Topic: Stay within your Calling [Open Heavens 15 August 2018 Wednesday Daily Devotional]

Memorise: “Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called.”- 1 Corinthians 7:20

Read: Judges 9:7-15 (KJV)

9 But the olive tree said unto them, Should I leave my fatness, wherewith by me they honour God and man, and go to be promoted over the trees?

10 And the trees said to the fig tree, Come thou, and reign over us.

11 But the fig tree said unto them, Should I forsake my sweetness, and my good fruit, and go to be promoted over the trees?

12 Then said the trees unto the vine, Come thou, and reign over us.

13 And the vine said unto them, Should I leave my wine, which cheereth God and man, and go to be promoted over the trees?

14 Then said all the trees unto the bramble, Come thou, and reign over us.

15 And the bramble said unto the trees, If in truth ye anoint me king over you, then come and put your trust in my shadow: and if not, let fire come out of the bramble, and devour the cedars of Lebanon.

Bible in One Year: Psalm 9-16, Matthew 20:20-21:11

Open Heavens 15 August 2018 MESSAGE:

There is a lesson of eternal value in the parable found in our Bible text. One of Gideon’s sons named Botham gave this parable against Abimelech, a child of Gideon’s concubine, who conspired with his mother people to kill his other brethren. Our lesson comes from the different responses of the trees in the parable when discussing which tree should be made king. First is the olive tree, which was refused to be made king over all the other trees because it felt that the demands of palace life would prevent it from using its fatness to produce oil for anointing kings, priest and prophets. The olive tree considered its calling as a producer of oil to be far superior to being a king. It knew that without fulfilling its purpose, no king, priest or prophet could be installed. The Olive tree therefore decided to stay within its calling as a producer of oil. What a great lesson! Next was the fig tree which also turned down the throne because it felt that the fruits it was producing were more important to humanity than being a King. The vine also believed that the wine made from its fruits was of greater importance to God and man than being the king of trees. How amazing! The question is, if trees of the field are so wise as to stay within their God-given roles in the divine arrangement, how come men are bereft of wisdom? The Holy Spirit says in 1 Corinthians 7:20:

“Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called.”

More than ever, it is pertinent for the Body of Christ to embrace this truth. In 1 Corinthians 12:4-7, the Holy Spirit makes it clear to us that we all have different callings:

“4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.”

More often than not, those who struggle to occupy positions that they consider to be “juicy” lose their original place in God and become unprofitable in the positions they occupy through covetousness. They even become destructive to the Body of Christ, like the bramble tree in Jotham’s parable (Judges 9:14).

Beloved, do you know your calling? Are you operating within this calling? Are you satisfied with how God has made you and the assignment He has committed to your hands to profit His Body? As you honestly answer this questions, it shall be well with you in Jesus’ Name.

Open Heavens 15 August 2018 Prayer Point:

Father, show me my place in the operation of your kingdom on earth and help me to stay in it.

Also Read: Open Heavens 14 August 2018 – Multilateral Partnership

Open Heavens 15 August 2018 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 15 August 2018 Wednesday 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 15 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: Keys to Family Increase (Part 2)

Dear Reader,

By God’s arrangement, the husband is to provide for his family. He is the one who must ensure there is food for members of his family. He must ensure that his family members are well taken care of; especially his immediate family members (Songs of Solomon 1:6). The man must labour with his hands, especially as a married man; he cannot afford to be lazy. Your hands must be working hands. There is dignity in labour. God’s Word says: Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase (Proverbs 13:11).

This week, we will be looking at the role of the man in providing for his household.It is unfair for the man to shift the responsibility of handling family finances to the woman. He may assign a portion of it to her, but should not abandon his responsibility; only to turn around and blame her half way in the month, if the money does not stretch. However, the woman ought to be hardworking and assist the man in any way possible.

A man who is too slothful to find gainful employment should not be caught eating … This we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat (2 Thessalonians 3:10).

God is serious about the need for men to rise up to their God-given roles, even in this day and age where women also work to help make ends meet. A man who is too slothful to find gainful employment should not eat. Bishop T.D. Jakes said in one of his teachings. “The first thing God gave the man was not a wife but a job, a vision, an assignment”. Right from the time Adam was blessed with a wife, the man has had to head the marriage union. This has also placed upon him the responsibility of providing for his household. God’s Word says: But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel (I Timothy 5:8).

As the man, you must be working towards a goal of some sort. You should have some gainful employment. The only time we are permitted to stop working is when we don’t want to eat anymore and that is either when you are asleep or dead. But as long as you are awake and alive then work must continue.

Look at this testimony:

“For well over three years, whatever form of business I did eventually ended me in debts, as I went into businesses without any capital. During this time, the devil would put me into one problem or another (either my children would fall sick or something else), which always disturbed and disgraced me.

The miracle came just after the Breakthrough Seminar. We were advised to do whatever was laid in our minds, and it occurred to me to start selling ice water. I prayed and started it. Since then, I had been able to pay up a major part of my debt, and now I enjoy rest of mind!” – Nagberi, R.

The man is given the responsibility to cater for his wife and children. If he fails in this duty, he is a failure! It is a curse if the wife takes up this responsibility of the man permanently in the home. For a couple to ensure they are shame-free, the man must understand this truth and rise to the occasion. When the money comes in and the man selfishly spends it on new clothes for himself, etc, he cannot win his wife’s trust. From then on, she will take money from the feeding allowance to buy her personal effects.

So, according to God, the man is the provider. He is the one who must look for food and provide for members of his family. This is in keeping with divine order. Therefore, the man must labour with his hands and expect God to bring the increase. If he does not work, no increase can come his way.

The grace to carry out your responsibility in your home can only be given by God. Do you need God’s grace in your life? Then, surrender your life to Christ. However, 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.

Topic: Riding the Rapids [Our Daily Bread 14th Tuesday August, 2018]

Read: Isaiah 43:1–7, Bible in a Year: Psalms 89–90; Romans 14

When you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. Isaiah 43:2

The rafting guide escorted our group to the river’s edge and directed us all to put on life jackets and grab paddles. As we climbed into the boat, he assigned us seats to balance the boat’s weight, providing stability when we encountered rapids. After highlighting the thrills the watery voyage ahead would hold for us, he detailed a series of directions we could expect to hear—and would need to follow—to effectively steer the boat through the white water. He assured us that even though there might be tense moments on the way, our journey would be both exciting and safe.

Sometimes life feels like a white-water rafting trip, one that contains more rapids than we might like. God’s promise to Israel, through the prophet Isaiah, can guide our feelings when we fear the worst is happening: “When you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you” (Isaiah 43:2). The Israelites faced an overwhelming fear of rejection by God as they went into exile as a consequence of their sin. Yet instead, He affirms them and promises to be with them because He loves them (vv. 2, 4).

God won’t abandon us in the rough waters. We can trust Him to guide us through the rapids—our deepest fears and most painful troubles—because He also loves us and promises to be with us.

Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for being my guide through troubled waters. Help me to trust You even when the journey is wild and scary.

Has the Lord guided you through a difficult time? Share your story at Facebook.com/ourdailybread.

God steers us through difficult times.

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

This message was written By Kirsten Holmberg [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]

Topic: Don’t Underestimate Your Prayers [Kenneth & Gloria Copeland 14 August 2018 Daily Devotional]

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. – 1 Timothy 2:1-2

That verse is clear, isn’t it? The instruction is plain. Yet even in these tumultuous days when our nation is so desperately in need of God’s guidance, most of God’s people don’t do what that verse commands.

Why not?

I believe it’s because most of us are overwhelmed by the problems we see around us. How could my prayers make a dent in the national debt? we think. How could my faith affect foreign policy?

In other words, we fail to pray because we fail to realize just how powerfully our prayers can affect this country.

It’s time we caught hold of that. It’s time we realized that if we’d just be obedient to 1 Timothy 2:1-2, there’s no council of any kind on earth, no king, no president, no congress, no anything that could overthrow God’s purpose for His people.

God has called us to intercede. He has commanded us to pray for those in authority. He has given us His Word, His power, His Name, His authority and His faith. We have all the tools necessary to pray effectively for our government and its leaders.

I urge you to intercede. It is your responsibility as a believer to get involved in the affairs of your country. God wants this great land of ours, and the only way He’s going to get it is through His ambassadors—you and me.

Pray for your nation. Every day. And never again underestimate the world-changing power of those prayers.

Scripture Reading: Daniel 2:1-30

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: Your Restoration Is Coming [TREM 14 August 2018 Daily Devotional]

“And the man increased exceedingly, and had much cattle, and maidservants, and menservants, and camels, and asses”. Genesis 30:43 KJV

According to the scriptures, Jacob labored for Laban for 14 years and Laban cheated him. Jacob was going to leave the house of Laban without anything. His wage was changed ten times. He was already in a very difficult situation. He was frustrated and discouraged. Then Laban came to him and said look I have cheated you but this time around let’s strike a good deal. I want you to determine what your wages will be. Jacob said to him that’s okay by me. Every spotted and every coloured sheep, goat, and ram will be my portion. Let us separate them and in the night, Laban, therefore, sent his sons to remove the ones that were coloured which were to be Jacob’s wages.

Think of it. I don’t know if you have worked under cheater masters before. But God did what has never been done before. My God will fight your battles. They will restore what has been taken from you. The bible says when a thief is caught he will restore seven folds what he has taken. I declare restoration in your life. Never give in to anyone on the face of this earth. Who told you that the enemy will finish you when Jesus had already said it is finished? That declaration ended anything that will finish you. Sickness and diseases will not finish you. Disappointment will not finish you. Fear will not finish you.

God revealed to Jacob a strategy on how to transfer the wealth of Laban. And suddenly the whole cattle and sheep began to give birth to coloured rams and goats. All the weak animals became Laban’s and the strong ones became Jacob’s.

I declare that your years of toiling are over. It is your moment of restoration and rest. I will certainly hear your testimony.

Further Reading: Genesis 30:25-43, Joel 2:23-27

Daily Bible Reading: Morning- Psalms 89-90; Evening- Romans 14

“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: Not A Tea Party [DCLM Daily Manna 14th August 2018 Daily Devotional]

Text: MARK 10:35-45 (KJV)

Key Verse: “And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all” (Mark 10:44).

MESSAGE:

Jesus Christ launched into a foundational teaching on heaven-approved leadership when James and John asked Him to give them key positions of authority in His coming Kingdom. It was a carnal request based on the misguided assumption that Christ’s reign will be similar to what characterised worldly standards.

On the contrary, Jesus’ Kingdom was not of such base character. His was spiritual, to be peopled by converted souls He had died for. He would not force them to serve Him. Rather, they will serve Him willingly in gratitude for leaving His heavenly abode to redeem them. Leadership in His Kingdom would be patterned after His own style which entails leading by service, not by forced obedience as the world practises.

The request of the Zebedee brothers also caused disaffection among the other ten apostles. Our ever-patient Lord rose to douse the tension by gently rebuking the position-seeking disciples, admonishing them that among His followers, there should be no lords who demand carnal submission from others.

As Christians, we must demonstrate this humble spirit everywhere we found ourselves. We must display a spirit of readiness to serve in meekness and in honour to God. We must exhibit a servanthood disposition that reveals the Spirit of Christ in us. Where leadership is thrust on us, we must humbly discharge our duties as co-workers and partners. We must be seen in the forefront of the work.

Thought For The Day: A true leader leads by precept and force of character.

Bible Reading In One Year: Jeremiah 26-29

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: Dealing With the Lifestyle of Iniquity [Seeds of Destiny 14 August 2018 Daily Devotional]

Scripture: Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. 1 Corinthians 6:18

Thought For The Day: Secrecy is the strength of iniquity.

It has been established that iniquity destroys destiny. We have seen the dangers of iniquity previously; we saw that iniquity reduces the quality of a person’s life and destiny; iniquity attacks spirituality; iniquity attacks mentality; iniquity diverts energy and iniquity increases vulnerability in life.
Knowing the dangers of immorality alone is not enough; it is very important to know how to deal with it.

Now, how do you deal with immorality?
1. Flee Iniquity
Flee adultery and fornication. To flee is to run without looking back; flee like Joseph did. You can even leave your shirt or shoes behind; it is better to move about shoeless than to come out graceless.

2. Destroy every undefinable closeness or association that leaves you vulnerable to iniquity
If you are in courtship, for instance, do it well by involving the church. Even if you are in a courtship, minimize undue closeness because it breeds both the tendency and temptation for immorality which is a setup for immediate and future disaster. Do not be inside a room alone with the opposite sex when the door is closed. Secrecy is the strength of iniquity. If secrecy can be destroyed, its strength can be ruined.

3. Receive the help and grace of the Holy Spirit
God’s grace makes us to say No to sin (Titus 2:11). We need grace because there is an escalation of the spirit of lust and seduction in our generation.

Beloved, avoid the lifestyle of iniquity; flee iniquity and receive the grace of God to stay pure.

Remember this: Secrecy is the strength of iniquity.

Assignments:
1. Decide to avoid the lifestyle of iniquity.
2. Cut off every association that invites the temptation of iniquity.
3. Ask for the Help of the Holy Ghost to stay pure.

Prayer: O Lord, I receive Your grace to live in righteousness and not to fall into temptation. I ask for Your help to say ‘no’ to sin or every appearance of iniquity, LORD, in Jesus’ Name.

FOR FURTHER UNDERSTANDING, GET THIS MESSAGE: DEADLY ENEMIES OF DESTINY (PART 3).

Daily Bible Reading: Nehemiah 7:73b to 9:21, 1 Corinthians 9:1 to 18, Psalm 33:12 to 22, Proverbs 21:11 to 12

Amazing Fact: The Eagle builds the largest tree nest of all birds, measuring about 9.5 ft. (2.9 m) across. The largest nest ever found was nearly 10 ft. wide and weighed close to 3 tons.[11]

Today in History: 14/08/1936 – The first basketball competition was held at the Olympic Games in Berlin, Germany. The U.S. defeated Canada, 19-8.

Quote: This is the time when you do not need to look for sin to sin. Sin looks for you, whether on the internet or wherever. Culled from WHO ARE YOU? by Dr Paul Enenche

Don’t Forget To Attend: The Power packed communion service tomorrow by 4:45pm & 6:30pm. Invite someone as you come.

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: Give Thanks Daily [Andrew Wommack 14th August 2018 Daily Devotional]

Luke 17:18 “There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.”

Text: Luke 17:11-18

Relatively few people who receive the goodness of the Lord return to give Him thanks for what He has done. That does not keep the Lord from doing what is right for us. He healed all ten of these lepers according to their request – not just the one who was thankful. However, there was only one out of the ten that was made “whole.”

The Lord desires that we prosper in spirit, soul, and body. He wants us to be whole – not just healed. Part of the reason God meets our physical needs is to prove to us His willingness and ability to meet our emotional and spiritual needs. The Lord is concerned about our temporal needs (Mt. 6:30), but He is even more concerned about our eternal needs. All of these lepers needed physical healing and the Lord was moved with compassion and met their need.

He was also desiring to meet their spiritual needs, but only one out of the ten came back for that.

Being unthankful is always a sign that self is exalting itself above God. A selfless person can be content with very little. A self-centered person cannot be satisfied. Thankfulness is a sign of humility and cultivating a life of thankfulness will help keep “self” in its proper place.

Thankfulness to the Lord for what He is and what He has done is a very important part of the Christian life. One of the many benefits of thanksgiving and praise is that they keep us from being “self” oriented.

Giving thanks is a totally unselfish action and is a key to relationship with the Father that makes us “whole” and not just “healed.”

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).