Open Heavens 21 August 2018 Tuesday Daily Devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Waiting for the Appointed Time

Topic: Waiting for the Appointed Time

Memorise: “For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.”– Habakkuk 2:3

Read: John 2:1-5 (KJV)

1 And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there:

2 And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage.

3 And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine.

4 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come.

5 His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.

Bible in One Year: Psalm 40-44, Matthew 23:29-24:14

Open Heavens 21 August 2018 Tuesday MESSAGE:

One Christian virtue that is gradually disappearing from the lives of believers today is the virtue of waiting for God’s appointed time. The story in today’s Bible text reveals the necessity of following the divine time-table for all events, even if it involves waiting. There was a marriage in Cana of Galilee, and Jesus was invited there, together with His mother, Mary, and His disciples. While the ceremony was going on, they discovered that there was no more wine for people to drink. Mary came to Him and requested Him to do what only He could do. However, it was not yet time for this. Jesus’ response in John 2:4 reveals the importance of waiting for God’s appointed time:

“…Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come.”

Mary’s response was equally noteworthy. She agreed with Him that the hour had indeed not come; nevertheless, the celebrants’ need required attention. She instructed the servants of the house that when the hour had fully come, they should do whatsoever Jesus instructed (John 2:5). In obedience to her, these servants waited. Although we don’t know how long they waited on Jesus, we know that at the appointed time, He gave the instructions that put an end to the need at the feast. God will speak to your needs today in Jesus’ Name.

There are lots of lessons to learn from the series of events that occurred at this marriage feast; first of which is that Mary’s instruction to the servants could be regarded as prophetic. She was confident that Jesus would do something about the situation. To avoid losing the miracle, she put the servants on notice to obey any command from Jesus. Another lesson for us is that Mary stopped worrying herself after she had taken the matter to the Ultimate Helper. Many children of God worry so much that they become incapacitated, even after a word of prophecy about their situation has gone forth. A fellow who met me during one of my prayer walks at the Redemption Camp, Nigeria, asked me to pray for him, and I prophesied to him, saying “God bless you”. To my surprise, he still asked me to pray for him. I wondered in my heart what other prayer was greater than “God bless you” – a prayer of blessing with no limit. I prophesy to a reader of this devotional today: “God bless you.” May the Lord grant you the faith to receive this blessing in Jesus’ Name. The third lesson is that the expected miracle eventually came, even though they had to wait. This is the promise of God to a user of this devotional today: “All the pleasant prophesies that came to you before today shall come to pass at their appropriate time.” However, please do whatever God commands you to do. Be obedient to God’s word.

Prayer Point: Open Heavens 21 August 2018 Monday

Father, I receive the fulfilment of all Your prophecies into my life today in Jesus’ Name.

Also Read: Open Heavens 20 August 2018 – Bed Undefiled II

Open Heavens 21 August 2018 Tuesday Hymn 10: My Faith Looks Up To Thee.

1. My faith looks up to Thee,
Thou Lamb of Calvary,
Savior divine!
Now hear me while I pray,
Take all my guilt away,
Oh, let me from this day
Be wholly Thine!

2. May Thy rich grace impart
Strength to my fainting heart,
My zeal inspire!
As Thou hast died for me,
Oh, may my love to Thee
Pure, warm, and changeless be,
A living fire!

3. While life’s dark maze I tread,
And griefs around me spread,
Be Thou my guide;
Bid darkness turn to day,
Wipe sorrow’s tears away,
Nor let me ever stray
From Thee aside.

4. When ends life’s transient dream,
When death’s cold, sullen stream
Shall o’er me roll;
Blest Savior, then in love,
Fear and distrust remove;
Oh, bear me safe above,
A ransomed soul!

Open Heavens 21 August 2018 Tuesday 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 21 August 2018.

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.

Keys to Family Increase (Part 3) by Pastor Faith Oyedepo

Topic: Keys to Family Increase (Part 3)

Dear Reader,

With great joy and excitement, I bring God’s Word your way today. Last week, we saw the role of the man in the family. This week, we will consider the role of the woman in family finance. As we go along, I want you to believe God’s word as it comes to you through instructions; and as you believe and obey His instructions you will experience His mighty hand in your family.

From creation, we can see the role of the woman. God created the woman to be a help that is meet for the man. That is, she is the help that is suitable for the man. You are meant to be a help not a dis-help.

There should be no “his” and “hers” in family finance. Both should have access to each other’s money. Where there’s a joint account, no one should spend money without informing the other. At an agreed date, both partners can come together to plan the family budget, mapping out how much should be spent on food, children and each other, as well as paying electricity bills, etc. It is refusing to work together as a team that places families under tension and crisis.

Trust is the key word in family finance. Husband and wife must trust each other enough to put their money together and be prudent in spending it. Note that accountability helps to boost trust. Where no one wants to be accountable to the other, there will be no progress financially.

There are some women who spend feeding allowance given by their husbands on clothes and other personal things. The virtuous woman in Proverbs 31 is trustworthy. God’s Word says:The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her… Verse 11.

A good place to start in building up trust in one another, is by being open about your monthly income. If you lie about it, you are only opening the way for the enemy.

Consider this testimony

“I had problems at home financially. The money I had did not seem to be enough to make ends meet. My husband too was not co-operating. Then I heard about “Family Clinic Programme” conducted by Pastor Mrs. F. Oyedepo and I decided to come and seek counsel concerning the finances of my home. After the teachings, I applied all I learnt and since then my husband has changed; he has been giving me money not only for feeding but enough to start a business. Thank God for His counsel.” Mrs. T.

As you obey the Lord’s instructions, your finances will take a new turn as this lady’s in Jesus’ Name.

Anxiety is defined as a troubled feeling in the mind caused by fear and uncertainty. It is a killer disease which needs a cure. If left unchecked, it degenerates into bigger diseases. However, as great and advancement as medical science is, it has not been able to provide a cure for anxiety. So, how do we overcome anxiety? The only cure to anxiety is the Word of God. The Word is the all-producing and never-failing solution to every issue of life. (Hebrews 1:3).

Before we can successfully tackle this disease, it will be good to know the causes and effects. It differs from people to people; ranging from fear of insecurity, finance problems, failure, ill-health of a family member, etc. Maybe you live in an area where robbers pay regular visits to, if the general economy of your country is not encouraging or you are to execute a project, and the means to do it is not visible you are susceptible to anxiety. These and lots more are diverse causes of anxiety plaguing homes, families and people generally, in the world today.

The effects of anxiety are overwhelming and devastating. Spiritually, anxiety cuts you off relationship with God and takes away your joy. Without joy, you cannot worship God, serve Him acceptably, or pray effectively. When all these are not in place, the devil has a free hand, and anything can happen. God forbid! The family today is prone to this killer disease called anxiety. Never let it catch up with your family. Fight it and free yourself. Give the devil no chance in your affairs.

So, what is the cure for anxiety? The Bible says: 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 above scripture is a commandment from God. To obey is better than sacrifice. When you give room to anxiety, you are working in disobedience. You may say, “Well, I know it is a commandment, but what do I do now? How do I pay children’s school fees, landlord’s rent, and car expenses?” Remember, the book of Proverbs chapter 29 and verse 1 says that anyone who refuses instruction shall perish suddenly without remedy. God knows about all these before He said you should be anxious for NOTHING. It means He has given you what it takes to avoid anxiety. You have the power to refuse anxiety.

When you consciously refuse to be anxious, you are obeying God’s commandment and He in turn makes things begin to work out for you. Cast all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. When you give in to anxiety, you are judging God unfaithful, and you are calling Him a liar. You are not too sure of His abilities and therefore, you can no more depend on Him.

To have an exciting marriage and family, you have to surrender your life to Jesus Christ. This is by confessing your sins and accepting Jesus as your Saviour and Lord. If you are already born again, rejoice because your case is settled. If you are not yet born again and you desire to do so right now, please pray this prayer with faith in your heart: Dear Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me my sins and cleanse me with Your Blood. I accept You as my Lord and personal Saviour. Make me a child of God today. Thank You for delivering me from sin and satan to serve the living God and thank You for accepting me into Your Kingdom.

Congratulations! If you prayed this simple prayer of faith with me, you are now born again and a child of God. He loves you and will never leave you. Read your Bible daily, obey God’s Word and seek Christian fellowship (John 14:21).

With this, you are guaranteed all-round rest and peace in Jesus’ Name! Call or write to share your testimonies with me through [email protected], 07026385437 OR 08141320204.

For more insight, these books authored by me are available at the Dominion Bookstores in all Living Faith Churches and other leading Christian bookstores: Marriage Covenant, Making Marriage Work, Building a Successful Home and Success in Marriage (Co-Authored).

“Please click HERE to read other inspiring articles by Pastor Faith Oyedepo”

Pastor Faith Oyedepo is the wife of Bishop David Oyedepo, the founder of the Living Faith Church Worldwide a.k.a. Winners’ Chapel, and Senior Pastor of Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, Nigeria.

Unveiling the Wonders of Faith! By David Oyedepo

Topic: Unveiling the Wonders of Faith!

WELCOME To another exciting week. I hope you were blessed by the teaching of last week. Today, we shall focus on: Unveiling the Wonders of Faith!

We need to begin by defining what faith is because understanding is what makes outstanding. From scriptures we understand that faith is the master key to the world of the supernatural. That is, faith is the platform for the command of the supernatural. It is written: Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God… (Hebrews 11:1-3). Thus, life without faith is a miserable adventure. This is because faith defines the quality of every believer’s destiny as our inheritances in redemption are deliverable by it.

What then, are the Wonders of Faith?

Let’s begin by saying that faith is a beautifier of the destiny of the saints because everything that works in the Kingdom answers to faith including salvation, healing and breakthroughs. However, for us to experience and enjoy the wonders of faith, we must recognise that faith requires that we share responsibility with God to have our desires met. In other words, there is always what we must do to see our desires delivered. For instance, after Peter’s sermon on the day of Pentecost, the multitudes asked: Now when they heard [this], they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men [and] brethren, what shall we do (Act 2:37). Peter’s response confirmed that there is no other way to be saved than to repent. Therefore, if we are interested in seeing our desires delivered, we must endeavour to know our responsibilities in that deal and obey them (John 5:1-5, 9:1-8, 21:5-6).

Also, to experience the wonders of faith, we must understand that faith is a living force, drawn from the living Word to produce living proofs. For instance, the woman with the issue of blood touched Jesus, the living Word, and drew virtue from Him for her healing, He said: …Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace (Luke 8:40-48).

Furthermore, faith provokes the healing power of God. It makes whole and raises the dead (Matthew 14:36; Luke 8:40-48; John 11:40). This makes faith the very foundation of life in the Kingdom (2 Peter 1:5-6; Acts 6:7). That’s why being saved is not enough; it is important to build our faith so we can maximise the blessedness of redemption. That is, in fact, faith is the very substance of redemption. For example, without Christ we can do nothing but it takes faith to bring the hand of God to bear on our issues. It is important to know that the Word of God is the raw material for faith. As it is written: So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17). For instance, the earth was without form and void but God created the wonders we see in the world today by His Word through the weapon of faith. Thus, it is faith that gives value to the Word. To enjoy the wonders of faith we need to know the Word and have the faith that will make it deliver. Remember the Bible says: And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord (Luke 1:45).

Furthermore, talking about the wonders of faith, it is the most potent spiritual force that empowers a mortal man to operate in the class of God. For example, through faith, Moses operated in the class of God in Egypt. Faith translated Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego into divine entities. That’s why fire had no power over them. Also, the lions could not consume Daniel because he believed in God. When faith becomes adequate in any area of our lives, we are in command after the order of God (Exodus 7:1; Daniel 3:12-17, 6:22-23). This is why faith is not a religious principle or philosophy; it is a Kingdom mystery. It is not a belief system; rather, it is a spiritual weapon. Faith is our capital asset in the Kingdom. In fact, Jesus said that it is to everyone according to his faith (Matthew 9:28-29). That clearly defines how potent the force of faith is!

It is important to mention that faith is a spiritual virtue with unlimited capacity for growth. Apostle Paul said: We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth (2 Thessalonians 1:3; see also Ephesians 4:13). Since faith has unlimited capacity for growth, our commitment to growing it is an unending task. No matter our present level, there are greater heights to scale. That means, as we continue developing our faith, God will be translating us into saviours and we shall be operating in His class (Obadiah 1:17; John 14:12).

In conclusion, to constantly bask in the wonders of faith, we must commit to building our faith as a lifestyle because all faith-fired people are tireless students of the Word (Romans 11:33). Building our faith is a lifetime task and the wisest investment we can make in our spiritual adventure. This is because as we grow from faith to faith, we grow from glory to glory (Romans 1:17; Habakkuk 2:4; Galatians 3:11; Hebrews 10:38). The good news is that faith still works wonders today! However, you must be born again. Are you born again? If you are not, this is an opportunity to do so. Simply say the following prayer: Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me my sins. Cleanse me with Your precious Blood. Today, I accept You as my Lord and personal Saviour. Thank You Jesus for saving me! Now I know I am born again!” For further reading, please get my books: Unlimited Power of Faith, Exploits of Faith, Born to Win and Satan get Lost.

I invite you to come and fellowship with us at the Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, the covenant home of Winners. We have five services on Sundays, holding at 6:00 a.m., 7:50 a.m., 9:40 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 1:20 p.m. respectively. I know this teaching has blessed you. Write and share your testimony with me through: Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, P.M.B. 21688, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria; or call 01-4548070, 01-4548280; or E-mail: [email protected]; Face book: www.facebook.com/davidoyedepoministries/; Twitter: @DavidOyedepoMin

Please click HERE to read other inspiring MESSAGES by Bishop David Oyedepo

David O. Oyedepo is a Nigerian Christian author, architect, preacher, and the founder and presiding bishop of the mega church, Living Faith Church Worldwide, also known as Winners’ Chapel

Topic: In Progress or Completed? [Our Daily Bread 20th August 2018 Devotional]

Read: Hebrews 10:5–14, Bible in a Year: Psalms 105–106; 1 Corinthians 3

For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy. Hebrews 10:14

It’s satisfying to finish a job. Each month, for instance, one of my job responsibilities gets moved from one category to another, from “In Progress” to “Completed.” I love clicking that “Completed” button. But last month when I clicked it, I thought, If only I could overcome rough spots in my faith so easily! It can seem like the Christian life is always in progress, never completed.

Then I remembered Hebrews 10:14. It describes how Christ’s sacrifice redeems us totally. So in one important sense, that “completed button” has been pressed for us. Jesus’s death did for us what we couldn’t do for ourselves: He made us acceptable in God’s eyes when we place our faith in Him. It is finished, as Jesus Himself said (John 19:30). Paradoxically, even though His sacrifice is complete and total, we spend the rest of our lives living into that spiritual reality—“being made holy,” as Hebrews’ author writes.

The fact that Jesus has finished something that’s still being worked out in our lives is hard to understand. When I’m struggling spiritually, it’s encouraging to remember that Jesus’s sacrifice for me—and for you—is complete . . . even if our living it out in this life is still a work in progress. Nothing can stop His intended end from being achieved eventually: being transformed into His likeness (see 2 Corinthians 3:18).

Prayer: Jesus, thank You for giving Your life for us. Help us trust You as we grow into followers whose lives look more and more like Yours, knowing that You are the one who makes us complete.

God is at work to make us who He intends us to be.

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

This message was written By Adam Holz [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]

Topic: In Progress or Completed? [Our Daily Bread 20th August 2018 Devotional]

Read: Hebrews 10:5–14, Bible in a Year: Psalms 105–106; 1 Corinthians 3

For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy. Hebrews 10:14

It’s satisfying to finish a job. Each month, for instance, one of my job responsibilities gets moved from one category to another, from “In Progress” to “Completed.” I love clicking that “Completed” button. But last month when I clicked it, I thought, If only I could overcome rough spots in my faith so easily! It can seem like the Christian life is always in progress, never completed.

Then I remembered Hebrews 10:14. It describes how Christ’s sacrifice redeems us totally. So in one important sense, that “completed button” has been pressed for us. Jesus’s death did for us what we couldn’t do for ourselves: He made us acceptable in God’s eyes when we place our faith in Him. It is finished, as Jesus Himself said (John 19:30). Paradoxically, even though His sacrifice is complete and total, we spend the rest of our lives living into that spiritual reality—“being made holy,” as Hebrews’ author writes.

The fact that Jesus has finished something that’s still being worked out in our lives is hard to understand. When I’m struggling spiritually, it’s encouraging to remember that Jesus’s sacrifice for me—and for you—is complete . . . even if our living it out in this life is still a work in progress. Nothing can stop His intended end from being achieved eventually: being transformed into His likeness (see 2 Corinthians 3:18).

Prayer: Jesus, thank You for giving Your life for us. Help us trust You as we grow into followers whose lives look more and more like Yours, knowing that You are the one who makes us complete.

God is at work to make us who He intends us to be.

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

This message was written By Adam Holz [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]

Topic: When Someone Does You Wrong [Kenneth & Gloria Copeland 20 August 2018 Daily Devotional]

Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. – Luke 10:19

Someone’s done you wrong! Sooner or later it happens to all of us. Somewhere along the way, we all get hurt or cheated or lied to or abused.

It’s as predictable as it is painful. Yet when it happens most of us find ourselves strangely unprepared. In our outrage, we often cry out to God against the one who wronged us. We ask for justice, or even vengeance, and end up making things tougher on everyone involved—including ourselves.

If that’s been true of you, it’s time you found out how you can put the power of God to work for you the next time someone does you wrong.

Step one: Identify the enemy! Right here’s where the majority of us make our biggest blunder. We mistakenly identify our enemy as the person who hurts us. Don’t waste your energy ranting and raving or plotting and scheming against people who cause you pain. They’re simply under the devil’s influence. Aim your spiritual ammunition at the right target. It’s the devil who’s behind it all. Go after him!

Step two: Fire! Once you’ve pointed your spiritual guns in the right direction, fire! Hit the devil fast and furiously with the Word of God. Use the Name of Jesus and the power that’s been given you as a believer and bind the devil from doing you any further harm in that area. Then move on to the next and most important part of this spiritual battle.

Step three: Pray the prayer of intercession. In Matthew 5:44-45, Jesus gives us these instructions: “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven.”

Crying out for the vengeance of God to strike like a lightning bolt when someone does us wrong isn’t acting like our Father. Remember, God has great, great mercy. Not just for me and you, but for everyone!

The devil will probably think twice before he bothers you again. Next time someone causes you pain, put the power of God to work for you. Identify the real enemy. Hit him hard with the authority you’ve been given as a believer. Then pray the prayer of intercession.

Scripture Reading: Matthew 6:6-15

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: The Spell of Idleness [Seeds of Destiny 20 August 2018 Daily Devotional]

Scripture: Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger. Proverbs 19:15

Thought For The Day: When you refuse to do what you are meant to do, you would do what you are not meant to do.

Idleness is laziness or indolence. It is a state of inaction or inactivity. It refers to a state of being lazy, indolent or inactive. The Scripture makes it clear that indolence, idleness or laziness is a killer of destiny (Proverbs 19:15).

The First Book of Samuel Chapter Eleven gave us an account of David, the king of Israel who tarried at home when kings were meant to go to battle. Thereafter, he was walking on the roof of his house and saw Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah who was bathing; he sent for her and committed adultery with her, and later got her husband killed in battle. What a tragedy!

Idleness is the doorway to unrighteousness. There are young people who have joined gangs of armed robbery or cult groups because of idleness. When you refuse to do what you are meant to do, you would do what you are not meant to do. Idleness brought about some tragic events in the life of David.

Another person that was a victim of laziness and indolence was Reuben, the first born of Jacob who slept with his father’s concubine. Later in the history God’s people, when Deborah led the people of Israel to battle, she called on the tribe of Reuben in Judges 5:15, 16, but the Reubenites were relaxed and undecided due to lack of agility and a sense of responsibility. Their forefather, Reuben transferred generational irrelevance and irresponsibility to them through idleness and iniquity.

The lack of responsibility and the inability to move fast on the part of Reuben was the reason why he, as the eldest son, could not save Joseph but allowed Joseph to be sold into slavery. As the firstborn, when his younger brothers suggested that Joseph should be killed, he should have insisted that Joseph should not be killed. He did not take responsibility, and as a result, Joseph was sold into slavery under his watch.

The tribe of Judah produced the kings; Levi produced the priests, but what about Reuben the first born? He is nowhere to be found due to laziness and lack of responsibility.

My counsel is, cast out the spell of laziness from your life; be responsible; be actively engaged in doing something remarkable.

Remember: When you refuse to do what you are meant to do, you would do what you are not meant to do.

Assignments:
1. Reject the lifestyle of irresponsibility and idleness.
2. Accept responsibility.

Prayer: O Lord, deliver me from the spell of idleness and irresponsibility. I receive the grace to accept responsibility, Lord, in Jesus’ Name.

FOR FURTHER UNDERSTANDING, GET THIS MESSAGE: DEADLY ENEMIES OF DESTINY (PART 4)

Daily Bible Reading: Esther 8:1 to 10:3, 1 Corinthians 12:27 to 13:13, Psalm 37:1 to 11, Proverbs 21:23 to 24

Amazing Fact: Peregrine falcon is the fastest bird in the world.

Today In History: 20/08/1741 – Danish navigator Vitus Jonas Bering discovered Alaska.

Quote: Your stability in life is by the acceptance of responsibility. Culled from 21 FOOLISH THINGS PEOPLE DO by Dr Paul Enenche.

Also Read: Seeds of Destiny 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: How To Bless God [DCLM Daily Manna 20th August 2018 Daily Devotional]

Text: Psalm 103:1-22 (KJV)

Key Verse: “Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word. Bless ye the LORD, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure” (Psalm 103:20, 21).

MESSAGE:

Can a man really bless God? Can a creature be able to bless his Creator? David knew everything he had was from God, yet in Psalm 103, he started with a self-exhortation saying, “Bless the LORD, O my soul!”

How can a mortal who is always in need and asks for blessings from God turn around to desire to bless the Giver? In this Psalm, David gave a glimpse. Verses two through to nineteen put together all the numerous physical, spiritual, family, communal and national blessings from God. When we remember these merciful acts of God, we bless His name. Also, the preceeding verses show that when we hear and obey the words of God, do His pleasures and continuously acknowledge His ownership over our lives, we are indeed blessing Him too.

In Prophet Micah’s days, when the Israelites were searching for an acceptable way to bless or please God, he answered them thus: “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God” (Micah 6:8). Later in the New Testament, Jesus Himself gave a blueprint to the Jews when they asked: “What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, this is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent” (John 6:28,29).

Therefore, no one should still be in doubt as to how to bless or please the Lord.

Thought For The Day: God is blessed when we honour His words and live like Jesus.

Bible Reading In One Year: Habakkuk

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: God Is About To Do Something New [TREM 20 August 2018 Daily Devotional]

“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

When we are talking about new things we are not talking about something refurbished or something you used to know. No! We are talking about something that is original! Something that is brand-new. Stop looking around and saying maybe it might be this or that. God will beat your expectation and imagination. We are talking about something that will be appearing for the first time. Something fresh, unfamiliar, unused, different and better. It is a new era.

New thing also means uncontaminated, unfamiliar, unique, unused, virgin and up to date. That will be your portion. When God steps into a situation He goes beyond what we think.

As it is written eyes had not seen nor ear heard, never has it entered the heart of man the things that God had prepared for them that love Him. That’s why we are not prisoners of despair, we are prisoners of hope. We live in hope! We live in confident expectation that somehow it will turn out right. It will not end in despair nor in disappointment.

Beloved, with this in mind, expect what is good always and begin to talk about it. Pretty soon creation will begin to gravitate to bring to you what you are saying. Declare to yourself that “I cannot be defeated I can never lose. Impossible! I can never die because I have passed from death to life. Sickness cannot dwell in my body. I can never be cursed. Who can curse the person who the Father has blessed! I have been redeemed. Even if there is a curse in the life of my parents, the day I received Jesus, I was “re-gened”. I have the gene of God and the gene I have has no curse. The gene I have has no defeat. I have the gene of royalty. How can I fail! For me to fail, it is impossible!”

Further Reading: Isaiah 43:18-21, Romans 8:28-29

Daily Bible Reading: Morning- Psalms 105-106; Evening- 1 Corinthians 3

“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: Marriage is a Covenant [Andrew Wommack 20th August 2018 Daily Devotional]

Matthew 19:9 “And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.”

Text: Matthew 19:7-9

Although adultery denotes one who has unlawful intercourse with the spouse of another, in its much broader term, it means to violate or pollute. Israel violated or polluted their covenant with God. Jeremiah says, “She (Judah) defiled the land, and committed adultery” (Jer. 3:9).

Adultery in relation to marriage also reflects a violation of the covenant of companionship. Sex outside of marriage is adultery because it violates or pollutes the covenant of marriage by introducing another party and bringing that relationship into the marriage. “They two shall be one flesh” (Eph. 5:31).

Divorce also adulterates or pollutes marriage because it disrupts or denies the divorced parties the right to be faithful to their covenant of companionship. Any time one divorces his mate (except for fornication) and marries another, he is guilty of adultery. He has polluted and destroyed a relationship intended by God to be permanent and pure.

Why the “except for fornication” clause? Jesus is not saying that if fornication is involved, we must divorce, but rather, when fornication is involved, that is the only time when the person getting the divorce is not guilty of adultery. That is because the partner who had an extra-marital relationship has already polluted the marriage vow. In God’s original design for marriage He intended marriage to be sacred, precious, pure, and permanent. The marriage covenant represents a final, irrevocable commitment where the man and the woman renounce the right to live for themselves and become “heirs together of the grace of life” (1 Pet. 3:7).

Also 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).