Daily Devotional for Thursday 29th April

[Edoman]

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES 


THURSDAY 29TH APRIL.



WE HAVE AUTHORITY


When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness (Luke 22:53).


We’re in a time when there’s so much abuse of political power in many parts of the world. There’re some hostile laws, policies and actions in some states designed to be inimical to Christians because of their faith. If you’d read the story of Jesus’ arrest, before His crucifixion, you’ll see that these kinds of injustices aren’t new. Jesus experienced the abuse of power in high places.


John 18 recounts how Judas led the soldiers and officers sent by the high priests and Pharisees to arrest Jesus. Knowing all that was about to befall Him, the Lord went out to them and said, “Whom do you seek?” and they answered, “Jesus of Nazareth!” Then, Jesus said, “I am He.”


Immediately Jesus spoke and identified Himself, the soldiers and temple police were knocked out by the power of God and fell to the ground. Luke 22:52- 53 NKJV tells us, “Then Jesus said to the chief priests, captains of the temple, and the elders who had come to Him, Have you come out, as against a robber, with swords and clubs? When I was with you daily in the temple, you did not try to seize Me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness.”


Notice the statement, “this is your hour, and the power of darkness.” Jesus understood that the power of darkness was at work, and that these men that came to arrest Him were not motivated by themselves, but by Satan. Jesus faced six trials within a few hours and none of them could convict Him.


The high priest had to frame something against Him out of anger, saying of Jesus, “…He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? Behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy” (Matthew 26:65). A few hours later, He was crucified on the Cross.


 Thanks be unto God! He offered Himself of His own free will (John 10:17-18). The quick trials, unreasonable laws, the lies and unchecked manipulations today aren’t new. Hence we must get on our knees to pray fervidly in the spirit, declaring that our cities are dominated by the light of the Gospel, and impacted by the force of righteousness. We have authority, and Jesus is Lord over all. Stand up for Him and His Church everywhere!


CONFESSION

I refuse to be intimidated by decrees or laws that are anti-Christian or against the preaching of the Gospel; rather, I’m stirred within to pray that the wicked acts, schemes, policies and stratagems of Satan to frustrate God’s people and the preaching of the Gospel around the world be brought to naught, in the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen.


FURTHER STUDY

2 Thessalonians 3:1-2; Proverbs 16:12 AMPC

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Luke 23:26-49 & 2 Samuel 4-6


2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Mark 6:14-29 & Numbers 2







#AFFIRMATIONTRAIN 


I affirm that I am God’s choice and He has granted me insight and foresight into the realities of the Kingdom. I am rooted and grounded in the Word; therefore, I am immune to failure or defeat. 


My way is paved by the Lord; I walk in preordained pathways, conscious of my calling as a minister of reconciliation. My mind is anointed to think the “God-kind” of thoughts.


Daily, as I meditate on God’s Word, I build a wealth of thoughts that keep me in the arena of glory, health, and prosperity, causing me to live the best life here on earth. I am full of the Spirit. Hallelujah! 


I have received not the spirit of this world, but the spirit, which is of God, and I know the things that are freely given unto me of God. Which things also I speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches, but which the Holy Ghost teaches. Hallelujah![/url]


[url=https://wp.me/p9v28c-5b7]I am a Joint-heir with Christ; the seed of Abraham and the whole world belongs to me. Nothing is permitted to happen to me by chance! Everywhere I go, I make things happen. 


I am not the poor trying to get rich but I am the rich discovering what belongs to me in Christ Jesus. Glory to God. Hallelujah!






God bless you

[Edoman]

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL

 
 DATE: THURSDAY 29TH APRIL 2021
  
THEME: THE CURE FOR DEFEAT
 
 MEMORISE:
Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgression. Psalm 51:1
  
READ:  Deuteronomy 28:1-7
1 And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth:

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

3 Blessed shalt thou be in the city, and blessed shalt thou be in the field.

4 Blessed shall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy ground, and the fruit of thy cattle, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep.

5 Blessed shall be thy basket and thy store.

6 Blessed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and blessed shalt thou be when thou goest out.

7 The LORD shall cause thine enemies that rise up against thee to be smitten before thy face: they shall come out against thee one way, and flee before thee seven ways.
 
MESSAGE:   
When a person transgresses the law of God, he or she becomes profane. Unless there is a quick return to the word of God, such a fellow may likely suffer permanent defeat like Samson, who died along with his enemies. You will not die with your enemies in the mighty name of Jesus.
 
"Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord. Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart. They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways." Psalm 119:1-3.

It is possible that you have suffered defeat, perhaps due to carelessness. I have good news for you. The Scripture reading for today contains what you need to do to get back on your feet and how you need to do it.

You must pay close attention to the voice of your Lord God. Many Christians today are not ready to listen to God. The reason is not far-fetched; 1Corinthians 1:18 says the word of the Cross is foolishness to those who are perishing. It is sad that some preachers encourage their flock not to pay attention to the Epistles anymore; they say the contents are not meant for Christians of today. Beloved, we are not only to pay close attention to the word, we must also be diligent enough to observe and do all His commandments.
  
What are His commandments? You are to come out of unequal yoke with unbelievers (2Corinthians 14,17,18), repent of your sins and forsake them genuinely (Revelation2:5). These are two of the things you must do to cure yourself from any defeat you may have suffered. David knew this secret and he employed it to his advantage as we see in our memory verse for today.
 
I pray that, in whatsoever areas of your life you may have suffered defeat, the Lord Himself will restore you and grant you permanent victory in the mighty name of Jesus.
 
ACTION POINT:
Ask the Holy Spirit to help you assess your life and see where you need revival. Then call upon the Lord to revive you.
 
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Joshua 11-13.
 
AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE 
 
HYMN 18:  PASS ME NOT, O GENTLE SAVIOR.
 
1. Pass me not, O gentle Savior,
Hear my humble cry;
While on others Thou art calling,
Do not pass me by.

o   Refrain:
Savior, Savior,
Hear my humble cry,
While on others Thou art calling,
Do not pass me by.
 
2. Let me at Thy throne of mercy
Find a sweet relief;
Kneeling there in deep contrition,
Help my unbelief.
 
3. Trusting only in Thy merit,
Would I seek Thy face;
Heal my wounded, broken spirit,
Save me by Thy grace.
 
4. Thou the spring of all my comfort,
More than life to me,
Whom have I on earth beside Thee,
Whom in Heav’n but Thee.