Topic: Nothing But Christ [Joyce Meyer Devotional 14 October 2018]

And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone. — Matthew 14:23

I’ve tried to imagine what it would have been like to go to Corinth or other Greek cities at the time of Paul and try to speak to those wise, brilliant thinkers. After studying every parchment given to me, and gaining knowledge of all their arguments, I would have prayed for God to help me overcome their objections.

We don’t know what Paul did, but his answer is astounding. Instead of going after them with great reasoning and sharp logic, he went in exactly the opposite direction. He stayed in Corinth a year and a half, and many came to Christ because of him.

Later, when he wrote 1 Corinthians, he said, For I made the decision to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified (2:2).

That’s amazing. If any man had the ability to reason with those Greeks and could show them the fallacies of their logic, surely that man was Paul. But, being led by the Holy Spirit, he chose a defenseless presentation—to let God speak through him and touch the hearts of the people.

Now, centuries later, I appreciate his approach—although I didn’t always feel this way. For a long time I wanted to explain and reason out everything, but when that didn’t work, I ended up feeling miserable.

I’ve always been curious, always wanted to know, and always wanted to figure out the answer. Then, God began to work in my life. He showed me that my constant drive to figure it out caused me confusion and prevented me from receiving many of the things He wanted me to have. He said, “You must lay aside carnal reasoning if you expect to have discernment.”

I didn’t like loose ends, so I felt more secure when I figured things out. I wanted to be in control of every detail of every situation. When I didn’t understand or was unable to figure things out, I felt out of control. And that was frightening to me. Something was wrong—I was troubled and had no peace of mind. Sometimes, frustrated and exhausted, I would just give up.

It was a long battle for me because I finally admitted something to myself (God knew it all along): I was addicted to reasoning. It was more than a tendency or desire to figure out things. It was a compulsion. I had to have answers—and had to have them right now. When God was finally able to convince me of my addiction, I was able to give it up.

It wasn’t easy. Like people who withdraw from drugs or alcohol, I had withdrawal symptoms. I felt lost. Frightened. Alone. I had always depended on my ability to figure things out. Now, like Paul, I had to depend on God.

Too many people assume that relying only on God is something we do easily and naturally. It didn’t work that way with me. But God was gracious and patient with me. It was as if He’d whisper, “You’re not there yet, Joyce, but you’re making progress. It’s uncomfortable because you’re learning a new way to live.”

God wants us to be victorious—and I knew that all along. Now I walk in greater victory than ever before—and I no longer try to reason out everything before I act.

Prayer Starter: Heavenly Father, thank You for being so patient with me and people like me who feel we must have all the answers before we can act or trust. In the name of Jesus, help me to simply trust in You, knowing that You will give me what is best for my life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

If you missed yesterday devotional, please click to read “Joyce Meyer Daily Devotional HERE’’

From Joyce Meyer’s Ministries.

MFM Mountain Top Life Daily Devotional 14 October 2018 By Dr. D.K Olukoya – Having The Miracles Of Jabez

TOPIC: Having The Miracles Of Jabez (Mountain Of Fire and Miracle Ministries, MFM Daily Devotional 14 October 2018)

FIRE SCRIPTURE: 1 Chronicles 4:9-10

MEMORY VERSE: “He increaseth the nations, and destroyeth them: he enlargeth the nations, and straiteneth them again.” – Job 12:23

The MESSAGE:

Brother Jabez was more honourable than his brethren, yet his mother named him Jabez because she bore him out of sorrow. A time came in his life that he had to call on the God of Israel saying, “Oh that thou wilt bless me indeed, Oh that thou wilt enlarge my coast, Oh that thy hand might be with me, and Oh that thou will keep me from evil” and God granted him all his requests.

A “big man” entered into the head office of a company to see the manager; unfortunately, the manager was not there. She had gone to work in another branch not too far from the head office. A young lady in the office took one look at the man and saw a “big man” that must have come with a big car. She politely asked, and said, “Can I join you in your car to guide you to the branch to meet our manager? She might not come back here today”. Unfortunately, the “big man” had no car. The young lady was disappointed and took another look at the man in suit.

This was exactly the situation of Brother Jabez. He looked fine and rich, but in reality, he was not really big, fine and rich. This led Jabez to get angry and he cried unto the Lord because the embarrassment was just too much. Jabez realised he has problems but needed blessing. He lived in a small confinement and knew that his name spoke against him; he had no expansion, no enlargement, no promotion, no growth and no greatness. He knew he should be bigger than what he was. He made up his mind to see the end of his problems and prayed specific prayers. Beloved, are you looking bigger than your income? Are you meeting up to the expectations of people around you? Are you experiencing real blessings? If NO, then you need to pray Brother Jabez’ prayers today. He declared unto the Lord:

(i) “Bless me indeed” –that is, let all see the blessing;
“Enlarge my coast” –that is, to dominate his territory;
(ii) Give me protection, promotion and power;
(iii) Let no evil, no disaster, no accident etc., happen to me.

At the end, Jabez’s story changed. You need to realise your lack and shortcomings now and begin to present them to the Lord today. Is your name a problem? Present it to the Lord and declare enough is enough like Jabez and ask God to change your situations for the best.

MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE:
A CLOSED MOUTH IS A CLOSED DESTINY.

PROPHETIC WORD:
The Lord shall bless you from Zion and His face shall shine upon you.
PRAYER POINTS:

MORNING
1. Father, I thank You for giving me power to enlarge and expand, in Jesus’ name.
2. Every anti-expansion and anti-enlargement altar fashioned against my life, I pull you down, scatter, in Jesus’ name.
3. Anything whatsoever that has been hindering me from being greater than this, die by fire, in Jesus’ name.

EVENING
4. Spiritual wolves working against my growth and development, die by fire, in Jesus’ name.
5. Every negative transaction currently affecting my expansion, die by fire, in Jesus’ name.
6. Anointing that changes stories, anointing for greatness and expansion, come upon my life now, in Jesus’ name.
7. By the reason of the anointing, I am catapulted unto enlargement and greatness, in Jesus’ name.

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: Ask the Animals [Our Daily Bread 14 October 2018 Devotional]

Read: Job 12:7–10, Bible in a Year: Isaiah 43–44; 1 Thessalonians 2

Ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you. Job 12:7

Our grandkids, enraptured, got a close-up look at a rescued bald eagle. They were even allowed to touch him. As the zoo volunteer told about the powerful bird perched on her arm, I was surprised to learn this male had a wingspan of about six and one-half feet, yet because of its hollow bones it weighed only about eight pounds.

This reminded me of the majestic eagle I had seen soaring above a lake, ready to swoop down and snatch its prey in its talons. And I pictured in my mind another big bird—the spindly legged blue heron I had spied standing motionless on the edge of a pond. It was poised to dart its long beak into the water. They’re just two among the nearly 10,000 species of birds that can direct our thoughts to our Creator.

In the book of Job, Job’s friends are debating the reasons for his suffering and ask, “Can you fathom the mysteries of God?” (see 11:5–9). In response Job declares, “Ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you” (Job 12:7). Animals testify to the truth that God designed, cares for, and controls His creation: “In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind” (v. 10).

Since God cares for birds (Matthew 6:26; 10:29), we can be assured He loves and cares for you and me, even when we don’t understand our circumstances. Look around and learn of Him.

God’s world teaches us about Him.

Insight:
Gaining a good grasp of the book of Job requires us to understand its literary structure. Though the book begins (chs. 1–2) and ends (42:7–16) in narrative format, the bulk of the book is comprised of speeches packaged in poetry (3:1–42:6), including the stunning monologue of the Almighty Himself (38:1–41:34). By the time the reader comes to chapter 12, all three of Job’s friends—Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar—have spoken once. Two more series of speeches follow, and in the last series a fourth counselor (Elihu) enters the picture (chs. 32–37). In their well-ordered and reasoned speeches, each friend offers explanations for Job’s calamities and prescriptions for a remedy. Job himself is the speaker in chapter 12, where he indicts the denseness of his first three accusers. He directs them to nature which teaches us about the supremacy and sovereignty of God. In verses 7–8, the language of instruction is quite clear: Animals “will teach”; birds “will tell”; the earth “will teach”; the fish will “inform.” Without a word they witness to the wisdom and greatness of God.

Can you recall a time when you were prompted to reflect on God’s greatness by something in nature?

Arthur Jackson

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

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

Topic: That Glorious Name [Kenneth & Gloria Copeland Devotional 14 October 2018]

And I will do [I Myself will grant] whatever you may ask in My name [as presenting all that I AM,] so that the Father may be glorified and extolled in (through) the Son. – John 14:13, The Amplified Bible

In Jesus’ Name. It’s more than a phrase we tack onto the end of our prayers. All that God is and does is represented in the Name of Jesus. The Amplified Bible says when you ask in His Name, you present your requests to the Father on the basis of all that Jesus is. So you can boldly expect to have those requests granted—not because you’re worthy, but because He is!

What’s more, the Name of Jesus carries authority over all other names. In Philippians 2:5-11, the Apostle Paul tells us, “God also hath highly exalted him [Jesus], and given him a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth.”

In spite of all the Word of God has to say about the power of the Name of Jesus, most believers don’t seem to put much stock in it. They’ll pray in the Name of Jesus, then turn right around and say, “I sure hope God answers that prayer.” They don’t realize that if they only had the faith to believe it, Jesus’ Name alone carries enough clout to guarantee their prayers will be answered.

They even let religious slang rob them of the power of using that Name. I’ve heard many a well-meaning believer end his prayer with the phrase, “For Jesus’ sake.” But Jesus didn’t say to pray for His sake. He said to pray in His Name.

I used to make that mistake myself. One night I was praying because I was suffering from a stomachache. “Oh, for Jesus’ sake,” I prayed, “heal my stomach.”

After I’d said that a few times, the Lord spoke up on the inside of me. Wait a minute, He said, whose stomach is hurting here, Mine or yours?

“Mine!” I answered.

Then He very plainly said, In that case, pray for your stomach’s sake, in My Name!

Jesus’ Name. Dig in to the Word and find out just how much power and authority it really carries. Then use that power every time you pray. Stop hoping God will answer and start expecting Him to cause every circumstance in your life to bow its knee in honor of that glorious Name!

Scripture Reading: John 16:13-24

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.

Topic: Stand And Be Counted [DCLM Daily Manna 14 October 2018 Daily Devotional by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi]

Text: 2 Kings 11:1-12 (KJV)

Key Verse: “And ye shall compass the king round about, every man with his weapons in his hand: and he that cometh within the ranges, let him be slain: and be ye with the king as he goeth out and as he cometh in” (2 Kings 11:8).

MESSAGE:

Today’s passage reveals the commendable efforts of some individuals who put their lives at risk against the murderous and treacherous onslaught of Athaliah, who sought to usurp royal authority after the death of her son by killing the entire seed royal. But God frustrated her agenda through the courageous efforts of personalities like Jehosheba, the sister of Ahaziah who hid Joash and his nurse from death. Jehoiada the priest mobilised guards to keep watch over the king’s son. The rulers over hundreds, the captains and the guards all played their roles faithfully to ensure the safety of the king’s son until he was old enough to take over the realms of power in the kingdom.

A crucial lesson from this passage is that we must understand that no one is insignificant in the quest to sustain right values and move the society forward. Rather than criticise and blame evil men and women like Athaliah for the challenges in our nation, we should look inward for ways to contribute our little quota in making things better like Jehosheba and others. A little act of kindness, a little courageous effort could ensure the salvation of souls. Parents must show godly examples to their children and raise them to be responsible citizens. In the workplace, we must demonstrate loyalty, conscientiousness and honesty. Bosses like Jehoiada must give direction, provide resources and motivate workers under them to give their best.

Most importantly, as a Christian, you are to demonstrate your love for the King and His kingdom by jealously guarding the truth of the gospel as well as propagate it faithfully.

Thought For The Day: You will be remembered by what you have done.

Bible Reading In One Year: Matthew 13; Luke 8

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: Mixed Gene – The Bane Of Destiny [Seeds of Destiny 14 October 2018 Devotional]

Scripture: And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word. 1 Kings 18:21

Thought For The Day: Any Christianity that does not affect your identity is iniquity and calamity in disguise.

Gene is a unit of heredity which is transferred from a parent to an offspring. It is responsible for similarity in manner or attitude of a parent and his/her children. Just as a son is expected to have a peculiar character trait that is in consonance with that of his father, a Christian is also expected to manifest the character and attributes of Christ.

However, the tragedy in our days is that there are many Christians with mixed-genes; mixture of heaven and earth, mixed gene of spirituality and carnality. They are like half Israelites and half Egyptians. They are spiritual mix-ups. They have the origin of heaven but the identity of the earth. It is true that they are Christians, but their identity says otherwise. This is why many people are in church for donkey years but see no result because their sinful character is still intact. Any Christianity that does not affect your identity is iniquity and calamity in disguise. Your identity determines your destiny; your nature determines your future; your attitude determines your outcome.

In Genesis 2:19, while referring to Moses, the daughters of Jethro told their father that an Egyptian helped them. The question is, was Moses an Egyptian? No! But they called him an Egyptian probably because of the way he dressed and behaved.

Beloved, a mistaken identity is a misplaced destiny. But that shall not be your portion, in Jesus’ Name.

Remember This: Any Christianity that does not affect your identity is iniquity and calamity in disguise.

Assignments:
1. If you want to follow Jesus Christ and be a genuine Christian, come out clearly and be one.
2. Avoid every anti-Christ behaviour in your life; refuse to put one leg in Church and another in the world.
3. Read and reflect on the teachings of today again

Prayer: Lord, make me a reflection of Your Image upon the earth, and let the fragrance of Your Presence flow out of my life. Make me a true ambassador of Heaven on earth, Lord, in Jesus’ Name.

FOR FURTHER UNDERSTANDING, GET THIS MESSAGE: SEVEN-WAY LIFESTYLE TEST

Quote: You cannot make a difference until you are different. Be truly who you are anywhere you go. Culled from 365 WISDOM CAPSULES by Dr Paul Enenche

Daily Reading: Jeremiah 23:21 to 25:38, 2 Thessalonians 2:1 to 17, Psalm 84:1 to 12, Proverbs 25:15

Amazing Fact: Lizards use their tongues to smell; they smell by tasting the air around them

Today In History: 14/10/2011 – The Apple iPhone 4S was released.

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.

Topic: We Are Complete, Only In Him [Andrew Wommack Devotional 14 October 2018]

Matthew 26:28 “For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.”

Text: Matthew 26:27-29

The principle of the Old Covenant was “do” and you shall live. The principle of the New Covenant is “it is done,” and includes redemption, reconciliation, righteousness, and sanctification. The work is finished! We are complete in Him!

If the Old Covenant had no defects, there would have been no attempt to institute another (Heb. 8:7). In the Old Covenant, men found themselves unable to abide in its agreement, for it was based upon a man’s performance.

The new agreement, however, is based totally upon God’s grace. Under the Old Covenant, men approached God through a priest, while under the New Covenant, we have direct access to the Father through Jesus Christ. Under the Old Covenant, a man’s sin led to his death while under the New Covenant, God is merciful to our unrighteousness. Under the Old Covenant, man could not be cleansed of a consciousness of sin while under the New Covenant, our sins and iniquities are remembered no more, and our guilty consciences are cleansed.

Prior to salvation we are incomplete and there is a constant striving in every person to satisfy their hunger. Through the new birth we are complete in Christ and our hunger now should only be for more revelation of what we already have in Christ.

In the same way that Jesus had the fullness of God in Him, we also have the fullness of Christ in us. That makes us complete or perfect in Him, that is speaking of our spiritual man. Our born-again spirit is identical in righteousness, authority, and power to Christ’s spirit, because our born-again spirit is the Spirit of Christ (Rom. 8:9). It has been sent into our hearts crying “Abba Father” (Gal. 4:6).

If you missed yesterday devotional, please click to read Andrew Wommack Daily Devotional

This message was written by The Association of Related Ministries International (ARMI) is an extension of Andrew Wommack Ministries (AWM). ARMI is a unique partnership committed to providing resources to help like-minded ministers succeed in a spirit of excellence and to draw from the experience and expertise of both the AWM and Charis Bible College staff. (www.awmi.net).

Topic: Pure in Heart [Billy Graham Devotional 14 October 2018]

He that walketh righteously . . . shall dwell on high. — Isaiah 33:15,16

Being pure in conduct also includes honesty and integrity in dealing with our fellowmen. A Christian should be known in his neighborhood or place of business as an honest person, a person who can be trusted. Jesus said, “Blessed are the pure in heart.” Do you want to be happy? All right, apply this Beatitude to your heart. Take it to yourself.

The pure in heart are the only ones who can know what it means to be supremely happy. Their hearts are pure toward God and, as a result are pure toward their fellowmen. They are happy because, in possessing Him who is All and in All, they envy no man’s worldly goods. They are happy because they envy not another man’s praise. Because they are the enemy of no man, they regard no man as their enemy. The result is peace with God and the world.

Prayer for the day: Forgive me, Lord Jesus, my heart is far from pure. I confess to You all my innermost thoughts.

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.