Open Heavens 16 August 2018 Thursday Daily Devotional by Pastor E A Adeboye – Pains without Gain

Memorise: “For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.”- Hebrews 6:10

Read: Nehemiah 5:14-19 (KJV)

14 Moreover from the time that I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year even unto the two and thirtieth year of Artaxerxes the king, that is, twelve years, I and my brethren have not eaten the bread of the governor.

15 But the former governors that had been before me were chargeable unto the people, and had taken of them bread and wine, beside forty shekels of silver; yea, even their servants bare rule over the people: but so did not I, because of the fear of God.

16 Yea, also I continued in the work of this wall, neither bought we any land: and all my servants were gathered thither unto the work.

17 Moreover there were at my table an hundred and fifty of the Jews and rulers, beside those that came unto us from among the heathen that are about us.

18 Now that which was prepared for me daily was one ox and six choice sheep; also fowls were prepared for me, and once in ten days store of all sorts of wine: yet for all this required not I the bread of the governor, because the bondage was heavy upon this people.

19 Think upon me, my God, for good, according to all that I have done for this people.

Bible in One Year: Psalm 17-20, Matthew 21:12-27

Open Heavens 16 August 2018 Thursday MESSAGE:

God desires that we boldly come before His throne of grace to express ourselves with sincerity of heart and purpose (Hebrews 4:16, Job 38:1-3). Apostle Peter is one child of God who was sincere. He did not pretend as though he did not know what he wanted from God. After Jesus discussed the price of being His disciple, Peter boldly and sincerely asked Him what would be the gain of those who paid this high price. Here is Jesus’ response in Matthew 19:28-29:

“28…Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.”

The Holy Spirit also corroborates this truth in today’s memory verse. The essence of these promises of reward is to encourage you not to be weary in well doing.

In today’s Bible reading, there is another classic example of someone who would not settle for pains without gain. Nehemiah knew that the God he served was not unrighteous as to not reward him handsomely for his labour and sacrifice in His vineyard. For this reason, he consistently prayed to God to remember him for good. He was not like the older brother of the prodigal son, who served his father without asking for his reward as a faithful son (Luke 15:11-31). Let’s take a closer look at Nehemiah’s prayer in Nehemiah’s 5:18-19:

“18 Now that which was prepared for me daily was one ox and six choice sheep; also fowls were prepared for me, and once in ten days store of all sorts of wine: yet for all this required not I the bread of the governor, because the bondage was heavy upon this people. 19 Think upon me, my God, for good, according to all that I have done for this people.”

This prayer reveals the sacrifice Nehemiah consciously made to get the project of rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls done. He boldly stated his case to the One who alone could reward him richly. This is a great lesson for children of God who are labouring day and night in God’s vineyard and have nothing to show for it because they do not ask Him for a reward. James 4:2 says “You have not, because you ask not.” I pray that the Almighty God will reward your labour of love as you begin to ask of Him today in Jesus’ Name.

Prayer Point: Open Heavens 16 August 2018 Thursday

Father, as I labour in Your vineyard, please remember me for good in Jesus’ Name.

Also Read: Open Heavens 15 August 2018 – Stay within your Calling

Open Heavens 16 August 2018 Thursday Hymn 6: A New Thing
(Tune: There shall be showers of Blessing)

1. We will soon shout Halleluyah
Because GOD will do new things
Sinners will soon be forgiven
Prodigals will come home soon.

Chorus:
Shout Halleluyah
Because God will do new things
Rivers in desert now flowing
Halleluyah to our king.

2. We will soon shout Halleluyah
Because God will do new things
Sickness and sorrow will be gone
Bondage will be forgotten.

3. We will soon shout Halleluyah
Because God will do new things
The barren will be fruitful soon
Failure will be forgotten

4. We will soon shout Halleluyah
Because God will do new things
Poverty will be forgotten
Stagnancy will soon be gone.

5. We will soon shout Hallelujah
Because God will do new things
To all miracles are given
There shall be celebrations

6. We will soon shout Halleluyah
Because God will do new things
Many will have testimonies
Of prayers answered fully

7. We will soon shout Halleluyah
Because God will do new things
One of us will chase a thousand
Two will conquer ten thousands.

8. We will soon shout Halleluyah
Because God will do new things
Songs of praises we will sing
Halleluyah to our King.

Open Heavens 16 August 2018 Thursday 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 16 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.

Topic: A Send Forth Into Destiny [TREM 15 August 2018 Daily Devotional]

“And they sat down to eat bread: and they lifted up their eyes and looked, and, behold, a company of Ishmaelites came from Gilead with their camels bearing spicery and balm and myrrh, going to carry it down to Egypt.” Genesis 37:25

For Joseph brothers, selling him into slavery was the end of story for him. But that was the beginning of Joseph’s journey. When enemies have sealed their deal against you, they feel they have closed your case and sealed everything concerning your life, that is when your life is about to start. Child of God, I say your life will not end in the den of your enemy. It will not end because of the decision of the enemy.

They were selling him but it was a send forth. A send forth into destiny. Many things that people have done to you thinking that such will finish you but little did they know that it was your send forth. There is a destiny that God has for your life. The very people who plotted your downfall will hear your story and they will hear of your lifting. They sold Joseph because they didn’t want to bow before him. It was a wasted time because they ended up bowing before him. What God has written, is written. There is nothing anyone can do about it. Your enemy will bow before you. The Bible says evil will bow before us, the wicked will bow at our gate. That is the word of the Lord. That is your portion. It is already settled in heaven and the devil cannot unsettle it. Their portion is to bow before us. Witches will bow before you. Wizards and warlords will bow before you.

Joseph eventually became their saviour. I love God’s sense of humor. When God turns around and humiliates those who thought they want to humiliate you, only with your eyes you will see and behold the reward of the wicked. Just leave God in his class and keep loving Him. You will see what He will make of your enemies.

Further Reading: Genesis 42:1-11.

Daily Bible Reading: Morning- Psalms 91-93; Evening- Romans 15:1-13

“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: Dream For Outstanding Success

The Almighty God is a dreamer; He began the entire redemption with a dream. His vision for the entire world was big and it started with a dream.

Gen 12:1 -Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee:

Change your mindset; don’t think like your people but reason like a child of God. The elasticity of your dream determines how far God will take you. You are where you are right now based on your dream. Many pray but few dream; you cannot be greater than your dream level. A man’s destiny is defined by the dream he has in life.

Dream is the invisible picture within you that defines your future. We live in a dreamers’ world. The world is ruled by dreamers. A life without a dream is like taking a journey without a destination. All you need to do is to let your dream be in line with God’s word and no devil can stop you. I announce to you that as you begin to dream in line with God’s word, no force in hell can stop you!

Dream is a vision born of revelation; not an ambition. Dream is a picture of what you have been made as contained in scriptures. The Bible is a dream bank.

Gen.17:5 – Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee.

God wanted to change Abraham’s lifestyle and He painted a new picture for him as a father of nations. God uses pictures to speak. You cannot catch God’s picture and not have a great future. It was a discovery of what he was made of that kept Abraham going. You cannot see a picture from scriptures and be depressed. Abraham saw that he is a father of many nations and began to celebrate it.

Rom.4:20 -He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;

Abraham did not stagger because he had a dream. So, he did not let the present circumstances distract him. When you see a man that is easily moved by life situations, know that he has no dream. People with dream get excited even when there is no food. If you dream, whatever you are passing through is only a temporary situation. Many people pray a lot but don’t dream; and a person without a dream will be doomed.

Gen.15:5-6 -And he brought him forth abroad, and said, look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, so shall thy seed be. 6 And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness.

The Bible is made up of amazing dream seeds and God is the author of dreams. The wise go to the Bible and draw from it because it is a dream bank. The Holy Spirit begins everything with an invisible picture within you. A dream seed is the invisible photograph of a desired miracle, goal or dream. God hangs photographs of something you can become, do or have in your heart for you to see it and if you can see it, the devil will have nothing to stop. Abraham nurtured the inner picture of many generations.

What do you really want in life? People set goals without having a dream first and they end up not achieving their goals. This is because you cannot set a goal without first having a dream; you can only set goals when you have a dream.

Hab. 2:2 – And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.

When it comes to dream, always write it down. When you are not organized, you blame the devil for your errors. The secret of every man’s future is hidden in his daily routine. Without a dream, your future is not defined. God communicates through pictures.

Gen. 22:17 – That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies;

Many pray and fast but cannot see. It was what Jeremiah saw that God performed; so, what you have not seen, God will not perform.

As your eyes begin to see, I see strange things happen in your life! Satan will try to cloud your picture with doubt; he knows if you can get the picture, he cannot stop you. Therefore, you must continually visualize your dream in your heart and mind; all you need is faith to birth it. I see you succeed in Jesus name-Amen!!!

God bless you

Also Read: Other Inspiring Messages by Pastor David Ibiyeomie 

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: Judgement Inescapable [DCLM Daily Manna 15th August 2018 Daily Devotional]

Text: Isaiah 28:22-29 (KJV)

Key Verse: “When he hath made plain the face thereof, doth he not cast abroad the fitches, and scatter the cummin, and cast in the principal wheat and the appointed barley and the rie in their place?” (Isaiah 28:25).

MESSAGE:

Jesus drew a lot from agricultural settings to declare His parables. The stories of the sower (Matthew 13), the barren fig tree (Luke 13), the seed growing secretly (Mark 4), the sheep and goats (Matthew 25), the rich fool (Luke 12) and several others readily come to mind. He referred to settings familiar to His audience to explain weighty spiritual matters that would let them understand God and the Kingdom of heaven more.

It was a time of famine in Israel when God sent Isaiah to warn them of divine judgment; so, He used agricultural metaphor to deliver His message. The parable hints about a staggered chastisement upon Israel. He said that in the same way farmers’ work are in stages, the punishment on Israel would also come in stages.

The dramatic imagery in the passage reflects the ground being prepared for the germination of better crops. There is also a picture of weeding out unwanted plants so that they would not hinder the seed sown from growing healthily. The pruning suggests chastisement. In this wise, God was intimating the children of Israel that captivity at the hands of the Assyrians was imminent.

Since creation, God does not pour down His full wrath at once. Although He made provision for man’s restoration through the sacrificial work of Jesus Christ, the world has been rebuffing His overtures and committing more sinful acts. With God, it has been a period of seemingly endless patience. But as Apostle Peter says, “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness… not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night…” (2 Peter 3:9,10).

Thought For The Day: God is the divine Farmer, patiently waiting for the mother of all harvests.

Bible Reading In One Year: Jeremiah 30-31

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: Evidence of a Miracle [Kenneth & Gloria Copeland 15 August 2018 Daily Devotional]

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. – Hebrews 11:1

Don’t ever short-circuit a miracle by trying to see it in progress! So many believers do that. They’ll lay hands on someone and pray for healing or deliverance and then, when they don’t see any immediate, outward change take place, they’ll withdraw their faith and assume nothing happened.

The Lord taught me an unforgettable lesson about that once when I was in Jamaica. I was preaching to a group of about 150 people in a church that was lighted only by a single kerosene lantern. It was so dark I couldn’t see anyone’s face. All I could see was my Bible and the feet of the man right in front of me.

Suddenly I realized that I’d always depended on the facial expressions of the people I was preaching to to determine how my sermon was being received. Knowing what I did about faith, I knew that was dangerous. So I made a quality decision at that moment never to preach another sermon except by faith. I would not be swayed by the expressions of people.

Before that series of meetings was over, I saw just how important that decision could be. The Jamaicans, who tend to show very little expression anyway, sat through every sermon without any outward reaction at all.

One lady was completely healed of blindness during one of those meetings. She never let on that anything had taken place. She was almost rigid when she found me outside and said simply, “Brother Copeland, I was blind, but now I can see. Thank you.” That was all! A miracle had taken place, and by watching, you wouldn’t have been able to tell anything had happened at all.

Next time you’re tempted to evaluate what God is doing by the looks of things, don’t do it. Remember instead that it is faith, not appearances, that makes miracles happen. It’s the only real evidence that you need!

Scripture Reading: Hebrews 11:1-13

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 Therapy For Rebellion [Seeds of Destiny 15 August 2018 Daily Devotional]

Scripture: God setteth the solitary in families: he bringeth out those which are bound with chains: but the rebellious dwell in a dry land Psalms 68:6.

Thought For The Day: If satan wants to destroy your destiny, he will send a rebellious friend your way.

The Scriptures make it clear that rebellion and disregard for spiritual authority destroy destiny. Lot, Absalom and Samson were practical examples of people who disregarded authorities and were ruined. They disregarded the authorities over their lives and they were tragically cut off from life in their primes, except for Lot whose life ended in shame.

In order not to end like them, what do we do? What is the therapy for the lifestyle of rebellion and disregard for authority?

1. Resist the spirit of rebellion
I made up my mind that I will never grow to an extent in any realm where I will not have the need for an authority over my life. Every single year, words are spoken over me by my spiritual father. Refuse the spirit of rebellion.

2. Decide to remain under authority
Decide to have a listening ear for the instructions of your spiritual authority. People who refuse to listen to spiritual authority usually end up grounded in life and destiny.

3. Avoid the company of the rebellious
Avoid the company of people who sit in church to criticize the church, preachers and their preaching’s.

Sometime ago, a young man who submits to me in ministry came to confess. He got connected to some people who disregard spiritual authority and they talked him out of submission to parental cover. As a result, things stopped working for him, so, he came back to confess and be prayed for.

If satan wants to destroy your destiny, he will send a rebellious friend your way; if he wants to ruin your future, he will send people around you who are not afraid to talk against higher authorities.

My counsel is, resist anything that will disconnect you from the higher authority over your life.

Remember this: If Satan wants to destroy your destiny, he will send a rebellious friend your way.

Assignments:
1. Fight the spirit of rebellion.
2. Avoid the company of the rebellious.
3. Decide to remain under spiritual authority.

Prayer: O Lord, I receive grace to be permanently under spiritual coverage. I reject every spirit of rebellion in my life, LORD, in Jesus’ Name.

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

Daily Bible Reading: Nehemiah 9:22 to 10:39, 1 Corinthians 9:19 to 10:13, Psalm 34:1 to 10, Proverbs 21:13

Amazing Fact: The flightless ostrich is the world’s largest bird

Today In History: 15/08/1877 – Thomas Edison wrote to the president of the Telegraph Company in Pittsburgh, PA. The letter stated that the word, “hello” would be a more appropriate greeting than “ahoy” when answering the telephone.

Quote: The humility you need to sustain your authority is connected to your memory of history. 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: Like A Thief In The Night [Andrew Wommack 15th August 2018 Daily Devotional]

Luke 17:24 “For as the lightning, that lighteneth out of the one part under heaven, shineth unto the other part under heaven; so shall also the Son of man be in his day.”

Text: Luke 17:24-31

This scripture and the parallel scripture in Matthew 24:27 make it very clear that the second return of Jesus will be no secret to anyone. In Matthew’s account, it is especially clear that this statement about the lightning was made so that we wouldn’t be deceived by false Christs. Just as lightning is visible to everyone, so the second return of Jesus will be witnessed by the whole world. That’s the reason we don’t have to be fearful about missing His second coming and anxiously follow every report that Christ has come.

These verses completely destroy the claims of the Bahai religion and others who claim that Jesus has secretly come back the second time.

Just as Jesus had warned His disciples not to be deceived by false Christs because His second coming would be visible to everyone, He also explains that until the very day of His coming, the world will continue on its present course. People will not discern the signs of His coming just as the people during Noah’s day didn’t realize their impending judgment. This corresponds exactly with Jesus’ prophecies about His coming being like the appearance of a thief in the night. Jesus is emphasizing that the unbelievers will not recognize that He is coming until it is too late. He is stressing that His coming will take the world by surprise.

The Lord is pointing out the urgent need to be ready for His return. In the same way that a thief comes when people are the least prepared, so our Lord will return in a time when people are not looking for Him. There will be a condition of apathy in the latter days that will tend to lull even the faithful to sleep if they don’t take heed to His words. He urges us to be watchful so we will be prepared.

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).

Topic: Wonders of Nature [Billy Graham 15th August 2018 Daily Devotional]

These things that were written in the Scriptures so long ago are to teach us . . . — Romans 15:4 (TLB)

In the wonders of nature we see God’s laws in operation. Who has not looked up at the stars on a cloudless night and marveled in silent awe at the glory of God’s handiwork? Who has not felt his heart lifted in the spring of the year, as he sees all creation bursting with new life and vigor? In the beauty and abundance around us we see the magnitude of God’s power and the infinite detail of His planning; but nature tells us nothing of God’s love or God’s grace. Conscience tells us in our innermost being of the presence of God and of the moral difference between good and evil; but this is a fragmentary message, in no way as distinct and comprehensive as the lessons of the Bible. It is only in its pages that we find the clear and unmistakable message upon which all true Christianity is based.

Prayer for the day: As I read Your Word, almighty God, clear my mind of needless thoughts, so that I may be aware of Your message for me this day.

“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: The Lord Speaks [Our Daily Bread 15th August 2018 Devotional]

Read: Job 38:1–11, Bible in a Year: Psalms 91–93; Romans 15:1–13

Will the one who contends with the Almighty correct him? Job 40:2

We can find nearly every argument in the book of Job about why there is pain in the world, but the arguing never seems to help Job much. His is a crisis of relationship more than a crisis of doubt. Can he trust God? Job wants one thing above all else: an appearance by the one Person who can explain his miserable fate. He wants to meet God Himself, face to face.

Eventually Job gets his wish. God shows up in person (see Job 38:1). He times His entrance with perfect irony, just as Job’s friend Elihu is expounding on why Job has no right to expect a visit from God.

No one—not Job, nor any of his friends—is prepared for what God has to say. Job has saved up a long list of questions, but it is God, not Job, who asks the questions. “Brace yourself like a man,” He begins; “I will question you, and you shall answer me” (v. 3). Brushing aside thirty-five chapters’ worth of debates on the problem of pain, God plunges into a majestic poem on the wonders of the natural world.

God’s speech defines the vast difference between the God of all creation and one puny man like Job. His presence spectacularly answers Job’s biggest question: Is anybody out there? Job can only respond, “Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know” (42:3).

Prayer: Lord, we have so many questions about life and its unfairness. You have shown Yourself good to us. Help us to trust You for what we cannot understand.

No calamity is beyond God’s sovereignty.

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

This message was written By Philip Yancey [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]