Pope hands over keys to Lamborghini for war-hit Iraqi Christians

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Pope hands over keys to Lamborghini for war-hit Iraqi Christians

A silver and gold Huracán Coupé presented to the pope by Italian car marker Lamborghini in 2017 was entered into a lottery which raised €200,000.

The sum (equivalent to £171,000) has been donated by the pontiff to the Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) to fund the restoration of a nursery and a community centre.

 

The two Syriac Catholic sites are located in the Nineveh Plains village of Bashiqa – where an estimated 3,000 Christians were forced from their homes by the arrival of IS in 2014.

Across the region, tens of thousands of families have been returning since extremists were expelled.

Aid to the Church in Need

 

According to ACN, more than two-thirds of homes destroyed in Bashiqa have since been rebuilt, while around 50 per cent of its Christian residents (1,600) have returned.

 

The lottery, which saw tickets sold for $10 each, was held after a €715,000 bid for the car at Sotheby’s auction in Monaco last summer fell through.

As of last month, more than 9,100 families had gone back to their homes in the Nineveh Plains. There were 20,000 living there before IS.

ADF International

 

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Six Reasons Relaunching Is More Difficult Than Revitalizing or Replanting

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Relaunching. Revitalizing. Replanting.

So many “re” prefixes. It gets confusing.

Let’s review our definitions. Revitalizing means an existing congregation experiences health and turnaround. Replanting typically means another church acquires a declining or dying church and starts it anew. Relaunching could be considered a hybrid approach. A declining or dying church re-starts itself. There is usually a name change, but there is not an acquisition by another church.

Of the three, relaunching is both the rarest and most difficult. Let’s look at six reasons this challenge has many obstacles.

  1. Relaunching can be perceived to be a magic bullet. The congregation sometimes think they can slap a new name on the sign, have a grand re-opening, and watch growth take place.
  2. Relaunching does not always address the issues and people that are barriers to church health. Church health is a DNA issue. Without changes in the essential hearts and attitudes of the people, healthy change will not take place.
  3. Relaunching can divide a church. This divide can occur along many fault lines, especially worship styles and name changes.
  4. Relaunching will struggle if expectations and sacrifices are not explicit and clear. Otherwise, members will have varying expectations about the changes and results of a new launch. Clarity and transparency are essential.
  5. Relaunching is often a compromise. It’s the “in-between” decision between revitalization and replan There is not a total commitment to the process.
  6. Relaunching…

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Click here to read the rest of the story from our content source/partners – Thom Rainer.

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TREM Devotional 27 February 2019 – The Word Works

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TREM Devotional 27 February 2019 – The Word Works

Topic: The Word Works [TREM Devotional 27 February 2019]

“Blessed be the LORD, that hath given rest unto his people Israel, according to all that he promised: there hath not failed one word of all his good promise, which he promised by the hand of Moses his servant.” 1 Kings 8:56 KJV

It is written: “Say ye to the righteous, that it shall be well with him: …” (Isaiah 3:10 KJV) It can never be bad with the righteous. It is already well. There is nothing the devil has fashioned that has the capacity to defeat you. Let the devil fire his best shot, you already have the victory because the Bible says that whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world. And the victory that overcomes the world is our faith.

We have an assurance in the scriptures that the Word never fails. People become frustrated, discouraged and depressed when they have forgotten what God has said.

In Luke 24:13-32, two people were on their way to Emmaus. The reason they got depressed and were murmuring and complaining was that they forgot the Lord had said: “…The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day, rise again.”(Luke 24:7 KJV) As a result, Jesus was walking with them but they didn’t know. The one that they were talking about was right in their midst, but they could not recognize Him because they forgot the Word.

They could not recognize Jesus and He didn’t make Himself known because God does not want you to recognize Him by sight. He wants you to believe Him by faith. We look not at the things we can see but at the things we don’t see. The things you see are temporal but the things you don’t see are eternal. He held their eyes and they were unable to recognize Him because Jesus wants us to recognize Him based on what He has told us. Beloved, the Word works. What the word of God cannot give you; number one, you don’t need it. And number two, it doesn’t exist.

Further Reading: Luke 24:13-31

Daily Bible Reading: Morning- Numbers 15-16; Evening- Mark 6:1-29

“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.

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MFM Daily Devotional 27 February 2019 – God As Your Husband

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MFM Mountain Top Life Daily Devotional 27 February 2019 By Dr. D.K Olukoya – God As Your Husband

TOPIC: God As Your Husband (Mountain Of Fire and Miracle Ministries, MFM Daily Devotional 27 February 2019)

Bible In One Year: Numbers 15-16; Mark 6:1-29

FIRE SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 54:1-14

MEMORY VERSE: “In righteousness shalt thou be established: thou shalt be far from oppression; for thou shalt not fear: and from terror; for it shall not come near thee.” – Isaiah 54:14

The MESSAGE:

The Bible says your Maker, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel, the God of the whole world is your Husband (Isaiah 54:5). A newly married woman changes her name and virtually every aspect of her life to fit in to her husband and his family. Have automatic changes taken place in your life to fit your new status as a Christian?

1. Name change: You are now a child of God, temple of the Most High. This means that the Spirit of God lives inside of you: not your ancestral spirit, or pride, or anger, or inferiority, or envy or any dirty spirit that is the result of your social status or success, intelligence or beauty; or lack of it. Your worth as a person depends on the Eternal Rock of Ages and not on man-made standards.

As a temple of God, nothing dirty should enter you through the mouth or eyes or ears (alcohol, cigarette, narcotic drug, pornography) or come out (e.g. filthy words, etc.) of your mouth. You cannot eat too much or too little. Your body should not accommodate any form of sexual immorality.

2. Your life-style must change to copy Jesus your Lord and Master in holiness within and without. It should reflect the following:

  • Complete and unconditional obedience to God’s will;
  • Thanking God, talking to Him and hearing from Him at all times, in all situations and for all things;
  • Fearing God and resisting temptation;
  • Caring for needy fellow men;
  • Spreading the good news of the kingdom of God;
  • Humility in all your undertakings.

3. Changes in sleeping pattern and daily routine. Night hours must now include time to pray, your first word everyday will be from God (Bible reading) and to God and your words will be to God in prayer.

4. Change in financial status means all the money you make comes from God and you cannot spend more than 90% of it (or less) because of tithes and offerings and service to God’s house, His servants and His other children.

5. Change of next of kin means the Spirit of God is your constant companion, guide and protection and not the powers of your father’s house.

6. Behavioural change: Your words, actions and relations with fellow men must advertise your God, your new Owner, all the time, and attract people to Him.
Beloved, have you changed your identity yet? If you have not, I beg you, change today. The rewards are overwhelming.

6. As children are the fruit of marriage, you, the temple of God, must bear the fruit of the Spirit in your life in Christ.

MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE:
GOD WILL HAVE MERCY ON YOU WITH EVERLASTING KINDNESS BECAUSE HE HAS REDEEMED YOU.

PROPHETIC WORD:
Be established in righteousness and be far from oppression.

PRAYER POINTS:

MORNING

  1. Almighty God, what did you find in me, that You blessed me by saving me? Empower me to lay all that I am and have at Your feet, in the name of Jesus.
  2. Omnipotent God, I separate myself from my father’s house, I put my hand in Your hands. Take me to my promised land, in the name of Jesus.
  3. Powers of my father’s house that have followed me into my life in Christ, release me by fire, burn to ashes, die, in the name of Jesus.
    EVENING
  4. I plug my life into the socket of the fire of God, in the name of Jesus.
  5. Covenant keeping God, empower me to love and serve You and my fellow men to the glory of Your name, in the name of Jesus.
  6. My Helper and Fighter of my battles, fight for me in these areas (name them) of my life, in the name of Jesus.
  7. My body is the temple of the Most High God, all you strange occupants, come out and die, in the name of Jesus.

“If you missed yesterday devotional, please click to read MFM Mountain Top Life Daily Devotional HERE

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.

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DCLM Daily Manna 27 February 2019 – Drop Your Pride

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DCLM Daily Manna 27 February 2019 – Drop Your Pride

Topic: Drop Your Pride [DCLM Daily Manna 27 February 2019 Daily Devotional by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi]

Text: Matthew 2:1-13 (KJV)

Key Verse: “Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem” (Matthew 2:1).

MESSAGE:

The speaker at a convention attended by a quadriplegic Joni Eareckson Tada (who cannot walk because of a diving accident at age seventeen), urged everyone to kneel to worship God. The handicapped woman began to cry being the only one unable to kneel. With tearful eyes, she said, “Lord Jesus, I can’t wait for the day when I will rise up on resurrected legs. The first thing I will then do is to drop on grateful, glorified knees and worship you.”

In our text, we read of the wise men’s humble attendance upon this newborn King of the Jews, and the honours they paid Him. From the east, they came to Jerusalem and then to Bethlehem, resolving to seek till they should find. Having found the King, they presented themselves first, and then their gifts to Him: they fell down, and worshipped Him.

Few people earnestly seek Jesus today like the wise men because they are ashamed to be labelled fanatics and unserious. But those who first sought Jesus were wise men. They not only worshipped Him but also showered precious gifts on Him. The human mind cannot fathom the depth of love, grace, power and wisdom in our Lord Jesus. He is the Source of all good, the Fountain of every Excellency, the Mirror of perfection, the Wonder of the earth and the Light of heaven.

A single encounter with Christ could change a man’s destiny for life and for eternity. You must not allow your status, wealth, age, knowledge or circumstance hinder your from seeking Jesus, if you are wise. The wise men from the east sought Him, found Him and never returned through the way they came. So have many wise people since His birth and throughout ages. Allow His Spirit and Word to lead you to have personal encounter with Him and thereafter be a light to guide others to follow the Saviour of the world.

Thought For The Day: No one follows Christ and goes astray.

The Bible In One Year: Leviticus 1-4

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.

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Prayer Points on Today’s Open Heaven 27 February 2019

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Prayer Points on Today’s Open Heaven 27 February 2019 – No Food For The Lazy Man

1.Thank You, Father, for divine health, without which I cannot work or be useful to myself, family, nation or Your church. (Click HERE for Open Heaven 27 February 2019)

2.Father, in anyway I have fallen short of your glory, please, have mercy and forgive me, in Jesus name.

3.Father, don’t let me sleep the sleep of death, please, wake me up from my slumber, in Jesus name.

4.Father, please, let Your fire consume all the attributes of laziness, in my life and and in the life of our youths, in Jesus name.

5.Father, release upon my life, the spirit of diligence and profitable hard work, in Jesus name.

6.Father, give me the grace to be able to work without supervision or eye service; and, bless all the works of my hands, in Jesus name.

7.Father, give me wisdom and skills, that will enable me be a good manager of financial, material and human resources, with maximum profit, for Your kingdom, in Jesus name.

8.Father, please, deliver the Body of Christ and our nations from idleness and laziness, in Jesus name.

9.Father, as many of our youths and children looking for profitable employment, jobs, business, please, grand their heart desires, in Jesus name.

10.Father, let no power be able to destroy all the good works You have empowered, Pastor E.A. Adeboye, to achieve in life and ministry, in Jesus name.

11.Father, bless Your son, that You have been using to prepare these prayer points, beyond measures, and all those who have been rebroadcasting them, in Jesus name!

12.Father, let every challenge, hindrance and obstacle of getting these prayer points across to Your children, timely, and on daily basis be removed, in Jesus name.

13.Your Personal petitions. (Philippians 4:6)

14.In Jesus name I pray. (John 14:13-14; 15:16)

15.Thank you Father for answered prayers. (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

These prayers have no expiry date! Please, pray them, irrespective of the time they get to you. Remain blessed, in Jesus name.

Kindly, purchase your own hard copy or online version of the Open Heavens devotional & buy for your friends too, as a potent evangelism tool. God bless you, as you sow, into Pastor E.A. Adeboye’s book Ministry, in Jesus name.

Prayer Points on Today’s Open Heaven 27 February 2019 – No Food For The Lazy Man

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Open Heavens for Teens 27 February 2019 – Never Be Idle

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Open Heavens for Teens 27 February 2019 – Never Be Idle

Topic: Never Be Idle [Open Heavens for Teens 27 February 2019]

Memorise: “The fool foldeth his hands together, and eateth his own flesh.” – Ecclesiastes 4:5

Read: 2 Samuel 11:1-2

1 In the spring, when kings go forth to battle, David sent Joab with his servants and all Israel, and they ravaged the Ammonites [country] and besieged Rabbah. But David remained in Jerusalem.

2O ne evening David arose from his couch and was walking on the roof of the king’s house, when from there he saw a woman bathing; and she was very lovely to behold.

Bible In One Year: Numbers 18-20, Mark 7:1-13

MESSAGE:

There is a popular saying which goes thus; “the idle mind is the devil’s workshop”. This is very true. The idle time is the opportunity for the devil to bring all sorts of ideas that are dangerous to the spiritual well-being of any teenager. If you have a lot of idle time in your hands, then there is fire on the mountain. You should always keep yourself busy. The time spent on watching dirty videos on Instagram and Facebook is idle time. The time spent chatting unnecessarily with friends is idle time and if not immediately curbed, the devil will use it negatively against you.
Spend your time wisely. Read your books, attend seminars, go for church services, study your Bible, and engage in community service. Just ensure that the devil has no chance to bring bad thoughts into your mind.
People who grow to greatness spiritually and physically are not idle people. Even Jesus Christ said that He and His Father are always working. Your time is your life, what you use your time for is what you will eventually become, beware.

Action Point:

Don’t occupy yourself by watching Television or going through social media. Get involved with gainful things with your time.

Also Read: Teen Open Heaven Daily Devotional by Pastor Adeboye

Hymn 8

  1. Immortal, invisible, God only wise,
    In light inaccessible hid from our eyes
    Most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of days,
    Almighty, victorious, Thy great name we praise.
  2. Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light,
    Nor wanting, nor wasting, thou rulest in might;
    Thy justice like mountains high soaring above,
    Thy clouds which are fountains of goodness and love.
  3. To all life thou givest to both great and small;
    In all life Thou livest, the true life of all;
    We blossom and flourish as leaves on the tree,
    And wither and perish, but nought changeth Thee.
  4. Great Father of Glory, pure Father of Light,
    Thine angels adore Thee, all veiling their sight;
    All laud we would render; o help us to see;
    ‘Tis only the splendor of light hideth Thee.
  5. Immortal, invisible, God only wise,
    In light inaccessible hid from our eyes
    Most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of days,
    Almighty, victorious, Thy great name we praise.

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.

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Seeds of Destiny 27 February 2019 Devotional – Keys To Fulfilling Destiny

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Seeds of Destiny 27 February 2019 Devotional – Keys To Fulfilling Destiny

Topic: Keys To Fulfilling Destiny [Seeds of Destiny 27 February 2019 Devotional]

You will never reach your destiny until you stretch your potential.

SCRIPTURE: This I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. Galatians 5:16

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: You will never reach your destiny until you stretch your potential.

God’s original intention for creating us is to fulfil His purpose for our lives. The fulfilment of God’s purpose for our lives is the fulfilment of destiny. A life lived according to God’s purpose is a destiny fulfilled. Therefore, it is important to know what we must do in order to fulfil God’s purpose for our lives.

Now, what are the keys to fulfilling destiny?

1. Absolute surrender to the Holy Spirit.

Allow the Holy Spirit to take over your life. You need Him to empower your will so that you will be able to do what you want to do in line with His purpose.

2. Learn to deny yourself.

You must learn to say ‘NO’ to the flesh. You must learn to tell your flesh to do what your spirit wants it to do. When the mind is made up, anything is possible. You can only get the best of your mind when you allow it to work. You will never be able to reach your destiny until you stretch your potential.

3. Surround your life with disciplined people.

Let serious-minded people be your friends (Proverbs 27:17).If you are surrounded with unserious and undisciplined people who lack self-control, your life will also turn out exactly the same way as theirs. Wrong information from the wrong association can affect your life negatively.

Beloved, make up your mind to fulfil God’s purpose for your life by being absolutely surrendered to the Holy Ghost. Deny yourself and surround yourself with disciplined people.

Remember this: You will never reach your destiny until you stretch your potential.

ASSIGNMENTS:

  1. Consciously bring your will under the control of the Holy Spirit.
  2. Deny yourself the wrong things of life and associate only with people who are disciplined.

FOR FURTHER UNDERSTANDING, GET THIS MESSAGE: DEADLY ENEMIES OF DESTINY.

PRAYER: O Lord, give me the grace to deny myself the wrong things of life. Help me to be totally yielded to the leading of the Spirit, Lord in Jesus’ Name.

AMAZING FACT: Some grasses have the potential of hearing human voices and responding to the voices appropriately.

DAILY READING: Leviticus 20:22 to 22:16, Mark 9:1 to 29, Psalm 43:1 to 5, Proverbs 10:18.

TODAY IN HISTORY: 27/02/1999 – Nigeria returned to civilian rule when Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo was elected president.

QUOTE: When the rate at which a person masters and conquers his flesh increases, the rate of his progress also increases. Culled from 21 FOOLISH THINGS PEOPLE DO by Dr Paul Enenche.

Also Read: Click HERE to read Other Inspirational Messages 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.

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Rhapsody of Realities 27 February 2019 – The Ability, Favour, and Direction to Prosper

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Rhapsody of Realities 27 February 2019 – The Ability, Favour, and Direction to Prosper

Rhapsody of Realities 27 February 2019 By Pastor Chris Oyakhilome – The Ability, Favour, and Direction to Prosper

Topic: The Ability, Favour, and Direction to Prosper

And…I will bless thee…and thou shalt be a blessing (Genesis 12:2).

There’re lots of beautiful definitions for the word “blessing” or the infinitive, “bless”; one of them is the invocation of the ability, favour, and direction to prosper. When you’re blessed, the ability to prosper is invoked in your life; it’s inherent in you and works all the time. You have the ability to succeed, such that anything that concerns you turns out excellently.

The invocation of favour means divine favour works in your life in a way that even your detractors are compelled to favour you. Even when you’re not interested in certain privileges that are yours, or don’t have enough information to desire them, that divine favour causes them to come to you. How important it is for you to recognise, and walk in this consciousness!

The third element in our definition of blessing is the direction to prosper. That’s equally so powerful, because when that’s invoked in your life, you find that you’re always at the centre of God’s perfect will; you go in the right direction, for the right purpose, and at the right time. Even when you don’t have a clue, that divine power of blessing causes you or literally places you in the centre of God’s will.

There’re people who always get into trouble; there seems to be something working in them to get them into trouble; but not you! You’re the blessed of the Lord. There’s a divine elixir working in you, that steers you away from trouble and keeps you on the path of life; on the path of divine destiny.

When you’re blessed, your steps are always ordered of the Lord. You become a problem solver. Blessings begin to flow as soon as you enter a place! You’re always just on time to be favoured and directed in the way of prosperity. These elements of blessing don’t work sometimes only; they work continuously, without fail. Become conscious that in you are the ability, favour, and direction to prosper, because you’re the blessed of the Lord. Hallelujah!

PRAYER
 I’m a package of blessings. I’ve received the invocation of the ability, favour, and the direction to prosper. My steps are ordered of the Lord; I’m at the right place at the right time, meeting the right people, and doing the right things. I’m always at the centre of God’s perfect will. Glory to God!

FURTHER STUDY:
 Deuteronomy 28:3-6; Numbers 6:22-24; Galatians 3:9

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
 Mark 8:14-26 & Numbers 3-4

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
 Matthew 18:12- 20 & Exodus 8

Click HERE to Read previous Messages

Rhapsody of Realities 27th February 2019 Devotional was written by Pastor Pastor Chris Oyakhilome (D.Sc., D.D.). President of Loveworld Inc. aka Christ Embassy Int’l.

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Our Daily Bread 27 February 2019 Devotional – Out of the Mouths of Babes

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Our Daily Bread 27 February 2019 Devotional – Out of the Mouths of Babes

Topic: Out of the Mouths of Babes [Our Daily Bread 27 February 2019 Devotional]

Bible in a Year: Numbers 17–19; Mark 6:30–56

Out of the mouth of babies and infants, you have established strength because of your foes. – Psalm 8:2 esv

Today’s Scripture & Insight: Matthew 21:14-16

After watching ten-year-old Viola using a tree branch as a microphone to mimic a preacher, Michele decided to give Viola the opportunity to “preach” during a village outreach. Viola accepted. Michele, a missionary in South Sudan, wrote, “The crowd was enraptured. . . . A little girl who had been abandoned stood in authority before them as a daughter of the King of kings, powerfully sharing the reality of God’s Kingdom. Half the crowd came forward to receive Jesus” (Michele Perry, Love Has a Face).

The crowd that day hadn’t expected to hear a child preach. This incident brings to mind the phrase “out of the mouths of babes,” which comes from Psalm 8. David wrote, “Out of the mouth of babies and infants, you have established strength because of your foes” (v. 2 esv). Jesus later quoted this verse in Matthew 21:16, after the chief priests and scribes criticized the children calling out praise to Jesus in the temple at Jerusalem. The children were a nuisance to these leaders. By quoting this Scripture, Jesus showed that God took seriously the praise of these children. They did what the leaders were unwilling to do: give glory to the longed-for Messiah.

As Viola and the children in the temple showed, God can use even a child to bring Him glory. Out of their willing hearts came a fountain of praise.

Today’s Reflection
How can I offer praise to God today? Why is He worthy of my praise?

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

This message was written By Linda Washington [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]

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