Topic: Jesus Tried Her Faith [Andrew Wommack Wednesday May 23, 2018]

Matthew 15:27, “But Jesus said unto her, Let the children first be filled: for it is not meet to take the children’s bread and cast it unto the dogs.”

Text: Matthew 15:21-39; Mark 7:24-37; 8:1-10

It is very clear in scripture that Jesus was sent to fulfill God’s covenant to the Jews. However, it was equally clear that Jesus would open up faith unto the Gentiles. Jesus certainly knew this, and had already ministered to numerous Gentiles without the apparent disdain that we see here with the Syro-Phoenician woman. Jesus could not have been forced into ministering to this woman’s daughter if it was not His will to do so. Therefore, His silence and rough answer to this woman must have been designed to accomplish a positive result.

Humility is an important ingredient of faith. This woman was a stranger to the covenants of promise and had no right to demand anything. Jesus’ silence and then comparison of her to a dog would certainly have offended an arrogant person, and it is possible that for this very reason, Jesus tried her faith. Jesus didn’t need to do this with the centurion in Luke 7:6-7 because the centurion had already humbled himself.

An integral part of faith is seeking God alone with your whole heart. If we are concerned about what people think and gaining their approval (or honor), we will never take a stand in faith for anything. After all we might be criticized for it. This one thing has probably stopped as many people from receiving from God as anything else. You cannot be a “man-pleaser” and please God at the same time. Satan uses persecutions to steal away God’s Word and, thereby, stop our faith. To see faith work, we must say with Paul, “let God be true, but every man a liar” (Rom. 3:4).

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

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).

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Topic: An Answer to Problems [Billy Graham’s Devotional Wednesday May 23, 2018]

. . . Thou shalt love the Lord thy God. . . . Thou shalt love thy neighbor . . . — Matthew 22:37–39

Here is the answer to the world’s problems today—”Thou shalt love the Lord thy God” and “Thou shalt love thy fellowman.” That teaching is not out of date; it is absolutely relevant today. It is the only way in which the problems of the world today can be solved, whether the problems are those of individuals or of nations. If we love God with all our heart, we will have apacity to love our neighbors. True love will find an outlet in service—not merely in singing hymns, attending church, or even in praying—but in trying our utmost to prove our love, by obeying the will of our heavenly Father.

Prayer for the day: True love demands everything I have. Take all the hidden things in my life that keep me from loving You and my neighbor as I should. Let me obey Your will unequivocally, dear Lord.

“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.

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Topic: The Bridegroom Cometh [Kenneth & Gloria Copeland, Wednesday May 23, 2018]

And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. – Matthew 25:6

The Spirit of God is delivering a vital message to you today: Get ready for Jesus’ return! It’s an old message. But there’s a fresh urgency to it. An urgency you can’t afford to ignore.

Some believers make the mistake of saying, “Oh well, I just don’t think we’re supposed to know about the Second Coming. It’s supposed to come upon us like a thief in the night!”

But they’re wrong. The Word of God says that as children of light we shouldn’t be taken by surprise. We should be so keen in the spirit that even though we don’t know the day or the hour, we should sense that the season of Jesus’ return has come.

First Corinthians 2:10 tells us that God reveals His plans to us through His Spirit. I suspect that those who are walking in the spirit on the day the Lord comes again will actually begin to anticipate that something is about to happen.

Be like the five wise virgins in Matthew 25 who were prepared when the bridegroom’s arrival was announced. Stay full of the oil of the Holy Spirit and with your light shining!

Don’t get caught sleeping when Jesus returns. Wake up now to the Holy Spirit. Let Him put you on the inside track and get you ready for your Lord. Because just as Jesus foretold, there is a cry going out at midnight. The Spirit of the Lord is announcing His return.

Can you hear it in your spirit? Can you sense the Lord saying, Get up and come out to meet Me. Fellowship with Me. Get in the light now, and at that crucial hour, you’ll be on the inside of My plans.

Obey Him quickly. For, “Behold, the bridegroom cometh”!

Scripture Reading: Matthew 25:1-13

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.

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Topic: Be Spiritually Sensitive

To live wisely, you must be sensitive. Spiritual sensitivity is the ability to understand the voice of God through your spirit man. It is a sign you have encountered the wisdom of God and have the ability to discern spiritual issues like where to go and the direction to follow without relying on your five senses. Satan is busy moving up and down; setting traps to destroy people; so, you must be very sensitive to avoid his tricks.

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: –1 Peter 5:8.

So many believers have walked into destruction for lack of sensitivity. When a believer is spiritually dead, the tendency for him/her to step into danger is very high.

Spiritual sensitivity is an asset you must possess as a believer. Before you embark on any journey, take time to ask God and listen to what He will say to your spirit man. Always engage the help of the Holy Spirit for divine guidance and He will reveal the outcome of the journey to you.

Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come – John 16:13.

One of the ways to hear from God is by praying in the Holy Ghost- Jude 1:20.

For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries – 1 Cor.14:2.

Spiritual sensitivity can also be sharpened through fasting. Every time you fast, your spiritual antenna becomes very sharp to detect things ahead of time. You hear God clearly and you receive spiritual illumination that reveals hidden things to you.

As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them – Acts 13:2.

Worship in the early hours of the morning is another means through which you can hear from God.

Ye shall have a song, as in the night when a holy solemnity is kept; and gladness of heart, as when one goeth with a pipe to come into the mountain of the Lord, to the mighty One of Israel.30 And the Lord shall cause his glorious voice to be heard -Isaiah 30:29-30a.

You can also sharpen your spiritual antenna by constantly feeding on God’s word.

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path -Psalm 119:105.

When you study God’s word, He gives you guidance on what to do, where to go and how to do things. I pray that God opens your eyes to see, ears to hear and your heart to understand His voice in the name of Jesus Christ – Amen!!!

God bless you.

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Topic: Don’t Betray The Salt [DCLM Daily Manna Wednesday May 23, 2018]

Text: Mark 9:42-50 (KJV)

Key Verse: “Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another” (Mark 9:50).

MESSAGE:

The expression “betray the salt” means to betray one’s master or someone who one owes loyalty and devotion. Leonardo da Vanci, a leading artist and intellectual of the Italian Renaisance, in his very popular painting of the Last Supper, depicts Judas Iscariot in the act of tipping over the saltshaker, thus identifying himself symbolically as the one who would betray his Master.

In our passage today, Jesus sets before His disciples the one supreme goal which they must pursue in life and which is worthy of any sacrifice. This goal is to please the Lord in all things. The Christian is to live in such a way that his life does not betrays his goal. He must ensure that his life, what he does, the example he gives, and so on do not make other people, especially the weak in faith, to stumble. Whatever in the Christian that can become an occasion to sin must be taken away, no matter how precious and valuable it is. Being true and faithful to the Master must be valued above every other convenience, ease, comfort or pleasure. Sin must not be tolerated for whatsoever reason.

As salt purifies, preserves and penetrates, so ought the Christian to be in his society. When the life of a Christian runs contrary to the expected standard and his examples constitute a stumbling block to the faith of others, thus causing them to fall into sin, then he would be said to be betraying the salt. This kind of life has grievous consequences.

Having been called to be Christians and salt in the world, we must do everything to avoid betraying our calling. The call to live like and follow the Master should be valued above every other things will cause us to offend and sin, then we must do away with them. Pleasing God should be priced far above any other and every other consideration.

Thought For The Day: Following the Lord means being loyal to Him.

Bible Reading in One Year: 2 Samuel 24; 1 Chronicles 21-22; Psalm 30

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.

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Topic: Be Confident In Christ [TREM Devotional Wednesday May 23, 2018]

“Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.” Hebrews 7:25

He can save until the uttermost. That means complete! It means He is able to save you now and save you through eternity. He can save you for now and save you for the future. He is able to save them that come to God by Him, seeing He ever lives to make intercession. We have a man at the right hand of the Almighty who is always speaking for us. When the devil accuses you, and says: “You see, he has done this and done that”; God says: “Yes, it is true, but Jesus paid for it”.

Philippians 1:6 speaks of “Being confident”. That means you stop having doubt about what the future holds for you. Let me declare to you, your future is bright. It can never be disaster for you. No! It is not possible! That is why Christ came. He came so you can have life and have it abundantly. Therefore, let no man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit after the tradition of men after the rudiments of this world and not after Christ, for in Him dwelleth the fullness of God and bodily. We are complete in Him who is the head of all principality and power. Beloved, you are complete in Him.

Have confidence in Christ. No matter how bad it is, be confident that it would turn around. I see you rising! Your story will not end in shame. That thing that thinks it would disgrace you; it will fall under your feet. The price had been paid, therefore, you are entitled to a good life. No matter what the doctor said, you are coming out of it. Be confident in Him who had begun the good work. He started it and will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. He will do it. You will buy that car. You will build the house and you will dedicate your babies. He didn’t bring you this far to let you down.

Further reading: Hebrews 7: 22-28, Philippians 1: 1-6,

Daily Bible Reading: Morning- 1 Chronicles 19-21; Evening- John 8:1-27

“If you missed yesterday devotional click HERE to read “TREM’s 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.

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Topic: Diligence; A Key To Destiny Fulfilment [Seeds of Destiny Wednesday May 23, 2018]

Scripture: Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest. Ecclesiastes 9:10

Thought For The Day: You cannot sow average and reap excellence; you cannot sow mediocrity and reap authority.

Some time ago, I heard an insightful story about two sisters: they are twins, that is, products of one conception. While they were growing up in life, one of them always cleared the table after lunch or dinner, kept the house in order and did other necessary chores, but the other one just sat down and did nothing, at best, she watched television.

Later on in life, both of them grew up into individuals with different aptitudes. The diligent sister became the chief executive officer of a major commercial bank, while the indolent one who always watched television ended up being inconsequential and insignificant in life.

Beloved, the lesson is: how you live determines how you end. You cannot sow average and reap excellence; you cannot sow mediocrity and reap authority; what you sow is what you will surely reap.

Now, what are my counsels?
1. Do not work half-heartedly so you do not end empty-handedly. Anything worth doing at all is worth doing wholeheartedly. Serve, love, give, lead, learn and study with all your heart. As a young and single lady, leave any young man who claims to be in a relationship with you but does it half-heartedly and would not introduce you to his parents.

2. As parents, never allow your children to be idle if you do not want their destinies to be useless; never allow them to put their hands in their pockets while others are putting their hands on the deck to work.

3. Arise and live at your best so you can end as the best.

Remember this: You cannot sow average and reap excellence; you cannot sow mediocrity and reap authority.

Assignments:
1. Decide to be dedicated to your duty.
2. Refuse to live a lifestyle of laziness; be diligent.
3. Avoid mediocrity; be excellent in all your conducts and endeavours.

Prayer: O Lord, I ask for the grace for excellent work. Help me never to drag my feet through life, Lord, in Jesus’ Name.

FOR FURTHER UNDERSTANDING, GET THIS MESSAGE: DESTINY CAPSULES (PART 5).

Daily Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 2:12 to 3:39, John 13:1 to 30, Psalm 119:1 to 16, Proverbs 15:29 to 30

Amazing Fact: A single cloud can weigh more than 1 million pounds.

Today In History: 23/05/1785 – Benjamin Franklin wrote in a letter that he had invented bifocals.

Quote: The higher you want to fly in life, the harder you will have to work. Culled from 30 SECRETS TO THE TOP by Dr Paul Enenche.

“If you missed yesterday devotional, please click to 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.

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Topic: The Babushka Lady [Our Daily Bread 23 Wednesday May, 2018]

Read: Acts 2:22–36, Bible in a Year: 1 Chronicles 19–21; John 8:1–27

Let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah. Acts 2:36

The “Babushka Lady” is one of the mysteries surrounding the 1963 assassination of US President John F. Kennedy. Captured on film recording the events with a movie camera, she has proven to be elusive. This mystery woman, wearing an overcoat and scarf (resembling a Russian babushka), has never been identified and her film has never been seen. For decades, historians and scholars have speculated that fear has prevented the “Babushka Lady” from telling her story of that dark November day.

No speculation is needed to understand why Jesus’s disciples hid. They cowered in fear because of the authorities who had killed their Master (John 20:19)—reluctant to come forward and declare their experience. But then Jesus rose from the grave. The Holy Spirit soon arrived and you couldn’t keep those once-timid followers of Christ quiet! On the day of Pentecost, a Spirit-empowered Simon Peter declared, “Let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah” (Acts 2:36).

The opportunity to boldly speak in Jesus’s name is not limited to those with daring personalities or career ministry training. It is the indwelling Spirit who enables us to tell the good news of Jesus. By His strength, we can experience the courage to share our Savior with others.

Prayer: Lord, please give me the strength and boldness to talk to others about You.

Speak of the matchless love of Christ to those who need to hear.

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

This message was written By Bill Crowder [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]

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