'EVERYTHING IS PERMISSIBLE FOR ME BUT' 1 CORINTHIANS 6:12 NIV

Let your flesh know who's in charge. Look for ways to say no to yourself every day. If you do, you'll be able to do it when it really counts. We're not just talking about cardinal sins, but zeroing in on the undisciplined areas of our lives that we excuse, rationalize, or postpone dealing with. Paul writes, Everything is permissible for me but not everything is beneficial.

Everything is permissible for me but I will not be mastered of anything. Paul measures his actions by this yardstick: is it beneficial? Does it have the potential to control me?

How long are you going to keep telling yourself, I know I need to change, and I will tomorrow? You have the right to consume chocolate cake and ice cream at bedtime every night. It's permissible but not beneficial, especially if you want unblocked arteries, sugar free blood, a trim waistline, the ability to run a marathon or maybe just to keep up with your grand-kids. You have the right to spend your time and money as you please but you don't have the right to complain when the law of diminishing returns kicks in and you finish up in the poorhouse. You have the right to fill your mind with any kind of garbage you choose. But understand this, constant exposure to the wrong things will weaken you character, rob you of self-respect and eventually enslave you.

When it comes to replacing bad habits with good ones, only one person is going to make it happen; you. Your character is the sum total of your everyday choices. Day by day, what you think, what you choose and what you do, is who you become.

Evangelist Philip Jegede’s Reading Courtesy of DWFT: Matt 5:9, Rom 12:17-21, Jan 3:17-18, 1Jn 3:1-3 www.mpbs247.org

'HIS WORD IS IN MY HEART LIKE A FIRE.' JEREMIAH 20:9 NIV

If you've ever built a fire you know that its tendency is to go out. You must feed and protect it. Not everyone will help you do that. There are two kinds of people you'll meet in life: fire lighters and fire extinguishers. The first group will inspire you, encourage you and go out of their way to help you. The second group will throw cold water on you. How can you tell the difference? Fire extinguishers use phrases like: it's not in the budget...that's not practical...we've tried that before and it didn't work... if it ain't broke don't fix it...who will do all the extra work?...we don't have enough experience, talent, education, etc.,...who do you think you are? If you've heard one or more of these excuses coming from the people around you, pray for them, love them, but don't let them influence you. Fire extinguishers focus on what's wrong rather on what's right. They find the cloud that comes with every silver lining. They doubt. They resist change. They keep you from reaching higher by trying to put out the fire of your passion. Sometimes they do this deliberately, other times unknowingly. Handle them with care! Instead, spend more time with fire lighters who view you not as you are, but as you could be; who fuel your faith and ignite your passion.

It's estimated that there are about 200 million Christians in the Chinese church today. One of the fire lighters who helped start it was Hudson Taylor. And he's the man who said, the sun has not once risen in China in 40 years, without finding me on my knees in prayer. That's passion!

Evangelist Philip Jegede’s Reading Courtesy of DWFT: Acts 10-11, Luke 8:40-56, Ps 14, Pr 16: 6-7 www.mpbs247.org

'I MUST BE ABOUT MY FATHER'S BUSINESS.' LUKE 2:49

Examine the life of Christ. As a boy of 12 He told his parents. I must be about my Father's business. Later He announced to His disciples, we must do the work of him who sent me, (John 9:4 NIV). Note the word “must”. Jesus knew He was called to do and He refused to allow anything to stand in the way of doing it. When you priorities your life according to your God-given passion, you risk being misunderstood and criticized by those who don't understand you or are driven by a different set of priorities. But ask yourself, would I rather live with the pain of regret?

Dr. John Maxwell writes, in the early 1970's I realized that my talents would be maximized and my potential realized only if I matched my passion with my priorities. I was spending too much of my time doing task for which I possessed neither talent nor passion. I had to make a change; to align what I felt strongly about with what I was doing. It made a huge difference in my life. It didn't eliminate my troubles or remove my obstacles, but it empowered me to face them with greater energy and enthusiasm. For more than 30 years I have worked to maintain that alignment of priorities and passion. As I have, I've kept these words near to keep me on track: there are many things that will catch my eye, but there are only a few that catch my heart. It is those I consider to pursue. If your priorities are not aligned with your passion, start making some changes right away!

Evangelist Philip Jegede’s Reading Courtesy of DWFT: Acts 8-9, Luke 8:26-39, Ps 146, Pr 16:4-5

'FAN INTO FLAME THE GIFT OF GOD, WHICH IS IN YOU.' 2 TIMOTHY 1:6 NIV

The key to a successful life is knowing who you are (your calling), and what you're supposed to do (your destiny). Without these you're like an octopus on roller-skates; lots of movement but no real direction. Another key is having the spiritual and emotional fuel to get there. There are two kinds of people: 1. those with low flame. When you don't like what you're doing you become like Eddie whose grandmother was an opera lover. When Eddie turned eight she took him to a performance of Wagner, in German. The next day he wrote her a note: Dear Granny, thanks for the birthday present. It's what I always wanted, but not very much. Love Eddie. It's difficult to achieve when you don't have much desire to do so. The old saying is true. Find something you like to do so much that you'd gladly do it for nothing, and if you learn to do it well, someday people will be happy to pay you for it. 2. those with no flame. Some people say they feel burned out. The truth is that many of them were never on fire in the first place. Norman cousins said Death isn't the greatest loss in life. The greatest loss is what dies inside us while we live. If you're not careful you could end up like the man whose tombstone read: Died at 30. Buried at 60. don't let that happen to you. When you find your God0given purpose, with it comes your passion. Will you have to fan that flame? Yes, regularly! But it will energies you and carries you to your destination.

Evangelist Philip Jegede’s Reading Courtesy of DWFT: Acts 6-7, Luke 8:16-25, Ps 140, Pr 16:3 www.mpbs247.org

'MY LIFE IS WORTH NOTHING UNLESS I USE IT FOR DOING THE WORK ASSIGNED ME.' ACTS 20:24 TLB

Paul found God's purpose for his life, and from it came his incredible passion. Notice: a. Passion energizes you! A passionate person with limited ability will outperform a passive person with great ability, because passionate people act with boundless enthusiasm! b. Passion overcomes fear. What makes people take risk, go the extra mile and do whatever it takes to achieve their goals? Passion. As long as the passion is there it doesn't matter how often they fail, or if others are against them, they don't stop until they succeed. c. Passion drives you until you find what you're looking for. Solomon writes, if you...search for wisdom as for hidden treasure, then you will find the knowledge. Socrates led him down to the sea into waist-deep water. Tell me again what you want, he said. Knowledge. Socrates pushed him down under the water, holding him there for 30 seconds. Now, what do you want? The young man sputtered, wisdom, oh great Socrates. Again the philosopher pushed him under. When he let him up again he asked. What do you want? Knowledge, oh wise and...he managed to spit out before Socrates held him under again, this time even longer. What do you want? Repeated Socrates. The younger man coughed and gasped. Air! He shouted, I want air! Socrates replied, when you want knowledge as much as you want air, you'll get knowledge. Then the old man returned to the shore. Bottom line: be passionate!

Evangelist Philip Jegede’s Reading Courtesy of DWFT:Acts 3:11 – 5:42, Luke 8:1-15, Ps 133, Pr 16:2 www.mpbs247.org

‘PULLING DOWN… STRONG HOLDS; CASTING DOWN IMAGINATIONS…BRINGING INTO CAPTIVITY EVERY THOUGHT.’ CORITHIANS 1:4-5

Paul writes: ‘pulling down….strong holds; casting down imaginations…bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.’ What are you to pull down? Strong hold: areas of your life that are held in the grip of the enemy. What are you to cast down? Imaginations: always fearing the worst instead of believing God for the best. What are you to take captive? Thoughts: thinking that doesn’t line up with God’s Word or submit to the rule of Christ in your life.

Recognize that you are in a war. Old issues and thought patterns will constantly try to re-establish control over you. Don’t let them. And be careful who your friends are. If they can barely stay afloat themselves, how can they lift you? So long as these old issues reign in your life, Christ’s seat is taken. If they are on the throne, Christ is still on the cross. Put Christ on the throne and your past on the cross!

In the Old Testament a priest could not come into God’s presence if he had touched anything dead (See Leviticus 22:3-4). That means if you are going to walk with God you must bury your old lifestyle. Don’t even touch those old dead issues any more. It also means forgiving those who hurt you, including yourself and then moving on. The issue is not whether you remember but how you remember. God is able to take the sting out of the memory and still leave the sweet taste of victory intact. No longer will you be handicapped or hindered by what you’ve been through; instead you’ll be enriched by it!

Evangelist Philip Jegede’s Reading Courtesy of DWFT: Acts 1:1-3:10, Luke 7:36-50, Ps 123, Pr 16:1 www.mpbs247.org www.mpbs247.org

‘TEACH…YOUR CHILDREN AND…THEIR CHILDREN AFTER THEM.’ DEUTERONOMY 4:9 NIV

This hilarious letter was written by a child: ‘A grandmother is a lady who has no children of her own. She likes other people’s little girls and boys. A grandfather is a man grandmother. He goes for walks with boys; they talk about fishing and stuff like that. Grandmothers don’t have anything to do except to be there. They are so old that they shouldn’t play hard or run. It is enough if they drive us to the store where the pretend horse is, and have lots of money ready. Or if they take us for walks, they slow down for things like pretty leaves and caterpillars. They should never say, “hurry up.” Usually grandmothers are fat but not too fat to tie your shoes. They wear glasses and funny underwear. They can take their teeth and gums off. Grandmothers don’t have to be smart, only answer questions like, “Why isn’t god married?” and “How come dogs chase cats?” Grandmothers don’t talk baby-talk like visitors do because it’s hard to understand. When they read to us they don’t skip or mind if it’s the same story over again. Everybody should have a grandmother, especially if they don’t have television because they are the only grown-ups who have time.’

Grandparent, if you’re not happy with the job you did the first time around, you get a second bite at the apple with your kids. Don’t blow it! If your children are raising your grandchildren in the ways of God, encourage them and reinforce their teaching by your own example. If they’ve neglected to do this, step into the gap immediately. ‘Teach…your children and…their children after them.’

Evangelist Philip Jegede’s Reading Courtesy of DWFT: Joel 1-3, Luke 7:24-35, Ps 118:19-29, Pr 15:33 www.mpbs247.org

‘HE GUIDES ME ALONG RIGHT PATH.’ PSALM 23:3 NLT

George Washington said, ‘few men have enough virtue to withstand the highest bidder.’ Yet that’s what we must do to develop the kind of character that will sustain us. It’s not easy to do the right thing when (a) it will cost you; (b) the wrong thing is more expedient; (c) no one but you will know. It’s in those moments that your character becomes strong. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, ‘Cowardice ask: is it safe? Consensus asks: is it popular? Character asks: is it right?’

During the final play-off of the U.S. Open, Bobby Jones’ ball ended up in the rough just off the fairway. As he set up to play his shot, he accidentally moved his ball. He immediately turned to the marshals and announced a foul. The marshals hadn’t seen the ball move; neither had anyone in the gallery. So they left it up to Jones whether to take the penalty stroke. He did. Later when someone commended him for his integrity, Jones replied, ‘Do you commend a bank robber for not robbing a bank? No, you don’t. This is how the game of Golf should be played at all times. ‘Jones lost the match that day by one stroke, but he maintained his integrity. His character was so well-known that the United States Golf Association’s sportsmanship award came to be named The Bob Jones Award. So do the right thing, and keep doing it. Even if it doesn’t help you move ahead in the short-term, it will protect and serve you well over the long-term. Or as the Psalmist put it, ‘He guides me along the right paths, bringing honor to his name.’

Evangelist Philip Jegede’s Reading Courtesy of DWFT: Matt 5:8, Ps 24:3-6, 2 Pet 3:3-14, Ps 17:15 www.mpbs247.org

‘THE BEST…I CAN D IS ESCAPE TO PHILISTINE COUNTRY.’ 1 SAMUEL 27:1 TM

In a slump you lose your rhythm, feel sluggish and unfocused, and revert to old habits that didn’t work then and don’t work now. It happened to David. On the run from Saul and leading a makeshift army, he started thinking, ‘Sooner or later, Saul’s going to get me. The best…I can do is escape to Philistine country.’ David knew better! In past crises he inquired of the Lord, ‘and consulted trusted advisers. This time he was guided by his fears and ended up defecting to enemy territory. And for a while it felt good. Getting wasted, cheating on your mate, filling your mind with porn may seem enjoyable temporarily, but there’s a way of life that look harmless…look again it leads straight to hell... people appear to be having a good time, but all that…will end in heartbreak’ (proverbs 14:12-13 TM). Eventually the Philistines rejected David and said, ‘He’s not going into battle with us. He’d switch sides in the middle of the fight!’ (1 Samuel 29:4 TM). Be careful; the decisions you make when you are down can have long lasting ramifications. Rejected by the Philistines, overrun by the Amalekites, with no country if his own and no family to come home to, we learn from David to: (1) Seek wise counselors. It’s the last thing you’ll feel like doing because misery loves company. But when you ‘Refuse good advice…your plans fail’ (proverbs 11:14 TM). (2) Stop listening to your fears and listen to God: Standing among the ruins of his life, ‘David found strength in the Lord’ (1 Samuel 30:6 NIV), and you will too.

Evangelist Philip Jegede’s Reading Courtesy of DWFT: Jer 51-52, Luke 7: 11-23, Ps 118:10-18, Pr 15:31-32 www.mpbs247.org

‘DIRECT YOUR CHILDREN ONTO THE RIGHT PATH.’ PROVERBS 22:6 NLT

When Harry and Ada Mae Day brought the first child Sandra home from the hospital, It was to a tiny ranch house without running water, electricity or a school within driving distance. But they refuse to let their surroundings limit them. His father’s death had kept Harry form attending Stanford University, but he never lost hope that his daughter and later sent her to the best boarding schools. One summer the entire family climbed to the dome of every state capitol west of the Mississippi! Sandra did attend Stanford, then law school and eventually became the first women Supreme Court justice in America. The day she was sworn in she donned her robes and took her place among the other justices. Then locked eyes with her family, and the tears began.

Solomon said, ‘Direct you children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it. ‘What made Sandra Day O’Connor successful? Intelligence and ambition undoubtedly played a part. But much of the credit goes to a determined little woman sitting in a four-room adobe house reading to her kids hour after hour, and to parents who climbed the stairways of capitol domes alongside them. Chuck Swindoll says, ‘As significant as political, military, educational or religious figures may be, none compare to the impact made by mothers. Their words are never fully forgotten, their touch leaves and indelible impression…the memory of their presence lasts a lifetime. I ask you, who else has that kind of influence?’

Evangelist Philip Jegede’s Reading Courtesy of DWFT: Jer 49-50, Luke 7:1-20, Ps 118:1-9, Pr 15:27-30

 ‘GOD…SHAPED EACH PERSON IN TURN.’ PSALM 33:13-15 TM

Paul writes concerning the family of God, ‘Each one of you is a separate and necessary part’ (1 Corinthians 12:27 TLB). But in order to determine where you fit in, it helps to know yourself. For example, what kind of working environment brings out the best in you? Do you thrive on routine? Are you motivated by other people’s needs? Do you enjoy tackling challenges that discourage others? The Bible says, ‘God shaped each person in turn, ‘which means you’re not supposed to be a carbon copy. And how about your relationships? Do you enjoy being a part of a team, or do you function better alone? If only come to life around people, you’ll probably miserable sitting in front of the computer all day. What lights your fire? In the movie Chariots of Fire, Eric Liddell described his zeal for running in these words: ‘God made me to be fast, and when I run I feel His pleasure. ‘What makes you feel like that? There’s a story about a man who was asked if he could play the violin. ‘I don’t know. I’ve never tried!’ he replied. When you think about it, it’s a wise enough answer, because until you’ve tried something how do you know whether or not you’d be any good at it? For instance, a frog maybe a great swimmer but it’s a lousy flier. Some of us, whose heroes are birds, walk around feeling bad about ourselves because we can’t fly. You’re not supposed to! God’s word says, ‘Be content with who you are’ (1 Peter 5:6 TM). Stop flapping around out there and give yourself permission to be the person God made you to be!

Evangelist Philip Jegede’s Reading Courtesy of DWFT: Jer 45-48, Luke 6:37-49, Ps 109:16-31, Pr 15:23-26 www.mpbs237.org

‘HE FASHIONS…HEARTS INDIVIDUALLY.’ PSALM 33:15 NKJV

The likelihood of anyone else in history having the same genetic make-up as you is zero. You’re not just another brick in the wall or another nail in the carpenter’s toolbox. God’s personality formed and made you, (Isaiah 43:7 TM).you’re the only He created, so if you feel to be who you are His kingdom wont benefit from your unique contribution. You’re not your parents (which is good news for some of us!) or yourself on. Its okay to learn from others but always be what God called you to be. The Bible says: don’t compare yourself…take responsibility for doing the…best you can with your…life, (Galatians 6:4-5 TM).

The question is: who are you? Before you answer it, you must ask yourself this: what are my strengths? Do you enjoy working with computers or cars or animals? Maybe you’re an adept people-manager or you like fixing things or you’re good with finances. Paul says, God…has made us what we are, (Eph 2:10 TLB). Are there certain jobs that come easily to you and you wonder why others can’t do them? If so, that says something about your particular strengths and you God-given assignment in life. God said of Bezalel the builder, I have filled him with…wisdom…He is skilled in engraving…mounting gemstone…carving wood, (Exodus 31:3-5 NLT). Once you’ve identified what makes your eyes sparkle and your pulse race go for it! Fix your eyes on what lies before you…don’t get sidetracked, (Proverbs 4:25-27 NLT).

Evangelist Philip Jegede’s Reading Courtesy of DWFT: Jer 41-44, Luke 6:27-36, Ps 109:1-15, Pr 15:22 www.mpbs.237.org

‘WATCH HOW I DO IT…LEARN TO LIVE.’ MATTHEW 11:29-30 TM

A recent report says, we can have it all. By working longer, playing harder and multitasking. It’s possible to squeeze 31 hours into 24. But it’ll cost you! The average office interruptions. One in three managers gets sick because of information overload. If technology is saving us all this time and energy, how come we’re so frazzled? When the checkout line doesn’t move fast enough or we can’t find a parking space, we have a meltdown. Madison Avenue and Wall Street won’t tell you this but success brings more opportunities for the enemy to run you into the ground. That’s no way to live and it certainty isn’t what God intended for you.

Jesus said. Are you tired? Worn out? Come to me…recover your life. Ill show you how…work with me watch how I do it…learn to live freely and lightly. Sounds good, doesn’t it but it calls for detoxing your thinking and reprogramming it. One author writes: the Lord cannot relieve the pressure, while you’re in the wrong place at the wrong time doing the wrong thing with the wrong people. If you climb the corporate ladder and neglect your family, His hands are tied because your priorities are out of order. When you're in God’s will you can work hard, but travel light! He’ll carry your burdens and take the weight. Simplifying your life may mean working fewer hours, scheduling downtime and investing more into your loved ones. Our gifts, assignments, personalities and situations are all different, but these principles hold true for everyone. So begin to simplify your life!

Evangelist Philip Jegede’s Reading Courtesy of DWFT: Jer 36:27 -40:16 Luke 6:17-26, Ps 79, Pr 15:18-21

‘IF THE MASTER OF THE HOUSE HAD KNOWN WHAT HOUR THE THIEF WOULD COME, HE WOULD HAVE WATCHED.’ MATTHEW 24:43 NKJV

Here are three danger points at which the enemy will attack you: 1. Weariness. In Old Testament times the birthright meant you inherited twice as much of your father’s estate. Normally Esau wouldn’t have considered selling his birthright, but he did in a state of exhaustion. Weariness can cause you to lose perspective and make decisions based on what’s convenient, rather than what’s good for you in the long term. Remember the H.A.L.T. sign: when you’re Hungry, Angry, Lonely or Tired you’re vulnerable, and you’ll make bad decisions. 2. Excitement. King Herod was seduced by a dancing girl, threw caution to the wind and said, whatever you ask me, I will give you, (Mark 6:23 NKJV). She asked for the head of John the Baptist. And since he was king, Herod couldn’t go back on his word. That moment of indulgence cost Herod his Kingdom and his Life. Be careful where you go looking for excitement, and how you react when you find it. It can cost you the game! 3. Discouragement. In a moment of discouragement Peter did what he swore he’d never do: deny his Lord. Discouragement can make you say things you don’t mean and do things that are out of character. Jude writes; carefully build yourselves up in this most holy faith by praying the Holy Spirit, staying right at the center of God’s love, (Jude 20 TM). Esau’s weariness, Herods excitement, and Peter’s discouragement are what Jesus had in  mind when He said, if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched.’

Evangelist Philip Jegede’s Reading Courtesy of DWFT: Matt Jer 33:1 -36:26, Luke 6:1-16, Ps 137, Pr 15:15-17 www.mpbs247.org

‘EVERY PLACE THAT THE SOLE OF YOUR FOOT SHALL TREAD UPON, THAT HAVE I GIVEN UNTO YOU.’ JOSHUA 1:3

You’ll notice a common thread throughout the Bible. When we really need Him, God shows up and does for us what we can’t do. The rest of the time, which is most of the time, He strengthens us and says keep treading and trusting. There’s no magic carpet. To achieve anything worthwhile you have to walk it out in faith, step by challenging step.

The Book of Job has 42 chapters. In the first 41, Job lived through the loss of his health, his wealth and his family. With friends like Job had, he didn’t need any enemies. His doubts were relentless. Over and over he questioned God but got only silence for an answer. He persevered through tough days and sleepless nights believing, when I'm tried, I shall come forth as gold, (See Job 23:10). Notice: 1. It takes fire to produce gold. 2. Only the refiner knows the degree of heat and amount of the time required. 3. To rush the process is to produce something of lesser value.

God told Israel that every place the soles of their feet trod. He would give to them. C.V. White says. The man who succeeds never waits for the crowd. He strikes out for himself. It takes nerve, it takes a lot of grit, but the man who succeeds has both. Nothing important was ever done but the greater number consulted previously doubted the possibility. Success is the accomplishment of that which people think can’t be done. Complacency, fatigue, criticism and discouragement are hurdles you must constantly overcome. So, keep treading and trusting!

Evangelist Philip Jegede’s Reading Courtesy of DWFT: Matt 5:7, Matt 18:21-35, Ps 103:8-18, Lam 3:22-24 www.mpbs247.org

‘WE… ARE BEING TRANSFORMED INTO HIS LIKENESS.’ 2 COR. 3:18 NIV

A man who was feeling depressed went to see a psychiatrist. After sharing his problems he expected some profound words of wisdom that would make him feel better. Well, the psychiatrist exclaimed, I’ve diagnosed your problem. Its low self-esteem and its very common among losers! When you view your self negatively you tend to gravitate toward people who talk down to you. But when you know that God love’s you and plans…to give a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11 NLT), Y our entire outlook changes. With God you can’t lose. Even if you stumble and fall he’ll help you to get back up, learn from the experience and move on. When you look at your self you tend to see somebody who makes mistakes and falls short, right? But when you begin to look at your self in the mirror of God’s Word, you see someone being transformed into his likeness.

Ever gone to a garage sale or an antique show looking for a bargain? To the untrained eye match of the stuff looks like rubbish; it may even have been gathering dust and mildew in somebody’s attic. But the experience eye sees treasure in disguise, items that juts need to be cleaned, polished, and restored in order to become valuable again. Well, God’s the expert with a trained eye. When the enemy tells you you’re worthless. God looks inside you and sees hidden treasure. When you out him on the throne of your life He’ll enable you to overcome your past, resist temptation, breakthrough your self impost limitations, and start accepting that in His eyes you have great worth.

Evangelist Philip Jegede’s Reading Courtesy of DWFT: Jer 31-32, Luke 5:27-39, Ps 122, Pr 15:10-14

‘WE WERE LIKE GRASSHOPPERS IN OUR OWN SIGHT.’ NUMBERS 13:33 NKJV

When Moses sent twelve spies to check out the Promise Land, 10 came back saying, we saw giants and we were like grasshoppers in our own sight. Israel had repeatedly witnessed God’s power; why now where they intimidated? It’s a perception problem called low self-esteem, and its how the enemy prevents you from winning. The Israelites quickly forgot their Red Sea deliverance and instead remembered Egypt were they’d lived as slaves. Be careful. Hard times can make you think you don’t deserve to be blessed! Anytime you have something of value, the enemy will attack you. In the Old Testament we read: when the Philistines heard David had been anointed king…they went up in full force to search for him, (2 Samuel 5:17 NIV). Until you claim your right full of placed in Christ, Satan will tell you that you deserve to be mistreated. So steep yourself in God’s word till it becomes such a part of you that you stop doubting yourself. God made you in His image, redeemed you, indwells you, and that makes you valuable!

A man in the Prairie observed an eagle fatally wounded by gunshot he writes; with his eyes gleaming slowly turned his head giving one last longing look towards the sky. He’d often swept those starry spaces with his wonderful wings the sky was the home of his heart. There he displayed his strength a thousand times played with the lightning and raced with the wind. Now far from home, the eagle lay dying because just once, he forgot and flew too low…My soul is that eagle. This isn’t its home. It must never lose its skyward look.

Evangelist Philip Jegede’s Reading Courtesy of DWFT: Jer 28-30, Luke 5:12-26, Ps 110, Pr 15:8-9 www.mpbs247.org

‘YOU WILL KEEP IN PERFECT PEACE HIM WHOSE MIND STEADFAST.’ ISAIAH 26:3

Knowing your purpose gives meaning to your life this why people try dubious methods like astrology and psychics to discover it. When your life has a steadfast purpose you can bear almost anything. Without it, nothing is bearable. Isaiah complained, I have labored to know purpose; I have spent my strength in vain and for nothing (Isaiah 49:4 NIV). Job lamented, I give up; I am tired of leaving. Leave me alone. My life makes no sense (Job 7:16 GNT). Dr. Bernie Siegel found that he could predict which of his cancer patients were most likely to survive by asking, do you want to live to be 100? Those with the deep sense of purpose who answered yes were the ones.

Having a steadfast purpose simplifies life. Defines what you do and what you don’t do. It becomes the standard used to evaluate which activities are essential and which aren’t. without purpose you’ve no real foundation on which to base your decisions, allocate your child and use your resources. You tend to make choices based on circumstances, pressures, and your mood at that moment. When you don’t know your purpose you try to do too much, and that causes stress and conflict. It’s impossible to do everything people want you to do; you have just enough time to do God’s will. He can’t get it all done; you’re trying to do more than God intended. A steadfast purpose makes your lifestyle simpler and your schedule saner. And it leads to peace of mind: you may keep in perfect place Him whose mind is steadfast.

Evangelist Philip Jegede’s Reading Courtesy of DWFT: Jer 25-27, Luke 5:1-11, Ps 102:18-28, Pr 15:4-7

‘GET SOME REST.’ MARK 6:31 NIV

One of the hardest things to do is take a break without feeling guilty and selfish; our worse, feeling like a failure because everything in your to do list didn’t get done. Here’s a new flash: there will always be more to do! One of your biggest challenges will be learning the difference between setting high standards for yourself and setting unrealistic, impossible ones.

We claw our way to success then discover we don’t like the pressure that go with it. So what should we do? Learn to walk away! Jesus did. The Apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to Him all they had done then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to it, he said to them, come with me by yourselves to a quite place and get some rest. So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place, (Mark 6:30-32 NIV). Jesus understood that if you don’t take a break, you’ll break! So: a. make a list of the things that only you can do, then delegate the rest or let them go; b. learn to take small steps and celebrate small accomplishment for that’s what life is made of; c. don’t allow to stuff that’s still undone, to undo you. D. strive for balance; don’t become addicted to what addicted to what you enjoy; e. don’t allow overachievers to put you into overdrive. You’re in for the long haul. You win when you space yourself; f. take time for the people who matter, otherwise you’ll loose them. Busyness is a destroyer of relationships. All the success in the world won’t compensate for the joy and treasure of your family and your loved ones!

Evangelist Philip Jegede’s Reading Courtesy of DWFT: Jer 22-24, Luke 4:31-44, Ps 102;12-17, Pr 15:3 www.mpbs247.org

‘PRACTICE THESE THINGS. DEVOTE YOUR LIFE TO THEM.’ 1 TIMOTHY 4:15 GWT

Why does change take so long? Because: 1. We are slow learners. How often have you failed and thought, not again! I thought I knew better. The history of Israel illustrates how quickly we forget the lessons God teaches us and revert to old attitudes and patterns of behavior. That’s why; we must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away, (Hebrews 2:1 NIV). 2. We have a lot to unlearn. We go to a counselor with a problem that took years and develop and say, fix me. I’ve got an hour. Whoa! Your problems didn’t develop overnight and they won’t disappear overnight. There’s no pill, prayer or principle that will instantly undo the damage of many years. It requires the hard-work of removal and replacement. The bible calls this, taking off the old self, and putting on the new self, (Eph 4:22-23 NIV). We still have old patterns, practices and predispositions that need to be dealt with. 3. Growth is painful. Every change involves a loss of some kind. We must let go of our old ways in order to experience the new life Christ promised. And we fear these losses, even if our old ways are self-defeating, because, like a worn-out pair of shoes, they are comfortable and familiar. 4. Habits take time to develop. Your character is the sum total of your habits. And there is only one way to develop the habits of Christ-like character: you must practice them over and over! There are no instant habits. That’s why Paul urged Timothy to practice these things. Devote your life to them.

Evangelist Philip Jegede’s Reading Courtesy of DWFT: Matt 5:6, Is 55:1-7, Ps 63:1-5, Jn 4:1-34 www.mpbs247.org

‘I WILL MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO SEE THAT AFTER MY DEPARTURE YOU WILL ALWAYS BE ABLE TO REMEMBER THESE THINGS.’ 2 PETER 1:15 NIV

Some of us think we deserve respect simply because of our position. No, respect must be earned; daily. General J. Lawton Collins asserted, no matter how brilliant a man may be he will never engender confidence in his subordinates and associates if he lacks honestly and moral courage. ‘ultimately, all the skills in the world won’t save you if your character is flawed. Author Stephen Covey writes, if I try to use human influence strategies and tactics to get other people to do what I want…and my character is fundamentally flawed…in the long run I cannot be successful. My duplicity will breed distrust, and everything I do will be perceived as manipulative. It makes no difference how good the rhetoric is or even how good the intentions are; if there is little or no trust, there is no foundation for permanent success. Character can be built, but only slowly. If you want to know how long it will take you to get to the top, consult a calendar. If you want to know how long it will take you fall to the bottom, try a stopwatch, dreams become shattered, possibilities are lost, organizations crumble and people are hurt when a person doesn’t have character protecting his talent. Character provides the opportunity for longevity in any career, any relationship, and any worthwhile goal. Author and Pastor J. R Miller wrote: the only thing that walks back from the grave with the mourners and refuses to be buried is the character of a man. What a man is, survives him, and that makes a lasting difference!

Evangelist Philip Jegede’s Reading Courtesy of DWFT: Jer 14-17, Luke 4:1-13, Ps98, Pr 14:34 www.mpbs247.org

‘DON’T GET WORKED UP.’ MATTHEW 6:34 TM

Everything you can go wrong has! You’re teenager pierced his nose, the dog threw up on the carpet, the toilets overflowing, and the car’s leaking fluid. No wonder you’re stressed! When life gets overwhelming remember:

1.      God’s still looking out for you. When things look bad remind yourself that God’s bigger than your problem: don’t get worked up what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.

2.      Don’t think about quitting! Every time you reach the breaking point it’s a test you have before you a series of choices that will add up to either quitting our persevering through to victory. Paul was flogged, thrown in jail shipwrecked and run out of town. But he refused to give in to circumstances and in the end he was able to say, I have fought the good fight finished the race and remained faithful, (2 Timothy 4:7 NLT).

3.      If it doesn’t have your name on it, don’t pick it up! Stress comes from micro-managing others and assuming responsibilities that aren’t yours. Establish healthy boundaries. If you’re not sure what’s appropriate, ask God to show you how much to get involved in the lives of friends and family.

4.      You’re breaking point can be the start of a breakthrough. Ever heard the special hitting the wall? Runners used it when they’re exhausted and feel like giving up. But seasoned at rates now if they pushed through they’ll get their second wind and experience a runner's high that’ll carry them over the finish line. So keep going; by God’s grace you’ll make it.

Evangelist Philip Jegede’s Reading Courtesy of DWFT: Matt 5:6, Is 55: 1-7, Ps 63:1-5, Jn 4:1-34 www.mpbs247.org

‘I`M AWAKE ALL NIGHT.’ PSALM 77:4 TM

You can’t escape stress, but you learn to cope with it by taking control of your life in a small but important ways. Here are two:

1.      Think about someone other than yourself. David was so frazzled that he was awake all night. Ever been there? That’s when you need to let…praises shape your worries into prayers; letting God knows your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together, will come and settle you down, (Philippians 4:6 TM). Elijah was depressed and suicidal when God showed him how to help himself. How? By leading the cave he was hiding in, and going out and ministering to others. Focusing on something other than yourself gives you perspective. Paul says, the God of all healing counsel comes alongside when we go through hard times and brings as alongside someone else going through hard times so we can be there for that person as God was there for us, (2 Cor. 1:3-4 TM). Do you need help? Reach out to others. It’s in connecting that we are made whole.

2.      Don’t get bitter. Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you respond to it. Archbishop Fulton Sheen said, nothing creates more deep-seated anxiety than the false assumption that life should be free from anxieties. When somebody you trust betrays or disappoints you or you’re struggling financially after tithing faithfully for years, it’s easy to hard-done-by. But don’t become bitter, (Hebrews 12:15 CEV). It destroys relationships and cuts you off from God’s presence. The answer is learning to thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God’s wants you…to live, (1 Thessalonians 5:18 TM).

Evangelist Philip Jegede’s Reading Courtesy of DWFT: Jer 10-13, Luke 3:21-37, Ps 95, Pr14:29-33

'WHEN I WAS...BESIDE MYSELF, YOU CALMED ME DOWN.' PSALM 94:19 TM

Before a violin can produce music, stress must be put on the strings. But pull them too tightly and they'll snap. The same is true of you. Enough stress gets the juices flowing and helps you do what needs to be done, but beyond that you snap. Someone quipped; you know you're on overload when you've no time to cook a TV dinner; the cats on tranquilizers and family reunions have to be mediated by law enforcement! Seriously, before it gets to that point, do two things:

1. ask for help: during Hurricane Katrina eight dolphins were swept out of their aquarium into the sea, but because they stuck together they were rescued. If one had tried to go it alone he'd have perished. When you're alone too much you lose perspective. If the enemy can Isolate you, he can influence you. God designed His family to stay connected. Or as Paul says, 'So that all the members care for each other' (Corinthians 12:25 NLT).
   
   


2. Get real with God: Under stress the surge of negative emotions can be overwhelming, and unless you unburden your soul before God you'll explode at the wrong people. The Psalmist addresses this: cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you, (Psalm 55:22 NIV). Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us, (Psalm 62:8 NKJV). It's no more coincidence that many of the Psalms start out with the Psalmist crying out to God for help, and end up with him rejoicing because he vented his pent-up frustrations.

Evangelist Philip Jegede’s Reading Courtesy of DWFT: Jer 7-9, Luke 3:11-20, Ps 64, Pr 14:25-28 www.mpbs247.org

'WE WHO...BELIEVED ARE ABLE TO ENTER...GOD'S REST.' HEBREWS 4:3 NCV

After spending half their lives in the wilderness, the Israelites blamed it on their enemies. But it was their own attitude! Because God was...angry they were not allowed to enter...God's rest, because they did not believe' (Hebrews 3:17-19 NCV). Their doubting, complaining and blame-shifting kept them stuck in the wilderness; and it'll do the same to you. It starts with feeling sorry for yourself and thinking, If only I'd been born into a different family, had a better paying job, a more spiritual mate, etc., this wouldn't be happening. And from there it spirals downward into a full blown pity party where everybody else is responsible for your problems. The truth is, ninety-nine per cent of the time the solution begins with change of attitude in you!

Another wilderness attitude that'll keep you stuck, is insisting on doing everything you way! Stubbornness will keep you stumbling around in the wilderness, seeing the promised land but never reaching it. Offering a sacrifice to God before going into battle was the way to victory. Only one problem: Samuel the prophet was the only one qualified to offer such a sacrifice. But pride and stubbornness made King Saul think he could. As a result he lost his life and Israel went down in defeat, Samuel told Saul, because you have rejected God's word, God has rejected you as king, (See 1 Samuel 15:26). Understand this: you don't have to do anything to earn God's love, but you must obey Him in order to walk in His Blessings. So, what has God told you to do? If you want victory in your battles and success in your endeavors, start doing it!

Evangelist Philip Jegede’s Reading Courtesy of DWFT: Jer 4-8, Luke 3:1-10, Ps 59:9-17, Pr 14:23-24 www.mpbs247.org

'PRAY FOR THOSE WHO PERSECUTE YOU.' MATTHEW 5:44 NIV

A soldier made it his practice to end each day with Bible reading and prayer. As the others gathered in the barracks and retired for the night, he'd kneel by his bunk. Some of them saw this and began to mock him. But one night the abuse went beyond words. As he bowed in prayer one soldier threw his boots and hit him in the face. The others jeered, looking for a fight but here was no retaliation. Next morning when the booth-thrower woke up he couldn't believe what he saw. There at the foot of his bed were his boots, polished and returned. Imagine shining the boots that kick you! That calls for a new level of grace. It means deciding what your response will be before the offense comes! Some of the guys in the barracks were leaders, motivated by pride and insensitivity. That's how darkness responds to light. Others were followers; they weren't necessarily bad, just weak and afraid to be different.

Why did Jesus pray from the cross, Father, forgive them for they know not what they do? Because He understood that people who have been raised a particular way, which is driven by certain forces, who, wrestle with unresolved issues and fears, which are programmed with an unregenerate mindset, need God. And He saw it as an opportunity to put God on Display. This requires more than Sunday-go-to-meeting religion. It calls for a Christ-like, example-setting, love-displayed response that makes others to sit up and take notice. Your rights and your wounded ego are not the issue; the One you represent is!

Evangelist Philip Jegede’s Reading Courtesy of DWFT: Jer 1-3, Luke 2:41-52, Ps 59:1-8, Pr 14:21-22 www.mpbs247.org

'THEIR WEAKNESS WAS TURNED TO STRENGTH.' HEBREWS 11:34 NLT

A grindstone can make a diamond shine or reduce solid rock to dust. It depends what you're made of. Charles Steinmetz, one of the founders of General Electric, was made of the right stuff. Crippled from birth, he was so short in stature that he looked like a dwarf. His mother died before he was one year old. His father was poor but he determined that young Charles would have an education. Charles couldn't run and play games like normal boys, so he made up his mind to devote himself to science. He set this goal: I will make discoveries that help other people. When Steinmetz immigrated to the United States he couldn't speak a word of English. His face was swollen from the cold he'd endured on the boat passage. His sight was defective. His clothes were shabby. The port authorities were tempted to return him to Switzerland. But he stayed and found a job that paid $12 a week. There he showed amazing abilities. The infant company, General Electric, quickly realized his incredible potential. His career was marked by unparalleled research and development. When he died in 1923 one writer said: he had the mind of an angel and the soul of a seer. What did Charles Steinmetz have? The overcoming spirit! Do you have it? If what you're doing doesn't produce resistance. It's not worth doing. The winners in your Bible are described this way: their weakness was turned to strength. They became strong in battle. What turns weakness into strength? Faith that refuses to back up, back down, or settle for less than what God has promised.

Evangelist Philip Jegede’s Reading Courtesy of DWFT: Hosea 11-14, Luke 2:34-40, Ps 21, Pr 14:17-20 www.mpbs247.org

'REST IN THE LORD, AND WAIT PATIENTLY FOR HIM.' PSALM 37:7

The old saying, you can't always have what you want, isn't necessarily true. When you delight yourself in the Lord...he will give you the desires of your hearts, (Psalm 37:4 NIV). But usually He makes you wait. Dennis Whole says: waiting is an art...if you can wait two years, you can achieve something you couldn't achieve today however hard you worked, however much money you threw at it, however many times you banged your head against the wall. There are things you can't have today that you'll be able to have in the future. So it doesn't make sense to drive yourself crazy and put your life on hold struggling to accomplish something now, that'll be easy when the time is right.

James says: don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature, (James 1:4 TM). God allows certain things to take place in our lives to teach us important principles like: a. developing new skills and ways of thinking; b. showing grace and controlling our responses; c. maintaining our faith when times get tough. Paul writes: patience...is the power to endure whatever comes, with good temper, (Colossians 3:12 AMP): Be glad for all God is planning...be patient in trouble, and prayerful always, (Romans 12:12 TLB). When you spend time in God's waiting room, He's developing qualities in you that simply can't be developed any other way. When He's finished you'll come out stronger and wiser. And you'll have the maturity to handle what He has in mind for you. So don't let the enemy rattle you or engineer circumstances that put you into overdrive. 'Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him.'

Evangelist Philip Jegede’s Reading Courtesy of DWFT: Hosea 6-10, Luke 2:21-33, Ps 17, Pr 14:13-16 www.mpbs247.org

'I...COULD NEVER HAVE MADE IT APART FROM...MERCY.' 1 TIMOTHY 1:15-17 TM

If you're finding it hard to forgive yourself for something you've done in the past, it may be that you're reaping what you have sown. And it's particularly hard (but not impossible) to keep from feeling bad when you've condemned somebody else for doing the same thing. Here's a scriptural truth you need to understand, accept and live by: as long as you're alive you will have to keep forgiving yourself and others!

When guilt and condemnation tell you your sins are too big for God's forgiveness, remember what Paul said: Jesus...same...to save sinners. I'm proof Public sinner Number One...someone who could never have made it apart from sheer mercy...evidence of his endless patience. Before his conversion Paul persecuted the church, killing and torturing believers. It's how he made his living! And if he could learn to forgive himself, you can tool in fact, when you don't you're implying that your transgressions are beyond the scope of god's grace to forgive and Jesus' blood to cleanse. And that's a bigger sin pride! Plus, when somebody always has issues with other people, they may be looking for somebody to offend them; that way they can point

Out how bad the other people are and feel better about themselves. Pride and a judgmental attitude feed off each other the way humility feeds off forgiveness. God said, I am the one who wipes out your transgressions for my own sake. And I will not remember your sins, (Isaiah 43:25 NASB). When you adopt a humble attitude and work on forgiving yourself the way God has, it's a lot easier to overlook other people's mistakes. Give it a try; you'll be amazed!

Evangelist Philip Jegede’s Reading Courtesy of DWFT: Matt 5:5, Num 12:1-15, Ps 37:1-9, Phil 2:5-11 www.mpbs247.org

'PEOPLE INSULTED CHRIST, BUT...HE LET GOD...TAKE CARE OF HIM.' 1 PETER 2:23 NCV

A little boy who'd been rude to his Mum started sneaking off upstairs. Where you going, young man? She asked. To my room to talk to god, he replied. Isn't there something you want to tell me first? She said. Nope, he said. You'll just get mad. God will forgive me and forget about it. Long after you think you've forgiven somebody you can still be harboring hard feelings. Here are some clues that you've still got work to do: you get angry thinking about what happened; you give the offender the cold shoulder; you rehearse the incident mentally and in conversation; you seize every opportunity to remind the offender of what they did. Refusing to forgive and forget is just another way of justifying an unforgiving attitude. The Bible says there are two things God won't share:

1. His glory (See Isaiah 42:8);

2. His right to settle old scores. He said, vengeance is mine; I will repay, (Romans 12:19).

Don’t usurp His authority by trying to get even; take your hands off the situation and let Him work it out. When people insulted Christ...he did not insult them in return...He let God...who judges rightly, take care of him. A grudge shackles you to the offender and you become the hostage! Dwelling on something your parents did, or on how an associate took credit for your work, or on what someone said about you, makes you, not them, miserable. You walk around in turmoil and they don't even know you're upset! Why give somebody that kind of control over your life? What's important is what happens in you, not to you. So forgive, forget, and move on!

Evangelist Philip Jegede’s Reading Courtesy of DWFT: Hosea 1-5, Luke 2:8-20, Ps 8, Pr 14:9-12 www.mpbs247.org

'FORGIVE ONLY THEN WILL YOUR HEAVENLY FATHER...WIPE YOUR SLATE CLEAN.' MARK 11:25 TM

How heavy is a glass of water? That depends on how long you have to carry it. A minute is no problem and after an hour your arm might ache. But after 24 hours you'll probably be in bad shape! Each instance the glass weighs exactly the same, but the longer you carry it the heavier it feels. And it's the same with a grudge; it can get so heavy it stops you from living. People will hurt you; that's the reality of sharing this planet with others. Sometimes it's intentional, other times they've no idea they upset you, far less broken your heart. Does that mean you should go around pretending nothing's wrong? No, the first step is to confront your feelings. And when the hurt is deep. It's even harder to forgive. That's when you need to pray. Lord, change my heart and heal me, Jesus said, pray for those who mistreat you, (Luke 6:28 NIV). When you do that something unexpected happens; your heart softens and you start seeing them through God's eyes instead of your raw emotions. Jesus said, if you have anything against someone, forgive only then will your heavenly father...wipe your slate clean. When you sow unforgivable you reap unforgiven, even from God!

Isaac is a prime example of practicing forgiveness. During a drought he dug wells that his enemies moved in and claimed. But instead of retaliating, he moved on and dug new ones. As a result God filled Isaac's empty wells and promised to bless him and his children tool (see  Genesis 26:22-23). and He will fill the emptiness in your life, when you forgive those who have hurt you.

Evangelist Philip Jegede’s Reading Courtesy of DWFT: 2 Kings 24-25, Luke 2:1-7, Ps 144:9-15, Pr 14:5-8 www.mpbs247.org