Topic: Don’t Be Selfish In Prayer [TREM 29 September 2018 Daily Devotional]

“And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes.” Daniel 9:3 (KJV)

Prayer and fasting does not have to be all about you. Some people may say there is nothing to fast about, because everything around them seem to be working well. Fasting does not have to be all about you. Fasting is a call for selflessness.

In our scripture today, Daniel declared a fast, took time to seek the face of the Lord in fasting, prayer and supplication, not because he wanted a business breakthrough or because he wanted a child or a spouse. He undertook this exercise because of the nation of Israel.

As believers, we must be more concerned about being a blessing than being blessed. God has not called you to be the light to yourself and salt to your house. You are called to be the light of the world. Where is your world? Anywhere you are planted, geographically or even professionally is your world. You can belong to the world of accountants, world of engineers etc. Wherever you are, God expects you to be the light. Look around you, is everything going well? If not, it should call for a concern and you need to pray.

Daniel could have looked around and decide that he was comfortable and ignore the nation of Israel, but not Daniel. He knew that the time for captivity was over, but somehow, they were still stuck there and he took it upon himself to pray. When will you pray about the nation God has planted you in? I know you have all the reasons why the nation cannot prosper. I know that you have the details of all the evil going on in the corridor of power, but do you know that you can make a difference on your knees? That is why God has allowed you to be alive at a time like this. Don’t join the bandwagon of complainers. Get on your knees and birth the desired revival and Heaven will move on your behalf. Be the agent of change your world is looking for.

Further Reading: Daniel 9:1-4

Daily Bible Reading: Morning- Isaiah 7-8; Evening- Ephesians 2

“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: Gleaning the Fields [Our Daily Bread 29 September 2018 Devotional]

Read: Ruth 2:1–12, Bible in a Year: Isaiah 7–8; Ephesians 2

Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, “Let me go to the fields and pick up the leftover grain behind anyone in whose eyes I find favor.” Ruth 2:2

A Tanzanian friend has a vision for redeeming a piece of desolate land in the capital city of Dodoma. Recognizing the needs of some local widows, Ruth wants to transform these dusty acres into a place to keep chickens and grow crops. Her vision to provide for those in need is rooted in her love for God, and was inspired by her biblical namesake, Ruth.

God’s laws allowed the poor or the foreigner to glean (harvest) from the edges of the fields (Leviticus 19:9–10). Ruth (in the Bible) was a foreigner, and was therefore allowed to work in the fields, gathering food for her and her mother-in-law. Gleaning in Boaz’s field, a close relative, led to Ruth and Naomi ultimately finding a home and protection. Ruth used her ingenuity and effort in the work of the day—gathering food from the edges of the field—and God blessed her.

The passion of my friend Ruth and the dedication of the biblical Ruth stir me to give thanks to God for how He cares for the poor and downtrodden. They inspire me to seek ways to help others in my community and more broadly as a means of expressing my thanks to our giving God. How might you worship God through extending His mercy to others?

Prayer: Jesus, You desire that no one would go hungry. Open our eyes to the ways we can help those in need. May we share Your love, for Your glory.

God cares for the vulnerable.

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

This message was written By Amy Boucher Pye [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]

Topic: The Weapon that Tackles the Battles of Life [Seeds of Destiny 29 September 2018 Daily Devotional]

Scripture: For through the voice of the Lord shall the Assyrian be beaten down, which smote with a rod. Isaiah 30:31

Thought For The Day: The Voice of God or Divine revelation is a weapon that tackles the battles of life.

We had previously established that one of the greatest assets of a person on earth is access to the Voice of God. The Voice of God is the secret of tranquillity (Psalms 85:8). It is a weapon that tackles the battles of life.

Now, I give you a practical example: Some time ago, a lady had chronic mouth ulcer that refused to heal despite medications. Then she slept one night and had a dream revelation where she saw herself chewing sugarcane. When she woke up, she made a decision to chew sugarcane in that mouth ulcer condition the same way she saw in the dream. She went and bought sugarcane, chewed it and the ulcer dried up.

Now, the question is: does it mean that anytime someone has mouth ulcer, he or she should chew sugarcane? No! God showed the lady sugarcane as a solution to her own peculiar challenge. Only God knows the mystery that could handle the satanic mystery behind the ulcer.

So, the Voice of God or Divine revelation is a weapon that tackles the battles of life; it connects you with Divine mysteries that can handle satanic mysteries.

To access the Voice of God, spiritual sensitivity is needed. Let us look at one of the secrets to maintaining sensitivity to God’s Voice.

Spirituality: When a person is spiritual by living a life of consecration, holiness, prayer, worship, giving, evangelism, etc., spiritual sensitivity is inevitable. Abraham could hear God because early devotion to God was his lifestyle (Genesis 19:27). Your spirituality determines your sensitivity to God’s Voice.

Remember this: The Voice of God or Divine revelation is a weapon that tackles the battles of life.

Assignments:
1. Endeavour to be fervent in spiritual activities like praying, fasting, worshiping, soul winning, etc.
2. Expect God to speak to you directly or through His Word, revelations, dreams etc.

FOR FURTHER UNDERSTANDING, GET THIS MESSAGE: SECRETS OF SPIRITUAL SENSITIVITY.

Prayer: O Lord, I receive the grace to access Your Voice. Help me to maintain a lifestyle of spirituality in order to hear Your Voice always Lord, in Jesus’ Name.

Quote: Your spirituality is not for the purpose of luxury; your spirituality determines your immunity and affects your security. Culled from,“15 Kingdom Strategies for Survival” by Dr Paul Enenche

Amazing Fact: Fingernails grow faster on the hand a person writes with. They also grow faster than toenails, and faster on longer fingers.

Today In History: 29/09/1967 – The International Monetary Fund reformed monetary systems around the world.

Daily Reading: Isaiah 54:15 to 59:21, Philippians 1:1 to 26, Psalm 71:1 to 24, Proverbs 24:9 to 10.

Don’t Forget To Attend: The six over-flooded services tomorrow by 6 am, 7:20 am, 8:40 pm, 10, am, 11:20 am and 12:40 pm

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: Divine Diet for the Discouraged [DCLM Daily Manna 29 September 2018 Daily Devotional]

Text: 1 Kings 19:1-8 (KJV)

Key Verse: “And the angel of the LORD came again the second time, and touched him, and said, Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee” (1 Kings 19:7).

MESSAGE:

William Ward once described discouragement as “dissatisfaction with the past, distaste for the present and distrust of the future. It is ingratitude for the blessings of yesterday, indifference to the opportunities of today and insecurity regarding strength for tomorrow. It is unawareness of the presence of beauty, unconcern for the needs of fellowman and unbelief in the promises of old. It is impatience with time, immaturity of thought and impoliteness to God.”

Such was the experience of Elijah in today’s text. God used him to bring down fire from heaven on the sacrifice on mount Carmel. People rallied round him to destroy the false prophets of Baal. Now, a threatening message from Queen Jezebel frightened the prophet and he wished to die. But God did not listen to his negative prayer. God knew he was discouraged and graciously ignored his plea. Instead, He provided help in form of divine diet brought by an angel.

Every discouraged individual needs help. The word of God is the divine diet that can revive and sustain your soul. It will wake you up and energise you again with hope. You must be consistent in reading it through the day and night, so you will be strong and encouraged to face the challenge of each new day. Hardly will you find a day when there will be nothing to discourage you; but as you regularly feed on God’s word daily, it will be your strength and support in times of discouragement.

Thought For The Day: Never give up, heavenly help is near.

Bible Reading In One Year: Nehemiah 11-13; Psalm 126

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.

RCCG Sunday School TEACHER’s Manual 30 September 2018 Lesson Five – The New Birth

TOPIC: The New Birth

OPENING PRAYER: Father, let the light of salvation shine in every family and nation of the world (Scroll down for RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL 30 SEPTEMBER 2018 HYMN)

PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE: Teacher should allow students to review the previous week’s lesson.

MEMORY VERSE: “Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” – John 3:3 (scroll down for RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL 30 SEPTEMBER 2018 HYMN)

BIBLE PASSAGE: John 3:1-13 (RCCG Sunday School TEACHER’s Manual 30 September 2018)

1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:

2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.

3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?

5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.

9 Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?

10 Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?

11 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness.

12 If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?

13 And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.

LESSON INTRODUCTION: Simply put, the new birth is the creation of a new life in a man by the Holy Spirit. The new birth also referred to as being born again, is to be born of God with His seed (Christ The Word) dwelling in man. John 3:3, 5; 1 John 3:9; 1 Peter 1:23). Everyone born of a woman is born unclean. Psalms 51:5. Therefore, to become clean as well as enlist as a member of the family of God, a new birth becomes necessary.

TEACHER’S DIARY

LESSON AIM: To study the significance of new birth to all human beings.
TEACHING OBJECTIVES: Through this lesson, students should be able to:

(i) Discover the importance of new birth
(ii) Understand the steps to experience a new birth

TEACHING PLAN: To achieve the above-stated objectives, teacher should:

(I) Allow students to take the opening prayer, review the previous week’s lesson, recite the memory verse, read the Bible passages, do the class activities and assignment.
(ii) Allow the Assistant Teacher to mark the attendance and conduct the class.
(iii)Teach the lesson outlines, summarize, conclude, evaluate the lesson, give assignment and take the closing prayer.

TEXT REVIEW: JOHN 3:1-13-“MYSTERY ABOVE TRIVIALITIES”

The issue of being born again goes beyond the trivialities of re-entering into the mother’s womb and be born as opined by Master Nicodemus. John 3:4. Jesus blamed his ignorance on his perception centered on the process of natural procreation. John 3:4, 9-10.

New birth is a deep truth which cannot be scratched on the surface to unveil. Jesus said, “the wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou heareth the sound there of but cannot tell whence it cometh, and wither it goeth. So is everyone that is born of the Spirit”. John 3:8.

It is this mystery which made Saul of Tarsus to abandon his deadly mission of binding the early Christians into captivity in Jerusalem. Acts 9:1-5 and later suffered greatly for the same cause he had opposed. 2 Cor. 11:23-28. It is the same mystery that turned Saul, a one-time servant and enemy of the Church to become a Minister of Christ. 2 Con 11 :22-23. The same mystery made a Man of Ethiopia, and Eunuch of Great Authority under Candace Queen of Ethiopia to surrender to the great wisdom with which Apostle Philip (who was lesser by wealth and position to the Eunuch) exposed the mystery of the new birth through Jesus Christ. Acts 8:28-30. If new birth were to be by wealth or age, the Eunuch might have purchased it with the great wealth he possessed. New birth is by the Spirit. (The spirit said unto Philip) Acts 8:29, 35, 39.

It is an experience which authority or power or wealth or age, education cannot acquire. It is purely spiritual matters which end result is rejoicing. Acts 8:39.

LESSON OUTLINES,

LESSON OUTLINE 1: REASONS FOR A NEW BIRTH

The whole world should experience the new birth because of the following reasons:
(i) Because we were all born sinners. Psalms 51:5, Romans 3:23
(ii) Because the heart of all sinners (un-generated persons) is deceitful and desperately wicked. Jeremiah 17:9.
(iii) Because men’s hearts cannot be tamed like domestic animal through training and secular education. Jeremiah 13:23.
(iv) Because new birth is the only channel through which human beings can live a godly life and have constant fellowship with God while on earth. Psalm 4:3; Galatians 2:20.
(v) Because it is only through new birth human being can make it to heaven. John 3:3-5.
(vi) Because it is only through new birth we can follow peace with all men and be holy to God. Hebrew 12:14; 1 Peter 1:16.

CLASS ACTIVITY 1 : Every student should mention one thing at least which they use to do which was contrary to God before they had the experience of new birth but which had forthwith ceased.

LESSON OUTLINE 2: STEPS TO A NEW BIRTH

The following steps are crucial to experience a new birth: (i) Hear The word of God. Romans 10:9-10. (ii) Acknowledge that you are a sinner, helpless and hopeless and that you need the mercy of God. Romans 6:23; 1 Thess. 5:9. (iii) Believe the word of God. 1 Peter 1:25. (iv) Believe that God came in the flesh, in the person of Jesus Christ to save all mankind from their sins. Titus 2:11; John 1:14; Acts 4:12; John 3:16-18. (v) Confess your sins to God. Romans 10:9-10; 1 John 1:9. (vi) Genuinely repent of your sins. Acts 2:38; 3:19. (vii) Accept Jesus as your Lord and savior. John 1:12. (viii) Request the Lord Jesus to come and dwell in your heart. Revelation 3:20.
Now that you are born again and have become a new creature. 2Cor. 5:17, you must cherish the following truth:

(I) That salvation is by grace. Ephesians 2:4-9.
(ii) Determination to keep/retain the new birth through uprightness is essential. Proverbs 28:18.
(iii) The love and fear of God is paramount. Philippians 2:12.
(iv) “Endurance to the end” is the watch word Matthew 24:13.

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Students should explain why a regenerated ‘person should endure to the end.

SUMMARY: You must be born again. John 3:3.

CONCLUSION: The new birth is a necessity for all. Without the new birth experience, it is impossible to live godly in this world let alone reigning with Christ in Heaven eternally.

EVALUATION: Why must human beings be born again?

CLOSING PRAYER: Father, don’t let me lose my salvation.

ASSIGNMENT: Write five (5) benefits of new birth. ZERO Mark.

NOTE:
Flatimes.com EMPLOYS EVERYONE TO PURCHASE THE HARD COPY TO SUPPORT RCCG EDUCATION (SUNDAY SCHOOL DEPARTMENT). THE SOFT COPY (ONLINE) IS JUST TO HELP EASY ACCESS. GOD BLESS YOU AS YOU DO SO.

Read previous RCCG Sunday School Teacher’s Manual Here

RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL 30 SEPTEMBER 2018 HYMN

1. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
O how I love Thee well,
I am happy, it makes me glad
To rejoice at Thy birth.

2. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day, Thy friendship suits me well,
Both young and old will sing Thy song,
We long for Sunday School.

3. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Christ was Thy first teacher,
The Holy Spirit, great teacher,
Does manifest in thee.

4. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
This testimony is sure,
That God, the Father Almighty,
Poured His blessing on Thee.

5. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Though the sun be so bright,
Or if the clouds black with rain,
I’ll be in Sunday School.

6. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
I rejoice to see Thee,
Will thou pass over me today?
Without my being blest?

Open Heavens 29 September 2018 Saturday Daily Devotional by Pastor E A Adeboye – Selfishly Prosperous?

Topic: Selfishly Prosperous? (Open Heavens 29 September 2018)

Memorise: “He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.”– Proverbs 28:27

Read: Luke 16:19-26 (KJV)

19 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:

20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,

21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.

22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;

23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.

24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.

25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.

26 And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.

Bible in One Year: Isaiah 16-19, Mark 14:53-15:5

Open Heavens 29 September 2018 Saturday MESSAGE:

It is a dangerous thing to be selfishly prosperous because Proverb 11:26 says:

“He that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him: but blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it.”

This scripture is a warning to those who hoard goods that are meant for sale in order to make inordinate profit. The Bible says such people are under divine curse. You better desist from such acts if you are one of them. Instead of giving out to the needy, some so-called rich people would rather allow their excess loaves of bread and can of milk go stale and sour, and end up in the waste dump.

The rich man in today’s bible text is a typical example of people who are selfishly prosperous. Luke 16:21 tells of how he related with Lazarus, saying:

“And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.”

If the rich man had been alive to his responsibility as a custodian of God’s blessing, Lazarus would have been fed daily with the excess from his table. Instead, he was not mindful of Lazarus’s sufferings. Apart from the lack of food in the midst of plenty, dogs also came and licked Lazarus’ sores! Why was it dogs attending to Lazarus’ and not the medical personnel in the service of the rich man? The rich man was indeed selfishly prosperous. Proverbs 19:17 says:

“He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.”

No wonder this rich man had to experience begging and agony in the afterlife. Beloved, know that the purpose of God’s blessing upon your life is to be His divine treasure, and one of your mandates is to help the needy around you. He will bless you the more when you realize this and fulfill your mandate.

The story of a rich philanthropist who helped to educate the child of a poor peasant labourer. This child later went on to invent a drug that saved the life of the grandchild of this philanthropist. The philanthropist was rich and generous. This is a very good combination. He would have lost his grandchild but for the drug invented by a child he helped to educate. An adage says “one good turn deserves another.” When you pray for divine prosperity, ensure you know what you are asking for. You may not get it if you will be selfish with God’s provision in your life.

Open Heavens 29 September 2018 Saturday Prayer Point:

Father, please bless me and use me to meet the needs of Your Kingdom, in Jesus’ Name.

Also Read: Open Heavens 28 September 2018 – He will surely Remember

Open Heavens 29 September 2018 Saturday Hymn 4: Trust and Obey

1. When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will, He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.

Chorus:
Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

2. Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies,
But His smile quickly drives it away;
Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh or a tear,
Can abide while we trust and obey.

3. Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share,
But our toil He doth richly repay;
Not a grief or a loss, not a frown or a cross,
But is blessed if we trust and obey.

4. But we never can prove the delights of His love
Until all on the altar we lay;
For the favor He shows, for the joy He bestows,
Are for them who will trust and obey.

5. Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet,
Or we’ll walk by His side in the way;
What He says we will do, where He sends we will go;
Never fear, only trust and obey.

Open Heavens 29 September 2018 Saturday 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 Heavens 29 September 2018 Saturday 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.