Topic: Where Does Your Hope Lie? [Billy Graham Devotional 26 December 2018]

Blessed is the man who trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. — Jeremiah 17:7

The Scriptures predict that a new day is coming. There will be a golden age of prosperity when all perplexing problems-religious, social, or political-will find their complete solution. It will be a marvelous time for this mixed-up world. However, the Bible teaches that man will not bring about this coming golden age. Man alone cannot. The flaw in human nature is too great. Man has no ability to repair this damaged planet. God is our only hope! His plans are already formed, and they are perfectly stated in the Scriptures.

Prayer for the day: All my hope and plans are laid at Your feet, Lord Jesus.

“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.

Topic: Happy Birthday Jesus [TREM Devotional 25 December 2018]

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: ….” Isaiah 9:6

Compliments of the season, dearly beloved. As I write today, I am reminded of the many controversies that trail the date that Jesus was born. Some say it is December, others say no, it is not. Why bother yourself about the date He was born. The question is: was Jesus born? The answer is yes, so every other thing is a non-essential and should not take your time. I will only have a challenge with you if you do not agree that Jesus came in the flesh, was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin, because those are some of the essentials, indeed pillars of the faith that we profess.

Do not get involved in unnecessary arguments of the date He was born; whether January or December does not matter, but we have set today aside all over the world to celebrate Him who came, lived, died and rose again just for us. The interesting thing however is that despite the climate change going on all over the world, the weather will always change at Christmas. That shows the awesomeness of God.

Today, as we celebrate His birth, take time to think of the price He paid for you. For Him to leave the comfort of Heaven to come in the form of a man, is simply incredible. It is a sacrifice no one else can pay, so you cannot repay Him. What you owe Him is a life of commitment to soul winning.

As you celebrate today, think of the unbelievers around you and find a way to reach out to them. Jesus said: compel them to come in. So go out of your way to be a witness and populate Heaven today. Let Heaven rejoice because of the souls that will come into the Kingdom through you today.

Further Reading: Isaiah 9:6-7; Luke 14:15-23

Daily Bible Reading: Morning- Zephaniah; Evening- Revelation 16

“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.

Topic: Winter Snow [Our Daily Bread 25 December 2018 Devotional]

Read: Isaiah 42:1–4, Bible in a Year: Zephaniah 1–3; Revelation 16

He will not shout or cry out, or raise his voice in the streets. A bruised reed he will not break. Isaiah 42:2–3

In winter, I often wake to the beautiful surprise of a world blanketed in the peace and quiet of an early morning snow. Not loudly like a spring thunderstorm that announces its presence in the night, snow comes softly.

In “Winter Snow Song,” Audrey Assad sings that Jesus could have come to earth in power like a hurricane, but instead He came quietly and slowly like the winter snow falling softly in the night outside my window.

Jesus’s arrival took many by quiet surprise. Instead of being born in a palace, He was born in an unlikely place, a humble dwelling outside Bethlehem. And He slept in the only bed available, a manger (Luke 2:7). Instead of being attended by royalty and government officials, Jesus was welcomed by lowly shepherds (vv. 15–16). Instead of having wealth, Jesus’s parents could only afford the inexpensive sacrifice of two birds when they presented Him at the temple (v. 24).

The unassuming way Jesus entered the world was foreshadowed by the prophet Isaiah, who prophesied the coming Savior would “not shout or cry out” (Isaiah 42:2) nor would He come in power that might break a damaged reed or extinguish a struggling flame (v. 3). Instead He came gently in order to draw us to Himself with His offer of peace with God—a peace still available to anyone who believes the unexpected story of a Savior born in a manger.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for willingly giving up Your majesty and coming to earth in order to offer peace.

How silently, how silently the wondrous gift is given! —O Little Town of Bethlehem

INSIGHT
Known as one of the Servant Songs (songs/poems that celebrate the service, suffering, and ultimate reign of the “Servant of the Lord”; see also Isaiah 49:1–13; 50:4–11; and 52:13–53:12), Isaiah 42 paints a beautiful picture of God’s care, concern, and coming justice for the nations. While there is some debate over the identity of the servant (in some songs the servant is expressed in the plural, suggesting the nation of Israel is the servant), there is little doubt about how today’s passage was viewed. Matthew quotes Isaiah 42:1–4 in its entirety (Matthew 12:18–21). Matthew says that Jesus’s ministry of healing the sick was in fulfillment of this passage: “This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah” (v. 17). Matthew clearly sees Jesus as the Servant of the Lord in whom the nations “put their hope.”
J.R. Hudberg

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

This message was written By Lisa Samra [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]

MFM Mountain Top Life Daily Devotional 25 December 2018 By Dr. D.K Olukoya – Healing for the Overcharged Heart (II)

TOPIC: Healing for the Overcharged Heart (II) (Mountain Of Fire and Miracle Ministries, MFM Daily Devotional 25 December 2018)

FIRE SCRIPTURE: Philippians 4:8-9

MEMORY VERSE: “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.” – Proverbs 23:7

The MESSAGE:

Peace is a function of the heart and the mind. Wrong thinking leads to wrong feelings. We must realise that thoughts are real and powerful, though they cannot be seen, weighed or measured. When you sow a thought, you will reap an action. Your thoughts shape your life, vision and destiny. Joseph kept the thoughts of his good dreams alive and it eventually came to pass despite the efforts of his brothers to kill his dreams.

As Christians, we must be able to cast down evil imaginations and every high thing that exalt itself against the knowledge of God and then bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). This must happen in your inner mind to win the greatest war against your soul. It is after this that you can engage in right thinking. In our study today, Paul spells out in detail the things we ought to think about as Christians.

The first category consists of things that are true. Research on worry shows that only eight (8) percent of the things people worry about were legitimate matters of concern while the other 92 percent were either imaginary, never happened, or involved matters over which the people had no control anyway. Satan wants to corrupt our minds with his lies, but the Holy Spirit controls our minds through His truth (John 17:17; 1 John 5:6). Check if your thoughts are in harmony with the word of God. The second category are things that are honest and just. This means “worthy of respect and right”. There are many things that are not respectable and Christians should not think about such things. This does not mean we hide our heads in the sand and avoid what is unpleasant and displeasing, but it does mean we do not focus our attention on dishonourable things and permit them to control our thoughts. Check if your thoughts are decent, honourable, righteous and Christ-like. The third category are the things that are pure, lovely and of good report. The believer must major on the high and noble thoughts and not the base thoughts of hatred and evil which are found in this corrupt world. The last category are things that possess virtue and praise. If it has virtue, it will motivate us to do better; and if it has praise, it is worth commending to others.

No Christian can afford to waste “mind power” on thoughts that would tear him down or that would tear others down if these thoughts were to be shared. Right thinking comes as a result of daily meditation on the word of God. The Christian who fills his heart and mind with God’s word will have “built-in radar” for detecting wrong thoughts. John 14:26-27 says: “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” May the Comforter come into your heart today and heal your overcharged heart, in Jesus’ name.

MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE:
WHEN YOU SOW A THOUGHT, YOU REAP AN ACTION. YOUR THOUGHTS SHAPE YOUR LIFE.

PROPHETIC WORD:
Be empowered to think rightly.

PRAYER POINTS:

MORNING

1. Holy Spirit, shed Your light on the word of God today, in the name of Jesus.
2. Holy Spirit, fill my heart with the spirit of wisdom and understanding, in the name of Jesus.
3. Spiritual deafness and blindness, depart from me by fire, in the name of Jesus.
   EVENING
4. Holy Spirit, purge my life with Your fire, in the name of Jesus.
5. Holy Spirit, empower me to think rightly, in the name of Jesus.
6. Holy Spirit, let the peace of God flow in my heart, in the name of Jesus.
7. I shall not follow any satanic timetable, 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.

Topic: Jesus’ Authority? [DCLM Daily Manna 25 December 2018 Daily Devotional by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi]

Text: Mark 11:27-33 (KJV)

Key Verse: “And they answered and said unto Jesus, We cannot tell. And Jesus answering saith unto them, Neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things” (Mark 11:33).

MESSAGE:

Suppose you were asked to name the most outstanding man in history – who would you choose and why? Would you consider pedigree, life-passion, exploits, influence, accomplishments, death and legacies? Sure you would. What would you say of this Man who never attended school but whose words resonated with such deep insight and oratorical power that multitudes were repeatedly held spellbound by His teachings! Here was a Man who never learnt medical science; He was continuously besieged by people with all kinds of diseases and disabilities, curable and incurable, medical and mysterious. And He healed them all. His name is JESUS.

The Jewish chief priest, scribes and elders had heard and witnessed many of His miracles. He had also ridden triumphantly into Jerusalem with the people shouting, “Hosanna in the highest”. Yet, they sought to know by what authority He did all that.

Jesus is the Image of the invisible God, the Firstborn of every creature. He is the Master, Ruler, Saviour, Sanctifier and the soon coming King. He has a name more powerful and far above every other name. Jesus is the only Advocate for His friends (true believers). He is the only Way to heaven (John 14:6); and the only name in heaven and earth by which men are saved. (Acts 4:12)

What other explanation do you need of His authority? Beloved, do not harden your heart. Come under His authority through repentance and faith in His atoning blood. If you do, your life will have meaning and your eternity in heaven will be sure.

Thought For The Day: In Jesus alone dwells the fullness of life.

Bible Reading In One Year: 2 Peter; Jude

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.

Topic: His Birth, Our Hope [Open Heavens for Teens 25 December 2018]

Memorise: “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” – Luke 2:11

Read: Revelations 21:3-5 (KJV)

Bible In One Year: Haggai 1-2, Revelation 16

MESSAGE:

MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Christmas season is a season to celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is a season to celebrate the hope that the world received when Jesus’ birth was announced. The moment Jesus was born into this world, there was hope for a better life for us. This implies that when Jesus was not yet in the world, there was no hope for a better life. The human race was heading towards destruction.

Is Jesus in your life? Does He reside in your heart? Have you received His as your Lord and personal Saviour? Do you have hope for a better life in eternity? If Jesus is not in your life yet, I advise that you receive Him now before it is too late. Say these words:

Dear Lord, I am sorry for my sins and the life I have lived; please come and dwell in me and make me a new creature in You. Thank you Lord for saving me, in Jesus’ name I pray.

Key Point: When Jesus steps into a place or life, everything changes for the better. Do everything to maintain His presence in your life.

Also Read: Teen Open Heaven Daily Devotional by Pastor Adeboye

Hymn 10:

1. What a friend we have in Jesus,
   All our sins and griefs to bear!
   What a privilege to carry
   Everything to God in prayer!
   O what peace we often forfeit,
   O what needless pain we bear,
   All because we do not carry
   Everything to God in prayer!
2. Have we trials and temptations?
   Is there trouble anywhere?
   We should never be discouraged;
   Take it to the Lord in prayer!
   Can we find a Friend so faithful?
   Who will all our sorrows share?
   Jesus knows our every weakness,
   Take it to the Lord in prayer!
3. Are we weak and heavy laden,
   Cumbered with a load of care?
   Precious Savior, still our refuge,
   Take it to the Lord in prayer.
   Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
   Take it to the Lord in prayer!
   In His arms He’ll take and shield You;
   You wilt find a solace there.

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