Topic: Our Number One Goal in Life [Joyce Meyer’s Devotional Wednesday August 29, 2018]

Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. — Colossians 3:2

Our number one goal in life as Christians should be Christlikeness. Jesus is the express image of the Father, and we are to follow in His footsteps. He came as the pioneer of our faith to show us by example how we should live and conduct ourselves. We should seek to behave with people the way Jesus did.

Our goal is not to see how successful we can be in business or how famous we can be. It is not prosperity, popularity, or even building a big ministry, but to be Christ-like.

The world doesn’t only need a sermon preached to them; they also need to see actions backing up what we say we believe as Christians. Our lives should make other people hungry and thirsty for what we have in Christ. The Bible refers to us as salt, which makes people thirsty, and light, which exposes darkness.

Many Christians have bumper stickers on their cars, or they wear some kind of jewelry that indicates they are believers in Jesus Christ. The world is not impressed by our bumper stickers and Christian jewelry; they want to see fruit of godly behavior. They want to see people who claim to be Christians living what they preach, not just preaching to others while it doesn’t seem to be working in their own lives.

Prayer Starter: Lord, help me today to be a good witness for You and truly show people what You are like. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

If you missed yesterday devotional, please click to read “Joyce Meyer Daily Devotional HERE’’

From Joyce Meyer’s Ministries.

Topic: Relieve Each Other’s Burdens [Andrew Wommack 29 August 2018 Daily Devotional]

Luke 19:23 “Wherefore then gavest not thou my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have required mine own with usury?”

The Greek word for “usury” means primarily “a bringing forth, birth, or offsprings.” It is used metaphorically for the profit received by a lender.

The Law of Moses attempted to protect both borrower and lender. In Israel, borrowing and lending was not for big, commercial enterprises but rather to help the poor and needy who lacked everyday necessities. In lending, the lender had the opportunity to help the poor in need. It was an act of love in which the lender actually lifted a burden by helping his fellow Israelite through a crisis, but was forbidden to charge usury. To relieve the burden of the poor, debts were released every seven years and property restored during the year of Jubilee.

In the New Testament, the practice of lending money at interest seemed to be accepted as normal business procedure. Although Jesus never condemned interest directly, in general, He was hard on the improper attitude toward riches and on the oppression of the poor, just as was the Old Testament. The principle of making money from someone else’s hardship is not really a godly way of doing business. It was permitted, and even encouraged in this instance, but Deuteronomy 23:19-20 makes it clear that interest was never to be charged to a fellow Israelite. Today, that would be equivalent to never loaning money with interest to a fellow Christian. Borrowing money is not condemned in scripture unless you interpret Romans 13:8 as speaking of borrowing. However, the scriptures make it clear that borrowing is not God’s best. Deuteronomy 28:12 lists never having to borrow as a blessing, while Deuteronomy 28:44 lists borrowing as a part of the curse of the law. Proverbs 22:7 says, “The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.”

Also Read: Andrew Wommack Daily Devotional

This message was written by The Association of Related Ministries International (ARMI) is an extension of Andrew Wommack Ministries (AWM). ARMI is a unique partnership committed to providing resources to help like-minded ministers succeed in a spirit of excellence and to draw from the experience and expertise of both the AWM and Charis Bible College staff. (www.awmi.net).

Topic: You Love Me? [Our Daily Bread 29 August 2018 Devotional]

Read: Malachi 1:1–5, Bible in a Year: Psalms 126–128; 1 Corinthians 10:19–33

How have you loved us? Malachi 1:2

As a teenager, I went through the typical season of rebellion against my mother’s authority. My father died before I entered adolescence, so my mom had to navigate these turbulent parenting waters without his help.

I recall thinking that Mom didn’t want me to ever have any fun—and maybe didn’t even love me—because she frequently said no. I see now that she said no to activities that weren’t good for me precisely because she loves me.

The Israelites questioned how much God loved them because of their time in captivity in Babylon. But that captivity was God’s correction for their continued rebellion against Him. So now, God sent the prophet Malachi to them. His opening words from the Lord were, “I have loved you” (Malachi 1:2). Israel replied skeptically, inquiring as to how God has loved them, as if to say, “Really?” But God, through Malachi, reminded them of the way He had demonstrated that love: He had chosen them over the Edomites.

We all go through difficult seasons in life. We may be tempted to question God’s love for us during those times. Let’s recall the many ways He’s shown us His unfailing love. When we stop to consider His goodness, we find that He is indeed a loving Father.

Prayer: Lord, You have shown tender care for me over the course of my life. You’ve been present with me in difficult seasons. Help me to always remember Your love.

Our heavenly Father corrects us and comforts us.

If you missed yesterday devotional, please click to read “Our Daily Bread Devotionals HERE”

This message was written By Kirsten Holmberg [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]

Topic: You Hold the Key [Kenneth & Gloria Copeland 29 August 2018 Daily Devotional]

I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. – Matthew 16:19

The Greek text of that scripture would literally read, “I give you the keys of the kingdom. Whatever you declare locked on earth is locked in heaven and whatever you declare unlocked on earth is unlocked in the heavenlies.”

The heaven Jesus was talking about there isn’t the heaven where God resides. He was talking about the battle zone, about the heaven where Satan’s forces are operating.

He was telling us that God has given us power to bind the wicked spirits in heavenly places and to loose the angelic powers of God to work in our behalf.

Philippians 2:9-10 says, “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth.” Where? In heaven, in earth and under the earth. That covers it all!

As believers, we have total authority over the powers of Satan. We can take authority over the evil spirits that are trying to destroy this nation. We can take authority over them in the Name of Jesus and pull down their strongholds.

It is time we began to realize how important we are to world affairs. Since the day Jesus gave us the Great Commission, the life or death of the world has been in the hands of the Church. We are the ones who have the mighty Name of Jesus and the awesome strength of the gospel to bring life and abundance to every creature. We are the ones whose prayers can change every office of authority in this land.

It’s up to you and me to begin to intercede right now and use the power God has given us. We may come from different lands with different backgrounds, but we all have one thing in common—Jesus Christ is our Lord. And that alone is enough to alter the spiritual complexion of this earth.

Scripture Reading: Acts 4:1-14

If you missed yesterday devotional, please click to read “Kenneth and Gloria Copeland’s Daily Devotional Here’’

This message was written by Kenneth and Gloria Copeland, the leader of the Kenneth Copeland Ministries (www.KCM.org) that specializes in teaching principles of bible faith – prayer, healing, salvation and other biblical topics.

Topic: You Reign Over Them All [TREM 29 August 2018 Daily Devotional]

“For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:17

Death is still reigning over those who are not in Christ. But the scripture says much more, everyone that has received grace and the gift of righteousness shall reign in life.

Child of God, you are righteous. I know your religious antenna has gone up and you are wondering how can I be righteous? By one man you became a sinner and by another man you became righteous! So stop looking at yourself and start looking at the man. And who is the man? JESUS!

I have said severally that whenever God is looking at you, He is not looking at you, He is looking at Jesus. The lamb that was slain, who kept the entire laws completely, without violating any. Jesus is the only lamb who kept the entire law perfectly. No man has ever kept the laws perfectly. That is why I burst the balloon of those who think they can make heaven by their efforts. Some people do say I will pray so that I can be righteous. I will pray so that I can go to heaven. Beloved, you cannot because righteousness is a gift. Jesus has paid the price in full.

The bible says those who have received the gift of righteousness shall reign in life. In Christ, you reign over circumstances. In Christ, you reign over challenges. Not when you get to heaven but here on earth. You reign over disappointment, over poverty, over barrenness, over miscarriage, over sin and over fear. You are a king over the situation that you are faced with. Praise God!

By the reason of the position that God has given to you, you reign over them all, that is why heaven fights your battle. Heaven has no choice but to provide for you. That is why I am sorry for those that are not born again because when you are born again heaven takes over your battles.

Further Reading: Romans 5:17-21

Daily Bible Reading: Morning- Psalms 126-128; Evening- 1 Corinthians 10:19-33

“If you missed yesterday devotional click HERE to read TREM Daily Devotional by Dr. Mike Okonkwo’’

Written by Dr. Mike Okonkwo; Is the Presiding Bishop of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM); a versatile man of God with over 30 years of dedicated service unto the Lord.

Topic: Keys to Conceiving Vision for Living [Seeds of Destiny 29 August 2018 Daily Devotional]

Scripture: And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. Acts 9:6

Thought For The Day: A person who lives without a sense of purpose lives without profit.

Previously, we saw what visionless-ness can do in the life of a person; we saw that a life without vision is a life without a future; a person who lives without purpose lives without profit; the lack of vision equals the lack of urgency; a life of no vision is a life of no wisdom; a life of no vision is a life of no action.
It is important to know that knowing these tragedies that befall a visionless person is not enough but living a life of vision is necessary.

Therefore, how can one conceive a vision for life?
i) Ask God in prayer to fill your heart with the reason for your existence
This is a situation where a person asks God, ‘O Lord, why am I alive? What do You want to do with my life? What do You want me to be doing right now? Fill my heart oh! God with the reason for living.’ (Habakkuk 2:1-3).

ii) Live with a sense of purpose daily
Do not wake up and not know what to do until the day is over. Do not let a day, week or month go without achieving anything. Itemize what can be done to move your life forward spiritually and otherwise (Psalms 90:12).

iii) Disconnect from visionless people
There are many people who are going nowhere and they want you to go nowhere with them; disconnect from such visionless people. Love everyone but do not keep the association of anyone going nowhere (1Corinthians 15:33).

My counsel is, live with a sense of purpose; ask God to reveal who you are to you and pursue it. Disconnect from visionless people.

Remember this: A person who lives without a sense of purpose lives without profit.

Assignments:
1. Ask God to fill your heart with what to do.
2. Live with a sense of purpose.
3. Disconnect from visionless people.

Prayer: O Lord, I ask that You fill my heart with the right vision for living. I receive the grace to live with a sense of purpose and to disconnect from visionless people Lord, in Jesus’ Name.

FOR FURTHER UNDERSTANDING, GET THIS MESSAGE: DEADLY ENEMIES OF DESTINY (PART 5).

Daily Bible Reading: Job 31:1 to 33:33, 2 Corinthians 3:1 to 18, Psalm 43:1 to 5, Proverbs 22:8 to 9

Amazing Fact: Shark is the only fish that can blink with both eyes.

Today In History: 29/08/1828 – A patent was issued to Robert Turner for the self-regulating wagon brake.

Quote: Vision is the reason for existence. Culled from 10 PRINCIPAL SECRETS OF PRINCIPAL PEOPLE by Dr Paul Enenche.

Also Read: Seeds of Destiny by Pastor Paul Enenche

Today’s devotional was written by Pastor Paul Enenche of the Dunamis International Gospel Centre (DIGC), headquartered at Abuja, Nigeria, with Pastor Paul and Becky Enenche, as the Senior Pastors. It is a power-packed arena where God’s Presence, Principles and Power are at work for the salvation, healing and restoration of human destinies and dignities

Flatimes Notice Board: Until you are born again, God ever abiding presence will never be with you. You must be born again to enjoy continuous victory. Please say the displayed prayer below in faith:

Lord Jesus, come into my life. I accept You as my Lord and Personal Saviour. I believe in my heart You died and rose from the dead to save me. Thank You Lord for saving me, in Jesus name Amen.

If you just prayed the prayer of salvation online please send your testimonies and prayer request to [email protected], 07026385437 OR 08141320204.

Topic: Cardinal Principles of Life [DCLM Daily Manna 29 August 2018 Daily Devotional]

Text: Exodus 23:1-9 (KJV)

Key Verse: “Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil; neither shalt thou speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest judgment” (Exodus 23:2).

MESSAGE:

In a community where fair judgment is not administered, mistrust and anarchy will set in. The children of Israel were warned against twisting justice in favour of the rich. The rich and poor should be treated alike and there should be no preferential treatment in the handling of cases in the court.

The chapter under consideration gives us a compilation of laws which are chiefly judicial, relating to the civil polity of Israel. Giving special privilege to the rich in the society is common in many parts of the world. The poor are relegated and never given any special or important role to play in the society. This practice must be off limits in the churches. God is against twisting justice in favour of the rich. He frowns at the act of bribing the people in charge of judgment. Gifts will blindfold them and they will not be able to give the right judgment. We should not raise false report, be party to violence or give assistance to a wicked man. Believers are to stand for the truth at all times.

Our society would be a good place to dwell if we keep to these common principles of life. We will become like our Father in heaven who brings down rain upon the wicked and the righteous. Keeping these common principles make believers the light of the world. If we all bring our redeeming features to bear on our environments, surely, the glorious gospel will impact positively upon our societies.

Thought For The Day: Do good to others and leave the rest to God.

Bible Reading In One Year: Ezekiel 9-12

If you missed yesterday devotional, please click to read Deeper Christian Life Ministry, DCLM Daily Manna HERE

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.

Flatimes’ Notice Board: Until you are born again, God ever abiding presence will never be with you. You must be born again to enjoy continuous victory. Please say the displayed prayer below in faith:

Lord Jesus, come into my life. I accept You as my Lord and Personal Saviour. I believe in my heart You died and rose from the dead to save me. Thank You Lord for saving me, in Jesus name Amen.

If you just prayed the prayer of salvation online please send your testimonies and prayer request to [email protected], 07026385437 OR 08141320204.

Topic: Just As I Am [Billy Graham Daily Devotional 29 August 2018]

You are living a brand new kind of life . . . more and more like Christ who created this new life within you. — Colossians 3:10 (TLB)

A long-haired blonde from a southern university seemed to be enjoying a satisfactory student career when her grades began to slip. “Life had become one long case of the blahs,” she confessed later. “I wasn’t walking around with a steady load of blues, but I wasn’t enjoying life. Small things made me blow up. I met some kids who seemed to know something I didn’t know, but I couldn’t get in on it. We went to several meetings, and one night the speaker said that we don’t earn God’s love. He takes us as we are. It was then I realized it wasn’t a matter of clocking up a certain number of hours doing good deeds. Instead, I had to make myself available. Through faith, I had to let Him take over. It came together all at once, when I accepted Christ as my personal Savior. I know that God is in me in everything I do. My life has taken on a new dimension.” Does your life have this new dimension? It can! Just begin now with Jesus Christ! When you make this beginning, it will be your first step toward realizing personal fulfillment, meaning, and joy.

Prayer for the day: By faith, loving Father, I ask You to take over every part of my life—draw me closer to Your Son, my Savior, Jesus Christ.

If you missed yesterday devotional, please click to read Billy Graham’s Daily Devotional HERE

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.