Topic: The Compassionate Prosecutor [Open Heavens 15 Thursday February 2018]

Memorise: “And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:” – John 16:8

Read: John 16:7-11 (KJV)

7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.

8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:

9 Of sin, because they believe not on me;

10 Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;

11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.

Bible in One Year: Leviticus 8-9; 1 Corinthians 2

MESSAGE

Looking at the title of today’s Bible study, you may begin to wonder how a person can prosecute a case and be compassionate at the same time. This is ironic because a prosecutor is expected to press the case for the law to have its full course. Who then is this prosecutor who manages to indict and show compassion all at once? The Lord Jesus Christ answers this question in today’s memory verse. The person He refers to is the Holy Spirit. Based on the revelation of the Lord, let us consider the three-pronged strategy by which the Holy Spirit carries out His assignment of prosecuting the world. Note first of all that it is compassion that motivates the Holy Spirit to prosecute the world while there is still time to make amends. A time will come when the whole world will stand before the throne of Christ to be judged of all their works (2 Corinthians 5:10). There will be no excuse permitted on that day, because the Compassionate Prosecutor would have already given each man a dress rehearsal of what will happen in heaven’s court.

The first of the Holy Spirit’s three-pronged strategy is to make the world aware of the destructive nature of sin and cause each and everyone to run away from it. This is why those who preach the gospel must allow the Holy Spirit to use them to read the “riot act” to their audience and not shy away from the reality of the pending doom that awaits those who will not believe in or accept the only Savior of mankind. The early disciples allowed the Holy Spirit to do this work through them and a sample of the result is glaring in Acts 2:37:

“Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?”

The second arm of His strategy is to make the world see the need to be upright in heart, and the need to be in right standing with the righteous God through the Mediator of the new covenant, Jesus Christ. Thirdly the Holy Spirit works to make the world aware of the judgment and punishment that awaits the devil and his cohorts. He does this so that men may be wary of listening to the devil and avoid being condemned along with him. The Compassionate Prosecutor speaks truth to all those who will listen and be free from the eternal consequences of God’s judgment (John 16:13, John 8:32). How friendly are you with the Holy Spirit? Do you only love Him because He comforts you in times of distress or do you still love Him when He probes into your life and reproves you? I encourage you to make the Holy Spirit your Senior Partner, Guide, Mentor and Confidant; He will never lead you astray.

Prayer Point: Compassionate Holy Spirit, please strongly reprove the people in my locality of sin, of righteousness and of judgment, and let Your work of conviction have free course in their hearts in Jesus’ Name.

Hymn 3: What Can Wash Away My Sins

1. What can wash away my sin?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
What can make me whole again?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Chorus:
Oh! precious is the flow
That makes me white as snow;
No other fount I know,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

2. For my cleansing this I see,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
For my pardon this my plea,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

3. Nothing can for sin erase
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
Naught of works, ‘tis all of grace,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

4. This is all my hope and peace,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
This is all my righteousness,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Flatimes’ Notice Board: Please do not prolong your salvation if you have not repented. Many are going home daily and tomorrow maybe too late…There is still hope, JESUS LOVES YOU!

Open Heavens 15th February 2018, Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer’s Ministries.

iOpenHeavens is the electronic version of the Hard Copy. The Open Heavens devotional application is available across all mobile platforms and operating systems: iOS, Android, Blackberry, Nokia, Windows Mobile and PC.

Topic: Show More Concern [DCLM Daily Manna Thursday February 15th, 2018]

Text: Jeremiah 8:13-22 (KJV)

Key Verse: “For the hurt of the daughter of my people am I hurt; I am black; astonishment hath taken hold on me” (Jeremiah 8:21).

MESSAGE:

A British writer, Sir Walter Scott, noting the tendency of man to become self-absorbed, wrote: “The wretch, concentrated all in self; living, shall forfeit fair renown, and, doubly dying, shall go down to the vile dust, from whence he sprung, unwept, un-honoured, and unsung.” He was in essence saying that life is unfulfilled for those who focus solely on themselves, and are not bothered by the fate of other people.

Jeremiah was so different. He had watched in astonishment as the people of Israel turned their back on God. They spurned His prophets and rejected His commands. It was however strange that they accepted falsehood and were deceived by false teachers who proclaimed peace to them, when condemnation, judgment and exile were imminent. God Himself was about to consume them in His anger; yet, they were oblivious of what was coming. Jeremiah was shocked at their complacency as enemies, pestilence and famine that would devastate their land were very close. He urged them to quickly repent of their sins but they were unmoved. Thus, he became sorrowful because of the people’s rebellion, especially as every opportunity for salvation was slipping. He was deeply hurt, and in anguish.

As children of God, we should also respond in anguish and haste to rescue sinful people around us, who not only invent evil and sinful practices but also revel in them. It is only when we, like Jeremiah, show more concern for the fate of sinners that we would be moved to offer the message of salvation, God’s love and redemption to them.

Thought For The Day: Tears for the lost bring joy to the soul.

Bible Reading in a Year: Leviticus 8-10.

Flatimes’ Notice Board: Please do not prolong your salvation if you have not repented. Many are going home daily and tomorrow maybe too late…There is still hope, JESUS LOVES YOU!

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.

Topic: The Power Of Passion [Seeds of Destiny Thursday February 15, 2018]

Scripture: …But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre. And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. John 20:11-12.

Thought For The Day: The intensity of our passion determines the depth of our revelation.

From the Book of John 20:1-13, we see that when Mary Magdalene went to the sepulchre and could not see the Body of Jesus Christ, she ran to Peter and the disciple whom Jesus loved and told them that they had taken away the Body of Jesus. They followed her to the sepulchre but they outran her.

When the disciple who was ahead came to the tomb, he peeped inside and saw the linen cloth but did not go in. Peter went inside, saw the linen cloth and the napkin that was used on Jesus’ head. The other disciple only saw the linen cloth because of where he stood.

Now, revelation is progressive and the truth of the matter is, your level of desperation determines your depth of revelation. The reason we do not see the same things is because our level of passion for God differs; we are not passionate for God at the same level. The intensity of our passion determines the depth of our revelation.

Later, the other disciple decided to follow Peter inside and both of them saw the empty tomb and felt convinced that Jesus must have resurrected. They were satisfied with that level of insight and returned home but Mary remained. She began to cry; that is, her passion was increased then her eyes opened and she saw two Angels. I believe that the Angels did not come just at that moment; they had been there all the while but the desperation in the heart of the other people was not significant enough to open their eyes to see them.

God is never partial. God has no favourites; He only has intimates. Your vision in God is directly connected or proportional to your passion for God.

Remember this: The intensity of our passion determines the depth of our revelation.

Assignment(S):

1. Increase your passion for God, His power and the revelation of His Word.
2. Refuse to give up on seeking the Face of God in any situation.

FOR FURTHER UNDERSTANDING, GET THIS MESSAGE: POST RESURRECTION MANIFESTATION.

Prayer: O Lord, I long for more of You. Overwhelm me with Your Presence and let me remain hungry for You, Lord, in Jesus’ Name.

Daily Reading: Exodus 39:1 to 40:38, Mark 1:1 to 28, Psalm 35:1 to 16, Proverbs 9:11 to 12

Quote: Desperation is the mother of manifestation. Culled from 8 UNBEATABLE PRINCIPLES OF DESPERATE PEOPLE FOR WINNING IN DESPERATE TIMES By Dr (Mrs) Becky Paul-Enenche.

Amazing Fact: Dogs are capable of understanding up to 250 words and gestures, and have demonstrated the ability to do simple mathematical calculations.

Today In History: 15/02/1879 – Women’s rights: US President Rutherford B. Hayes signed a bill allowing female attorneys to argue cases before the Supreme Court of the United States.

Flatimes’ Notice Board: Please do not prolong your salvation if you have not repented. Many are going home daily and tomorrow maybe too late…There is still hope, JESUS LOVES YOU!

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.

Topic: The Nepoleon Secret [Our Daily Manna ODM Thursday, February 15th, 2018]

Basic Scripture: Judges 6: 1-24

Verse 12 of today’s scripture says: ‘’the angel of the Lord said to him (Gideon), ‘….Thou mighty man of valor.’’ Man of valor? For hiding from his enemies? This is amazing! Here was a man who was hiding from the Midianites in fear! Yet, God refused to call him, ‘’Thou mighty coward of Israel.’’

That is what you and I would have called him! But he Lord God called him, ‘’Thou mighty man of valor.’’ That is why I call this God, the unquestionable God! No man question what He does or what He says! I also call Him the Alpha and the Omega God1 He knows your end from your beginning and that was why he called an unstable leaf (Simon) a rock (Peter). He was looking at the end of that man! He does not judge the way the man judges!

He is the author and finisher of your destiny! So in your dealings with others in this year 2018, you must realize that every person in this world is hungry for recognition, self-esteem, companionship, love and understanding, etc. Since you don’t know their end, never write off any man or woman! It is said that Napoleon Bonaparte, the great and successful war general, knew every officer of his army by name!

He never missed an opportunity to care despite their weak points! He would ask about a soldier’s family, hometown, moods problems, etc, and the soldiers were amazed at his knowledge of deep, personal matters that concerned them. That is the quality of any man/woman to shine/be decorated in life and ministry this year! No wonder men were even prepared to lay even their lives for Napoleon the Great!

You can be greater and better! Learn that, ‘’there is hardly a higher compliment that you can pay an individual than to help that person be useful and find satisfaction and significance.’’ Please be an expert this year in the science of making people feel great and important despite their faults! Remember, you are not perfect yourself! Peace!

Prayer Points: Take your best worship to God.

• Thank God for today’s word and pray as you are led!
• Oh Lord, I reject the prison life! Holy Ghost, by the anointing destroying, destroys the headquarters of limitations in Jesus name.
• Pray about the Asaba international anointing service now!
• Pray about today seriously and any other issue(s) affecting your peace.

By Bishop (Dr) Chris E. Kwakpovwe (Cek)
Publisher/Writer Of ODM And

Rev (Mrs) Flora E. Kwakpovwe (Fek)
Co-Publisher/Writer Of ODM.

Topic: Following Where He Leads [Our Daily Bread 15 Thursday February, 2018]

Read: 1 Kings 19:19–21, Bible in a Year: Leviticus 17–18; Matthew 27:27–50

Then [Elisha] set out to follow Elijah and became his servant. 1 Kings 19:21

As a child, I looked forward to our church’s Sunday evening services. They were exciting. Sunday night often meant we got to hear from missionaries and other guest speakers. Their messages inspired me because of their willingness to leave family and friends—and at times, homes, possessions, and careers—to go off to strange, unfamiliar, and sometimes dangerous places to serve God.

Like those missionaries, Elisha left many things behind to follow God (1 Kings 19:19–21). Before God called him into service through Elijah, we don’t know much about Elisha—except that he was a farmer. When the prophet Elijah met him in the field where he was plowing, he threw his cloak over Elisha’s shoulders (the symbol of his role as prophet) and called him to follow. With only a request to kiss his mother and father goodbye, Elisha immediately sacrificed his oxen, burned his plowing equipment, said good-bye to his parents—and followed Elijah.

Though not many of us are called to leave family and friends behind to serve God as fulltime missionaries, God wants all of us to follow Him and to “live as a believer in whatever situation the Lord has assigned to [us], just as God has called [us]” (1 Corinthians 7:17). As I’ve often experienced, serving God can be thrilling and challenging no matter where we are—even if we never leave home.

Prayer: Dear Lord, equip us to be Your missionaries wherever You have placed us—near or far, at home or abroad.

God will show us how to serve Him wherever we are.

Insight:

Elisha followed Elijah in ministry to his generation, and that pattern was not unique. In the final moments of the exodus, Moses—the leader and lawgiver of Israel—was succeeded by Joshua, who had been at his side for forty years. Centuries later, Jesus would follow John the Baptist (the second “Elijah” of Malachi 4:5 and Matthew 11:14) in proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom. These patterns of forerunners and followers are tied together by one of the most significant indicators in Scripture—names. The names of the three who followed Moses, Elijah, and John in ministry—Joshua, Elisha, and Jesus—all mean the same thing: “the Lord saves.” Throughout the years, this has been the confidence of the people of God. God saves us by His grace and then empowers us by His Spirit to follow Him and serve others where He places us.

Where has God called you to serve? Bill Crowder

This message was written By Alyson Kieda [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]

Topic: A Proven Success [Kenneth and Gloria Copeland, Thursday January 15, 2018]

And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet….for this my son…was lost, and is found. – Luke 15:21-22, 24

Prove yourself. In today’s world, that’s what you constantly feel you have to do, right? On the job, among friends, even at home you’re always working to win the approval you need. Working to convince those around you that you deserve the salary, the friendship and even the love they give you.

Is there any escape?

You better believe there is! It’s called grace. Unearned and undeserved favor and acceptance. And there’s only one place you can find it—in the heart of God Himself.

There’s no better picture of God’s grace in action than in the story of the prodigal son. Few of us today can really feel the impact of that story like those first Jewish listeners Jesus told it to. You see, by their standards the prodigal son had committed some of the most despicable acts possible. He’d not only taken advantage of his father and spent his inheritance in riotous living, he’d left the nation of Israel and made covenant with a foreigner—a pig farmer! That was as low as you could get.

In their eyes, that boy’s rebellion was so serious his father’s only recourse was to disown him.

But that’s not what this father did! He welcomed his repentant son home with open arms. He offered him grace—unmerited favor—that was based on the father’s love rather than the son’s performance.

Next time you catch yourself struggling to make up to God for something you’ve done wrong, working to win His approval, let the story of the prodigal son set you free. Let it remind you that, in spite of your sins, your Father has received you with open arms. He’s put a robe of righteousness on your back and His signet ring on your hand. He’s put the shoes of sonship on your feet!

Do you feel unworthy of all that? Sure you do. You were unworthy of it. But God hasn’t based His relationship with you on your worthiness. He’s based it on His love and on Jesus’ worthiness. You don’t have to struggle to prove yourself to Him. As far as He’s concerned, you’re a proven success.

Scripture Reading: Luke 15:11-32

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: The Ultimate Peace [Billy Graham’s Daily Thursday February 15th, 2018]

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you . . . — John 14:27

Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.” Where does peacemaking begin? How can we become peacemakers? Can peace be discovered within ourselves? Freud has told us that peace is but a mental attitude. Cast off our phobias, shed our neuroses, and “bingo!”—we’ll have the coveted peace we long for.

I respect psychiatry for what it can do. Unquestionably, it has helped many. But it certainly is not satisfactory as a substitute for the peace which can come only from God. If psychiatry leaves God out, ultimately we shall see psychiatrists going to each other for treatment. There can be no peace until we find peace with God. The Bible says, “He is our peace.”

Prayer for the day: The balm of Your peace pours over my soul and I humbly praise You, almighty God.

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: Our Debts Have Been Cancelled [Andrew Wommack’s Daily Thursday February 15, 2018]

Luke 4:19, “To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.”

Text: Luke 4:16-30

This scripture had been written prophetically by the prophet Isaiah about 650 years prior to this time. It was read in Jewish synagogues thousands of times. But the one this verse was speaking of had never spoken it before. With this pronouncement, Jesus began the year of Jubilee.

The Year of Jubilee was described in Leviticus 25. It was a year when everyone left their fields unworked and kept a sabbath unto the Lord. The Lord gave the people a miraculous provision the year before this jubilee started that sustained them for three years until their crops could once again be harvested.

This jubilee was different than the other sabbatical years in that every debt was cancelled. All property was returned to its original owner and anyone who had been sold into slavery was set free. It was a year of new beginnings.

Jesus proclaimed a spiritual jubilee. We now live in a time when all our debts to God have been cancelled and all the things the devil stole from us have been returned. Even our slavery to the devil has come to an end through the redemptive work of our Lord Jesus Christ. This is a time for rejoicing.

Jesus is our jubilee.

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).