Today is the first day of the rest of your life. No matter what a Man’s past may have been his future is spotless. “My presence shall go with thee and I will give thee rest” (Exodus 33:14).
Forget the word of slander
Forget the harsh, the cruel word;
Forget the strife, the bitter test
Forget it all, in Him find rest.
Forget the foe , the wanderings had
Forget the rain, the weather bad,
Forget the suffering, the days so cold
Forget it all as time grows old
Sufficient is for every place
Forget the storms of yesterday
Forget the rocks, the days so dear
Forget the clouds you have passed through
Forget it all, he Loveth you
Remember this, his sovereign grace
Sufficient is for every place;
O’er every foe with Christ within
We shall o’er come, the vict’ry win
HAPPY NEW YEAR 2019
We often wish one another a happy new year. Yet so often, there is no change for most people from year to year. What can make this year really different-happy and new-for you?
Here are the indispensable things
H- ear Gods word – Isaiah 55:3 A-nswer Gods call -Isaiah 5:8 P-osses unity -Matthew 5:8 P-romise Claim – 2corinthians 1:20 Y-ield to God – Romans 6:3
N-o condemnation – Romans 8:1 E-nter into His Rest – Hebrew 5: 8 W-alk in Love -Ephesians 5: 2
Y -our toungue -a tree of life – proverbs 15: 4 E-xample of Righteousness – 1timothy 4:12 A-sk in Faith – James 1: 6 R-ejoice in the Lord always -Philippians 4:4
Open Heaven 2 January 2019 Wednesday Daily Devotional By Pastor E. A. Adeboye – A Child of Issachar?
Topic: A Child of Issachar? (Open Heaven 2 January 2019)
Memorise:“And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.”– 1 John 5:20
Read: 1 Chronicles 12:32 (KJV)
32 And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their commandment.
Bible in One Year: Matthew 4-5, Isaiah 1:18-2:5
Open Heaven 2 January 2019 Wednesday MESSAGE:
As we start another year, it is pertinent for us to have an understanding of the times we live in, in order for us to succeed. The good thing about understanding is that it belongs to God (Psalm 147:5). Today’s memory verse reveals that one of the reasons why the Lord Jesus Christ came to this world is to give us understanding. How then do we gain access to the understanding that has been freely given to us? Psalm 119:98-100 says:
“98 Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me. 99 I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation. 100 I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts.”
From this scripture, it is glaring that we need to meditate on the word of God this year if we will walk in the understanding that comes from heaven. No wonder God told Joshua that in order for him to succeed, the Book of the law should not depart from his mouth; rather, he should meditate on it day and night (Joshua 1:8).
The children of Issachar were men who understood the times they lived in. Now, more than ever before, this is an attribute that every child of God should possess, especially in these end times. We thank God we have the Bible available in all kinds of languages and media. It is our sure aid for understanding the signs of this dispensation. In it, the Holy Spirit warns us of the nature of the end times, saying in 1 Timothy 4:1-2:
“1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;”
Beloved, to speak lies is evil enough, but to add the character of hypocrisy to the speaking of lies is a double tragedy. Our Lord Jesus Christ also said in Matthew 24:24:
“For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.”
In order not to be deceived by the different schemes being propagated by the devil in the world today, the elect of God by grace must have an understanding of the times they live in just like the children of Issachar. As a new year begins, many prophecies, predictions and projections will be given by different types of characters. As a child of God with understanding, you must be very careful not to be receptive to them all. Anchor your expectations on the revealed truth in the Bible, and you will live a life of freedom and good success in this new year. May the Lord continually be with you in Jesus’ Name.
Open Heaven 2 January 2019 Wednesday Prayer Point:
Father, please give me the understanding I need to succeed this year in Jesus’ Name.
Open Heaven 2 January 2019 Wednesday Hymn 2: Oh Jesus, I Have Promised
1 O Jesus, I have promised
To serve Thee to the end;
Be Thou forever near me,
My Master and my Friend;
I shall not fear the battle
If Thou art by my side,
Nor wander from the pathway
If Thou wilt be my guide.
2 O let me feel Thee near me,
The world is ever near;
I see the sights that dazzle,
The tempting sounds I hear;
My foes are ever near me,
Around me and within;
But, Jesus, draw Thou nearer,
And shield my soul from sin.
3 Oh let me hear Thee speaking
In accents clear and still,
Above the storms of passion,
The murmurs of self-will;
Oh speak to reassure me,
To hasten or control;
O speak, and make me listen,
Thou Guardian of my soul.
4 O Jesus, Thou hast promised
To all who follow Thee,
That where Thou art in glory,
There shall Thy servant be;
And, Jesus, I have promised
To serve Thee to the end;
O give me grace to follow,
My Master and my Friend.
5 Oh, let me see Thy footmarks,
And in them plant mine own;
My hope to follow duly
Is in Thy strength alone.
Oh, guide me, call me, draw me,
Uphold me to the end;
And then to rest receive me,
My Saviour and my Friend.
Open Heaven 2 January 2019 Wednesday 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. The Open Heavens devotional application is available across all mobile platforms and operating systems: iOS, Android, Blackberry, Nokia, Windows Mobile and PC. Open Heaven 2 January 2019 Wednesday Daily Devotional.
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.
Joel 2:28-32 King James Version (KJV) 28 And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: 29 And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit. 30 And I will shew wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke. 31 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and terrible day of the Lord come. 32 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the Lord hath said, and in the remnant whom the Lord shall call
NIGERIA
Lamentations 3:22-23 King James Version (KJV) 22 It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. 23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
INDIVIDUAL
Isaiah 3:10-11 King James Version (KJV) 10 Say ye to the righteous, that it shall be well with him: for they shall eat the fruit of their doings. 11 Woe unto the wicked! it shall be ill with him: for the reward of his hands shall be given him.
RCCG
Psalm 91 King James Version (KJV) 91 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. 3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. 4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. 5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; 6 Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. 7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. 8 Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked. 9 Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; 10 There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. 11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. 12 They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. 13 Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet. 14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. 15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. 16 With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.
These words, or their equivalents, were first heard in ancient Babylon four thousand years ago. Today, New Year’s Day is the most universal of all holidays, transcending religions and cultures everywhere.
And making resolutions is as old as the holiday itself. The Babylonians invented this custom as well. Their most popular New Year’s resolution was to return borrowed farm equipment.
William Barclay once wrote, “A man will never become outstandingly good at anything unless that thing is his ruling passion. There must be something of which he can say, ‘For me to live is this.’”
Paul was passionately committed to God’s “ruling passion” for his life: “that I may know him” (Philippians 3:10). I am convinced that this is the greatest resolution any of us can make in this new year.
Knowing Jesus intimately is the most transforming, empowering, joyful way of life humans can experience. It is the purpose for which we were made. Nothing else can take its place.
So, how can we know Jesus more intimately this year?
The most powerful essay I’ve ever read
I’d like to begin 2019 in an unusual way by summarizing the most powerful single essay I have ever read. It is by C. S. Lewis in Mere Christianity, and it deals with the very heart of the Christian life.
According to Lewis, before we become Christians, we each take as our starting point our ordinary self with its various desires and interests. When we become followers of Christ, we know that we will need to give up some of these desires and…
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:
More church leaders are admitting their churches are struggling.
Churches are increasingly connecting with their communities.
There is significant evidence of greater Great Commission obedience.
Toxic church behavior is less tolerated.
Church revitalization has become a major movement.
More young pastors feel called to lead a church revitalization.
More church leaders are seeking coaching and consultations.
Churches are working together toward fulfilling the Great Commission.
Church planting and church revitalization are not perceived to be either/or.
The multi-site and multi-venue movement is entering an era of growth and maturity.
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!
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: 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.
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: 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
Written by Dr. Mike Okonkwo; Is the Presiding Bishop of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM); a versatile man of God with over 30 years of dedicated service unto the Lord.
Topic: 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
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:
Draw closer to the God who lifts and shifts His people up.
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.
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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