Topic: Good Problems [Teens Open Heavens 23, May 2018]

Memorise: And when they had this done, they enclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net broke. Luke 5:6

Read 2 Chronicles 20:20-25 (KJV)

20 And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.

21 And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the LORD, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the LORD; for his mercy endureth for ever.

22 And when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten.

23 For the children of Ammon and Moab stood up against the inhabitants of mount Seir, utterly to slay and destroy them: and when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, every one helped to destroy another.

24 And when Judah came toward the watch tower in the wilderness, they looked unto the multitude, and, behold, they were dead bodies fallen to the earth, and none escaped.

25 And when Jehoshaphat and his people came to take away the spoil of them, they found among them in abundance both riches with the dead bodies, and precious jewels, which they stripped off for themselves, more than they could carry away: and they were three days in gathering of the spoil, it was so much.

Bible In One Year: 1 Chronicles 8-10, John 8:37-59

MESSAGE:

There are good and bad problems. If a church becomes too small to take the congregation, that is a good problem. This is the type of problem God says we will experience when we are faithful in tithing (Matthew 3:10). When God’s blessing on you has not posed fresh challenges, it means you are yet to experience a thorough breakthrough.

In Luke 5:1-7, Peter who could not catch a single fish got a boat sinking catch. The catch was so much that the net began to break, and two ships were filled and began to sink. God can enlarge your brain capacity that you will begin to be sought after by other students who would like you to see them through their own academic difficulties. Be faithful to God and seek His face in all situation, and you will receive your own good problem.

Prayer Point: Lord, like Peter and the sons of the prophets, let me experience good problems from today.

If you missed yesterday devotional, please click to read “Teen Open Heavens Daily Devotional by Pastor Adeboye’’

Hymn 6
1. Our God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Our shelter from the stormy blast,
And our eternal home:

2. Under the shadow of your throne
Your saints have dwelt secure;
Sufficient is your arm alone,
And our defense is sure

3. Before the hills in order stood
Or earth received its frame,
From everlasting you are God,
To endless years the same.

4. A thousand ages in your sight
Are like an evening gone
Short as the watch that ends the night
Before the rising sun.

5. Time, like an ever-rolling stream,
Soon bears us all away;
We fly forgotten, as a dream
Dies at the opening day.

6. Our God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Still be our guard while troubles last,
And our eternal home!

Daily Devotional for Teen’s 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.

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Topic: Nurturing Your Relationship (3)

Dear Reader,

I thank for God for another opportunity to write you from the platform of Family Matters. It is my prayer that you will be abundantly blessed today. I know you have been blessed with the previous teachings. Two weeks ago, I began teaching on the subject, ‘Nurturing Your Relationship’. The first week, we examined what relationship is all about and one of the factors that can help you to nurture and grow your relationship, which took us to the subject of commitment.

Today, we shall equally be looking at another powerful factor that can help you to nurture and grow your relationship as a married man. This article will teach you the qualities you need to possess for you to be a man of your wife’ s dream. You want to know what qualities your wife expects from you? ‘Be the Man of Her Dreams!

Before marriage, many women lay out the kind of qualities they want their future husbands to possess. In this section I want us to look at the typical characteristics of a “dream” man.

He is loving

This ‘dream man’ is loving. Following the example of Christ and the Church, this man does not wait for his wife to be perfect before he loves her. He is steadfast in his demonstration of love for his wife, believing that love is not love until it is expressed. He hugs, touches, buys her gifts and generally is caring and goes to great lengths to convince his family of his love.

In expressing his love, he consciously ignores the negative and unattractive things about the members of his family. He thinks no evil of them. He calls his wife a virtuous woman and so motivates her to live up to his expectations. He calls his children gifted and intelligent children but disciplines them in love when necessary.

He is Caring

The typical dream man must be caring. He must be concerned at all times about the welfare of members of his family. He cherishes, nourishes and ravishes his family members with care. He makes time to be with them and is always there when he is needed; he is not too busy to listen to them.

He is a Worker

Every woman’s dream man is a worker! He is one with working hands not collecting hands. He doesn’t collect foodstuff from his mother, money from his father, clothing’s from his uncle. He does something productive to sustain his family.

“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”1 Timothy 5:8.

He is a Provider

In providing for his family, the dream man puts his total trust in God, not his salary (Psalm 62:5). He recognizes that he has absolute covenant responsibility to provide for the needs of his family and does so with delight. Like my husband would humorously say, “God is Jehovah Jireh, while the man is ‘Home Jireh.’ Jehovah is the Almighty provider, the family man is the home provider” he does not send his wife begging for what to eat, wear or drink.

He is a Giver

This dream man recognizes the importance of Kingdom investment and the hidden covenants of blessings (being a blessing to one’s parents). He diligently invests in the Kingdom of God and is liberal to members of his extended family. In addition, he gives to those in need.

He is an Intercessor

Like Jesus who is presently praying for the church, this dream man invests time praying for his family. He recognizes that prayer is the means by which the power of God is released to the believer so he faithfully prays for them.

He does not find it hard to say, “I am Sorry”

Some men find it hard to say, “I am sorry, please forgive me,” because of their ego. But, the dream man does not let his ego stand between him and his wife or children. Man, don’t give room to the devil to bring problems to your home. Learn to say “I am sorry” when you offend your wife. It works! If you do that, eyeball-to-eyeball, you will see her countenance change! You will make it!

For you to be able to possess good qualities that will make you relationship to last, you need a good relationship with Christ. If, peradventure, you, the reader, is not born again and you want to accept Jesus as your Lord and personal Saviour, then say this prayer in faith: 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 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.

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Topic: Become an Aggressive Encourager [Joyce Meyer’s Devotional Wednesday May 23, 2018]

He will announce and declare to you the things that are to come [that will happen in the future]. — John 16:13 AMPC

One of the easiest ways to express love to others is to help them feel valuable. Mother Teresa of Calcutta ministered in the midst of appalling poverty, hunger, and disease, yet she said, “Being unwanted, unloved, uncared for, forgotten by everybody…is a much greater hunger…than the person who has nothing to eat.”

I’ve discovered that most people we meet do not have a sense of their infinite value as children of God. The thought that God loves them and sees them as precious has never entered their minds. I think the devil works very hard to make people feel devalued and worthless, but we can neutralize his lies by building people up and encouraging them. One way to do this is with a sincere compliment.

A compliment does not have to be something major. Little remarks such as, “That color really looks good on you”; “I like your hair that way”; or “I’m glad you are my friend” are very effective and meaningful.

Most people are quick to compare themselves with others, which means they often fail to see their own abilities and worth. Making another person feel valuable doesn’t have to be time consuming. Let’s train ourselves to be aggressive encouragers. Find some way to encourage every person you come in contact with throughout your day. Making people feel valuable won’t cost any money, but it gives them something worth more than anything money can buy.

Prayer Starter: Father, open my eyes to the ways I can encourage those around me today. Help me to be sensitive to others even in the midst of my busy schedule. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

If you missed yesterday devotional, please click to read “Joyce Meyer Daily Devotional HERE’’

From Joyce Meyer’s Ministries.

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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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