching us to the gospel.

To that end, here are 10 things to do while you wait.

Believe that the God who saved you hears your cries (Micah 7:7).
Have you ever felt like your prayers are bouncing off the ceiling? Perhaps, like me, you have prayed for years about a concern, but God has seemed silent. That’s where God demonstrated his love and mercy towards us when we were still his enemies.
He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? (Romans 8:32)

In other words, the cross is our guarantee that God is for us and is committed to give us everything we would ask for if we knew everything he knew. We can be content with that and wait patiently for his answers.

Watch with expectancy, but be prepared for unexpected answers (Psalm 5:3).
While God has been faithful to answer many of my prayers, it’s often been in far different ways than I would have anticipated! God knows that the only way to do what he and I both desire will, at times, involve varying degrees of discomfort in my life.
Growing in humility means pride has to be done away with. Learning to love like Jesus requires us to say no to self’s constant demand for selfish ambition, wanting our own way, and putting ourselves first. Growing in patience inevitably involves some form of waiting, whether in a long line at the grocery story or a lifetime for a loved one to come to Christ. When we lay our requests before him, it is by faith that we wait and watch in anticipation of God’s good work in us and others.

Put your hope in his Word (Psalm 130:5-6).
We can be tempted to put our hope in things that may disappoint us in the end. We can hope a doctor will heal us, a teacher will pass us, a spouse will love us, our employer will reward us, or a friend will help us. But it is only when we put our hope in Christ that we can wait with confidence and know we will not be put to shame.
There is only one place to go to for reassurance during hard times, and that is to the cross.

Also Read: DON’T NORMALISE SIN

It seems that God allows us to experience disappointments in life to teach us that nothing else will truly satisfy or provide us with a firm foundation to stand upon. God’s Word alone is unshakable. We can wait for the Lord knowing that, no matter how dark the night is, his light will break through in our lives, bringing abundant joy through a more intimate relationship with Christ.

Trust in the Lord, not in your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Why is it so tempting for us to depend on our own wisdom rather than the wisdom of our all-wise God? What makes us think that we know better than he does what is best for us? Scripture speaks clearly about how to live life abundantly forever with Christ; yet, all too easily, we justify our sin, declare distasteful commands irrelevant, and do what is right in our own eyes. Seasons of waiting reveal where we are placing our trust.

Resist fretting, refrain from anger, be still, and choose patience (Psalm 37:7-.
It’s easy to say we trust God, but our response to delays, frustrations, and difficult situations exposes where we are actually placing our hope.
Are we convinced God is listening?

Do we believe he’s good?

Do we accept that our circumstances are sovereignly ordained?

Do we doubt he really cares about us?

When we choose to wait quietly and trustingly, we not only honor God but encourage others to put their hope in him as well.

Be strong and take courage (Psalm 27:13-14; 31:24).
I’ve found that one of my biggest battles in long seasons of waiting is fighting fear and all its buddies like anxiety, fretfulness, and worry. A voice in my head asks, What if this happens? What if God doesn’t answer my prayers? It is the gospel that has taught me that enduring strength and courage will never be found in myself but in Christ. I am empowered to be courageous when:
I meditate on the sovereign rule and power of God and his abundant goodness in sending a Savior to set me free from sin.

I remember that my “light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison” (2 Corinthians 4:17).

Jesus said, “I will never leave you or forsake you.” Ever. He is Immanuel, God with us. That’s a promise that will sustain us while we wait for answers to prayer, but even more, as we wait for his triumphant return!

See it as an opportunity to experience God’s goodness (Psalm 27:13; Lamentations 3:25).
When my focus is on my problems and what God has or has not given me, I am prone to grumbling, complaining, discontentment, bitterness, and selfishness. When I define goodness by what brings me the most comfort, happiness, and gratification in this life, then anything that threatens these things will tempt me to question God’s love and goodness.
God demonstrated his goodness when Christ absorbed the wrath of God that we deserved, making a way for us to be set free from the power of sin and our enemy Satan, who seeks to steal, kill, and destroy our eternal joy and peace. For those who have eyes to see, seasons of waiting offer countless opportunities to witness God at work in and through us for our eternal good and his glory.
Wait for God’s promise instead of going your own way (Acts 1:4).
Scripture offers plenty of examples of saints who got weary of waiting for God and chose to do things their way. I’ve given way to that temptation as well.
God’s goodness is promised for those who wait patiently for him! No matter how long. Regardless of how hopeless things appear to us. Even when it seems to cost us everything. “God is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to his power at work within us” (Ephesians 3:20). When we wait for him, we will never be disappointed.

Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful with thanksgiving (Colossians 4:2).
Another temptation we face when God does not seem to be answering our prayers is to stop praying, stop expecting him to act, while giving way to a spirit of cynicism, rather than thanking God for who he is and all he has done for us. While God may not answer in our timing or in the way we expect, he will accomplish his good purposes in our lives when we wait for him and persevere in prayer.

Remember the blessings yet to come (Isaiah 30:18).
As long as our hope is set on this life and things that gratify our flesh, we will likely feel frustrated, discouraged, and even hopeless. Jesus Christ came to offer us eternal joy and freedom from sin and, although we have been set free from sin’s power, sin’s presence is still at work in and around us. Thankfully, the gospel assures us, as believers, that God is for us and works all things together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28).
During long (or even short) seasons of waiting, our hearts will be encouraged to remember that the best is yet to come! One day sin will be no more! We will be free from self’s demands and temptations and experience everlasting joy. So,
Set your mind on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” (Colossians 3:2-4) don’t know anyone who likes to wait. Do you? (I didn’t think so). Waiting is hard work and, at times, can even test our faith. It’s especially difficult when there are no guarantees that our waiting will ever end in this lifetime. Desires we long for, prayers we’ve been praying, and news we’re waiting to hear can tempt us to be impatient, discouraged, to worry, and even to wonder if God cares.

https://thenewvine.com/2020/07/02/what-to-do-while-youre-waiting-on-god/

This is a short section in the gospels when Jesus takes his disciples aside and gives them a model of prayer they can follow. What we found as we studied this simple prayer is that it is really comprehensive! It gives a great balance between praising God and placing requests before God.


What is the Lord’s Prayer?
You’ve probably seen the LORD’s prayer before, but just in case you haven’t, here it is from Matthew 6:9b-13:

‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.’


Sometimes we say this prayer in church or may have prayed it ourselves. But do we really know what the words mean and how it can help us to pray well?
Let’s break down the prayer and have a look at each section so we can be better equipped and understand what we are saying as we pray.


“Our Father in heaven…”
This line reminds us that we are praying to our Father in heaven, how great is this?! We can call the God of the WHOLE universe our “father” because of what Jesus has done, bringing us into God’s family. This means we can come to Him as children when we pray, but it also reminds us that we need to have the correct reverence and awe of Him as a father and not just treat God like our buddy or mate.


“Hallowed be your name”
This line sounds a little odd because we don’t really use the word “hallowed” any more, but what it means is to ‘honour as holy’. So we are to honour God’s name as holy and also treat Him as holy. But this prayer is bigger than just for ourselves; we are to pray that all across the world God’s name may be honoured as holy as people come to know God and to understand who He is.


“Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven”
As Christians, we know that the life we live here on earth is not all that there is, we know that a new heaven and a new earth are coming – this is the coming kingdom of God (Revelation 21).
But we also know that God’s kingdom is being established today as people come to know Him and become part of His family (His kingdom). So as we pray this line about God’s will being done, and God’s kingdom we should remember that we are not only praying for the future but also for people to become Christians right now.


“Give us today our daily bread”
This line has a double meaning behind it. It asks for God to provide us with the daily necessities that we need (harking back to the days when God provided food for His people for the 40 years in the desert), but it also refers to God feeding us daily through His word, The Bible.


“And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors”
Even though as Christians we know we are forgiven of our sins, it is good to pray for forgiveness for it reminds us that we are sinful and constantly fall short of God’s perfect standards. We also are reminded by this line that we are to forgive others. We have been forgiven so much by God, we are to show Christ-like character and forgive those who wrong us.


“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one”
Despite us having been saved by Jesus and the victory over sin and death having been won, there is still a spiritual war happening. So we are to pray for protection from the attacks of the devil as well as praying that God help us not to wander into temptation and sin.


“For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours, now and forever. Amen”
This is an added extra bit that many churches have tagged onto the end of the LORD’s Prayer that is a conclusion to the prayer. It praises God for the power and glory that he has and will have for all eternity.


Pray the Lord’s Prayer this week!
Hopefully this little break-down might help the Lord’s Prayer to be slightly more accessible to you, and at least for you to know what you are praying for as you recite the prayer in church.
Sometimes I even like hang my prayers off this prayer, praying one line of the prayer and then praying for other things that fit under that idea. Maybe you can try something like that this week?

https://thenewvine.com/2020/07/01/see-how-the-lords-prayer-can-help-us-pray-better/

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. (Ephesians 4:32)
Is this true for you? – someone at the church you attend bothers you so much that sometimes you would just rather stay home from church!
The day before He died, Jesus told His disciples that the most important command He was giving them was to love each other (John 15:12-17). During the whole final evening with them, He was preparing them for life after His death, resurrection, and ascension to Heaven (John 13-17). He had kept them together as His disciples for the past three years, and now they needed to know how they could remain together even though they would be spread to different parts of the world. Jesus’ answer was love for one another, which would unite them.​

https://thenewvine.com/2020/07/01/forgiving-others-in-the-church/

Text: Lamentations 3:22-26

22 It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.

23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

24 The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.

25 The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him.

26 It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.

Key Verse: “It is of the LORD’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22, 23).

MESSAGE:

The fall of Judah and the destruction of Jerusalem had brought untold suffering upon the people. Their sorrow, the direct consequences of their sins and rebellion against God’s word, was boundless. Yet, the prophet who personally witnessed it, urged them to repent and rely on the sure mercies of God.

Also Read: Open Heaven 29 June 2020 – Equipped for Service

Israel had turned sin into a habit that appeared to give them immeasurable pleasure. Ceaselessly, the Lord warned them through His prophets and messengers. They would only repent by turning to Him in the face of imminent danger or oppression in the hands of heathen enemy nations. Prophet Jeremiah fearlessly prophesied about their seventy-year captivity as a result of their sin, but they never bothered.

The prophet in our text had felt personal sorrow over the tragedy of the destructions and attendant sufferings of the people. However, he was quick to remember that God will not always chide neither will He keep His anger forever. He told them that though they were in such sorrow, yet, it was of the Lord’s mercies they were not consumed.

Many people take God’s mercy for licence. They are quick to claim that if He did not approve of their sinful lifestyle, they would have been destroyed. But they are ignorant of God’s attribute of long-suffering.

Have you ever pondered on the magnitude of God’s judgment? It is wise to ask for His mercy than wait for His sentence. There is danger in waiting until the door of mercy is shut. Repent and be reconciled unto the Lord.

Thought For The Day: Don’t take God’s mercy as license to sin.

The Bible In One Year: 1 Kings 21-22
https://thenewvine.com/2020/06/29/dclm-daily-manna-29-june-2020-dont-take-god-for-granted/

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.

Memorise: Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is.
Jeremiah 17:7

Bible Reading: Proverbs 3:5-7

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.
Bible Reading In One Year: Job 16-18; Acts 9:1-43

MESSAGE:

The Bible likens a person who trusts in the Lord to a tree planted by the river side (Jeremiah 17:8 ). Proximity to water secures a tree of continuous sustenance. The tree beside the water can access regular supply of needed water and minerals and as a result will live longer and be more fruitful than trees in other locations. This means your faith and trust in God not only guarantees your protection but also guarantees your satisfaction and fruitfulness. The extent to which you trust in God determines where you are placed; the desert, a residential area or the riverside.

Dear child, it is not too early to learn to trust in God. Gods plan for you is that you should trust Him completely. He wants you to trust Him so much so that you place all of your eggs in a basket (Him). He becomes your only option, it is either He helps you or you sink. When you trust God this way, it is absolutely for your benefit. You will be contented because you will be nourished, you will be peaceful, water will always be available for your cleansing, you will be established in the easiest of ways, and you will remain fruitful till Jesus returns.

Key Point:

When your heart is fixed on God, He will| make sure nothing moves you.

Hymn: My Faith Looks Up To Thee

My faith looks up to Thee,
Thou Lamb of Calvary,
Saviour divine!
Now hear me while I pray,
Take all my guilt away;
O let me from this day
Be wholly Thine.
May Thy rich grace impart
Strength to my fainting heart,
My zeal inspire;
As Thou hast died for me,
O may my love to Thee
Pure, warm, and changeless be,
A living fire.
While life’s dark maze | tread,
And griefs around me spread,
Be Thou my guide;
Bid darkness turn to day,
Wipe sorrow’s tears away,
Nor let me ever stray
From Thee aside.
When ends life’s transient dream,
When death’s cold, sullen stream
Shall o’er me roll,
Blest Saviour, then in love,
Fear and distrust remove;
O bear me safe above,
A ransomed soul.
Daily Devotional for Teen’s 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.

https://thenewvine.com/2020/06/29/complete-trust-open-heavens-for-teens-29-june-2020/

Topic: Equipped for Service (Open Heaven 29 June 2020)

Memorise: Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. – 2 Timothy 2:15

Read: 1 Peter 5:1-4 (KJV)

1 The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:

2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;

3 Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.

4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

Bible in One Year: 2 Chronicles 19-23

Open Heaven 29 June 2020 Monday MESSAGE:
The choice of the vessel to use for any particular purpose is typically dependent on the owner’s preference, as well as the suitability of each to the assignment at hand. So also, the person whom God would use for any assignment must meet God’s basic requirements. After God locates such a person, He then equip him/her for the divine assignment.

Many Christians are not fulfilling their purpose in life and ministry because they have consistently refused the required training for their assignment, and because they are not found to be suitable yet, their commissioning remains pending. May the Lord wake you up to the reality of your situation today, so you can take your rightful place in the Kingdom of God in the Mighty Name of Jesus.

God’s preparation through the cross transforms a person’s mind, heart, will and life such that he/she becomes aligned with God’s purpose.

“And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.” – 2 Corinthians 9:8

People with broken spirits, dysfunctional families, health challenges, the poor, the demon-possessed, and the disenfranchised can all find peace and prosperity with God. This is the whole essence of Christianity and all it requires is our total submission to the preparation process. 2 Timothy 2:21 says “If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.”

The Lord will only use the best – vessels purged (repentance and confession), as well as purified and sanctified.

God is seeking such a vessel; are you one?

Open Heaven 29 June 2020 Monday Prayer Point:
Father, please purge, cleanse, and purify me for Your special service, in the mighty name of Jesus.

Open Heaven 29 June 2020 Monday Hymn 29: What a Friend we have in Jesus
1. What a Friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!

O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!


2. Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged,
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness,
Take it to the Lord in prayer.


3. Are we weak and heavy-laden,
Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge—
Take it to the Lord in prayer;
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer;
In His arms He’ll take and shield thee,
Thou wilt find a solace there.

READ OTHER DEVOTIONALS AND CHRISTIAN ARTICLES HERE: https://thenewvine.com/2020/06/29/open-heaven-29-june-2020-equipped-for-service/

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. The Open Heavens devotional application is available across all mobile platforms and operating systems: iOS, Android, Blackberry, Nokia, Windows Mobile and PC.

There are several reasons why the name of Jesus is very distinct, and one out of many reasons is that, the name of Jesus is God’s password for answered prayers. The Bible affirmed this truth in John 14:14, which says;
“If You ask anything in My Name I will do it”

The moment you put the name of Jesus to work, things are bound to yield to your request, and every thing becomes to obey your decree.

I decided to write this post just to show us some of the Luxury we can access as believers, if we can TRUST, CALL, BELIEVE and put the NAME of JESUS to ACTION in our everyday life. Here are a few of them I will like us to know:

1. At the mention of the Name of Jesus, there is a release of immeasurable miracles

2. The Name of Jesus is the only medium of communication with the FATHER.

3. At the mention of the Name of JESUS every knee will bow and every tongue will confess.

4. The Name of Jesus is the door to every breakthrough in life.

5. The Name of JESUS protects you from all evils and troubles. Proverbs 18:10 says “The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth to it, and is safe”

6. The Name of JESUS is the door to every rest.

7. The Name of JESUS delivers you from any form of sickness and infirmity.

8. The power in the Name of JESUS can raise anything dead in your life.

However, for this name to work for you, you must surrender to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. This is because the same Name that is capable of doing all that you can request is the same Name that will Judge the world. A time is coming when it will be too late to submit to the name.

SO SURRENDER YOUR ALL TO JESUS NOW.

LET’S PRAY: Lord Jesus, cleanse me from all sin and let the power in Your Name set me free. In Jesus Name, AMEN.

You Can Read More Christian Articles Here:
https://thenewvine.com/2020/06/29/the-name-of-jesus-what-it-can-do-for-you/