The Daily Fountain Daily Devotional of the Church Of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) 8 May 2019 – Why Then The Law?

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TOPIC: Why Then The Law?

READ: Galatians 3: 15-27 New King James Version (NKJV)

15 Brethren, I speak in the manner of men: Though it is only a man’s covenant, yet if it is confirmed, no one annuls or adds to it.

16 Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made. He does not say, “And to seeds,” as of many, but as of one, “And to your Seed,” who is Christ.

17 And this I say, that the law, which was four hundred and thirty years later, cannot annul the covenant that was confirmed before by God in Christ, that it should make the promise of no effect.

18 For if the inheritance is of the law, it is no longer of promise; but God gave it to Abraham by promise.

19 What purpose then does the law serve? It was added because of transgressions, till the Seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was appointed through angels by the hand of a mediator.

20 Now a mediator does not mediate for one only, but God is one.

21 Is the law then against the promises of God? Certainly not! For if there had been a law given which could have given life, truly righteousness would have been by the law.

22 But the Scripture has confined all under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.

23 But before faith came, we were kept under guard by the law, kept for the faith which would afterward be revealed.

24 Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith.

25 But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.

26 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.

27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

THE MESSAGE:

The law tells men what sin is, it was added because of transgression. If there is no law, there can be no sin. The law shows us our helplessness.

The law was in effect until the birth of Jesus Christ. The law was our custodian until Christ came. The law was an essential tool on the way to the grace of God.

It was faith that saved Abraham, not deeds of the law. God gave the inheritance to Abraham by a promise. The law was certainly not against the promises of God.

Now faith had been revealed that we might be justified. We are no longer under the law but grace. Righteousness is by faith in Christ.

However, we must not break God’s laws because of grace. Christianity is not a religion of cheap grace. Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? God forbid (Romans 6: 1-2).

The letters of the law kill, but the Spirit of grace gives life. Let us no longer be ignorant of the righteousness that comes from God through faith.

Let us submit to God’s righteousness by the grace of Christ, then we can keep the commandments and laws of God.

Prayer: Dear God, help us never to toy with the righteousness that comes by faith. Grant us more of Your grace to live above sin in Jesus Name.

Remember His Faithfulness by Bishop Mike Okonkwo

Topic: Remember His Faithfulness

Dearly Beloved, it is such a joy to welcome you to the fifth month in the year of Above Only, the month of May. It is my prayer that all God has packaged for you in this month will be made manifest. You will enjoy His goodness, favor, mercy, wisdom everyday of this month in the name of Jesus. The goodness of God is not dependent on any external circumstances, but on the truth that God is good and does only good. You know in this world, it’s so easy to become overwhelmed with challenges, it’s easy to focus on all the problems, the things that are not working, I mean the problems of this nation is enough, but I want to encourage you to meditate on God’s faithfulness. Remember how God came through for you, irrespective of the odds that were stacked against you. Remember the miracles, the healing, the provision, the deliverance, remember.

“Remember his marvelous works that he hath done; his wonders, and the judgements of his mouth;” (Psalms 105:5 KJV)

The Psalmist encourages us to remember the goodness of God and His marvelous works, the things He did in the past, because in remembering do we find the strength to keep on going no matter what. When we cast our minds and think back to that situation we thought would be the end of it all, and see how God delivered us, then we are strengthened in our faith knowing that God never fails, and He will always come through for us.

Also Read: Awesome Love by Bishop Mike Okonkwo

The Israelites in Exodus 17 complained and murmured because they were thirsty, and didn’t have water. They let their thirst control them, rather than reminding themselves that the God who parted the Red Sea, provided them with a steady supply of Manna and Quail, will come through for them. They let their thirst take the front seat in their minds and their entire being, forgetting the faithfulness and the Almightiness of God. They started to ask “…Is the Lord among us, or not?” (Exodus 17:7 KJV)

Unfortunately, the Israelites are not alone in their quests. Some believers are still asking the same questions today, forgetting all that God did for them. Even if you say God has done nothing for you, which is impossible, get into the scriptures and meditate on God’s faithfulness, His goodness, His awesomeness and I guarantee you that strength will rise up within you.

Beloved, this is still your year of Above Only, irrespective of what you are faced with, God’s Word is everlasting and it must come to pass. You will surely testify, your expectations will never be cut short. This is your season. I bless you in Jesus’ name, Amen.

As a ministry, our focus for this month is Leadership. The theme is “Leadership That Gets Results”. All our services are geared towards this theme and so you do not want to miss it. It has been specially packaged for you, to enable you remain Above Only in all spheres of your life. Endeavor to be there on Tuesdays and Sundays. We will also be having a live broadcast service on one of the Saturdays. Details will be communicated accordingly. Be at these sessions. It will bless you.

Maranatha!

In His Royal Service
Dr. Mike Okonkwo
The Presiding Bishop

Topic: Keep Quiet [Kenneth Copeland Devotional 8 May 2019]

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A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards. – Proverbs 29:11

One of the things that you and I as believers must learn if we want to be faithful servants in the kingdom of God is how to keep our mouths shut. Very few of us have mastered that skill.

When we get our backs up about something, we think we have to let everyone know about it. “I’m just going to give them a piece of my mind,” we say.

Don’t make that mistake. No one wants or needs a piece of your mind—and if you give it to them, you’ll only end up alienating people and bringing harm to yourself. Learn, instead, to keep quiet.

This especially applies in the area of spiritual insight. When the Holy Spirit gives you discernment about a situation, don’t go spreading it all over town. If you do, you’ll come to the place where the Lord can’t trust you with revelation and insight into things and situations.

I’ve seen that happen. I’ve known intercessors who have received revelations about someone’s weaknesses or needs. They have been given insight into the problem in someone’s life, so they could pray for that person. But, instead of keeping that information between themselves and God in prayer, they told others about it. As a result, they lost their effectiveness as intercessors.

Don’t let that happen to you. Develop the quiet art of the wise man, and the devil will find it increasingly difficult to harm your prayer life and ministry to others.

Scripture Reading: James 3:1-13

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 —Salvation: A Relationship [Andrew Wommack Devotional 8 May 2019]

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Mark 6:54, ‘And when they were come out of the ship, straightway they knew him,’

Mark 6:53-56

The word ‘know’ can mean many things from as little as ‘to perceive with the senses or the mind’ to a much deeper meaning of ‘a thorough experience with.’

This knowing, then, is not just intellectual, but a personal, intimate understanding. Jesus defines eternal life as knowing God the Father and Jesus Christ. Eternal life is having an intimate, personal relationship with God the Father and Jesus the Son. This intimacy with God is what salvation is all about. Forgiveness of our sins is not the point of salvation. This intimacy with the Father is. Of course, Jesus did die to purchase forgiveness for our sins because unforgiven sins block us from intimacy with God. Sin was an obstacle that stood between God and us. It had to be dealt, with and it was. But anyone who views salvation as only forgiveness of sins and stops there is missing out on eternal life.

Salvation was intended to be presented as the way to come back into harmony with God. Instead, it has often been presented as the way to escape the problems of this life and later the judgment of hell. It is possible to get born again with that kind of thinking, but more often than not, people who get saved through that type of ministry view the Lord as someone to help them through times of crisis and not someone to know in an intimate way. Jesus died for us out of love (Jn. 3:16) – a love that longed to have intimate communion with man.

Most non-believers are so occupied with their ‘hell on earth’ that they don’t really think or care about their eternal future. They are fed up with religion. They are looking for something that will fill the emptiness inside. Only an intimate relationship (eternal life) with our Father can do that. We need to tell them.

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: The Influence of a Mother [Billy Graham Devotional 8 May 2019]

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Her children arise up, and call her blessed… — Proverbs 31:28

Only God Himself fully appreciates the influence of a Christian mother in the molding of character in her children. Someone has said, “Like mother, like children.” Most of the noble characters and fine leaders of history have had good, God-fearing mothers. We are told that George Washington’s mother was pious, and that Sir Walter Scott’s mother was a lover of poetry and music. On the other hand, we are told that Nero’s mother was a murderess and that the dissolute Lord Byron’s mother was a proud and violent woman. The influence of a mother upon the lives of her children cannot be measured. They know and absorb her example and attitudes when it comes to questions of honesty, temperance, kindness, and industry.

Prayer for the day: Thank You, Lord, for mothers who love You. Their influence is felt around the world.

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.

Topic: Beware Of Hypocrisy [DCLM Daily Manna 8 May 2019 Daily Devotional by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi]

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Text: Luke 11:37-54 (KJV)

Key Verse: “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrite! for ye are as graves which appear not, and the men that walk over them are not aware of them” (Luke 11:44).

MESSAGE:

Hypocrisy is repulsive but has unfortunately become a lifestyle among many so-called Christians. It is simply a life of pretense, claiming to possess what you do not have or acting who you are not.

John R.W. Scott, in his book “Sermon on the Mount”, captured hypocrisy thus; “Hypocrisy is hideous. What a cancer is to the body, hypocrisy is to the Church. It is a killing agent. Unfortunately, hypocrisy is also addictive”.

This, no doubt, captures the reason Jesus vehemently castigated the Scribes and Pharisees whom He described as hypocrites. Hypocrites would criticise and correct in others what they are most guilty of.

The text shows the passionate resentment Christ had against hypocrisy and His determination to expose it, whenever it is hidden because He is an all-seeing God. Christ commenced the direct attack against hypocrisy with His host, a Pharisee who appeared to have invited Christ with the purpose of finding fault. Rather than focus on the dinner and how to courteously entertain his guest, he focused on the actions of Christ and was very quick to point out the issue of unwashed hand before eating.

Christ’s response is no doubt instructive. His immediate reaction and strong words of rebuke for what was wrong in the life of His host teaches Christian minsters not to allow themselves to be silenced by the wealth, position, influence and power of their congregants or benefactors. Ministers must be valiant for the truth and avoid double standard in the correction of their congregation. Jesus applied the same rule to the Pharisees, Scribes and lawyers by forcefully denouncing their hypocrisy.

Although our contemporary society thrives on hypocrisy, genuine Christians can stem the tide by living out the life we want to see in others. Condemning in others what you are patently guilty of is hypocrisy and you should note that Christ will never commend in you, what He condemns in others.

Thought For The Day: The joy of the hypocrite is for a moment.

The Bible In One Year: Judges 18-21

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: Recipe for Finishing Strong in Life [Seeds of Destiny 8 May 2019 Devotional]

Click HERE for Previous MESSAGES by Pastor Paul Enenche

Finishing strong is God’s plan and agenda for His children. That is why it is very important to start the journey of life and destiny with God and finish with God. Having a glorious beginning and an odious end is not God’s plan for His children.

SCRIPTURE: For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: – 2 Timothy 4:6-7

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Whenever a person is disconnected from God, he or she begins to run on an empty tank spiritually.

Finishing strong is God’s plan and agenda for His children. That is why it is very important to start the journey of life and destiny with God and finish with God. Having a glorious beginning and an odious end is not God’s plan for His children.

There were many people in Scriptures who started well and finished strong like Paul the Apostle (2 Timothy 4:7). Others started well with God but were unable to finish strong. For example, Judas Iscariot did not end well (Acts 1:16-20).

Now, what matters in life is not how a person starts but how he or she finishes. Starters are many but finishers are few, and even among those who finished, those who finished well are fewer still.

The question now is, what does it mean to finish well?

It means:

a. Arriving at the end that is not less in impact, result, and product than the beginning.

b. Arriving at the end of your journey without defeat, failure or reproach.

c. Exiting the world in a blaze of glory on a note of victory, and

d. Ending with minimal regret.

Now, one way to finish strong is to develop a buoyant, vibrant relationship with God (Psalm 84:7). The knowledge of God is a sponsor of strength (Daniel 11:32). Anyone whose relationship with God is strong will have a destiny of strength that is unbeatable and irreducible. The Word of God is pregnant with Divine energy. Whenever a person is disconnected from God, he or she begins to run on an empty tank spiritually.

Beloved, make up your mind to feed on the diet of the Word of God continually and you will be shocked to see the resultant effect. You will testify that your level has changed. You must finish strong, in Jesus’ Name.

REMEMBER THIS: Whenever a person is disconnected from God, he or she begins to run on an empty tank spiritually.

ASSIGNMENTS:

1. Make up your mind to have a daily schedule of reading and studying the Word on a consistent basis.
2. Practice what you study from God’s Word.
3. Draw strength from daily communion with God.

PRAYER: O Lord, I look up to You. I ask for the grace to run the Christian race faithfully to the end. Help me not to fail, Lord in Jesus Name.

FOR FURTHER UNDERSTANDING, GET THIS MESSAGE: FINISHING STRONG

QUOTE: Your spirituality is not for the purpose of luxury; your spirituality determines your immunity and affects your security. Culled from 15 KINGDOM STRATEGIES FOR SURVIVAL by Dr Paul Enenche

DAILY READING: 1 Samuel 2:22 to 4:22, John 5:24 to 47, Psalm 106:1 to 12, Proverbs 14:30 to 31

AMAZING FACT: The most prominent theologian in the Great Awakening Revival was Jonathan Edwards. Not a powerful speaker, Edwards still managed to spread revival. From his brilliant mind, he constructed one of the most impressive sermons ever preached.

PROPHETIC DECLARATION/WORD: Your life shall proceed in strength and Impact as you hold unto God; Receive the grace to finish strong and well in Jesus’ Name.

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.

MFM Mountain Top Life Daily Devotional 8 May 2019 By Dr. D.K Olukoya – God Has No Favourites

Click HERE for Previous MESSAGES by Pastor D.K. Olukoya

TOPIC: God Has No Favourites (Mountain Of Fire and Miracle Ministries, MFM Daily Devotional 8 May 2019)

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 2 Kings 4-6; Luke 24:36-53

FIRE SCRIPTURE: Proverbs 3:1-4

MEMORY VERSE: “For there is no respect of persons with God.” – Romans 2:11

The MESSAGE:

Joseph, Abel, Solomon, Mary, Jesus and David are some of the people that the Bible reports to have found favour with God. Someone like David committed the terrible twin sins of sexual immorality and murder. Rahab was a harlot. Others, like Abel, Joseph, Solomon, were born by parents who had sinned in the past. Yet God says David is a man after His own heart and made Solomon the richest king who ever lived.

Search further and you will find some virgins getting married and being tormented by what doctors call ‘inexplicable infertility’, while a converted prostitute gets married and God blesses her with the fruit of the womb immediately after wedding.

Even more intriguing is the fact that some races (e.g Jews and Europeans) enjoy God’s favour both in their country and out of it while some races get nothing but disfavour both in and out of their countries. Yet several passages in the Bible tell us that God has no favourites: Romans 2:11, Acts 10:34, Ephesians 6:9, etc.

The truth is that God’s favour is open and available to all who put themselves in position to catch it. In fact, those who meet the conditions for God’s favour also pass it to their children. Psalms 37:25 tells that the righteous and his children will enjoy God’s favour. Isaiah 62:2 says humility, contrite spirit and respect for God’s word bring God’s favour. John 1:12 says those who believe and accept Jesus get the power to become the children of God. Galatians 3:7 and 13 also tells us that once we have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, His suffering and death on the cross give us the blessing of Abraham; admitting us into the fold of the Jews!

But then you are wondering why, even after giving your life to Christ you and probably members of your race seem to lack favour. Those who enjoy God’s (and man’s) favour today either got it as inheritance from their ancestors who served God in spirit and in truth for centuries, or they separated themselves from iniquity totally (including that of their ancestors, as in Lamentation 5:7). They embrace God and pledge their house to Him.

Beloved, God created ALL men in His own image. He loves ALL men and gave His Son for ALL men. Just plug yourself into His socket of salvation, wait upon Him in obedience, rejoice in Him in faith and you too will enjoy His favour.

MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE:
JESUS CHRIST DIED SO THAT ALL MAY ACCESS THE BLESSING OF ABRAHAM –UNDILUTED FAITH.

PROPHETIC WORD:
If any man be in Christ, he is a new creation and is no longer under the curse.

PRAYER POINTS:

MORNING

1. God of heaven and earth, I thank You for the salvation of my soul and the dividends that accrue, in the name of Jesus.
2. Lord Jesus, redeem me and my descendants from every arrangement, covenant or promise that my ancestors had with the devil in its entirety, in the name of Jesus.
3. Lord Jesus, give me a new beginning in You and sanctify me with Your blood, in the name of Jesus.
   EVENING
4. Father God, I confess my sins (name them without holding anything back). I repent and plead for forgiveness, in the name of Jesus.
5. Merciful God, let me find favour with You in all areas of my life, in the name of Jesus.
6. Holy Ghost fire, envelop me and consume everything that links me with the lives that my ancestors lived in the devil, in the name of Jesus.
7. Merciful God, make me too a man after Your heart, just like David, in the name of Jesus.

MOUNTAIN TOP LIFE is a daily devotional by Dr. D.K Olukoya (General Overseer, Mountain of Fire and Miracle Ministries, Worldwide)

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: He Cares About Your Needs [Open Heavens for Teens 8 May 2019]

Memorise: “Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?” – Matthew 6:26

Read: Matthew 6:9-11

9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day our daily bread.

Bible In One Year: 1 Kings 16-18, John 1:29-51

MESSAGE:

Though God is a spirit, He is not only interested in our spiritual welfare but also the secular. In other words, He is interested in what we eat, wear and how we live (John 21:3-12; 1 Kings 19:4-8).

You are worth far more than birds to God. If he cares and feeds the birds daily, surely, He cares about you and will take care of you. He knows your needs. He knows the good things of life that you crave, and He will not let you lack them when the time is right (Psalm 34:10). He knows you need food, shelter, transportation, good clothes, a nice phone and other good things. He will give them to you. He knows what you are passing through right now and will make things better soon. Be encouraged, He loves you.

Action Point: Call on Him today and freely talk to Him about all that you are going through. Ask Him for help.

Also Read: Teen Open Heaven Daily Devotional by Pastor Adeboye

Hymn 10:

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 You;
You wilt find a solace there.

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.