10 Reasons for Optimism in 2019

Podcast Episode #498

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We kick off 2019 with 10 reasons we are optimistic about churches. From an openness to consulting to church revitalization, we are seeing God move in churches in fresh ways.

Some highlights from today’s episode include:

  • One of the worst postures a church leader can have is one of denial.
  • If a church is focused on evangelism and outreach, revitalization will likely result.
  • Church conflict and bullies will turn a church’s focus inwardly.
  • Pastor, the church down the street is your co-laborer, not your competition.

The 10 reasons for optimism that we discuss are:

  1. More church leaders are admitting their churches are struggling.
  2. Churches are increasingly connecting with their communities.
  3. There is significant evidence of greater Great Commission obedience.
  4. Toxic church behavior is less tolerated.
  5. Church revitalization has become a major movement.
  6. More young pastors feel called to lead a church revitalization.
  7. More church leaders are seeking coaching and consultations.
  8. Churches are working together toward fulfilling the Great Commission.
  9. Church planting and church revitalization are not perceived to be either/or.
  10. The multi-site and multi-venue movement is entering an era of growth and maturity.

Resources mentioned in today’s podcast

Rainer on Leadership is a member of the LifeWay Leadership Podcast Network


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

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Kenneth Copeland Devotional 1 January 2019 – A Happy New Year

Topic: A Happy New Year [Kenneth Copeland Devotional 1 January 2019]

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. – Romans 10:13

Today people everywhere are gathering together to celebrate the first bright moments of the new year.

Yet, for thousands of others, this day will be the toughest 24 hours of their lives. For those people, New Year’s Day will serve only as a dim reminder of loneliness and loss. It will simply mark the beginning of another year of failure.

What about you? What’s this year really going to be like for you?

You may appear to be happy enough. You may be passing out seasonal smiles and holiday greetings just like everyone else. But inside, you may hurt. You may be disappointed. You may even feel like you can’t go on.

If so, I want you to know something. All of that can change in an instant. You can start your life over today and make this New Year’s Day the most joyful day of your life!

How many times have you said to yourself, “If I could just start over, I’d do it all differently”? That doesn’t have to be simply an idle wish. Jesus Christ has actually made it possible. That’s His Christmas present to you. He paid the price for all your sins. He paid the penalty for all your mistakes.

That’s the reason He came to earth. That’s the reason He was born—so you could start over!

You may look at your life and say, “But I’ve made some terrible mistakes. I’ve done some despicable things.” That doesn’t matter. Jesus paid the price for them all!

How can you make a new start? Romans 10:9 says that “if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” It’s as easy as saying, “Jesus, I’m turning my life over to You. From this day forward I’m Yours.”

What better time to turn your life around than on this first day of the new year. Right now, wherever you are, just give your life to Jesus. Then jump up and down and holler, “Praise God, I’m starting all over!” And find out what it really means to have a happy new year!

Scripture Reading: Romans 10:1-13

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.

The post Kenneth Copeland Devotional 1 January 2019 – A Happy New Year appeared first on Flatimes.

Billy Graham Devotional 1 January 2019 – Filled With Christ

Topic: Filled With Christ [Billy Graham Devotional 1 January 2019]

. . . Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead. — Philippians 3:13 (TLB)

As we flick the calendar to a new year, we come face to face with the fact that our days on earth are numbered. As the Psalmist wrote, “Teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” No thoughtful person can approach New Year’s Day without some introspection. We are reminded of the brevity of time. We also look back over our failures, mistakes, and missed opportunities, and vow that we will make better use of our time during the coming year. We should take time to be pleasant, to smile, to extend the small courtesies we often omit-to show love to our family. Psychiatrists tell us that most people are starved for love. Take time for the goodbye kiss; we shall go to work with a sweeter spirit. Let us take time to get acquainted with our families. We are not machines. We are not robots. The secret of a happy home is that members of the family learn to give and receive love. Let us take time to express our love in a thousand ways.

Prayer for the day: As I begin a new year, Lord Jesus, I pray that my walk through the days ahead will be filled with Your love for others, a love that does not count the cost.

“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.

The post Billy Graham Devotional 1 January 2019 – Filled With Christ appeared first on Flatimes.

TREM Devotional 1 January 2019 – Above Only

Topic: Above Only [TREM Devotional 1 January 2019]

“And the LORD shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the LORD thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them:” – Deuteronomy 28:13 KJV

As we looked forward to 2019, the Lord gave me this word for you and it is prophetic – in 2019, you will be above only. That means that there will be many opportunities to go under, but keep your head up because you cannot sink in the journey of life, for God is with you.

Many times, when believers read the scripture above, they get excited with the promise and then the last phrase dampens their spirit because they suddenly feel unworthy of the blessings of God. But Child of God, when Jesus said “It is finished” on the cross, He paid the full price, thereby fulfilling the law on your behalf. In other words, if you are in Christ, you have fulfilled the law.

“But Bro. Mike, I made a mistake yesterday.” Yes, I know you made a mistake yesterday, and even today, no matter how early it is, you have committed one sin or the other. However, when you gave your life to Christ, there was a divine exchange and your life was hidden in Christ, in God. He has exchanged His righteousness for your unrighteousness, so when you stand before God, you stand faultless before Him and the blessings in the Bible are yours to appropriate, without fear of condemnation.

So, as you go through this year, know and be fully convinced that the Lord has made you the head and not the tail, you are above only and not beneath, because Christ has fulfilled the law on your behalf. Go into this year rejoicing, knowing that your victory is guaranteed.

Further Reading: Deuteronomy 28:1-13

Daily Bible Reading: morning Gen 1-3; Evening Mathew 1

“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.

The post TREM Devotional 1 January 2019 – Above Only appeared first on Flatimes.

Our Daily Bread 1 January 2019 Devotional – New Year, New Priorities

Topic: New Year, New Priorities [Our Daily Bread 1 January 2019 Devotional]

Read: Ecclesiastes 9:4–12, Bible in a Year: Genesis 1–3; Matthew 1

Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might. Ecclesiastes 9:10

I’ve always wanted to learn how to play the cello. But I’ve never found the time to enroll in a class. Or, perhaps more accurately, I haven’t made the time for it. I had thought that in heaven I could probably master that instrument. In the meantime, I wanted to focus on using my time in the particular ways God has called me to serve Him now.

Life is short, and we often feel the pressure to make the most of our time on Earth before it slips away. But what does that really mean?

As King Solomon contemplated the meaning of life, he offered two recommendations. First, we’re to live in the most meaningful way we can, which includes fully enjoying the good things God allows us to experience in life, such as food and drink (Ecclesiastes 9:7), clothing and perfume (v. 8 nlt), marriage (v. 9), and all of God’s good gifts—which might include learning how to play the cello!

His second recommendation was diligent work (v. 10). Life is full of opportunities, and there is always more work to be done. We’re to take advantage of the opportunities God gives us, seeking His wisdom on how to prioritize work and play in a way that uses our gifting to serve Him.

Life is a wonderful gift from the Lord. We honor Him when we take pleasure both in His daily blessings and in meaningful service.

Prayer: Father, thank You for this life You’ve given me. Help me to live this new year for You, enjoying Your blessings and fulfilling Your purposes.

We can both enjoy God’s blessings and be a blessing to others.

INSIGHT:
Ecclesiastes is a book about despair over the futility of life in a broken world. This idea is captured in Solomon’s repeated phrase, “Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless” (1:2). But Ecclesiastes also offers hope in the midst of that futility. In chapter 3, Solomon says that God has put eternity in our hearts (v. 11). While fully engaging in the world and the times in which we live, followers of Christ can also look ahead to eternity with God.
Bill Crowder

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

This message was written By Poh Fang Chia [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]

The post Our Daily Bread 1 January 2019 Devotional – New Year, New Priorities appeared first on Flatimes.

Seeds of Destiny 1 January 2019 Devotional – The God Who Lifts and Shifts His People Up

Topic: The God Who Lifts and Shifts His People Up [Seeds of Destiny 1 January 2019 Devotional]

Scripture: After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter. Revelation 4:1

Thought For The Day: It is an abomination to be identified with God and be stagnated in life; it is an abomination to be connected to God and be redundant on earth.

Happy New Year! You are welcome to a New Year, 2019. We appreciate God for His Mercies over our lives in the previous year, 2018. I want to let you know that your crossing over into this New Year is a confirmation of God’s readiness to lift and shift your life and destiny to the next level and phase of life (Revelation 4:1).

It has been confirmed that we have and serve a God of supernatural lift and shift; it is natural with God to lift and shift lives and destinies up to higher levels. It is the character and nature of God to lift and shift His people up to greater heights. He is delighted when His people are lifted and shifted up in life. This is why He takes His children from one level or degree of lift or shift to another (Psalm 84:7); He takes His people from one level of glory to another (Romans 1:17, Proverbs 4:18, 2 Corinthians 3:18). There is a change, lift, shift or transformation that happens anytime we identify with God.

Beloved, it is an abomination to be identified with God and be stagnated in life; it is an abomination to be connected to God and be redundant on earth. It is an abuse of association to claim to know God and your life remains unchanged. That shall not be your portion in Jesus’ Name. So, I decree that God shall lift and shift your life this season in Jesus’ Name.

My counsel is, make up your mind to identify with the God of lift and shift; always be in contact with God who lifts and shifts lives and destinies up so He can lift and shift your life to the next level.

Remember this: It is an abomination to be identified with God and be stagnated in life; it is an abomination to be connected to God and be redundant on earth.

Assignments:

  1. Draw closer to the God who lifts and shifts His people up.
  2. Make demands on God for the supernatural lifting and shifting of your life to a higher level.

Prayer: O Lord, I ask that You lift and shift my life and destiny to the next level. Take me to the next phase of my life, Lord in Jesus’ Name.

FOR FURTHER UNDERSTANDING, GET THIS MESSAGE: COME UP HITHER – SUPERNATURAL LIFTS AND SHIFTS.

Today In History: 01/01/1801 – Italian Astronomer, Giuseppe Piazzi became the first person to discover an asteroid; He named it Ceres.

Daily Reading: Genesis 1:1 to 2:25, Matthew 1:1 to 2:12, Psalm 1:1 to 6, Proverbs 1:1 to 6

Amazing Fact: A single cloud can weigh more than 1 million pounds.

Quote: God manufactures His servants, history makers, world shakers, those that impact and change nations, in hideouts and in closets! Culled from GO IN THIS THY MIGHT by Dr. Paul Enenche.

Don’t Forget To Attend: The Power Communion Service tomorrow by 5:30pm at the Glory Dome, the Lord’s Garden, Airport Road, Abuja.

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.

The post Seeds of Destiny 1 January 2019 Devotional – The God Who Lifts and Shifts His People Up appeared first on Flatimes.

MFM Daily Devotional 1 January 2019 – God Knows Your Needs

MFM Mountain Top Life Daily Devotional 1 January 2019 By Dr. D.K Olukoya – God Knows Your Needs

TOPIC: God Knows Your Needs (Mountain Of Fire and Miracle Ministries, MFM Daily Devotional 1 January 2019)

FIRE SCRIPTURE: Genesis 2:18-25

MEMORY VERSE: “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”Philippians 4:6

The MESSAGE:

God said, “It is not good for a man to be alone. I will find him a suitable helpmeet”. God correctly identified Adam’s need and met it. The Omniscient Creator knew that Adam’s strength alone could not achieve the assignment and destiny He had given him. He saw that Adam needed a helper who would complete him and make him succeed in his divine assignment. Therefore, God created Eve and gave her to Adam as his wife. Immediately Adam saw her, he exclaimed, “This is the bone of my bone and the flesh of my flesh.” Eve was a companion like him and compatible with him. She was a perfect gift from God.

Beloved, in the same vein, God knows what is lacking or missing in your life and is well able to provide it for you. Is it perfect health as well as sound mind? God, the Great Physician, will give it to you. He will make you whole, spirit, soul and body, because nothing is too hard for Him to do. If what your life and destiny need to be complete and perfect is a spouse, the One who keeps the solitary in family and said none shall want his or her mate, will give you your own spouse, and your joy will be full. If the missing link in your life is a child, the One who gave Isaac to Abraham and Sarah, Samuel to Elkanah and Hannah, and John the Baptist to Zechariah and Elizabeth will give you your own covenant and glorious children. Are riches and wealth what your life and destiny need to be perfect and glorious? The Lord who owns the earth and the fullness thereof, the owner of the gold and silver in the entire universe, the One who owns the cattle on a thousand hills and who blessed Solomon with untold riches and wealth will bless you beyond your imagination.

However, I want you to take note of the attributes that qualified Adam for this specific blessing from the Lord. First, Adam had a genuine relationship with God. When your relationship with God is pleasant, He will keep blessing you, whether you ask Him to do so or not. Second, Adam was living in obedience. He was in the centre of God’s will. He was keeping the Garden and exercising dominion as God’s vicegerent on earth. Obedience will always qualify you for God’s blessing. God rewards the obedient and moves them forward and upward. Lastly, Adam was the crowning glory of God’s creation. As long as he had pleasant relationship with God and remained obedient to Him, God was committed to completely fulfil the purposes for creating Adam.

Beloved, you can fulfil the three criteria mentioned above. You can make the three attributes your lifestyle. God knows what your needs are. He is able and willing to provide them, no matter how numerous they are. Fulfilling those criteria will guarantee you God’s presence, grace and help at all times. God will provide that missing link, and like Adam, your life and destiny will become complete, perfect and glorious.

MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE:
GOD’S EYES ARE ALWAYS WATCHING OVER THOSE WHO PUT THEIR TOTAL TRUST IN HIM.

PROPHETIC WORD:
The Great provider will meet you at the very point of your needs.

PRAYER POINTS:

MORNING

  1. Lord, I thank You because You are the Elshaddai, in the name of Jesus.
  2. My Great Provider, supply all my needs, in the name of Jesus.
  3. Every lack in my life, hear the word of the Lord, receive divine provision, in the name of Jesus.
    EVENING
  4. My Father, let Your heavenly provision be my daily experience, in the name of Jesus.
  5. Powers making me to suffer in the midst of plenty, die, in the name of Jesus.
  6. I decree and declare that I shall not want anything good, in the name of Jesus.
  7. O Lord, bless me beyond my wildest dream, 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 1 January 2019 – A Fresh Beginning

Topic: A Fresh Beginning [DCLM Daily Manna 1 January 2019 Daily Devotional by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi]

Text: Isaiah 43:18-21 (KJV)

Key Verse: “Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert” (Isaiah 43:19).

MESSAGE:

William Kerfoot was respected, successful businessman when the great Chicago fire of 1871 hit, leaving his office and portfolio in ashes. But he wasted no time rebuilding. He put up a wood shack that read: “All gone but wife, children, and energy”. He then placed an advert on the Tribune on October 11 and 12 telling customers his business was still open. By october 13, his advertisement proclaimed he was back “at his old place, 89 East Washington Street”. The editorial of that day encouraged Chicagoans through this man’s courage to “Cheer up, Chicago will rise again”.

Israel’s seventy years of captivity in Babylon had left almost an indelible mark on their lives. The humiliation, the shame of losing the war, the stress of being uprooted from the cities they had known and lived in for hundreds of years, and the deportation to a strange land, was like a wound that refuses to heal. Prophet Isaiah, in our text, prophesied about the new thing that God has promised to do for His people. It was just the right words to heal their present wounds and prepare them for the future golden rule of Christ where the earth shall be renewed in a way it was never before.

Many times, the memories of the past year come back to haunt us and halt the prospects and progress in the new. As we begin the New Year, we must forget the failures and missed opportunities of the past. We must remember that we cannot enjoy the benefits and the opportunities in the New Year if we continue to ruminate on the distress, disappointments and disgrace of the past one.

God has promised to do a new thing in our lives. All disappointments, sicknesses, pains and problems of the past year must be allowed to go with it as we welcome a New Year of opportunities. Happy New Year!

Thought For The Day: A new beginning comes to those who forget the past.

Bible Reading In One Year: Genesis 1-3

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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Open Heaven 1 January 2019 Prayer Points on Today – I Will Do A New Thing

Open Heaven 1 January 2019 Prayer Points on Today – I Will Do A New Thing

I Will Do A New Thing

1.I worship and adore You, my Father, my Creator, Cherisher, Sustainer, Provider, and Redeemer, for Your love and mercy, over my life and family.

2.Thank You, my Father, for successfully bringing me to the beginning of another year.

Also Read: Open Heaven 1 January 2019 – I Will Do A New Thing

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

4.Father, please, go ahead of me, this year, and straightens, every crooked path, in Jesus name.

5.Father, strengthens me and cause me to be spiritually awake, alert and vigilant throughout this year, in Jesus name.

6.Father, please, transform my life to reflect Your true and complete image; and empower me to do exploits and greater works, for You, this year, in Jesus name.

7.Father, let my life bring glory, honour and joy to You, and all the hosts of heaven, throughout this year, in Jesus name.

8.Father, please, grant all my heart’s desires, and fulfill Your promise, to do a new thing in my life, beginning from today, in Jesus name.

9.Father, please, help me to live through each day of this year, without committing a single sin, against You, in Jesus name.

10.Father, grant Your son, Pastor E.A. Adeboye, a brand new beginning, of joy, of anointing, of power, of strength, of glory and of grace, in Jesus name.

11.Father, bless Your son, that You have been using to prepare these prayer points, beyond measures; help him to overcome every challenge of getting these prayer points across to Your children timely, on daily basis, in Jesus name.

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

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

14.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.

Open Heaven 1 January 2019 Prayer Points on Today – I Will Do A New Thing

The post Open Heaven 1 January 2019 Prayer Points on Today – I Will Do A New Thing appeared first on Flatimes.

Revelry & Reflection Mark Transition to the New Year Across the Globe – Urban Christian News

Filipinos cheer during a New Year countdown at the Eastwood Shopping Mall late Monday, Dec. 31, 2018 in suburban Quezon city northeast of Manila, Philippines. Filipinos welcome the New Year with the loudest noise possible including setting off powerful firecrackers in one of Asia’s most violent celebrations. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez)

Fireworks, concerts, spiritual services and political addresses abounded to mark the transition to 2019 as revelers around the globe bid farewell Monday to a year filled with challenges to many of the world’s most basic institutions, including political, trade and religious ones.

A look at how people around the world are ushering in 2019:

LONDON

Britons ushered in the new year with the familiar chimes of Big Ben, even though the world famous clock has been disconnected for more than a year because of a conservation project.

Fireworks explode over the London Eye during the New Year’s eve celebrations. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Parliament announced last week that the clock’s massive bell would sound to mark the new year with the help of a specially built electric mechanism to power the hammer, which weighs about 440 pounds (200 kilograms). The clock mechanism, which has kept time since 1859, has been dismantled as part of the renovation work.

New Year’s Eve without Big Ben would be positively un-British. The comforting chimes are used by TV and radio stations throughout Britain to herald the moment of transition from the old to the new year.

The focal point of London’s usually rowdy celebrations was fireworks display on the Victoria…

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Click Read More to read the rest of the story from our content source/partners – Urban Christian News

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